'Mrs Canterbury’ Is Mother Of 6

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31463, 1 September 1967, Page 2

'Mrs Canterbury’ Is Mother Of 6

Poise, personality, good grooming, and dress sense were the qualities the judges of the “Mrs Canterbury” contest looked for and found in Mrs Shirley Russell (“Mrs Opawa-St. Martins”).

A popular win with the capacity audience at the finals at the Winter Garden on Wednesday evening, Mrs Russell is a mother of six children whose ages range from 16 to four years.

Her prize of a return flight to Sydney with a week’s paid accommodation, $lOO spending money, and a wardrobe of clothes, will give Mrs Russell and her husband their first holiday without the family in their 18 years of married Ife.

Both have reason to be grateful for winter ills. Influenza left Mrs Russell in need of “a lift”. When the Opawa-St Martins committee asked her to enter the contest organised by the Christchurch branch of the Plunket Society, she was happy to accept “I thought it would take me out of myself. I’ve always got to have something to do,” she said yesterday. With six children to look

after it would seem Mrs Bussell already has her hands full but she fits in activities outside the home and hobbies which provide an outlet for her artistic inclinations. Choir Member

A keen member of the Wahines’ Club and the Durham street choir, she has plenty of opportunity to keep up the singing training she acquired before marriage. Her familiarity with the stage undoubtedly added much to her natural poise displayed on Wednesday evening. A “passion” for collecting shells has lead Mrs Russell, who gained her high school education at the School of Art, to making lamps and indoor plant containers. “I like to use my hands, but of course most of my time is taken up with knitting and sewing for the family,” she said. The family is used to hav-

ing a busy mother and the older girls look after their younger sisters and ode brother. The news of their mother’s win was greeted with excitement in the Russell family and perhaps the girls can take some credit for her success.

“The girls growl if I say anything too square. They certainly keep me up to date,” she said.

In common with most of the 24 contestants Mrs Russell found the contest a “wonderful experience.” She considers such a contest is appreciated more by married women who often have less glamour in their lives than single women. Felt Strain

Although she felt the strain of keeping herself perfectly made-up, the slender, grey haired matron does not allow herself to become careless over her appearance. Her choice for the day-wear parade (contestants had to wear their own clothes) was a petal pink, three-piece Courtelle suit in classic lines, teamed with pink shoes, bone bag and gloves, and a small floral hat in tones of pink and grey.

A striking gown of black crepe, its slim line cut away from the shoulder and forming a beaded halter neck, won her a round of applause that was the “most overwhelming” moment of the parade. “I was just numb when the results were announced,” she said.

The gala evening was efficiently organised and an air of interest and anticipation was maintained throughout. The contestants performed with aplomb and Mrs Julie Cunningham described the Plunket mothers’ families, interests, and outfits. The judges—Mr W. Lonie (a fashion merchandise controller), Mr V. R. Claude (company director), Miss S. Riddell (public relations officer), Mrs S. Thompson (dancing teacher), and Mr M. S. Hunter (manager of the G.H.B. grocery group which sponsored the contests) —were faced with a difficult decision.

Mrs J. Pocock, whose efforts were paid special tribute by the branch president (Mrs N. M. Peryer), was co-pro-ducer with Mr J. Turner (public relations officer). The fashion co-ordinating was carried out by Mrs Yvonne Keats. Spring Parade Before the parade Beath and Co staged a spring parade of lively and lovely garments for day and evening wear, formal and casual. It was a stimulating start to a highly successful evening. The second place getter in the contest was “Mrs Town and Country” (Mrs Rose Maree Gilmour) and “Mrs Northcote Styx” (Mrs Marybelle Chant) was third.