A NEW ZEALAND WRITER

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21349, 17 December 1934, Page 3

A NEW ZEALAND WRITER

TRIBUTE TO MISS JESSIE MACKAY PRESENTATION AT CASHMERE A presentation of a testimonial letter and cheque was made to Miss Jessie Mackay on Saturday evening at the home of Mrs T. E. Taylor, Cashmere. The work for the preparation of the testimonial had been done by Mrs D. B. Macleod assisted by Mrs Helen Henderson, Miss E. MacleodSmith, Misses Joy and Ruth Henderson, Mr R. M. Laing, and many others. The script of the letter was the work of Mr W. S. Baverstock. The handtooled leather cover witn metal decorations in Celtic designs, including Miss Mackay's monogram, was made by Mr J. A. Johnstone, of the Canterbury College School of Art. The text of the letter, which bore more than 300 signatures from New Zealand, Australia, and England, was as follows: Dear Jessie Mackay.— •We, your friends and admirers from' New Zealand and overseas, write to assure you that the significance of your life and your life-work is realised in this generation.

In the literary history of our country there is no name more honoured than yours. That pure lyric cry which you caught from the folk-piusic of the Highlands and the ballads of Scott and the Border-poets was inimitably suitable for the interpretation of life in early New Zealand. The pioneer's memories of his Homeland, the visionings of the Maori, and the aspirations of the nation-builder, are expressed in "The Road to Appin," "Rona," "The Grey Company," and "The Burial of Sir John Mackenzie." You have united an old tradition with a new loyalty and blended without loss the heritage of one land with the ideals and aspirations of another. It is surely the prophetic element in you that enables you thus to link the past with the present and future, in your, views of national affairs as well as in your verse. To this, too, is due your rare ability to interpret the significance of a great national event as you have done in such poems aj those written to celebrate the opening of-the Bridge of Remembrance and the first aerial crossing of the Tasman. Nor is it for your writings alone that we owe you gratitude, but for every effort you have made, every encouragement you have given, in the building of a literary tradition in a land where literature might have been forgotten in the first struggle for material prosperity. V7e honour you also for your reforming zeal, which has expressed itself in a life-long allegiance to many causes. Foremost among these is your ardent feminism. You were among the. first of those who realised that to limit the feminine intellect to the sphere of the home would deprive society of a great creative and regeneratiye power. You have been prominent in all crusades for the juster treatment of women, and the extension of woman's influence. As a member of many women's societies you have b£en an inspiration to those who seek to rid the world of the evils of alcoholism, war, and pauperism. Your pen has done battle against cruelty of every kind, and has always been at the service of the poor, the weak, and the down-trodden. No cause has been too unpopular or seemingly hopeless to gain your enthusiastic and open support, and we reverence you for this surpassing loyalty and courage. We honour you for your rare sense of nationhood. You have reconciled within yourself nationalism and internationalism, for your outlook recognises peoples not as groups or states or countries pitted against each other for supremacy, but as members of one common humanity struggling towards whatever dim Utopias lie ahead. It has been your pride that you have seen the age of idealism m our polity. It is your grief that you have seen it threatened, but in neither age has your soul pandered to expediency. For those great powers of mind and soul we bring you homage, and for your complete consecration of them to the service of humanity we offer your our humble gratitude. All that your example has aroused in others—the inspiration to courage and devotion that it has been—these things cannot be measured, but they are felt by those whom you have influenced and helped. Tributes to Miss Mackay Mr R. M. Laing gave the opening address at the meeting. The gathering to honour Miss Jessie Mackay, he said, was uniqe in the history of New Zealand. It had originally been intended to hold a public meeting, but Miss Mackay had preferred a smaller and quieter gathering. It had been impossible, therefore, to have present all those who had been interested in the tribute and presentation. Mr Laing spoke briefly of Miss Mackay s writings. She was one of the first women to write poetry in New Zealand, and her work, Celtic _ 111 spirit, was rich in allusion and vision. It was marked by beauty of rhythm, associations, and form. Romantic m character, it was very different from the realistic writing that was fashionable to-day. Mr Laing then read three of Miss Mackay's poems ' Go No More A-sorrowing," "The Lakeland Tangi," and "Merlin, My Seer. Mrs T. E. Taylor spoke on behalt of the women of New Zealand, praising Miss Mackay's use of her literary gift to further humanitarian ends. "Your utter loyalty to women," she said, "your wide humanitarian insight and sympathy, so constant and so ready at all times, has endeared you to every one of us. "Your valiant support of and devotion to principle have often brought courage to workers in unpopular causes, and have strengthened the spirit of many a tired reformer. "You have a unique place m our imaginations and our hearts; we would tell you ■ so, -and wish you renewed health, fresh vigour, and many more years of service—that service so freely given, which has never failed us, the women of New Zealand, and the women of eveery land." Dr. J. B. Condliffe, of Geneva, spoke of the inspiration of Miss Mackay's letters to a family in exile from New Zealand. To those engaged in dull j technical routine, he said, the artist's

