WOMEN IN THE AIR.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 260, 2 November 1929, Page 14

WOMEN IN THE AIR.

The Forum is the famous women's -club in London, which was formed when the Lyceum Clubs decided to open their ranks to women, whose only claim to distinction was wealth and social standing. A large number of women members of the Lyceum, who were famous as writers and in the arts, objected to this classification, Elinear Mordaunt, amongst them, and seceded from the parent club. These women formed "The Forum," the most distinguished club in London, in which no one can become a member unless they have established their intellectual standing. By a recent mail the correspondent of the "Evening Post" states that they have now formed a flying group,, which, within two months has secured more than 80 members. Lady Bailey, whose flying achievements are well known, is the president, and the Hon. Mrs. Forbes-Sempill is the chairman of the group committee, whose members include Viscountess Elibank, Lady .-ipsley and Mrs. Geoffrey de Haviland. One of the objects of the group is to stimulate the development of air transport in Great Britain. Not all the members are pilots, but special opportunities are afforded for them to take aerial trips. Sir Alan Cobham is to take a party of ten by air to Hull this month, when they will be received by the Mayor. The guest of honour at the inaugural dinner of the group on October .21 was Lord Thomson, Air Minister.

SOCIAL JOTTINGS.

At the Penwomeu's social afternoon yesterday, at the conclusion of the address on the life of Margaret Ethel Mac Donald, Dr. Staley spoke in great praise of Mrs. Mac Donald, whom she knew personally. When she came out to India she was the guest of Dr. Staley who arranged that she meet some of the educated Indians and also see some thing of the women in the zenanas. One of the Indian gentlemen, who was a barrister, remarked afterwards that "He had seen many memsahibs, but this one was like a spirit of holiness," which Dr. Staley thought was a great compliment from so different a race.

A meeting of ladies of the Eden electorate M-as held in the Methodist Hall, Dominion Road, on Thursday, to form a women's branch of the United. Political Association. Mrs. N. Von Sturmer, honorary organiser for \y§ men's branches, presided over a very successful and enthusiastic gathering. Mrs. Trevithick, wife of the United party president, was also present. The following office bearers were elected: —Mrs. Simmons, chairwoman; Mesdames Matthews and Goble, vice-chairwomen; Mrs. Goodall, lion, secretary; Mrs. Wilson, lion, treasurer, together with a committee of fifteen ladies.' Mrs. Von Sturmer addressed the meeting on matters concerning the party and the electorate. It was decided to hold monthly meetings, and arrangements were . put in hand for a social evening to be held at an early date..•„

The fortnightly old-time dance was held in the Renown Hall, Papatoetoe, on Wednesday evening last, and proved a great success. The music was supplied by Mrs. Kiddell and Mr. Morey and Mr. Douglas, of Otahuhu, played several extras. During the evening a Monte Carlo waltz was won by Miss Maynell and Mr. T. McCauly, and a lucky waltz, for which the first prize went to Mrs. Parker and Mr. Brown, and the second prize to Mrs. Hedge and Mr. Thompson. \.. .-." -.■•" •'■'•'#■'••'''# : . #

Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Latta entertained a number of young people at Cheltenham Kiosk, Devonport, on Wednesday evening last to celebrate the coming of age of their daughter, Miss Ethel Latta. Streamers of Nile green decorated the hall, and, the guests spent an enjoyable evening, dancing. Excellent music was supplied by the. Kit Kat Dance Band. Mrs. Latta received her guests wearing a frock of navy georgette. Miss Ethel Latta's frock; was of Nile green satin beaute with ankle length skirt of frilled tulle. Among those present were: Mrs. Latta snr.i black satin beaute; Mrs. S. P. Latta, apricot satin; Mrs. L. Cooper, silver lace over violet satin; Mrs. T. H. King, turquoise georgette; Mrs. W. A. Beswick, navy crepe de chine; Miss Florrie Latta, lido blue floral ninon; Miss. Val Dowden, pink embossed georgette and tulle; Miss"Betty. 'Giirr,**silver lace over midnight blue satin; Miss Kath Sloane, black taffeta with hip bow of pink; Miss Betsy Beswick, rose blush crepe de chine; Miss ViohT, Walton, pink tulle over satin; Miss Bay Gurr, apricot chiffon velvet and tulle; Miss Mavis Monnock, apple green crepe de chine; Miss Freda Webster, sea 'green satin : beaute; Miss Nance Watson, primrose taffeta; Miss Bessie Smith,' floral ninon; . Miss Muriel McDougall, black panne velvet; Miss Georgia Boggs, delphinium ring velvet; Miss Gladys Walton, pastel green georgette; Miss Betty Spring, peach taffeta; Miss Mizpah Wood, turquoise lame, and georgette.

The annual reunion of Diocesan Old Girls began yesterday morning with a service in the school chapel, celebrated by Archbishop Averill, and in the afternoon Founder's Day service was held in the school hall. Mr. H. J. D. Mahon, headmaster of the Grammar School,-was the speaker. It was followed by a cricket match which was played between the old girls and the girls still attending the school, and during the match afternoon 1 tea was served. Tennis was also indulged in. In the evening a dinner at which. 75 members were present, was held in Miss Johnson's ballroom, in Omahu Road. This proved a pleasant function, and it was followed by a business meeting at which the events of the past year were discussed. Miss Dorothy Butler, the retiring president, was passed a warm vote of thanks for her services in the past. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—Miss Eleanor Roberton, president; Mrs. McArthur, vice-presi-dent; Miss Marie lies, hon. secretary; Miss Dorothy Brookfield, hon. treasurer. The committee were Misses Meg Russell, Betty Buddie, Avice Perry, Gweri Kingston, Cassie Lintott, and May Ridings. The reunion events were continued this morning, and a members' tea" was held in the Tudor tearooms. Mrs. McArthur acted as hostess, and a very enjoyable time was spent. This evening there will be a fellowship meeting and an address given by Miss Pulling in the old library at Bishopscourt. The celebration will end to-morrow.

The proprietresses of the Regent Tearooms, 'Mrs.' Sanders and Miss Towers, gave a very enjoyable afternoon tea yesterday to their mother, Mrs. E. A. Towers, in celebration of her 84th birthday. The tables were charmingly arranged with gay flowers, and set in the place of each guest was a tiny lavender posy. A number of Mrs. Towers' old Thames friends were present, and at the gathering, a letter from His Majesty the King, in reply to congratulatory messages on his " recovery of health was read to Mrs. Towers. A large number of telegrams and some beautiful gifts were received by the guest of honour. Among those who were present were: Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Newby, Mrs. Farquhar, Mrs. Newdick, Mrs. J. Towers, Mrs. Kendall,.Mi's. Alfred Oldham, Mrs. McMicken,,. Mrs. Redfern, Mrs. Douglas, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. McLennan, Mrs. Elvidge, Mrs. Jefferies, Mrs. Woolley, Mrs. Ambury and Mrs. Priest. At the end of the afternoon "Auld Lang Syne" was sung.