Dinner Party for Overseas Visitors

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 258, 30 October 1937, Page 2

Dinner Party for Overseas Visitors

MR. AND MRS. FELIX DEMERY ENTERTAINED It was a happy thought on the part of Miss Gwen Gibbs, organiser for the Royal Academy of Dancing, to arrange a dinner party in honour of Mr. Felix Demery, examiner for the Royal Academy of Dancing who is examining in Palmerston North at present, and Mrs. Demery. The function was held at the Grand Hotel last evening, also present being the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Mansford, teachers of dancing, parents and pupils, including Mesdames Bailey, Porter, F. Pegdeu, Misses B. Muir, J. Scott, J. Reid (Wanganui), Ilayward (Feilding), M. Pegden, L. Major, L. McAffer, M. Ongley, I. McKenzie, Z. Bailey, R. Procter, B. Green, E. Sinclair, M. Mummery and L. Collier. The tables were centred with lovely bowls of roses and it was a vory merry gathering that sat down to dinner. Miss Gibbs w'ore a tunic of brocaded lame bordered with fur over a black skirt, Mrs. Demery being in a model frock of black crepe suede embossed with flowers, Mrs. Mansford wearing black crepe romaine. In proposing a toast to Mr. and Mrs. Demery, Miss Gibbs said how honoured the company felt in having such distinguished overseas guests. She then called on Mr. Mansford to extend a welcome. Mr. Mansford expressed thanks for the opportunity afforded Mrs. Mansford and himself of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Demery and of extending a welcome on behalf of the citizens. Mr. Demery was not a stranger, Mr. Mansford said, but this was the first occasion he had been accompanied by his wife. The speaker said he had been pleased to see the remarks made publicly by Mr. Demery with regard to the improvement in dancing in the Dominion and to the progress of this cultural art at Home. The increased interest in England would naturally follow in the Dominion. Credit was due to Mr. Demery for the improvement in New Zealand because of the high standard he called for and no-doubt the information he passed on to the teachers. Mr. Mansford trusted the visitors would take time to see the beauty spots of the Dominion because such visitors were good ambassadors and would talk about the scenic wonders of the Dominion. He concluded by saying all would look forward to a return visit at no distant date to find a further improvement in dancing. Mr. Demery returned thanks for the welcome and the opportunity of meeting in happy association. He well remembered his previous visit and was gratified to find such an improved standard. That interest in dancing was increasing was demonstrated by the fact that on his previous visit twelve days only had been necessary, while on this occasion it would require over one month to carry through his programme. In this visit Mr. Demery said he had examined both in Christchurch and Dunedin whero the standard was good. An indication of the increased interest in Palmerston North was the fact that one day had been sufficient for the candidates while this year with 57, four days were required and he had found a much improved standard. Mr. Demery said he would never forget the wonders of Rotorua and the lovely snow-capped mountains, so different yet in many places so like England and he found the people like tho English also. He reminded those present of the change in title to the Royal Academy of Dancing and to the fact that they were particularly honoured with the Charter, which had been almost one of the last acts of King George V. He counselled the members to watch the Gazette for the rules and try and fulfill them and uphold the Academy. In conclusion, Mr. Demery said whether he returned or not he would always be interested in the progress of dancing in New Zealand. An adjournment was then made to Miss Gibbs' studio where parents, teachers and pupils were further addresssed by Mr. Demery on operatic dancing and the work of the Royal Academy. Palmerston North is particularly privileged because outside the four centres Mr. Demery is only visiting Palmerston North and Napier. Ho concludes his examinations here to-day and with Mrs. Demery proceeds to Napier to-morrow.