CURRENT NOTES

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26477, 19 July 1951, Page 2

CURRENT NOTES

Dr. Jeanne Eder, president of the International Council of Women, told Wellington citizens at a civic reception yesterday that female suffrage had never been achieved in her country, Switzerland, peculiarly because of that country’s democratic way of life. “All important decisions are made by referendum,” she said, “and so we are up against the hard job of convincing over half the men that women should get the vote. However, it should not be long now before woioen of Switzerland get their franchise and become full citizens.”—(P.A.)

‘‘The members of the Mothers’ Union are the backbone of the parish.” said the Rev. I. L. Richards who presided yesterday at the annual meeting of the Mothers’ Union for the Diocese of Christchurch. The guest speaker (the Rev. Martin Sullivan) also paid tribute to the work of the union. "The most powerful organisation in the Church of England in this country is the Mothers’ Union.” he said. "Its strength is considerable at the moment, and even more considerable potentially.” Mothercraft teaching groups which were held regularly at the Plunket rooms were well attended, said the acting charge sister (Miss H. V. Elliot) at the monthly meeting of the Christchurch branch of the Plunket Society yesterday. At the end of each course one talk was given to fathers. A comprehensive display showed nursery furniture and suitable toys for all ages. The necessity of making homes safe for babies bv such methods as the use of fire guards, and the protection of jug cords was emphasised. Considerable interest was taken by the fathers in these lectures. Distribution of soup to old and needy people in Christchurch was begun a few months ago by the Red Cross Society. On the first day of distribution 40 pints of soup were sent out. Now, 130 pints are being distributed twice a week. Yesterday the society further, extended its service, when the distribution of hot dinners was begun. Only 12 meals were sent out yesterday, but the number will be increased almost immediately. The dinners are being provided particularly for sick, elderly and blind men who are unable to prepare a meal for themselves. Yesterday they were given steak stew and mashed potatoes. The society now has the use of a van for the distribution of the meals which are kept hot in containers lent by the Anmy. Sticking hdman hairs, one by one, into a wax scalp is the unusual occupation of Miss Vera Bland who is a hair stylist at Madam Tussaud’s famous waxwork exhibition in London. Beginning as a lift attendant, Miss Bland was trained in beauty culture and sculpture and was later taught the closely guarded secret of sticking human hairs into a wax scaln by Miss Beatrice Tussaud. Every three months the models are given a petrol shampoo and set. The most frequent clients for restyling of coiffures are Princess Margaret and the Duchess of Kent.

Mothercraft teaching in schools occupied almost all the time of one sister on the staff of the Christchurch Plunket rooms, said the acting charge sister (Miss H. V. Elliot) at the monthly meeting of the Christchurch branch of the Plupket Society yesterday. Secondary schoolgirls were taken in, groups for a course in mothercraft which covered such practical subjects as suitable clothing for a baby, how to make a layette, how to wash napkins and woollen clothing. and the feeding and bathing of the baby. A live model was used in the baby bathing demonstrations, Miss Elliot said. There were usually from six to 10 lectures in a course. Leetures were also given to two groups or girls from intermediate schools. The president (Mrs P. G. Greenwood) presided at the monthly meeting of the Christchurch branch of the Plunket Society yesterday. It was announced that several members would attend the provincial conference of the society which will be held at Ashburton in Sentember. Miss J Horner, matron of Karitane Hospital, reported that admission figures for June were as follows:—mothers ninebabies, 21; oremature babies. 10; twins, four sets. Ten mothers and 23 babies were discharged.

The July meeting of the RedcliffsSumner Garden Club was held yesterday m the Methodist school room. Miss M. Holderness presided. The guest speaker was Mr Jameson, who outlined the aims of the Summit Road Scenic Society. Competition results were as follows:—Sand saucer. Mrs S. Nicholson 1, Mrs Vaughan 2, Mrs Webb 3. Jug of evergreens, Mrs B. Turner 1 Mrs H. Carter 2, Mrs H. Allard 3. Three artichokes, Mrs Harris 1, Mrs Webb 2, Mrs E. Ebert 3. Hostesses were Mesdames White, Lee, Mackay and Nicholson.

mu x, .. QUACK! That s the word generally used for one falsely professing knowledge—especially medical knowledge. Don't a the right thing for baby-give him Stevens’ "Three Carboys Brand Rose Hip Syrup?—it helps prevent baby ills. For dosage and innJr# ctl0I r? your Plunxet nurse. (Mfgs., H. F. Stevens, Ltd., 103 Worcester ®£eet. Christchurch) Advt SPEEDY MEALS DURING THE ELECTRIC POWER SHORTAGES Buy your food ready-cooked . . Some favourites are Steak and Kidney Pie, made in your own dish, or smaller size . . . Chicken Croquettes, 6<j each . . . Fish Cakes, 6d each All children and adults enjoy our Bran Muffins. Is 6d per dozen. For health—eat them daily. Call at OLGA MILES DELICATESSEN, 95 Cashel Street. Phone 38-709. —Advt