WOMAN’S WORLD

Evening Star, Issue 19328, 14 August 1926, Page 20

WOMAN’S WORLD

L [By diana.] J

ANSWERS TO GORHESPCH3ENT3 "Homo Sower." —I cannot find any firm that does knife-pleating for skirts. "Glasses."—A little gylccrine rubbed on the glass is supposed to prevent it from being misty. SOCIAL AND PERSONAL Mrs Sargood and Mrs Mills have gone to Wanaka. Mrs Itogerson has gono back north. Miss Colgrove, principal of tho Auckland Kindergarten, is the guest of Miss Helen Alexander, of Castle street, and hopes to visit sonio of tho kindergartens here.

Miss Dutton, who was in_ Welling!,on in connection wit., the Kindergarten Association, is back in town.

Miss Edith Howes, though not with us at present, is still of us, and all Dunedin women will welcome the announcement that Miss Howes’s novel, ‘The Pebbled Path,’ a New Zealand story, is to bo published serially iu tiiis paper.

Next Thursday, the 19th inst., the Kaikorai Kindergarten branch will hold a jumble sale at the Kaikorai Presbyterian Sunday School. Gifts of any description will bo welcome, and should bo loft at Mrs Mejvillo’s, 29 Tweed street.

So many members of the Literary Circle at the Womon’q Club are poetrylovers that the committee has decided to hold a 11 poetry afternoon ” next month, when poems dealing with animals will bo read. Should this prove a success, future afternoons on tho samo lines will bo hold.

It is good to work for others, and it is very good, too, to have the merit of such work unrecognised. During the present unemployment distress two ladies have been most active, and it was only right and proper that these two, Mrs Barningham and IDs M‘lntyre, should be honored with a special vote of thanks at the recent official meeting for the voluntary services they had rendered at the Labor Club Rooms in providing meals for the unemployed. A very enjoyable evening took place in Kroon’s Hall _on Wednesday, July 28, when tho friends of Miss Rcatha Lindsay gathered to celebrate her coming of ago. About sixty guests took part in dancing, music, etc., and several items were rendered during the evening, which closed with the singing nf ‘Auld Lang Sync.’ Amongst those present were Mesdames Lindsay, Mackenzie, Smith, Cherry, Willers, Madam Newcomb-Hall, Misses Morris (2), Blagdon, Young, Cowie, Martin, Hessian, Mathesou ,(2), Cherry, Davie, Messrs Lindsay (3), Smith Mackenzie, Stewart, Hanley, Morris, Dunne, Robson, Torrance, Iliach, Rankin, Cherry, Blacklaw.

Mrs S. M. Park, on Wednesday afternoon, gavo a most interesting talk to the Arts and Crafts Guild of tho Women’s Club on ‘Glass and _ Crystal.’ The speaker outlined tho making of different qualities of glass, and then showed beautiful specimens of old English glass, some being Georgian, with a 1791 silver coin in the double-bottomed glass. The Circle has now started an exhibition of glassware, which will make the arts and crafts room_ most attractive. ’ Mrs Melville occupied tho chair, and Mrs Rodgerson proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer.

Tho engagement is announced, and the marriage will shortly take place, of Betty, elder daughter of Mrs G. V. Maxwell, of Dunedin, and tho Hon. G. Y. MaxwelL Chief Native Commissioner of Konya Colony, East Africa, to Hector G., only son of Mr and Mrs D. S. Chapman, of Herne Bay, Auckland. Tho fortnightly meeting of tho St. Clair Women’s Club was held on Monday, tho 9th inst., when there was a large attendance of members, Mrs Waters (president) occupying the chair. blisses Tui and Elsie Harraway, who were in charge of tho evening’s entertainment, bird arranged the hall to resemble a drawing room, tho small tables being decorated with vases of primroses, narcissi, violas, and wallflowers. A splendid programme was arranged, all the items being greatly enjoyed. The, following took part: — Pianoforte solos, Mrs H. C. Campbell and Miss Elsie Harraway; violin solo, Miss Winnie Geddcs; pianoforte duet, Misses Harraway; vocal duct, Misses M‘Curdy; vocal solos, Misses Dorothy Skinner and Tui Harraway; musical monologue. Miss Reno Aslin; solo dance, Miss Gladys Crossan. When tho programme was finished a competition took place called ‘A Treasure Hunt,’ tho hidden treasure being a brass tack. After much searching by the company present this was located by Mrs W. Speight. Mrs Waters moved a very hearty vote of thanks to the ladies in charge for arranging a most enjoyable evening.

