WOMEN'S CORNER

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20534, 30 April 1932, Page 2

WOMEN'S CORNER

The Lady Editor will be pleased to receive for publication :§ in the "Women's Corner" items of social or personal new a. H; Such items ehonld be fully a uthenti<J-.»d, and engagement :]:• notices must bear the signatures 'of both parties. Correspond- >£ enee is invited on any matters affecting, or of interest to, Si women. & •jij sK

[ Nurse Maude gratefully acknowledges . the receipt of £lO 86, the proceeds of a bridge and euchre party held by the Cheviot branch of the Women's Inl stitute, for the purpose of helping some poor people. L A New Zealand vocalist, Signora Yvonne Marotta (nee Webb-Jones), made a successful debut at Milan last week in Puccini's popular opera, "La ! 'Boheme," in which she had the honour of playing the principal part of Mimi. A cable message received by licr parents, Mr and Mrs 11.I 1 . Webb-Jones, of Wanganui, states that the Milan newspapers were unstinted in their praise of the performance. Miss Webb-Jones was a member of ■ Williamson's Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company which toured Australia and New Zealand five years ago. KNIT A JOHNNY HAT. What could be prettier or more youthful than the soft misty fluffiness of Angora Wool? For girls, 'Johnny Hats and Berets, collars and trimmings, use "Furida" Wool. Write for Booklet, No. 283, "Wool Hats," sd; No. 277, "Dressing Jackets,sd. Send ' stamps to Patons and Baldwins, Ltd., Box 1441R, Wellington. —A YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION. A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Christchurch branch of the Y.W.C.A. was held yesterday morning in the Association's building in Madras street. Those present were Mrs W. Machin (president), Mrs A. H. Turnbull (vice-president), and Mesdames M. L. G. Lester, M. McLeod, A. C. Gottrell, E. D. Mosley, J. G. Herdman, L. M. W. Wilson, Meddings, Sheate, Hand Newton, A. B. Jones, and Paton, Miss Musker and Miss Bowden (acting-general secretary). Several ladies interested in the work of the Association were also present at the invitation of the president. Mrs Machin put before the meeting the necessity of taking every opportunity available to stand as a women's society beside the many girls of all classes in the town who are at present faced with the terrifying spectre of unemployment. Much had been done from the very beginning of the depression, and in common with other societies the need for financial help was becoming very urgent, she said. She reminded all present that the Y.W.C.A. was not only a very important factor in all girls' lives in bad days, _ but that in happier days the Association meant just as much to hundreds of girls, who find in it recreation, education, shelter, friendship, and a home. Literally hundreds of girls make use of the building every week. A very animated discussion then took place as to how the financial position could he improved, and Miss M. G. Havelaar, the newly-appointed financial organiser, placed various plans before the Board. It was finally decided that various events would be arranged for the near future. Those present offered their support and personal lielp. , , " <

TISFABU NEWS.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. Mrs V. F. Boyle (Wai-iti road) will leave to-day to spend a few weeks in. Auckland. Miss Kathleen Wood (Waiau) has left to spend the week-end with Mrs G. Smith (Waimate). Mrs George Helmore (Christchurch) is the guest of her daughter, Mrs IN. A. Rattray ("Ngahere," Waimate). Mr and Mrs A. P. Boyle (Pleasant Point), who have been visiting Kaikoura and Hanmer, will arrive home to-day. Mrs Syme and Mrs Brand,, who have been paying visits in South Canterbury, will leave early next month on their return to England. Mr and Mrs D. C. Macfarlane (Waiau), who are the guests of Mr and Mrs W. T. Ritchie (Te Tawa), will return to North Canterbury "to-day. Mrs W. Sherritt (Hawke's Bay), who is the guest of Miss Tripp (Orari Gorge), will arrive to-day to stay with Mrs Howard Tripp (Wai-iti road),. Miss Lgshe, Apiti, North Island, who .was staying with the Misses Woollcombe, Trafalgar street, left on Thursday for Geraldine. Miss Leslie was formerly a missionary in China. Mrs Dugald Macfarlane, . Christchurch, who is the guest of Mrs A. O. Wigley, Opuha Lodge, Park Lane, will leave to-day to stay with Mrs Turton, Woodbury. "Miss Jacqueline Ormonde (Hawke's Bay), who is the guest of Mrs JMowbray Tripp ("Silverton," Woodbury), will arrive to-day to be the guest of Mrs A. Hope ("Tumanako," Wai-iti road). Guests at the Grosvenor Hotel are: —Mr and Mrs R. D. Halstead (Dunedin), Mrs E. F. CLeary (Wellington), Mrs H. E. Baftersby (Dunedin), Mrs J. Irwin (Christchurch), Miss Jane Donnelly (Christchurch), Miss J. Hamilton (Sydney), Jfr M. Hullett (Christchurcn), Mr G. Catto (Ihinedin), Mr J . L. Wight (IVunedin). Mr'J. T. Brandt (Christchurch), Mr H. Patience (Wellington), Mr 8. Harris (Christchurch), Mr* F. J. Vincent- (Wellington), Mr K. Hodgson (Christchurch), Mr RWilson (Christchurch), Mr M. "J. Hooper (Auckland), Mr H. J. Dutton (Christchurch), Mr G. Finlayson (Christchurch), Mr J. A. McVicar (Auckland) Mr J. C. Forsyth (Christchurch), Mr T. D. Barker (Christchurch), Mr J. Upham (Christchurch), Mr D. D. Acland (Christchurch), Mr H. W. J. May (Christchurch), and Mr R. Levien (Wellington).

