Kaiapoi R.S.A. Women Celebrate Anniversary

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31004, 9 March 1966, Page 2

Kaiapoi R.S.A. Women Celebrate Anniversary

About 200 persons attended a social function celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Women’s section of the Kaiapoi Returned Servicemen’s Association. A banquet was attended by the president of the Kaiapoi R.S.A. (Mr C. Rice) and Mrs Rice, the section’s auditor (Mr G. Hirst) and Mrs Hirst, who was the first secretary, and 64 present and former members. The president (Mrs F. Barnard welcomed the guests. The cake-cutting ceremony was undertaken by Miss P. Pearce, the only foundation member still active on the committee. Mrs Barnard introduced Mrs G. Hammer, who 25 years ago embroidered the single bed quilt, displayed on the wall of the hall. Mrs K. Munro gave the white linen material, which was designed by Mr Hammer, and members and others interested paid sixpence to have their names included. Amongst the thousand names is the Mayor of Kaiapoi in 1941, (Mr E. Gray), members of the Kaiapoi Borough Council and a Roll of Honour of the Second World War. Originally given to Rannerdale Home, the quilt later passed to Burwood Hospital. When the North Canterbury Hospital Board took over control, the quilt eventually returned to Kaiapoi as a valued momento. Appreciation was expressed ! by Mrs Barnard to the secret-1 ary for the last 13 years

(Mrs R. Collister) for all her work in arranging the celebrations and to all other persons who had given assistance. Mr R. C. Day, representing the South African War Veterans, extended congratulations on behalf of all the visitors. The master of ceremonies was Mr B. Quinn and dancing was accompanied by Mrs A. J. Percasky on the piano. Entertainment was presented by the Clarkville school orchestra, Mesdames A. Pearce and J. Baker (songs), Miss L. Barnard (recitations), Miss K. Barnard (piano), Mr G. Hirst (songs), members of the Kay School of Traditional Irish Dancing and pipers and drummers of the Christchurch Irish Society.