WOMEN'S WORLD

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 99, 28 April 1922, Page 9

WOMEN'S WORLD

SOCIAL JOTTINGS. j Mrs Abraham, of Stratford, is visiting Auckland. Mt. and Mrs. M. A. Elliott, of Palmerston North are at the (Jrand Hotel. Mrs. Norman Pope and Miss -Madge Fox, of Sydney, are staying at the Grand. "Mr. and Mies Hutehings, of Stanley Bay, arc leaving Auckland very shortly to take up residence in Whangarei. Mr. Alfred Hill, the Wellington composer, has married Miss Mirri Solomon, professor of Harmony at the State Confcervatorium. Sydney. Mrs. 18. Brown, of "Botilcott Street, Wellington, gave a pleasant little morning tea party for the Misses Rose (who are soon leaving for England), and their cousin. Miss Houghton, of Auckland. The fortnightly meeting of the National "Reserve Nursing Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade was held on Wednesday evening. Dr. Susie Buckingham gave an interesting address on how to treat colic in children. Next -Monday evening will be an emergency night for practical work, when a good attendance is expected. Such was the demand for poppies on Monday that some of the stalls rapidly sold right out and a voyage of discovery was made to Court's to see ii any could be procured locally to continue the sale for ihe soldiers' fund. When the staff in the big store heard that the poppies were done they all, with few exceptions, offered to return their own poppies, which they were all wearing, and these the ladies sold once more to the benefit of the unemployment fund." On Saturday last, at the residence of Mrs. Geo. Ashley," Dexter Avenue, Mt. Eden, a successful garden fair in aid of the United IProtestant Orphan Homes' Fund was opened by Mr. "V. Potter, M.P. Mrs Ashley was assisted by the former members of St, Alban's Girls'. Friendly Society and the various stall hbldens, among whom were Mrs. Reg. Aickin, Misses M. and H. Clark, Gentles, Love, Semaileni, Naden and Hamon, were kept busy.throughout the afternoon. The sum of £35 waSj, raised for the Orphans' Fund. Among the many beautiful wreaths placed on the cenotaph on Anzac Day that from the Mayoress' War Memorial Library Committee was outstanding for its simplicity, quiet dignity and. deep symbolism—a fine laurel wreath signifying everlasting fame, with its red riband with dignified rosettes denoting love and sacrifice, and bearing its message of remembrance in silver lettering "Lest we forget." The symbolism of the wreath was the suggestion of the hon. secretary of the committee, Miss H. Basten, and was exquisitely executed 'by a leading florist. . What is lacking with the women's organisations of New Zealand? The Women's Guilds of Western Australia have only been in existence a short time, yet they are so powerful that even Federal representatives call at headquarters to discuss vital questions. The paper published by the women, "The Dawn," casually mentions this fact. Whoever heard of our legislators calling round to consult us New Zealander women on such questions as the sugar agreement, reciprocal maintenance legislation, immigration, health matters, motherhood endowment, etc. Why is it we New Zealand women lag so far "behind in-being a power in the land. Is it not time we asked ourselves what is the matter? The marriage took place at St. Mary's Cathedral, Parnell, on April 24, of Miss Dora Thompson, of Parnell, to Mn Herbert Gray, of Palmerston North. The bride, who entered the church on. the arm of 4ier father, wore - a dainty pink frock of satin charmeuse and overdress of georgette. The frock was trimmed with trails of georgette roses and silver tissue leaves, a. pink tulle veil with a wreath of silver leaves and a touch of orange blossoms completed the picture. The bride also carried a beautiful shower "bouquet of pink flowers and streamers. Miss Alma Jervis was bridesmaid, and wore a frock of soft blue eatin and georgette trimmed with dainty shades of narrow <ribbon, a black picture hat and carried a bouquet of lemon coloured flowens and 'blue streamers. Mr. Roy Thompson, brother of the .bride, acted as best man. WAIKATO NOTES. - Mrs. Kimbel has., returned from , her holiday in Wellington. Airs. C. Hamerton spent the Easter holidays in Auckland. Airs. J. C. Gray is spending a holiday in Auckland. Mrs. A. Bond and Miss 6, ,Ring are at present on a holiday in Rotorua: The Misses Clark; of Remuera, have been visiting Hamilton. Mr. -and Mrs McLean and Mrs. A. J. Storey have spent a short holiday at their -cottage on the • Thames coast. Mrs. Cyril Towsey, of Auckland, has 'been on a short holiday to Hamilton. Mrs. W.'.H. Hume spent the Easter holiday on the Thames coast. Miss Garland is at present on a visit to Hamilton, stayifag -with Mrs Hammond at the Bank of New Zealand. Miss' O. Warren has gone ou an extended holiday to Wellington and Christchurch.. Mrs. (Bert Hume and family returned from their holiday in Raglan. Miss Barriball has returned from a holiday spent at Waiuku. Mrs. Gower has been on a visit to Auckland. Miss L. Buckland spent the Easter holidays in Auckland. Mrs. Darling and her daughters have "been on a visit to Te Aroha. Mr. and Mis. Vickery, and Mr. and Mrs. J. ,S. Bond and-daughters spent their Easter' holidays at Raglan. Matron Moore, of the Waikato Hospital, has gone South for-her holiday. Mrs. W. H. Graham, Mrs. O. C. Mitchell, and Mrs. D. Andrews liave gone on an extended holiday South. Mr. and Mrs Bouiliion; left last week for their, future home in Hastings. Mesdames F. Graham and R. J. S. Gray paid a visit to Raglan during the holidays. Archdeacon and Mrs. Cowie motored to Auckland last week. Mrs. Welling spent the Easter holidays in Te Aroha. Mrs. Busing, of Christchurch, has been the guest of her aunt, Mrs. 11. Douglas. Mr. and Mrs. C. Wall-; nutt, of Auckland, spent a holiday in Rotorua and Hamilton. Mrs C. Jones has returned from a trip to Rotorua, and is at present visiting her mother, Mrs. L. Gussen. ,Mrs. Ewan lias gone on, a.visit to-her-son in-.-Henderson, after spending a few weeks in Hamilton with Mrs. G. L. Ewen at Claudelands. Mrs. S. Fergusson, Wellington,- is. at present, on a visit to her sister. Mrs. Piatt. "Matangia'-" Mrs,.. Slack . and Misse3 de Lambert and Halley. of Cambridge, attended the tennis v tournament at Te Aroha. The members of the Hamilton Croquet Club held an "At Home." with the object of increasing the funds of the club. There were several stalls filled with dainties of every kind. Good 'business .was.done. The putting competition was won hy Mrs. Masters: crazy croquet, Mrs. F. B. Jolly; target croquet. Mrs. Cowles; » doll was; won by Miss Thompson-; weight of the' cake, Mi6s Stevens.

