HOUSEWIVES’ UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19273, 29 August 1932, Page 12

HOUSEWIVES’ UNION

BIRTHDAY PARTY. The first Birthday Party of the Timaru Housewives' Union was held in the Y.W.C.A. Club room on Thursday evening. The elaborate and beautifully decorated tables for the party, afforded a magnificent sight, thanks to the willing members who helped to make the party such a great treat. The gathering. which was a most successful one. was attended by over 50 members of 'he Union, besides outside artists, who, later in the evening, gave a very talented programme. A telegram conveying birthday greetings from the Dunedin Housewives’ Union was read. The "Loyal Toast" was proposed by Mi's Robertson (president of the Union). Mrs Fitzgerald (secretary), then proposed "The Union.” Mrs Fitzgerald asked all present to stand and sing the Union chorus “The More We Are Together." In responding. Mrs Robinson gave a short account of the work of the Union, during the past year, referring to ups and downs, those in office had had. the first year being a very hard one indeed. At this stage. Mrs Fitzgerald asked Mrs Robinson to cut the birthday cake, which was lighted with one candle: marking the end of the Union's first year in office. The next, toast was “The Chairwoman” (Mrs Robinson). Mrs Henderson. 4n proposing it. made a presentation on behalf of the Union members, and expressed the deepest j ’.egret of the Union that Mrs Robinson had declined the chair for the coming year. The members rose and sang •For She's a Jolly Good Fellow." The speaker went on to say that she and Mrs Robinson were the two first members in the movement, and they had to overcome many obstacles in laying the foundation stone for the Union. Thanks was also extended to Mrs Herbert, president of the Dunedin Housewives’ Union, who was responsible for starting the Union here. Mrs Henderson told those present that, if the Union flourishes as well this next year, as it did in its first year, it would be widespread over Timaru. Mrs Rendall proposed a toast “To Those in Office." remarking how well they had stuck to their guns and worked hard to make the Union a success. She said that if every member attended each meeting and worked with the Committee as well as the Committed had worked with the president, it would help their Union to a vast extent. Mrs Rendall then asked the rest of the members to sing “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows." In responding. Mrs Pottenger (treasurer). said that it had taken many hours of hard work to set the wheels of the Union moving, but now things j were making such good headway that it would be still more encouraging to the Committee and president if the members all attended each meeting. Mrs Robinson proposed a toast to those who so willingly helped to prepare things in the afternoon for the party, and thanked them for so eagerly giving up their time. Mrs Fitzgerald responded or. behalf of the “busy bees." saying that, even though the ladies were late home to get their husbands'

tea. they would be pardoned with the promise that they be invited to their next birthday party. It was regretted that the husbands were not invited to such an enjoyable festival as this, so that they could see and hear for themselves what progress the Union had achieved. The next toast was to the newlyelected President and her officers, and Mrs Robinson, in proposing this, stated that the new president. Mrs Pottenger, would find it a very strenuous position, but if the Committee worked in harmony everything would be well. Mrs Robinson then referred to the secretary, Mrs Fitzgerald, who had done her work well, and said she was sure the new president would find her most efficient. Mrs Pottenger, in replying, said if unity was strength, she hoped they would all work together and have another successful year. Mrs Williams proposed a toast to the artists who had come along to entertain them. Mrs Gledhill presented the most elderly lady member (Mrs Barnett) with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, stating that she had passed 90 years of age, and was so interested in the Union that the cold nights did not keep her from attending the meetings. Mrs Boulton, in replying on behalf of her mother, thanked the members and hoped that Mrs Barnett would be with them again next birthday. A very enjoyable programme was presented, entertaining all present till 11 p.m. Supper was handed round, and the party terminated with “Auld Lang Syne.” The entertainers were as follows: — Pianoforte solo. Mrs Hoskins; recitation. Miss M. Cooney; recitation, Miss D. Cooney; song. Master A. Rankin; recitation, Miss Carnegie; song. Miss J. Rankin: banjo solo. Master Rumble; recitation. Master Taylor; song, Mrs Currie; Irish jig. Misses Cooney; recitation. Miss Joy Rendall; song. Mrs Henderson; recitation, Master Rankin; tap dance. Master and Miss Taylor; recitation. Miss Carnegie; hornpipe, Master Taylor.