PATRIOTIC NGAERE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 56, 2 November 1914, Page 3

PATRIOTIC NGAERE.

THE BRITISH AND BELGIAN RE-

LIEF FUND.

A Ngaere correspondent writes: In spite of work "and wind, Thursday, October 22nd, was a very busy day at the Ngaere Gardens, where a garden party was held in aid hi the British and Belgian Relief Fund. During the afternoon, Mrs Truelove unfurled the Belgian flag, and Mr K. Tarrant gave a short address, in which he stated that this flag had been presented by the Belgian Consul, to be sold by auction. Mr Tarrant appealed to everyone to bid freely lor the flag, and thereby help the brave Belgians who were suffering such dire hardships. The musical programme was short, but greatly appreciated. Mr J. H. Thompson sang, "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," and Mr Penn's orchestra gave several selections. The Committee have to thank Mr Donald for i his kindness In conveying the orchestra to the Gardens. There were many devices by which visitors were coaxed into spending their hardlyearned money. As usual a gue>ssing competition played an important part. A cake, made and presented!, by Mr W. Thomson, of Ngaere, brought in £1 lis. The exact weight, Qlbs 7ozs was guessed by Miss Gertie Andrews, of Eltham. The lollie stall, made especially attractive, by the dainty ladies who manned it, realised £3 6s. Four dozen photos of the Ngaere Cheese Factory, presented by Mr Bower (manager), were sold for £1 6d. A cushion, given by Mrs Bower, was sold several times, altogether bringing in £2 17s. Poultry, vegetables, etc., were sold, and realised over £2.' Mr Lamason, who acted as auctioneer, did a great deal towards making the Garden Party a' success. Besides giving up the afternoon, Mr Lamason returned to Ngaere in the evening to finish the sale of the Beb gian Flag, which was finally bought by Mrs Truelove. In all, the flag brought in £9 10s. The dance held in the evening' was a great success, visitor? coming from, as far as Douglas. The music was provided by Messrs Walsh (2), S. Parker, A. Steer, and G. Cole man, while-several extras were played by Miss Keppel. Messrs G. and N. Coleman acted as M.C.'s. The committee, who arranged the party, was as follows:—Mesdames Coleman, Bow. er, Walker, W. Phillips, Ferguson. Morrison, and Mr W. Thomson. Joint secretaries were Mrs Truelove and Miss A. Coleman. Including donations, tlie amount in hand is £56 ss. This amount could never have been gather, ed but for the generosity of Mr and Mrs Truelove, who gave their beautiful gardens free of any charge. The factory staff, and, in. fact, all Ngaere, exerted themselves to" the utmost in the endeavor to make the Ngaere Garden Party something to be remembered.