MOTHERS' UNION. HORNBY BRANCH. There was a good attendance of members at the monthly meeting of the Hornby branch of the Mothers' Union held on Thursday afternoon in the Parish Hall. Mr H. Jones presided and Mrs T. Hamilton gave an address on "Life's Little Crosses."

A STARTLING TRUTH. It is startling to know that 75 per cent, of all pneumonias arise from a common cold. It pays therefore to 6tamp out a cold quickly before it establishes a hold. Take Kofgo—a pleasant and quick-acting cough remedy. Kofgo will relieve even the worst coughing attack in a few moments. Is 6a and 2s 6d bottle, E. Cameron Smith, The Big Pharmacy, Cathedral square. —45 , Superfluous Hairs destroyed by "Rusma." Guaranteed Cure. Special Reduction to £5. Send stamped addressed envelope for particulars. Florence Hullen, C.M.D., 7 Courtenay Place, Wellington., —<*

ILLNESS OF MAYORESS.

IMPROVEMENT YESTERDAY. The Mayoress (Mrs D. G. Sullivan) was reported yesterday to be improving slowly. She was mucli brighter and was able to speak a little for the first time sinco Wednesday, when she was taken ill. The illness has been definitely diagnosed as ptomaine poisoning. The patient has been, much cheered by the many gifts of flowers that have been sent to her. RED CROSS SOCIETY. A gathering ot' about 100 women members of the Red Cross Society was held in the Jellicoe Hall on Thursday to organise the future work of the Society. The ;irsfc work to be undertaken >s the provision, as far as funds will allow, of warm underclothing for the wires ind children of returned soldiers in distressed circumstances Rooms have been taken at 127 Worcester street, and will be open on Monday and Thursday mornings from to 12 o'clock, when those requiring help are invited to explain their needs. All members present at the meeting formed a general committee, and then elected a Women's Executive Committee as follows: —The Mayoress (Mrs D. G. Sullivan), LadyWigram, Mesdames J. Cracrofii Wilson, R. W. Anderson. K. Ballantvne, Benzie, H. L. Bowker, H Bishop, J. A. Flesher, Hansen, Walter Hill, H. G. Lawrence, H.«. , Livingstone George Mcllraith, Machm J. S. Neville, Peddie, Peate, C. JRonaldson, H T. J. Thacker, J. J 1 • Studholme, J. Stevenson, H. Smith, C. J. Treleaven, Vernon. Cyrus Williams, Wyatt, Misses L. L. Bowen, Cotterill, M. G. Havelaar, and Tabart. The nbore executive met at the rooms, 127 Worcester street, on Friday morning, mid clrrtod Lady. AYigram as chairman. Sub-committees were arranged, and a larao amount of necessarv detail was dealt with. The rooms will he opon on Monday, May 2nd, at 9 3C a.m. WOMEN'S UNEMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE. The weekly meeting of the Women's Unemployment Committee was held in the Council Building yesterday afternoon with Mrs A. I. Fraer presiding in the absence of the Mayoress, Mrs D. G. Sullivan. A message of sympathy in her illness will be sent to the Mayoress. The secretary, Miss M. B. LovellSmith, reported that the total number of registrations at the Colombo street rooms since October Ist, was 698. Mrs A. I. Fraer pointed out that the committee was anxious that all unemployed women and girls should register in order that the real number of unemployed could be recorded.

