“OLD THAMESITES” GATHER

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1933, Page 3

“OLD THAMESITES” GATHER

ANNUAL MEETING AT SOCIAL. YEAR’S ACTIVITIES REVIEWED. The annual meeting of the Old Thames--ites’ Association was held at the Mon Desir, New Plymouth, last night, when there was an attendance of 50. In. opening proceedings the president, Mr. J. Garcia, welcomed members, particularly mentioning Mr. R. H. Coombes, who had just come from Thames to reside at New Plymouth. The annual report stated that the association had more than held its own during the year, membership having been well maintained, whilst the financial position also showed a slight improvement. The year had ben a somewhat quiet one but the executive meetings had been well attended, and an enjoyable social gathering was held to welcome back from a visit to England Mrs. Russell Matthews and to welcome the Thames bowling party, as well as the team from Te Aroha, and Madame Winnie Fraser, daughter of the association’s patron, the Rev. J. Nixon. Madame; Winnie Fraser delighted the members with several solos. Sergeant J. J. Power, Stratford, was congratulated on his promotion to Hamilton. Members attended the Presbyterian Church, 'where the Rev. J. Nixon gave a powerful address. So far the annual picnic had not materialised, but it was hoped that an endeavour would be made to hold a picnic during the coming season. Regret was expressed at the death of Mrs. W. F. Olson, Egmont Village, for whose sister, Mrs. A. Corney, sympathy was felt. Thanks were expressed to Mr. Alan Veale for placing a room at the disposal of the executive, to all who had assisted at the various entertainments, to the members of the executive, and particularly the secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. G. Reid. Prospects for the future of the association looked bright as there was a likelihood of several new members ' joining. It was interesting to note that old Thames residents were taking their part in alleviating distress. Mr. Reid, the secretary of the association, was a member of the Unemployment Relief Committee, Employment for Boys Committee, and other organisations. > The balance-sheet showed a credit of £2 Is. Officers were elected as follows:—Patron, the Rev.. J. Nixon; president, Mr. J. Garcia; vice-presidents, Messrs A. Veale and A. R. Davis; secretary apd treasurer, Mr. W. G. Reid; auditor,; Mr. A. Veale; executive committee, Miss Golan, Mesdames J. Dunn, Chivers, H. Billing, Messrs E. May, J. Dunn, A. Ladner, E. Billing, A. R. Davis, I. Goodwin, W. Brodie and J. Bond. The secretary was accorded a vote of thanks. Subsequent to the annual meeting an enjoyable social was held, interesting reminiscences of the old day at Thames being given by Mr. Nixon. Items, all of which were encored, were given by the following: Pianoforte solos, Mrs. B. B. Weller and Master Cliff Nodder; songs, Misses Betty Garcia and Amy Garcia, and Mr. A. Wright; recitations, Mrs. T. Shotter and Master Cliff Nodder; community song, Mr. H. Dempsey; musical monologue, Mr. H. Gilmore Smith; whistling duet, Miss Edna Rothery and Mr. H. Billing. The accompaniments were played by Miss Nita Garcia and Mr. P. Fredric. The performers were accorded a vote of thaijks.