Wanganui in Wisps.

Free Lance, Volume XVIII, Issue 949, 19 September 1918, Page 9

Wanganui in Wisps.

Dear Christabel, — 111 HE Convalescent Home for our sol- -®- dier men was opened on Friday by Sir James Allen. It was quite a. jolly little function, glorious sunshine, Garrison Band, crowds of people, and delicious afternoon. tea. Previous to the arrival of the Minister, most of those interested in the Home were able, to look round and through it, make the acquaintance of the Matron (Miss Bird) and he.r two assistants, Mrs. Wy"vern Moore and Miss Cameron (\Vanganui's first two Y.A.D.'s) and hand over any little parcels they may have brought along.

The Home, which until quite recently was the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bignell and their family, is pretty outside and homely inside, white-walled, tiled roof, with various creepers following. their own sweet will. There are lawns, an orchard and still another paddock which suggests possibilities, a flag-pole and a. summer house. Inside, 18 little cots are quite ready for use, four or five of them being, in occupation. The rooms are sunny and the outlook—mostly green and bits of river—is cheerful. All is peace and quietness with no fear of monotony so long as the Castlecliff express shrieks a« it thunders past on its way to the beach.

In the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, the Mayoress held the key until it was time to open the door. Mr. Hope-Gibbons, chairman of the trustees, told us just the very things we wanted to hear about- the business part •of things. Mr. W. Veitcli, M.P., and Mr. T. B. Williams, chairman of the Patriotic Association, also had their little say, and, finally, Sir James Allen spoke about convalescent homes in general and ours in particular. Other gentlemein spoke, among them being Lieut. Camian on behalf of the soldiers. Dr. Maurice Earle has been appointed Medical Adviser. •; • ■

Mr. C. E. Mackay k just now spending. a. short holiday, in hospital undergoing an operation; ahd*'trying • to get better again.

Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Cox were advised during the week of tlie death of their son, Second Lieut. Norman Cox. Also came word that another son, Rifle/man Leslie Cox, is wounded. This is the third time that the dreaded ■"Regret to inform you, etc." has been handed in at this home, out- of which six brave men went into uniform, and three lie on the field of honour. Mi-, and Mrs. Cox have the sincere sympathy of the community in their hour of sorrow.

The old-time concert held at St. Paul's Hall the other night, reminiscent as it was of the exactly similar programme sung and listened to 50 ;years ago, w-as a great success. Lots

of things have cha.nged since then, and indeed only two or tlie original performers, Mrs. Blythe and Mr. P. Bell, now remain in Wanganui. It was well proven, though, that our short-skirted, silk-stocking eel flapper of to-day, can look enchantingly sweet as she is: ■'Comin' Thro' the R.ye" or sings of "Bidding A Wee." So thought the gentle grannies in the audience and the money went for the Convalescent Home Fund.

Lieut. A. Mackenzie (Tony) Douglas is revisiting Wanganui just now. Lieut. Douglas is a, good deal better than when lie left- hospital in England, but he had a. bad time at tlie Front, and is hardly likely to get back there again. * * * .* Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Rutherfurd and family, who have been on St. John's Hill for some time, left on Wednesday last for their new home in the Asli-hurst-Pohaugina district. * -55- * 'Lieut.-Colonel J. E. Duigaii, D.5.0., son of Mrs. M. E. Duigan, Gonville, is expected back in New Zealand one of these days. Jle lias been doing special service in America in connection with British propaganda. * * * * Sergeant L. A. G. Butler, youngest son of Nurse Butler, is now reported killed ill action. Young Gibb Butler went out as a sergeant- with the Thirtyseconds, and beforei joining up had just been admitted to the Bar. He was a bright and promising boy, only 23 years of age at the time of his death. Much sym.pa.thy is felt for Mrs. Butler, who is in delicate health and whose other son has been on active service for over three years. Yours sincerely, Weibwind.