On Wednesday evening the large hall of the Women’s Club was comfortably filled—many of the sterner sex_ being present, too—when, on the invitation of the Literary Circle, Professor Lawson spoke on ‘ The Nature of Poetry.’ The lecturer started with some of the earliest known poets, then dwelt on Dante, Milton, and some of the more modern ones, showing in each case how poetry came to be created. The members were so interested that the professor agreed to give a special talk on one of his favorites (Milton). On August 24 the circle is prVnised an evening of unusual interest on William Morris. Recently a new edition (illustrated) of his works has been presented to the Free Library, 25 vqJs. in all. Mrs Ewing, who has undertaken the evening, will base her talk on the matter contained in this collection, and will illustrate her remarks with slides from it, all of which are being specially made for the evening. This circle is certainly in a very flourishing and energetic state of health.

Having received help from the local meetings and the University lectures, two Kaikorai branch members discussed the project of forming a home economics branch amongst the young girls of the surrounding district. The idea was taken up most enthusiastically, and last Monday night those interested in the formation of such a group met at the home of Mrs F. C. Cooper, 84 .Highcate. Intending members and friends listened with interest to Mrs Cooper’s account of the aims and , work of the Otago Home Economics Association, and everyone present felt a keen desire to link with an association that works so earnestly for the home. The following officers were then elected:—President. Mrs J. Smith; vice-presidents, Mrs Simpson and Miss Cooper; secretary, Mrs Buxton; and a committee of capable girls. * It was decided that this group be known as the Girls’ mutual help branch of the, Otago Home Economics Association. Tho meetings are to be held fortnightly It is expected that as a result of the garments made by members many a mother with a family of wee ■ ones—handicapped through, iQ-hcaßh - the bxeadwbjaer--.

will bo helped and cheered, tho cost of above-mentioned articles to her being the price of cotton, buttons, plus a few pence for incidental expenses. With the idea of making these meetings interesting arrangements _ aro being made for musical and elocutionary items by tho various members, as well as some combined, singing of popular choruses, and from time to time short talks on helpful subjects will be given. On certain nights tho meetings will bo open to members of tho opposite sex, who will be given an opportunity of learning just what the Otago Homo Economics stands for. Already the girls' mutual help branch has received through the secretary many congratulatory messages, which have given an impetus to tho movement. WEDDING , CODY—HACKETT. The high altar and sanctuary of S ( Joseph's Cathedral, bedecked with tall palms, aspidistras, choice narcissi, and arum lilies, made a picturesque setting on the morning of Thursday, the sth inst., for the wedding of Miss Nancy Hackett, youngest daughter of Mr and Michael Hackett, " Jtivcrbank," Momona, and Mr Lawrence Cody, filth son of Mrs Cody and tho late Patrick Cody, Sandstone, Riversdalo. Very Ifcev. Father Collins, administrator, St. Joseph's Cathedral, performed the ceremony and celebrated the nuptial mass, during which Miss Clare Dillon sang Gounod's ' Avo Maria' m a most artistic manner, the violin obliggato being played by Mr J. A. Wallace. Mr A. Vailis, the cathedral organist, and Mr Wallace supplied impressive music during tho service. The bride, who was escorted to the altar by her father, to the strains of the ' Wedding March,' looked particularly well in a frock of silver over pale pink georgette, the long straight bodice being of silver tissue embossed in truelover knots', and the full skirt of silver lace of rose design. The richfyembroidared veil (tho work of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Christchurch), kindly lent by her sister, Mrs Jacobson, fell from a bandeau sown in pearls and orange blossom, and formed a train. Her only ornament was a rope of pearls. Silver shoes and stockings, and a bouquet of white, roses, freesias, and chrysanthemums, with touches of pink, completed a charming toilet. Miss Bridge Hackett, Wellington, attended her sister as bridesmaid, and was attired in a pretty flared frock of apricot georgette, tho bodice being caught up with gold trimming, and a pretty bandeau to tone. She carried a bouquet of autumn-tinted chr3 7santhemums, with streamers to tone. Tho bridegroom was attended by his brother, Mr John Cody, as best man. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a gold-expanding wristlet watch, and to the bridesmaid a folding Brownie camera. Tho bride's gift to the bridegroom was a gold albert. A reception was afterwards given by Mr and Mrs Hackett at the Strand Salon. The guests, as they arrived, were received by tho host and hostess in the lounge, which was gay with beautiful flowers. Tho table, which was arranged in the form of a horseshoo, looked attractive, with vases of choice narcissi blooms. About eighty guests sat down to breakfast, during which the Ritz Band provided delightful music. Congratulatory messages from various parts of tho dominion were read.

