CURRENT GOSSIP.

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 94, 16 January 1924, Page 3

CURRENT GOSSIP.

Success is always a conquest, never a bequest. n „ 8 V "here are many eight-hour men with sixtepn-hour wives who ought to unionise their homes. .8 8 8 Sale-time—the sweet buv-and-buy. 8 8 8 A cat never cries over spilled milk. 88 8 . Satire: a beautiful woman with false teeth, false hair, and false words. “Show me your china and I will tell yon what you are.” How true! A dinner service, for instance, can make —or dismally mar an otherwise attractive table. Quite the best selection of modem dinner-ware patterns is to be seen at Wedgwood House,-the attractive china shop on the Quay, near Sooullars. Mr. Dixon makes a specialty of dinner-ware and certainly displays excellent taste in tho choice of patterns. One particular service—a Copeland-Spode, decorated with hand-painted fruit on a quaint chintz background, is a dream. Others again are embellished with burnished gold in conventional design and . wonderfully effective in their rich simplicity. Quite a number, too, have Tea Services to match, and the majority are stock patterns which, of course, is a most important feature. With such a large stock to choose from no difficulty should be experienced in selecting just the right service to suit any colour scheme. Prices range from four guineas and in all cases are most reasonable. _ 8 8 A Tory sportsman —one who liked his little drop—consented to take the chair at a political meeting in his native Lancashire. He was very nervous, and as soon as he reached the platform, seized the glass of water and drank a good mouthful. Instantly the übiquitous “voice” called from the body of the hall: “Eh, laad, tha’s gj’en tha stomach a surprise this time!”

V 'ft 'ft The knell of the “cloche” has sounded. But tho “cloche” refuses to die. It is seen, that is to say, in tho Bois, at the picture shows on opening days, at the tea rooms round about five o’clock, everywhere, in fact, that fashionable Paris is in evidence. It has changed a little in character, just to show that even a “cloche” can change, but just as the becoming Russian coronal is still seen in various guises, so the “cloche,” a little higher, perhaps, a little more exiguous as to the brim, a little more policeman-like, in short, continues to ring the changes on its own comfortable and generally becoming shape. It is policeman-like in more than one sense. While not as high or as pointed as the po l iceman’s helmet, it has the same sharp inclination downwards over the eyes. It is divided up by means of four or five sharp little ridges, which tend to ornament the crown. It is often trimmed with a small, shiny, strap, and it is—in black—of the same dull texture as the policeman’s helmet. 8.8 Many a girl is reported engaged when it is merely a skirmish. m , 8 8 8 The summer sales give one the opportunity to acquire a number of things to make use of now and later on in the year. James Smith, Ltd., are as usual excelling themselves in the bargains they are offering the public today. Late summer wear must be considered, and this is the opportunity to buy. All cotton frocks, English and French model gowns, millinery, and the many accessories 'to a woman’s toilette are being sold at greatly reduced prices. Lovely materials to make rip for present wear are unlimited in choice and colouring. With the cold weather will come the need of warm blankets and bed coverings of all descriptions and James Smith have an unlimited supply of the very best at the most reasonable prices. 