WOMEN’S DIVISION

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 11715, 10 May 1935, Page 3

WOMEN’S DIVISION

Girls' Educational Course ENJOYABLE DAYS^ The second day of the Girls' Educational Course began at 9.45 on Wed nesday when Miss Stewart conducted "physical jerks" outside the hall in bright sunshine. At 10 o'clock all assembled in the hall for the mornings* lectures, the first of which, given by Mrs Connor, was named, "Why have hobbies?" This was a delightrul beginning, and led naturally to the subjects which followed. Mrs Connor spoke of the origin of the word "hobby;" and showed how individuality could emerge and develop in the pursuit of hobbies for which one had a natural inclination; also pointing out that they should never become tiring, their end being defeated when this happened. Miss Dorothy Wills followed Mrs Connor, her subject, appropriately, being "Beauty and Utility in House-plan-ning." A new world must have been revealed to many of the listeners, by this speaker's most interesting descriptions of modern trends in home building. Situation, aspect, psychological effects, and common-sense principles were all dealt with, regarding the actual building of the house; and the matters of furnishing and decorating interiors occupied a considerable part of the time. Simplicity and avoidance of fussy orna mentation were strongly urged by Miss Wills.- ** Morning tea having been served, Mrs Maurice Hewlett gave a very fine address on Aviation, describing, by means of some very astonishing and interesting stories, the great use being made of air travelling in Canada, Australia, Africa, India and New Guinea, in matters relating to illness, accident, discovery and exploration. "Mrs Hewlett urged upon her hearers the claims of aviation and showed how back-block life could be abolished so far as isolation was concerned by proper air services. The voting power of every girl present would have its effect ultimately on the development of aviation in New Zealand; which up to the present is far behind other lands in this regard. Mrs Mackle brought the mornings proceedings to a close with a racy, comradely talk on "Books, What shall we read?" A thoroughly sympathetic understanding of the girl mind, in the varying stages of its development, was evinced by the lecturer. No lists of books were given, though certain well defined lines were suggested—examples of each being quoted. Mrs Mackle urged the girls to develop their own taste in literature; and not to accept that of others as being right for themselves. Although the girls had listened to three previous speakers, with close attention, their spontaneous applause at the close of this lecture showed that they had enjoyed it very greatly. Votes of thanks to each speaker were most warmly carried by acclamation. The early afternoon's proceedings were conducted by Mr A. F, Tunks, who accompanied the visitors through the Domain, pointing out its features of interest; and later, at the Monmouth Redoubt and the Military Cemetery, telling the early history of Tauranga as only a,genuine student and lover of the subject could tell it. "Passing on to "The Elms," the party was welcomed by Miss. Maxwell, Tea was served on the lawn; and after a pleasant rest, the visitors weer taken into the beautiful old house, the first tq be built in Tauranga; and, standing on the curving staircase, Miss Maxwell, in choice phraseology told the deeply interesting, and at times, thrilling story of the early days, more than a hundred years ago, when the Mission station was established. The library, a treasure house in itself was visited, and the old piano, the first to be heard in New Zealand, was played on by Mrs Christian. Miss Maxwell then led the party to the old bell, the remarkable story of which she had previously told; and each visitor rang one note as she passed under the tree to Avhich the bell wire is attached. Mrs Christian expressed the deep sense of gratitude of the Committee and the girls for the unique pleasure that had jieen theirs in visiting so beautiful and historic a spot, and for the care and kindliness bestowed by Miss Maxwell, on making the visit so intensely interesting to such a large number. Miss Maxwell expressed her pleasure in having met the girls, and in knowing that they had enjoyed the visit. The dramatic programme presented in the Parish Hall was enjoyed by a very large audience. "I'm sorry its out," played by Mjs B,aker, ifrs Pattie, Miss Bannatyne, Mrs G. Norris, Mrs H. Simmonds, Miss h. Baker, Mrs Copper and Miss Belle Mevriman of the Gate Pa Women's lar stitute, and' "The Great Dark," by Mrs Rowsell, Mrs Yeo, Mrs Riddington, Mrs Dickinson, Mrs Oliver and Miss Nancy Tfeam, were both very greatly enjoyed. An extract from "Macbeth," was beautifully given by Mrs Connor; and "The Mad Son," a very difficult poem, was recited with remarkable artistry in response to a warm recall. Mr G. H. Wills then lectured on the subject of "Drama," dealing with the production of plays principally; pointing out the pitfalls and mistakes to be avoided by the amateur performer; and giving very valuable advice on all the technical matters involved in stage production. Some very amusing imitations of faulty work were given by Mr Wills, which should serve to correct would-be players who may be prone to such. Mr Wills then expressed, on behalf of the Educational Course Committee, the gratitude felt to the hostesses of the visitors. More than sixty girls were enjoying Tauranga hospitality and it was a thing to be remembered as showing the kindliness of the people of the town. A vote of thanks to all the performers and Mr Wills, brought the evening to a close. THURSDAY'S PROGRAM3UE. Another very interesting day was spent yesterday by the girls. This was a "Health" day, and after physical exercises had been taken outside, Dr. Mao Diarmid opened the lecture session with a talk on "Keeping Fit." After complimenting the girls on their healthy appearancej the speaker dealt with many questions of diet, Tprdper clothing, exercise and r,est, pointing out that "a sound mind in a sound body'.' was the ideal to be sought after,' and showing the importance of all these ways of attaining ft. " ' '•'.'• Miss Coughlan then gave an open air 'demonstration by means of a small number of her pupils, of ways of securing correct pasture, naturally, and took soroe good breathing exercises wtth the,visitors, showing how to test The of breathing, fhis was a Very popular" demonstration/ the small pupils, entering very fully into the spirit of the occasion. ' After a cup of tea, all reassembled in (he hall, to listen to a lecture by M.r Denis Ivory on ''Teeth and personal Appearance,'' in which some very interesting facts were brought forward with regard to the effect of diet on teeth. Miss Jackson, of Thorncliffe

Hospital, followed this w.ith a very homely, common-sense talk Qn Personal Hygiene, which suited the girls excellently, and called fortbr their warm appreciation. In the afternpon a small number of very interested girls were taken through the public hospital by Miss Bartlett, Matron, while the, rest listened tq a very interesting and instructive talk on hospitals* given by Dr. Mark, Medical Superintendent at Tauranga Hospital. -■ : ' ". ! Avisit to the Plunket Rooms was next on the programme, and there Nurse Harding showed the proper way of making a baby's hed, and then washed and dressed a real baby, while the girls cooed, and purred, and the crowed. Afternoon tea was served "at "the Women's Division Club Rooms.'hy. themembers of the Pye's Pa branch of the Women's Division, wfio also served and morning tea. —'■'.'