power to see truly and to see clearly was a source of great encouragement. Miss Mackay had worked all her life for causes which were sometimes unpopular; but they were not lost causes, rather they were the causes of the future. New Zealand should congratulate herself on having one who possessed the vision of a seer. Mr A. E. Currie referred to the fame gained, though not sought, by Miss Mackay, a fame which would probably outlast that of many names now on everybody's lips. He spoke of the Scottish influence, the delicate touch, in Miss Mackay's poetry. It was Mr Currie's wish that her prose writings should also be collected. The presentation of the testimonial book and cheque was formally made by Mrs D. B. Macleod. Mrs Macleod outlined the development of the movement which had culminated. in the presentation, and thanked all those who had helped in the work. She then asked Miss Mackay to accept the tribute to her WQrk and writings. "Born Among Pioneers" Miss Mackay spoke briefly in reply. "You have heard a voice on the wind and associated it with me," she said; "I was born among pioneers and am a pioneer myself. It is not always what one does, but what one tries and would like to do that matters. New Zealand has always been around me, and I have always loved New Zealand. I am proud that this gathering, in which every profession and calling must be represented, has met in this house, where great thoughts, great words, and great deeds have always been found." Miss Mackay then expressed her thanks for the tribute that had been paid her. The following musical items were given:—Songs, *"0, Can Ye Sew Cushions," and "The Road to the Isles," Mrs W. M. Hamilton; violin solos, "Canzonetta" (D'Ambrosia) and "Chant sans Paroles" (Tchaikowski), Miss Lily Robertson; pipe music. Piper J. Jackson. Among those present were Miss Jessie Mackay, Mrs T. E. Taylor, Dr. and Mrs J. Hight, Dr. and Mrs J. B. Gondiiffe, Dr. and Mrs D. B. Macleod, Mr and Mrs F. A. Shurrock, Mr and Mrs A. Dixon, Mr and Mrs W. M. Stewart, Mesdames Brooker, Katrine Mackay, Oliver Duff, W. F. Tracy, H. G. Turner, J. S. Wilson, W. M. Hamilton, F. H. Henderson, W. J. Vesey Hamilton, A. V. Houston, Misses Lovell-Smith, Georgina Mackay, lona Mackay, Alma Chamberlain, Lily Robertson, E. Chaplin, Esther Glen, Kathleen Moore, G. Wilson, Mildred Trent, Janet Shaw, Dr. R. R. D. Milligan, Messrs A. E. Currie, W. Elliott, J. A. Johnstone, R. M. Laing, W. S.'Baverstock, W. M. Brookes, Arthur Smart. Apologies for absence were received from Professor and Mrs F. Sinclaire, Mr and Mrs W. Dixon, Mr and Mrs W. Mackay, Mr and Mrs P. H. N. Freeth, Mr and Mrs E. C. Huie, Mesdames Chas. Chilton and E. R. McCombs, Misses Ness Mackay, Eileen Duggan, Edith Lyttelton ("G. B. Lancaster"), G. Colborne-Veel, B. E. M. Service, E. Service, the Rev. T. W. Armour, Dr. Guy Scholeiield, Messrs Pat. Lawlor. J. H. E. Schroder, A. E. Mulgan, Oliver Duff, and W. F. Tracy. SURF CLUB'S DANCE .The New Brighton Surf Bathing and Life-saving Club held an enjoyable dance in the' Masonic Hall on Saturday evening, and the function was an outstanding success. Dance music was played by Miss Maisie Ottey's orchestra, and Mr C. A. Cooper was master of ceremonies. A Monte Carlo was won by Miss Jessie Kennedy and Mr Roy Fulton, and a lucky spot dance by Miss Nancy Broadley and Mr A. B. Bacon. During the evening the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) said he was pleased to see that so many supporters of the club had attended; they must recognise that the cause was a worthy one, as hundreds of lives were safeguarded annually on the Brighton beaches. He hoped sufficient public help would be forthcoming to provide adequately for the necessary patrols over a long season. The dance committee comprised Messrs W. Queere (convener), C. A. Cooper, M. McCree, J. G. Cowan, A. I. Hughes. Mrs W. Queere, who welcomed the guests, was assisted by the Misses Mary and Kathleen Burns. Among those present were Mr and Mrs W. Qtiereo, Mr and Mrs C. A. Cooper, Mr and Mrs R. Sloan, Mr and Mrs A. Adams, Mr and Mrs L. W. Clarkson, Mr and Mrs J. Christian, Mr and Mrs N. Ford, Mr and Mrs R. Mobray, Mr and Mrs S. E. Munday, Mr and Mrs R. Peterson, Mesdames I

