SOCIAL AND PERSONAL ITEM

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 176, 19 April 1924, Page 14

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL ITEM

MATTERS OF INTEREST FROM FAR AND NEAR

Mrs. John McDowell, Castlecliff, is a guest of Mrs. Fred. Davies, Levin.

Mr. J. Upham, of Christchurch, is visiting Wellington. <

Mr. and Mrs. Inder, of Auckland, arrived in Wellington by Thursday’s express.

Mr. and Mrs. McLean, • Burnett Avenue, and Miss Blncldock are spending Easter in New Plymouth.

•Still enjoyiifg the best of health Mrs, James Sole, of Westown, New Plymouth, celebrated her ninety-fourth birthday on Monday, states the “Taranaki Daily News.” Mrs. Bole has lived in New Plymouth almost continuously for over eighty-two years. A girl of twelve Miss Hellier, as she then was, arrived at New Plymouth in November, 1841, in the Oriental, the third ship to bring settlers from England to Taranaki. To Mrs. Sole those early days are as yesterday, and with effortless ease she can recall the history of the settlement, tracing events from the arrival of the pioneers, through the momentous days of the ’sixties when the Maori Wars raged fiercely, and on to events connected with the trials and difficulties met and overcome by the original settlers after the flame of war had been extinguished. With the exception, of a brief period spent at Nelson, during the darkest days of the ..Maori War, Mrs. Sole has lived continuously in New Plymouth since her arrival. Mrs. Sole retains all her faculties almost unimpaired. Despite her 94 years she reads books aud newspapers without glasses, while her memory is a remarkably retentive one. With the years creeping on, however, she has found it necessary to abandon writing. In sewing, however, she still finds a great joy.

Among past students of Victoria College who are coming to Wellington for the jubilee celebrations, are Mrs. J. S. Thompson, of Greytown, formerly Miss' Ryda Thornton, Miss H. M. Skelley, Miss Holgerson, and Miss D. G. Armstrong, of Carterton; Mrs. J. tl. Sheat, of Eltham (formerly Miss Mavis Perrott); Miss Henry (Stratford), Miss M. W. Burden (Hastings), Miss Dale (Martinborough), Miss M. Neal, Miss E. Pigott, Miss H. Scott, Miss H. Bobertson, and Miss W. Wilkins (Blenheim), Miss E. J. Crawford (Palmerston North), Mrs. Price (formerly Miss Marjorie C. Ross, first lady secretary of tbe Students’ Association), Miss Marjorie Myers, Captain Annie Smyth, and Miss Sampson, of Wanganui; Mrs. Down (New Plymouth), formerly Miss Annie Tasker; Miss Annie Atkinson, Miss Alexandra Brown, and Mrs. Denham (formerly Miss Ruth Livingston), of Masterton. A great many other exstudents have also been mentioned as likely to arrive in Wellington for the celebrations.

Telephone for an appointment at the most, exclusive and modern Toilet Salons in the Dominion. Fully Gained staff of eight are in attendance daily to give delightful and beneficial hair and complexion treatments. All foot troubles successfully treated by our Mrs. Knight (London diplomas). Marcel or water waving, hairdressing, shampooing, cutting'; and manicuring Stamford and Co., G 8 Willis Street. •Phone 21 —220.—Advt.

Mr. and Mrs. H. Moss are spending the Easter holiday at Hawera.

The engagement is announced of Miss Muriel Craig, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Craig, Gonville, Wanganui, to Mr. A. D. Mcßae, of Wellington.

Mrs. E. Freeman, of Tinakori Road, and late of Palmerston North, is a nassenger by the Port Brisbane, on a visit to England.

A social reform lady has boon pointing out to Mr. Parr the case of a feeble-minded mother now on tho rates with ten children. Perhaps Mr. Parr’s opinion was that a woman having a struggle with ten children and lifelong modern poverty might be excused for becoming feeble-minded (states an Auckland writer). It isn’t a case of society against the mother, but of the mother against society!

There is no time like the present when lovers can discover each other’s temperament_ before marriage, yet there is no time when so readily they bring up after marriage causes for incompatibility of temper-divorces that they could easily have discovered before. The more time and opportunities they have for character discoveries the less they seem to do in that line (states a writer *in the Auckland “Star”). Thus one lady to divorce her husband because ho had saved up a number of socks for her to start darning after 'the ceremony was pronounced, while another had an unpleasant habit of ostentatiously sewing on his own buttons on the verandah of a fr, shionable hotel.. Now tendencies of this sort, if indicating malice, could well be discovered before marriage,. and one wonders both at the inability to discover the defects as well as the after want of common sense in thinking them good reasons for a decree nisi. A lawyer once informed the writer how often a woman would come with no other particular statement against her husband except that she had discovered he “wasn t a gentleman,” gentleman undefined. She didn’t think that it was .tier business now to train him into one. One wonders what would happen if the husband went to his divorce lawyer with the accusation that his wife wasn’t a lady.

