TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 178, 29 June 1937, Page 11

TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD.

PARADE OF FAMOUS WOMEN

An entirely new form of entertainmerit ,which was as delightful as it A! as educational, was presented at the monthly meeting of the Palmerston North Townswomen’s Guild in the Empire Hall, yesterday altcrnoon. Nineteen famous women in fact and fiction were portrayed, Miss M. Cranston givin<r a brief outline of the lustoiy ot each character belore she appeared. Greai credit is due to Miss Cranston, at whose suggestion the programme was arranged, the applause which greeted those taking part when they all gathered on the stage at the conclusion of the performance being a tribute to her and to those taking part. ibe frocking of all the characters was most effective, and the characters lived tor the audience, so sympathetically weie tliey acted. , , The characters and those who portrayed them were: Portia, Miss G. Jamieson ; Nurse C‘avell, Mrs! . O Connor ; Lady Teazle, Mrs D. Millar ; Becky Sharp, Mrs F. H. King ; Rosalind, Airs K. Hansen; Olivia, Mrs J. Barsanti; Dolly Varden. Mrs IV. M. Huntington; Florence Nightingale, Mrs F. Lucas; Dora Copjierfield, Mrs TV. IV. Coutts, Grace Darling. Mrs H. Christmas; Lorn a Doone, Mrs E. Humphrey; Lady Beaconsfield. Mrs Spraggon; oaiiev Gamp, Miss Rawstron ; Mistress Page. Mrs R. J. Melver; Bella, the Maori guide, Mrs V. Stagpoole; Cleopatia, Mrs IV. G. Black; Miss Jerome Spencer 0 B.E. (founder of the Townswomen’s Guilds in New Zealand) Mrs IV. L. Turnbull; Mrs Flora Fincliing. Mrs J. Davidson; Queen Victoria, Mrs E. IV. Drake. , . . The judges were Mesdames A. A. Langley and J. Murray, who explained that marks were given for voice, diess, and deportment. Rosalind (Mrs Hansen) had been chosen as the winner, and was presented with the prize (donated by the executive). Others who wer© very close iiv the finul weie C.leopatra, Lady Beaconsfield and Flora Finching, and special mention 'was also made of Sairey Gamp. Their task had boon a most difficult one, commented Airs Langley. On the motion of the president (All’s A. E. Alansford), the judges were accorded thanks, as also was Aliss CiansAfiss Cranston commented that the presentation had revealed to her that there was a great deal of latent talent in the guild, and she hoped that opportunities would lie made to utilise it m tlie future. Arrs Alansford presided over the large attendance, associated with her lieing the secretary (Airs IV. 8. IVoodraofe). Alesdames G. Lyne and Howley were the door hostesses. New meniliers welcomed were Airs E. AI. Snell’ng. Aliss A. AI. Dittmer, AOss Alae Alurray and Airs E. AlcComisli. Invitations were received from tlie Hastings and Dannevirke- Townswomen’s Guilds to their fourth and third birthday parties, respectively. The president . expressed regret at the forthcoming deoarturc for Wellington of Mrs D. C. Pryor, and extended best wishes to her. Members were invited to attend a social evening to be held by the PlayReading Circle. . . An interesting competition, guessing the identity of members from photographs taken' in their childhood (arranged by Airs D. James) was completed from last meeting, Alr-s IV. AI. Tapp proving the winner and Mis loon being second. Dates of forthcoming meetings were given by Airs E. Howley (Alusic Circle) Mrs G. Lome (Gardening), Airs E. IV. Drake (AMs and Crafts), and Aliss AI. Grant (Civics). The president welcomed Airs Howley as the new convener of the Alusic Circle, and Airs Bigham as tlie leader of the Glee Club. Tlie ladies responsible for the decorations were Airs C. Anderson, assisted by Mesdames Ct. H. Barrett and L. Gold. The stage presented an attraetive appearance with a profusion of greenery, berries, and daphne, and Iceland poppies adorned the tables The tea hostesses were Airs IV. F. Field and Airs D. Evans, and tlie tea helpers were Mesdames C. L. Mnw'em, Al'Phersvn. Tv. AlcFa’-lnne, ATeadley, y*Vb--a. ATatbews. Mills, Atudgway, Alelvillo and Pointon.