8.8. 8 . A Lancashire collier promised his vote to the canvasser of each political party. “You see,” he explained to his wife, ‘each man were terrible pleased when I promised him me vote. When I do vote I sh’ll please me sei, an’ then we’s all be pleased together.” .8 8 8 , Garbircord—that smart material which will be used this coming season for model costumes and coat-frocks and for really exclusive garments. 8 8 Many a true word is said in profanitv. 8- , 'ft 'ft Next week s festivities call for urrttv frocks at moderate prices. Coles’ Cash Drapery, Cuba Street, have a splendid selection of model frocks in various materials suitable for race wear. I saw some of them—a very dainty frock for a girl is in printed ninon over a white silk slip, tho skirt having many narrow Frills picot edged. A narrow girdle of ribbon finished the waist. A mole woven silk and wool frock has a draped sash and bright blue buckle as a finish. Kingfisher blue French crepe de chine makes another embroidered in cherry silk. A marocain frock in brick red has draped side panels and steel ornaments. Another very pretty model is in black taffeta with apnlique of pale blue and scrolls of gold braid. 8- 8 8 , Tho choir were rehearsing a new setting of "Onward Christian soldiers” for the Sunday School anniversary. The conductor, at verso 3: “Now, remember, only the trebles sing down to the gates of Hell, and then you all come in 1” -g- 8 8 With a set of Mah-Jongg among the wedding presents to Princess Maud and Lord Carnegie, it is safe to predict a fashionable future for that alluring Chinese game. King Edward set the social ball rolling in favour of bridge, and it may well be that his grandniece will do the same for Mah-Jongg. The set which was seen by the guests at the party at St. James’s Palace was evidently a travelling one, for it was enclosed in a morocco leather case that had a handle. Close by it in the Queen Anne drawing-robm was another topical gift—p. gramophone so tiny that it fitted, horn and all, into a case about twelve inches long, six inches broad, and eight inches deep. Case and horn were of tortoiseshell. 8 8 8 Hair oil: At 25 a lotion of luxury, at 45 a balm of hope, at 65 an irritant to the soul. 8 8 8 I would suggest that shoes should receive very special attention to wea r at the races next week. Never ha-vo frocks been more colourful or decorative than they are at pre’sent, and an elaborate and dressy shoe must bu worn. Lindsay’s. Ltd., Lambton Quay, have an excellent choice and their newest importations are very wearable. Tho Baretta shoes are most becoming and so comfortable, and these in black glace kid with beaded ~ fronts and Louis heel are ideal • wort" specially with a filmy black gown. Pearl grey glace kid also appeals when it has a Grecian strap and a brilliant button ornament on the front. For those who insist on black [latent leather there is a shoe with a long toe, Louis heel and large brilliant" ornament as a finish. The latest i heel comes to us in tortoise shell on I a nigger brown fine glace kid shoe in ' a strap shape and also a shoo with a tab front. Another grey shoe in smoke | grey which is one of the new colour— II hiss made in glace kid with beaded IfltSnt iffid XV, hml;

