WOMAN’S WORLD

Evening Star, Issue 19005, 29 July 1925, Page 3

WOMAN’S WORLD

[By DIANA.]

Reports of social functions will be welcomed for this column. “ Diana ” will alao answer aft reasonable questions relating to the home, cookery, domestic science, and any topic of interest to her sex. But each letter or report must bear the writer’s name and address as a guarantee of genuineness, and questions that do not permit of a public reply cannot be answered. Questions should bo concisely put and the writer’s nom de plume clearly written.

Sawers, Whyte, Twhigg, and Vickers, with Miss I. White as conductress); vocal solos by Mrs Oldham, Miss Theomin, and Miss Meda Paine, Miss M. Fraser accompanying; piano selections by Mrs Hector and Miss Ramsay; and tho toy symphons', in which tho following took part Mesdames Evans, Wilson, Mason, Misses Twhigg, Gibbs, M'George (2), Martin, Smith, Speeding, Hey wood, Ramsay, and Miss Hanan conducted. Well over 100 guests were present, including Lady Ross, Lady Fenwick, Lady Williams, Mesdames G. Bell, Batchelor, Allan, Dodgshun, Fitchett, Hazlett, Howitson, Maitland. Stock, rjorcus, Marshall Macdonald, APMaster, Tbeomin, Todd, O’Neill, Priest, Maeassey, Sleigh, Ritchie, Nisbet, M'Kcllar, M'Lean, W. A. Moore, Mandeno, Lo Cron, Vivian, Speight, J. S. Ross, J. E. Maeassey, TiVpley, Vallange, Macbeth, Misses M’Kerrow, Menlove, Barrett, Allan, Glendinning, Gilkison, Hill Jack, Mackerras, Neill, Orbell, Priest, O’Neill, Reynolds, Ross, Scott, Vallange, Wells, Lamrock, Moodio.

HOME ECONOMICS

The monthly meeting of the St. Kilda branch of the O.H.E.A. was held in the Council Chambers last Thursday. The president introduced the speaker (Nurse Mathieson, Plunket nurse), who gave a valuable lecture. The main function of the society’s nurses is to educate and help parents and others in a practical way in the hygiene of the home and nursery, with a view to conserving tho health of the whole family, while directing special attention to .the needs of mother and offspring. Tho speaker said the society is extremely anxious to bring about a realisation of the “ suflicingness ” in general obedience to the simple known laws of life and Nature for maintaining the health of mother and child. The aim of the Plunket Society is to stand between the, young mother and disaster; to show Her how to safeguard the health of herself and her child; to preserve and increase its strength; to pilot it safely through childhood, and so lay the foundations of a bippy, useful life. Some indication of the results that have been achieved by the work of the society and by similar agencies for the education and guidance of mothers is afforded by the progressive decline in the infant death rate in this country. Tho infant mortality-' rate is generally acknowledged to be the best index to the health and welfare of infants in a community. For five years prior to 1907 (the date of tho formation of the Plunket Society) tho New Zealand infantile death rate had been almost stationary; then it declined in a most remarkable and persistent way, until in the course of a few years it was and is the lowest in the world. Nurse Mathieson stated that improved ante-natal health and vigor, followed by duo care and attention to mother and child during the first month after childbirth, would soon bring about almost as favorable a change in our infantile mortality statistics for the first month as systematic teaching and training in regard to tho later aspects of mothercraft have effected during tho last seventeen years. About ninetenths of the deaths from gastro-cnler-itis and diarrhoea occur in tho first year, and about one-tenth in the second year. In the last two years there lias not been a single death in Dunedin from gastro-ententis and diarrhcea among children under two years of agef

At tho conclusion of the address the president moved a hearty vote ol thanks to the speaker, which was coined hv acclamation.

The president then gave a splendid address, as instructed hv Ihe homo science department, on 1 I’lannmg and Preparation of Dinner,’ The class showed appreciation of the capable manner in which the president carried out the instructions, i doubt, if any present knew that the preparing ami standing of vegetables in water lor hours was disastrous lo the valuable salts, or that young beetroot leaves contain iodine and mineral salts, and should therefore on no account ho wasted. Vegetables arc essential to build up the nervous tissues, and tho glands require mineral salts. 'Che meeting was called earlier tha;j usual to discuss the possibilities of the thrift exhibition which takes place in Burns Hall on August 5. A feature of tho exhibition will bo the model step-saving kitchen.

WEDDING.

