Lady Bledisloe Farewelled at Christchurch Gathering

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 19, 16 November 1934, Page 50

Lady Bledisloe Farewelled at Christchurch Gathering

400 Women, Representing Many Canterbury Organisations, Hold Reception. © .

(From

Our Christchurch Correspondent

The women’s reception to Lady Bledisloe at the Winter Garden, Christchurch, last week was a striking tribute to the popularity of: her The reception, which had been arranged under the auspices of the Christchurch branch of the National Council of Women, was attended by more than 400 representatives of various women’s or ganisations in Canterbury. '

The colours of the National Council, rich purple and gold, provided the main background for the decorations specially arranged in. the different rooms for the occasion. Bowls of lovely purple-tinged lilies and vases of gold Iceland poppies were arranged in the reception hall and ballroom, while low bowls. of peony roses blended beautifully with the tall palms and maples in the entrance hall. The official table looked charming with beautiful half-opened roses, sweet peas in delicate contrasting colours being used. to border three half-circle mirrors placed at intervals and catching. the reflection of the lights. overhead. On ber arrival her Excellency was met in the lounge by the acting-Mayoress, Mrs J. K. Archer, Miss Mildred ‘Trent, president of the National Couneil of Women (Christchurch Branch), and Miss F, L. Cooper, secretary, and. when she entered the ballroom Lady Bledisloe was presented

by Mrs. A. I. Fraer, a past-president and life-member of the with a basket of flowers tied with purple and gold satin ribbons. Her Excellency, whg was accompanied by Miss. Sheila Hudson. and Miss V. Hynes (her hostess whilst in Christchurch), wore a frock ‘of palést tirquoise chiffon, the bodice draped softly toward the front and at the back fashioned with a short cape falling from a low shoulder line. and showing tiny godets of lace. widening panels of lacé being inserted also in the skirt. A sash of-aprticot-tinted satin swathed at the waist, and a close brimless hat of the same shade as ne} frock, completed an outstanding toilet. Also-as honoured guests of the council were Mrs. H. McCombs, M.P., Miss Jessie Mackay, Mrs. J. Hight | sand Mrs. -J. 8. Neville, and the council officers! with the guests at the official ‘table were. Miss Miss Cooper, Miss I. M. Jamieson

(vice-president) and Miss H. A. Chaplin (treasurer) and Mrs. Fraer. Miss Trent’ officially welcomed Lady Bledisloe and the many other visitors, and prefaced her address by giving a description of the National Council, of Women and its activities. Forty-five different countries, she said, were represented in an’ International Council of Women, its colours, gold and purple-gold as the symbol of its motto, "The golden rule," and purple expressing loyalty to King and country, and to its ideals in womanhood. "I am deeply touched by: the warmhearted thought that prompted this farewell gathering for me," said Lady Bledisloe. She was delighted to meet so many representatives of women’s societies in Canterbury, and much regretted her coming departure from New Zealand. She had grown to love this beautiful ‘and, and felt nothing but affection and a¢wiration for its hospitable inhabitants. ‘Some of the happiest years of-my life have been spent among you all," her Bxvellency said, "Your courage, patience, and resourcefulness through a time-of great difficulty has surely set an ideal to other women of the world. We are passing through ‘unsettled times: let us women throw all our wits into the balance to help, and Jet there always be a friendly co-operation and co-ordination among women’s organtsations. And let us not lack vision." In compliment to Lady Bledislve’s nationality Welsh airs were played duritg the afternoon. Afternoon tea was served, and later Lady Bledisloe met many of the womeu personally. The artists who contributed the items were also presented to her Excellency, as also were the presidents of the. following organisations :- W.C.T.U., Mrs. ©. W. Barrell and Mrs. R. Woodward; Y.W.C.A., Mrs. .F. °M. Warten:. Canterbury Women Teachers’ Association, Miss D. Baster; Trained Nurses’ Association, Miss R. Muir; Home Economics Association, Miss M. Blackmore; Federation of University Women, Miss M. Reese; Canterbury Women’s Club. Mrs, ‘R. T. Tosswill: Women's Branch Manufacturers’ Association, Mrs. W. Machin; Women’s Division Farmers Union, Mrs. H. A. Nutt; Methodist Deaconess Committee, Mrs. G. Bowron; Red Cross Society, Lady Wigram ; Oxford Tertace Dorcas. Society, Mrs. ; Jewish Women’s Organisation, Mrs, B. Ballin; League of Nations Union, Mrs. A. I, Fraer; Plunket Society, Mrs. J. Cracroft . Wilson; Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association, Mrs, H. T. J, Thacker; St. John. Ambulance Brigade Women’s Branch,. Mrs. F. Bishop ; Girl Guides’ As sociation, Miss Bromley Cocks; Post and Telegraph Women’s Association, Mrs Kent Johnson; Salvation Army Women's Branch, Mrs. Major Suter; Overseas Women War Workers, Miss Wiison; Women’s Institutes, Mrs. W. Deans; Business and Professional Women's Club, Miss B.. Jones; Victoria: League, Mrs.. John Deans; Navy League, Mrs. H. J. Wyatt; . Women Students’ Club, Canterbury ‘College, Miss Ruth Collins; Queen’s Club, Mrs. J. F. Studholme; Women’s. Ausilary of St. John Ambulance Association, ‘Mrs. Williams; Women's Auxiliary of Y¥.M.0.A., Mrs. S. Wilkinson. The fol- ° lowing societies "were also represented. in ‘the gathering :-Society for the Protection .of Women and Children, Canterbury Mothers’ Union, -Home Service Association, Sunlight. League, Good Neighbours Association," Toe H League -of Women Helpers, ‘Overseas League, Girls’ ¥ Bmploy: ment Committee.