The following resolution was passed: All registrations that are not renewed within 14 days shall be placed on the dead list.

A letter was received from Mr G. Godfrey, Commissioner of the Unemployment Board, confirming the additional grant of £SO a v;dek, for a period of 13 weeks commencing the week ending April 30th, to enable the committee to test out the training scheme. It further stated that if the committee desired to carry on with the scheme after that period, it would be required to make further application to the Board. A communication was also received from the New Zealand Federation of University Women (Christchurch branch) pledging its eupport to the scheme.

In connexion with the committee's resolution regarding a sustenance grant for unemployed women and girls where work cannot be found, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr H. E. Holland, wroto acknowledging the resolution, and said that they would continue to use all the power at their command in an endeavour to have sustenance provided where work is not available.

Miss M. A. Trent was appointed to the committee as representative of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand National Council of Women in place of Miss H. K. Lovell-Smith. The following were appointed a subcommittee to look into the matter of subsidising the employment of women and girls in secondary industries:— Misses E. A. Jones, L. B. Sanders, Mesdames A. I. Fraer, E. Denniff, M9ssrs J. Eoberts, and *R. T. Bailey. The sewing report was given by Mrs A. L Fraer, who made an appeal for sewing machines; eight more were necessary she said. Donations were acknowledged from Misses Sanders, Murgatroyd, Buddie, and Mrs Fraer. The employment report showed 30 fresh registrations, five placed in positions, and a live list of 185. A total of 236 meals had been served by the cookery centre during, the week, and donations were acknowledged from the Misses Wilding, Buddie, Trent, Lytteltori Fish Shop, and Methven. An invitation was received from the Christchurch branch of the Royal N.Z. Society for Health of Women and Children for a deputation to attend the monthly meeting on May 18th at 11.30 a..m. KINDERGARTEN SOCIAL. An enjoyable evening social, organised by the Parents' Committee, was held at the Richmond Kindergarten. The silver coin admission helped to augment the funds. The room was decorated with chrysanthemums and autumn leaves. Musical items were given by Misses Daphne Stewart and Hita Bartram, and Mr John Mahoney. Music for community singing was provided by Messrs de Roo and E. Bartram. Miss Hull, principal of the Free Kindergartens, gave an interesting address, and a plavette was presented by the teachers. Games and competitions were also enjoyed. Mrs Climens thanked Miss Bartram and her etaff for their share in the entertainment. ROWING CLUB DANCE.

There : was a pood attendance of niemborsi and friends at tho fortnightly -carnival dance of tho Union Rowing/ Club, held in the Boat house. The dfance music was supplied by Teddy-Jones and his band. Winners of tlie i novelty dances were: • Honte Carlo, /Miss Walter and Mr Merficld; lucky [spot, Miss Wooldridge and Mr Mace land Miss 0 Neil and Mr Cameron. |

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES.

