SOCIAL GATHERING

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160797, 3 November 1920, Page 3

SOCIAL GATHERING

MR AND MRS KNOWLES ENTERTAINED. A representative gathering assembled in the Druids’ Hall last evening for the purpose of extending a welcome to Mrs Knowles (nee Miss Dormer Maunder) in recognition of her valuable!' work in Belgium during the war. The gathering included a large number of local ladies who worked under the direction qf Mrs Wotton in the interests of the Belgian relief cause, returned soldiers” the Mayor, (Mr T. B. Williams), and Mayoress, and Mr C. H. Burnett, who was president of the local Belgian Relief Fund. Tho hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion with flowers and evergreens, while festoons of flags were suspended overhead, harmonising beautifully and creating a most artistic effect. Mr and Mrs Knowles were presented to- those present by Mrs Wotton. The Mayor, in his opening remarks, was apologetic regarding the attendance, and stated that it was characteristic throughout New Zealand that on the declaration of peace the people had decided that the best course to adopt was to forget the war and do all they possibly could to repatriate the soldiers. When Mrs Knowles understood the conditions he felt sure that she) would not be disappointed. The local people, who had been connected with war work, and members of the Patriotic Association, were well acquainted with the valuable work Mrs Knowles had accomplished, and by her untiring efforts she had earned their heartfelt appreciation. The valuable services she had rendered Would be remembered by many generations. The Mayor then referred to the lecture this evening, and said he hoped this would be largely attended, when Mrs Knowles would relate her experiences in a most able and convincing manner. (Applause). Mrs Knowles expressed her pleasure at the cordial welcome and at meeting those who had assisted her so ably* during the' War. She referred briefly to the great strain during her administrative - work in Belgium, and stated that on many occasions she had felt very far away. She did not know whether they believed in telepathy, but often she had felt herself to be working in perfect tune with those at this side of the world, and when letters reached her from Wanganui they had brought her that encouragement and help she had been longing for. »She was looking forward to this evening when she would have an opportunity of giving a concise and realistic account of her work in Belgium, and how it had been carried out She again thanked the gathering for the welcome they had given her and stated that it was) an occasion which she would* always. remember. (Applause) . During the evening the R.S.A. orchestra, under the baton of Mr R. O’Hara, contributed several items, which were greatly appreciated. Miss Sawyers acted as accompanist at the piano. A dainty, supper was handed round before the gathering dispersed.