OLD THAMES GIRLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20528, 1 April 1930, Page 17

OLD THAMES GIRLS.

CELEBRATION OF BIRTHDAYS The birthdays of two of tho earliest members of the Old Thames Girls Association were celebrated at a gathering of tho association held in tho Pitt Street Methodist hall yesterday afternoon. Tho guests of honour were Mrs. Dowar, whose 96th birthday occurs on April 18, and Mrs. Smith, who was 89 yesterday. In presenting both guests of honour with a bouquet, Mrs. A. Oldham, president of tho association, extended to them the congratulations and best wishes of all present, and referred to their long association with tho Thames, and later with the Old Thames Girls' Association. Mrs. Dowar and Mrs. Smith both replied, Mrs. Smith also reading a poem entitled " Tho Old \ear's Milestones." Associated with Mrs. Oldham on tho platform besides tho guests of honour were:—Captain and Mrs. iSewby, Mrs. Blomfield, Mrs. Farquhar and Mrs. Towers all of whom are over 80 years of age, and Mrs. McMiken, secrotary. Miss A. Abler, niece of Mf. C. Ahier, an old Thames identity, who returned last year from Jersey Islands and who is now resident in Auckland, was also tho guest of the association. A request for help in tho obstetrical appeal was mado by Mrs. Kenneth Gordon, who briefly outlined tho objects of tho movement. Short speeches wero also made by Mrs. J. A. Bradstreet, president of tho Y.W.C.A. and by tho Rev. T. R. B Woolloxall, an earlier Thames resi dent. A programme was presented consisting of songs by Mrs. do Berg, vocal duets by the Misses Entrican and a pianoforte solo by Mrs Cyril Firth. Afternoon tea, which was dispensed by tho social committee, brought to a close a particularly pleasant gathering.