| HINDS BRANCH. j ! The monthly meeting of tho Hinds branch of the Women's Institute was held in the Hall, with Mrs Turner presiding over a good attendance. An instructive address on the Leaguo of Nations was given by Mrs Low, of Timaru. Mrs Marshall was the winner of the "lampshade" competition. It was announced that the Institute would hold a social on May 14th, in honour of Miss James, who.is an advocate of New Zea-land-made goods, and is making a walking tour through New Zealand. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames G. Farrell, L. Chisnall, and Tie. RANGITATA BRANCH. Members of the Rangitata branch of the Women's Institute celebrated the second birthday at an evening social in the Rangitata Island Hobson Hall, when more than 200 guests attended. The first part of the programme was devoted to the children, Mrs B. Watts being in charge of the games. "Simon Says" was won by the Misses .T. and F. Prouting, and Miss Mary Miller, and Master Polaschek won tho "musical parcel" competition. A popular item was given by Mr Buchari with his talking dolls. Those present included visitors from .Willowby, Geraldine, Temuka, and Orari, as well as from the neighbouring districts of Orton and Rangitata. In the competitions and games the prize-winners were:—Musical arms, Miss F. Symons; compliments, Miss H. Talbot; lobster race, Mr W. Thomson; dressmaking, Mr F. Fitzharris; woolgathering, Mrs Ruddenklau. There was a splendid collection of articles for the thrift competition, the prize for which was given by Mrs G. Tato. Mesdames Buchan and Taylor, and Messrs Pearce and Taylor acted as "judges. The prize was won by Mrs B. Watts. Songs were sung by Mrs R. Pearce, president of the Willowby Institute, and Mrs Laurenson was accompanist. Humorous items were given by Mr Buchan. Mr W. Tate was M.C., and Messrs Murphy and Olliver supplied the dance music. Extras were played by Miss W. Sncll. Great interest was shown in an exhibition of tho handwork done throughout the year by various members, and good business was done at the sales table. LEESTON. Mis Johnston presided over the monthly meeting of ,the Leeston Women's Institute, at which there was a large attendance. A knitting demonstration given by Mrs Holley ancl Mrs Martin was greatly appreciated. It was decided to hold a social evening on May loth. Tho roll-<-all, f 'sing, twiy, or penny pay" was well responded to, and the competition for best plate of three plain scones was won bv Mrs llyde, with Miss Parkin second and Mrs Martin third. During tho social half-hour a solo was sung by Mrs Hyde, Miss Pari;iti gave a reading, and members joined in community singing. Tho hostesses were Mesdames Jones and L. W. Prosser, and Misses Parkin. SOCIAL AT RICCARTON. The quarterly social of the Upper Riccarton branch of tho Burgesses' Association was held in the Oddfollows' Hall. There was a good attendance of members and friends. The committee in charge of arrangements wei"e; —Messrs P. G. Clements (chairman), Evans, J, Lang, J. Pascoe, F. Vogel, F. Alley, and F. W. Witty (secretary). Mr J. Pascoe was M.C. The dance music was supplied by Mr Fred Smith, i The accompanists were Miss Rose and ' Mr-L. March. Items were given by Mr C. Buckett's gymnasium girls, Misses F. Davison and D. Rose, Messrs Cliff March and J. Colligan. Competition winners were:—Dart throwing (ladies): Miss Buchanan I,' Mrs Raynor 2; (men): Mr H. Purvis 1, Mr W. March 2; best sketch of an elephant: Mr Bean 1, Mr F. W. Witty 2; skittles: Mr J. Hansen 1, and Mr Roper 2; best poster: Mr J. Lang. Among those present were:—Mesdames F. Witty, M. Raynor, F. Vogel, Taylor, Lang, Roper, Wood, B. Swanston, A. Manson, Purvis, C. Harrow, McAllister, Misses D. Rose, Buchanan, Swanston, Dean, F. Davison, E. Harrow, Fraser, F. Bennett, Messrs Stephens, Chisholm, Pascoe, Fleming, W. Cole, J. Colligan, Harrison, March, Hansen, Holmes, and C. March. !