On June 10 a very pretty wedding was solemnised at Knox Church, Dunedin, by the Dev. Tulloch Ynille, when Annie Stewart, elder daughter of Captain and Mrs J. S. ADKenzie, Maori Dill, was married to Thomas Frederick, only son of Captain and Mrs T. Mature, of Pott Chalmers. The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her uncle, Air J. D. Moody (acting in the unavoidable absence of her father), was beautifully gowned in n. sleeveless frock of cream panne velvet, with apron effect of the same material, heavily beaded in silver, the hank being perfectly plain with the exception of two streamers of silver tissue, which hung from the shoulders, and were knotted near the foot of the frock. The bridal veil, which was worn over the face, was held in place by a coronet of pearls, with small trails of orange blossom on either side. Silver shoes and a bonrpiot of chrysanthemums, sprigs of white heather, and hothouse flowers completed a charming toilet. The bride was attended by throe maids—Miss Ella Basire (maid of honor) and the Misses L. AT. M'Kcnzie and J. D. Moody, who wore attired alike in frocks of pink brocaded morocain, made with silver lace yokes and panel of the same in front, the panel being affixed by a spray of multi-colored flowers and leaves. Early Victorian posies being carried out in the same tones, which also appeared in the fanshaped coronets. In those cases also silver slices were worn. Each bridesmaid wore a gold Nellie Stewart bangle, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridegroom was attended by Air T. A. Jones as best man and Air F. J. D. Rolfo as groomsman. The bride’s mother was smartly gowned in a frock of navy blue crepe do chine relieved with touches of Oriental trimming, the panel in front being edged with a broad band of silver grey fur. With this was worn a chic hat of black panne velvet with ospreys, and a bourinet of autumn-tinted flowers wa« carried The bridegroom’s mother wore a smart navy frock, with hat to match, and a mole fur coat, and carried a posy of violets and autumn leaves. Air W. Paget Gale presided at the organ, and after the ceremony the guests (numbering about eighty) proceod°d to the Strand Salon, where they were received by Airs AFTCenzie. After the usual toasts had been honored the many congratulatory cables and telegrams were read, and songs rendered by Afiss Basire and Air I. A. Jones. Later Air and Mrs Basire left by car for their wedding trin, which was spent in the north. The bride travelled in a smart navy costume, navy and red bat, with which was worn a blue fox fur, the gift of the bridegroom.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Lady Ferguson has gone to Auckland for a visit.

Mrs Rose, who has been in town for tho “ Gapping,” has returned to her homo.

On Saturday Mrs Marshal! Macdonald was hostess for a three-table bridge party.

Miss Pope, M.Sc., M.A., who has been studying in Canada, expects to bo back in the dominion in August, where no doubt sbo will take up dietetic work, that being her special line.

Miss M, H. Maeandrew, a. New Zealand lady, Ims been awarded the medal of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in recognition of her .services during tho war and to the nursing profession generally.

Miss Landreth, of tho Homo Science College staff, has been awarded tho scholarship presented by the Federation of University Women at lowa, and she will leave in August to make use of it at lowa, U.S.A.

Another member of tho staff, Miss Canty, has been equally lucky. She has gained a. Rockefeller scholarship, winch will enable her to study sis months in’U.S.A. and six mouths in England. Miss Canty leaves in Augand will take her first course probably at Columbia College.

Miss Edith Howes and Mrs Primmer have been asked tobo respectively president and organising secretary for Otago of the. Pen-Women’s League, lately formed in Auckland. Both have accepted, and further details of the organisation will be published later.

"Would anyone lend dresses _ dating about ISGO-70 to tho committee in charge of tho spectacular dance to be held in tho Festival Hall of the Exhibition about the end of September? This dance is to be in aid of the funds of the women’s section. About eight drosses are required,'and they will bo carefully used. Such a loan will materially contribute to the success of the dance.

Miss Gladys Cameron, M.Sc., who has been studying in America, is now in Europe. She has been delegated to represent the xN T ew Zealand Federation of University Women at the world conference to be held shortly in Brussels Her further plans are visits to Vienna, Czecho-Sjovakia., a six weeks’ summer school at Cambridge, then back to America for further study.

Flower arranging as an art does not receive the recognition it should. Japan, I suppose, is about the only country where part of a girl’s education consists of learning to arrange flowers, or rather, one flower and a branch. Bowls and vases used to be carefully chosen to suit individual flowers, as, for instance, tulips in delft, arums in greens, narcissi in Crown Derby or against old oak, purple cinerarias against white woodwork, polyanthus in a blue jar, and so on.

