INCREASINGLY BUSY GONG AGAIN PRESENTED

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 32, 2 November 1942, Page 3

INCREASINGLY BUSY

GONG AGAIN PRESENTED

A.N.A. Report Reveals interesting Figures Overwhelmingly large crowds of men and women of the forces made full use of the facilities offered at all the service dubs throughout tile weekend. An essential service, that of providing a place where they can relax and feel at home when on leave in Wellington, is being furnished, and club committees, hostesses and cafeteria helpers are continually reorganizing and expanding activities to meet the heavy hospitality demands. The Army, Navy and Air Force Club, IS an extremely busy centre, and a gratifying report lias recently been received from the club’s treasurer, Mr. C. G. Thomas. It discloses that during the past month .12,7814 hot 'meals, 3204 teas, and 7142 suppers were served, No record is taken of Sunday suppers, as there is no charge on that night. The report also shows that the attendances are steadily increasing every succeeding month. The ballroom mid annexe were crowded on. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During the week voluntary musicians providing dance music' were Sergeant Trevor Powell, Driver Walter 1 enman, Mesdames Allen and Dickson, Messrs, d. Uhalkcr and L. Cunninghame. Hie cafeteria committee wishes to thank the lotlowing donors : —Case of provisions, ««■ men’s Home Guard, Patea, per Mrs. b. Broker; fortnightly gift of ham, 1. HWalker and, Sons, Hawera ; box of jam, Tiiiui W.D.F.U., per Mesdames E. * - Pain and Ashworth; careases of sheep, Te Apiti station. Havelock North, and Anonymous, Wellington; vegetables, Hutt Valley W.W.S.A., per Mrs. L. 1 ickard; monetary donation, A.N.A. helpeis, Marton, per Mrs. S. Simpson. • > Former guests of the British bailors Society have, ou returning to lunglanu, been generous in their praise of the wetcome accorded them when they were in the Dominion, and this week the society received a letter from its London headquarters >xpret?sing admiration tor tne work of ’Wellington members, and the promise of a einesound film projector as a mark of appreciation. Thirty-four seamen were taken by ferry to Days Bay on Saturday afternoon, and accommodation was taxed to capacity for the concert held on Saturday night.. Hems were given- by Misses R. Thompson and D. Glenn, ’mid Mr. Matheson, of the Im Hat Club, and Mr F. Ki’lstoneeontributed special numbers. Mr. L .Jackson took the Sunday service, and Misses M. McCallum and N. Benton were the hostCS The largest dance since thc o Victory Club’s inception was held on Saturday niMit. M.C.’s were Staff-Sergeant RSloan and Gunner J. Marshall, and Messrs. Wade and Henderson were on duty. Miss K. .McDonald entertained with a skipping dance, and Ngaire Slack and .Tack Marshall played the extras. Prizes were won by Marjorie Pegram and Corporal L. Baird, Anne McCullock iind 1,/Ac. Ross Thornton, and Pamela Coxhead and C/O Ken Andrews. Ofligial hostesses were Mrs. G. M. Anderson, Misses N. Sparites, ami May Morton. Servicemen expressed' their appreciation of the delicious tens, and savoury suppers served at the Cinderella Club. Mr. T. Duncan played for dancing on Sunday afternoon, and Mrs. Allan s orchestra supplied popular music in t e evening. The club wishes to thank the Petone Land Group for gifts ot vegetables. and would be grateful for the loan or gift of an electric fan for the summer months. ,■ . , „ Instead of the usual Sunday conceu, a social evening, combining music and community singing, was held yesteiday at the Toe II Club. The lounge was decorated with flowers, given by club wellwishers, and supper was served by a team of voluntary helpers. Friday s dance drew guests from all branches of the services. many of whom took advantage o the dancing tuition given by the girls on duty. Others who did not dance found amusement in the lounge, where ii variety of games were at their disposal. J hanks are extended to tho.se who sent donations, and further contributions in the form of produce or flowers would be most acceptable. ■ Move than 500 service people were present at a traditional Halloween party and dance convened th n TAV.C.A. Friday by members of the Business. G Us Lyceum and the Old Collegians Chib, who wish to thank all lhL ‘ ~v ol" l lA a I 7 helpers who gave assistance., the l-l uentertained on Saturday, and 60 inen amt girls went on a “mystery hike in VVilton’s bush yesterday morning. Cafeteria helpers included members of thc_ Methodist Choir, and the Business ana 1 rofessional 'Women’s Club, supper'being supplied- by the ’Wadestown 1 resbyterian Church The Rev. R. Thornley took the service, which was followed by the Young Pretenders’ Drama Club programme, “Let the People Sing.” Vegetables to help the weekend menus were gratefully received bv tho kitchen committee from the Karori, Lower Hutt, and Russell Terrace W.W.S.A. land groups.

Hr. Annand-Smith guru a brief history of the Gillies Gong anti the aims nud objects behind the thought at a Junior lied Cross party held recently at Makaia. lie warmly congratulated the people of. Maknru in their tine record of winning it for the third time, and Mr. J. Monaghan, county representative, expressed sincere admiration for the splendid way in which (lie residents of Makara had supported such a worthy cause. ■ Dr. Gillies, in presenting the gong to (lie secretary. Miss Lynora Bailey, outlined the wide field of benevolent woin being undertaken by the Red Cross in all theatres of the war Tie stressed tue importance of children being brought up with the ideals of service to others. .Mr. IT. Trotter, representing the school committee, welcomed the guests, and Air. II Watson, on behalt ot the Red Cross, warmly thanked Mrs. Fitzgerald, the organizer, and her large band of he le* for their splendid efforts. JI he profits had amounted to £59.