WRITERS' SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 18

WRITERS' SOCIETY

MISS N. E. COAD GUEST

As a tribute to her work as first president of the Women Writers' and Artists'. Society, Miss N. E. Coad, M.A., was 'entertained by fellow cilubmembers at a happy farewell party last evening in the reception room of the Lyceum Club. The room was brightly decorated with autumn foliage and bowls of flame-tinted flowers.

The guests were received by Mrs. J. C. Andersen (president of the society), who wore a floral frock in pastel shades. Miss Coad's frock and coatee were of rich vintage velvet; and shewore also a shoulder spray of pink roses, which was presented to her by club members. Several other dainty sprays and posies were received from societies with which Miss Coad has been connected.

In expressing her good wishes on behalf of the Writers' Club, Mrs. Andersen referred to Miss Coad's interest in education and her good

work as president of the Women's National Council, as a member of the Council of Education and the University Entrance Board. Miss Coad had also worked to raise '. the status of women teachers* and had written some standard books on civics, etc. Mrs. Andersen concluded by wishing Miss Coad a happy holiday and an advantageous stay abroad.

Mrs. A. I). Kerr, M.A., speaking for the ■ Lyceum Club, endorsed Mrs. Andersen's remarks. She said they were proud of Miss Coad as a citizen, as. a former member of the Lyceum Club, and as first president of the Writers' Society.

Mrs. J. Henderson expressed the good wishes of the League of Nations TJnibn,' arid Mrs. W..Bailey spoke for the Lyceum Club Penwomen's Circle.

Eeplying, Miss Coad congratulated the society on the progress it had made. She hoped it would continue to grow stronger as the years passed, as it.was doing much; to help to develop .the cultural side, .of New Zealand1 life. "I leave you the word 'courage,' " she said. "Do not be afraid to strike out along new lines." Any information she could gather regarding the publishing. of literary work she would be glad to pass on to the society. .

The remainder of the evening was occupied with competitions, music, and the serving of refreshments. Solos given by Miss Winifred Hill and Miss Jean Combs and pianoforte items by Mrs. H. N. Gunn gave, much pleasure. The • competitions were won by Miss Marjo'rie Naylor (Nelson) and Mrs. Ivor King. Mrs. W. Bailey donated the. prizes.

Among those ' present were Mesdames S. Andrews, A. D. Kerr, J. Henderson," W. Bailey, O. N. Shakespeare, I. King, H. Bligh, F. A. Knight, G. Lyons, L. Taylor, Naylor,- O. M. Igglesderi,' Gleed, McQuarrieV and Misses J. Rogers, N. Donovan, . M. Naylor, S. Staveley, P. FitzGerald; F. Richardson, and A. M. Sievwright. ■