WESLEY AN GARDEN TARTY.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 3434, 30 November 1900, Page 3

WESLEY AN GARDEN PARTY.

The annual garden party m connection with the Ladies' Guild of the Wesley an Church was held at Mr C. Bowker's residence, " The Pines," College road, yesterduy. Ar usual, the gathering was oil unqualified success, a very largo number of people walking and driving out. Mr Buwker placed hU ground* entirely <ut the <lisI>os*l of the Guild, and full advantage was taken of bin generosity. The general remark » on the neatness and beauty of the garden, lawny, etc.. wore most complimentary, imd it would have been hard to find anyone who was not delighted with the arrangements. The turf win soft and green and springy, and plenty of seating accommodation whs provided m sk&dy nooks and under large garden umbrellas. Formal opening was dispensed with The Hon. Hall-Jones had been invited to open the proceedings, but he sent an apology, being busily engaged m Auckland. The scheme of general amusements was a large one, and these were freely indulged m. Nail-driving and hat-trimming competitions were productive of the moot hilarious merriment, the Indies scoring well m both. Croquet, tennis, bowls and quoits, and a shooting gallery and a lollie stall, were all well patronised, those m attendance being kept very busily engaged. About 4.30 a delicious teai was served, the ladies of the Guild and an army of assistants looking after the wants of the holiday-makers. Among the visitors we noticed a< considerable number from Temuka, m fact it wan evident, at least on the tennis court, that Temuka was remarkably well represented. After tea the Rer. Mr Buttle called on Mr J. Brown, of Temnka, to move a hearty vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Bow- ' ker for their kindness m again granting j the use of their grounds to the Guild. Mr Brown did so m ai very able manner, and Mr Buttle endorsed and seconded the proposal, which was carried heartily, with three cheers for Mr and Mrs Bowker and the Misses Bowker. It was remarked by a gentleman present (Mr Duke, of Dunedin) that it was Mr Duttle's birthday, and three cheers were called for and promptly given. The games were then continued 1 with heartiness. A few instrumental selections by Mr Wood's string band, and some vocal items, were well rendered during the afternoon, and materially augmented the pleasure of those present. The Protestant Band also gave their services gratuitously. Mr Ellis had a drag service to and from the grounds.