At the meeting of tho Wellington Central W.C.T.U., held this week, it was mentioned that at the sittings of the Magistrate’s Court, held in the drv districts of the Dominion, there tad not been for the last five years a single case of cruelty to children. A very attractive poster was displayed bearing Lloyd George’s statement after his visit to America, namely, “America is the country which got most out of the war —not gold, but prohibition. Two questions from the Women’s National Council, and with which the union is in entire agreement, were the suppression of the names of first offenders and the raising of the age-limit. Mrs. Priestly gave a very full and interesting report of the convention held at New Plymouth. A vote of sympathy with the relatives of the late Dr. Newman was passed. The president spoke of the great loss the women’s movement in the Dominion had suffered in his death, for ho was a staunch friend and wise councillor.

Miss Cowan (Eannevirke) baa left en a visit to friends in Canterbury.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Young are spending Easter in Wanganui.

Mr. aud Mrs. F. Dyer have returned from Wanganui.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Rose, of Dannevirke. have left for a trip to Great Britain.

Mrs. W. Coombs and her daughters, of Palmerston North, who have been on an extended trip to Europe, returned this week.

Mr. and Mi’S. L. Hogg (Haloombe) have left by the Marama for Sydney.

Miss Daniell, 8.A., and Miss Crawford, B,A„ of tho staff of the Pe - merston North Girls’ High School, have come to Wellington to attend the jubilee celebrations in connection with Victoria University College.

Miss Collins, head mistress of the Grammar School, Suva, has resigned as a protest against tho failure to carry out Mr. Caughley’s recommendation in regard to school hours. Ine resignation has been accepted, ® n< l Miss Collins is returning to New Zealand (states an exchange).

The wedding took place on April 14 in St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, Wellington, of Miss Mary Catnerine Gregerie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregerie, of Gorge End Pahiatua, to Mr. Donald Kinnell, eldest son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Kinnell, of Woking, Surrey, England. The Rev. A. M. Johnson officiated.

Excitement among the children is already toeing shown for the Navy League fancy dress ball, and many are the inquiries and suggestions for novel and attractive costumes. It ib expected that the children of Wellington will come in numbers to welcome such distinguished visitors as ViceAdmiral Sir Frederick L. Field, K.C.B. C.M.G., and the officers of H.M.S. Hood and H.M.S. Repulse, as it is an opportunity that may come only once in a lifetime. At a meeting of the ladies’ auxiliary of the girls branch of the Navy League, final arrangements for the ball wens made. As several ladies have offered a table for 20 children, the committee decided that this was the simplest and most popular form of supper arrangement. Those who have promised tables are: Mesdames Phillips-Turner and Luke, Darling and Wyles, J. Myers. Breda, Richardson. Morice, Tripp, Herbert, Walker, Firth, and others, whose names are not yet available. . It is proposed that each table consists of eight well-filled plates of cakes and sandwiches, two dozen meringues, and some sweets. As a great number of tables are required, the committee would be grateful for offers from those who are interested in giving tho children a happy and memorable evening. The D.I.C. are kindly giving a window display advertising the ball, and other firms mav do tho same. Tickets may Im had at tho Navy League office, Woodward Street, and the Bnctol Piano Company. Parents and children are asked to buy early, so that the rush nt the Town Hall door may bo controlled.

Miss Gretchen Brice, of Nelson, formerly of Wellington, was a passenger by tho Marams, en route for a visit to Hong-Kong.

A very wide circle of friends will learn with great regret of the death of Mrs. Port, wife of Mr. J. C. Port, of Austin Street, Wellington, which took place on Wednesday, after a considerable period of ill-health. Mrs. Port had been a keen worker and supporter of the W.C.T.U., and was a member of the Cambridge Terrace Congregational Church. While giving as much of her time and energies as possible to these two organisations, she was always ready to assist deserving causes. Mrs. Port is suiwived by her husband, Mr. J. C. Port, two sons, and two daughters —Miss Muriel Port, who is a member of the staff of the British Consul at San Francisco, and Miss Ethel Port, who returned from America some time ago. Mrs. Port was a daughter of [Mr. James Costall, of Wellington. The funeral took place yesterday at Karori a large number of friends attending. A well-attended meeting took place in the Mayoress’s room at the Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon, convened, by Mrs. Robert Johnson with the object of making arrangements for a matinee to be held, by permission of Mr. Walter Fuller, in His Majesty’s Theatre. Mrs. Peacock, the new president of the Kindergarten Council, presided at the meoiug. Mrs. Johnson stated that a good programme was being arranged in which the dancing teacher of city had promised charming items. Mrs. Johnson had had a present of all the tickets necessary, these including special ones for children which will enable them to see the entertainment at a small price. The Old. "Girls’ Club of Wellington College had promised to take charge of a sweets stall, and a number of promises were received in vhe room of contributions, and also of cakes, to be sold at the gathering. A number of members of the Mothers’ Club in connection with the Kindergartens were present, and the president, Mrs. Duncan, showed a beautifully-made sweet basket, and said that more were being made in preparation for a sale at the forthcoming flower show. It was agreed that the club would also help in every way at the matinee. Tickets were taken for sale, and much enthusiasm was shown in making all arrangements far the laising of a handsome sum of money.

