LYCEUM CLUB RECEPTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21540, 11 July 1933, Page 3

LYCEUM CLUB RECEPTION

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY VICE-REGAL GUESTS A very largely attended reception to celebrato the fifteenth birthday of the Lyceum Club was held last evening and was attended by Their Excellencies the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, and Lady Bledisloe. Tho loungo had been very attractively arranged with nikau palms Hanking tho stage, with bowls of japonica, irises, and pink camellias, and a delightful programme of entortainment had been arranged for

tho occasion. • . The president, Mrs. W. H. Parkcs, received Their Excellencies, and in the courso of her speech of welcome expressed the pleasure that was felt at thoir presence. She referred to the fact that Lady Bledisloe was warden of the club and as such they were particularly glad to welcome her among them. Mrs. Parkes also spoke of tho unceasing efforts that had been made by His Excollenc.v in these times of unprecedented difficulties on bohalf of tho Dominion, and tho fact that he had its interests so greatly at heart coupled with his knowledgo of world affairs had inspired comfort and confidence in the hearts of tho people. In giving a brief outline of the history of the club Mrs. Parkes said it had been started by Mrs. W. R. Wilson. It had grown so steadily that from its quarters in Swanson Street the club had moved into Short's Buildings. While there Mrs. Wilson had found it necessary for health reasons to retire from the presidency and as a small recognition of her worh tho club had made her its first lifo member. The club had now moved into its present quarters, which allowed of greater expansion.

In thanking Mrs. Parkes for the welcome that had been extended to Her Excellency and himself, Lord Bledisloe said ho could not help wondering why women of a country that had set an example in achieving women's suffrage had not yot put women into Parliament. Speaking of the activities of the club he expressed the opinion that they must undoubtedly be of much benefit to the country in the existing difficult conditions. His Excellency spoke of the value of intellectual interests and of the great part they could play in making homes more interesting than they are at present.

Contributing to the programme arranged by Miss Kent were a trio comprising Miss Lilian Quinn, Miss Jean Clarkson and Mr. Vincent Aspey; Mr. Dennis Sheard and Miss Berta Carr, with songs; Mr. Denis Johns, recitations; Dr. Trevor de Clive Lowe, 'cello solos. The accompanists were Miss Lilian Quinn. Miss Phyllis Graham and Mr. Leo Whittaker. A one-act period play by Herbert Swears followed entitled, "Cupboard Love. Taking part in it were Estelle Verran as Kitty Bollairs, and Joan Craig as Diana, Lady Charters. Her Excellency Lady Bledisloe wore a frock of palest pink angel skin lace with a scarf of pale pink georgette and three-quarter coat of blue and gold brocade. Miss Diana Hams was in navy blue georgette with coatee or rucked gold brocade, and Mrs. Parkes wore a frock of black ring velvet with crystal and diamante embroidery and three-quarter coat of black silk with scrolls of diamante embroidery.