Next week’s Racing Carnival is our supreme effort for smart attire. It is the big opportunity for Wellington women to appear ait their best. Caste! Jaloux, Ltd., are showing advance season model frocks, woollen suits, dinner and evening gowns which have just arrived from Paris. They are the most exquisite and exclusive models.

8 8 8 “When I am a man,” announced Peter, “I am going to make everybody afraid of me.” “Oh,” said his mother, “you mean I suppose to be a Napoleon or a Julius Caesar.” “No,” replied Peter, drawing on a recent painful experience, “I mean to be a dentist.” 8 8 8 Side-trimmings to a hat may do anything but turn up. Hardly any of them rise higher than the horizontal; most of them point towards the shoulder, whether they be of the felt or of such shifting material as cock’s feathers.

The only upward trimming is a flat decoration, stitched closely on to the side of tho crown. This generally takes the form of braiding, in which gold and silver and pewter are often used. A round plaque, set flatly on to one side of the crown, and being only in relief by reason of its own thickness, is a very effective form of trimming.

It’s amazing how different from the majority every man finds himself. 8 8 8

We all experience that “nothing-to-wear” feeling after a holiday, and most women feel the need of some fresh garments to carry on for the rest of the summer. Castel Jaloux Ltd., are holding a sale this week, and it is to be a real sale of all this season’s models. They are tremendously reduced, and smart wearable hats are being sold from ss. each. A feature of this sale is the ss. table, which holds all sorts of pleasant surprises. The evening gowns are very attractive nnd will come in so well for the festivities of next week. Many of these frocks which are in the sale have hardly seen the light of day, but all the same they are reduced right down in price. It is a great opportunity to pick up novelties in handbags, gloves,. jumpers, and heaps of other accessories to the smart woman’s toilet. A cotton frock in a really smart model is always a good investment especially when the fashion is well advanced. 8 8 8 “Your husband is suffering,” said the doctor, “from syncopated heart?” Much impressed, the pair returned home and consulted the dictionary. When they read : “Syncopated—moving quickly from bar to bar,” their already high opin’on of the doctor became a matter of awe. 8 8 8 The tight-fitting downward hat over a humped-up collar which leaves no neck-line at all has always been beloved of the American who goes to Paris. Paris caters to a very great extent for its American clientele, and so this, year the small “cloche” hat is smaller and more considerably pushed down and huinpier than ever.. Its dead-blackness is tho characteristic for which, this year, it is most greatly prized. 8 8 8 He is a very wise man who is not a fool twice in the same way. 8 8 8 The Sunday school teacher was telling her class that they ought to do at least one act each week to make someone else happy. Turning to one boy she said: “Have you made anyone happy this week, Robbie?” “Yes, miss,” the boy replied. “I went to see my aunt, and she was happy when I left.” 8 8 8 The Russian hat is Russian chiefly by reason of its coronet front. It usually has a round crown and aconccaled brim. That is to say, the brim is inside, and is covered outside by the slope up of the hat, which resembles some of the .cadets’ caps. Here also the fantail side decoration is in evidence. One more shape has the ordinary pull-on crown, with a brim that turns down at the sides and up at the back. Here again the sidetrimming is used. This is a good shape for people whose faces need width, and it has the advantage of showing the hair behind at a time when hair generally is at a discount. 8 8 8 Once more we seem to be landed info a whirlwind of Summer Sales, and many wise women wait for these events and do the bulk of their year’s shopping at them. George and Doughty began theirs on Friday, and are giving splendid opportunities for some really good bargains. Some new kimonos took my fancy. They are in varied, colours in Chinese Crepe de Chine, and Cashrnore de Soie. Many of them aro elaborately embroidered and range in price from 395. 6d. . to 6 guineas. Smart race frocks will be extraordinarily cheap in georgette, creno de chine, marocains, and soft satins, all this season’s models. Some fiow coatees and over-blouses in Oriental colourings ate most useful garments to wear over summer frocks or with a pleated skirt. A verv large shipment of marabout .wraps will ho offered this week and will be in all the newest shapes, direct from London. 8 8 8

No woman is as perfect as she demands that, har neighbours ehould bo.

Dominion Office, Wellington, January 15, 1924. /T appears that last week, in following the downward path, of the skirt, I have unwittingly fallen into a, pit of ambiguity which opens its cavernous mouth for the feet of the unwary. I must extricate myself as best I can, and try, as far as possible, to re-establish the former innocent faith of one who signs himself “Constant Deader.” The criticism is based on the fact that whilst in the introduction to Current Gossip I commented upon the increasing length of the skirts affected by feminine Wellington, further down in the page a second paragraph unblushingly asserted that the skirt positively refused to “come down to earth,” and had, despite all attacks, maintained an impregnable position considerably above the ankle. Now, the problem of the skirt is not confined to Wellington. It is a guestion of world-wide importance, and. has never, I believe, been solved by any country in which it has cropped up except in certain parts of the Balkans, where the women wear trousers. The length of the skirt varies according to a kind of see-saw formula—it descends on one side of the world while ascending on the other. We have never yet, in this matter, been able to come up to the fashions of England and France—or go down to them, as the case may be. Our novelties are their museum exhibits. The paragraph which asserted that the skirt had returned to its old-time brevity was written by a Paris correspondent. To a woman, this would have occurred at once. It is difficult for any woman, short of a fashion designer, to attempt to arrest the progress of the skirt. For a man it is impossible. The part and lot of all men, from King Solomon down, is to accept all changes in fashion resignedly and with courage, and to pay for them with a glad heart, in gratitude that they are no worse. And now, for the time being at least, I’m going to leave skirts alone. It would require less courage on my part to talk politics to a Bolshevik, or reincarnation to a Bishop. These explanations take a fair amount of thinking out. Perspiringly, MARGOT.