Mrs Hackett, mother of the brido, wore a gown of black satin heavily beaded, a scarf of Spanish lace, and a fur coat; her toque was of black, adorned with white and black plumes. She carried a bouquet of lavender chrysanthemums. Mrs Cody, mother of the bridegroom, wore a gown of black cloth and a fur coat. Her black toque was relieved with a spray of colored flowers. She carried a bouquet of gold chrysanthemums. Later in the afternoon Mr and Mrs Cody left by motor for the north on their wedding tour, amid showers of confetti and good wishes. The bride travelled in a smart frock of saxe blue repp, over which was worn a handsome fur coat. Her dainty hat was of saxo blue to tone with the frock. The proceedings terminated wjth a jolly little dance, the Ritz Hand supplying the music. During the afternoon musical items were contributed by Miss Anita Winkcl, Miss Heley, Rev. Father Collins, and Mr S. Sncll. ODDS AHD EHDS A slice of raw cucumber is the best daily bleach for neck, shoulders, and arms, applied after washing in warm water, before the skin is thoroughly dry. The juice should bo allowed to dry on the skin.

The newest idea of carrying out embroidery designs of tho “quaint” type is to use narrow black, white, or ping (tho so-called red) tape. _ This conventionalised candle design, with its starry flames, has a bed-time note that makes it appropriate for the front of a nightgown, as here, or for bedroom curtains or runners. The tape candles are neatly hemmed into position, and the flames made of stitches of the narrow red tape. The woman who is the fortunate possessor of delicate lace usually prefers to wash it herself when it has lost its freshness. Tho lacq should always bo soaked before it is washed—if much soiled, in boiling water, in which some borax has been dissolved, tho usual proportions being two cupfuls of water to every teaspoonful of borax. Then make a lather with some good soap and hot water. Take the lace from the water in which it has been soaked, place it in the soap water, and squeeze it as if it were a sponge until it is clean. The simplest method of cleaning tarnished metal lace is by boiling it in a solution that contains four tablespoonfuls of salt to a quart of water. This method cannot bo employed, however, when the lace forms the trimming of an evening frock. Here the most satisfactory way is to brush the lace lightly with alcohol. Of all floor coverings cork carpet is one of the most difficult to keep in good condition. Its rough surface allows dirt and grease to penetrate, which is not easily removed. When necessary, wash it with warm water containing borax, about a tablespoonful to a gallon of water. Afterwards rinse thoroughly to remove all trace of borax, or the carpet may be patchy in appearance. Neglected cork carpet, which is badly spotted and _ the appearance of which cannot be improved by washing, may be treated with a liberal amount of wax polish. Several applications will probably be necessary before a fairly smooth surface is obtained.

Reports of social functions will bo welcomed for this column. M Diana ” will also answer all reasonable questions relating to the home, cookery, domestic science, and any topic of interest to bor sex. But each letter or report must boar the writer’s name and address as a guarantee of genuineness, and questions that do not permit of a pn/alic reply cannot bo answered- Questions should be concisely put and th® writer’s noin do pluiaa clearly written.