“The most surprising thing to me so far in New Zealand,” said Mrs. Jean Barr Mavity, the San Francisco journalist, “is this five days’ ‘lay-off’ for the Easter. We in the States have no holidays at Easter time, and to think of holding everything up for five whole days, why, it seems impossible!” ,But do you not observe the Easter in a religious sense she was asked. “Oh, yes; there are beautiful services in all the churches, and in that way you know it is Easter; but, to toll you the truth, I have not heard these five holidays of yours associated, with renixion so much as with the races all over your country, and other pleasurable sports.”

Mrs. W. Pavitt (Itomuera, Auckland) is visiting Wellington.

Miss Nora Akers (Palmerston Ncrth) has returned from a visit to America.

Lady Bell and Miss Beil left on Thursday for Auckland.

The Rev. A. Hunt and Mrs. Hunt, of Gisborne, formerly of Wellington, are at present visiting this city.

Mro. C. H. Skelley (Day’s Bay) has returned from a visit to Palmerston North.

Mr. A. H. Wiight, Commissioner of Police, and Mrs. Wright were passengers to Auckland 'ny too express on Thursday.

Mrs. Haywood Mirams loft by the last trip of the Marama for Sydney, and will sail by the s.s. Ormonde for England. Mrs. Mira ma is travelling with her brother. Mr. W. A. Mowbray, and will be away for about nine months.

Among the visitors to Auckland for the races will be Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Lowry and Miss Lowry (Hawke’s Bay), Mr. and Mrs. Simson, and Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Cambpbell (Hastings), Mr. and Mrs. W. Duncan and Mr. and Mrs. Currie (Wanganui).

Tho engagement is announced of Miss Lyho Macrae, fourth daughter of the late Mr. Ewen Macrae, of Inverness, Scotland, to Mr. Norman Liffiton, son of Mr. E. Francis Liffiton, St. John’s Hill, Wanganui (states au exchange).

Mrs H. D. Acland and her two daughters (Christchurch) are leaving shortly for England, and will be accompanied by Mis.s Jean Stevenson. Mrs. Westall and Mr.-'. Ulrich, _ also of Christchurch, intend leaving ip Juno for England.

Advices have been received that Die Admiral and officers of H.M. Special Service Squadron have accepted the invitation of the Wellington Entertainment Committee to the citizens’ ball to be held on Tuesday, May 6. As there will probably be between three and four hundred officers attached to the fleet, the scene in the Town Hall with so many naval men present should be well worth seeing. The committee have fixed the price of tickets at £2 2s. for gentlemen and £1 Ils. 6d. for ladies, and same may bo obtained from the hon. secretary, Mr. A. E. Whyte, Woodward Street, Wellington. Applications are in vital as early as possible to avoid disappointment, ns it will not be possible to accommodate the numbers who will no doubt desire to attend, the roace in the Town Hall, especially for supper, being very limited).

LONDON BALLROOM POWDER. In the big london dance halls the glossiness of tho floor is due to a powder which is now available for use in private houses. Transform any room in vour house into an excellent ball room" by sprinkling the floor with London Ballroom Powder. A large tin costs only 2s. 6d. Your storekeeper stocks it. Try a tin. —Advt.