An Edinburgh fishmonger was displaying a fine sturgeon on his slab, and an admiring crowd had collected to wonder at it. A little Scotsman who had lunched somewhat unwisely elbowed his way through to the front, and, after staring at the fish for a minute, exclaimed: “The man who caught that fish was a liar.” 8 8 8 . A velour hat may be made to look like new in the following manner:— Bgat the hat well with a twig in order to remove all dust, and then brush rather vigorously with a stiff brush. When tho surface has been well worked up hold tho bat with its inside towards to steam of a boiling kettle. Turn the hat about, so that the whole of the underpart is well steamed, and then put on one side to dry. Finish with a rather soft brush, and the renovation of the hat wili be complete. 8 * . * „ „ There is no peace in the world like that of an old cemetery, where time and the rain have obliterated all chattering epitaphs. 8 8 8. The hot weather we are experiencing at present brings home to us that the weekly drudge .of a large washing which, if done in the ordinary wood and . coal copper, is a most unpleasing business. One cannot even be sure that the clothes are clean, for smuts congregate round and in spite of the greatest care may spoil the colour of your linen. There is oniv one method by which real cleanliness and satisfaction can be obtained, and that is bv using a gas copper. No hurry, no bustle, just an easy clean, unhurried duty whereby your washing comes clean bv magic and vou are free for the rest of the day. No smuts, no stoking, no dirty grate to clean up. A gas washer copper can be installed very quicklv and takes up practically no room. For those people who are pressed for space it is a boon, for it can be set up in an odd corner of tho bathroom or kitchenette or out in a back porch and it still does the work efficiently and quickly. .Consult the Gas Company. 8 8 8. A correspondent asserts that this week has witnessed the birth of a piece of unconscious rehearsal humour, which deserves to become historical. A well-known conductor a few days ago interrupted his orchestra which was trying over a new piece, and said: '‘Gentlemen, go hack to the letter L; the melody there should be played with burning expression.*’ This recalls a similar inc’dent in the career of Sir Arthur , Sullivan. A member of the orchestra who was a better artist than grammarian, interrupted him, with: “Sir Arthur I think there is something wrong in the parts at letter ‘hell.’ The rest of the orchestra tittered, but Sir Arthur, who was both a keen disciplinarian and a man of very ready wit, promptly squashed the demonstration by calling out, without moving a muscle of his face, “Gentlemen, please correct your parts in ‘hell.’ ” i 8.8 8 Eiderdown quilts are always difficult to wash. It is. therefore, advisable to use washable protectors, for. the ends of the quilts, thus avoiding washing as long as possible. These protectors are made from some attractive, easily washable material. The material should be a yard wide and as long as the quilt is wide. It is folded lengthways, and the ends stitched together in a French seam. A twoinch hem is basted along the selvedge. In each hem five buttonholes are made opposite to each other, measuring from the centre evenly to within three inches of the ends. Then this protector is slipped over one end of tho quilt and the places for the buttons are marked with chalk on the quilt itself. Now sew on the buttons, taking care not to draw the thread so tight that thev will sink too deeply into the eiderdown. , These protectors are buttoned on the quilt, and may be taken off to be washed every week or so. 8 8 8 An advertisement from a Siamese newspaper: “The news of English, we tell the latest. Writ in perfectly style and most earliest. Do a murder get commit we hear and tell of it. Do a mighty chief die, we publish it, and in borders of sombre. Staff has each one been college, and writ like the Kipling nnd the Dickens. We circulate everything and extortionate not for advertisements. Buy it.” 8 8 8 One has only to glance round an audience at a theatre to realise that the woman with the well-dressed and well-cared-for head scores a success every time. The proper care of the hair should bo taken for granted.just the same as a daily bath, and. it is equally necessary. But your hair will not take care of itself. Boudoir Camille, Mandel's Buildings, Minis Street have experts in tho. art of shampooing and Marcel waving. 8 8 8 A new super-film is to be shown in London soon. It is called “Down to the Sea in Ships.” But, you know, some critics will carp nt anything. One disgruntled gentleman after having seen the film, said: “Yes, it s a fine film. It ought to go. But the title, you know ” “What’s the matter with it? “Well, I ask you. ‘Down to the sea in ships!’ Why must you have these vulgar Americanisms?” I am assured this story is true. I believe it.

