Y.M.C.A. GARDEN PARTY.

Evening Star, Issue 14002, 8 March 1909, Page 3

Y.M.C.A. GARDEN PARTY.

The kindness of Mr and Mrs P. R. Sargood in placing " Marinoto " at the service of the Dtinedin Young Men's Christian Association on Saturday afternoon resulted in bringing together hundreds of persons who take a keen interest in that organisation. There was a business pnrpose behind the garden party not always behind either, for Mr Hughes, the newlv-ap-pointed secretary, gave it a push to the front in his address, plainly declaring that more money is wanted for the building, and adding that canvassers would shortly wait on the Association's friends to receive subscriptions. Once revealed, this project was talked about by other speakers, and presented in the light of a duty, and Oose who listened will not be able to say, when the canvasser calls, that they are taken by surprise. But though the solicitation for further aid was distinctly foreshadowed, nobody could complain of being beguiled to " Marinoto" by false pretences. The garden party was not used as an excuse for something else. The money question had the appearance of being introduced quite incidentally, and when the speakers had made their point they dropped it altogether, leaving the guests free to enjoy the pleasures provided by Mr and Mrs Sargood's thoughtfulness. "Marinoto" is a beautiful place. The well-laid-out ten and a-half acres overlooking the harbor are as roomy as many a small park, for the grass plots are extensive, the designer having used his flower borders and beds as adornments, and not crowding things up after the nursery-garden style, whilst tho appointments in the way of shady seats and places for games all make for comfort. The host also had some nice flowers to show, asters, salpiglossis, geraniums, and late roses making a pretty show, and the gardener is no doubt proud of the Virginia creeper that covers one side, of the house. Everything about "Marinoto " speaks of home and refined taste, and the welcome by the host and hostess was cordial without oppressing anyone. Mr G. M. Thomson, M.P.° m the course of his few remarks' thanked Mr and Mrs Sargood on behalf of the guests, and all present heartily endorsed this acknowledgment of the hosprtality. Early in the afternoon a short concert was given from a platform in front of the door. Mrs H. Morton sang ' Because,' Mr J ?i ,'^r Song was <Hear the wi] d wind blow, Mr Stewart Thomson chose ' Tho devout lover,' and Miss V. Campbell also sang. To these songs Miss Gertrude Pitts played the accompaniments most expertly. Music was also provided by the Kaikorai Band. The addresses were short and to the point Mr Thomson mentioned that the primary object of the party was to sav farewell to Mr C. Gordon Armour, the secretary, and to welcome his successor, Mr C. W. W. B. Hughes, and those gentlemen said a few appropriate words. Ihe nest speaker was His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. MTtonald), who took occasion to express his confidence that the people of Dunedin would further support the scheme for erectinc the new building, adding that when the structure was up it woidd be put to its best use if the members made wandering young men feel at home in it Then Mr Sargood briefly thanked the speakers and the assemblage at largo for the vote acknowledging his hospitality, and; the crowd broke up, some to play tennis, others to drink tea, and so forth. Later in the afternoon another short concert was held. The Board of Directors wish to thank Mr P. R. Sargood for placing his grounds at their disposal; the Dresden Piano Company for the loan of a piano; the rwrformers who assisted in the musical programme; the Kaikorai Band for .iiusieal selections ; the Ladies' Auxiliary for superintending the afternoon tea arrangements ; the Corporation Tramway Company and the Roslyn and Kaikorai Tramway Companies I'm- displaying advertisements; the feocial Committee and voluntary workers and the many other friends who assisted -or provided refreshments*