WOMAN’S WORLD

Evening Star, Issue 20029, 21 November 1928, Page 12

WOMAN’S WORLD

: [By DIANA.]

Reports of social functions will be welcomed for this column. “Diana" will also answer all teasonabje ques* tions relating to the home, cookery, domestic science, and any topic of interest to her sex. But each .etter or report must bear the writer’s name and address as a guarantee of genuineness, and questions that do not permit d » public reply cannot ba answered. Questions should bo concisely put and the writer’s nom de plume clearly written.

joyed her work in St. Margaret’s, and felt really sorry she was called upon to give it up. She verv greatly appreciated tho gifts that ,liad been given her, and they would remind her always of the kind expressions of feeling towards herself.

The Play Beading Circle of the Women’s Club held its annual party last Friday, when the hall was packed with an enthusiastic audience, Mrs H. Chapman being in tho chair. First came a scene from ‘ If 1 Wore King,’ and when the curtain rose exclamations of admiration were heard on all sides—and, indeed, the stage was a picture, being decorated as a rose garden, with arches. The period of tho play is the fifteenth century, and the plot deals with the romantic adventures of the French poet, Villon, and how ho won the love of the beautiful aristocrat, Katherine de Vaucelles, and thereby earned the forgiveness of the French King Louis XL Tho costumes were well chosen, and the three ladies who took part- -Mrs Wakefield Holmes (Francois VillonL Miss Madge Yates (Katherine), and Miss Morton (Louis XlA—acted splendidly. Tho next itera was an early Victorian play entitled, *Mr Sampson.’ The stage was now quite altered, what with antimacassars, old lace curtains, and once again it was remarkable how correct the dresses were. Tho story of how Mr Sampson, living with two elderly maiden ladies, finds it difficult to make up his mind which he will marry, and is true to Victorian ideals. At last he tosses for the choice, but, as tho coin falls upright in a crack in the floor, he is no nearer a decision, and so finally decides not to marry at all; and as a finale the sisters quarrel—for the first tune in their lives. The parts, again well acted, were played by Mrs Morrell (Mr Sampson), Mrs Saunders (Caroline), and Miss M'Carthy (Catherine). Tho last play, * The Souvenir Collectors,’ was quite a change, being on the most up-to-date lines in scenery, dress, and characters. The story of how spoons and forks disappeared from hotels, how the wrong person was accused, and how the female detective and reporter were well mixed up in. the affair made the whole thing most amusing—and, indeed,, brought the house down. I hose taking pare were Mrs Gilkison (Mrs Hereford Carr, a society leader), Mrs Gardner (Miss Freda Dixon), Mrs Young (Miss Peggy Burton), Mrs Eastgate (Evelvn Evans, a lady reporter), Miss Anita*Wiukcl (Mrs Chas. Dover), Miss M’Elrca (Mary Clark, the detcctive), and Mrs Focken (Katie, tho maid). A competition, organised by Miss Morton, was won by Mrs J. Begff, then supper concluded a very pleasant evening.

Tho North-cast Valley Presbyterian Church was the scene of a pretty evening wedding last week, when Jessie, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs It. J. Aitehison, was married to Eric, eldest son of Mrs Williamson, St. Clair, and the late Mr John Williamson, “ iho Hermitage,” Hyde. The George Miller officiated, and Mr R. Is.. M Fio played appropriate music on tho organ. The church was tastefully decorated hy friends of the bride, who, entering tho church on tho arm of her father, looked charming in a simple gown of soft ivory georgette, with long sleeves, and deop lace round skirt. The bridal veil and beautiful bouquet completed her toilet. She was attended by her sister, Miss A. Aitehison, as bridesmaid, and Isabel Williamson, sister of bridegroom, ns flower girl, both of whom wore frocks of heliotrope and pink crepo do chine, with gray silk hats trimmed with flowers to match. They carried bouquets to tone. Mr James Phillips was best man. After the ceremony the guests adjourned to the Somerset Lounge, where they were received by Mrs Aitchison, who wore a navy blue ensemble suit relieved with fawn and a hat to match. Her bouquet wa,s coin posed of pansies and cream roses. Mrs W ilhamson, mother of bridegroom, wore a black crepo do chine gown with vest to match the hat, and black skunk fur. bho carried a bouquet of dark red roses, the repast was followed by tho customary toasts. The Rev. A. M. Finlayson, undo of bridegroom’s mother, responding for her, and also proposing the toast of the brido’s parents, after which tho numerous friends of the happy couple spent a very enjoyable time.

Do you wish to bee what Paris can do in the way of woman y elegance P We all know that it is the centre of sartorial creations, and probably most of ua sigh when we count the cost ot a “ model gown.” However, u we cannot buy the gowns ourselves, we can at least appreciate them on other fortunate wearers. This week Margaret Bannerninu gives us the double joy or seeing in her an excellent actress and a well-dressed woman, turned put in Paris’s best style. In Act i. ot Other Men’s Wives’ Miss Bannorman first appears in the softest shade of shell pink taffeta. The skirt, in the latest mode, though simple to look at, being apparently a wide volant shaped right round and gathered in open-fan fashion on the left hip, is really a marvel of line effect, the finishing touch being given in the long and curved panel of the bodice. Brilliant crystals round the neck and in a huge motif from the right shoulder down, two equally shining bracelets, and another necklace of large turquoise beads show the importance of jewellery nowadays. The ora of the knee dress has finished, for all seen in this play were well below the knee. Later in the play wo saw the latest in pyjamas—so beautiful that it

