SOCIAL AND PERSONAL ITEMS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 57, 1 December 1923, Page 14

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL ITEMS

i MATTERS OF INTEREST FROM FAR AND NEAR

< Mrs. Ferfuson and Miss O’Hara Smith are visiting Timaru.

i Mrs. Davidson (formerly Miss Ella Macdonald), of Wellington and noir of Sinzanore). is visiting Wellington.

' Mr. and Mrs. Charles Buchanan ■ (Christchurch), are paying a brief visit to Wellington.

> Mesdames H. Plimtner. of Roxburgh Street. Miss Edna Plimmer. and Mrs. George Hansford, of Hataitai, left on a holiday visit to Rotorua yesterday.

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Short, of Wellington Terrace, are to leave on a visit to Melbourne and Adelaide early this month.

' Mrs. 0. Wells and Miss Marjorie ' Wells have returned to Christchurch from a visit to Wellington, Hawke’s Bav. and Gisborne.

’ Th'e engagement is announced of Miss E Harrison. youngest daughter of Mrs. R. Harrison, of Wellington, to Mr. George 8. Marley, eldest son ol Mr. and Mrs. N F. Marley, of Wellington.

The fortnightly gathering of the Australian Club was held on Thursday evening. . A very enjoyable evening was spent. Items were given by Mrs. Hempton and Miss G. Burley. The M.C. announced the club’s Christmas night for the following gathering. Supper was dispensed, and the Nactional Anthem brought the evening to a dose.

The engagement is announced of Miss Violet Warburton, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Warburton, of 196 the Terrace, Wellington, to Mr. Hugh Miller, also of Wellington.

A finely appointed institution, which will serve as a focus for more than 20 maternity and infant welfare centres in Birmingham, was opened by Mr. Neville, Chamberlain, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Recently. It is a gift to Birmingham from the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust,, the outlay involved being £25,000. Over 20 years azo. under the leadership of Dr. John Robertson, its medical officer of health, Birmingham began to. attack the appalling problem of infant mortality yvith new methods. Four healt visitors were appointed; To-dav the health visitors number about 100. The infant death-rate has been halved. For the four vears ended 1900 it was 199 to the thousand : for the last four vears it was 84. In one department of the institution the art of bathing a baby can be demonstrated, and in another the best method's of preparing baby’s food.

Matron Polden. late of Thames Hospital. was accorded a public farewell on Thursday night. The hall was crowded, and the gathering was presided over bv the Mayor (Mr. T. W, Rhodbs. M.P.), who presented, the matron with an illuminated address signed bv all the chief citizens, together with a purse of sovereigns collected bv public subscription. The Mavor (savs a Press Association messae) said all regretted her departure, and trnsthd she would be spared to continue the splendid work she had verforme-d dhirinsc her term at Thames Hospital.

’ The Karori branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society hold a meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the home of the president, Mrs. Guthrie. The Rev. A. Thompson addressed those present upon tho devotional an,l spiritual aspect of tho work, and ail were deeply impressed. Mr. Bregant, the secretary of tho Birmingham branch of the society, who is visiting New Zealand, spoke upon the work of tho society in Korea, Majichuria, China, and Janan, ; countries he had just visited. Miss NleGrogor (the secretary) gave an account of the collecting that had been done and was congratulated upon the result as were all the collectors. Mrs. Guthrio entertained all to afternoon tea, which was greatly appreciated. Tho death occurred during the week (says our Carterton correspondent) of an old native resident of the Lower Valley, of Mrs. A. Piripi, at the age of 56 years. Deceased had been suffering with heart trouble for some time and passed away suddenly. She was bom at the pa in 1867. and resided there throughout her life time. The interment took place on Thursday, and u tangi was held.

So many embroideries that one secs have been spoilt in the process of washing and ironing—and so many more have lost all beauty because of their crying need of the wash-tub —that a safe and simple way of laundering them cannot be too widely known. If the colours of the embroidery, threads, silk. flax, or cotton, whichever they mav be. run in water of any. kind, then it is hopeless, but that is fortunately unusual. Many colours, however. that cannot stand boiling or even hot water, can be safely washed in water of a temperature of 120 degrees, especially when no washing powder or ordinary soap is used (states a writer in an English exchange). If the following methocl is carried out there is usually no difficulty at all. .Make a good lather of white curd soap in warm water (there is none of the fatal sodla in good white curd). Plunge in the work and squeeze and press it between the hands without rubbing.. Rinse out the soapy water and see if the work looks clean. If it has been allowed to get too dirty, make a fresh lather and repeat the washing, process. Then rinse thoroughly in several waters. Saueeze out with the hands all. the moisture possible without wringing; then put the work into a clean thick towel and squeeze and press again. An iron must never be used, for however soft tho ironing blanket, the embroidery threads are apt to be flattened in the process. Instead, provide yourself with plenty of brass pins—do not use steel ones as they rust. On a clean drawing-board or deal-topped table spread! several smooth folds of old sheeting. On these lay the wet embroidery right side up. and proceed to stretch it out by putting in pins at close and regular distances. Use plenty of pins and take care to stretch the work evenly. Thon cover lightly with tissue-paper to keep off the dust and let the work dry near a fire or, better still, in the sun and wind. When the work is bone dty, take out the pms and it will be found that tho material has a pleasant crispness while the embroidery stands up well, quite without the tired look that ironing is apt to give it.

