HERE AND THERE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 8, 9 July 1931, Page 13

HERE AND THERE

Obituary. ! -,! ; "■ " ' ft Many friends will 'hear: with. regret of the'death of Mrs. Amelia Ann Willis, of Wadestown, at the age' of 81. Mrs. Willis was the widow of the late Mr. Alexander Willis, Secetary to the Cabinet in the. 'eighties, a., man who was well known and highly respected. Her father, the Bey. Mr.';Nicholson, was a pioneer resident of Nelson,' and was one of the. very early settlers in the Marlborough district. Mrs. Willis was married in 1871,vand the family numbered seven daughters and five sons. Ono of the daughters is Sister Ida 'Willis, of the Department of Health, Wellington. Mrs. Willis was a much-respected woman, full of bright aW genial qualities, very hospitable in the old days, and one who; made and! kept many friends. She was a good churchwoman, and a groat helper in, all good causes us long as licv health and energy lasted. Slio was one of tho old school of women who held fast by veal principles'of life, while having a kindly outlook on her world. The funeral service was hold at her-late, residence this afternoon. Free Kindergarten. Mrs. 11. E. Gibbs was. unanimously elected president of the Free Kindergarten Association by tho members of tho newly-elected council, who met recently. Mrs. Tcnnant referred to the t'aet that two ex-presidents were still members of the committee, these being Mrs. Gill (who had shouldered many arduous tasks iv the establishment of the Wellington Free Kindergarten) and Mrs. : D. C. Peacock (whose services would always be greatly valued). The principal, Miss Wilson, presented the monthly report, and stated that the first mooting of the United Mothers' Clubs had been held. A copy of the proposed rules for tho organisation of the movement was read and approved. A record was being kept of tlie number of visitors to "the Taranaki Street Kindergarten. During : June S7 had been cutertaiucd. - "Visitors are . always welcome at the kindergarten during the

■mornings, the committee believing that, to appreciate and understand fully the kindergarten methods, visitors must "see for themselves." The action of tho Taranaki Street Mothers' Club in providing a now fireplace for their kindergarten was appreciated, as also was tho money donated for equipment by the Newtown Club. Juvenile Concert League. Much interest has been caused by the announcement of a "special" concert to be given by the Juvenile Concert League to-morrow afternoon, at 4.30.. The league, which was formed last year, gave its first concert in the Town Hall last month, and the phenomenal success of this first effort promises well for their future performances. The purpose of the league is to provide concerts for large numbers of juveniles, and to-mor-row-'s programme will be an.extra one, apart from the three concerts previously arranged.- No extra charge will be made'to members of the league, and it is hoped that the Town Hall will be crowded again to-morrow, as it. was last month. ■ A Morning Tea. -. " -A particularly pleasant morning tea was given at the Pioneer Club yesterday,, when' Mrs. Mark Hambourg was the guest of honour, Mrs. Peter Dawson unfortunately not being able to attend. The members', club room was bright with *good fires, and many flowers, and was a very pleasant place to come-to on a wet, cold morning. A delicious tea was served, the table being arranged with holly berries and viburniaii. ' Mrs. Hambourg wore a smart dark red costume, and a black coat, her close-fitting hat being of black and red. She was received by the president, Miss A. Kane, and presented ■'■'with a dainty posy of violets and daphne. Miss Kane was in a dark green ensemble and hat. There were about fifty present, and all had an opportunity ot meeting Mrs. Hambourg and having a chat with her. - ' Bridge and "500." Continuing their programme of' entertainments in aid of the school funds, the Hataitai Ladies' Committee held a very successful bridge and "500" evening at the Hataitai School recently. The largo rooms were tastefully, decorated, the colourful drapings, in conjunction" with cheerful fires, imparting an air of cosiness to what is generally a somewhat drab and cheerless interior. The games were keenly contested and _ the prize-winners wero as follows:—Bridge, Mrs. R. H. Williamson and Mr. A. R. Pownall;, sealed number, Mr. B. Martin. "500," Mrs. 11. 'Coleman and Mr. E. Coleman. During*the evening an interesting competition was-hold, which was won by Mrs, B„ T. Osborne. After the supper adjournment, proceedings concluded with dancing, in which oldtime dances wero 'featured by Mrs., H. R. Searle, and,were enjoyed by all." Wellington brphans'ftClnb. The members of the Wellington Orphans' Club recently held their "ladies' korero," which was a great success. There, wero many visitors present, including tho executive of the Charley's Aunt Social Club and their wives. Orphan Dr. A. Izard was in the. chair, and was' assisted by. Sir-John- Luke. A firstclass programme provided the first part of tho evening, tho following artists contributing:—Misses O. Crow and H: Estall, Mrs. H. Godicr and Mrs. W. Irvtin, Messrs. Clement May, L. de Mauny, S. Duncan, W. Crews, and D. Foley. r A sketch entitled "Teh Modern Wife" was given by Gracey Kerr and Jim Cooke. After supper dancing to excellent '.music continued .until. 12 o'clock. The committee received congratulations on the great success of the evening. It is intended to hold two moro "ladies' koreros" later in the season. * "The Apolios." "Tho Appollo Ladies' Club," inaugurated at tho request of the Wellington ApolTo Singers, held .their second meeting this week at the V.M.C.A._ There was a large attendance, the chief business being the preparation of a. constitution upon which this body will function. A highly comprehensive policy is being prepared by the executive, on the broadest possible; lilies. To endeavour to bring before the citizens of Wellington the-general lack of support accorded its various:, fine' musical societies in comparison with our sister cities, and to assist promising young musicians of our city to train and compete in the famous musical centres aro two of its objects. An evening reception will be given by tho Ladies' Club in conjunction with the Singers next month. Mrs; H. Temple White was elected president and Mrs. W. A. Parton to the vacancy on the executive. House for Princess Elizabetn. A. miniature house complete in every detail in which she may act as-hostess to her little friends is to he the gift of South Wales to Princess Elizabeth ou her sixth' birthday, 21st April, next year (states the "Daily Mail"). It will 'have hot and cold fires, light, and even a telephone! and the Princess will be able to cook a dinner and do everything as in aii ordinary house. The house has been designed-by "a Cardiff architect and built by a South Wales fi'iri, and all its furniture and fittings .will be supplied by. South Wales firms.' The idea, of the gift originated; with tho Cardiff Publicity Club,' aiid the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Alderman R. G. Hill Snook, has been notified of the Duchess of York's acceptance on behalf of her daughter. A New Zealand Golden Wedding. A happy and enjoyable gathering of over fifty relatives and friends met recently at Mr. Steel's residence, Evans Bay road, to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Nation upon attaining their 50th year of marriage. The assembling of friends was organised by Mr. and Mrs..J. W. Steel (the eldest daughter andson-iii-law), and was conducted byftMr. Bob Aldrieh'in a cheerful- and social manner. Mr. "Pat" Galvin (a well-known retired journalist) gavo some interesting reminiscences of over 50 years ago, and the toasts wore interspersed with musical selections. A number of "golden presents" were received, and among'the many items a' pleasing and unique feature was the presentation of a purse of gold to Mr. and Mrs. Nation by their youngest groat-grandson (the grand-child of Mr. W. E. Nation, of the "Evening Post").' The evening was cnjoyaWy passed with ■songs,-reci-tations, dancing; and old-time recollections. Mr. and Mrs. Nation, who are both New Zcalandcrs (Nelson born), can look with pleasure on eight children (three daughters and five sons), .twenty-four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Nation is a retired Public servant, having formerly been at the Government Printing Office. Newtown Croquet Club. The annual meeting of the Newtown Croquet Club was held at the residence of Miss'Petersen,' there being a good attendance of members. Tlie report, and balance-sheet showed tlie club to be in a sound financial position. Officers and committees were elected as follows: — President, Mrs. Petersen (re-elected); vice-presidents, Mrs. Underwood (reelected), Mrs. Martin (re-elected), and Miss Mitchinson; secretary, Mrs. Vine; treasurer, Mrs. Rao (re-elected); captain, Mrs. Stephenson; vice-captain. ■Mrs. Fabian; executive, Mrs. Press and Mrs. Le Strange; match committee, Mrs. Press and Mrs. Henderson; green committee, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Loasby,

