Excerpt from 'THE CLOCK OF TIME" by Gertrude Ruston (pp120-121)
"AUSTRALIA - INDIA - PAKISTAN ASSOCIATION
Mrs Rischbieth was Vice-President of this association and asked me, as a special favour, to become its Honorary Secretary, assuring me that the duties would be light but of great importance to the countries concerned.
"Rischie" worked so hard herself that it was almost impossible to refuse to help her when she made a particular appeal, so almost before I had agreed I could myself involved in this association, which had been formed to promote friendly relations as well as the fostering of trade and entertainment of visitors from India and Pakistan.
During March 1951 we had a visit from I.N.S. 'RAJPUT" and Mrs Rischbieth. in her usual generous manner. entertained officers and men at her beautiful home "Unalla" in Peppermint Grove. It was a glorious evening and young women from the Y.W.C.A., Girls' Friendly Society, Guild members and friends welcomed the guests and mingled with them in the gardens." (Indian sailors from the "Rajput", 1st March, 1951.)
"Mrs Rischbieth's grand piano was drawn up to the open window and there was an outstanding musical programme arranged by Edgar Nottage, as well as plentiful supply of refreshments specially selected to cater for Australian taste and that of our visitors.
It was my responsibility to arrange for a suitable illuminated address to be prepared for presentation to the ship, and this was beautifully carried out for us, without cost, by the Art Department of Boans Limited. It was presented at an 'AT HOME' on board "RAJPUT" on Friday, 2nd March, 1951 to which I was invited."
I feel it is better if I do keep these episodes short and just cover one subject at a time when it is relevant to do so.
Fascinating! I wonder if there are people today who still welcome foreign soldiers and other visitors into their homes at such an organized and grand scale. The practice seems to hearken back to a kinder gentler time in our society, but I like to think such things continue to happen today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Susan and I think that type of welcome did happen in a much more sedate and gentler time, more's the pity.
DeleteNow when we hear of the military it seems they are engaged in some type of warfare somewhere in the world without them being welcomed by anybody.
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteAs Susan says, echoes of a time when matters chivalrous were still about... now such things are kept in the realms of Pomp and his cobber, Sir Come Stance... &*> Nice reminisce and the 'short job' worked well for this one Mimsie! YAM xx
Thanks Yam and there could be a few short episodes coming up which I feel perhaps better than running various subjects into one large batch.
DeleteI think we are agreed that much of the pomp has gone and yet one still sees it occur, especially in Britain and occasionally in other countries. I think there are always folk that love to dress up and be seen. xx
Fascinating. Love the sailors in turbans. Sikhs I assume.
ReplyDeleteYes, quite an exotic advanture mum was involved in and I would imagine they are Sikhs. They look very handsome don't they?
DeleteMy father was in Army Air Corps in WW11 and spoke highly of the Indian people and of the Sikhs, who were the military police during that time. I am enjoying your stories of that time.
ReplyDeleteMy husband has always admired the Sikhs although today I don't think all of them wear their hair long or continue to wear turbans.
DeleteThank you for your kind comment and hope you will continue to 'stay tuned'.