HUTT VALLEY NEWS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 133, 2 December 1941, Page 4

HUTT VALLEY NEWS

CHURCH FETES ON SATURDAY

Sir Harry Batterbee, in formally opening the annual fete of St. Augustine's Church at Petone on Saturday, spoke in appreciation of the work being done in New Zealand to help the people of England, particularly those who had suffered loss through air raids. Commenting on the remarkable cheerfulness and steadfastness of the British people. Sir Harry told how an American commentator, seeking the cause of this spirit, had said that England did not wear heart or religion on her sleeve, but that deep down, was the belief in God and the feeling that if right was done and wrong resisted, failure was impossible. The vicar, the Rev, H. S. I. Kenney. and the Deputy Mayor, Mr A. Macfarlane. welcomed Sir Harry, who was accompanied by his daughter-in-law, Mrs Christopher Batterbee. The hall and grounds outside ■ were crowded with visitors Brisk business was done at the stalls, tearoom, and sideshows, and in the "Father Christmas" tent in the vicarage grounds. A laige committee of church officers and helpers was responsible for the function Boys from St. Augustine's Scout'troop formed a guard of honour, and the Hutt Valley Pipe Band played throughout the afternoon. GRAIL CHRISTMAS FAIR. Members of the Raumati groups of the Grail held a Christmas fair at the residence of Mrs. E. Cooper. 134 Woburn Road. Lower Hutt. also on Saturday. It was an outstanding success The official opening was performed by his Grace, Archbishop O'Shea, who : drew, attention to the need for inI creased interest on the part of women in the realm of Ofetholic action, and i expressed himself as greatly pleased with the way in which they were shouldering the extra responsibilities due to the absence of so many men on active \service. His Grace was accompanied by the Rev. Father J. Heavey. administrator of St Joseph's parish. Among the large number of friends present were girls from the Sacred Heart Convent, Lower Hutt. They, with local ScoutSv Guides, and Cubs, and men of the Hibernian Society, had helped with the fair. Stalls, etc.. did a big trade, and a baby show was very popular. The girls of the Raumati groups wish to thank Mrs. Cooper for her generous action in lending her beautiful grounds for the afternoon, and for acting as hostess. '