OLD PEOPLE’S DAY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32417, 5 April 1944, Page 7

OLD PEOPLE’S DAY

COROMANDEL FUNCTION ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT WOMEN’S DIVISION XFTERNOON The monthly meeting of the Coromandel Branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held in the Catholic Schoolroom on Saturday, March 25. The president, Mrs Anderson presided over a good attendance of members.

A report of the Thames Valley Provincial meeting was read,

An appeal to sell tickets in a raffle was received from the committee of the “Apostles Of The Sea,” to assist in providing hospitality for men of the Royal, Allied and Merchant Navies. It was stated that larger premises had been procured in Swanson, street and funds were urgently needed to help carry on this most important work. It was pointed out that New Zealand in particular owes a great debt to these men of the merchant navies, and the assistance of everyone was called for.

The meeting then closed in order to welcome the guests of the afternoon.

The scene presented a tastefully decorated table, with many good.' and appetising dishes, and a beautiful iced cake at the end. Seated round were approximately 30 guests over 70 years of age. Judging from the voices it was a real re-union and> it was gratifying to see and hear the many expressions of pleasure at the meeting of many old friends who rarely meet except on this annual occasion.

The National Anthem opened the programme, followed by the old-time grace sung to the old tune which took many back to childhood days. Mr Boyce then* asked a blessing on the good l things provided, after which Mrs Anderson welcomed the guests, and’asked all to stand in silence for those who had gone on.

While the tea was ‘being prepared a short programme of items was played, opening with violin solos, “I Dream of Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair,” and “Beautiful Dreamer” played by Mr V. Powley and accompanied by Mrs E. M. Lucas. Then followed further* violin solos, “Love’s Old. (Sweet Song,” and “I’ll Walk Beside You.”

The next item was a song by several girls accompanied by Loma Strongman. The “Mariner’s Hymn” was the song they sang and Misses L. Strongman, Evans, Joan Turner, Valerie Dobbs, Glogoski, took part and their efforts were accorded spontaneous acclamation.

Afternoon . tea was served and proved a very happy interlude. The cake was topped by six candles lit and blown out by the two oldest ladies, Mrs Carlson and Mrs Vose. A gift was then handed by the president, to Mrs Carlson, agedi 80 years, the oldest Jady present, while Mr Hovell received a gift, being the oldest gentleman present. The youngest lady (over 70), Mrs W. C. Denize, also received a gift and the youngest gentleman (over 70) Mr Brownhill, also came in for a remembrance.

A special gift had been donated to the oldest couple. These were Mr and Mrs- Jack McNeil.

Another special gift went to “Grannie” Carlson, the oldest member of the W.D.F.U. Mrs Carlson then cut the cake and while the hostesses were cutting it up Mrs Battson and Miss Martin sang a duet “Life’s Dream Is O’er” which proved very popular and an encore by Miss Martin “ Love’s Old Sweet Song” was very muqh enjoyed. Mr Hovell gave a little talk after which Hilda Inglis and Velma Jane in the costumes of an old couple sang a duet “Silver Threads Among the Gold.” This was very sweetly sung and everyone gave applause by acclamation.

Mr Strongman Snr. and Mr Boyce both said a few words including thanks to the members of the W.D.F.U. for the very happy afternoon which they had just spent. ■“Auld Lang* Syne” brought the function to a close.