NATIONAL SOCIETIES COMBINE AT SOCIAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18629, 5 December 1928, Page 16

NATIONAL SOCIETIES COMBINE AT SOCIAL.

An exceptionally large gathering came together at the Caledonian Hall last evening, the occasion being a social organised by the combined National Societies. Before the proceedings started, Mr C. E. Jones referred to the King's illness and to the more cheering news of the day. The gathering then sang the National Anthem. Six societies were represented, the Lancashire, Cambrian, Manx, Caledon, ian, West of England and Scottish, and all contributed items, mainly national in character, to a most enjoyable programme . Mr J. Radeliffc, the chairman, said he believed the function was unique, and was certainly the first of its kind in Christchurch. He referred to the splendid attendance, and the spirit of closer unity and Imperialism which such a function would create. The Mayor, the Rev J. K. Archer, who was accompanied by the Mayoress, in a short speech, referred to the illness of his Majesty the King, and expressed the gratification that all felt at the news that his Majesty was slightly better. Although the danger was by no means past yet, said Mr Archer, the latest bulletin was most encouraging. In between the items the company danced to music from Duckworth’s De Luxe Orchestra. Mr E. Cheetham acted as M.C. The following items were contributed to the programme:—Scottish Society— Song, Mrs„Dulieu; Scottish reel, four young ladies. West of England Society —Song, Miss Millicent Jennings; quartet, Miss M. Jennings’s party. Lancashire Society—Clog dance, Miss Ludlow; recitation, Mr J. Becconsall. Manx Society—Songs, Mr L. A. Woods and

Mr L C Quane. Cambrian Society— Song, Mr E. Rogers; vocal items, Mr David Jones, with the Welsh Juvenile Choir in national costume. Caledonian Society— Song, Mr A. M’Dpnald; Highland dance, Miss Mavis Neate. On behalf of Ireland an Irish dance was contributed by Miss \ardley. Supper was served during the evenmflr W. P. Conibear moved: “That this assembly of Christchurch (N.Z.) Combined Homeland Societies respectfully ask the New Zealand and British Parliaments to bring their negotiations regarding the reciprocity of old-age pensions within the Empire to a practicable and workable finality.” The motion was carried unanimous-