WOMAN'S WORLD.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2618, 13 November 1915, Page 10

WOMAN'S WORLD.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

MATTERS OF INTEREST FROM FAR AND NEAR. 1

(By Imogen.)

For the Sick and Wounded. Mrs. Barltrop acknowledges recoipt of Rifts of garments, and walking sticks from t-'no following:—Mrs. Kelscy, Capt. Bilton, Dr. Pollen, a parcel per Dr. Pollen, Sirs. G. Anon, tho Foxton Girls 1 Guild, per Misses Eraser and Syme, Miss Holdaway, Sanson Red Cross Guild, Mrs, Rod, Marton patriotic workors, and Mrs. I'arton. Miss Cooper and Miss Moss acknowledge gifts of flowers for their wounded soldiers' stall, in Routli's Buildings, from Miss Godfrey, Miss Davies, Miss Hutchen, Miss Chatfield, Mr. Lever, Mrs. Cook, Mrs. G. Kay, Mrs. Rolleston, Mrs. \V. Bidwill, Mrs. Shine. Mrs. Deck, Mrs. Seed, Mrs. Archibald, Mrs. Simcox, Mrs. Hulme, Mrs. Acflet, Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Arkwright, Mrs. Slialders, Mr. Barkley, Mr. Marsden, Mr. Chapman, Mr. Richards. Mr. ,V. Riddiforcl. Knitting Classes at the Town Hall. The work done at the knitting classes conducted by Mrs. Jolly at the Town Hall during the past fortnight, has been sj much appreciated by the Mayoress and her committee, that, at Mrs. Luke's request, the classes will bo continued during the coining week, each afternoon, from 2 till 5. and on Thursday' evening only from 7 till 9. Knitters aro urged to avail themselves of this opportunity of learning the "Kitchener toe," which spells comfort for our men, on the march, and in the trenches. Mrs. Luke invites those ladies who liavo benefited .by these classes to show their appreciation by giving oiio or two afternoons at the Town Hall next weok to help with some necessary knitting, bringing a set of needles witli tliem. Winter Comforts for the Troops.—New Orders. Tho fact that winter must he approaching, despite the present temperature, has caused ail increaso of energy in tho making of comforts for tlio troops (writes a London correspondent). Most peoplo were somewhat astonished to learn that the War Office intends to take the matter in hand. A new central organisation is to ho formed, under tho directon of Colonel Sir Edward Ward, to co-ordinato the work of the various committees and individuals engaged in supplying comforts. Pending the oom-

plction of tho organisation, wo are invited to concentrate our energies on mufflers and mittens—socks and shirts being a ''Government issue." "Millions too many" of tlieso latter garments were made last year, we are told. Such Government statements, however, are very much open to doubt in many of our minds. Recently the Government gave out persistent assurances that enough sand-bags had been supplied, w'hilo at tho same time letter after letter from officers at- the front implored moro! There may bo enough sand-bags ready for use, but they havo not got to their proper destinations. ■_ Probably tho same state of affairs exists in regard to socks and shirts. Anyway, "Sister Susio" has,to turn her energies elsewhere, and descend to the level of mufflers. And even helmet mufflers are forbidden, as too cumbersome. "The men aro supplied with winter caps,"

Presentation of Leather Waistcoats.

The distribution of leather waistcoats to tho men of tlie Bth. Reinforcements took place at Trentham Camp yesterday morning. Several visitors went out from the City for tlio occasion, as well as members of tho Mayoress's Committee of the Countess of Liverpool Fund, and as the weather was all that could be wished for, bright, sunny, and warm, a very pleasant outing as well as an interesting one resulted. On arrival at the camp tho Bth Reinforcements were found to be drawn up in four long queues, dividing them into the military areas from whicih tliov came. To the men of the Wellington nilitary area Her Excellency tho Countess of Liverpool presented each his waistcoat, assisted by tho Mayoress, Mrs. Luke. Mrs. Massoy, assisted by Mrs. Lewis, of Auckland, presented the waistcoats to the men of the Auckland military area; Mrs. Holland, witli Mrs. Gilby and Mrs. J. S. Neville, gave tho men of the Canterbury, West Coast, and Nelson districts theirs ; and Miss Robin and Miss Downio Stewart presented the Otago contingent of the Reinforcements with theirs. Several representatives from the different patriotic societies, who have been working in various districts and towns of the Dominion, were present, and also took part in the presentation. The ceremony was quite a brief one, and afterwards a wonderful study in browns and yellows was to be observed among the men, most of whom were busily engaged in trying on the waistcoats or else exchanging where they were either too small or too big. Naturally among a largo body of men all sir.es are to be mot with, broad and narrow, long and short, and tliero were cases where the waistcoat could not possibly meet in front or else was not long enough. Such matters were remedied by the men changing among ; each other, and in doing so some learned talk was heard concerning box pleats, gores, tucks, ctc. That the j 'waistcoats were welcomed was very evident, however.

