HUTT VALLEY NEWS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 50, 1 March 1937, Page 14

HUTT VALLEY NEWS

HERETAUNGA GARDEN PARTY

(From "The Post's" Representative.)

■ The attractive garden and grounds cf Mr. and Mrs. S.Blackley's residence in Golf Road, Heretaunga, were at-their best; for the garden party held there, in support of the, Wellington Free Ambulance. Zinnias, hydrangeas, and asters in vivid bloom surrounded the house, and the pergolas and rose garden were equally lovely. Rain fell during the first part of the afternoon, but the weather' cleared' later sufficiently <o allow the holding of outdoer games and open-air stalls. . .Until then, visitors were: entertained at afternoon1 tea in the glassed portico overlooking the terrace and sunken garden. The tea conveners were ■ -Mesdames Crawford, Duncan, Ward, and Miss Duthie, and music was, supplied by Mr. Dean's orchestra. The garden provided many attractions. Guests were invited to treasurehunt in. one plot camouflaged with flowers, and a crystal-gazer provoked added interest. "Hoop-la" games were superintended by Miss Berkeley-Smith,. Miss. Farrell, and : Mr. Kronin, and "clock golf" .invited! the skill of the visitors on the wide lawns fronting the house. The many children present were entertained with outdoor games by Uncle Campbell, of 2YA. : Various stalls were managed by Mesdames Rogers, Joseph, A. R. Jones, Miss Jones, Miss Raymond, and ladies connected with'the Upper Hutt Branch of the Red Cross Society. Raffles and competitions added to the general interest. Postponed Party. The customary Christmas party given for children by the Hutt Railway Workshops Social Committee and postponed since last December was held on Saturday at the workshops, Lower Hutt, and was greeted by over 2000 children'and their parents. The buildings and grounds, decorated with flags and streamers, presented a gay appearance, and the many novelties for the children provoked much excitement.

The function, was ; officially opened by* the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Railways. The official party included Colonel and Mrs. McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. E. Casey, Mr. E. T. Spidy (Superintendent of Works), and Miss. !Spidy, Mr.'and Mrs. Millington, Mr. 'and Mrs. W. D. Burton, Mr. and Mrs. !siawley (Dunedin), and Mr. Mitchell. |Mr. Sullivan presented prizes to the 1 children wearing the most original cosItumes.

| The' Lower Hutt Municipal Band con--1 ducted the procession which marked !the commencement of the. entertainments. The large area of the workshops allowed for merry-go-rounds, a picture theatre, a cave with Santa Clause, and a Christmas tree for the distribution of toys, and such excitements as donkeyrrides, gymnastic and dancing displays, "family" . scooters, driven by members of the committee, and amusements offered by clowns and "fairies."' Pupils of Miss Peggy Hastings appeared in tap-dancing and other dance numbers, and Mr. Alfred Jenkins interested the children with his gymnastic display. Mr. McGuire took the part of "Santa Claus," , with the Misses Smith (2), Burton, McGee, and Burt assisting him as the "Christmas fairies." Tickets were distributed with the toys for ices, sweets, fruit, and soft drinks; and parents were equally well entertained at tea in the social 1 hall.

The social committee with their aides and members of the Hutt Railway St. John's Ambulance, were kept busy with the entertainment of the children all afternoon. The committee comprised "Messrs. F." C. E. Parr,.H. T: J. Facey, J. H. Leopard, W. Sullivan, W. Smith, F. Bonifant, I. Thompson, T. McGee, T. Wolland, W. Bond, F. Horrobin, F. .Eastham, A. Stratford, A. George, N. Cowan, W. Robinson, W. McEvoy, and F. Topham. Church Fete. A garden party organised in the grounds of St. Augustine's ' Church, Petonc, was exceptionally well attended. The uncertainty of the weather made it-necessary for the stalls to be erected in the church schoolroom, but games, competitions, and a copper trail were conducted out of doors. The function was officially opened by the Rev. Fielden Taylor, who with Mrs. Taylor, was welcomed upon ■ arrival with musical honours from the Petone Pipe Band. Mr. Fielden Taylor expressed • his appreciation of this later, following upon the introduction and welcome extended to him and to his wife by the Rev.'H. S. I. Kenny, vicar of St. Augustine's. He added that he was very glad'to be present, and, in a .brief speech marked by touches of his customary'humour,- declared the fete open. Trade -was brisk *in the tea rooms and at the stalls during the afternoon. The tea convener was Mrs. Burns, who was assisted by Mesdames Olsen, Robertson, Evans, Sayers, and the Misses Tegg, Trewern, Collett, Sherwin, and Hobbs. Those assisting with the stalls were Mesdames Caley and Tompkins (flower stall), Mesdames , Mockridge, Bassett, Miss Farnell and Miss Rait (needlework), Mrs...Sherwood (jumble stall),, Mesdames; Green, Sanderson, Dowley, Lanham,: and Miss^ Tompkins (cake stall); Mesdames Yates and Hughes (sweets), Mesdames Hunt and Bishop (ices), and the Girl Guides (produce stall).

'.Competitions were organised.by Mrs.. Whitham and Miss Whitham,. and Messrs. '., Townshend, Stewart, .::Huht/ Bishop, Booth, and Perrin. :