St. David’s Guild Hostesses to St. Andrew’s

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 110, 12 May 1939, Page 11

St. David’s Guild Hostesses to St. Andrew’s

A TRAVEL TALK ENJOYED The May meeting of St. David’s Presbyterian Guild drew a large attendance, members of St. Andrew’s Ladies’ Guild being the guests of the afternoon. Vases of chrysanthemums, marigolds and berries formed the floral decorations. Visitors and members were greted at the door by Mesdames H. E. Townshend, G. Glcndinning and W. H. Moffat and Mrs. A. Stewart presided and extended a welcome to members and friends, especially the members of St. Andrew’s Guild, whom she thanked also for attending the recent “wagon evening.” An apology for absence was received from Mrs. J. Hubbard. The choir of the Terrace End League of Mothers, making its second public appearance, under the leadership of Mrs. 11. Prince, gave delightful selections. Dr. T. R. Vernon gave an interesting talk on travel in the East, stressing the fact of the broadening effect of meeting peoples of other nations and becoming acquainted with their background. There was no denying that the East had a romanco and attractiveness of its own, in spite of a lack of cleanliness. He had first come in contact with this attraction at Thursday Island, in Torres Strait, north of Australia, which was a great centre of tho pearling industry. Dr. Vernon gave a vivid description of the island and the people he met there and in Malay, Burma and India. He described something of the Dutch East Indies, where he had been impressed by the smooth running of the administration and the happy appearance of the natives. Not far from Samarang, he said, Captain Bligh had landed after his historic voyage following the mutiny of the Bounty, and at Batavia were probably the finest botanical gardens in the world. Dr. Vernon gave amusing character sketches of the people he had met in India, both natives and tourists, and concluded by saying that human nature was universal and no particular group of people could be identified as wholly good or wholly bad. A vote of thanks was accorded the speaker on the motion of the president. Songs by Mrs. W. Bigham were appreciated. Mrs. Bigham was especially thanked by Mrs. Stewart, as she had como at very short notice, owing to three other entertainers being unable to appear. Afternoon tea was served by the committee members.

Rev. A. Warnock extended a welcome 5 the visitors and cordially thanked ae choir for their items. Mrs. M. Aitchison (president) exressed thanks for the hospitality exended to the members of St. Andrew’s luild.