VICTORIA LAY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17634, 26 May 1919, Page 10

VICTORIA LAY

A NOTABLE CENTENARY.

Saturday, May 24, was the- hundredth anniversary of the birth, of Queen Victoria, a name to be loved aaid honoured so long as tiie great Empire over which she ruled lasts. As the centenary of this happy historic event, the day was one of special significance to the Victoria League, which came into existence chiefly for the purpose of worthily perpetuating the memory of "Victoria tho Gocd," though it also exists to draw closer together the bonds of Empire and to give entertainment to distinguished travellers.

In'the morning a most beautiful wreath of white flowers on a background of autumn foliage decorated with red and white and blue ribbon was hung by representatives of tho league on the Queen Victoria statue by the Triangle. The president of the leaguo (Mrs Sim) and the executive entertained members in the afternoon at a social gathering in the Savoy lounge room. The Deputy Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) presided over a large attendance, and gave a brief appropriate, patriotio address.' At tho close he proposed the vote of thanks which has become customary at these sratherinsrs of the league to tho men who have fallen in the great war. _ This was carried by those present standing in silence. Professor D. B. Waters, who'saw long service with the New Zealand Tunnelling Corps in France, gave an Imperial address, in which he referred to the great aims and ideals for which we had fought-. He also paid a tribute- to the war work done by the Victoria League in London. Mrs Sim, as president _ of the league, presented the first prize in the league's esesay competition to Duncan B. MacGergor, of Maori Hill School. There were 40 competitors, and the second prize was awarded by the judge, Mr W. D. Stewart, M.P., to Joseph Mountjoy, of Oamaru North School. During the afternoon vocal solos were contributed by Mrs Bragh and Miss Theomin and a piano solo by Mis? Stevens. The function was a most successful one and admirably served the purpose of bringing members together in cheerful social intercourse.