SOCIAL PROGRESS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 133, 2 December 1936, Page 18

SOCIAL PROGRESS

WELCOMING, PARTY

The large and pleasant drawing-room at the home;of Mrs. .Radford, Watson Street," was crowded with members of the Women's Social-Progress Movement yesterday afternoon in spite of the cold and drizzly weather. Within doors, however, all was most pleasant. Bowls of Iceland poppies and others |of vivid marigolds, and electric fires made for brightness, and with good entertainment as well as. excellent refreshments the party was a very delightful one. Miss Mary,MacLean, C.8.E., president of the Movement, presided, and expressed the welcome which, all-felt to Mesdames J. C. Andersen and J.. Benniei prominent members, who have just returned from abroad. Then followed some much-appreciated, music, in. the, form of songs by, Mrs. Wainwright and "Mrs. Nicolson,, who were accompanied' by, Mrs. B. L. Dallard. A recitation" wasi given by Miss .Evelyn Goldsmith—also a;yery enjoyable item. Mrs. Benniethen.gave a cheerfuldescription of some of the happenings in London at which she was present with her daughter, Miss Marjorie Bennie, these including- the "Trooping of the'

Colour," the proclamation, of ■ the Coronation, and.! the .presentation- of new Colours to,several of the well-known regiments. She was : as are all New , Zealanders,.; with the • • love and reverence ; shown to the Royal Family on all, occasions when they are seen in public, and this is extended to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose as well. They are "news," stated Mrs.-Bennie, and l the smallest details- of their - lives . are reported • and■ ■ interest the;, public -immensely.. . : ' . . Mrs. Andersen -.followed with a interesting talk about South America,, telling vividly of the beauty of the scenery there. The wonderful mountains and lakes (some of which in their colouring: and form reminded her of New Zealand), as .well as the travelling through the more difficult parts. Mrs. Andersen was impressed with the immense size of the e'stancias, which, in quite a number of cases, belong to absentees who never visit the country but leave them to.be managed by local people. Their travelling was made easy by the "uriderstandingness" of the people, for although they could not speak Spanish, they: found that they managed' well. owing to -this quality in the people. The towns were well described, too,: Buenos Aires as a won-derful-new city, the buildings being so modern and .extremely. handsome and the gardens a wonder to behold. Mrs. Andersen took' her 'audience right along ■ the "tour to .the time when they boarded the ship at Valparaiso-Mt was all of spe.cial interest as the/country is so' little' known to-New Zealanders. Cordial thanks were ■ given' to both speakers, and* al', special, vote ■of appreciation was; given, to Mrs. Radford for her' kindness -'in £ lending her' home ■ for the party and -in taking-such a- large ! part in making,it a success. :