TIMARU NEWS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21701, 7 February 1936, Page 3

TIMARU NEWS

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL Miss Maureen Kaymond (Bidwill street) will leave on Sunday on her return to England. Mrs H. M. Barker (Bidwill street), has' returned from a visti to Miss Or bell, Christchurch. Miss Ethel Cargill (Waitawa) has returned from a visit to Mrs Edward Elworthy, Four Peaks. . Mrs Molyneaux (Dunedin) and Miss Mblyneuax (Invercargill), who were the'guests of Mrs W. Johnston, Seftonstreet, have returned south. Mrs Williamson and Miss , Wheeler, who were the guests of Mrs E. Vincent, Kingsdown, have returned to Christchurch.

Mrs C. W. P. Hamilton (Irishman Creek), who is visiting Christcixurch, is expected home to-day. Mrs F, F. A. Ulrich and her children (Elizabeth street) have returned home after spending a holiday at their camp on. the Opdhi. Miss Wright (Wai-iti road) is visiting Waimate. MISS ISHBEL MACDONALD LICENSEE OP AN INN ir&OM. OUB OWH COEHISPONDENT.) LONDON, January 11. Miss Ishbel Mac Donald, daughter of the former Prime Minister, is now "mine host" at -the Old Plow Inn, Flowers Bottom, Buckinghamshire, She became the licensee as from last Saturday, and a phenomenal trade was | carried on during the week-end. The small chintz-curtained rooms, with their log fires arid ingle-nooks, were crowded during Saturday, and Sunday. At 8 p.m. on Sunday (writes,a local correspondent) no fewer than 150 people must have been standing in the saloon, most of them apparently hoping to be served. Anyone foolhardy enough to attempt a game of darts on the famous board would run a grave risk of pinning his neighbour's ear to the wall.

Long before closing time every drop of "bitter" beer was sold out, and those who ordered it had to be content with "mild."

During the day over 1000 people must have crossed the threshold into the low-ceilinged room, cobwebbed with old beams and decorated with fine old pictures. The telephone hardly stops ringing. Messages of congratulation from all parts of the country are pouring in. In spite of the crowd there is no noise, and there is an air of dignity such as is seldom to be found in country inns of fciis kind. An atmosphere of good fellowship and taste is pronounced. Its presence is a high compliment to one who has become overnight probably the most popular licensee in the country. "One On the House" On Saturday night Miss Mac Donald made her first appearance in the tap•room. A serious game of darts was in progress, but she interrupted a critical "leg" to invite everyone to have "one on the house."

After Mr Child, the retiring landlord, had introduced her to all the people in the room, she brought in the tankards herself and stood beside the settle while the men rose and wished her happiness and prosperity. "Everything will be all right if you come," she said simply. The first evening had its amusing moments, particularly when old countrymen, who have patronised the inn for years, demanded "the usual," and had to be asked to explain what that was.

Among the visitors on Sunday were the American Ambassador, Mr R. G. Bingham, and liis wife.