CUBA STREET GUILD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 245, 14 September 1938, Page 12

CUBA STREET GUILD.

AN AFTERNOON WITH A. A. MILNE. Christopher Robin Inis won a permanent place in the hearts of children alongside Alice, and it seems lie is evevery bit as popular with grown-ups. He certainly cast his spell over the ladies of the Cuba Street Methodist Guild, yesterday, when an afternoon with A. A. Milne was enjoyed. Winnie the Pooh lias gained an equal affection, and from the top of the programme cards his portrait greeted members. Mrs A. Blakemore presided in the absence of Mrs A. E. Fisher (president) and welcomed -members and visitors. Mrs L. 0. Jones .accompanied the opening hymn, Mrs Blakemore gave the Scripture reading, and Mrs P. J. Meller led the prayers.

Arrangements for the forthcoming bazaar were discussed. A report on the National Council of Women’s transactions was given by the giuld’s delegate (Mrs A. Boniface). Afternoon tea was served by Mesdames F. Dorset (convener), M. Wilkinson. A. S. Trevithick, A. J. Passey, and R. Ayrton. Miss L. Hodder gave a brief and interesting talk on Alan Alexander Milne, one of the most popular playwrights of the day. Now 56 years of age, he was bom in London and educated at Westminster and Cambridge. He started writing at the age of 11 end at Cambridge edited the Cranta magazine. He had the usual early struggles in his career as a writer, but gained recognition in Punch at the age of 24. It was cliieflv as the father of Christopher Robin that Milne had won his fame. His children’s verses were whimsical and full of the bubbling joy of childhood. He was almost equally well known for his plays, which were witty and quaint—the speaker instanced ' “Mr Pirn Passes By” and several others. He had also published collected volumes of sketches which contained a timeless quality akin to Barrie. A novel “Two People,” and an exnose of the evils ( of war, “Peace Without Honour.” were others of his works. Miss Hodder described a fountain which Milne had given to Kingsley Hall for children. She had seen the building where Milne had a flat, but had not had the fortune to see the author. However, she had seen the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and was “sure dozens of the little boys watching the ceremony wore Christopher Robini” Mrs G. H. Gilling then read “Sneezles,” “The King’s Breakfast,” and “Disobedience” from “Very Young Verses.” Miss Hodder commented that the illustrations to Milne’s books and songs added to their charm. She then sang “Growing Up,” the accompaniment being played by Mrs Jones. Miss Hodder gave readings of “Three Foxes,” and “Rice Pudding” fro-. “More Verses.”

Mrs Gilling continued with “The Tale of Pooh,” one of the stories which had grown out of Christopher Robirris fondness for bedtime stories about his toy animals; also the song, “Vespers.” A vote of thanks was accorded the entertainers and the tea hostesses on the motion of Mrs Boniface.

Rev. A. Blakemore appealed to the members to support the prohibition movement in the coming election. Mrs E. A. Skeates was welcomed as a. new' membe (.