PHILLIPSTOWN PARISH FAIR. A monster fair will be held in the Phillipstown Parish Hmll to-day at 2.30 p.m. There will he a good selection of side-shows and stalls, and afternoon tea will bo available. VISITORS TO CHRISTCHURCH. New City Hotel: Mr and Mrs G. 15. Perkin (Auckland), and Miss Sheila Macpherson (Dunedin). Clarendon Hotel: Dr. Ada Paterson (Wellington), Mr and Mrs H. G. Dixon (Greymouth). Hotel Federal: Mm D. Dearden (Waiau), Mr G. W. Annitage (Teinuka), Mrs E. Orr (Asliburton), Mr and Mrs Chaffey and son (Waiau), VISITORS TO HOLIDAY RESORTS. Recent guests to the Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Waiho Gorge, include Mr and Mrs D. Grigg (Canterbury), Dr. Butler (Oamara), Mr and Mrs Radford (Hokitika), Mr and Mrs K. Archer (Christchurch), Mr H. M. Coulsoh (Hokitika), Mr and Mrs J. Menzies (Hokitika), Miss K. F. Gibbens (Christchurch), Miss Beyers (London), Mr W. G. Macindoe (Auckland), Misses Sully (2) (England), Mr and Mts W. E. Wilson (NewYork), Mr H. G. Williams (Wellington), Mr G. H. Sage (Sydney), Mr A. Rossiter (Christchurch), Mr H. H. Priestly (Auckland), Mr B. Stiicke (Africa), Mr S. E. Sulling (Greymouth), R. F. Barber (Greymouth), Miss M. Newi tan (Greymouth), Mr D. Hyndman (Greymouth), Mr R. H. Clay (Greymouth), Mr H. H. Eggelton (Greymouth), Mr and Mrs Bunt (Greymouth), Mr and Mrs E. Abbey (Melbourne), Rev. G. Wright (Auckland), Mr S. Irwin (Hokitika), Mr and Mies Seebock (Greymouth), Mr I. Walker (Nelson), Mr W. Rapley (Ashburtoii), Mr Watson (Sydney), Miss E. Pullon (Greymouth), Mr A. Li. McKay (Greymouth), Mr H. Murphy (Greymouth), Mr C. J. Burby (Greymouth), Mr T; P. Ryan (Greymouth), Mia* B. Thompson (Christchurch), Mips P. Neil (Christchurch), Mr W. J. Baillie (Hastings), Mr F." W. Baillie (Greymouth), and Mr P. Costello (Greymouth).

GUIDE NOTES.

I [Bv The Provincial Secretary.] i "For the benefit of Guides and Guidera an arrangement has been made by -which notes concerning the Girl Guide movement will appear under this heading each Saturday morning. A special feature will be the dates of the various badgo examinations for the current month, as a reminder to intending competitors. The names of successful candidate!) will also be published."—Girl Guides' Association, G7 "Worcester street West, Cbristchurch. Successful Guiders. Airs Walton, of the Tfnnyson street Company, has passed her Captain's Warrant Test Paper and Miss Gee, of the 2nd Amberley Company, has passed her Lieutenant's Test Paper. • » * Badge Examinations. The examination for the sportswoman's badge will take place at HagJey Park, Armagh street bridge entrance, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 7th. The cyclist's badgo will bo held at HagJey Park on Saturday, May 14th, at 1 p.m. Arrangements have been made for the cooking test for the Halswell, Fcndalton, Merivale, Tennyson street, Cashmere, Addirigton, St. Margaret's-Acland and City Companies to be held in the property of Mrs Craeroft-Wilson, Cashmere, on Saturday, May 21st. All candidates must be ready to start at 1.30 p.m. Take the No. 2 tram to the foot of the Hackthorne road. The embroiderer's badge examination will be held at the Guide Oflice on Monday, May 23rd, at 4 p.m. The swimmer's badge examination will be held at the Tepid Baths on Saturday morning, May 7th, at 9 o'clock. Cook's Badge Results. i Owing to the large number of entries for the cook's badge, it was possible to examine only half the candidates last Saturday. Forty-one guides were examined and the following were successful: Y. Courd, M. Robinson, P. Cusack (St. Luke's Bangers); J. Duncan (Sydenham): G. Philpott, M. Nicholls, R. Wise, M. Berry, A. Hunter, J. Fowler, M. Wade, J. Allcway (Avon-side-Richmond); D. Potten, K. Harding (Styx); K. Stevens and D. Routhwaite (Linwood); X. Smither, E. Harris, B. Harris (Riccarton); R. Cook, A. .Tenkens, T). Thomas, A. Wright, K. Wild, G. Hall, P. Clayton, M. Yearn, I V. Jenkens (St. Luke's Guides); R. ; Uru (Opara); M. Skinner, M. Chapman, E. Jesson, R. Knights, T. Lowe. H. Piatt, J. McPherson, J. Gabites (Burwood). The following secured partial passes: D. Roud, J. Cox, If. McCausoland, X. Tabncr and M. Tabncr. Athlete's Badge Examination Results. The following guides were successful in passing the tests: Y. Peppier, B. Freeman (Cashmere); K. Uru, M, Jamieson, E. Carpenter (St. Margaret'sAcland); Iv. Wilkinson, J. Wilkinson, I, Wilkinson (Rugby street);.P, Kingdom, N. Hutchings (Tennyson street); D. Welshford, E. Moore, A. Crompton, J. Skinner (City Company); N. Hartley (Fendalton); J. Cousins, P, Nuttall, P. Cousins, Y. Templeton, O. Burgess, J, Dixon, E. Legg, E. Wise (Addington); A. Ashby, M. Ashby (Belfast). Iris and Myrtle Robinson, of the St. Luke's Rangers, have pas.sed the examination for the milkmaid's badge. • • • Brownie Wings. It is announced in the "Guider" that the new ruling about brownie wir.gs has been made because it is found that so many brown owls keep their brownies on in the pack after they are 11 years of ago and ready for the company, in order that they may go in for their Ist class test. We are defeating our own ends if wc do this. It is much more important for a brownie to become a guide at tlio pyschological moment than to gain her Ist class badge after she is really too old for the test. As the rulo stands now, a brownie may enter for the test after she is eleven and wear the Ist class badge until she is enrolled as a guide, but she cannot hold brownie wings unless she has gained the badge before she is eleven.

