A PLEASANT EVENING

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 64, 13 September 1932, Page 11

A PLEASANT EVENING

WRITERS AND ARTISTS

A pleasant time was spent at Lady Hunter's home last night when, members of the Now Zealand Women Writers and Artists' Society met. There was a large attendance. Miss N. E. Coad presided.

Mr. Ken. Alexander, who had accepted an invitation to give an address on "Literature and Art," was not able to bo present owing to the death of his father. A motion of sympathy was passed to him by members standing in silence. .

Miss N. E. Coad spoke most interestingly of literature in New Zealand and its relation to the wider world of public recognition. She stated that New Zealand writers had to go overseas to win fame with the book-reading public and to interest the publishers in their work. New Zealand had in the past sponsored women writers, and among the more notable was Katherine Mansfield, who was recognised as rapidly becoming one of the world's famous writers until her early demise terminated her career. New Zealand authors were rather shy of mentioning in their works details such as particularising on towns and streets, for it was quite common in English writers to see such matters used as a commonplace every-day subject. It was quite refreshing to see that Miss Nelle Scanlan had in her latest publication entered particularly into . details of places that New Zealanders were conversant with. Miss Coad's remarks were listened to with great interest, and members expressed pleasure and thanks. '

Various members, including Lady .Hunter, Miss Majorio Willcocks, Miss L. Hobbs, and Mrs. Lyon read very charming and original poems., Miss F. Bichardson showed members several very dainty water-colour sketches.

Miss N. E. Donovan (hpn. * secretary) placed before members a scheme she had worked out for a prose and verse Christmas competition for senior and junior members.' The idea was accepted, and details were left in her hands.

Lady Hunter,' who has very kindly allowed the society to' meet at her home, provided light refreshments for them, and a pleasurable and enjoyable social evening was terminated by Miss N. E. Coad proposing a hearty vote of thanks to Lady Hunter, which members all endorsed by singing "For' She's a .Jolly Good Fellow."