CAMBRIAN NOTES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17759, 1 February 1926, Page 4

CAMBRIAN NOTES

DYFFRYN. At the welcome home to Canon and Mrs Wilford on Saturday, at St Mar garet’s College, be spoke of Wales, and he. sawas specially interesting to Welsh |)eople and to those present who know and love our gallant little country. "Mrs Carrington as Welsh, you know,” the Canon said, “and she had told us we must go to Wales, so we went in our little motor-car, which we called Louisa.” It was actually in Wales that the energetic Canon, after many attempts to find a sisterhood able and willing to staff St George's Hospital, which was his special mission, began to meet with the success which has crowned his efforts. They were staying at a farmhouse near the little village of Dyffryn, about five miles from Barmouth and not very far from Harlech, and one Sunday attended Divine service at the little Welsh church. The service was all in Welsh, with the exception of the second lesson, , which was read in English because the priest had noticed a brother Anglican and two sisters in the congregation. Canon Wilford had also noticed the sisters, and was amazed to see them in the wilds-of Wales. After the service he sought them and told them of his mission, and that New Zealand wanted sisters for the Church Hospital. They said they were Londoners, that they belonged to the Community of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, which had been established about eleven years; that their special vocation, like that of their patroness, was nursing. One ot their rules was that when their number exceeded thirteen they must start another House; and another aim was to expand and go to foreign countries. Thus was the seed sown in that little Welsh village which is to bear fruit in New Zealand. Canon W ilford then went abroad to Cologne, Boulogne, Caddenabbia and other places, and eventually found himself back at Folkestone, where a telegram awaited him from the Mother of the Community of St Elizabeth. She said she wished to see him at once He looked at the map and found he was 200 miles away from the sisterhood. He looked at Louisa and decided she could not do it. However, a friend lent him a high-powered car and he got there, and the Mother said she had considered the matter and would found a third order, which would provide the best nurses to be found in England for St George’s, and she, and a Sister will journev to Christchurch anrl could then return with a full knowledge of what was required so as to be able to help in this great work, of the Church. BIRTHDAY PARTY. On Saturday night in St Barnabas’ Schoolroom, Fendalton, Mrs T. Bowden and Mrs W. Walker were joint hostesses at a party to celebrate the coming of age of Miss Clara Bowden and Mr Geoff. Walker, and a most enjoyable party it was. The friends of both young people, about seventy in all, came from far and near to wish them well and to bring them beautiful presents. The hall was decorated with coloured streamers, and the stage with pot plants, roses and greenery. Mrs Bowden welcomed her guests wearing a black georgette flounced gown with floral motifs on the shoulder and low waist-line. Mrs Walker wore black jersey silk, relieved with white. Miss Clara Bowden’s pretty frock was of apricot brocade. Dancing, music, songs and competitions made the time pass brightly and merrily. Miss Nita Graham, Miss Clara Bowden, Mr J. J. Hall and Air Graham sang, and Miss Walton, in Highland costume, danced Scotch reels, the Seahnn Truibhas and an Irish jig. her brother playing the bagpipes. It was, however, to a certain extent a Welsh party, for Mr Bowden and his family are members of the Cambrian Society, and he is an honoured ex-president and she an energetic member of . the executive. Several Welsh people were there, Air and Airs R. 11. Williams, Air and Airs Hugh Williams and Dyfcd, Air and Airs David James, Air and Airs Owen Jones, Mr and Airs Aloorcroft, Mrs Deans and others. A quaint little ceremony was the cutting of the birthday cake. After the two who had gained their majority had each been presented with gigantic gilt latchkeys, the cake with twice twenty-one candles was placed on a table, the candles lit, the hall darkened, and the two guests of honour on either side blew out their respective candles in one “fell blow.” The lights were turned on again and they made an onslaught on the beautifully iced and decorated cake with knives, and handed it round. All present joined in singing “ They are jolly good fellows.” TIIE PICNIC. The annual picnic will be next Saturday, February 6, in Mrs Deans’s grounds, old New Brighton Road. A bus will leave \ ictoria Square punctually at 1.30. The fare is Is 6d return. Tea, milk and sugar are provided by the committee. Members take their own crockery and food. Children under fourteen free. A good sports programme has been arranged and several prizes will be competed for. Given a fine day, it should pc an enjoyable outing. CIIOIR PRACTICE. The next choir practice will be on Thursday, February 4, at the Y.M.C.A. at 7.45. A full attendance is requested, and much valuable time would be saved if members came punctually. Permission has been granted for a practice in the Cathedral every Sunday at 3 p.m. until the Fes-, tival of St David, March G. and all who wish to take part in this unique service are urged to attend practices. The service in honour of St David is a very special privilege, and is greatly looked forward to by English, Scotch, Irish and Welsh. It is the day on which all sects cap unite in a service of beautiful prayers, hymns and music in honour of the patron saint of Wales, that little country which far more than any other calls for love and admiration. Practices in the homes of various members are being arranged, which will give opportunities of becoming word perfect in the Welsh language.