is no wonder tho woman of fashion at Homo wears them in place of the former “ rest gown,” These, again, were of an elegant simplicity. The jumper top, trousers fitting neatly in to the ankle and showing a long line of buttons on tho outer side, and an ample long-sleeved cloak, all were made of perfectly plaih soft blue silk—indeed, any adornment would have spoilt the effect. The last act was perhaps more what we consider Parisian. A tight-fitting green cap, seemingly of flattened ringlets, came well over the ears. This colour was the keynote of the whole outfit, for though most of tlie dress was of white spots on cerise the middle flounce of the skirt repeated the tone of the cap, with the addition of more white spots. Two of the three wide flounces draped themselves round the figure and ended with a fascinating scarf effect, almost down to the ground. A huge neckerchief of cerise and white, tied loosely round the shoulders, a velvet corise, round the waist (now nearer its normal place), and green shoes completed a toilet the like of which is not often seen over here. But. then, one must remember the wearer! For it is not given to every woman to carry her clothes well.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Mr and Mrs Iloni Clappcrton have motored to Wauaka for a short uoliday. Mr and Mrs P, R. Sargood left today for a tour of the North Island. Tho engagement is announced of Betty, only daughter of Mr and Mrs F. B. King, Hataitai, Wellington, to Charles Stevens, son of Mr H. F. Stevens,' Christchurch.

Recent guests from Dunedin at Hie Hermitage, Mount Cook, include Mrs Holmes, Misses S. A. Holmes, B. Wilson, Vickers, Messrs Wm. James and 0. S. Clarke.

Mrs Herrington, Mrs G. Miller, anti Sister Margaret have gone as delegates to the P.W.M.U. Conference In Auckland.

Miss Finch is tho guest of Miss Nichols, of Oamaru.

Professor Strong last week gave a most enjoyable party for her guest, Miss Needham, who is the head of a largo school at Baroda. Tho guests included Sir James and Lady Allen, and Miss Allen, Mr and Mrs Morrell. Professor and Mrs G. E. Thompson, Mr and Mrs Gordon Bell, Dr and Mrs Holloway, Mr and Miss Rennie, Mr Renfrew Wiiite, Dr Marion Whyte, Miss White, Mrs Cleghorn, Mrs Benson, Mrs H. D. Skinner. Miss Stevenson, Miss Wells, and Miss Peggy Whyte. The Executive of_ tho Otago Women’s Club were entertained by Mrs P. R. Sargood at her home on Monday. The weather was perfect, and as a result, the guests were able to wander round the spacious grounds, and to admire the wonderful show of tulips, poppies, and other seasonable flowers. Those present included Lady Ferguson, the president of the club, Mrs Wakefield Holmes, Mrs T. 0. Ross, Mrs Gilkison, Mrs Hutchison, Mrs Edmond, Mrs R. Ewing, Mrs Blues, Mrs Melville, Miss Williams, and Miss Nicholson.

Dunedin has the reputation of being musical, and it is to bo hoped that it will live up to it when the concerts to commemorate the death of Schubert arc held. Most of tho local musicians aro co-operating to celebrate this centenary, and included in the list arc tho Dunedin Orchestral Society, tho Schubert Centenary Male Choir of 200 voices, the Schubert centenary mixed choir of 200 voices. The two concerts will be given on Monday and Thursday of next week, and the proceeds will go to the musicians’ benevolent fund.

Tho Old Girls’ Association of Archcrfiold College held its annual reunion yesterday, when about twenty-eight attended. First came a delightful luncheon party at the Tudor Hall, the tables being decorated with beautiful marigolds and poppies. Later afternoon tea was dispensed at the school, after tho election of next year’s officers. Mis Nisbet continues to be the president, the others elected being Miss JL. Bead, vice-president; Miss May Farquhaxson, secretary; Miss Jean Hay treasurer: Mrs Cioghorn,, Misses B Grigor, D. Adam, and M. Saunders, tho committee.

Last Thursday a most enjoyable evening was spent by members of the Practical Psychology Club, when Mr Max Scherek gave a talk on music and a recital. Mrs C. G. Begg was iu the chair, and introduced the well-known musician. Mr Scherek first talked about sonatas, showing _ how .this form of music gives theorists much to discuss and interpreters an opportunity of showing their skill. Music, he continued, expresses every possible typo of emotion, and to understand it, players and listeners should be able to sense the correct feeling. This short talk was followed by sonatas, nocturnes, and preludes from Beethoven, Schumann, .Debussy, and Chopin, the interest of each being increased by the apt comments. It is not generally known that to Field, an Irish musician, belongs the honour of originating nocturnes, his fame being so overshadowed by that of Chopin that ho is now wellnigh forgotten. At the conclusion, on the motion of Mrs Watson, a very hearty vote of thanks was passed.

A pleasing little function in a quiet, and informal way took place at tea in St. Margaret’s College on Thursday evening, in relation to Miss Nellie Callender’s retirement from her work there after fourteen years. The senior students invited Miss Nellie Callendei to come and have tea with them at their table, for the last time, reminding her that in a day or two some of them would bo leaving St. Margaret s for good. During the meal, owing to the enforced absence of Miss Meg Thomson (the senior student of St. Margaret’s), Miss Janet Paterson (president of the old committee), in a few well-chosen words, asked Miss Callender to accept a gift from the present and past students as a token of gratitude and appreciation for all she had done for the students during the years she had been in St. Margaret’s College. The presentation took the form of a gold wristlet watch, suitably inscribed, and accompanying it an envelope enclosing a substantial sum, which bad been sent by past students. After singinn “ For she’s a jolly good fellow, Miss Callender feelingly acknowledged the gift, which had come to her as a great surprise. She said sho had on-