BIRTHDAY PARTY

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4813, 21 July 1939, Page 5

BIRTHDAY PARTY

MRS. J. NICHOLLS HONOURED. A gathering of exceptional interest and enjoyment was held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. Nicholls, Matai Street, on Monday, when about thirty Methodist Church friends met to honour the 73rd birthday of Mrs. J. Nicholls. ' Among the guests were Mrs. W. J. Nicholls, who had come through specially from Kio Kio. Also present was the Rev. Mrs. Kukutai, wife of the local Methodist Maori Minister resident in Te Kuiti.

Mrs. Nicholls was presented by several with most beautiful flowers, including heather, primroses, spring flowers, violets, etc., together with a a beautiful spray of cream roses, and also with many lovely birthday gifts, including one from the Ladies' Guild of the Church. Mrs. Grice, in making this presentation on behalf of the Guild, referred to the love and esteem in which Mrs. Nicholls was held in the hearts of the members of the Guild.

Birthday greetings were also 'phoned through to her by her son, Mr. W. J. Nicholls, from Kio Kio, and a telegram of greeting was received from her other son, Rev. Stanley Nicholls, of the Manse, Milton. This latter included the Bible reference, Phil. I, Verse 3, reading, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you," a very beautiful testimony of motherhood.

Sister Nicholls, who is a Methodist Maori Deaconess, welcomed the guests with'her brother, and paid tribute to Mrs. Nicholls' bright and happy nature.

Mrs. Nicholls in a few brief words, expressed her happiness in having her friends round her in such a way, and mentioned the long period of nearly forty years she had spent in Te Kuiti. A competition was won by Miss Dorothy Walker. "The Stranger of Galilee" was beautifully rendered by Mrs. H. Dobson by special request of Mrs. Nicholls; and "Mother Macree" by Mrs. Grice as tribute to her motherhood.

Sister Nicholls gave a most interesting and instructive talk concerning Princess Te Puea Herangi's Maori Pa at Ngaruawahia. A most enjoyable and dainty afternoon tea was served, after which Mrs. Nicholls recited with great feeling "Little Joe." She also played several popular songs and choruses on her accordion, after which a very happy function was brought to a close by the singing of "Happy Birthday to You" and "Auld Lang Syne."