Miss Phyllis Bloomfield arrived in Wellington yesterday from the south en route for her home in Auckland.

Sister May, matron of the Methodist Orphanage, in Alasterton, left yesterday for a visit to relatives in England.

Tlie annual meeting of the South Kilbimio and Lyall Bay branch of tho Women’s National Reserve was held on Tlitirsday afternoon. Mrs. Staple (president) presided over a good attendance. In her address she stated that there were 32 members, and that all had worked well, though the year had been a strenuous one owing to influenza and other illness, and changes among the officers. Tho achievements had quite come up to the standard of last year. The “at homes” had been well attended, nnd had boon much’ enjoyed. On several occasions professional people had provided the entire programme, and special thanks were duo to Mrs. Ransome, Mifers, Miss George. Air. Culford Bell, and Mrs. Albert Russell, also to all who had helped to make the afternoons so enjoyable. Special mention was also, made of the self-sacrificing work of the tea room ladies, Mesdames Hall, Noad, and Stennet. Mrs. Hope Gibbons had made many gifts, and Mrs. Rudkin had helped in the sale of flowers provided by Mrs. Gibbons. Mrs. Fathers had interested others in getting now members and helped in various ways. The president thanked all workers for their hearty co-operation at all times, and regretted she had. to tender her resig nation. She nominated Mrs. Rudkin, who was greatly interested in the work. A high tribute was paid to Mrs. Staple by those present, and much regret expressed at her retirement from office just at the time when the record of work was so fine. The total receipts for the year were £B6 Is. Id. She spoke of' tho splendid leadership, untiring energy, and keen enthusiasm of tho president, who had started the branch and initiated the wide range of activities. The work of the secretary, Mrs. Brackenridge, was warmly eulogised, much appreciation being expressed of the whole-hearted manner and thoroughness with which her work was carried out. The following elections took place:—Mrs. Rudkin, president; Airs. Rhodes, secretary; Alesdames Hope Gibbons and Fathers, vicepresidents: committee. Messrs. Balstone. Nichols, and Frew, with power to add to tho number. It was decided that in future the branch would be known as the Lyall Bay branch. Thanks were also tendered to the Ladies’ Guild and Trustees of the Methodist Church for tho use of the room. At the close tea was served by the committee.

We have pleasure in advising you that, owing to pressure of business, we have been obliged to secure larger, more central nnd more up-to-date premises for the convenience cf our clients. In our new salons, ladies are assured of the strictest confidence and privacy, and c 9.11 a/t all Times depend upon tho ability and courtesy of our professional staff, who will bo in attendance at 68 Willis Street (under the Ambassador) on and after December 1. 1923. Stamford and Co hairworkers and toilet specialists, 123 Cuba Street. —Advt.

Miss B. Jackson, 8.A., at present on the staff of the Fiji Grammar School, Suva, has been appointed to the staff of the Wellington Girls’ College, replacing Alias Eastgatg, who goes to America early next year.

The Arts and Crafts Circle of tho Pioneer Club are holding a display of their work on Thursday afternoon next. All club members and their friends are invited to attend. It is anticipated that th® display will be a particularly good one. The concert given by tho students at the Boys’ Preparatory College (“Star of the Sea”) at Seatoun on Thursday evening was a great success. Tho group of boys—quite a largo family —attired in their neat blue ’varsity suits gave a. good account of themselves and in the various songs they showed proficiency of patience and excellent training. Opening with the appropriate and inspiring “‘Danse Ancicnne*’ by the full college orchestra, violin and vocal solos followed. All were admirably rendered. There was only one dialogue in the first portion of the programme, in which Masters Gordon Goulter, and Bernard O’Brien, representing Mr. Fairfax Fuller and Mrs. Daniel Stokes, as “The Two Dyspeptics,’’ made the big. audience laugh heartily. The concluding farce, “Our Aunt from California,”. with sqven boy students as principal actors, was the feature of the evening. Master Tommy Hindniarsh. as the troublesome aunt, quite convulsed the house. The singing of “God Defend New Zealand” brought a very enjoyable evening to a ha.ppv close. Amongst those who attended the concert were His Grace Archbishop Redwood and Fathers Connolly, Spilane, Tymons, Fallon and Moran.

