ANNUAL RECEPTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23401, 18 July 1939, Page 3

ANNUAL RECEPTION

ROYAL EMPIRE SOCIETY MEETING IN LONDON INTERESTING FUNCTION [from our own correspondent] LONDON. Juno 20 The reception of the Royal Empire Society, hold every year at the Imperial Institute, South Kensington, is an event of the London season which never fails to attract visitors from overseas. This year's was no exception. Several hundred people wero received by tho chairman of the council, Sir Frederick Sykes, and Lady Sykes, together with vice-presidents and members of the council, including Viscount Bledisloo. The Dominions Secretary, Sir Thomas lnskip, and Lady Augusta lnskip wero present. Later in tho evening the Jehnngir Hall was packed when the Earl of Athlone, deputy-president, presented tho Gold Modal of the society to Lord Hailey in recognition of his work "An African Survey." In acknowledging the honour, Lord Hailey paid a tribute to the colleagues with whom ho had worked. He also said that the world was watching the Empire to-day in its administration of backward peoples. Now Zealandcrs visiting London would always be well advised to keep this reception on their list of engagements, for it offers an exceptional evening's entertainment. In addition to the excellent exhibits from all parts of tho Empire in tho Institute, there is a selection of a concert, films, and dancing. This year Miss Hincmoa Rosieur was til New Zealander invited to take part in the concert. She sang "Only a Rose" from "The Vagabond King," and appeared again in a quartette.