WEDDINGS. INCH—SHAW. A quiet wedding was celebrated at St. John's Church, Rangiora, recently, of Lillian Dorothy, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Charles Shaw, to Ernest Joseph, younger son of Mr and Mrs J. Inch, Rangiora. The Rev. A. C. Purchas performed the ceremony, and Mr Pull.'ir was the organist. The brido, who was given away by her father, wore an ankle-length frock of ivory satin beaute. The bodice, in bolero effect, had long, tight-fitting sleeves, and was finished with a bow at the neckline. Her embroidered veil, which formed a train, was held in placo by a coronet of orange blossom, and sho carried an arinlet of belladonna lilies, begonias, and chrysanthemums in shades of cream and pink. The attendants were Atiss Winnie Judson and Miss Mabel Shaw (sister of the bride). They wore sleeveless frocks of seashell-pink satin beaute, made with long-waisted bodices with circular frills to the waistline at the back, and fully-flared skirts of ankle length which fell from two circular frills raised to a point at the back. Both wore pink mittens and large felt hats, and carried bouquets of pink and lemon flowers to tone, Mr J. Borrell, Kaiapoi, was best' man, and Mr Leige Whitmore (Christchurch) acted as groomsman. After the ceremony a reception was held at the N.A.P.A. Ilall, where Mrs Shaw received the guests, wearing a frock of olive-green flecked tweed with fox fur and hat to match. She carried a bouquet of autumn flowers. The bridegroom's mother wore a navy silk frock, with coat and hat' to match, and carried a bouquet of lemon and red flowers. For travelling, the bride wore a two- ] piece suit of royal blue, with Robin Hood hat to match, and carried a furtrimmed coat of black face-cloth.

CABARET DANCE. » A dance will he held in the New Frascati hall-room to-night, commencing at 8.30. Spacious alcoves, with tables set out, have now been arranged for patrons, and these may be reserved by telephoning 31-778. Cabaret supper will be served, and music will be provided by Bob Bradford's Orchestra.

GOLDEN WEDDING. COOPER—HIGHT. Mr and Mrs Thomas Cooper, of ltangiora, celebrated their golden wedding at a reception held in the Orange Hall, ltangiora, on Wednesday. , Mr Cooper was born at Governor's Bay in 1857 and was married to Miss Jane Hight, of Waddington, at the English, Church there by the Rev. Mr Collins. They resided in the Leeston district for 25 to 30 years and then removed to the llangiora district, where they have resided for tho past nine years. They had 51 family of five children, three of whom were present at the celebrfition. They also have 18 grandchildren.

