WANGANUI NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 36, 12 February 1940, Page 11

WANGANUI NOTES

YOUTHFUL HORTICULTURISTS

(From "The Post's" Representative.)

The Rangitikei.Scenery Preservation and Tree Planting Society was responsible for an interesting class at the recent Martoh Agricultural and Pastoral Association show, which should encourage young people to be interested in native flora. Oyer 800 specimens, beautifully mounted, were entered for competition, yln the class for those under 14, Margaret Conway, of Marton, entered 150 varieties correctly tabulated as to family and genera with full botanical and Maori names. Specimens were gathered from bush, swamp, and tussock-land, and comprised a collection seldom seen outside a museum. Keith Lambert, of Hunterville, entered a display which was only a few points behind the winner. Small Brian Jones, of Castlecliff, Wanganui, entered 170 rarities iri the leaf and branch section for under 12, and Jean Lambert, of Hunterville,-came second. -The society felt that-the venture was very worth while, and proposes to repeat' the class in next year's schedule. Garden Party. Mrs. Honeyman's lovely garden at Wangaehu was the rendezvous for many people recently, when a party was held to raise funds for Red Cross work. Winners of games were Mes.. dames Macintosh,, Honeyman, and Mr. McAlley. First "War" Party. Although the afternoon was stormy and cold Victoria League members and friends met in large numbers at Mr. Hope Gibbons's residence, which was lent to the league for the occasion of their first "war" party. Recently a letter from London headquarters told of the project to establish "a home away from home" for the overseas men. The party was to raise funds to help that cause, and also to provide a small beginning for sewing bees. Miss Gibbons and Mrs. A. E. Boyes (president of the Wanganui branch) welcomed the guests on the wide verandah "where afternoon tea was served. Afterwards a delightful concert, arranged by Mrs. Leo Campion, was held in the big sitting-room. Contributing performers were Mrs. Campion, Mrs. R. N. Wilson, and Mrs. Barriball, Misses J. Cranstone and S. Campion. A "bring and buy" stall did splendid business, and the v/hole afternoon was profitable beyond expectations. Among the gills were a beautifully iced cake from Mrs. Tasker, and a beautifully worked afternoon tea set by Mrs. D. G. Poison. Centennial Ball at Patea.

Great success attended the Centennial ball at Patea, when over 300 guests took part in the opening grand march, led by the Mayor -and Mayoress, Mr. arid Mrs. E. F. Hemingway. Coloured lights and ferns, orange lilies, and dahlias made the Town Hall most attractive.