Visiting Artists Guests At Afternoon Reception

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 61, 12 March 1941, Page 5

Visiting Artists Guests At Afternoon Reception

Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Natzke, Messrs Kenneth Neate and Henri Penn wA~e the guests of honour at an afternoon reception arranged by members of the Mauawatu branch of the British Music {Society, the Mauawatu branch of the Music Teachers’ Association and the Girls’ Music Club at the Rosco tea rooms yesterday afternoon. It was u very happy occasion and musically interested people of Palmerston North had the opportunity of talking informally to these celebrated musicians. The hostesses were Miss Evelyn Rawlins, who wore a graceful grey marocain frock and blue satin hat, and Mrs. I*. McMahon, in a smart check navy taffeta jumper and navy skirt. The Mayoress, Mrs. A. E. Mansford, was present wearing a figured silk frock and black coat and iiat, Mrs. Natzko being in a black silk dress embroidered in white, with a smart black halo hat. Mr. J. Holmes Run nicies welcomed the guests and likened a concert to a triangle. He said art was a science to make things beautiful represented by the artists. Science was an art providing the means thereto, represented by the management and the third side of the triangle were the people who listened. We were fortunate in having as guests, world famous artists in vocal and instrumental music. Mr. Runnicles gave a special welcome to Mrs. Natzke. Mr. and Mrs. Natzke were married only a few weeks ago. Mrs. Natzke i 3 an Aucklander, and a well-known soprano there. She had been Winifred Clements’ soprano soloist at the recent “Messiah” production in Auckland, at which Mr. Heddle Nash also sang. Mr. D. D. O’Connor, manager of the concert party, returned thanks for the artists, saying singers, like ladies, could not speak for themselves. Among other apologies for absence were those from the Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansford, and Dr. F. H. McDowall, president of the British Music Society. A spray of pink roses and carnations was presented to Mrs. Natzke.

A buffet tea was served and the tables were attractively decorated with dahlias and gladioli in shades of rose anu peach. The hosts were MessrsRunnicles and H. Pierard.