HERE AND THERE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 144, 16 December 1930, Page 15

HERE AND THERE

Receiving Homes. Some of the officers of the Child Welfare Department interested in the Receiving Homes at Miramar and the Boys' Home at Austin street are very desirous that tho young inmates may participate in the Christmas festivities. As the homes arc "State" ones, no provision is made out of the funds at the disposal of tho staffs to give anything in tho way of Christmas cheer. Miss O'Shca and Mr. P. Goodwin, of tho Department, will be very glad of donations or gifts of toys, etc., to help in this kindly effort, or thoso in charge of the homos can bo.communicated with direul. It is hoped that a number of the kindly disposed will see their way to assisting in this provision for orphnns and others who liavo no oue to make the season a happy one for them. A Farewell Party. A very pleasant afternoon was spent when the Lyall Bay Croquet Club cntcvtninod Mrs. Rhodes-Williams, who is leaving Wellington shortly. Tho pavilion was charmingly decorated with sweet peas and roses. Afternoon tea was provided by the members, nearly all of whom were present. Mrs. Hallam (president of the club) presented Mra Rhodes-Williams, on behalf of the members, with a very dainty bouquet in colours of green and yellow, and expressed the deep .regret of all present at the departure'of one who had always taken such a keen interest in croquet and had done so much to help others seeking croquet knowledge. ShOy assured Mrs. Rhodes-Williams of a very hearty welcome on the Lyall Bay lawp whenever she was visiting Wellington. Mrs. Kiulkiu (f.aptain of tho club) presented .Mrs. Rhodes-Williams with ;fl very charming mascot in the club colours, :utd spoke of the happy associa-

