OLD THAMES GIRLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22517, 7 September 1936, Page 3

OLD THAMES GIRLS

TENTH ANNUAL PARTY The tenth anniversary of the formation of the Old Thames' Girls' Association was celebrated in Scots Hall on Saturday afternoon with a very wellattended birthday party. The stage of the hall was decorated with arum lilies, marigolds and asparagus fern, while the small tables set around the hall were attractively arranged with vases of Iceland poppies. On account of the president, Mrs. Alfred Oldham, being not well enough to preside, although present, the chair was taken by the Kev. J. Cilphert, who had lived for many years at Thames. The chairman welcomed the gathering, which included a number of members of the Thames Old Boys' Association, and read a speech written by Mrs. Oldham. This stated that during the last ten years the association had been able to assist those in need to the extent of £9OO. In addition, over 5000 new garments, as Avell as food, fuel and other clothing, had been provided. A particularly interesting talk on the flower industry in Northern Italy was given by Mrs. J. A. Bradstreet, who had spent three winters in that part of the country." "When you know that one ton of rose petals is needed to make one pint of essence of rose," she said, "you can realise how many flowers must be grown." The largest _ flower farms were only about 14 acres in extent, the majority of the people having small gardens, in which they grew flowers for profit and for export. An enjoyable programme had been arranged and included items by the following:—Miss Edna Mather and Miss Gladys Brooke (vocal duet); Mrs. rvello Porter, Miss Joyce Crosher, Miss Mary Cruickshank and Miss Peggi Cruickshank (humorous sketches); Miss Ida Lockwood (violin solos); Miss Laura Walker (songs); Miss Lena Hendra (recitations); Miss Gladys Brackenridge, Miss EsmaNodder and Miss June Cooney (Scottish reel). The accompamists were Mrs. N. Walker, Mrs. Reginald Reed and Pipe-Major Amor. A birthday cake adorned with ten candles was cut by the oldest member present, Mrs. M. Baylis, who is 85 years of age, and who was presented with a bouquet.