MISS RAWSON'S FAREWELL.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 465, 25 March 1909, Page 3

MISS RAWSON'S FAREWELL.

Seldom if ever has any girl in these colonies been accorded such a tribute as was paid last week by the women of New South \Vales to Miss Rawson, the daughter of the Governor, whomever since the death of her mother, Lady Rawson, has filled tho position sf "first lady in the State." Reading tho Australian papers one is reminded of the liomago that was paid in the early days of the American Republic to the fascinating daughters of the White House—girls whoso memories are even now cherished as being typical of the sweetest womanhood. Ever since Lady Rawson's death (says the Sydney Daily Telegraph") her daughter has undertaken as many of her duties as she could; what sho lacks in experience she made up in earnestness of purposo and in energy and that zeal in promoting tho interests of others which marks tho unselfish and the sympathetic woman, whatever may bo her station in life. On looking back at tho movements created or supported by Miss Rawson sinco she undertook the duties of the position so sadly thrust upon her, it will be 'seen that they are nearly all for the bonefit of somebody else. The charities almost without number which she has aided by attending meetings are equalled by thd balls and so-called festivities to which, with her father the Governor, Miss Rawson has lent her presence. \\ith the best graco in the world, the constant attendcr at these gaieties must feel that the "toiling pleasure sickens" occasionally "unto pain," and yet never by a flicker of an eyelid has the principal guest at these functions shown that, such a transition of feeling had occurred. The public farewell from the women of New South Wales took place in. tho vestibule of tho Town Hall, and was a very brilliant affair, and tho decorations wore gorgeous. Tho Lady Mayoress (Mrs. Taylor) as president of the committee, on behalf of the women of New South Wales, made tho presentation to Miss Rawson. The gifts consisted of a suite, of diamonds, including a brilliant necklet,'the front being a beautiful row of flowers in diamonds, with diamond Urops from each, and in tho centre a lar"e diamond of fine quality. Tho back of the necklet comprised a row of diamonds in light platinum settings. A pair of diamond earrings, a diamond bracelet, also a diamond marquise ring in keeping with the. suite, wore included m tho presentation 'jewels! 1 e case of the necklet is inscribed with Miss Rawson's initials in gold letters, and an excellent likeness, and was ni in foil h„ Miss Laycocl, The address thai* acT„S,i \l