"The hospital funds having gone down to a somewhat low ebb, the committee was put to straits as to what entertainment they should set forth, to place the finances on a better footing,

when Mr Gowing offered them the use of his garden and grounds, for a picnic or garden party. The committee availed themselves of the offer, and a meeting of ladies in the district was called

to provide for a picnic, and the fete duly advertised, the ladies providing the tables, and the proprietor of the grounds in the erection of the marquee and such-like details."