It is easier for most men to follow the band than to face tho music. 8 8 8 t v . Flattery: the axle-grease of business. 8 8 8 Small talk was invented not for the sake of saying something, but of flaying anything. 8 8 8 The most a man can learn from bfe is a disillusioned tolerance. 8 8.8 A husband Is much like a fur if you haven’t had one, you can do quite well without, hut when you have 1 8 8 8. One development of the tea-gown is certainly due to the Russian influence. Where the comfortable coat-shape predominates the tendency is to make it rather startling—perhaps to suggest the smoking jacket. Here it is often made of stamped velvet or glittering brocades, heavily trimmed as to the cuffs and collar with perhaps heavy black fur. Boris Goudonov might have worn such a coat, except that it lias not the full skirts of the Russian. . . Otherwise cloque in gentle colours is more often used for the jacket teagown, and more often thah not the quilting effect is all done by hand. A good deal of line embroidery is also used on some of the plain, straight coats, decorating them, according to the prevailing tendency, well down the back. 8 8 8 Tlib women who gets men’s wages are the ones that marry them. -§• 8 The Chocolate Bowl, Willis Street is the most pleasant spot for hot days. Try their whipped cream ice cream. 8 8 8 The lady was most anxious that the buns should be new,. so she said to tho assistant behind the confectioner’s counter: “Are you sure'these buns are to-day’s?” “Quite, madam.” “Oh, that’s all right, because those I bought yesterday were not.” 8 8 8 A very special view of advanced winter model hats and exclusive frocks will be showing at Miss Samson’s Salon. Colonial Mutual Buildings this week, for wear at the races. The new models are extremely becoming and will be easy to wear. Many entirely new designs are showing and also new colourings which we have heard about but have not yet seen. Miss Samson is also featuring late summer hats, and between season models, in sports hats—the new helmet felt hat in many different shades. The balance of the summer suits and frocks, also hats are being reduced in price, and plenty of hats are really a necessity these sunny days. 8 8 8 Most highbrows don’t think: they merely think they make others think they think. 8 8 The very newest hair ornaments arc at J. R. McKenzie’s. Picturesque Spanish combs, in tortoiseshell and ebony, in many different designs, are correct wear for the evening. Also there is a good choice of slides and pins to match the combs. 8 8 ' Beerbohm Tree tells a new story. It relates how, at a children’s afternoon party, one of the boy guests boastfully announced that his father had presented him with a silver spoon bearing on the handle the inscription “For a good boy.” “Well.” said another lad, jealous for family distinction, “my father went out to dinner last night, and brought me home a, silver fork with ‘Savoy Hotel’ engraved on the back.” Send your furs into Mrs. Smith. 88 Willis Street, for renovations during the summer months. Work guaranteed, 8 8 8 Life Mottoes for the Great. Alfred tht Great. —A little burning is a dangerous thing. Henry VIII. —Variety is the spice of life. Napoleon Bonaparte.—Genius demands more than Elba-room for true self-expression. Nelson. —None so blind as those who won’t see. William Tell.—An apple or two keeps your aim good and true. Charles I. —A wise man never loses his head. Damocles. —Suspense will dull the edge of appetite. Walter Raleigh.—Sic transit gloria mundi, or, freely translated: Everything ends in smoke. The Black Prince. —It’s a wise child that wins his own spurs, if his father’s don’t fit him. Canute.—What are the wild waves saying?— . ... . Queen Anne.—Nothing in life is so talked about as the leaving of it. Blondel.—l passed by your window. Robert Bnice. —Day by day and in every wav, Things are going up. Guv Fawkes.—No luck, no anything. November. King John.—More things are lost in the Wash than this world dreams of. For further particulars of the last item see the “Daily News” insurance scheme: Henrv I (adopted after the loss of the White Ship): If your face wants to smile, let it. If it won’t, use for the teeth. Advertising space to let here. Scale of charges according to width of smile required. 8 8 8 Many a man hasn’t the face to kiss a. girl merely because she hasn’t the cheek to tempt him. 8 8 8 Enraged over something the local newspaper haxi printed about him, a ■ subscriber burst into the editor’s office in search of tho responsible reporter. “Who are you?” ' he demanded, glaring at the editor, who was also the main shareholder. “I’m the newspaper,” was the calm reply. “And who are you?” he next inquired, turning his resentful gaze on tho chocolate-coloured office boy clearing out the waste basket. “Me?” rejoined the darkie, grinning from ear to ear. “Ah guess Ah’s de coloured supplement.” 8 8 8 A certain general had planted a vegetable garden to the rear of his quarters. He had tried several gardeners with more or less success, when a former soldier, the owner of a profitable truck-garden near the post, offered his services. The general engaged him, and in due course the garden looked flourishing, but few vegetables found their way to the general’s table. As the end of the season approached, the general began a quiet investigation and was immediately confronted with a resigna tion and request for a letter of recommendation. Ho was a kindly but very conscientious man, and the recommendation was as follows: “This man succeeded in getting more out of my garden than any other gardener I have ever employed.

Man’s life: school tablets, aspirin tablets, stone tablets.