In addition to t'heir quota-, the Hastings ladies had sent down special parcels for their men, each one containing socks, shirts, toffee, cigarettes, and various welcome little gifts, all of which it is needless to say were greatly appreciated. Somewhat of a change was to bo seen in regard to the waistcoats from Gisbome, which were lined with linen. They were also thickened 011 tho rifle shoulder, and were beautifully finished.

After the ceremony was over a visit of inspection was made to the Wairarapa Ward of the Trentliam Military Hospital and to otlier places of interest, after wliich the return journey to town took place for most of tho visitors.

The engagement is announced of Miss Zoo Clouston, fifth daughter of the late Mr. W. E. P. Clouston, St. Andrews, Blenheim, to Private R. Falconer Taylor, St'h Reinforcements, N.Z.R.8., son of Mr. George Falconer Taylor, DeputyCommissioner, Imperial Forest Service, India, grandson of Colonel Sir George Leeds, Bart., of .Leeds. England, and nephew of Captain R. Johnston, Lower ■Butt.

Letter from Dr. Agnes Bennett. A' letter which has been receivod by Mrs. Preston, of the-St. John Ambulance and Red Cross Society. Nathan's Buildings, from Dr. Agnea Bennett, of Wellington,, who is attached to an Egyptian contains information as to what is desirablo to send for the use of sick and wounded 'eoldiers—in* formation .that will be greatly appreciated by many women who are working for their oomfort and the alleviation of their'sufferings. Dr. Bennett' writes from Choubbra Hospital, Cairo. Extracts froni. her .letter are as follows*— "I am now working at an Infectious Diseases Hospital where wo take all the typhoids, diphtherias, etc., and wo have lots of New Zealandcrs, though thoy are mixed up with British, Australians, etc. The things-we want are really things for the trip out to New Zealandsoft shirts, 'slacks' (for hot weather), singlets, socks, and well-made 'pyjamas that' would 'do for deck wear Cans (civilian) also they like, as I think on these, convalescent boats they don't insist on khaki; handkerchiefs and towels liie men wear pyjamas a great deal, and get to like them very much. It is such a change from: the khaki. They would , also'immensely appreciate some good boiled sweets (wo find them so tearfully expensive in Cairo, and bad at that),:and money for tobacco for the voyage.'

Wo have gopd food and' accommodation for them here, but they seem to get rough times when they, get to tho ships.' -If you would see the captains of the boats and give such things into their or, the stewards' charge, and let me'know, who they are with, I would know what the boys could get on board, but" I should like to be able to give them .soft shirts and pyjamas hero if you will consign them to me at tho Infectious Diseases Hospital, Choubbra, Cairo:

