ST. MARARET’S GARDEN PARTY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 137, 12 February 1915, Page 3

ST. MARARET’S GARDEN PARTY.

OPENED BY VISCOUNTESS KELBURN.

FUNDS GREATLY AUGMENTED. The Garden Party organised by the Ladies’ Guild of St. Margaret’s Anglican Chinch was held in the Vicarage Grounds yesterday, under ideal weather conditions. The ground presented a- very gay appearance with the decoration of flags and the numerous stalls, draped in various colours, scattered advantageously around. Many people, including a large number from the outlying districts, thronged the grounds both afternoon and evening, many old friends were met, many new ones were made, and all mingled together, making one big, happy party, out notably for personal enjoyment, but also to support the many workers in their attempt to swell the church funds. The attempt proved an unqualified success, and the Guild and its helpers are to be congratulated. . The church had the honour of having a most distinguished visiter present ,in the person of the Viscountess Kelburn, who underlcck the duty ol opening the fete.

The Vicar in introducing her ladyship, said it was a red letter day for the church in having such a distinguished visitor present to perform the opening ceremony. Her presence recalled to mind, the historic fact that her father, the Earl cf Glasgow, was one cf New Zealand’s past Governors. Further her husband was in com-

mand of one cf His Majesty's warships on the New Zealand station. The Viscountess herself was an ardent and sincere worker fir the Church and Home.

Her Ladyship in declaring the function open, made a beautiful speech, expressing her pleasure in being able to be amongst the people to assist them in such a worthy cause. It makes one’s heart glad, she said, to see so many cf you co-operating and working together to gain funds for your church. It shows in what a high position you place your church affairs which are, indeed, ail important. In travelling through the Old Country what appears most prominently before one are the fine old churches with their beautiful grounds, monuments of

a Being wire has made us such wonderful promises of a future of which we are entirely undeserving. The old people cl England, when opening a new settlement used invariably to erect their church first, proof of their adhernce to the Faith. Our churches are our most useful and important institutions, for is it not there that we learn of the great and good God whom it is our duty to put first in all things. Let us all to-day join heart and soul into the spirit of this party and help those who have already Worked so diligently to bring it to a successful conclusion. It is with the utmost pleasure that I declare the- fete open.” (Prolonged applause). The various stalls and side shows were well patronised, takings therefrom adding in no small way to the sum total. The gate takings alone amounted to about £B. The total takings were no less than between £llO and £l2O.

The'stalls were held as under: “Jumble’’ Stall (Belgian colours). Mrs Studliclm; assistants, Mesdames Nathan and . Fordo. Plain and Fancy Work (yellow and white): Mrs Bason; assistants, Mesdames Pitt and Timms. Produce: Mis Oldham; assistant, Mrs Emerson. Sweets (emerald green): Mrs Lcughnan; assistants, Misses Wilson and E. Eason. Mrs J. Palmer had charge of the afternoon tea arrangements ,and was ably assisted by Mesdames Joblia, Eaton and Aldridge and Misses Caipenrer, Aldridge, Addis, WrightsOn, Gonie and Mullins. The colours were red, white and blue. The Christmas Tree (scarlet) was under the. charge of Mrs Savill and her assistant, Miss Bason, while Mrs Absolum had charge of the Bran Tub (Royal blue), assisted by Misses Crier and Timms. Miss Bains conducted the Punch and Judy Show in a very capable manner, the various performances being greatly appreciated. Messrs Fleet and Morrell had charge respectively of the Cocoa-nut Shy and Jack Johnson. Messrs Pickering, Aldridge, Bull in, Jennings and Dymock all took their turns at gale keeping.

Other ardent workers were the Rev. Mr Stent and Messrs Studholme, Mcorhouse, Pickering,, Joblinj, and McLennan.

Numerous competitions were organised and placed in charge of the various members of the Guild, or run in connection with the stalls. The competitions with their winners were as follows;

Weight-guessing Comipetitions: Turkey —Mr Morrell (l£lbs 14ozs, exact weight); 30 entries; Goose. Mi PSmith (121 b Boss, exact weight, 12lbs 14czs); Cake: Mrs Bray and Mr Carver, equal (161 b and 51b 140 z.)

Numb ei’ Guebsing Competitions; Bottle of Lollies (exact weight, 51bs 15ozs), 20 entries): Miss Arrowsmith (48, exact number); Maori Mere (presented by Mr Studholme) ; Mrs Ford

solum. Mis Brennan and Mr Savill (1000, exact number 1067), wen finally by Mr Savill, 41 entries; Tapa cloth (presented by Mr. Studholme). Mr Aldridge (640, exact number, 643), 36 entries; Table cover (presented by Mrs Barker). Mr Jones (218), 14 entries; Indian embroidered Cushion Cover Mr Henrichs (218), 22 entries. The Taihape Brass Band rendered selections throughout.