NATIOWAX COUJJCIX. The monthly meeting of the Auckland branch of the -National Council of Women took place on Wednesday evenin-:, m the Business Girl's Club, Instead of Tuesday, 'because of the holiday. There was a fair attendance of members, and the presidents Miss -Melville, occupied the chair. Nomination papers for the election of the incoming executive were distributed to delegates who will bring the matter before their branch societies. Apologies were received from Mrs. Lee Cowie, Mrs. Nixon, Sister Constance, Miss Grant and Mrs. K. Mackenzie. The matter of the non-party ideals of the National Women's Council were brought forward by a letter received from the Dunedin branch, which stated that they did not stand for any party, neither the Reform party, the' Liberal party, nor the Labour party, neither for prohibition nor for continuance. The Women's Council was distinctly nonparty. It stood for the voicing of the aspirations of the women of New Zealand in all matters concerning the advancement and the promotion of the welfare of the women and children and of the community generally. A resolution affirming this principle was brought forward and passed unanimously. Reports were received from the delegates of affiliated societies re the curtailment of expenditure on education. The Kindergarten Association considered the matter, but did not vote. The Women's Club wished to have more information as t"o whether expenditure on education was being curtailed. The Business Girl's Club endorses the protest, the women teachers also endorsed a protest being made. The Society for Protection of Women and Children reported that they had not sufficient data, and thought the department was spending as much money as they were allowed by circumstances. The Girls' Friendly Society also 'wanted more detailed information. The University Council had; not discussed it, but members privately doubted if it was being restricted. 'A sub-committee was set up to go into the question of State guardianship' of children. The committee to be «omposed of Mesdames Carr Rollett, Sister i Hannah, Dr. Montgomery, Miss Jackson and Miss Carnahan. j The sympathy of the meeting was ex-, pressed for Mrs. Nellie E. Ferner, who Bent an apology on account of the 'Serious illness of her son, and a resolution to this effect was carried. Able and lengthy reports were read: by Miss Jackson, which had been compiled by Dre. Xorthcroft and Montgomery, Mrs. Ferner, and Miss Jackson, in reply to the questionaire sent out from the International Council of Women asking for detailed information on the health conditions and the education conditions in this country and what; was done by the State in these matters. A very comprehensive report was sub-i niitted and will be placed before every! branch of the Council in the world. Byj this means the international women are] acquiring direct and intimate information of the status of women and children in all countries -where the National Council of Women is in operation. At the close of the business an interesting account of her presence at the International Conference of Women held in. Norway was given by Mrs. Todd Smith, who with Miss Craig Roberton, represented New Zealand. •'... AMONG OURSELVES. A WEEKLY BUDGET. (By CO.SSTANCE CLYDE.). IMMIGRATION VAGARIES. In New Zeaand immigration is a matter of eugenics: in America of eugenics, plus arithmetic. The official has to do a little sum on -a slate, as it were, before deciding whether Livotisky or "Hlronch Pierre can come in. Each year the States allow entrance to immigrants of each country to the number of 3 per cent of the number of that; nationality already in the country. A-j quota is arranged for each month, and when that month's number is attained no more are taken from that nationality until the next. As a rule, every month sees would-be immigrants shipped' back again for no other Teason that they were number 170. maybe, instead of 169. England- is the only country that never sends a full quota. It would seem strange that captains should take passengers who may be returned,. but each, it seems, hopes to be the first at the post. . If an • immigrant ship arrives at the end of the month it will keep out of ha-rbour until midnight of the last day, and .then make a dash to come in by 1 a.m. of the first day of the month. If no other vessel has been quicker the captain has a chance of passing all his passengers. This -undignified and dangerous racing system has no appeal to ue. Strangely enough, the' immigration rules seem to make no differentiation as iregards sex. They do not say, for instance, there must be four men to every three women, or anything of the sort. Freedom from disease and a sufficiently dashing captain seem to be the chief helps in becoming an American citizen. But their rule seems curious to us, because it means a rejection of possibly good as well as bad.types. Of the rejections taking place for particular reasons sad stories are told. Here is an intelli- ! gent seamstress of 37, who is coming j but '"destined" to her father. She is | right in every way except that she fails in the reading test. Anxious to pass -her, the judges ask : her if she has emigrated "because of religious persecution." If she says yes they will pass her, for that is -the law. Unluckily, the poor -woman does not think of saving yes, so she as rejected. She is informed that she has the right of appeal to a certain official, but she cannot take tins in, and goes hack to her ship weeping. Another woman, equally illiterate, is passed 'because she is married. A wife: does not need to be educated or persecuted. A Greek girl immigrant, standing by her Graeco-Ameriean lover, who has cotme for her, is asked hy the inspectors when she is to be married. She is silent, for it is not proper that she should answer this, so her lover replies for her. *'fn two weeks." "Better fix it up' now," says the careful inspector, and hands them over to the Y.WjCA., who will see that they get the necessary civil ceremony, which -will'not feel;right : to 4hem until they arrange themselves something more stately. A sad -ease is' -that of the mentally defective child, who must be deported. Will the mother desert the rest of the children to return, with this one. or will a brother take her to put her in a European institution? In another case, so An excellent authority tells us. a child was certified by the immigrant doctor as mentally deficient, but for some reason was allowed to gotemporarily on shore. Her | teachers! later stated that she was quite intelli-; gent, getting a 100 per cent in some subjects. The immigration doctor's verdict, however, had to stand, and the

