WOMEN'S FAREWELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20454, 4 January 1930, Page 16

WOMEN'S FAREWELL.

LADY ALICE FERGUSSON. The huge gathering of women that filled the big chamber of the Town Hall yesterday afternoon to bid farewell to Her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson was an indication of the great regard which she has inspired in the women of Auckland and of the influence which she has exerted upon all sections of society. At least 50 women's organisations were represented, and in addition there were hundreds present who did not belong to any organisation, but who attended to show their appreciation of her work in New Zealand and their regard for her personality. Upon her arrival at the hall Her Excellency was met by the Mayoress, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, and the committee who had assisted her in organising the farewell, and little Margaret Campbell, daughter of the Mayoress, presented her with a charmingly arranged bouquet.. An orchestra under Mrs. Singer played some delightful numbers and songs by Mrs. Cyril Towsey and Mrs. 1... Cronin, and a 'cello solo by Miss Henuis, wore very much enjoyed. That tho speeches mado by Mrs. Campbell, when presenting the gift of the combined women's organisations of Auckland to Her Excellency, and by Mrs. Mitchell, when doing likewise on behalf of the Mothers' League, expressed the sentiments of the women present in the hall was very evident, their tributes being warmly endorsed. The committee who had worked with Mrs. Campbell in organising the function comprised the presidents of the principal women's societies of Auckland—Lady Sinclair-Lockhart, Mrs. W. H. Parkes, Mrs. Bradstreet. Mrs. J. T. F. Mitchell, Miss Carnachan, Mrs. G. Coats, Mrs. W. R. Wilson, Mrs. Cammell, Mrs. P. A. Lindsay, Mrs. McNair, Mrs. A. Mulgan and Miss Mowbray. Both on her arrival and ou her departure from the hall Girl Guides formed a guard of honour. Taking part in the Maori delegation were Mrs. Kaihau, Mrs. Karaka, Mrs. C. P. Newton, Mrs. Rukutai, Mrs. Tamehana, and Miss Etta Harris. A very distinctive feature of a notable gathering was the decoration of the stage, which had been turned into a bowei; of beauty with tall masses of bamboo, flax and palms, groups of palest- pink and bine hydrangeas and low borders of phlox, primulas and other flowers. Flags formed a bright and attractive background to the scene.