CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 92, 20 April 1938, Page 5

CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

ANNUAL REPORT A YEAR OF PROGRESS The progress of the Children’s Garden Circle is revealed in the annual report. The circles activities have been numerous and varied, and the advancement made reflects credit on the oflicials. The report is as follows: —

"Membership. Membership hat grown considerably during the year. The roll is now over the 1300 mark, which reflects great credit to the circle. Besides members we have a great number of associate members, which shows that the movement has many people sympathising with it’s aims.

"Fancy Dress Ball.—During July, a fancy dress ball was heid for members 16 years and under. The event was quite successful and the social committee and willing helpers arc thanked for making this function a success.

"Badges. During September, arrangements were finalised for the purchase of badges. These badges have a background of old gold and green (the circle’s colours), and have the letters C.G.C. printed across them, whilst the circle motto "My Garden My Happiness’’ is printed round the outside circle. These badges were most acceptable and admirably suited the circle’s requirements.

"Show. —On September 17 and IS the circle staged it’s spring show. This function was a huge success and the standard of exhibits was excellent. Approximately 2500 people paid for admission to the show, while many hundreds of members and associate members were also present. Mr. Hector Christie, your president, addressed the children and then introduced Mi. Hope Gibbons who spoke to those present and declared the show open. During the show, an official visit was paid by Mr. Pearson, representing the National Daffodil Society. The show was also visited by Mr. J. B. Cotterill, M.P., the Mayor, Mr. W. J. Rogers, and members themselves did everything possible to make the show the success it was, and with the help of the Wanganui Education Board, (who granted members leave of absence from school) they were well rewarded. Local businessmen proved very helpful in as much as they were the source of msny of the trophies, etc., for prizes. "Birthday Party.—The circle held it’s birthday party in McGruers Hall, on Saturday, September* 25. This afternoon was very much appreciated by all those present, and the circle thanks the Wanganui - Rangitikei Power Board, and Mrs. Connor for their valuable services in making the birthday cake. The social committee and helpers were again responsible for the success of the afternoon. "Floral Service.—The annual floral service was held on Sunday, September 26. Members were invited to the Trinity Methodist Church and the service was conducted by the Rev. R. Dudley. The flowers were received and after service were distributed among the sick and suffering of Wanganui. About 200 members and officials attended this service which waj very impressive. "Card Evenings—During the year card evenings were held once a week. Although these evenings were not highly financial, they tended to the social side of the movement. Ou; thanks are due in no small measure to Mr. and Mrs. J. Allen and their little band of helpers who worked very hard for the success of these evenings. "Hospital Day. On December 4, the circle held a hospital day. This day, hospital boxes, flowers and toys, were distributed among inmates of the Wanganui Hospital by "Aunt Gardenia” and “Carnatio,” and helpers. These flowers and toys were ; very much appreciated and the circle is to be congratulated on the success of this undertaking. "Committees. —The social committee has worked very hard during the year. At any social function this committee has been well represented, and their work has been very much appreciated. Mesdames McLeay and Hood were co-convenors of this committee. The stalls committee worked very hard prior to the show. Mesdames Edmonds and Burbush were co-convenors of this committee. As a result of their work, the committee placed a very tempting array of goods on sale at the show, which brought good returns. The demonstration committee is one which has been well repaid for its cafb. Demonstrations commenced well before the show, and continued every Saturday until September. A considerable number of floral arrangements were demonstrated and the work of members at the show reflected great credit on this committee. Mrs. Fear ably carried out her duties as the convenor of this committee.

"Sub-branches.—The circle has several sub-branches on the Main Trunk Line and in Marton whilst on the other side, branches have been formed at Westmere, Brunswick and further afield. It is pleasing to note that these sub-branches are most eager lo carry the movement on and are, so far, successful in doing so. "Seed Distribution. During the year, 800 gladioli corms and 900 narcisus bulbs were distributed, whilst many hundreds of packeted seeds were also distributed. Mr. Shanks ably carried out his duties as seed distributer. Whilst the circle puichased most of these seeds and bulbs, quite a few donations were received and the circle is most grateful to the donors. "Finance.—As can be seen from the balance sheet, the circle has a credit balance of 124 19s Id. Outstanding accounts total £l3, leaving a nett balance of £ll 19s Id. Your circle purchased chairs and crockery to the value of £22 19s Id. "Donations. —During the year the circle received a handsome challenge, cup from Mr. J. A. Allen. This cup is presented to the district carrying out rule 3: "By distributing flowers Lethe sick and suffering.” ’me Parakino district is to be congratulated on annexing this cup, for the members regularly sent flowers to sick people in Wanganui. A beautiful cup has been presented to the circle by Mr. Muir, this cup to be known as the"isla Muir Memorial Cup, ’ and on the recommendation of the incoming committee is to be presented to the member who, in the opinion of the executive, has done most to assist the movement. This will be a challenge cup, and once a member has held it, he or she will not be able to hold H again. The circle received a handsome bequest from the ]ate Mrs. Jessie Hope Gibbons Estate. The circle

deeply appreciated this as the late Mrs. Hope Gibbons was an interested person in the circle. "Obituary.—lt is with deep regret that I have to record the loss of a number of our active members. Suitable wreaths and letters of sympathy were forwarded from the circle. "Thanks.—Thanks are once again due in no small measure to the "Wanganui Chronicle” and the Wanganui Herald for their unstinted help and consideration. To parents find associate members who have contributed largely to the success of the past year. To the Wanganui and Suburban Horticultural Society, for the loan of plant and also their consideration to the circle in placing special classes for members in their schedule. To the Wanganui Chrysanthemum Club for its valued services in teaching members of the circic points in chrysanthemum culture. To Trussell’s Orchestra, and the Queen Alexanders Own Band for their help at the show. To the New Zealand Co-operative Society, Wanganui, for the use of their rooms on several occasions. To all members of the circle thanks are due for loyal support during the year, and it is the hope of all that this support will continue to be given. The circle sincerely thanks ail those who have not worked in the limelight, but have worked hard in the background. For these are the people who must not be forgotten. To the officers of the circle a great deal of thanks are due. It is they who have built up this society and without their guidance the circle would be lost. "Carnatio” has had a great deal of work to do and is to be congratulated on his success. "Aunt Gardenia’’ and "Uncle Wai" have had their share of work and they too are to be thanked. To your treasurer thanks must be given, for it is he who has looked after the finance of the c>*le.

“It is with sincere regret that 1 write of your president’s resignation. Mr. Christie has been a loyal member of the circle and I am sure that members of the executive join with me in expressing the hope that Mr. Christie will continue to be an interested member.

In conclusion, may I once again thank all those who have helped to make this year such an outstanding success. In wishing the incoming executive every success in the future, may I ask that the loyal co-operation of other members be given, for tht; movement is one which is worthy of praise and recognition, and is one; which must continue to grow.”