RAMA RAMA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 231, 1 December 1916, Page 3

RAMA RAMA.

(See also Page 1.) PATRIOTIC GARDEN PARTY A most enjoyable afternoon wai spent by the public on Wednesdaj when Mrs F. L Wright held a verj successful garden party at her resi dence and grounds at " Raven' thorpe." The party took the fore of a gift afternoon in aid of tht Belgian Fund. A large table on the lawn held the gifts and it was taxed to its utmost, a varied assortment oi both useful and ornamental goods being displayed, not the least valuable of which was a large ham about I7lbs in weight. The weather ■was all that could be desired and the grounds were at their best. The visitors, who numbered about 150, were delighted and took advantage of the opportunity to explore the gardens thoroughly. The many walks and corners were pointed out by placards bearing the inscriptions, ''To the Falls via Primrose Walk, to the Rose Walk, Rhododendron Path, to Willow Island and the Giant Ti-trees, Rose Pergola, etc." The falls, which are quite close to the house, form a very pretty sight, a walk being formed down the side of them and a rustic bridge which leads down to the Japanese garden. This garden needs to be seen to be appreciated to the full; several ponds are fed from the falls and these are distributed about the lawn, clumps of Japanese irises with their rich colourings and velvety appearance growing on the edges of the ponds, while the surface is dotted with lovely waterlilies in yellow, cream, pale pink and a unique shade jn red. A bridge of punga trunks carries one over to an island, which will shortly be a garden in itself. Passing under and through an archway of roses in full bloom, a pathway leads back to the 'upper lawns, 01 each side of which is a blaze of colours, flowers being in profusion everywhere, the walk ending with a long rustic pergola of roses An oldfashioned sun-dial in the garden was also the object of much interest. The hostess was kept very busy receiving her guests, while afternoon tea was served in the drawing, dining and lounge rooms and the hall, the honse being thrown open for the occasion. Mesdames W. Ball and W. Sharp, Misses ColeBaker and Willoughby assisted with afternoon tea. Tennis was indulged in by lover's of the game. Musical selections were played by Mrs Wright, Misses N. McCowan and F. ] Oldham. The tennis arrangements were in the hands of Mr G. Simpson, a returned soldier and a son of Mrs Wright's gardener. Those who, by their attendance, helped to make the afternoon a success will be pleased to hear that by their gifts and donations the Fund for the Belgians will benefit to j the extent of £l 1. The gifts will be sold at the Belgian Fete to be held on December 9th in Miss ColeBaker's grounds, when we hope the public will respond with their usual generosity.