girl was deported. And yet there axe -in New Zealand persons who would forcibly incarcerate subnormal children, whose deficiency in many .oases .is temporary and purely pathological. ROYAL MARRIAGES. Xow that Princess Mary has been duly married, looking pleased and also very serious, quite at ease and also extremely nervous, walking up the aisle most gracefully and likewise moving in jerks—now, in short, that Princess Mary is married attention is directed to ber bachelor brother. An authority states that Princess Yolande of Italy (just betrothed to a Belgian Prince) ' was thought of by tbe respective Royal parents, but the young people themselves did npt take to the idea. The religious difficulty, it seems, could have been overcome. If. the Prince marries in his own dominions three qualifications will be necessary in bis brideplenty of money, few relations, and no Jewish blood. The latter is a curious lingering of old-time prejudice. When the Prince marries will he have bis life written as is the case with his sister? "It was bound to come," says a London authority, when, mentioning that Miss Carey, of the Girl Guides Headquarters, has produced a biography of the lady who is still (I am glad to say) to call herself Princess Mary. HOUSE OF LADIES. An American pifper, commenting on the British peeresses' granted right to sit in the House ef Lords, considers this as a privilege not anticipated by those who created women peeresses in their own right many centuries ago. I am afraid his reading of history is not quite correct. In early medieval times such voting power as then existed, limited to the upper classes, was given to women as well as to men. Voting in person was not considered pleasant in those days, the difficulty being due to roads. Not having Mr. 'Massey or the Road Boards to blame, the nobles endured the roads patiently as the will of Heaven. Preferring, however, like -most of us, to endure the will of Heaven by proxy, they sometimes sent a squire to state their political wishes for them. The peeresses, owing no doubt to the long, unwieldy skirts of the time, invariably followed this rule. In each case, of course, the squire simply represented his superior. Again, in those days there were more-peeresses in their own. Tight than now, for the. estate always went to the daughter when there was no son. Not till the commercial age, some centuries later, did there begin the bad practice of entailing the estate on heirs male. Quite of late years there' has been a return to the old medieval way, so that peeresses may increase in the House of 'Lords to such an extent that it may become the House of Ladies. Long ago "Stead's Review" gave a resume showing the number of times the peers attended during a session. In some cases there was a blank, It .is not likely that the women will be so remiss. WOMEN MEDICAL STUDENT!?. The London Hospital has announced its intention of closing its doors to women students. It has two reasonsfirst, there is a surplus of women doctors; second, women doctors frequently give up practice, so the time and money of training are wasted. To the weak feminine intelligence it seems that these two reasons contradict each other, bat no doubt light will dawn. A cynical woman writer suggests that the hospital opened its door- to women student* in war time because men were scarce, and they wasted their fees. Now that the men are back the authorities can afford to indulge in their prejudice, and so close their doors to women. She states that one-third of the money on which this hospital depends is given by women donors, and -urges that they should divert their gifts to other hospitals, where sex is no bar. This.may seem drastic, but anti-feminism is infectious, and to show do resentment is to invite further injustices.