RECEPTIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19551, 6 August 1925, Page 10

RECEPTIONS.

FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS. (From Odb Own Cobbespondent.) LONDON, June 25. Yesterday afternoon The Goldsmiths’ Company entertained a large number of overseas people at' their hall in citj. Everyone asked tried to make a point of being present, for the ancient city companies entertain their guests on a generous scale, and moreover they have valued possessions in their halls which are worth going far to see. The Goldsmiths’ Hall is a large building, off Cheapside, sumptuously appointed. It is the fourth hall which this company has had, alwavs on the same site, and was opened in 1835. The third hall was seriously damaged by the Great I ire of 1666. The ancient site was called “The Goldsmithy,” and was conveyed to the company by deed of sale about 1540. A Guild of Goldsmiths is known to have been in existence long before 1180. The court rooms are spacious and highly decorated, and in several there are imposing displays of ornamental and massive silver gilt plate, as well as valuable paintings and portraits. An excellent concert was provided in the Livery Hall, by the London Light Orchestra, and there were folksongs and duets by Miss Muriel George and Mr Ernest Butcher. The list of guests was arranged by the Council of the Royal Colonial Institute, and many New Zealanders received invitations. Of the total invited 566 were actually present, and they thoroughly appreciated the courtesy. Mr H. C. T. Handxo (Prime Warden of the company, and a well-known city banker), with Mrs Handro, received the visitors. . . _ , Six of the city companies have ottered similar hospitality for the present season, and the Royal Colonial Institute, in makjjwr up their lists, have been careful to arrange that different people are invited to the different functions, so that every visitor may have an idea of some part of the city’s possessions and may enjoy a visit to one at least of the famous Livery Halls. THE LYCEUM CLUB. This week, at the Lyceum Club a pleasant reception, combined with a dance was given chiefly for Indian and New Zealand visitors. There were some, too, from Australia. One of the most interesting of the guests was Madame Montessori.°Lady Parkinson, one of the hostesses for the evening, helped to receive the visitors. Among the New Zealanders were Mrs W. H. Parkes, Mrs L. M. Myers, Dr Mary Blair, Miss Bartleman, Miss C. Crichton-Imrie, Mrs T. Young, Sir Thomas Parkinson, Mies Duthie, Miss Gladys Raymond the Agent-General for Tasmania and ’Mrs Eccles Snowden, and several members of the staff of the Mothercraft Training headquarters who were specially interested to meet Madame Montessori.