The function, held in the Memorial Hall, comprised a luncheon attended by over 70 guild members, ex members, and clergy and a social afternoon at which about 150 were present, including members of kindred organisations in Levin and district. Luncheon guests included the Rt. Rev. E. J. Rich, Commissary of the Diocese of Wellington, Canon G. Y. Woodward, and Mrs. Woodward.
The guest speaker at the social function. Canon J. C. Davies, who was at one time vicar in Levin, said the parish would have been in "a poor state" had it not been for the work and sacrifices of the guild. "They were always there when the accounts were in the red, and when we did not know where the next penny was coming from," Canon Davies said.
Photo at left - a group conversing in the supper room. From left, Mesdames D. P. Todd, IV. C. Stannard, Miss G. Kilsby, Mesdames F. C. Tabor, W. G. Phillips.
Sacrifices Made
"Throughout they have done a wonderful service for the parish - there is no doubt about it." During the difficult period of the depression, when money was short, he did not know "how the vicar of Levin could have had three meals a day" without the guild's assistance. To the guild, Canon Davies pressed his gratitude for their help, loyalty and devotion.
The vicar, the Rev. V. W. Joblin, said it was interesting to recall the time when Levin was a small village in the bush, where industries comprised mainly sawmilling. The first service in the area was in fact held in a sawmill. The guild had been formed shortly after that service, and one of its first efforts was to obtain an organ.
Referring to members of other guilds and kindred organisations present, Mr. Joblin said it was grand when church people could meet on such occasions and enjoy each other's company, and to feel they all were working in their own way for the extension of the Kingdom of God. Expressing thanks to office bearers and members, he said the guild had given splendid, loyal and enthusiastic support to the church during the past 70 years.
The president, Mrs. T. C. de Mey, spoke briefly in appreciation of the services of members of committees and others who had assisted with the function.
Photo at left - guests at the luncheon.From left, Mrs. W. Bull, Canon G. Y. Woodward, Mrs. V. W. Joblin, the Rt. Rev. E. J. Rich, the Rev. V. W. Joblin, Mrs. T. C. de Mey, Mrs. W. Duguid.
Roll Call
Mrs. de Mey then conducted the roll call, representatives of kindred organisations coming forward to receive sprays from Mrs. Joblin.
The secretary, Mrs. W. Duguid, traced the history of the guild.
An impressive double-tiered cake had been made and donated by Mrs. W. G. Benning and Miss G. Kilsby for the occasion, and iced by Mr. A. C. Kennerley. Seven candles, each representing a period of 10 years, were lit by a past secretary, Mrs. C. Porter, Wellington, and extinguished by Mrs. S. Robinson. The cake was then cut by Mrs. de Mey.
During the afternoon items were given by Mesdames Lois Ridge and Maureen Spencer (vocal solos), Mesdames Joblin, G. G. Rae, K. Lines (piano trio), Mrs. Dowd (elocution). The accompanist was Mrs. Rae. Appreciation was expressed to the artists by Mrs. W. Bull.
Guests attending the function were welcomed by Mrs. de Mey, and vice-presidents, Mesdames Joblin, Bull, G. Kirkcaldie and Duguid. The ushers were Mesdames A. Hayward, W. Mearing and A. T. Nichols.
Photo at left - Two of the guests at Thursday's function in the Memorial Hall, when St. Mary's Ladies' Guild celebrated its 70th anniversary - the guest speaker at the social function, Canon J. C. Davies, chats with Mrs. F. C. Robinson, a former resident of Levin who came from Hamilton for the occasion.
At 11 a.m., Holy Communion was attended by members in St. Mary's Church, the service being conducted by Mr. Joblin, assisted by Canon Davies.