F. Webley, M. Moses, A. Johnson, K. Dowson, R. McDougall, T. Bennett, H. Cardinal, Leslie Scrimshaw, J. Saggers, Misses Laurel Trigance, Mamie Burroughs, Bell Peddie, Winnie Smith, Winsome Dean, Thora Shilstone, Mina Orr, Trances Burley, Jessie Kennedy, Nina Lawson, H. Smith, Greta Morton, May Moses, Noel Ward, Mary Burns, Kathleen. Burns, Laura El!is, Margaret Butler, Lorr.a Coe, Marion Burns, Thelma Harvey, Mona Turner, Essie Rowntree, Joyce Fisher, Joan Napper, Myrle Gudge, Dorothy Moses, Irene Wheeler, Marcelle Baldwin, Olive Coddington, Muriel Hulme, Norma Needham, Rhona Wilson, Gwen McCullum, Millie Jackson, Sally Norton, Yerne Beswick, Nancy Broadley, Peggy Gowan, P. Emmerson, Nora Weston, Ella Ward, Rita Fuller, Eileen Boyland, Pat Boyland, Sylvia Hobson, Cushla Reddiugton, N. Marriott, Dorothy Brecn, Daphne Taylor, Daphne Beecroft, Mary Jackson, Olwyn Lang, Messrs R. Oughton, 11. Smith, C. W. Dean, 0. Philpott, T. J. Edmonds, G. A. Horwell, N. M. Smith, H. G. Perrin, R. Bishop, J. G. Gowan, D. Henderson, E. Baker, G. Murray, M. McCree, R. M. Rattray, A. I. Hughes, T. J. Arnott, G. Horwell, D. L. Parsonßon, A. Stephens, J. W. Rennio, A. Hay, A. Rowlands, B. Rice, L. Jones, N. Rogers, J. Gibson, G. Miller, N. Aldridge, A. Mackie, E. Ansley, G. Duncan, O. Dorn, C. Cox, L. Kirk, D. Dickson, P. Nye, A. Venner, R. K. Barron, P. J. Bell, J. B. Bremner, L. R. Moore, P. Butler, S. Rich, A. T. F. Stokes, W. E. Colton, H. Mcllroy, D. Rowlands, R. Fnlton, P. Anderson, F. Cribb, F. Bateman, and R. Rhodes. A shilling advertisement in the classified section of "The Press" will sell your goods. Try it. 12 words Is, three insertions 2s 6d.—6