The annual capping ball held on the night of “1 ho day was, as usual, crowded, and nearly everyone interested in University a (fairs was there, including, of course, hosts of students. Tho chaperones were .Professor Strong, Mrs ThonipMMi. Mrs Batchelor, and Mrs Skinner, each of whom was presented | with a handsome bouquet at .supper. ! The alfair v. as, of course, a huge success. and the new "grads” looked especially happy with their ambitions at last realUrd.

In spite of the dreadful weather on Friday night, a large .-number of ladies came to the Women's Club to boar .Mrs (linn, of Wellington (formerly Miss I’oppolwel! of fids town) give a u. - lightful evening in connection with,the music circle. .Mrs Ginn lias a beautiful voice, which she uses to the best advantage. Her items included songs by Brahms, Hugo Wolf, Cyil Scoff, Schubert, and Malm, whose beautiful music is a fitting setting to the equally beautiful poems by \ crlaiuc. Mrs Little was a splendid accompanist, and Mrs Campbell, too, gave much pleasure with her piano solo. Scarves arc still much to the fore—worn in every position and with every frock. One charming idea is to have a scarf held in place by a loop of ribbon down the back of tho dress, _ and matching the dress. The ribbon finishes with a formal trimming, its color being repeated on the hat and sleeves. Another one is the girdle scarf, where the embroidered motif comes at the front of flic neck and at the waist. After this, a scarf bow on the shoulder is simple indeed. The Kaikorai Kindergarten, now in its .second year, is a well-established school and tills a long-left want. Tho, recent had weather, however, demonstrated clearly that it was imperative, for the health of the little pupils, to asphalt the paths. Tho Local Committee, consisting of Mesdaincs Melville, A. Hudson, Crow, W. Hudson, A. Barnett, Bricked, Glendining, and Mess Barlitt, has therefore decided to hold a jumble sale to raise funds. All gilts will lie welcomed, and may lie sent to Mrs Melville, 29 Tweed street. The sale is to be at the Kaikorai Presbyterian Sunday School Hall on August ■l, from 10. JO a.m.

]t is a pleasant custom by which the local branch of tho International Federation of University Women greets the new women graduates annually after the formal “capping ” ceremony. Last Friday afternoon saw the Women’s common room at tlie University well tilled with new “grads” and friends. Dr Marion Whyte, this year’s president, greeted the special guests, and pointed out that by this federation, wherever they might roam, the local university of the town would help to look after them, and that Crosby Hall would, in the future, undoubtedly be a boon to graduates anxious to further their studies in London. Professor Strong later made a most satisfactory announcement —namely, that two more home science students had rained scholarships which would enable them to study in America and England. Each graduate was then ■presented with a charming little bunch of flowers, after which tea and chat took up the rest of the afternoon. Among those present were Mesdamos Leech, Skinner, Sidey, Marshall Macdonald, O’Neill, G. Bell, Jack, Dunlop, Stephens, Primmer, Mrs fDr) Nccs, Dr Bathgate, Dr Muriel Bell, Dr Siedeberg, Misses Wells, M’Gill, Fyle, May, and Bcnthara.

The women’s section of the Exhibition will have a substantial sum to its credit as a result of the concert given by Mrs Roberts at her beautiful home in Littlebourne. The house was handsomely decorated, and. of course, the fine collection of pictures always excites interest. Mrs Roberts looked very well in black, and Miss Roberts, who helped to receive the guests, was a charming foil in white. The programme was excellent, including'as it did the Women’s Club glee siifgers (Mesdamcs Wakefield Holmes, Wilson, Fairbairn, Misses

RATIONAL DRESS FOR WOMEN.

