MANUREWA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 223, 3 November 1916, Page 1

MANUREWA.

RED CROSS TEA. " Having thoroughly grasped the idea, Manurewa has heartily taken up the objects of the Victoiia League," said Mrs Hudson Williamson at a Red Cross Tea, given on Saturday afternoon last, by Mosdames Geo Coxhead and E Warlish, in the Public Hall. The building was charmingly decorated with native greenery and national Hags, and every seat was filled. A capital programme, mostly by city artists, was given, viz :—Pianoforte solos, by Meedames Pickeing and Leonard aDd Miss Fraser; vocal solos, by Miss Laura Walka, Miss George and Mr Tom Seaton; and an exhibition of ventriloquism by Mr Baldwin, who also contributed a capital recitation. Many of the items were encored.

In dispensing refreshments and afternoon tea to such a large audience, Mesdames Coxhead and Warlish had the assistance of the following young ladies: —Misses Dora Lovoll, Dorothy and Vera Warlish, Doris Phillips, lima Pegler, Annie Coxhead, Maggie and Bella Craig, Florence Freshney, Dorothy Druce, Mollie Juckes, ' Leila Thompson, Olive Perry, Daisy Harrison and Lulu Lupton. The afternooon being fine, and no trouble or expense being spared, the function was a great success, over £l2 being raised for the funds of the Victoria League.

Mrs Hudson Williamson, a veteran worker in patriotic movements, received hearty applause for her spirited remarks. "These Red Cross teas," 6he said, " have brought about a great unity amongst the womanhood of New Zealand, and I believe that even after the war, and when the necessity no longer exists, this organisation will continue to live in the hearts and lives of the people." Touching on the very fine work of the Y.M.C.A. and its Christianising work in the trenches, so the work of the Victoria League, she said, was world-wide. Continuing, she said : " The influences at the front were not all good, and some would undoubtedly go down under evil influences; but when our ' boys' returned we should be ready to receive them, and our womanhood had no right to sit in judgment on them. We should remember that if he fell, he fell in the interests of those who stayed at home, and it is the duty of the womanhood of New Zealand to mother the fallen ones." The speaker concluded : " With pleasure I recognise how you people of Manurewa have grasped the idea of helping the boys with your shillings "

The Manurewa Musical Society has been successful in securing the services of Auckland's most popular soprano, Miss Laura Walker, to take the part of Plaintiff in the future productions of "Trial By Jury." Miss Laura Walker is a cousin of Madame Melba, and as her reputation as a singer is widely known her inclusion in the caste of " Trial By Jury" will certainly help to swell the audiences at each district in which it is contempla'od to put on the production. Mr T. J. Corin is taking the part of Counsel for the Plaintiff in the place of Mr Wilson Tayler, who, owing to his fathor's death, is unable to perform. The next performance is to take place in the Alfriston Hall on Wednesday next, at 8 p.m.