WOMEN'S ORGANISATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20569, 21 May 1930, Page 17

WOMEN'S ORGANISATIONS.

LADY BLEDISLOE'S WELCOME.

GATHERING AT TOWN HALL.

To welcomo ITer Excellency Lady Bledisloo to Auckland, a reception of welcomo was held in tho Town Ilall yesterday afternoon by tho various women's organisations, numbering between 50 and 55. llio big hall was filled to its utmost capacity, numbers of women standing during tho wholo proceedings and tho welcome extended to Lady Bledisloe was a very cordial one. Decorated with palms, ropes and festoons of lycopodium and hanging baskets of fern, tho setting tor the scene was very attractive, and showing among tho ferns and grasses arranged on the stage were groups of beautiful mauve coloured orchids.

Her Excellency, who was accompanied by Mrs. T. A. Bathurst, was received by tho Mayoress, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, and tho members of tho executive, and little Margaret Campbell, daughter of tho Mayoress, presented her with a bouquet of violets and carnations.

In hor speech of welcomo Mrs. Campbell spoko of tho appreciation that was felt by tho women's organisations of Auckland at meeting Lady Blcdisloo at such a gathering as tho present ono, and said they felt assured of her interest in the various endeavours that wcro being iriado by them for tho relief of suffering, in the improvement in tho conditions of life and in educational, artistic, social and humane activities. Her countenanco of, and interest in, tho welfaro of women's organisations would bo of tho utmost help and encouragement, and tho kindly thoughtfulness manifested by the visits paid to some uf the city's institutions augured happily for the future. Mrs. Campbell assured Her Excellency that tho sacrifice she had made in leaving her homo and in accepting tho responsibilities of her high office, as well as tho difficulties of new surroundings and new faces, wcro thoroughly appreciated by the women. They wished her to believe, however, that she was among friends anxious to make her feel at home, and hoping to assist in making her stay in New Zealand as happy and interesting as possible. People in this country were just the same, with tlifc same virtues and the samo failings as thoso in tho Homeland, said Mrs. Campbell in conclusion.

As a memento of tho women of Auckland's welcome Mrs. Campbell presented Her Excellency with a beautiful illumined copy of the address, bound in purple suode.

On behalf of tho Maori women of tho community Mrs. Kaihau presented Her Excellency with a very fine mat, whicli she fastened around her and led a chant of welcome. Mrs. Mita Karaka, speaking

for her fellow countrywomen, expressed Iheir hope that Her Excellency's stay in iSew Zealand would bring her happiness and gave their greetings to her and to all belonging to her. Following the speech Mrs. HaroFd ifing sang in English a song of welcome written bv Mrs. Kaihau. With Mrs. Kaihau and Mrs. Rlita Karaka were Mrs. Rukutai, Mrs. C. P. Newion, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. \\ i, and Mrs. Wallington, with of whom Her Excellency shook hands.

11l expressing her thanks for the welcome that had heen extended to her by the British and Maori communities, Her Excellency said she was indeed deeply interested in work of social improvement, philanthropy, and enlightmcnt foi which the women's organisations of Auckland stood, and she wanted them to realise that as a woman she was in cordial sympathy with the public-spirited efforts which were being made by women both in this city and throughout the Dominion for the benefit of their fellows. Conscious as she was of the immense power of women for good or evil, a power not confined to any 0110 class, race or creed, she believed it was as much by what they did as'by what they said that it could be exercised. In the work of making the influence of women a good one in tlio lite of this country they might count upon such support as she was able to give The ideals which Lady Alice Fergusson had had in common with the women of Mow Zealand were also very dear to her, and with their help she hoped to bear her pari in promoting their realisation to the lasting benefit of the people, particularly the less fortunate people, of this Dominion. In conclusion, Lady I'lodislog congratulated the women of Auckland upon their very wonderful response to the obstetrical appeal which had recently been made. It was .1 work for which sho had tho greatest sympathy. Afternoon tea was served in tho room adjoining, and later Her Excellency returned to tho hall, and as they filed past her shook hands individually with tho members of the gathering.

A brief musical programme was given, Miss Nancye Ilanna and Miss Gil more singing, and Miss Ina Bosworth playing a violin solo. A women's orchestra also played, the individual members comprising' Mrs Dorothy Singer (piano), Miss Ina Bosworth, Miss Lois Walls, Miss Winifred Hays, Miss Molly Wright, and Mrs. Coombe3.