NEWS FOR WOMEN

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25083, 15 January 1947, Page 2

NEWS FOR WOMEN

CURRENT NOTES The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have been busy making their larewells in Australia. Last month more than 1300 residents of Canberra and the surrounding districts were greeted by their Royal Highnesses at a farewell Government House garden party. The Duke and Duchess met the guests at afternoon tea and expressed their appreciation of the many kindnesses extended to them during their sojourn in the national capital. Both said they were extremely sorry to be leaving. The Royal couple made a farewell oneday visit to Brisbane and went to Melbourne early this month. The Duke of Gloucester will leave for England to-morrow. A fine record of service to the country of her adoption stands to the credit of Mrs Gertrude Helen, Benson, of Dunedin, a member of the Senate of the University of New Zealand, which is holding its annual meeting in Christchurch this week. Mrs Benson was born in Yorkshire and was educated at Newnham College, where she graduated Master of Arts, aind she later took a post-graduate diploma at King’s College, London. For 11 years she wak on the staff of the Home Science Department of the University of Otago, and for four years she was Professor of Home Science and Dean of the Faculty. Her marriage to Professor W. N. Benson, professor of geology and mineralogy at the University of Otago, took place in 1923. Amongst important posts held by Mrs Benson have been those of president of the New Zealand Federation of University Women and president of the Otago branch of the National Council of Women. Some years ago she attended the Pan-Pacific Science Congress in Japan. Visitors from many parts of Ne.w Zealand will attend the annual conference of the Society of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand, which will be held in Christchurch from January 22 to Janary 24. Visitors from Wellington will include Mr Stanley Oliver. Mr Albert Bryant, Mi H Temple White, Miss Eva McNickle, and Mr E. C. Cachemaille. Representatives from Auckland will include Mr Colin Muston, Mr Henry Shirley, Miss M. Morris, and Miss Ethel Hammond.

A 17-year-old Australian schoolgirl (Catherine Gaskin) has written a novel which, published last month by William Collins (Overseas), has already proved a “best seller.” The first edition sold out in about'two weeks, and it is now set for publication in London and New York. The book, which is entitled “This Other Eden,” tells the story of an American girl’s reactions to English life and society during the period 1931-41. The author began the novel when she was 15 years of age, but the style and maturity of the work led the publishers to believe' that she was much older. Reviews state that she is deeply 'in debt to Somerset Maugham for her method of treatment, and that she has achieved a blending of the best in the Maugham technique. Catherine Gaskin lives in Coogee. She was educated at St. Bridyid’s parish school. Coogee., and at Holy Cross College, Woollahra.

The news of the Government’s plan to help the Young Men’s Christian Association and the Young Women’s Christian Association to provide additional residential accommodation will be welcomed by many young persons who seek board in Christchurch. At present the Y.M.C.A. in the city has available only oije building, which provides residence for 45 permanent boarders. Board is being sought there this year by 30 university students. The Christchurch branch of the Y.W.C.A. is at present conducting a campaign for £20,000, and it is estimated that at least half this sum will be spent on “Riverlaw," which, when ready for use, will house girls from 15 to 20 years. It will accommodate more than the 26 girls for whom there is room at the association’s hostel in Papanuff This hostel will be vacated when “Riverlaw” is ready to, be occupied. “Women from 20 to 25 are housed in the building at Latimer square,” said Miss Hardie (general secretary of the Christchurch association). “There are scores of women of more than 25 who seek accommodation from us, but we simply have no place for them. We even have to turn away some in the 15 to 20 age group. Most women more than 25, of course, should not need assistance from the association, but there are some cases where, for medical or similar reasons, it is desirable that the association take them in. The hostel at Latimer square, however. has accommodation for only 60 people.” On a recent fashion parade held in London of women’s clothes for export overseas, the colours were interesting after the sharp, unsubtle shades of late. There was a good deal of the Victorian in tones of prune and olive green, blacklead grey with black, crimson, snuff, and cinnamon. There were washed-out tones of pink, lilac and reseda, and shades of lemon and lime, with strong violets holding their place.

Advice has been received that two pictures had. been given to the Auckland Art Gallery. A cablegram from the High Commissioner for New Zealand in the United Kingdom, Mr Jordan, said an anonymous donor had offered to present Lord Leightons painting “The Love Token.” The painting, which measures 56in by 42m, was exhibited at the Royal Academy m 1881 and was later sold for 350gns. A cheque for £2l was received on Monday from Mrs Blanche Keesing, of Bellevue Hill, New South Wales, who said the will of her late husband, Mr T. R. Keesing, formerly of Auckland, provided for the purchase of a picture to be hung in the Auckland Art Gallery.

The Christchurch Mental Welfare Society, which has been instrumental in providing many additional com? forts for the patients of Sunnyside Mental Hospital and the Templeton Farm, is making a Street Appeal on Wednesday, January 29, to secure funds for a seaside holiday home for these patients. The urgent requirement is collectors. Will you ,help? These sick people need your practical sympathy, and this is the way you can give it. A couple of hours of your spare time on that day will be a worthy contribution. If you have a ’phone or are near a ’phone .ring 41-281 or 48-415 and offer your services now. If you wish, you can write to Box 413, Christchurch. Advt. Women particularly are invited to consult Klexema specialists about skin and scalp ailments such as seborrhoea, alopecia, and baldness. 'Phone 34-566 Triangle Buildings. 281 High street. Advt. COOKS m two mtnutes—’’Holly’ Oatmeai —the new process pre-cooked breakfast cereal. Ask your grocer forj. “HOLLY’’ Oatmeal or Rolled Oats—you’irenjoy the Delicious Nutty Flavour Advt.