A dance arranged by- Alias Borlase for the conimnnder and officers of H.M.S. Chatham and H.AI.S. Laburnum was held last evening in the Goring Street Hall and proved to be a verv nleasant affair. The room was well filled with dancers and tho softcolourings and shaded lights made a becoming background for the pretty frocks which were worn. A T ellow lilies decorated the supner tables in the room adjoining. Afiss Borlase wore a frock of black satin aurj lace and fur wrap. Among those whq were present were: Commander Butcher, of H.M.S. Laburnum , nnd a party of officers from both crni&rs, also’Airs. Bayfield, who was in black georgette and charmeuse ; Mrs. Ronaldson. black satin; Afiss R.nnaldson, in mauve shot taffetas; Miss Jean Leckie nink Enrlv AUctorian frock: Airs. Elgar, black chiffon velvet with panels of hoavilv beaded net; Mrs. Vivian Riddiford, deep rpso pink georgette over silver tissue; Airs. Clark, cream georgette and charmeuse; Mrs. Gow, brown -charmeus»; Airs. Robertson, black taffetas frock; Airs. Siowright, cornflower b'uo panne velvet frock ; Afiss Afeta . Rapley, Early ATictorian frock of pink taffetas; Afrs. John Duncan, rose-coloured georgette nmbrotiered with iridiscent beading; Miss G. Turton, peach coloured charmouse; Afiss Bell, lemon taffetas'; Afrs. Eric Riddiford, ivory georgette, with panels embroidered in silver beading; Miss Agnes Duncan, primroso silk, inlet with horizontal bands of lace; Afiss O’Shea, pink georgette; Afiss Robertson, cream georgette, with panels of sequinned net.

Spirit of the German Women. One of the most impressive and interesting spectacles beheld by Mrs. C. L. Dearslev. who has just returned to Wellington after a lengthy tour of the Continent, with her husband, was tho fine spirit of the women in Germany. In Alunich she saw hundreds of women on tho railway station at 3.30 in tho morning on their way to commence work on the land some distance ii.wav. Thev each had heavy packs on their backs, and carried farming implements. Their silence wits one of the things which attracted Afrs. Dearslev. Business-like, quiet and thoughtful, thev seemed to make a Etrikimi contrast to tho young women of England, who were so full of vim. There was a great deal to be said, too, in favour of the German children. On numerous occasions. Afrs. Dearsley, who. as an ex-school headinistess. took a zreat interest in the children, noticed a child go up to a beggar in the street and give him something. It was not tho case of a child being sent across the road bv its mother to give the uoor man a little assistance; the motive had sprung from the child itself. The little ones seemed to say, “von are a German and therefore a countryman of mine.” The spirit was all verv beautiful and verv impressive to the. close observer, and many women had said. “Oh. whv can’t we all be friend's again.” That may or may not be an indication of tho German mind, or at least the feelings of the German woman to-day, said M'rs. Dearslov.

Queen Carnival. A verv successful queen carnival was held bv the All Saints Anglican Church. Kilbirnie. on Thursday night and last nizht. The proceed? were in aid of the church building fund. The pupils of Afrs. Afenaru gave interesting items, and a verv successful carnival resulted. The queen was Miss ,M. AfcKenzie. and the maids of honour Misses J. Milner. P. Bollons, G. Cook. J. Kinnibrugh. E. Stoupe, and J. Packard. Afr. A. Harris was the Lord High Chancellor, and Afiss E. Wells, mistress of the robes. Afisscs K. Williams and Af. Barton acted as flower girls. In a short speech. the vicar (Afr. Svkes) thanked nil those present for their heln. and also thanked the orchestra, performers, and Afesdames Stoupo and Nation, who worked and trained tho children for the part.

Afiss Aitken, of the Kelburn Training College, left yesterday for Sydney en route for England.

The balance-sheet in connection with the recent entertainment, “The Wheel of Life,” organised by the Afisses Youmans and their committee for the benefit of the work carried out by the Rev. Fielden Taylor has been drawn up, and a net sum of £265 19s. 2d. has been handed over to Afr. Taylor.

The wedding took place quietly on Wednesday in Auckland of Afiss Al'olly Davis, only daughter of Afr. and Afrs. Ernest Davis, who are at present in England, and Afr. Alan Afurdock Smith, son of Mrs. Smith, now of Auckland, and the lat<? Mr. William Smith, of ■Wellington. Tho bride was simply gowned in grey inarocain, with turban toque to match. Afrs. Smith, Afr. and Afrs. Janies Ritchie, and Afr. and Afrs. Eliot Davis wore among those present.