HANDCRAFTS OF CHINA

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23349, 7 June 1941, Page 2

HANDCRAFTS OF CHINA

DISPLAY AT HAY'S LTD. FUNDS FOR RELIEF OF DISTRESS Golden weddings in New Zealand call for special celebration, but in China a bride of 50 years, if she is the favoured wife of a Mandarin, receives a special token of her husband's affection worth more than all the speeches made at wedding breakfasts. One of these richly-embroidered tokens is at present displayed on Hay's roof in the unique exhibition -of Chinese handcrafts lent by citizens of Christchurch, and several Dunedin supporters, in an effort to raise funds for the relief of distress in China. On crimson silk, the illuminated address tells in gold thread embroidery the history of the Mandarin's family—in this case the secondlast of the Manchu dynasty. Panels of beautiful embroidery forming a frame tell the story of the Mandarin's wooing. He is depicted consulting astronomers as to the wisdom of his proposed marriage; receiving the Emperor's consent; and, again, on bended knees seeking the blessing of the Gods. This illuminated address took 15 years to embroider Of women's handwork there is an excellent collection. One piece of black and white embroidery Is so fine and of such accurate stitchery that four girls lost their sight before it was completed. A picture recalls the custom of other years when the betrothed girl embroidered with her own hair a picture for her future husband. Carved ivories are specimens of the master craftsman's art. One beautiful perfume bottle is covered with a gallery of figures, each with a different expression on its face. Workers of the present time are still trying to discover the secret of tinting ivory in such delicate shades that do not fade with the years. To the collector of china, two "elephant" plates that once graced the dining-room of the Royal House of China will be of particular interest. Only four of these plates are known to exist, the other two being in the British Museum. A tea set that will make every housewife covetous is of black and gold silk, its rice bowls and handleless tea bowls being lacquered to make them usable. The display was opened yesterday afternoon by the Deputy-Mayor (Mr M. E. Lyons), who paid a tribute to Hay's, Ltd., for its work in arranging such an interesting display. The small entrance fee charged for admission' is given entirely to the fund administered by Madame Chiang Kai-shek, wife of the Generalissimo of the, Chinese National Armies, for the relief of distress amongst refugees in China. The exhibition will be open for three weeks.

OBITUARY

MRS ARTHUR BUTLER The death has occurred at Gisborne of Mrs Ellen Butler, widow of Mr Arthur Butler. Mrs Butl r was born in Christchurch, where .her marriage took place. With her husband, she left for Gisborne 26 years ago. She is survived by her son, Mr Vernon Butler (Gisborne), and by four brothers, Mr J. Howell (Gisborne). Mr W. Howell (Hamilton), Mr D. Howell (Christ church), and Mr R. Howell (Nelson). Mrs C. Ryan (Wellington) is a sister. WOMEN’S TEMPERANCE UNION NORTH CANTERBURY BRANCH Mrs Barr,ell presided at the executive meeting of the North Canterbury Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Seven branches gave in contributions for coal and extra comforts for seamen visiting Lyttelton. Mrs Stokes offered to help to pack parcels at the Welcome Club, and Mrs Black reported on the Bible in Schools annual meeting. Satisfactory reports were read from town and country branches.

ENGAGEMENTS

The engagement is announced of Corporal- R.' D, Norrish. R.N.Z.A.F., Wigram, to Marie Louise Power, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs F. M. Power, “The Peaks,” Hawarden. The engagement is - announced of Dorothy Alice, youngest daughter of Mr and the late Mrs H. E. Blunden, formerly of North Canterbury, to Richard Samuel. - younger son of Mr and Mrs C. F. Bassett, “Burnt Hill," Oxford. The engagement is announced of Lorna, elder daughter of Mrs J. McKay, Mayfield avenue, and the late ‘Mr Andrew B. McKay, “Melness,” Pigeon Bay. to Private Reginald Mould, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, eldest son of Mr and Mrs James . Mould, Pipers. Valley, Duvauchelle Bay. “The Press" New Telephone Number, 38-520. All Departments. —6

STRATHEONA

The monthly meeting of the board of managers of the Stratheona Hostel was held at Stratheona, South Canterbury. In the absence of the matron, Mrs McLeod was in charge of the meeting, and reported that there had been many visitors to the hostel during the month, including a Nelson group travel party. Much work had been done in the garden, and two trainees have left to take positions, while two new ones have been admitted. The number of school dinners to be provided has been increased. A request from the trainees to be allowed to play basketball on Saturday afternoons was granted, and a friend offered to provide the ball. : Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., met members of the board and discussed plans for the hostel. He also gave a short talk to the trainees.