and Miss Adams; tea committee, Mrs. Henderson (convener) and Mrs. Smith (deputy-convener); association delegates, Miss Petersen and Mrs. Stephenson. Votes of thanks : were accorded the retiring officers, to Mr. Rae for his generosity in 'auditing the accounts, and to the Press for recognition of the club's activities. Mrs. Remington and Mrs; Wylie were elected honorary life members in recognition of their long and valuable services to the club. A Fine Spinner. The country women now-in Wellington were deeply interested™ the woollen exhibition at. the .D.1.C., as ' they had a good opportunity of seeing the work of other people, and also of realising the pssibilitics of New Zealand wool in the way of garments and materials. Much pleasure. was expressed that a first prize for'"worked wool" was voted to" Mrs. Chcyne, of Southland, aged 93, for her spinning of wool. It was very beautifully done. .'Another pleasant item was the address ■given by Mrs. Sargood, who was a member of the great "Country AVomen's Association" in Australia. It was a great interest to hoar of the doings of tho , older association which has accomplish!ed so much.. Women's Social Progress Movement. The Wadestown branch of the Women's Social Progress Movement held a social afternoon recently at the residence of Mrs. G. L. Stewart Weldstreet, Wadestown. Mrs.. Stewart presided, and after welcoming the members present, read the annual report 1 and spoke on the.aims.and objects of the movement. The following ladies form the" committee:—M/'G. L. Stewart (convener), Mrs, A. Campbell, (hon. secretary and treasurer), Mesdames Paviour-Sniith, G. P. Shepherd, J. Craig, Parlane,' Curtis, Inglis, Misses Hay and Lomas. It was decided to send a letter to Mrs. J. Hislop expressing sympathy with Mr. Hislop's illness. Mrs. Hislop's help at the commencement of the movement had been greatly appreciated. An address was given by Mrs. B. Strong on "Ideals in Social Conduct." Mrs. Inglis and Mrs. Pearson also spoke on different phases of community welfare. The speakers were cordially thanked. Afternoon tea was dispensed, and'a pianoforte solo, played by Miss M. Stewart, concluded a very enjoyable afternoon..