JEAN BATTEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15, 19 January 1937, Page 14

JEAN BATTEN

AUCKLAND GIRLS' TRIBUTE

A tribute to the famous achievement of Miss Jean Batten was paid last Saturday afternoon when she was entertained by a number of school friends at Cleveland House, Remuera, states the "New Zealand Herald." The function was arranged by the committee of the Old Girls' Association, and the guests included the Misses A. F. and W. Moore-Jones, who were principals of the school, representatives of the Auckland Travel Club, and parents of the girls. Miss Batten, who was wearing a brown fur-trimmed ensemble and a peaked brown felt hat, was received on the terraced lawn in front of the house, and was obviously moved by the welcome extended to her.

On behalf of the Old Girls' Association, Miss Ella Matthews, chairman, spoke of the great honour the members felt at having Miss Batten as a member of the school roll. Her recent flight would go down in the annals of world aviation as one of the greatest of its day and they were proud of being able to claim her as a school friend. The presentation of a cheque was made to Miss Batten by Miss A. F. MooreJones on behalf of the girls, and brief speeches of welcome were made by Mrs. Victor Macky, honorary director of the Auckland Travel Club, and Miss Anita Webster, secretary of the Old Girls' Association.

In thanking those present for their gift and the welcome extended to her, Miss Batten spoke of the great pleasure she felt at renewing school friendships. She outlined the course of her flight, giving many vivid impressions of the countries visited and the hospitality extended to her.

Following afternoon tea, the guests were entertained at a display of fencing by the Misses B. and J. Johnston, and pianoforte solos by Miss A. Clark.

The committee comprised:—Mrs. W. G. Gray, Miss Ella Matthews, Miss Anita Webster. Miss Thorold Clerk, Miss Ailsa Hacket, Miss J. Menzies, Miss P. Reid, Miss H. O'Reilly, Miss J. Harrison Smith,' and Miss H. Manning.