There were about CO guests present, including members of the family, relatives, and friends, and the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs W. Rowse. The bridegroom's brother, Mr A. Cooper, was in charge of the arrangements, and the Rev. S. Henderson presided. The tables were decorated with chrysanthemums and other autumn flowers. A bouquet of golden ooloured flowers was presented to the bride as she entered the room. The toast to the bride and bridegroom was proposed by the Mayor (Mr \V. A. Rowse), who congratulated Mr and Mrs Cooper on fifty years of married life, and hoped that they would enjoy many more years together. He remarked that although Mr Cooper had passed his 74th year he was still actively engaged in business affairs, and was also an active member of the bowling club, and throughout his nine years' residence in Rangiora he had become associated with all movements for the betterment of the town. Mr Rowse also thanked Mrs Cooper for her assistance in the social work of the borough. Mr Cooper suitably responded. Items were given by the Misses Straws, Mr A. McAlpine, and two children in costume. Mr and Mrs Cooper received many messages of congratulations and presents from various parts of the country. The entertainment was brought to a close by the singing of -"Auld Lang Syne." DANCE AT FERRY ROAD. The "big dance" will be held at the Ferry Road Hall this evening, when L. Gruminitt's Band will provide music. Mr Sidney Holliss and Miss Jewel Todd will give' an exhibition dance.

HOCKEY.

ELLESMERE SUB-ASSOCIATION. At a meeting o£ the Ellesmere Hockey SubAssociation, held at Brookside on Thursday, delegates were present from the District' High School, Southbridge, Leeston, Irwell, Brookside, and Doyleston Clubs. Mr A. McCallum was elected president of the Association. It was agreed tliat the High School Club should be asked to furnish a list of 26 players, and that all the other High School girls should be given permission to play for the clubs in the districts in which they resided. The affiliation fee was fixed at ss, and it was suggested that the competition teams should be as follows:—Senior Grade—High School A, Soutlibridgo A and B, Leeston A, Irwell, and Dunsandel. Junior Grade —High School B. Southbridge C, Dunsandel B, Loes ; ton B, Brookside, and Doyleston. The matter was, however, allowed to stand over until the next meeting, when, the lists of players are to be available. It was decided to open the competitions on May 21st. RAWHITI CLUB. The Rawhiti Ladies' Hockey Club Learns for to-day aie: Senior B v. Technical A, at Technical, 3 P m.—B. Cook, R. Fowler, A. Moses, M. Turner, E. Muirson, J. H«ad, T. Burgess, H. Ward, R. Cattermole, R. Messerrey, M. Hill. Referee, Mr McCracken. Junior B v. Digby's B, in Kawhiti Domain, at 3 p.m.—N. Marriott, O. Coddington, B. Jones, P. Sutton, D. Moses, E. Carmalt, J. Tindall, M. Fitcliett, I. Jordan, A. Turner, D. Kanley. Rofere, Mr Mapstone.

STATE-AIDED OPERA. *

LONDON AND CONTINENTAL CITIES. NEGLECT OP MUSIC. <rKOx ovx tfwx cohbispokdent.) liONDON, March 23. Mr Warwick Braithwaite (formerly of Dunedin), who has been Director ot the National Orchestra of Wales, writes from Hampstead to the "Daily Telegraph" to-day, relative to Lon- , don's lack of grand, opera. Mr Braithwaite thus expresses his I views: Foreign conductors have been criticised for coming to London and giving programmes in many ways unadventurous and ordinary. "Do these conductors think," one well-known writer on musio has asked, "we are still in a state bordering on musical barbarianism?" Surely the answer is that only in a barbarian country could music be so entirely neglected as it has been in England. London, the biggest city in the world, has never had a permanent opera. Nearly all, European cities of moderate population have bad a subsidised opera for generations. Furthermore, it is only in such a barbarian country that orchestras of symphonic dimensions are being allowed to die out. Neglect of music by the Stat© is a sure sign of barbarianism. it is no use excusing ourselves by saying we aren't musical—we are! Enthusiasm for music among our people is tremendous—but unsatisfied. Our colleges and academies turn out hundreds of competent musicians every year—and for what? London's Three Opera Houses. A city of the size of London could support at least three opera houses. Paris, a smaller metropolis, lias three. Munich, smaller still, also has three. Is it not time to remove this blot on the country's cultural and artistic development? The international season cannot be taken seriously. Such a season means very little to the real musiclover—for one thing it is too expensive.

We need, what every other European, country already has —opera permanently established by the State and sung in the language of our people. Every city over a quarter of a million population should have its orchestra and opera house. Into this scheme should be brought the drama. If such a state of affairs existed, no longer would one be compelled to go abroad for one's culture. It is a mistaken policy for those in power to ignore the claims of oountj jSush folk yearning for music and drama within easy reach both of their homes and their jjockets.