• "The last lot of our men went on the Tofua, and the .Willochra took another lot. Deck chairs would bo a great boon if only the steward would see to them. It's not much uso giving them to tho troops on their way here. They have to get used to doing without such luxuries, but these convalescents need them —poor chaps they are so painfully thin and worn out with dysentery and the bully beef and biscuits of the Peninsula. They seldom have any possessions by.the. time they arrive here. 1 Fortunately I havei had. .some small sums of money 'given me, and I have been able to get the. nurses to take a good many 'for convalescent .drives, and they I have been so appreciative. A car,has r been given by combined British and Australian Red Cross for. hospital work, but we can't often get a turn in "it for the patients. The hospital is a beaui tiful _ building,_ a private and charitable -hospital combined, put up by the Austrians, and now commandeered by Sir H. Maxwell.. It is a lovely spot facing the north, and we see the- white trains of wounded ooming.in from Alexandria for quite a long distance. -The old Fellaheen work in the fields with their single tool, and their hands, the latter rather a despairing method when it . comes to scattering dry. manures. for half of it blows up over our hedge. Groups of dates flourish in the distance, and we are now having tho fresh (la tea to eat, and they are delicious.. Buffaloes and donkeys are constantly going backwards andforwaids... The latter are poor patient little beasts, with loads three or four times as .large as themselves. Tile buffaloes are used principally for working! the water wheels—wasteful, clumsy, old-fashioned arrangements. It is warm weather now, but getting very cold in the evenings. I am sure we shall want warm (moderately warm) dressing-gowns for our convalescents ere long. I tried to get some the other day, but got five (1) for 300 patients from the British Red Cross Stqroi. ; "I am so glad to hear that Mr. Beaton Rhodes is coming over here—wo want someone in authority to organise a little." •'■ . :

The suggestion ha's;been made in somo quarters m Wellington that it might bo possible, to gather in subscriptions suffix cicnt to purchase a moor-car for the use of the convalescent soldiers in the hospital to "which Dr. Bennett is attached. A-motor-car would be a great boon to the sick soldiers, and would materially hasten their convalescence.

The many friends of Trooper W. B. Easton, 6th Reinforcements, eldest son of the late Mr. L., D. Easton,'of Motueka, Nelson, will be pleased to hear that he has arrived ;n Egypt in the best of health. When writing he had been a! week there, and the next day, October 26, was leaving.for the firing line. His youngest brother, Sapper JI. G. Easton, leaves with the Bth Reinforcements.

A War Poets' Evening is to he (riven by Miss Hunt at the Y.W.0.A., Herbert Street, on Saturday night at 8 o'clock. Roses will be pn sale in connection with the- Y.M.C.A. Rose Day.

A pupils' Dance Rccital. Yesterday evoning a dance recital was given by Miss Vera Zolirab and her pupils in St. Mark's Schoolroom in aid of the Wounded Soldiers'. Fund. In addition to tho dances performed by the children, Miss Sybil Rapley assisted with songs, and Mr. 11. Bishop and Master Amyas Zolirab with recitations. The programme opened with a gavotte, -which was followed by a march and exercises performed with precision by Fay Jelley, Edith and Ethel Brinsdon, Kitty Mycr, Elsie Cbristensen, Maggie Smith, May Fnuicis, and Beryl Hunter. Ena Wilson and Katie Robinson danced a' Scotch reel, Edith Brinsden a Spanish dance, Beryl Hunter a sailor's hornpipe, and a Swedish jig danced by a number of pupils wa6 quite a charming item. The second part of the programme began with a dance of flowers, an original item taken part in by Beryl Hunter, Peggy Bird, Ena Wilson, Joan and Helen Veitch, and Katie Robinson, all daintily frocked to suit their'characters. Maggie Smith was a cllarming little butterfly in the next dance; Jelley and Ethel Brinsden (lanced very prettily an Irish jig, and following them came a set of lancers danced by pupils with a serious dignity which is somewhat seldom seen in a ballroom. Beryl Hunter danced to the- music of the "Barcarolle," and a Scotch reel was performed by Maggie Smith. The concluding item of the programme was the dancing of Sir Roger by several of the pupils. Miss £jybil llapley played the music, to wliich unusually ■ good time was kept by the children. The sale of home-made sweets during the evening added to the proceeds. Rose Day. All day yesterday tho streets of the City were blooming with roses —roses of every conceivable shade and colour —and there were few passers-by who were not decorated in some form or another 'with flowers, bought to aid the fluids which are being raised by the Y.M.C.A. for immediate work among the' sick and wounded soldiers in the, hospitals and convalescent homes in Egypt. The gymnasium at the association's buildings, which was used as a depot, at which flowers were arriving at all hours of the day, was tho. scene <of ■ great activity, the many ladies who were assisting being kept busily employed in making up bunches and buttonholes for 6ale in the streets. Tho stalls which, wero placed at various vantago points at'the street corners were fresh and attractivelooking with their coverings of blue and itfiite, and their insistent appeals in large lettering to "Buy a flower" for the soldiers, and most of them needed fairly constant replenishing. ; Home-made sweets were also sold at some, in addition to flowers. It was a long day for the workers, for they were on duty either altogether or else in Telays from the early morning hours till nine at night, so anxious were they to gain as much as possible for their object. Mr. Varney would be very glad of the assistance of more motor-cars for to-day and also for gifts of flowers.

