ILLUSTRATED TALK

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 191, 11 May 1938, Page 4

ILLUSTRATED TALK

Woman Writers And Artists Ju appreciation o£ her services us president, Miss C. Keddell, who is leaving the district, was the recipient of a presentation at last night's meeting oi the New Zealand Women Writers’ and Artists’ Society, which was held at the Lyceum Club. The presentation was made by the secretary, Mrs. E. S. Andrews, on behalf of the members. Miss Keddell introduced the speaker for the evening, Miss Fanny Richardson, an artist member of the society. Miss Richardson had with her a large collection of her own water-colour paintings of New Zealand plant and 'bird life, and made interesting remarks about each picture as the members viewed it. Her' subjects were chiefly flora from the Waiho Gorge, which Miss Richardson recently visited. “The name ‘Waiho’ means smoking water,’” she said. “The Maoris so named it because the mist which rises from the thawing ice it carries resembles smoke.” This mist, she added, also contributes to the heavy fogs which continually envelope the gorge. Ferns grow luxuriantly in the damp atmosphere. and Miss Richardson showed some studies of species which grew fully a yard long. Native mountain flowers, lichens and mosses also flourish, but often in inaccessible places. A trip by air made by the speaker revealed some wonderful specimens of flora on precipitous heights.

She also showed many interesting studies of bird and fungus life. One picture was of ii bosun bird, found only in the tropics and the Macaulay Islands, north of Auckland. Supper was served, during which the pictures and their subjects were discussed.

Among those present were: Mrs. Ivor King, Mrs. McQuarrie, Madame Bligh. Mrs. G. Lyon, Mrs. Igglisden, Mrs Waldie, Mrs. M. Cable, Mrs. Gleed, Mrs. Hardy, Mrs. Spurway, Mrs. Bade, Miss N. Furlong, Miss N. E. Donovan, Miss I’. Fitzgerald, Miss S. Morice, Miss J. Sandall, Miss L. Morgan.