KIHIKIHI NEWS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 68, Issue 5942, 12 May 1944, Page 2

KIHIKIHI NEWS

COMING-OF-AGE PARTY On Saturday, May 6, the Town Hall, Kihikihi. was the scene of much jollity, the occasion being the coming-of-age party for Leading Wren Mary Eyre, R.N.Z.N., elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Lewis Eyre, well known and highly respected residents of the district. Corporal Cyril Eyre, son of Mr and Mrs Eyre, arrived from overseas just in time for his sister’s coming-of-age evening. He was originally in the Long Range Desert Group, N.Z.E.F., and had returned home, but was detailed for special duty and sent back, was wounded and invalided home. His many friends were glad to see him back. Mr and Mrs Eyre and Miss Mary received their guests. Mrs Eyre wore a dainty frock of midnight blue with contrasting bands, Leading Wren Eyre wore her regulation frock, navy with soft touches of fluffy white at neck and sleeves, and Miss Gena Eyre, dainty floral silk. Mrs Eyre’s sisters had travelled from Papakura, Buckland, Taumarunui, and Te Kauwhata, and relatives and friends had also come through from Auckland. Among the gay throng were wrens, officers and men of the Royal N.Z. Navy, Air Force, Army, and several American officers were also present. Several men of the 2nd N4£»E.F., just returned from were also present, among them TWrs Eyre’s nephew. Everything went with • swing. The hall and supper room were each a picture,- being gaily decorated with clusters of golden berries, ferns and bronze and white fluffy chrysanthemums. The tables far sit-down supper (there were several sittings) were beautifully decorated with similar toned flowers in crystal vases. The floral designs were nicely carried out by the lady friends of Mr and Mrs Eyre. They also helped Mrs Eyre in her duties as hostess to cater for the comfort and pleasure of the guests in every way.

The supper was a sumptuous repast. Dancing was catered for by piano, stringed instruments and a piano accordion, and the music was much apprecited. Items were rendered during the evening by Miss Trenoar, the gifted elocutionist, Miss Jeanette Wyllie was very graceful in a hula dance, and Mr Neil Paul was in good voice and rendered two solos. All these items were much appreciated. Mr Lawrie, the toastmaster, also performed the arduous duties of M.C., assisted by Mr C. Whittle. After the loyal toast had been drunk, Mr J. G. Wynyard in well chos&a words proposed the toast of the guest of the evening, “Mary.” In wishing Mary great happiness and remarking in humorous vein that she could have a vote now. Mr Wynyard referred to the friendship and neighbourliness of the Eyre family with his own. They could not wish for better.

Miss Mary, in response, thanked Mr Wynyard, and specially her relatives, and all present, for their kindly expressions and wishes. Mr Eyre then presented his daughter with the key which entitled her to come home at “any old hour,” after which all present sang “A Happy Birthday to You.” Mr Donaldson proposed the toast to the parents, Mr and Mrs Lewis Eyre. He spoke of their sterling qualities, and of their family who were always willing to assist in anything for the good of the district, and of their many little kindnesses to many people. Mr Eyre suitably replied and thanked one and all for their presence there on the occasion of his daughter’s “coming of age.” He thanked the gentlemen who had spoken so nicely about them, and also those people who had come such long distances, ai}d w special thanks were due for the

who had given so much help that evening.

Mr Pattison then proposed the toast to Corporal Cyril Eyre. This toast was drunk enthusiastically amid cheers and shouts of “Good old Cyril.” Cyril voiced a neat little reply and thanked all.

Then came the cutting of the birthday cake by the guest of honour, a beautifully decorated cake made by Mrs Lewis Eyre. Many personal memories were stirred and at midnight “Auld Lang Syne” was sung by one of the biggest crowds who have even been in the Town Hall. The evening will live long in the memory of all, and all expressed appreciation for the wonderful evening. There were very many presents, numerous and costly, and a number of cheques, —(Contributed.)