Miss Olive, Malcolm, sister at Pa tea Hospital, lias been accepted for service at the front, and will leavo under orders next month.

Mrs. Coradine, Mayoress of Masterton, has been visiting Wellington, and was among those who were present at Trentham Camp yesterday for the ceremony of presenting > the waistcoats to the Bth Reinforcements.

Special meetings will be held at the Young Women's Christian Association, Fowlds's Buildings, Manners Street, beginning November 14, arid continuing till November 20, in connection with the World's Week of Prayer. At no time has the need of such been felt more than at the present. On Sunday, Mrs. M'Clay will lead the opening meeting at 4.15 p.m. On Tuesday at 8 p.m., Mrs. Powley, of the Salvation Army, will give art address; Miss M'Lean, M.A.. is to speak on Thursday at 8 p.m., at tho girls' meeting; and on Saturday at 8 p.m. a combined meeting will be held at the Y.M.0.A., Willis Street, when the Rev. E. I. Sola will give an address. All members of the Y.W.C.A. should endeavour to be present at one of these meetings, and. all those interested are cordially invited. The World's Penny, which is levied on all associations for tho support of the World's Work, will be collected at these meetings.

A Noto of Contrast—Eighteen months and eighty years were the ages of two clients in Miss Milsom's Rooms, same time, same day. The former wondered why, the latter marvelled at—yet each treatment was very beneficial and satisfactory. It should be realised that it is natural for hair to grow as long as life lasts, and piost unnatural for it to oease doing so at any stage; and it is impossible to keep hair at' its best except by proper treatment, j Consult Miss. Milsom. She treats and teaches the. true massage of the head, and imparts to clients sufficient knowledge that they can carry on her treatment in their own homes. Miss Mil. som, BarnetPs Buildings, 94 Willis Street (4 doors past "Evening Post"). Telephone 814.—Advt.

St. John Ambulance and Red Gross Society. Tlio St. John Ambulance and Red Cross Society acknowledge the following gifts:—Mrs. Freeman, 2 air cushions, 2 macintosh sheets; Miss Macandrew, old linen, £3 Is. (from sale of flowers); Miss Kennedy, £22 10s. (proceeds of concert); Mrs. Salac, old linen; Mrs. M'Cabe, 2 scarves; Fred. Abraham, 1 balaclava; Mrs. Dumieioo, 1 balaclava; Murita-i School (E. Zohril, G. Watson, E. Baka, N. Wilson, S. Nicol, E. Jackson, R. Jackson, V. Houldswork), 22 eyo bandages, 3 face cloths; Miss Macandrew, £2 Is. (from sale of flowers), old linon: Mrs. A. R-.' Atkinson, 12 treasure bags, 1 pair mittens, 2 pairs socks; Miss Heathcote, old linen; Mrs. Walker, 2 .pairs slipper, 2 treasure bags "Anon," 10s.; Hawera Nursing Division, per Mrs. Foyster, 3 balaclavas, 4 pairs socks, 7 pairs bedsocks, old linen; Kimbolton ami Kiwitea Red Cross Society, 416 roller bandages, 8 draw sheets, 4 bags of old linen, 13 books, 19 suits of pyjamas, 40 towels, 4 fracture jackets, 75 triangular bandages, 60 face cloths, 34 pillowslips, 1 pillow, 9 sbirts, 3 nightingales, 4 bed jackets, 18 manytailed bandages, 156 swabs, 144 surgical sponges, 6 bottles of barley sugar, 2 pairs slippers, 20 balaclavas, 9 pairs bed socks. 9 packets of cigarettes, 4 packets of envelopes, 4 pairs socks, 1 body belt, 1 scarf, 3 writing pads; Mrs. Davidson, 1 scarf; Mrs..J. M. Gillispie and ladie-s of Blenheim, ,136 eye bandages; Mrs. Sample, 1 pair bed socks, 4 balaclavas; Miss Kilby, 6 pairs socks; Miss Macgrcgor, 1 pair socks; Mrs. A'. B. Kerr, old linen; A Mother, sg. "The Mother's Arms." Dr. Tchaykowsky's .interesting experiment at Bow (one of tlhe most miserable of the Loudon, slum areas) has become famous, writes a London correspondent. Sho took over an old publichouse there, converting it into a milk 'house for mothers and babies. ' It now bears the apt name of- "The Mother's Arms." llither the women bring tlheir infants and receive pure milk and food for them, and medical advice from the doctor in charge. The idea has proved extraordinarily successful already,, and the slum children thus cared for are growing as beautiful as the little ones of any better part of the city.

