Memorial photograph of Mrs Rowe is unveiled

A sad, but impressive little ceremony was the unveiling of the memorial photograph of the late Mrs. E. J. Rowe, which took place in the club house of the Toowoomba Croquet Club, during the tea adjournment, yesterday afternoon. The senior vice-president, Mrs. Frank Hooper, who was one of Mrs. Rowe's oldest friends, unveiled the photograph, which was hung on the wall, tied with the club colours, pale blue and royal blue, and draped with the first Downs pennant, which was won when Mrs. Rowe was one of the players. The following inscription was written under the photograph: "Hung in position in affectionate remembrance of Mrs. E. J. Rowe, Captain 1923, 24, and 25, President from 1927 to 1932, and in recognition of faithful service rendered to the Club." Miss Ngari Rowe was present for the ceremony and a telegram was received from Mr. E. J. Rowe and an apology from Mrs. O. Booth. In a touching little speech Mrs. Hooper said: "This afternoon we have met under very sad, and sacred circumstances, to honour and pay tribute to the memory of one of our worthy and esteemed late members. In the untimely passing of Mrs. Rowe in the prime of life our club has sustained a great loss, and a vacancy which will be difficult to fill. Since the re-formation of the club, Mrs. Rowe took the keenest interest in every movement for the betterment of the club and its members. Her unselfish nature and good sportsmanship endeared her to many friends and her attitude was always one of brightness and encouragement. Mrs. Rowe was President of our club for six years, Captain for three years, and held the championship for five years. Apart from these honours she was always the best of sports on the lawns. I deem it a great privilege to perform this sad ceremony to her memory, as one who has worked in committee with Mrs. Rowe, and as one of her oldest friends. It is with deepest regret that I now unveil this photograph of the late Mrs. Rowe to perpetuate her memory through the life of this club."

The article as it was printed in The Toowoomba Chronicle, 18 April 1935. Scan from Trove, National Library of Australia. (Trove, National Library of Australia)