CHEER FOR THE OLD FOLK

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 9 December 1927, Page 5

CHEER FOR THE OLD FOLK

ENTERTAINED BY HASTINGS ROTARIANS.

EN JOYABLE OUTING.

It was indeed a very happy and comradely gathering that assembled at the Hastings Municipal Hall this afternoon, when 46 residents of the Parke Island Home, including four ladies, sat down to luncheon with the Hastings Rotarians, who entertained them as their guests. The whole atmosphere was absolutely free from restraint, everybody abandoning himself or herself to the spirit of the occasion, and it would be difficult to say who were enjoying themselves the more —the guests of honour or their delighted nests, many of whom, with, their lady friends, waited assiduously on their visitors.

Chief Rotarian A. E O’Meara presided, and on either side of him were seated Mr J. B. Andrew of the Home Committee). Mr R. Hav Chapman (manager of the Home). Miss Anderson (matron). Mrs Hay Chapman, and Mrs Buddo. whilst six members of the Hastings branch of the Maori War Veterans’ Association were present by invitation. The tables were artistically set out by tlie ladies, who decorated the board with a profusion of prettilv arranged flowers, and on each plate was placed a beautiful bouquet in addition to a tin of tobacco or a package of cigarettes for the guests. At the conclusion of the repast. Chief Rotarian O'Meara expressed the pleasure of the club members and their sense «f the privilege afforded them by the presence of the residents of the Home at this annual entertainment, He assured them that if their guests derived as much pleasure from their outing as the Rotarians did from'the company or residents of the Home, then there was no doubt whatever that they must be having a good time. He missed from amongst those who were present last year the face of the late Mr Harris who had worked so hard and enthusiastically for the good of the Home, which bad sustained such a loss in his death. He concluded by wishing them all a .Happy Christ, mas. expressing the hone that thev would all be with the Rot i again next year. 'VETERANS' THANKS Mr. W. Y Dennett, on behalf of the Maori War veterans, the number of whom, he said, was getting smaller year by year, thanked the club for the invitation extended to them to meet the visitors from Parke Island. He wished them al) a happy Christmas and a bright New Y’ear. Private Vincent, on behalf of the old soldiers at the Holne. thanked the Rotarians for their hospitality. The outing provided, he said was quite delightful and it reminded him of a deep drink of clear water on the scorching march io Tel-el-Kqbir. Mr. Hay Chapman returned thanks on behalf of the guests. There were some of the residents who were unable to be present, but the Rotarians, in their kindness, had not forgotten them, because gifts of tobacco and cigarettes were being sent home to them, and these presents would he much appreciated. The residents looked forward to this annual outing provided by the Rotarians. If was a red-letter day looked forward to year by year

Mr. J. B. Andrew, on behalf of the executive of the Home and of the residents, , also thanked the Rotary Club. If the members could see the eagerness with winch the guests anticipated this holiday, he said, it would, in some measure, recompense the members for their thoughtfulness and generosity. He also regretted the death of Mr, Harris, who had toiled so devotedly for the Home for so many years and for the old people who were fortunate enough to find in it a home. Parke Island Home was not a Napier institution. It was open to old folk in Hawke’s Bay and as many more as they could find room for. He again thanked the hosts, not only for their practical interest in the Home, but for the genuine interest they took in the hospital. MUSICAL AND VOCAL ITEMS. During the afternoon Mrs Evelyn Barley sang four songs, to the accompaniment of Mrs W. C. Whitlock, which were warmly applauded, and an orchestra played selections at intervals, whilst the gathering al] took part in several community sings. The day was beautifully fine and / the guests were conveyed from the Home in fourteen motor cars, provided bv the members of the club, taking the Fernhill route to Hastings. At the conclusion of the programme the nartv left on their return home via Havelock -North and Clive, delighted with their experience.