SPECIALS.

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 382, 18 May 1927, Page 2

SPECIALS.

GOLDEN WEDDING AT PETONE. April 20. A most enjoyable afternoon wax held in the Salvation Army Hall, Airs Cole presiding. it way a very interesting occasion, as it took the form of a complimentary social to our President and her husband on their attaining to their golden wedding. We were very sorry indeed that Mr Alurgatroyd could not be present, owing to the inclement weather. The hall was tastefully decorated with chrysanthemums and white bows, a beautiful foresight of some of the ladies. There was an excellent programme, in which the following took part:—Mrs Heyward, song; Mrs Wiseman, pianoforte solo; Mrs Franklin, song; Mrs AlcAlpine, song; and Miss Nancy Slater, a recitation, after which tho company adjourned to the other room where a bountiful repast was laid. Toasts honoured and proposed: “Bride and Bridegroom,” “Bridesmaid.” Mrs Battersby, Mrs Darter, and Mrs Jones s|>oke of the good work that Mr and Mrs Alurgatroyd had done for the community. Mrs Battersby then presented an afternoon tea set to Mrs Alurgatroyd from c the ladies of the Union, The afternoon’s enjoyment was brought to a close by the joining of hands and the singing of “Auld laing Syne.” Our Union extends their best thanks to all the ladies who took part in the programme. OPENING OF MUNICIPAL REST ROOMS, INVERCARGILL. On Wednesday, 13th April, l»efore a large attendance of the public and W.CT.U. members, the magnificent new Alunici|>al Rest Rooms, erected in Invercargill as the result of the efforts of the local W.CT.U. Branches, hacked by a generous donation from the Trustees of the Invercargill Savings Bank, were officially opened by Mrs L. B. McKenzie, first President of the District W.CT.U. The Mayor, Mr Andrew Bain, said the opening of the rooms marked another stage in the history of the town, in that it now possessed one of the finest buildings of such a nature in all the l>ominion. The cost was approximately £2OOO. of which amount the sum of tIOOO had

been generously donated by the Invercargill Savings Bank. He congratulated the builder, Air I’. Larsen, and the architect Mr N. K. Lightbody, on the well-finished and beautiful building. Mr Bain then laid the first foundation stone, and expressed the wish that the building would very successfully fulfil the purpose for which it was erected. On behalf of the W.C.T.U., Mrs Fairbairn, District President, then presented Air C. J. Broad with a handsome trowel in commemoration of his laying the second stone, which was inscribed: “Ifistrict W.CT.U. This stone was laid by C. J. Broad, Esq., in memory of the pioneer women of Southland. April 13th, 1927.” Mr Broad paid a glowing tribute to those pioneers who, with indomitable courage, had cut out a home and splendid heritage from the fastness of the bush. “Our children,” he said, "have everything that their ancestors worked long years to gain. They start where those who have gone before left off." Airs Famhairn then handed Air Broad a sealed casket containing copies of the “Southland Times,” the “Southland News,” and tlie “Southern Cross,” the w hite badge and “White Ribbon” of the W.CT.U., and coinage of the realm. This was placed in a recess liehind the stone, which Mr Broad declared well and truly laid, expressing the wish that the Rest Room would long fulfil the purlH>ses for which they w'ere erected. The foundation stones having been laid, the Mayor then call**! on Mrs McKenzie to declare the Rest Room open. Airs L. B. McKenzie, first President of District W.C.T.l T „ spoke in a very interesting and inspiring manner, reviewing the history of the W.CT.U. movement in Southland. “This," she said, “is a proud day for the memliers of the local branches of the W.C.T.U., in that, with it, comes the realisation of their vision of many years ago. The W.CT.U. is a world-w’ide organisation, und each branch is but a link in the great chain. One of the principles upheld by the organisation is good citizenship, and it is in support of that principle that we have made this efTort. The first step achieved in this direction had been in 1909, when, after some difficulty, they had succeeded In getting a seat placed in the Post Office Square. Since that the W.C.T.U. had instituted Rest Tents for women and children at the A. and P. Shows, and now, with the help of the Town Council and the Trus-

tees of the Invercargill Bank they had attained this long-desired object. Then thanks w ere due to Mr Lightbody, whose services had been so kindly given free, which had done much towards making the accomplishment of their aim possible. Their thanks w'ere also due to the District President, Mrs Fairbairn, and the Secretary, Miss Mary Hardie, and to all the w omen of the W.C.T U. who had devoted their time and efforts towards attaining this object.” Airs McKenzie i>ai<l a tribute to the pioneer* of the W.CT.U. movement, many of whom had i>axsed aw'ay, handing on their vision of what might be done in the future to the women of to-day. Mrs AlcKenzie then placed the key in the lock with the words: "To the Glor) of God and for the use of the w’om<*n and children of Southland, I declare kiiis lieautiful building open to you.” Afternoon tea was then served by members of the local Branches of the W.CT.U., and the rooms Inspected by those present. BIRTHDAV RALLY AT CANVASTOWN. Between 39 and 40 ladies met at a rally of the W.C.T.U. at Uanvastown on April 23rd, when a most enjoyable and profitable afternoon was spent. Mrs Murray presided. Nineteen members were present, several having pushed their “prams” several miles, while others from a greater distance were driven thither by their considerate men folk. Several were unavoidably detained by illness or home dut as. The meeting opened with the singing of the noon-tide hymn, followed by th* customary devotions. The President’s opening address cordially welcomed Rai Valley President and members, Havelock lYesident and mem tiers all local niemliers and friends. The year’s work was briefly reviewed, the membership having risen from eight to twenty-six Tribute was paid to the Executive and to the little Kind of workers and regular attendants at all meetings. Finally, the President introduced Airs Grigg. khstrict I*resident. Mrs Grigg. with her usual fluency, delivered an interesting and instructive address on the “Aims and Objectives of W.C.T.U.” Mrs President Rai Valley, and District whom we all love for her cheerful, whole-heartedness, spoke at some length on the great work and ideals of W.C.T.U., and finally compli*

men ted tht* local brunch on its successful year a work. Mrs A. J. Brown, I’resident Havelock, delivered a happy little speech suitable to the occasion. Mrs Bailey, Canvastown. also spoke brightly and fluently anent the pleasurable event. Mrs Flower. Canvastown, concluded the addrews, in the course of which she thanked Mrs Grigg for undertaking so long a journey on their behalf, and for her splendid address. Mrs Leov was also thanked, not onl;. for her presence and speech on this occasion, but for the inestimable assistance she so readily gave throughout the year,, her promptness and cheerfulness being praiseworthy. The Havelock ladies were UJow* e thanked for their presence i. « *.v votes of thanks were carried ».v ac rnation for each in turn. The meeting concluded with the Poxology. • A dainty afternoon tea was served, when nine flower-deckel quartette tables graced the occasion, the head table honoured by a quartette of I’residents. The success of this part of the function was largely due. as usual, to the untiring efforts of the bevy of ladies, viz., Misses Dalton and Brown, Mes(lames N. J. Ward, Mrs l’ike, Mrs Bailey and Miss Flower. The Rev. Mr and Mrs Milgiew (Havelock) were among the visitors. The sum of thirty five shillings was collected towards the Union's Travelling Fund.