BLIND ENTERTAINED

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 34, 9 February 1940, Page 11

BLIND ENTERTAINED

PICNIC AT PAEKAKARIKI

A picnic outing arranged by the Red Gross Society was held at Paekakariki recently. Sixty-nine of the blind and their attendants made the trip by train. The party was met by members of the Paekakariki Red Cross Committee, who, throughout the day, gave every attention to those present and in every way possible made the outing most enjoyable. Before luncheon was served in the local hall the guests were welcomed by the vicar.of. the parish, the Rev. Mr. Goetz.

After luncheon the visitors were taken to the beach, returning to the hall later, when a musical programme was given. Items were contributed by the Glee Club of the Women's Institute, Mrs. Graham (who sang, accompanied by Mrs. Holtam). Ngaire Fox, Clarice Brown, and David Bavin (recitations), and Miss Poison (piano solo). Two Sisters from the convent were present in the afternoon. Afternoon tea was served, and before leaving on the return home, Mr. D. Ridley, on behalf of the blind, thanked those who had helped to make the day so enjoyable.

Mrs. Wilson Downes, who was in charge of the party, was assisted by Mrs. B. Steel. In thanking the committee for their kindness, Mrs. Downes especially mentioned the Junior Red Cross members, who had willingly escorted the older blind members about and described different places to them, and had so patiently attended to them at lunch-time.

A skirt worn under a waterproof in wet weather often gets wet round the hem,, and if the material is .thick it takes a long time to dry. It is a good plan to lay the wet edge between double folds of clean, dry newspaper and press it with a hot iron. The dry paper on each side will soon absorb most of the moisture' and the pressing keeps the hern in good order. The iron should be lifted and replaced so as to press a small portion at a time. It should not be moved along as in ordinary ironing. For knitted skirts this method is specially suitable. The firm surface of the folded paper prevents the iron from stretching the

CLUBROOMS FOR SOLDIERS

A LOWER HUTT VENTURE

Further hospitality is shortly to be offered to the forces in Trentham military camp by the Hutt Valley branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association, who are calling a meeting of all interested citizens on Friday next, February 16, for the purpose of forming a committee of helpers to assist in organising a social club for the many men who spend their weekly leave, particularly Friday nights, in Lower Hutt. The R.S.A. plan to hold "open house" for all soldiers in their comfortable clubrooms in High Street 1 every Friday night from 7 till 10 p.m., when the rooms will be open for recreation games, entertainment, and occasional dances. Light suppers will be provided and a first-class orchestra will be available for the dances.

The central situation of the club will also offer splendid facilities for men to leave parcels, and an inquiry service for shopipng and various activities will also be available. With the co-opera-tion of the people of Lower Hutt it is anticipated that. the scheme will be most successful and will fill an urgent need. . .

The popularity of the fortnightly dances given by the branch was illustrated last night by the attendance of well over 200. A lively orchestra and a well-balanced programme [of oldtime and -modem h'umbers. /Kept the floor filled, and the attractive supper served by the committee of .ladies was in keeping with the general excellence of the arrangements. Khaki uniforms and the navy blue of the R.N.V.R. were well to the fore and the evening went with a swing from start to finish.

The social committee comprised the president, Mr. A. E. Pattinson, and Messrs.- E. F. Wilton, H. E. Edwards, P. McNicol, M.'Hayler, L.. Hook, E. Stunnell, W. Poad, G. Booth, and R. Peel, and the ladies' committee included Mesdames A. Robins, A. Goodman, G. Shand, F. Stedman, J. O'Meara, E. Woojley, K. Edwards, and P. McNicol.