A GARDEN PARTY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 76, 11 March 1933, Page 10

A GARDEN PARTY

W.C.T.U. GATHERING. On Thursday afternoon a very successtul garden party was held in the picturesque garden belonging to Mr and Airs Nichol, York street, Hastings, under the auspices of the V\ omen’s Christian Temperance Union and Area Temperance Council. Visitors from Napier, Havelock North, and other parts of the district and members of the W.C.T.U. were present. A restful afternoon was spent in charming surroundings, tor the green lawns, line trees, and gay garden full ol Howers made an ideal setting for the well organised gathering.

A very good programme had been arranged which was greatly appreciated. Airs H. Baird recited “Seeking tor Ezra” (from Barrie’s “Little Minister”) and “Bairnies Cuddle Doon.” Miss des Forges sang “The Pipes of Pan,” and Miss Stevenson sang “Believe Me if All Those Endearing Young Charms.’’ Another singer was Miss Winifred Chote, who chose “You Will Never Grow Old” < Drummond). The accompaniments were played by Miss M. Collins and Miss McHutcheon, and each item was excellent.

The stalls were laden with good things which had all been contributed. The produce stall was in the charge of Mrs F. J. Baumgart and Mrs H. Bushier; cakes, Mrs des Forges and Mrs Rae; sweets, Mesdames McArthur, Banks and Ross; tea, Mrs Hudson, Misses McNutt (Waipukurau) and helpers. Mrs Nichol was an excellent hostess and welcomed and introduced visitors assisted by Mrs Wilson (convenor and hon. secretary) and many others who worked hard to ensure the success of the gathering. Mr French, president of the Area Temperance Council welcomed the visitors on their arrival, and during the afternoon, in an interesting speech, stressed the devastating and evil effects of the liquor traffic on human beings. Mr French thanked all those who had contributed to the programme and also expressed the gratitude which was felt by everyone to Mr and Mrs Nichols for lending their beautiful home. The Rev. A. H. Scrivin welcomed the old friends and supporters who had been specially invited, and who “had i kept the Hag flying for years.” “We can experience the same joy that has i been theirs,” said the speaker, “and i we must see to it that there is a ; speedy extinction of the liquor traffic. The lives of these older people have been an inspiration and service to us and all good wishes are extended to them for future health and happiness in their good work.” The Rev. H. Gould (Napier) expressed his pleasure in lepresenting Napier at* this Hastings gathering. Mr Gould said that he had just returned from the General Assembly, and there a. very distinct call had been made to ministers and elders of the Presbyterian Church to make a more

definite stand for temperance. The speaker said that he believed that this year will bring with it more enthusiasm and still more active work lor temperance—not only at garden parties!

A very pleasant interlude in the programme was marked by a presentation to Mrs Barbour, as the oldest guest, of a charming posy of mauve crocus, blended with pale blue and rose flowers. Mr Smart, the oldest gentleman guest, was asked to speak and responded by giving a most able little address. Mr Smart came out to sew Zetland <-s one of the first 'Canterbury pilgrims’’ and he recalled the days when a man earned 4/6 a day and kept his wife and family on that sum. Mr Smart urged everyone try to live more simply if they want to look forward to better days. We should come down to walking instead of riding, and by being cheerful and careful enjoy our lives.