CURRENT NOTES

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26122, 26 May 1950, Page 2

CURRENT NOTES

Their Excellencies Sir Bernard Freyberg and Lady Freyberg attended a reception given in their honour on Tuesday by the Wellington Travel Club. His Excellency gave an address on France. Miss Lucy B. Moore, of the botanydivision of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, has left for Sweden. She will represent New Zealand at the seventh International Botanical Congress to be held in Stockholm. Miss E. M. Statham, who trained as a nurse in Dunedin, has just celebrated her ninety-seventh birthday at St. Heliers Bay. Auckland, where she has lived for the last 40 years. Miss Statham, who is an aunt of the late Sir Charles Statham, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was born in Liverpool and came to New Zealand from Australia. During her long life she has entered into many activities and has achieved much, first as a trained nurse and then as secretary of the Navy League and the Victoria League She was also one of the fourd-T of the Girl Guide movement in ...urkland and for many years was insperj- r < : soldiers’ graves. For her services to society Miss Statham was awarded the Silver Jubilee Medal in 1935. Two period plays under the directorship ot Mrs J. A. Meldrum were enthusiastically received at the first open evening of the year of the drama circle of the Canterbury Women’s Club last evening. Picturesque old-world gowns, lace caps. End bonnets were worn lsy the players. Those who took part in the plays were Mesdames C. Hunter. S. W. Gower. R. Cartner. E. McNish, J. K. Moloney, A. W. Hollingum, F. W. Gurnsey, Campbell. E. Sutherland. B. Barnett, E. Witte. J. Allott, and Miss C. L. Widdowson. The president of the club (Mrs G. H. Watts), who welcomed the guests, later thanked the artists for their splendid performances. A talk on her visit to London was given by Mrs H. J. Quarrel, who was the guest speaker at the May meeting of the Christchurch central branch of the Dominion Federation of Townswomen’s Guilds. Mrs C. Anderson presided. The delegates chosen to attend the proposed area federation of Townswomen's Guilds to be formed in Christchurch were Mesdames C. Plumridge and A. H. Hammett. The competition for the month for a bloom resulted in Mrs D. Spedding gaining first and third places with Mrs Henderson second. During the month, it was reported, members of the civic circle had visited the Sign of the Takahe. The guest speaker on that occasion was Mr R. Thompson, who gave an address on the building bf the Takahe. The security of marriage was discussed by an officer of the Child Welfare Department (Mr K. Watson) at the May meeting of the Riccarton branch of the League of Mothers. To help parents to realise the greatness of their responsibility and the power of their influence in forming the character of the child. Mr Watson emphasised the importance of harmony in the home. The president (Mrs W. Grant), who presided, welcomed league members from Auckland. Masterton and Dunedin to the gathering. During the afternoon songs wore sung by Miss Margaret Ward. Members of the Papanui branch of the league were in charge of the creche. Miss H. M. Young has been appointed matron of the Kaikoura Hospital. She has previously held a relieving position at the Kawatiri Maternity Hospital, and has been sister-in-charge .of the maternity annexe at the Timaru Hospital. Approximately 100 members and friends were present at the annua] North Canterbury District Convention of the Methodist Women’s Missionary Union, which opened in the Sydenham Youth Centre this week. An interesting talk on her work among the Auckland Maori people was given by Mrs Divers. formerly Deaconess Joyce Webber. During the evening a sacred play was presented by the Linwood and Wainoni Youth Centres. The Rev. B. Chrystall was the guest speaker at the opening of the business session held in the Durham street schoolroom on Wednesday morning. In the afternoon the Easter offering thanksgiving service, at which the sum of £lBB 3s 6d was received and dedicated, was held in the church. The Rev. H. J. Odell and the Rev. R. Dudley conducted the service. Miss M. Bannerman, a member of the staff of the dietary department of the Christchurch Hospital, has iee:i appointed dietitian at the New Plymouth Hospital, and will leave at the end of this month.

FIRST LORD AND OCTOGENARIAN. A well-known citizen was guest of honour recently at an informal gathering to celebrate his eightieth birthday. Replying to the congratulatory toast, he remarked that old friends were good friends, but new friends were always welcome. “Take this,” he said, holding up a packet of FIRST LORD Cigarettes, “one of my newest friends, and the finest cigarette I ever smoked.” FIRST LORD, cork-tipped. 2/- for 20. Advt. ENJOY YOUR TEA—STILL CHEAPEST Unless you drink water you cannot use a cheaper beverage than tea for your family’s enjoyment. Even at the increased price, a cup of tea costs less than a ha’penny, as a lb of tea makes 150 to 200 cups. Issued by the Tea Bureau. Advt. Lovely, round sultana cakes and the ever-popular Simnel cakes will be available to-day at “Ethne’s” in Hereford Court. Orders are still being accepted for shortbread for overseas. Advt. Hints on baking without butter. Mix Hansell’s Imitation Butter Essence with lard or fat. and your baking will taste as though it is “made with real butter.” Advt.