JOINT RECEPTION

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 58, 6 September 1945, Page 10

JOINT RECEPTION

SPEECHES OF WELCOME

SIR PATRICK AND LADY DUFF

Nearly 300 members of the Royal Empire Society and the Victoria League were present yesterday afternoon at a reception tendered by both societies to Sir Patrick Duff, High Commissioner foi- the, United Kingdom, and Lady Duff. .'....■ ~- ■■'■,• ...■■•' '■ ,-..■■ . ■■■ The gathering-was characterised by an atmosphere of general brightness, sunshine, and flowers. Sunlight streaming through the lounge windows heightened the clear colours of spring flowers which were arranged in large bowls about the room and were worn in lapel sprays by most of the women guests. A large, shallow basket of choicest blooms was presented to Lady Duff by Mrs. J. A. Doctor, president of the Victoria League, who, with Mr. L. O. H. Tripp, president of the Royal Empire Society, received ; Sir Patrick and Lady. Duff. Owing to illness, Mrs. Tripp was unable to'attend, and official duties prevented the attendance of the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers). Lady Myers and the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr. and Mrs. Appleton, were present. In welcoming the guests of honour, Mr. Tripp outlined Sir Patrick Duff's varied and interesting career in the Civil Service and his war experience He referred also to his interest in the sports beloved of New Zealanders. Mr. Tripp spoke of Lady's Duff's keen interest in Red Cross work and her hospital service during'the war when she had not only attended patients, but had also carried out the menial tasks of nursing whenever they Had come to hand. He hoped that under her presidency of the Junior Red Cross the membership of 30,000 would be increased to even greater numbers. PATRON AND PATRONESS. "We are welcoming two new members today," said Mrs. J. A. Doctor, president of the Victoria League. Sir Patrick and Lady Duff, she said, had consented to become patron and patroness of the League in Wellington. The large numbers gathered at the reception testified to-the popularity of j their two guests already. Sir Patrick, said -Mrs:- \Dqctdr; ■'■ Was ' one of the strongest links between New Zealand and the Homeland. He was an ambassador of Empire.51'The'fact that he had been appointed to fill the.slioes of Sir Harry Batterbee spoke for itself, for Sir Harry had left behind a very fine memory. He had had the difficult years of war to contend with, but Sir Patrick would have the years of peace, which would be as great a challenge. Lady Duff, who had already, endeared herself through her charming personality, would find her love of gardening a common bond between her and New Zealand women. In conclusion, she wished the guests of honour a happy sojourn in New Zealand, and expressed the hope that they would find it "a home away from home." ' Songs were siing by Miss Ena Rapley, Mrs. Charles McDonald playing the accompaniments,' an i after the serving of tea, -■ members of both societies were presented to Sir Patrick and Lady Duff. - ■ Sir Patrick, Duff's speech is published elsewhere in this issue.