Lima Thomas, Norma Fairbrass, Alison Hine, Inez Hollingum, Eileen Edwards, Betty Burt, Beryl Andrew, and Noeline Rhodes; dialogue, "Peter Pan and Wendy," Betty and Jack Robb; acrobratic duo, Gloria Walker and Aileen Briggs; song, "The Little Damozel," Beryl Baggs; dance, "Rosebud," Myrtle Carter; dance, "La Senorita," Patricia Regnault; operatic solo, Gela Thomas; classic ballet, soloist, Helen McKenzie; song, Edna Graham; toy ballet, Winifred Hills, Lima Thomas, Noeline Rhodes, Hazel Andrews, Lois McOlean; Kathleen Seddon; tap dance, Pearl and Ailoen Briggs; operatic dance, Helen McKenzie; cymbal dance, Gela Thomas; Russian dance, Gloria Walker; humorous recitation, Beryl Baggs; operatic solo, Patricia Regnault; tap dance. Ruby Williams; operatic dance, Gwenda Mackey; fairy waltz, Lois McClean; Gipsy ballet and song, "Play to Me, Gipsy" (soloist, Edna Graham). EVENING SOCIAL Mr and Mrs E. King, Linwood, held an evening social at their home on Saturday evening, when the members of the Suburban Cricket Association and ladies met for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr S. Cawtheray, on the occasion of his approaching marriage to Miss C. McAlister. In presenting Mr Cawtheray with a handsome oak clock, Mr H. W. Rogers spoke of the excellent qualities possessed by Mr Cawtheray and wished him every prosperity on behalf of the members of the management , committee.

Buttle (Eastern Girl), Lome Dawe (Eastern Boy), Pamela Mower (Dutch Girl), Molly Basßett (Good Luck), Neroli McGratb (Red, White and Blue), Nancy Bassett (Rompers), Pat Ellison (Hawaiian), Prudence Bassett (Turk), Bessie Keig (Russian), Ewan Retallick (Toreador), Alan Retallick (Pierrot), Rex Retallick (Scottish), Dawn Williamson, Doveen Cant (Powder Puff), Bobby Cant (Christmas Pudding), Mervyn Jerard (Little Boy Blue), Nancy Lawson (Night), Aileen Crawshaw (Rose Fairy), Peggy Hickmott (Dutch Girl), Valerie Cook (Flower Girl), Betty Barlow (Persian Princess), Billy Barlow (Pierrot), Natalie Cairns (Rabbit), Rosemary Potts (Dancing Girl), Ken Avery (New Zealand Lamb), Barbara Avery (Rosebud), Bethane Avery (Springtime), Pearl. Edwards (Colman's Mustard), Tony Miles (Mickey Mouse), Ross Hillson (Winter Sports), Ray Roberts (Red Poppy), Kathleen Hickman (Old English), Robert Hickmott (Cricketer), Daphne Holloway (Lettuce), Tony Waller (Christmas Hamper), Arthur Claydon (Mexican). Jackie Woods (Mexican), Sylvia Perry (Pierrette), Jack Powe (Mexican), Bruce Newburgh 'Cricketer).

Light-coloured short curtains at a casement window look most attractive, but they soon lose their freshness when they blow outside, to be wind-torn or rain-spotted. This method has been found successful. Stretch a thick crochet thread, or very fine string between tiny tacks attached to the window frames under the curtains. It cannot be seen from outside, and'pre- [■ the curtains flapping.