COMBINED "AT HOME"

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 152, 23 March 1939, Page 4

COMBINED "AT HOME"

Welcome To Sir Horry and Lady Batterbee EMPIRE SOCIETIES The lead given in London by two important Empire societies, the Victoria League and the Royal Empire Society, was followed by the Wellington branches of these organizations yesterday when they combined to welcome the British High Commissioner, Sir Harry Batterbee and Lady Batterbee. These societies frequently join forces in London in extending the “hand of friendship” and, as they have very similar aims and objects, it was Utting that they should be antiong the last organizations to farewell Sir Harry and Lady Batterbee before they left England and among the first to welcome them jointly on their arrival in New Zealand.

The guests of honour, who were given a reception in the Palm Lounge of the Hotel St. George, helped in receiving about 300 people, who were also welcomed by Lady Buckleton, patron of the Victoria League, Mr. L. O. H. Tripp, president of the Royal Empire Society and Mrs. Tripp, acting president of the Victoria League.

Lady Batterbee who received a levely bouquet of rosebuds from Mrs. Tripp on her arrival, wore a becoming semi-tailored ensemble of dark navy cloque with draped bodice in tones of navy, grey and lighter blue. Her brimless toque was banded in small shaded feathers to tone, and she wore a single fox fur. Lady Buckleton was in black georgette with dusky pink lace blouse and high black brimless toque and Mrs. Tripp was wearing a frock of burgundy and white checked ninon over the same shade of silk and a matching hat. Miss Biggar, who accompanied Lady Batterbee was in a patterned frock of pink, green and white flowers on a brown background and her wide brimmed hat of natural leghorn straw was banded in brown.

After tea had been served speeches were made by Sir Harry Batterbee, Lady Buckleton and Mr. Tripp. The tea tables were decorated with tall crystal vases of pink and mauve asters and the cool green of the palms added a picturesque touch. At the official table with the guests of honour were, Lady Buckleton, Mr. and Mrs. L. O. H. Tripp, Sir Michael and Lady Myers, Sir George and Lady Shirtcliffe, Sir James Grose, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Addison, Miss Biggar, Mrs. H. M. Chatfield and Mrs. Larnach, vicepresidents of the Victoria League and Mr. Boyd Shannon. At the conclusion of the afternoon, Sir Harry. and Lady Batterbee met many members and friends of both societies.