WOMEN IN PRINT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 70, 24 March 1915, Page 9

WOMEN IN PRINT.

TRINITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC, LONDON

The following candidates parsed the higher theory examination held in Decembet T^st in the art of teaching : — Marjorie Huia Shepherd, Eileen Corby, ! and Olive E. Kilsby. THE PLUNKET MAGAZINE The 'first issue of the Plunket Magazine, described as a journal of motherhood, and mothercraft, and published by the Society for the Health 6"i Women and Children, has just come to hand. The production is one that the promoters may well be proud of; it is also unique of its kind, being the first journal of the society published in New Zealand. In an introduction by Mrs. Truby King, the writer 6ays : — " We hope to see the magazine soon win its way to the heart of every household where there are young children — indeed, wherever there is love of children. Further, we feel sure " that this. woman's magazine, founded for the sake of women and children, will bring many parents to realise more clearly than ever what a beneficent purpose the society serves, -by binding us all together in a spirit of mutual happiness, as co-workers in a common cause." The foreword thus explains the aims and objects of the magazine, • which includes several interesting and illuminating articles on matters of interest to mothers and potential mothers, including one on " Sport for G rowing Girls." The magazine should be of great help to the women of the Dominion, and is well worthy of their hearty co-operation and support. It is clearly printed, with an artistic cover of brown art paper, with a red seal, inscribed "To Help the Mothers and to Save ihe Babies." WHAT'S IN A NAME? During the present war a baby boy Was born to a British officer at the front, and lie requested that the child should named "Roberts Joffre French, ' after the famous generals Of those names. 'v'Joffre" has already been many times exploited as a < patronymic for male infants, but "Joffrette" as the feminine appellation is something quite new. Yet it has made its appearance, and doubtless will be borne by a good many baby girls who make their first appearance in this year of international disaster, and who will be familiar with its history from their cradles. Contemporary history, literature, and events generally have, from time immemorial, proved a perfect God-send to parents in search of Christian names for their offspring. In America it has long been a favourite custom to name babies > after great military leaders, and the patriotism of hundreds and hundreds of parents throughout the British Empire was very much in evidence during the late Boer War. Doubtless many parents since then have been "dealt with" by indignant offspring who were not consulted at the time as to the- Christian names theywere to bear. It may be safely prophesied that the same will occur again after the present war has becpme but * memory to the younger generation. One ' consolation these youthful victims to a "fashion" have— and will haye — is an excellent memory for the dates of the great wars of 1899-1900 and 1914-16. At the time of the Boer War, New Zealand parents were not behindhand in bestowing patriotic names upon their offspring. Ghristchurch, according to the Registrar, boasted a .."Valiant Baden-Powell," B.Klen.iand Norman Baden, and many other Badens. One young lady rejoiced in the name of "Mona Dorothy Baden-Powell." Other war babies included Lily Mafeking, Gordon Pretoria Mafeking, Queenie Shannock Mafeking, General Hector Macdonald, and General Wauchope. Numbers of babies were named after the gallant "Bobs." There was Frederick Roberta, Daisy Roberts, Dudley Roberts, and many another. Kedvers Buller White, Redvers Dundonald, Mona Rhodesia, Vera Tugela, and Dorotny Ladysmith were other quaint appellations. What does "Pretoria Jane" think of her name to-day, and "Henry Transvaal" and "Alma May Transvaal"'! A consultation of the various Registrars to-day might have interesting results. BENEFIT GIFT EVENING In spite of the weather there was a large attendance at the benefit gift evening given in aid of the Presbyterian Orphanage at Berhampore, and held at St. John's Schoolroom last night. There was a perfect" shower of gifts of every description, which filled two long tables at the end of the hall. There were, besides, some substantial/ money contributions. The Rev. Dr. Gibb was in the chair. The Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Massey), who was accompanied by Mrs. Massey and Miss Massey, in an interesting address, spoke of the way in which the Presbyterian Church was ' looking after the mental, moral, and physical welfare of its people. He had of late been somewhat associated with its work, as he had attended the opening of lona College, in Hawkes Bay, and a college for young women in Auckland, as well as laying the foundation-stone of an addition to St. Margaret's College in the South. He wished those present | all success in the excellent work in which they were engaged with regard to the orphanage at Berhampore. The Rev. Dr. Gibb also spoke, and pointed out the fact that the healthy, happy, well-clothed appearance of the children whom they saw before them that evening was due to the liberality and forethought of those who had so generously contributed to the financial upkeep of the orphanage. Were" it not for that, these little ones would have been struggling against very different surroundings and conditions. In moving a. vote ok' thanks to those who had provided the entertainment, and especially to Mr. Massey, Dr. Gibb said they were greatly indebted to the Prime Minister for sparing them an hour in the midst of the all-important and indeed, momentous duties of his office ! at this time. It might not be out of place to tell Mr. Massey how greatly they appreciated the manner in which he had' met the stern issues now confronting the Dominion in common with the other parts of the Empire. They also, God helping them, would do their duty. The vote wae carried by acclamation. Mr. Massey, in reply, thanked them for the warmth of their appreciation. He had tried to do his duty regardless of criticism. New Zealand had been called to make many sacrifices, and more would doubtless be necessary if the war lasted. He was, hosvever, sure the people of New Zealand would never be found wanting. The gifts in kind amounted in value to over £60, the contributions in cash to £134. and £12 Was obtained by eale of flowers arid sweets. During the evening there was a short programme of music. Misa Lonsdale contributed a musical monologue, Miss Hazel Jeffereys gave a recitation, and some patriotic action songs were sung by the orphanage children very well indeed. An excellent supper was in the hands of the Ladies' Auxiliary, o£ which Mrs. A. Campbell, i» secretary. A flowe*

