OLD PEOPLE’S DAY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3246, 31 March 1943, Page 7

OLD PEOPLE’S DAY

COROMANDEL AFTERNOON ENJOYABLE FUNCTION WOMEN’S DIVISION ENTERTAIN There was a large gathering of guests for the Annual Old People’s Afternoon held by the Coromandel •branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Coromandel, on Saturday, March 20. The president, Mrs Evans, welcomed everyone and drew their attention to the welcome sign at the end of the hall, “In Friendship, Love, and Truth,” saying that those words could be taken as a welcome too. The National Anthem was then sung. A very dainty afternoon tea was served and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. The table was beautifully decorated with mauve and white flowers. Mrs Evans called on Mrs Vose, the oldestHady present, to cut the beautifully-iced cake whidh was then handed round. Mrs Vose was also the recipient of a token as the oldest lady present and Mr Stewart as the oldest gentleman present duly received a gift too. Gifts were also presented to Miss Griffin, the oldest division member and Mi’ Brownhill who had just come of age (70).

“For They Are Jolly Good Fellows” was heartily sung. Suitable replies were made by the recipients of the gifts who each expressed their pleasure to be here once again.

A short programme of items was given and received the attention of all. The programme was as under:—Recitation, Miss Russell, “A Charlady’s Confidences,” vocal duet, Mrs Battson and Miss Martin, “Ora Pro Nobis”; song and chorus, Misses Loma Strongman, Jill Evans, Noeline Savage and Vai Strongman, “Bless ’Em All”; recitation, Miss Merle Gamble, “You .Mustn’t Do Bat”; vocal solo, Miss Jean McLellan, “The Sunshine of Your .Smile”; pianoforte solo, Miss Janet McLellan.

Expressions of appreciation for the afternoon’s entertainment were made by Messrs Hovell, Boyce and Rev. Aker, all of whom - thanked the Division for giving them all a very happy time. The proceedings were closed with the singing of “A Perfect Day.” MQNTHLY MEETING NO ANZAC DAY LUNCHEON The monthly meeting of the Coromandel Branch of the Women’s Division was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on. Saturday, March 20. Mrs Evans presided over a good attendance of members.

A letter was received from’ Dr. ißarnardo’s Homes acknowledging a donation of £3‘3s from this division, and conveying- wannest thanks to the members. After a short discussion it was decided to send a donation of £2 2s to the Rest Home.

A letter was read from a soldier overseas who had received a parcel with the name and address of Mrs Evans, inside. Apparently it was a patriotic parcel, the contents being donated and the name and address of the giver being enclosed. The letter stated how very much the contents were appreciated and that the shortbread was as fresh as when it packed..

A report of the provincial meeting held recently in Paeroa was read by Mrs Preece. Included in the report it was stated that the University lecturer, Mrs D. E. Johnson was present and one of the points she stressed was that women did not take enough part in public life in New Zealand and said there should be at least s'o' per cent, women on all councils, Parliament,

juries, etc. Mention was also made regarding representations that had been made foy the Coromandel branch on behalf of the children of the Kopuatauaki school who had been some time without a teacher. It was learned that the matter had been brought under Mr Thorn’s notice and he had lost no time in arranging this matter satisfactorily for the present.

A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Preece'for the interesting report. A vote of thanks was also accorded to Mrs E. Turner for her hospitality in accommodating Mrs Johnson when she was in Coromandel. A discussion ensued regarding the entry for the Rose Bowl competition, the material to cost no more than 10s. It was finally decided to purchase material for the child’s frock to be smocked. I In view of the fact that Anzac Day I this year falls on Eas+er Sunday it i was proposed by Mrs Wilson and sec--1 onded by Mrs McKenzie Snr., that | there would be no luncheon as in other

years but that the day would be observed as a Sunday. It was also resolved to give the local R.S.A. branch a donation of £5 5s instead of the usual luncheon in view of the calls which are likely to be made on that association in the near future. It was proposed by Mrs J. Ecclej stone and seconded by Mrs Wilson ; that a letter be sent to the R.S.A. ex- ' plaining the division’s decision respecting Anzac Day and enclosing the donation. «