OLD THAMES GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION’S WORK

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 221, 7 December 1927, Page 4

OLD THAMES GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION’S WORK

HELPING THE POOR The Old Thames Girls’ Association has given away £4OO this year in various charitable work, and will also assist in providing Christmas dinners and clothes for poor families. The final meeting of the association was held yesterday afternoon, when about 250 members and friends were present. The president, Mrs. A. Oldham, was in the chair and social workers gave interesting addresses. Though she had spent 18 winters in Auckland, the last was the worst she had known, said Major Annie Gordon, of the Salvation Army. Poverty, which was caused by unemployment, had entered homes this year that had never before required help. During the winter she had sent out 662 bags of coal to families and also 689 parcels of clothing. Sufficient food to provide 430 families with Christmas dinners had already been ordered. An account of some of her experiences as a social worker was given by Sister Esther, who said that parcels of toys and large quantities of such commodities as tea and sugar had been ordered for Christmas distribution among the poor families of Auckland. The Rev. L. B. Fletcher said that he and his wife and a band of helpers from the Beresford Street Congregational Church did not work on the large scale of the previous speakers, but concentrated more on the women and children, and saw they had sufficient clothing, and that if possible the husband had employment. In many parts of Auckland the housing conditions were disgraceful. When he arrived in New Zealand three years ago he was amazed at the many cases of extreme poverty to be found. He thanked the association for allowing him to speak, and said that he was especially grateful as both his father and his mother had been old Thames people. A short address on social work was given by Archdeacon Holbrook. A musical programme was submitted by Mrs. De Berg, Miss Brame, Master G. Asher and Mr. Vernon Coney. Mrs. Smith, a life member of the asso- ; ciation, who is 86 years of age, also contributed two songs. The social committee under Mrs. Dawson served afternoon tea.

ROTORUA NEWS FANCY DRESS BALL The fancy dress ball held in the Peerless Hall on Friday evening - last in aid of the funds for the St. Michael’s bazaar was a huge success, some 128 couples occupying the dancing floor, while some 60 others took part in the 500 tournament. 'y’lm music, supplied by the K Boys’ Orchestra, \vas stimulating, and one and all thought that the musicians excelled themselves. His Worshp the Mayor, Mr. T. McDowell, presented the prizes won during the evening. For the best fancy dress Miss R. McKinder and Mr. A. Melrose were adjudged the winners. In the 500 tourney Mrs. Hulton and Mr. Walker carried off the honours, while the sealed prizes went to Mrs. Monk and Mr. Roberts. After supper, balloons, streamers, and fancy hats were distributed, adding to the gaiety of the scene. The Monte Carlo prizes were annexed by Miss Manning and Mr. Tarsley. TENNIS The Rotorua Tennis Club held another fortnightly tourney on Saturday afternoon, when 20 couples participated. The day was ideal, being the best weather experienced this season. The winners were Miss C. Manson and Mr. W. T. Morrison, who defeated Mrs. Elliott and Miss C. Booth in the final 31—28.