GARDEN FETE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20484, 10 December 1934, Page 10

GARDEN FETE.

Funds Raised for Musical Society. HELD AT MONA VALE. “Mr Johnson must feel especially pleased in lending his grounds to the society—he must feel that musical people are in a position to appreciate to the full any form of beauty, and particularly gardens like these,” said Dr J. Right, in opening the garden party held at ” Mona Vale ” on Saturday under the auspices of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society. The fete was organised by Mr H. Sweney, assisted by Mr J. M. Heath, chairman of the society, Mr A. Adley, secretary. Mr R. C. Stone, treasurer and Mr F. Laws, chairman of the fete committee. Mr Laws introduced Dr Hight and thanked Mr Johnson for his generosity in lending his grounds for the afternoon. He also thanked members of the band of the Ist Canterbury Regiment, who, by permission of the commanding officer, were present to supply the j Dr Hight. vice-president of the society. said he felt honoured at being invited by the committee to open the fete. Its principal object, he explained, was to provide funds to enable the society to meet its liabilities in connection with the coming season. The society was labouring under an overdraft, he continued, and it was hoped that by the afternoon’s effort this would be reduced considerably. ” Those here this afternoon,” he continued, “ will derive pleasure by being among beautiful surroundings, and, looking round, there are also many ways of gratifying their desire for material pleasure.” He wished the organisers a most successful afterAttractive Surroundings.

Long before the fete was officially opened a large number of people wandered along tlie winding drive, bordered on either side by velvetv lawns and lavish flower gardens. The stalls were arranged jn a semi-circle on the lawn under the trees, displaying a variety of goods, which attracted a number of buyers. Rows of little flaers strung above the lawn fluttering gailv in the breeze, and a Christmas tree, bright with tinsel and bobbing balloons imparted a truly festive air to the proceedings. There were also manv attractions apart from the stalls, boating on the stream, competitions for those of a speculative turn of mind, beautifully-laid-out gardens of roses and long, cool walks for the garden-lovers, and afternoon tea for the thirsty. The arrival of Father Christmas caused excitement amoncr the children, who. to their great delight, received gifts from the Christmas tree. A spectacular march, directed bv Miss Marion Gro«e, and folk dancing by the pupils of Miss Tvy Fowler were features of the afternoon. The Stallholders. The stalls and the stallholders were: Flowers, Misses J. Irving, F. Black and R. Broughton, assisted by Misses M. Hilson and R. Royds: sweets, Mrs E. Jory, Misses R. Fulton, E. Collett and D. Roberts; cakes, Mesdames A. G. Lake, P. Graham, Misses A. Grant and K. Clayton; fancy stall. Mesdames F. R. King, J. E. Russell. Misses W. Gilpin, B. Gray and N. Bilcliff; strawberries and cream and soft drinks, Mrs M. Henderson, Misses J. Tanner, K. Blackwell and Mrs R. C. Stone; ice cream. Misses C. Xapper. M. Green and F. Sim: produce. Miss 1.. Williamson, Messrs J. M. Heath and W. B. Ramsay; Christmas tree. Miss D. Rounthwaite: afternoon tea, Mrs C. Gallop assisted by Mesdames D. Linguard, H. J. Hewinson, Misses X. Wilson. M. Wilson and B. Dowling. Messrs P. G. Graham. A. G. Thompson and A. Whitelaw were in charge of the competitions, and Mr J. Denham arranged the boating. Mr A. Rounthwaite was Father Christmas.

ST JAMES’ GUILD. Garden Party Held at “ Oakford.” The social side of parish life was greatly in evidence at the garden party held on Saturday afternoon by the Ladies’ Guild of St James’ Anglican Church, Lower Riccarton. Mrs GHampton Rhodes had kindy lent her beautiful garden at “ Oakford,” Riccarton Road, for the afternoon. This old garden, the extent of which can hardly be realised by the casual passer-by on Riccarton Road, provided a charming setting for the par,ty, its rolling lawns and hedged in gardens being full of pleasant surprises waiting to be discovered by those who wandered farther afield. Main interest centred on the big sheltered lawn at the back of the house, where the Boys’ High School Band played at intervals. The Riccarton Brownies also contributed to the afternoon’s entertainment by dancing round a rose-crowned Maypole under the directions of Miss Jean Harris. Miss Manhire and pupils gave some appreciated dancing items. At one corner 9f the lawn, under the shelter of a big tree, the tea tables were set out, produce, sweets, soft drinks and ice cream were arranged round the sides of the lawn. Mr H. E. Jarman, church warden, thanked Mrs Rhodes for generously lending her grounds, and the members of the band for giving up their afternoon to the fete. Mrs R. de Lambert is the president of the Ladies’ Guild and Mrs W. Coad the secretary and treasurer. Those at the various stalls were:—Produce, Mrs G. Aldridge and Mrs A. Cox; cake, Mesdames S. F. Wilson, B. O’Xeill, G. Bailey; variety, Mesdames I. Powell, W. Coad. H. E. M’Donagh, T. Washbourne; sweets, Mesdames H. Tonkin, W. F. Rickman; ice cream. Miss E. Bowbyes: afternoon tea. Mothers’ Union and helpers; soft drinks, Mrs W. Gilchrist; bran tub. Miss Jean Harris. Many appetising-looking entries were received for tlie cooking competitions. These were judged by Mrs W. Dawson, who awarded prizes as follows:—Juniors: Pikelets. Gladys Stone: shortbread. Gladys Stone; sponge sandwich, Audrey Bailey: plair. scones, Audrey Bailey. Seniors: Seed cake. Mrs Kingsford 1, Mrs Roberts 2; sultana cake. Miss Connie Lummis 1, Mrs Lightfoot 2: madeira cake, Mrs Roberts 1. Mrs Kingsford 2: soonge, sandwich. Mrs Anniger 1, Mrs Coad 2: butter sponge, Mrs Meecham 1, Mrs Luxton 2: date loaf. Mrs Blsckinore 1. Mrs de Lambert 2; girdle scones. Mrs Hamilton 1 : plain scones. Mrs G. Bailey 1. Miss Connie Lummis 2; tartlets. Mrs Jennings 1 : sausage rolls, Mrs F. Bailey l. Mrs C. W. Price 2: pikelets, Mrs Sladen 1. A*r « Hamilton