Rational dress for women, whether for walking or for sport, has received the seal of approval in high quarters recently (writes the London correspondent of the Melbourne ‘ Ago ’). At the congress of the Royal Institute of Public Health Dr Percy Hall went all out in its favor. “Never,” he says, “has the gentle sex been so healthy nor so attractive ns it is to-day. A generation ago the woman of forty was an old lady who wore voluminous flannel petticoats and a shawl across her shoulders, while she sat by the tire and crocheted.' To-day the woman of iorty looks twenty, plays golf and tennis during the day and jazzes far into the ’ night, and then is first down to breakfast in the morning—and without the temper of a bear. She is emancipated both in body and mind, and appears to have captured the veritable elixir of eternal youth. What has she done? Simply cast away those_ superfluous clothes, and is wearing silk next her skin, snort skirts, and clothing low in the nock, allowing more light and air to got to her body, and as a direct consequence has achieved youth, beauty, and health.” The movement has also a stalwart champion in the “gloomy dean” of St. Paul’s. Put Dean Inge goes further. Ho is strongly in favor of scantier bathing suits, and his suggestion that at seaside resorts parts of the shore should be reserved for ladies to enjoy sun baths unmolested has caused something of a shock to the prudes. Ho declares that the pleasure and benefit of a bathe are in inverse ratio to the amount of clothing worn, and his one objection to mixed bathing is that it involves too much dressing up. On the other hand, British pilgrims who have returned from the Holy Tear celebrations at Rome have been profoundly impressed by the care bestowed upon the dresses of the to wuom the Pope gave audience. While parties wore awaiting the arrival ot I'i’-'S XI. one of the Papal masters of foiemonies went round to very lady and inspected her neck and arms to ensure j that dresses wore in accordance with I ''Hir-In some cases ladies were ; told to wind their mantillas or scarls r ■! their necks, as their dresses were too low. Short sleeves were also prohibited in St. Peter’s, as veil as in the audience chambers.

THE SPORTS GIRL

A glance at a group of schoolgirls resting from sport, whether around the tennis courts or on the basket ball or hockey holds, will discover curious postures of the body, sending, as it wore, every limb out of joint—at least, on (’, c side. When relaxing from exercise there is a general tendency to throw the whole weight of the body on the right leg, with the right hip protruding and the right shoulder down. As an occasional pose this attitude can do but little harm, but when it becomes a regular practice there is bound to 1-n injurious clfects in after life. There has been such a big development in athletic; games for girls in the last ten years that teachers cannot bo too careful in husbanding the strength of their girls. There are cases of too much sport where members of teams arc 100 enthusiastic to withdraw Irom their games, hut, on the whole, the, average girl has too much common .sense in allow her strength to be overpowered by tennis, hockey, golf, or any other game. Still, snort will lose much of its value, in the feminine sex if the recreation is not better snnerviseil. It, is tin use swinging dumh-hells lor (mi minutes and thou relaxing into postures that will nullify any benclit obtained from the exercise.

One wonders sometimes if sufficient rare is taken in choosing sports mistresses for the schools. To obtain the best results in the individual girls the teacher should have more knowledge than Mm mere teaching of the games. She should know when the exorcise is becoming injurious, and be able to put the girl on the right mad to correcting any weakness, while it is most essential to teach proper relaxation. 'J be day of the hag, weighing anything up to 121 b, has, fortunately, passed away to a- great extent, but heavy suit eases are still carried by girls to and Irom school every day. No doubt the young flapper who holds such a sr.it ease would think it a frightful boro to change it from one hand to another; but if the reasons for such action were explained there would be less pulleddown shoulders. The deportment of a girl is so important in the effects likely to result in womanhood that the sports and physical culture of our girls, to say nothing of instruction in ordinary every-day walking, should only bo in the' bands of '’thoroughly trained teachers.—Melbourne ‘ Age.’

CURTAINS AND CRETONNES

Aluch may be done to _ enliven a decorative scheme of curtains by the use of a plain and patterned fabric in combination. For the wide lattice casements so often found in the modern bungalow one may choose a brightlycolored casement cloth and trim the curtains and gathered valances with narrow bands of printed cretonne in contrasting colorings; or reversing this process, a printed linen curtain patterned in a blue design on a white ground might have a. box-pleated valance of indigo blue, the same plain stuff being used to edge the curtains and form a deep band at their foot. For bedrooms whore the curtains are carried out in simple checked cottons or printed cretonne it often adds greatly to the success of the scheme if the same material is used for the bedspread, finished with an all-round border of some plain material which “ picks up ” the predominant shade in the printed stuff. Cushions_ for the window seat or cane arm chair can be carried out in similar fashion with oiiginal and charming results. Stripes, so popular in all furnishings at the present time, seem specially suited to the seaside, and here the practical, good-wearing qualities of the materials chosen are of special imports "'m If not guaranteed fadeless, they .should at least give fair promise of withstanding the fierceness of the sun’s rays. Owing to the fact that their colored threads are dyed before weaving, to enable the fibre to take the color as thoroughly as possible, woven stripes are far more dependable from this point of view than the printed variety. Very attractive combinations of wide or narrow awning stripes tire now to be found, admirably suited for use on dock c.haii's, basket seats, hammocks, and avnings; these may he supplemented by plain canvas, butcher-blue linen, cotton tussore, or reversible and printed casement cloths, all of which look very effective against a background of cool green grass and trees.