HASTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 24, 15 December 1909, Page 65

HASTINGS.

December 9. A Huge Floral Fete. Hastings racecourse, with hundreds of people all' in gala dress and numberless decorated motor ears, ponytraps, bicycles, ete., presented a gay and picturesque scene on Wednesday. The weather was glorious and the function a huge success, and will help to materially swell the funds of the Society for the Promotion of Health of Women and Children, for which the fete was inaugurated. I shall not describe the gowns worn, as most of our smartly-dressed ladies were presiding over various departments, and all, with the exception of one or two, wore dainty white frocks. The ladies of the refreshment buffet all wore becoming white peasant caps of quilled muslin, with bands and belts of sweet pea colours blended.. This department was under the direction of the following committee of ladies, who are to be congratulated on the exceptionally nice afternoon

tea and luncheon provided, which the public* much appreciated and patronised well accordingly:—Mesdames Newbegin, Macdonell. Haise, Bennet, Lawlor, Basil-Jones, Misses Luckie and Newbigen. Close to the tea-rooms, in a cool bower of fern and palms, Mrs. (.'has, Scott and Miss Evans had a mystical gipsy tent. Mrs. Perry, assisted by Mrs. Jones, did a tremendous business in cordials. Adjoining this Mesdames Beamish, Miller, and Hurley dispensed dainty baskets ot sweets, and scored a large percentage of the day’s takings. The flower show was under the direction of Mesdames Tosswill, Williams, Fitzherbert, Perry, Russell and Miss Williams. Two most exquisite and artistic entries deserving of mention were decorated mantelshelf (first prize), by Miss Baird, in purple irises, and Mrs. Jack Beamish’s decorated basket with soft, misty pink fronds and old rose ribbon, which was greatly admired and quite an execution in artistic skill. The hidden treasure, na’ldriving and a whole variety of races and floral competitions were presided over by the following gentlemen:—Sir Wm. Russell, Messrs. Scott, Sunderland, Beamish, Campbell, Miller, Cameron, Hyde, McNiven, Maekersev, Lowry, O’Sullivan, Gooseman, Stratton. Ellingliain, Russell. Roach. Lindergreen, Bates, Weber, Bone, McCormick, Lanhuze. Pharazan. Among others who were present' at the function were: Mesdames Coleman Nairn (two). Hill, Be Lisle, Clarke, Barcroft. Fergusson, Baird, Hill, Brook-Taylor, Evans, Pharazan, Johnston, Nelson, Campbell, Hassal. Cameron, Gascoyne, Sunderland, Mackerscy, Price, Lowry. Peddie, McKenzie, Murray, Austin (Australia), Stralton, McLean. Hector-Smith. Rainbow, Carncross, Banks. Landels. Lewis, Gardiner, Goring, ■Faulkner, Beilby, Russel, Scannci, Rivers, Gregory, McLeod, Richmond, Wallace. Wellwood (three). Stead, Whitlock. Hobbs, Byers, Ellingham, Sunderland. Rochfort, Macfarlane, Misses HoadIcy, Cooper, Mason, Mackerscy, Austin, McLean. Hodge, Wilson, McGowan, Beale, Kelly. Rivers, Lanauze. BrookTaylor, Peddie/ Jones. Pupils’ Recital.

A recital by Mrs. Nation’s pupils was given in St. Matthew’s Hall last Wednesday* evening before a large audience, who testified their approval by spontaneous applause and frequent encores. The various pupils acquitted themselves in a manner reflecting the utmost credit on Mrs. Nation. Personal.

Miss Austin left* to-day with her mother for her home in Australia.

SHEBA.