"The Mother's Arms": is hot the only baby clinic, however. Women doctors and others interested in the baby-sav-ing campaign are establishing such centres in all t'lie poorest- districts. The mothers very soon learn to take an intelligent interest in the health of their babies, and positively vie with each other in their attentions to them.

Miss. Luckie (Hastiuas) is visiting Wellington. "

Miss Burt, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Burt, of 1.4S Upland Road, Kelburn, died at lier parents' residence on Wednesday afternoon, after a short illness. Mr. Burt, who is chief engineer of the 'l'ofua (troopship) had just arrived back in Wellington from Egypt on' Sunday last. The late . Miss Burt was a member of the Kent Terrace Presbyterian Church, and was highly esteemed among the ladies of t'he congregation for her tine character and ever-ready assistance in church movements.

Mrs. Percy Carter was a passenger by the Manuka .yesterday, en route to Sydney and llobart, where she.is visiting her mother and friends.'

Mrs. Ta'buteau (Masterton) is visiting Wellington,-, and is staying at the Hotel Windsor.

• The following donations have been received- towards the Sailors' Fruit Etrnd: Mrs Tucker, Home Street, A.N.C., "One Who Loves Jack," Miss Anderson 130 Tasman Street, Mrs. Playne, Tasman Street, Mrs. Putter, Hill Bros.' customers, Anonymous, Mrs. 15. Thomson, Lower Hutt, E.Y., Mrs. and Miss I atterson, Miss George, Plataitai, Anonymous, Miss Jones, Carterton Miss C. 8.. Tully, Manganohoe.

WOMEN IN.LABOUR MARKET

PERMANENT INCREASE IN COMPETITION. The question of tho outlets for employment after the war, with special reference to tho replacement of male by l'emale labour,, was discussed by the British Association (states the "Daily Mail"). In connection with it an interim report was presented by a committee which included Sir H. Ilider Haggard, Mr. C. W. Eowerman, M.P., and Archdeacon Cunningham. Tile report stated that since for some time to come the female population would, be decidedly more in oxcess of the male than even in the past, the number of women who would romain on the labour market all their lives was likely to be increased.

Wages were at once the most controversial as well as tlio most complicated question of women's employment. Extremely interesting develoimiunts of women's employment tvero likely to ocotir within the next few mouths. Employers who had been seen on the subr ject almost unanimously stated that it was their intention to take back those of their former employees who returned after the war, not necessarily in their former positions,' but in positions not inferior to those that they had left, in 6omo cases tho experience gained during the .war had shown that certain jobs could be more efficiently done by women than by men.

The great increase of women's employment could hardly fail to have permanent results, and it might be anticipated that after the war the propori tion ■of women in industry would be greater than before and the competition of men and women would increase.

To minimise tho bad 'effect emigration was suggested of men and women in something like equal proportions, as well as the better technical' training of boys and girls, an extension of tho policy of equal pay for equal work, together with a minimum wage for unskilled labour, both male and female.