PAGIS NOTES Ono of tho most interesting sections ( at tho recent Paris Conference ot j Women dealt with the nationality ot married women, and tho conference placid on record the following:— That this Congress of the International Women Suffrage Alliance, while recording tho fact that for long the j countries of the Argentine. Brazil, Chile, Uruguay. Ecuador, and the Dominican Repuhhc, have accorded to mar-j ried women their own nationality, re-. joices in tho recent progress towards the acceptance in legislation ot .tho principle that a woman should bo given the same right as a man to retain or to chango her nationality, noting witn special satisfaction: That in 1918 Russia gavo to Russian women marrying foreigners and to foreign women marrying Russians the right to retain their own nationality, and also gave to married women tho independent right to naturalisation. That on 22nd September, 1922, the United States of America granted the same rights to married women. That on 15th May, 1922, Belgium pave to Belgian women the right to retain by declaration Belgian nationality on marriage with a foreigner. That on 13th February, 1924, Rumania gave women the right on marriage with a foreigner to retain their Rumanian nationality either by declaration or by a provision in the contract of marriage. That in 1924 Sweden granted to Swedish women with foreign _ husbands tho right to remain Swedish so long as they did not settle in the country of their husbands. _ That in 1924 Norway and in 1925 Denmark and in . 1926 Iceland granted to their women nationals with foreign husbands tho right to retain their own nationality so long as they resided in their own country. That in 1925 Austria made a law enabling an Austrian woman to remain Austrian on marriage with a foreigner if she did not on marriage acquire the nationality of her husband; while in 1923 Switzerland adopted an ordinance giving Swiss women a similar right. That the French Senate and Chamber of Deputies have voted in favor of a Bill which gives to French women marrying foreigners, or to foreigners marrying Frenchmen, the rio-ht to retain their own nationality. That tho British Government has stated itself willing, subject to the pgrcement of the dominion Governments, to introduce legislation to give a British woman the right to remain British on marriage with a foreigner. And that a Bill giving women certain nationality rights has been introduced into tho Finnish Parliament. DISil WASHING I wash the dishes and sing. I dip them into steaming, cleansing water, and dry them on a towel — Each glass and cup and saucer, Each pitcher, plate, and bowl; With their shining curves and colors, Greens and blues and yellows, Flowers and birds and soft bands of gold Passing before my dreaming eyes. The homely yellow jug, tho globular black teapot, The wide white platters— How many happy meals have come from their bright surfacosl They pass before mo three time 3 a day, year in, year out, With undiminished hospitality and cheer. I would know them if set before me in a foreign land, Or on returning after long absence; Know them and thrill with all the dear memories Englazed in their polished shapes. Tenderly, reverently, I wash and wipe each dish, And set it on its shelf. Deal - , homely dishes, good-night! Llotd Roberts. GERTRUDE LOWTHIAN BELL m ADVENTUROUS CAREER News came this week of the death of Gertrude Lowthian Bell, as she called herself in her books, though she had another baptismal name—Margaret (writes "T.R.," in the 'Sydney Morning Herald'). Her name is famed in the books of reference. Eldest daughter of Sir Hugh Bell, Oriental sec-ro-tary to the High Commissioner of the Iraq since 1920; attached to Military Intelligence Department, Cairo, 1915; liaison officer of Arab Bureau, Iraq, 1910; A'ssistant_ political officer in Bagdad 1917; mentioned in despatches four times. Surely this was a, remarkable woman. How did she, a woman, come to fill these > positions? The answer to this question is to be found in her two books of travel, ' The Desert and the Sown ' (lately republished with the first title of ' Syria') and ' Amurath to Amurath,' two of the most delightful and most entertaining .travel books ever written. The first is an account of a journey from Jerusalem along the edge of tho desert east of Jordan to the land of tho Druse and all through Syria; the second a journey across to tho Euphrates and to Bagdad, and then back up the Tigris and into Asia Minor. In tho course of these journeys she knew and became known to the Arab

