SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 117, 4 February 1918, Page 2

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Children's Effort for the Blind. Now that the holiday season is over people are turning with fresh vigour to the matter of relieving tho needs of soldiers and sailors who have suffered physical disablement through tin; war, and it is rather interesting that one of the first of the enterprises undertaken this year for a patriotic object was one in which children took an active part. Last year Joan Hiley and lan M'Ewan wero responsible for the raising of £100 for St. Dunstan's Homo for Blinded Soldiers and Sailors, and this year they again befriended tho same cause by organising a bazaar which was held in Mrs. Hiley's garden on Saturday afternoon. A bright sunshine is always an inducement to anything of an outdoor nature, and with such a causo as that of St. Dunstan's Hostel it was not surprising that the bazaar was well attended, tho children's theatrical ontertianment which was to follow being an additional attraction. Produce, surprise packets, ice cream, and competitions of a more cr loss elusive naturo wero made the most of, and all brought in very satisfactory results. In charge of these stalls, which wero placed about tho lawn, were the following:—Afternoon tea, Mrs. Duthie, Mrs. Dymock, and Mrs. Freeman; produce and surprise packets, Mrs. M'Ewan; ice creams, Miss W. Miles; fishing pond, Misa JoyceDutlne; competitions, Mrs. Webster Mrs. Gillon, and Miss Litchfield; gatekeeper, Mrs. Lee Lord. Mrs. Hiloy assisted generally. The theatrical entertainment which followed later on in the afternoon was held in one of the classrooms of Scots College,- adjoining, the old but evergreen story of "The Sleeping Beauty" being presented in five brief scenes, in which a ] oom under various disguises formed the principal eetting. The whole play was performed by children, some of them being very small people, and incidentally two or three pretty dances were performed. The parts of the Bang of the Golden Isles and also of Prince Pharamond were taken by lan M'Ewan, H. Whyte playing the part of tho Sleeping Princess; the Queen of the. Golden isles was taken by M. Whyte, and L. Charlton mad a a fearsome Dragqn of tho Woods. As the slave of tho rich dragon, J. GUlon was irrepressible, and tljo part of a courtier, Lord Fandango, was takon ly J. Webster. P. Wall, as Lady Christabel, played the part of the court lady, and Jean Hiley, in her scarlet cloak and traditional high-peaked black hat, made an admirable little witch, Acting up to her character, she also became tho fairy Gossamer later on. Fairies also were A. Duncan and J. lliddiford, while J. Duncan was a. page and J. Gillon nurse to the Sleeping Beauty. The children had been coached in their parts by Colonel Hughes, and certainly left him with every reason to be well satisfied with their performance. The dresses whiou yore worn were very elfectivo, the Princess making a stately little figure in her green and white satin gown, bordered with swansdown, Prince Pharamond being another picturesque figure. As a result of tho entertainment and bazaar a sum of i>l2s has been niaclu for St. Dunstan's Hostel, which will include no expenses, as whatever thero are are being borne by those assisting. Mrs. Hiley is very grateful fo Colonel Hughes for training the children; to Commander Keiley for giving assisiauco in connection wioti tho stage, otc.; tho Principal of Scols College for the use of the collego, and to tho shops for assistance in regard to tho surprise packets. Among those who were present woro Mrs. Moorhouso, Mrs. Adams, Surgeon-Guu-eral Henderson, Mrs. Yaldwm, Mrs. Brandon, Mrs. A. M. Johnson v Air. and Miss Harcourt, Mrs. Barnico.it, Mr. and Mrs. V. Riddiford. Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Miles, Mr. and Mrs. Whyte, Mrs. Pearce. Mre. W. Natuan antf Miss Nathan, Mrs. G. Nathan, Mr. and Mrs. Lindo Levien, Mrs. Lever, Miss Fitzgerald, Miss W.Hford. Mrs. Rennio, and Mrs. Shirtcliffo.

Mrs. Hurdwicko Smith returned lo Wellington at the end of last week accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Triggs. Miss Christie is visiting and lecturing iu Palraerston North. Another well-attended danco {or soldiers was held in the Town Hall on Saturday evening by the Mayor's Entertainment Committee, and a very pleasant evening was passed. Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Underwood, who have been holiday-making at Dunedin and Akaroa, returned to Wellington by' the Maori yesterday morning. At St. Mark's Church on Thursday last Miss Tilson, of Maryborough, was married to Mr. John W. K.erBhaw, also of that town, and sen of Mr. John Kershaw, of Austin Sweet, Wellington. At the Anzao Club, Foatherston, on Friday night, there was a large attendance of soldiers for the dance fixture. Music was provided by the Military Band, and Mesdamos Oliver, Dawßon, and Price, Misses Toogood, Bish, and Olivor assisted with oxtras. Mesdames Q. Donald, A. Clark, A 0. Pcarce, ar.d Miss Card wore- the hostesses. Mrs. A. M. M'Donald (Suva, Fiji) is visiting Christchurch.

Eketahuna Red Cross Wsrk. Tho uiiniial meeting of the Eketaliuna Red Cross and Equipment. Guild H'iis held on January 29, the Mayoress (Mrs. F. C. Tumor) being in the chair. There was present a largo gathering of local ladies, and also some from the country districts. The Mayoress complimented the guild on the good work done iu the past year. It was u great credit to such a small community to have raised over £1000 for the cause, and to have dispatched four cases of garments. She was sure that tho guild would not relax any of its efforts, but would strive to show, if possible, better results for the coming year. It was greatly regretted that Mrs. Bedding, who had so energetically filled the office of secretary since tho formation nf the guild, was unable to accept the position for a further period, and a hearty voto of thanks was accorded her fo/her past services. Mrs. F. C. Tumor was unanimously re-elected president for the coming year, and Mosdames Coiilam and Wilson vice-prcsi-donts; secretary, Mrs. J. C. Davies, and the following ladies to form a committee: Mesdames Jesson, Hannah, Cameron, Cittadini, Duff, Petersen, Costor, Read, Haswoll, Fulton, and Miss Andersen. Mrs. Coradino (Mayoress of Masterton) is visiting Wellington, Miss Edith Howes returned to Wellington at tho end of last week from a visit to Cliristchurch.' Miss Howes is at present engaged on tho propara* tory and microscopical work for a now hook, which is to deal with shell-fish life on tho sea shore. In conversation with a Christchtireh "Press" representative tho authorities stated that of her books already published the greatest success had fallen to "The Cradle Ship," tho book hi which in a fairy talo way she had tried to explain to tho chiid-mind, something of being, and the marvel of birth, insect, animal, and human. On Friday afternoon Miss Howes was the guest of honour at a smnll party ai the Women's Olub, Christchurch.