HITHER AND THITHER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 90, 18 April 1938, Page 2

HITHER AND THITHER

College "At Home." A delightful annual custom was observed last evening, when following the service in the Collegiate School Chapel and the Empson dedication ceremony, the headmaster of the college, Mr. F. W. Gilligan and Mrs. Gilligan were "At Home" to old boys of the school ahd their ladies. Mr. and Mrs. Gilligan received their guests, many of whom had come from other centres to be present at the college functions. The "At Home" was held in the school dinng hall, decorated for the occasion with bowls of autumn flowers. Poppy Day Appeal. There is a busy time ahead for the Victoria League, for the council is organising the annual Poppy Day appeal, which takes place on Wednesday, April 20. As the date follows close on Easter the organisers are finding that a few of their regular collectors are 'unable to help. If there are any women who have the cause of ex-ser-vicemen at heart and would offer their help between the hours of 2 to 4 p.m. at the McGruer and Hallenstein corner stands, the Victoria League would be most grateful. Helpers are also needed for collections in Guyton Street, Harrison and Bell Streets and the River Bank. \.ill those willing to assist please let Miss M. Newcombe know as soon as possible? SATURDAY’S FESTIVITIES .MARRED BY RAIN. From here, there, and everywhere have come the visitors to Wanganui for the Collegiate School festivities and rowing regatta, making a record crowd for the Easter holidays. The heavy deluge of rain, desperately unwelcome though it was, did not seem to damp the spirits of the holidaymakers. During Saturday morning people crowded under the shop verandahs in the Avenue and streams of motor-cars were to be seen on every hand, while trams and buses were packed with folk. There was no opportunity for the feminine holiday makers to display their new autumn costumes and smart hats, rather was it a day for mackintoshes, umbrellas and goloshes, which many women and a few men, had wisely come armed with.

Even with water-proof wraps and umbrellas, several women had cleverly carried-out colour schemes. Bright raincoats and umbrellas made many a gay splash of colour in the throng of folk on the street. Seen crossing a flooded street corner was a girl in a raspberry red silk raincoat with umbrella to match. Another woman dashing pell-mell for a waiting tram wore a light blue transparent cellophane hooded cape which descended well down below her smart costume to protect her stockings from the rain. The hood was drawn up over her high-brimmed hat. This young woman did not have to bother with an umbrella. A light grey outfit with cherry collar and accessories and cherry-coloured silk umbrella was another outfit which looked attractive in Saturday’s rain. A lapis blue rain cape and hat, and one in agate green, were two outfits which attracted admiring eyes. There were hurried visits to the few shops that were open, for extra stockings, for rain drops are not kind to feminine hosiery and the various tea rooms were crowded during the morning. There were heard many cheerful suggestions that the grey clouds would pass before afternoon and other optimistic remarks concerning a rising barometer, but better weather conditions failed to materialise. Those who were determined to watch the sports or view the regatta, braved the elements. while others thronged the picture theatres.

In the evening the dining rooms of hotels were packed, demands for tables for dinner parties being more than could be coped with. There were also numerous private dinner parties, followed by an evening at the pictures or at the cabaret, several parties going to the dance after the theatre. Until late on Saturday night there were still crowds about.