FANCY DRESS MEDLEY

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 14, 17 July 1934, Page 12

FANCY DRESS MEDLEY

When •she arrived>in- the hall sho was met by Mrs. Dallard, -who, on behalf of the executive, presented her with a dainty basket made of plaited green and yellow, flax adorned with flowers (tho work of Mrs. H. D. Bennett). On tho stage with; Lady Bledisloo were the Mayoress (Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop), Mrs. G. ;E. Macmillan, Mrs. Pearson, Miss Mary : Richmond, Mrs." Elworthy, and Mrs. H. D. Bennett (in the chair). Mrs. Bennett opened-.the proceedings with prayer, and then gave a cordial welcome to her Excellency, and thanked her for sparing time, when she had so many engagements, to come to meet the members of the Movement, all of whom were deeply regretful, that both the Governor-General and Lady Blcdisloe were ncaring the time of their- departure , from New Zealand. Mrs. Bennett spoke of the inspiration they had both been to New Zealand people, and of all they had done for them during their sojourn. "Words were inadequate to express.' what ■ was felt, sho .. re-1 -marked,-but she hoped that their Excellencies would realise what a wonderful place they held in tlie hearts of the people—the Maoris as well as pakehas. Allusion was made to the splendid Waitangi gift, and tho speaker said .their'names would go down to history as those who had benefited the people for all time. The hearts of both races wore filled with affectionate gratitude for all they had done. Mrs. Bennett ' concluded by wishing their Excellencies ' ' God-speed, and a happy return to the Homeland." ' LADY BLEDISLOE'S BEPLY. Her Excellency, in reply, expressed her pleasure at being able to meet the members of the Women's Social Progress movement before she left tho country. • Sho understood that the aims and objects of tho Movement wero wide in their scope, and she gave her hearty good wishes for the success of their work, which appeared to be for tho betterment of women and children. Nearly 2000 years ago came tho event which was the greatest act of social progress for women—sanctifying womanhood, motherhood, and making women's position in the world far better than over before. .From being a mere chattel, she advanced; progressively, and had played her part well in this progress. Lady Bledisloe spoke of the increased responsibility of woman nowadays,'her-voice, was'heard and her po\ver; increased/ and she suggested that sho should-keep in mind her limitations, and retain the respect due to her. ' All good men and women had the ambition to make tho world a little happier and better in their time, if \t were possible, and if women couldnot do everything they wished, they could always remember that it was a special functiqn of their sex to bring brightness, joy,, and sunshine into their environment, and while they held aloft the banner of progress they could realise that without true faith in Divine guidance and. belief in the spiritual side of life, no real progress could be made, nor.real-happiness found. Lady Blcdisloe concluded with, a few-words of.cordial ..good wishes for the future of the Movement... ... . Mrs. Pearson proposed, .and Miss Mary, Richmond-seconded tho cordial vote of thanks, which was accorded to liei- Excellency, for her Helpful speech arid" for her presence at the meeting. A CHARMING- PROGRAMME. Miss Ava Symons, accompanied by ■Mrs. N.S.V.Falla,--played two delight-ful-numbers, and'was followed by Mrs Ashbouine. Chisholm^\vha.ga,ve<.two r <j-

The Haeremai and. Basketball Clubs of Victoria University College held their annual fancy dress dance recently. This year more dancers than ever wore fancy costumes, some of them very pretty and original. The period costumes in particular were especially beautiful. This is the first dance at Victoria College, whore old-time dances, apart from the waltz, have been introduced with success and appreciated by thoso present.

The prizes for the best fancy costumes were awarded to Miss M. Davies (Duchess of Devonshire) and Mr. McGregor (Major Plume).

Members of the committees of the Basketball and Haeremai Clubs comprised the committee for the dance, and a very successful evening resulted.