tribes of the north as a friend. She travelled alone, but she .was j most remarkably equipped for her jour-: neys. She scorns to have spoken Arabic and Persian at least. She was U learned ; nrclncologist, knew tho work of Gcr- ! mans, French, and Americans who had studied and written on tho antiquities of the country, besides, of course, everything that Greek or Roman writers had to tell. But she says: “I desire to write not so much a book of travel as an account of tho people whom I met or who accompanied me on ray way. I have strung their words on the thread of the road, relating as I beard them the stories with which shepherd and mau-ai-amis beguiled the hours of the march the talk that passed from lip to lip round the camp fire, in the black tent of the Arab and the guest chamber of the Druse, as well as the more cautious utterances of Turkish and Syrian officials.” And it is these little sketches of tho talk of the people that make the special charm of her books. A motto from the Arabic is prefixed to tho first book. “ lie deems the wild the sweetest of friends, amf travels on where travels above him the mother of all the clutscred stars.” “ The wild the sweetest of friends ” was her own feeling. “ X would have nothing changed in the delicious land east of the Jordan. A generation or two hence it will be deep wth corn and scattered over with villages, tho waters of the Wady Sir will turn mill wheels, and perhaps there will even be roads, praise bo to God.” 1 will not be there jo see. In my time the uplands will continue to lie thal floh'C'nhle P AlT 1 ' 0, "'ir Khayyam sings- “The strip of herbage strown that just divides the desert from the sown.” Her object in the first journey was to penetrate tho mountain fastnesses of the Druses—against this wish of the Turkish authorities; it was a forbidden land; how she succeeded the hook tells. Here is a picture of Druse life;—Hostile Arabs had raided the herds of the Druse, and a counter-raid was preparing. “I had just finished dinner, when a sound of savage singing broke upon the night, and from tho topmost walls of the castle a great flame leaped up into the sky. It was a beacon kindled to tell tho news of tho coming raid. There was a Druse zaptieh sitting by my camp fire. 1 said: “Is there permission to my going upP’i’ He answered: “There is no refusal, honor ns.” Wo climbed together over the half-frozen mud by tho snowy northern side of the volcano. A crowd of Druses, young men and boys, stood at the edge of the moat on a narrow shoulder of tho hill. They were all armed with swords and knives, and they were shouting

phrase by phrase a terrible song. Each line was repeated twenty times or more until it seemed to the listener that it had been bitten as an acid bites the brass on to the intimate recesses of the mind. Upon them, upon them I Oh, Lord our God; that the Foe may lie in swathes before our swords! Upon them, upon them! that our spears may Drink at their hearts! Let the babe leave his mother’s breast! Let the young man arise and be gone! So they sang, and it was as though the fury of their anger would never end, as though the castle walls would never cease from echoing their interminable rage, and the night never again know silence, when suddenly the chant stopped and the singem drew apart, and formed themselves into a circle, every man holding his neighbor by the hand. Into the circle stepped three young Druses with bare swords and strode round the ring of eager boys that enclosed them. Before each in turn' they stopped and shook their swords, and cried; “ Are you a good man? Are you a true man?” And each one answered with a chant. Then one of the three saw ine standing in the circle, and strode up and raised his sword above his head as though nation saluted nation. “ Lady,” ho said, “ the English and the Druse are one.” I said: “Thank God, we, too, are a fighting race.” After-wards-1 “turned away into the shadow and ran down to my tents, and became a European again, bent on peaceful pursuits, and unacquainted with the naked, primitive passions of mankind.” Many hundreds of years ago another song was made at a place not very far from the. Jeb-cl-Druse, and is written in another book. “I will make ray arrows drink with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh, and that with the blood of the slaiu and of the captives.” Human nature, alas! has not greatly changed. As the traveller went Towards Damascus she passed two Druses. “I said: ‘Are you pacing to the mountain?’ They said: ‘By God! May God keep you!’ I said; ‘ I came from thence, salute it for mo.’ It is never without a pang that the traveller leaves the Druse country behind, and never without registering a vow to return to it as soon as may he.” But this traveller will return no more; in the words of the Tontmnkor, alas! she is now herself with yesterday’s seven thousand years.