UPPER TUTAENUI DORCAS SOCIETY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11365, 11 October 1917, Page 5

UPPER TUTAENUI DORCAS SOCIETY.

HELPING THE WAIFS OF LONDON. The weather yesterday afternoon was not at all promising for the annual garden party and sale of work of the Upper Tutaenni Dorcas Society in aid of funds for Dr. Barnardo’s Homes, but, nevertheless, the residents of Upper Tutaenni, with visitors from Marton, assembled in strong enough force at Mr I. Jefferson’s homestead “Elmdale, ” to establish a record for their popular gathering. The grounds looked perfect, and the beautiful show of flowers, shrubs and wellkept lawns were greatly admired by thoso present. Games were indulged in, and the donkey rides caused much amusement. Mrs B. P. Lethbridge opened the bazaar with a few appropriate remarks, and was afterwards presented with a beautiful bouqeut of flowers by Miss Florence Jenkins. The Rev. J. Paterson, of Wellington, gave an interesting account of his visit to Dr. Barnardo’s Homes when in England, and the Revs P. J. Cossunv and L. H. Hunt followed with short addresses. As President of the Society, Mrs I. Jefferson made an ideal hostess, and, with the assistance of the committee, every possible effort was made to entertain the assemblage. The Marton Citizens’ Band, under Conductor A. E. Savage, rendered a number of selections, which added to the pleasure of the garden party. The lady workers had transformed, the granary into a wonderland of flowers, coloured drapings, and hunting, and the stalls were neatly arranged and laden with articles both useful and ornamental. Those in charge proved expert “hustlers, ” and the takings at the end of the evening exceeded the anticipations of the most sanguine. Thanks are specially due to the following ladies, who were in control: —Fancy work, Misses J. Morrison and De Linen; plain work, Mrs H.M Gower, Mrs M. Harvey, Mrs Jas. Johnston, and Misses J. Nishet and M. Gower; produce stall, Mrs R. Goebel, Mrs J. Ritchie and Mrs A. flower stall and Christmas tree', Misses M. Paterson and J. Galpin; lolly stall, Misses Y. Paterson, W. Gower and O. Tuckey; afternoon' tea and supper, Misses Johnston (3), Small, Jefferson, Gower, Collier and McDonell; flower girls, Misses Florence Jenkins and Selina Jefferson ; donkey rides, Messrs Alf Johnston and Leslie Paterson. It is estimated that the proceeds from the above stalls, etc., will amount to between £GO and £7O.

In the evening a concert was hold and despite the inclement weather a fair audience assembled and were delighted with the programme arranged by Mrs Williams. Misses Gower opened with a pianoforte duet, which was very artistically rendered, and the same remark applies to Miss Johnston’s overture. Messrs D. and L. Paterson and Alf Johnston acquitted themselves creditablv in a nigger character sketch, ‘ ; Home Back in Tennessee, ” and were received / with a popular outburst of applause. Tiro duet “Won’t You Buy My Pretty Flowers” was sung very sweetly by Misses J. Galpin and M. Paterson. Mr Foote was heard to advantage in “The Veteran’s Song.” Miss Dossie Parkes was tendered a heartv recall for her dancing of the Highland Fling, and also the Irish Jig, and bv special request repeated the Highland Fling in the second part. Mrs D. Galpin as a mouologist was exceptionally good, and in the soliloquy “In the Crowd” gave an exceptional fine rendition, and for a recall for her item in the second part responded with the recitation “Why We Left New Zealand. ’ ’ Mr Nattrass favoured the audience with several of his popular recitations, “Guilty or Not Guilty,” responding with “A Fallen Woman,” and later with “How Did You Die.” Miss Janet Galpin received an encore for her song “Dear Little Mother of Mine.” Mr Cowan and Mr Cairns pleased the audience with their songs, both gentlemen responding to encores. The duct “I Don’t Want to Play in Your Yard, ’ ’ was sung in character by Misses F. and W. Gower, and the young ladies had to respond to a recall. Mrs Williams and Mr Foote sang a duet from “II Trovatore, ’ ’ and were warmly received. The duet by Misses J. Galpin and S. Jefferson “Please Give Me a Penny, Sir, ” was the signal for a shower of coins, and in responding to an encore they were deluged with coppers. The singers were attired as crossing sweepers and were the means of raising over £4 for the Loudon waifs that they represented. Mr John McDonnel fulfilled the duties of chairman, and at the conclusion called for cheers for Mr and Mrs I. Jefferson, the performers, Mrs Williams, and the bevy of workers who were responsible for the raising of such a handsome sum for Dr. Barnardo’s Homes, which were heartily given, and a similar compliment was paid to the chairman. During an interval light refreshments were handed round, and later supper. The National Anthem concluded one of the most enjoyable and profitable gatherings of the Upper Tutaenui Dorcas Society.