"SAD TO LEAVE"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 146, 22 June 1945, Page 8

"SAD TO LEAVE"

SIR HARRY BATTERBEE SAYS GOOD-BYE Members of the Overseas League and the .Yorkshire Society of New Zealand joined forces' recently in holding a farewell gathering in honour of Sir Harry and Lady Batterbee. Apart from the general admiration and respect in which both guests are held by members ..of the two societies, Sir Harry Batterbee has had a long connection with the Overseas League in London, and has .lectured to the Yorkshire Society when he gave an exhibition of English films some time ago. ■■ ' ■ The Mayor (Mr. Appleton) presided over a large attendance, doing so in a double capacity, as chairman of the Wellington branch of the Overseas League and as president of the Yorkshire Society. On behalf of the Overseas League Mr. Appleton paid a tribute to the guests of the evening, and stressed the happy results of their easy adaptation to New Zealand conditions., , . - Speaking for the Yorkshire Society, Mr. Karl Atkinson reminded those present that Sir Harry Batterbee had served four Kings of England; and both he and Lady Batterbee, through their active and sympathetic interest in the less pretentious aspects of New Zealand social life, had greatly endeared themselves to a very wide circle. ■ '• , In reply, Sir Harry Batterbee spoke of the sadness they both felt at having to' leave New Zealand, where they had spent the eventful war years. As a man of Kent, he spoke of their love for England, and emphasised the importance of the work done by the various societies represented at the gathering. , . , An enjoyable programme, which sounded an English note throughout, was provided by the Victory.. Troubadours (conducted by Mr. Clement Howe, in a series of songs. requested by the guests of the evening), Miss Molly Atkinson, contralto, Mrs. Mary Mackenzie, recitalist, and Mr.'. Les Stapp,' in songs and impersonations. Accompaniments were played by Margaret . Stapp, . Lola Pritcha.rd, and Clement Howe. The compere was Karl Atkinson,', who also contributed a short feature, "Literary Association of Kent" * ' The hoh. secretary of the Overseas, League, Mr. T. A. Jackson, assistedby several members of the social com-" mittee, attended to . the comfort; of those present, ' among whom ■ were Lady. Myiers, . the Mayoress, Mrs. Appleton, Mr. H. J. Po.ole, of" Dorset, and "father" of the English Folk Association; representatives of Birmingham, : Midland Counties, . Bristol, Dorset,' Kent, Northumberland, and Durham. An apology was ■ received from:the Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Myers, president of the Overseas League.