GARDEN PARTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23274, 17 February 1939, Page 3

GARDEN PARTY

CHURCH TRUST FUNDS METHODIST WOMEN'S GUILD ENJOYABLE EPSOM FUNCTION Under the auspices of the St. John's Methodist Women's- Guild, Ponsonby, a garden party to augment the church trust funds and to assist with the renovation of Auckland West parsonage, was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Alpe, Ranfurly Road, Epsom, yesterday afternoon. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. J. H. Blackwell, who was welcomed by the Rev. F. J. Hardy. She was presented with a sheaf of gladioli, gerbera and sweet peas by Miss Effie Alpe, while Mrs. Alpe received a bouquet of autumn-tinted dahlias from little Pamela Oldfield.

A large and representative gathering was present, including visitors from different parts of the city. The hostesses who received them were:—Mrs. W. A. Cooke, Mrs. J. Matthews, Mrs. W. F. Hardley, Mrs. M. L. Braithwaite and Miss J. Wilson. The guild members in charge of the various stalls were:—Cakes, Mrs. George Smith, Mrs. T. Stoodley and Mrs. H. Worsnop; sweets, Mrs. L. M. Hutchins, Mrs. A. E. McKenzie, Miss J. Thompson and Miss Vera Arneil; flowers, Mrs. A. A. Oldfield, Miss Joyce Russell and Miss Doreen Wilson.

An enjoyable and entertaining programme included items by the Celeste Trio, comprising Airs. L. F. Rudd (violin), Miss June Taylor ('cello) and Mrs. L. Grace (piano); and by Mrs. Gwen Do Berg, Mrs. Norman Nicholls, Miss Betty Brown and the Rev. Arthur Mitchell, who sang.. The accompanist was Mrs. Reginald Reed. Shoulder sprays were presented to the ladies contributing items by Mrs. A. E. MeKenzie.

An exhibition of dancing was given on the lawn by the pupils of Miss Mardi Brooks, and a putting green in the charge of Mr. Alpe added to the afternoon's enjoyment. Afternoon tea was served by the guild's afternoon tea committee, comprising:—Mrs. M. Harrowell, Mrs. Boag and Mrs. J. McLanachan, assisted by Mrs. E. E. Pierce, Mrs. H. M. Patrick, Mrs. R. Wade, Mrs. H. J. Watts, Mrs. H. N. Hansen, Mrs. E. Jackson, Miss Morey and Miss Milne.

At the close of the function, the Rev. Percy N. Knight thanked Mr. and Mrs. Alpe for their hospitality.