stall and sweet stall were in the charge of Mesdames Campbell and Doggar and the Girls' Bible Class respectively. Among those present were the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, M.L.C., Mrs. Mills (the matron of the orphanage), the Rev. J. Shirer, the Eev. Mr. Todd (Petone), and Mr. Hannay, treasurer of the managing committee. Mr. Mills (secretary) was unable to be present through sickness.

Miss Gladys Webster, sister of Dr. Gai'cia Webster, leaves on Thursday for Sydney, where she is going to take up private nursing. Professor and Mrs. Rankin Brown have returned to their home in Aurovaterrace. Nurse M'Lean, who was formerly connected with St. Helen's Hospital, is the guest of that institution during her stay in Wellington. Dr. and Mrs. Lionel J. Hood, of Melbourne, arrived in Auckland by the Niagara. Professor and Mrs. Marsden are staying at "Kenilworth." Hill-street. Mrs. Harold Blundell returned to the Wairarapa this morning. Nurse Bertha and Nurse Wilson, ■vefto have been guests of the Nurses' Home since their return "from Samoa, went South . last night for a fortnight's holiday, before proceeding to the Front. Mr. and Mrs. Shirtcliffe are on a visit to Christchurch. Nurse Wright, who lias been working among the Maoris in the Rotorua district, ha-s been accepted for service at the. front, and will leave for England by the Rotorua. Among the most nourishing of cereal foods, ac the' Scotch race testifies, is oatmeal. On account of its greater nutritive qualities- it is. a cheaper food than white flour, particularly at the present time. Most people find it too heating for everyday consumption in Rummer. But now that autumn is at hand housewives can materially reduce the bill for bread or flour, and for eggs and other commodities, by serving porridge for breakfast. It would be worth trying the method that was in general use in Scotland many years ago during the winter, when milk x used to be both dear and scarce. When she could not afford milk the Scotch housewife used to pour a little treacle or golden syrup into ea-ch plate of porridge, thus making it both more pala-table and still more nutritious. Children usually like steamed puddings which are served with a sauce of hot golden syrup, so they ought to take readily to this, fashion of eating porridge. A branch of the New Zealand Women Teachers' Association has been formed in Hawkes Bay, as a result of a meeting of women teachers at Hastings on Saturday. Mr. R. Home, manager of the Bristol Piano Company at Christchurch, is on a visit to Wellington. He is to be marvied On Saturday next at St. Luke's Church. Lower Hutt, to Miss Daisy Parsons, of Perth, a niece of Mr. C. H. Treadwell, of Hutt. Almost every day French 'papers record the brave deeds of Frenchwomen, but it is not generally realised what a number of women, have served under fire , in various capacities '.during the present war. In the early days of the campaign, Belgian women used to take food daily to. the men. in the trenches, and family parties might be seen eating their meal together within range of the enemy's guns. Many Belgian women, ! too, went out after dark on to the battlefield to succour the wounded. Among many examples of women's heroism under fire, reported from Russia, is that of two peasant women who, during a battle, carried fifteen wounded soldiers to a. place of safety before the arrival of the Red Cross party, and continued afterwards- to help. Another ia of a girl of 18 who 1 brought three children out of a burning house while German guns were demolishing her riliage. '