tions that had always existed between the club and the departing guest. She expressed the wish of all that Mrs. Khodcs-Williains would continue her interest iv the game. Nuliaka Women's Institute. There was a good attendance at a meeting of the Nuhaka Women's Institute, to celebrate the fourth birthday anniversary. Three of the first members were, present, namely, Mesdames J. Arthur, G. Steclc, and J. Duley. The president (Sister May) gave an interesting talk on the work done at the Women's Institute School held at Patutahi, which, was organised by Miss Stops. An exhibition of work was given by Sister Bennet and Miss Monteath. Among the articles shown were gloves, mocassins, smocking, and papier machc. Much pleasure was felt in welcoming three new members —Mrs. Clarke (Eissingtou Women's Institute), Mrs. Dalziel, and Mrs. Aynes (Tutira W. 1.). Afternoon tea was dispensed by the hostesses, Mesdames G. Steele and M.E. Shaw, during which the president cut the birthday cake which had been given by Miss Monteath. St. Mary's Home. The last monthly meeting of St. Mary's Guild was held in the Diocesan Boom, Karori. The committee passed a special vote of thanks to Mrs. Plank, Karori, who handed £12 to the home, this being the result of a competition organised among her friends. It was reported that St. Michael's Girls' Bible Class had given a very enjoyable afternoon's entertainment to the girls of the home iv their hall at Klelburn, and that the Marsden School children had provided a well-stocked "Christmas tree" for thirty of the girls. Forty "Christinas stockings" had been received from the Whareama Ladies' Guild. Mrs. Sprott presided at the meeting and contributions were received from the following:—Turakina Active Service Guild, Mrs. Kebbel, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Elsby, Tinui Ladies' Guild, Mr. Selwyn Simeox, Mr. M'Kelvie, Mrs. J. Martin, Messrs. Thomson and Lewis, Mrs. Taylor, Mr. Parr, Standard Motor Bodies, Mr. Gibson, Messrs. Johnston and Co., Picot Bros., Messrs. J. B. MaeEwan and Co., Messrs. T. and G. Young, Mr. O'Bryan (Barotonga), Now Zealand Trawling and Fish Supply Co., Levin and Co., Mr. D. W. Allen, Mrs. Smith, Karori Church Girls' Club, Girls of Marsden School. The following donations were received:— Sarah Hurford Ames Estate, £20; Mrs. Miles and Eev. W. Ballachey, £2 each; Mrs. T. F. Martin, £1 Is; Mrs. Middleton, Mrs. A. Newton, and Mr. Kelling, £1 each; Miss L. H. Edwards, 10s; Mrs. Shuttle worth and Mrs. Maedonald, 5s each; Bos at W.F.C.A., 2s 11W. Citizens' Day Nursery. There was a good attendance at a meeting of the committee of the Citizens' Day Nursery. Arrangements were completed for the Christmas party. Votes of thanks wore passed to the Commercial Travellers' Club who helped supply funds for this annual treat for the children. As usual each child will receive a little Christmas preseift. Mrs. Frazer presided at the meeting. Gifts in kind were gratefully acknowledged from the New Zealand Trawling Co., Boston Cake Shop, Lady Luke, Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Norman, Mr. Eod, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Crawford, and Mrs. Hurrell; also £1 Is from Lady Myers. Cancer Fund Campaign. The Minimal1 committee of the Women's Branch of the Cancer Fund Campaign, under the presidency of Mrs. A. D. Crawford, set to work at once to get their quota towards the women's effort in aid of the fund, and with much success. The sum handed iv amounted to £40 14s, which included £1 17s 6d from Scots College, and £1 11s from the employees at the Gas Works. Every house in the district was visited, and though, owing to the present financial stress, some were unable to give at all, they were most sympathetic, and it is felt that tlio district has done well. Mrs. Crawford's committee consisted of Mesdames S. .E. Howard, Ronald Satherly, T. Fowler, Pycroft, Apel, Wall, Venimore, Davies, F. Marshall, D. Maedonald, Bradstoek, Torkington, Brown, Keys, and Sharpin. A Wonderful Work. Few people are aware of the great extent of the work carried on at the Bcsidcntial Nursery, the principal work of the Women's National Eosevvc. The report presented yesterday at the annual meeting of the Reserve by Mrs. Porter (organising secretary) showed that during the year 198 children had been in residence, and since iv foundation in 1920 no fewer than 1520 little ones had passed through the kindly doors of the nursery. The matron, Miss M'Kibbin, has completed her ninth year of service, and Sister M'Whirter her tenth year. This wonderful work is largely carried on by means of contributions (iv money and kind) from the many branches of the organisation. A Happy Afternoon. Some of the members of the Methodist Union Bible classes gavo a delightful afternoon party to the girls at the Borstal Institute recently. The party, which fortunately was arranged for one of the few fine afternoons, was held outside in picnic fashion. The visitors brought everything for a very nice afternoon_ tea, and outdoor games were indulged in. Some of these were quite new to the inmates, who entered into the amusements with great spirit. It was a particularly happy idea for girls to entertain their less fortunate sisters in such kindly and friendly fashion, and the visit was deeply appreciated by all the inmates as well as by the staff. Miss Eseott (acting superintendent) thanked all for their delightful visit, and the party closed with the singing of "Auld Lang Sync" and the National Anthem. Father Christmas at'Vogeltown. The Social Committee of the East Vogeltown Progressive Association held a very successful children's Christmas party at the residence of Mrs. M'Comish, M'Coll street. Ov«r two hundred children and their parents were present. The "Christmas" tree and gifts were on view for an hour, after which "Father Christmas" (impersonated by Mr. George Gee) arrived ia his decorated car. Paper hats had previously been distributed amongst the I

children, and upon the arrival ■of "Father Christinas" a photograph of the party was taken. . The .children and their parents then re-entered the house, and Councillor R. A. Wright, M.P.. declared the proceedings open. Mr. Wright was tho first to receive a gift from the "Christmas Tree." While "leather Christmas" was, distributing the presents the members of the committee served tho children and their parents with soft drinks, ice-cream,, and oilier refreshments. At tho conclusion of the afternoon tho children were again assembled outside to watch the departure of "Father Christmas," and afterwards each child received a small bag of sweets. The retinue of! "Father Christmas" consisted of: As fairies, little Noelino Gee and Colleen M-'Cul-loch; as heralds, Messrs. Len Studloy and Beg. Avery; as chauffeur, Mr. Val. M'Cornish. In Aid of Kindergarten. "Tho Toyinaker's Dream" and "The Wedding of the Painted Doll" are to bo presented to-night in the Concert Chamber by Miss Hazel Martin's pupils. Extra items are to be provided by Mrs. Mark Tonks and Mr. Albert Eussoll, and a very cheerful evening is promised. The proceeds of the entertainment will be devoted to the Wei- j lington South Free Kindergarten's building fund. A largo number of children will take part in the performance, and the costuming will be a special feature.

The president and committee of the Citizens' .Day Nursery have issued invitations for their annual party, which will be held at the nursery.