Townswomen’s Guild Celebrates First Birthday

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 231, 1 October 1935, Page 2

Townswomen’s Guild Celebrates First Birthday

RECORD GATHERING AT EMPIRE HALL ( The first birthday of tho Palmerston North Townswomen’s Guild was celebrated very happily yesterday afternoon in tho Empire hall, the function being enjoyed by a record number of people, Tho capacity of tho largo hall was taxed to its utmost, in addition to members there being presont representatives of all tho women’s organisations of tho district and tho delegates from tho existing guilds who are visiting tho city for a conference. The meeting opened with the “Ode to Friendship,” following which the president, Mrs A. E; Mansford, expressed gratification in tho large attendance and extended a warm 'Welcome to the representatives of the women’s organisations, also tho visiting delegates. The hall was as usual charmingly decorated, vases of Iceland poppies ornamenting tho tables, conspicuous on which wero tho gay new cloths which had been beautifully embroidered by the members of tho arts and crafts circles for tho guild’s use. On the stage were tali' stands with lovely bowls of spring flowers and greenery, with vases of flowers massed itt the front and cabbage tree heads flanking the sides. Members of tho gardening circle were responsible for the decorations in the hall, Mcsdames Speedy and Smith beautifying the stage and the circle members had also thoughtfully provided shoulder sprays for the visiting delegates who occupied scats on tho stage.

Greetings were conveyed to'the guild by letter with good wishes for the coming year from Mrs Stevens, Mrs Murphy (Milson) and Miss Nettlcfold. Pleasure was given to tho company by Miss Monica Lynch,, who sang "Not Understood” and an encore, “I Wonder if Love is a Dream?” her accompanist being Miss Z. Loamy. An instrumental trio by Garde, contributed by Mr H. E. Gunter (piano), Miss Valerio Gunter (violin) and Miss G. MacKenzio (’cello), was most enthusiastically received and also their recall number, “Drink to Mo Only,” the piano part arranged by Roger Quilter. Thanks were conveyed to the performers by' Mrs Mansford. The speaker for the afternoon was tho Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford),who gave a most thoughtful address on “Money.”

In introducing Mr Mansford, the president remarked that he had attended the first meeting of the guild to offer the members his good wishes for a successful year. He could seo before him the evidence of amazing progress. Offering his hearty congratulations, the Mayor said the Townswomen’s Guild was fulfilling a long-felt want as shown by its membership. He was confident the guild would grow and prosper as the city grow and prospered. Air Mansford dealt with his subject in a most informative way, dealing with money systems of provious civilisations; under tho gold standard, it system in operation until a few years ago, and finally a scientifically-planned system. The, speaker was followed with close attention, a hearty vote of thanks being accorded him on the motion of Mrs Aitchison.

Afternoon tea made a pleasing break in proceedings conspicuous on the stage being the handsome birthday cake ■which had been made by Mrs Mansford and iced by Mrs D. Evans. The caudle was Jit by Miss Jerome Spencer, founder of the movement in New Zealand, who extended felicitations, Mrs Wickham, president of the Wanganui guild, blowing the candle out and offering greetings from her members. Mrs Mansford, Mrs Page (Nelson president), Mrs Glemiy (Hastings president) and Mrs Hobson (Diiunevirke president) added their good wishes and assisted in the cutting of the cake, which was then handed round. Votes of thanks wore accorded Mrs Mansford for presiding and for making the cake and to Mrs Evans for icing it.

Letters oi : appreciation were read,to tlic meeting from Mrs Griggs and Mrs Cummins for good w’ishes and the gifts of flowers when they were indisposed.

New members woro welcomed as follow: —Mesdamcs 0. W. Brown, M. Skinner, E. M. Praia, T. J. Smith, N. Tiday, K. Dean, Ashworth, E. Tucker, Crauton, 11. Smith, I. It. Norris, Tozev and Miss P. Gillott,

Conveners of the circles gavo reports of their activities and tentative arrangements were made for a street stall on October 19.

Hostesses welcoming the guests at the door were Mesdamcs 11. E. Guuter and M. Aitchison, tho tea hostesses being Mesdamcs D. Evans, W. B. Woodroofe, W. G. Black, W. F. Field, Huntington, Brown, Waldegravc, E Priest, Childs and W. T. Eoyal. A memorable gathering terminated with the National Anthem. CONFEKENCE OF GUILDS Delegates to the conference of representatives of Townswomen’s Guilds, which opened in Palmerston North last

evening, are tho guests of local members during their visit to the city. Miss Jerome Spencer (Hawke’s Bay), founder of tho movement in New Zealand, is tho guest of the Misses Fraser, Main street; Mrs T. R. Moore, of “Waimarama,” Terrace End, has Mrs G. L. Page, tho Mayoress of Nelson, staying with her, and Mrs Cyril Plumeridge, also of Nelson, is tho guest of Mrs W. W. Coutts, of Alfred street. Mrs B. Bogle, Wanganui, is with Mrs L. 11. Golliuson, of Grey street, and Mrs O’Meara, Hastings delegate, Mrs C. J. Bagley (Napley, of Batt street. Mrs F. Ct. Major, of Argylo avenue, is hostess to Mrs E. Glenny, of Hastings, the other Hastings delegate. Mrs C. J. Bagley (Napier) is staying with Mrs Pryor. Mrs Wickham (Wanganui) is also visiting the city for the conference.