KENTISH ASSOCIATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22541, 5 October 1936, Page 2

KENTISH ASSOCIATION

FIRST ANNUAL DINNER ' SUCCESSFUL GATHERING The first annual dinner of the Auckland branch of the Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men and "Women was held in the Waverley Hotel on Saturday evening, the large gathering of guests including representatives of kindred societies in Auckland and overseas visitors. The long tallies were attractively arranged with tall vases of brightly-hued Iceland poppies and greenery.

Following the Royal toast, which was proposed by Mr. G. Baker, vice, president, the toast of the association was proposed by Mrs. F. C. Webster, honorary secretary, who spoke of the gre.it traditions of the association to. which the members were so proud to belong. Although so far from Kent she felt sure that a great interest was taken in the Auckland branch by the parent association. In replying to the toast Professor R. P. Worley, representing the Boyal Empire Society, said, although not a Kentish man, he felt it was such societies as the Association of Men of Kent that formed a strong' link in binding the Empire together. It was much better, he said, to be part of the British Empire, which stood for freedom, than to be independent. "If we do not stand together we are running the risk of being subjected to a form of tyranny which appears to appeal to some other nations," he said. Mrs. Alfred Watt, M.A., 0.8. E., of Canada, president of the Associated Countrywomen of the World, in reply, ing to the toast "The Visitors," pro. posed by Mr. J. W. Jenks, vice-presi-dent, spoke of the bond of kinship existing between Canada and New Zealand. She paid a tribute to Lord Cornwallis, president of the Association of Men of Kent in England, whom she had met during her visit to" Britain and who was deeply interested in the affairs of the various branches.

.Mrs. J. T. F. Mitchell, representing the Overseas League, spoke briefly on the aims and ideals of the league. The toast for "Absent Members" was proposed by Mr. W. J. Lane, president of the association.

Following the dinner the guests adjourned to the clubroom of the association, in Queen Street, where the evening was spent in dancing, interspersed with a musical programme contributed by Miss Gladys Barton and Mr. E. Eraser, who sang, and Mr. C. H. Paull, who recited. The music for the dancing was supplied by Mrs. Eady Payne and Mrs. T. W. Lighton. The official party comprised:—Mrs. Alfred Watt, who wore a frock of leafgreen taffetas; Mrs. W. J. Lane, in bronze taffetas; Mrs. J. T. F. Mitchell, Burgundy craquelle; Mrs. G. Baker, black georgette and lace; Mrs. J. W. Jenks, leaf-green crinkle crepe; Mrs. F. C. Webster, blue floral niarocain; Mrs. S. E. Langstone, briar rose pink taffetas; Mrs. J. H. Westbrook, black cire satin relieved with red; Miss B. Smart (Canada), black and white patterned georgette. Among the others present were:— Mrs. A. Maney, Mrs. J. 0. Mossman, Mrs. Marjoram, Mrs. E. Ongley, Mrs. Payne. Mrs. Paull Mrs. Stonham, Mrs. Reeves, Mrs. Walker, Mrs A. Wallis, Mrs. A. Bond, Mrs. E. L. Mills, Mrs. W. J. Keene, Mrs. C F. Anderson. Mrs. W. E. Arnold, Mrs. H. F. Barnett, Mrs. S. Bowmer, Mrs. Buxbridge, Mrs. E. Fra s er, Mrs. G. H. Goodwriglit, Mrs. Hatchings, Mrs. F. C. Jacobs. Mrs. J. U. Jones, Mrs. R. H. Joy, Mrs. Joy, seiu, Airs F. Barber, Mrs. A. J. Copping, Mrs H. Carlson, Mrs. Carlson, sen., Mrs. Elmsley, Airs. Stralen Miss Joy, Miss Elmsley, Miss E Godfrey, Ma Reeves, Miss S. Ongley. Miss Busbridge (Port Albert).