New York East-Side Library Work. Writing to a member of The Dominion staff, Miss Joyce Baillie, daughter of Mr. Herbert Baillie, local public librarian, gives a vivid description of library work in the East-side of New York, where branches of the New York Public Library operate on unique line’s. Miss Baillie writes:— “I have had four extremely interesting weeks working in a branch of the New York Public Library in the heart of the Jewish section of the East side. It is right near the Williamsburgh bridge and the fish market, on East Houston Street, at Hamilton Fish Park, after which place the library is named. I have a most interesting trip each day to and from work —the most exciting time is on Saturday night after the library closes at nine. When once I get to Clinton Street the crowd is so thick that it is quite useless to attempt to hurry. They speak Yiddish, Russian, Polish, Hungarian, Gorman and broken English for the most part, and are all so lively and gay. It is the queerest sensation to walk along and know I am probably Die only Christian on that block —it is hard to realise that it is New Y’ork. I am never nervous, though. Sometimes I walk along Rivington Street to see the push-carts all lit up by flaring torches —they sell everything on that street —pickles, “hot dogs,” potato chips, clothes, books, candy, boots and shoes, hardware, house furnishings, jewellery, fruit, all jumbled up. It is most fascinating to me. The people of the East side, at least in my part of it, are really pros-perous-looking, and, as for fur coats, I have seen some of the most beautiful ones there that I have ever seen in my life. I used to want a black seal-skin coat, but I don’t any more. They are too common here. The library is very busy; we have seventeen assistants, 'seven of whom are Jewish —one speaks Yiddish, and Polish, German and Russian, another speaks Russian and Yiddish, another Hungarian and Yiddish, all tho others speak Yiddish, and of course, they all epeak English. The children’s room is huge, and Saturday is our busy day. We issue over a thousand books up there and could use twice that number if only we had them. At nine o’clock, when the library opens, a long: line of assorted children wait patiently, to Ret in, and from that time until they leave, and some don’t Ret away until one, they stand in lines just to Ret their books discharßed, then to Ret. other books. Then some stay to wait for the story hour, which begins at 1 pm., and not a minute before. Story hour begins at 2 p.m.. and only the first 60 are allowed in.”

The elections to the school committees have aroused more than usual interest this year, and the women of the city have wakened up to their obligations for the welfare of the children (states the Auckland “Star ). For some months previous the Cine Lc'ißue, under its president, Miss Batten, has been working in a quiet Planner to bring women forward. for this public duty, and the results rrust bo very satisfactory to the memtisrs who took the matter in hand. Although there are still some committees on which no mother tried to gain a place, jet on the greater number there r.re either two or three women, .md mostly the former.

Wanganui Notes. Mrs W. Mcßeth and the Misses Mcßeth left Wanganui for Auckland on Tuesday. Lady Cooper, who has neon on a short'visit to her sister, Mrs. C. L. Barnett, of Wicktteed Street, Wauganui, returned to her homo in Eltham on Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. and Miss Brookfield are visiting Waverley. , . Mrs. B. McEvedy, Oama.ru, is visiting Mrs. O’. Spillane. Miss Couper, of Mosgiel, who has been visitinc her brother, Mr. 1. Couper, of Durie Hill, left for the south on Friday. A tennis team from “Nga Tawa were in Wanganui last week. lliey were entertained by Mrs. W. Izard during the afternoon, and played some good games with a local team.. During the week a very enjoyable evening"was given for Miss Muriel Aiken, by Miss Nacmi Burgess.

On April 24 the wedding will take', place at Ford, Northumberland, Eng-' land, of Miss Audrey Troyte Harper,.daughter of the Rev. C. C. Harper, and Mrs. Harper, to Mr. John Wal-< ter Chitty, son of Sir Charles and; Lady Chitty, of Munthom, Torquay.

Considerable excitement has been caused among schoolgirls in Sydney by,, the ukase issued by the head mistressi of a large girls’ school that schoolbags. 1 may no longer be carried in the hand, but must be worn, like pilgrims’ packs, strapped between the shoulders. It has, it is claimed, been definitely proved that the hand satchel (generally heavily weighted with books, writing’ materials, and miscellaneous “what nots”) frequently causes deformity among growing girls. But the modern schoolgirl has decided views, of her own, and one imagines that it is going to take her some time to “hump her bluey” with a really good grace (states an Australian exchange).

Word was received in Christchurch on Tuesday by -cable of the death of Mrs. T. O. Hay, in Bournemouth, on April 14. Mrs. Hay' was the onl» daughter of the late Rev. Dr. John Guthrie, of Glasgow. She arrived in New Zealand by the Crusader in 1874, accompanied by her brother, Dr. John Guthrie. Another brother, Dr. T. O. Guthrie, followed a year or two later. In 1875 she married ihe late Mr. T. O. Hay. Annandale, her Lome in Pigeon Bay for over 30 years,‘will be remembered, by many for its genial, hospitality, typical of the earlier colonial days. Mr. Hay died after a short illness in 1908, while on a visit with Mrs. Hay to old friends in Scotland and England. On returning to New Zealand Mrs. Hay lived with her daughter, Mrs. A. McKellar. She waa for a time president of the Christ-} church branch of the Plunket Society.] From its inception she was pres’denti of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Pres-' byterian Orphanage. 'The latter she only relinquished on the eve of her recent departure for England. Mrs.] Hay leaves a son, Mr. Ebenezer Hay, and two daughters—Mrs. A. McKellar and Miss Agnes Hay.