SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Evening Star, Issue 22526, 19 December 1936, Page 26

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Will correspondents please note that items intended for Wednesday’s ‘ Star ’ must be in the office by Tuesday afternoon, and those intended for insertion on Saturday by Thursday afternoon, or at the latest Friday morning. In the latter case they must be brief. Miss C. Hart left on Thursday on a visit to Wellington. Mrs Barker left on Thursday to spend the vacation in Auckland. Mrs H. E. Evans left on Thursday on a visit to relatives in Auckland. Miss Meg Saunders, of Hamilton, !s the guest of her mother, Mrs W. A. Saunders, Hobson street, St. Clair. Mrs J. Glendining and her niece, Miss Kathleen Shand, left on Wednesday by motor for Palmerston North. Mrs J. Blues to-day to spend Christmas with her niece, Mrs Barrs, at Darfield. Mrs W. E. Barron was a passenger by Thursday’s express, bound for Wellington. en route to Africa, Miss D. P. Brodie, general secretary of the Y.W.C.A., is spending a short holiday with relatives in Dunedin. Mrs Ross and her daughter, of Palmerston, are the guests of Mrs A. G. Shuttleworth, of Blythcliffe, Akaroa. Mrs W. D. G. Hartley, with two of her family, is accompanying her husband on a holiday visit to Sydney. Mr and Mrs Wilkie Shiels left today on a holiday visit to Hamilton and Auckland. Mrs Russell Ritchie and family will leave at the week-end to spend a fortnight at her country cottage at Moeraki. Miss Blackmore, principal of St. Hilda’s School, left on Thursday to spend the holidays in Kaikoura and Marlborough. Miss N. Murison, matron of; Victoria House Students’ Hostel, Wellington, is spending a few days in Dunedin as the guest of her sister, Miss Murison, Castle street. Miss Betty Black (Wellington) is the guest of Mrs Percy Bell, Dumblane street, while in Dunedin for a few days on her way to spend a holiday at Lake Wanaka. Miss Diana Pusinelli, who has been the guest of Mrs Deane Sharp, St. Clair, left on Thursday for the Franz Jqsef Glacier. She intends to leave shortly on her return journey, to England. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent by the members of the Roxburgh branch of the Women’s Institute, when they visited the Moa .Flat Seed Farm as the guests of Messrs Barron and Dance. The beautiful gardens and lawns were much admired, and inside the house Mr Barron’s curios and an- , tiques were objects of great interest to everyone. Hostesses for afternoon tea, which was served in the open air, were Mesdames Graham, Robertson, Dowle, and Miss Walker. Miss Noelene Mullinger, whose marriage takes place next week and who has been the guest of honour at many parties recently, was entertained by Miss Phoebe Melrose at a delightful “handkerchief” morning tea at the Savoy to-day. Those present were Mesdames E. Mullenger, S. Lawn, Herbert Wilkinson (Wellington), Corbett, J. Rigby, J. Morris, and Misses A. Melrose, Thelma Park, Lyndsey Corbett, Elwyn Mullenger, and Molly Lawn.

Mr and Mrs F. B. Adams left to-day on a two mouths’ visit to Sydney and Melbourne. Miss Audrey Adams accompanied them to Wellington, where she will be the guest of her aunt, Mrs S. W. Hogg at Highland Park. On Saturday last a very delightful party was held at Cargill’s Castle in honour of the twenty-first birthday of Miss Nance M'Cormack. The castle was en fete for the evening, when two such parties were held, and a very enjoyable time was spent by all the guests.

Miss Mary Seelye was guest of honour at a “ Trump Whist ” evening given by Mrs John Seelye at her home in George street. Among those present were Mesdames John Benfield, Dick Hastie, Scobie Shacklock, Harold Aitken, Misses Gwyn Lane, Betty White, Aisla Pocock, Pat. Leihy, Eniz Nelson, Gladys Thompson, Nancy Reid, and Betty Seelye.

Misses Ailsa and Betty Pocock were hostesses at a “ handkerchief ” evening given in honour of Miss Mary Seelye, whose marriage takes place in January. Those present were Mesdames John Seelye, John Benfield, Dick Hastie, Harold Aitken, Misses Alfie Simmons, Edith M'Clusker, Thora Divers, Nancy Reid, Gladys Thompson, and Betty Seelye.

The annual box-opening of tlie young helpers in connection with Dr Barnardo’s Homes took place at Columba College on Thursday, December 10. Miss Ashworth (president) _ presided, and at the close of the meeting entertained the members at afternoon tea. The result of the year’s collection amounted to £6 19s Id, which is a very creditable sum, and shows the_ practical interest of the members in this worthy cause.

Miss Patricia M'Carthy has been awarded the Mother Bertrand Scholarship, tenable for three years at St. Dominic’s College for Girls, Dunedin. She also gained a gold medal for highest marks in Christian doctrine, arithmetic, and English. Her twin sister. Miss Monica M'Carthy, secured second place. Both girls are daughters of Sergeant A. M’Carthy, in charge of the New Brighton police district, and Mrs M'Carthy, and are pupils of the convent school attached to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, New Brighton. The examination was open to candidates throughout New Zealand. The Janefifcld branch of the Women’s Institute held its monthly meeting on Thursday, Mrs Bowie presiding. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the following hostesses; —Mesdames Weddell, Wood, and Stevenson. The Rev. Hugh Graham gave a most interesting address on ‘ The Prose and Poetry of Scotland,’ which was greatly enjoyed by all present. Mrs Bowie moved a hearty vote of thanks, and wished all members a happy Christmas and New Year. Mrs Peat, Market Table_ supervisor, held a guessing competition for a length of string in a bottle, thus augmenting the table’s earnings.

Mrs Wilkie presided over the monthly meeting of the Green Island branch of the Women’s Institute, which was held in the Masonic Refectory on December 15. After the business was concluded the roll call, “ schoolboy howlers or a limerick ” was well answered. The social item, a duologue called “ Shattered Nerves,” was given by Mesdames Barclay and Gough. Hostesses for the evening were Mesdames Simpson, Gardner, Cuthbertson, M’Donald, Talbot, M'Ahan, and Miss Miller.

A very pleasant evening was spent at the home of Mr and Mrs Cubitt, Taieri road, Roslyn, on Wednesday evening last, the occasion .being a presentation of an oak tray and complete crystal toilet set to Miss Dorothy Aitken, who represented Dunedin West and RoslynBelleknoxves branches of the New Zealand Labour Party as their queen at the recent Labour carnival. During the evening the guests were entertained by the host and hostess, and dainty supper was served. Miss Egan took the opportunity, on behalf of both branches, to present to Mrs Talbot, of London street, a small token of esteem for this lady’s kindness in allowing her home to be used as a meeting place prior to the carnival. Both recipients tendered sincere thanks for the gifts. Apologies through pressure of business and indisposition were receiped from Dr D. G. and Mrs MacMillan, Mr and Mrs A. Payton, Mr and Mrs A. C. W. Porter.

A very jolly afternoon tea party was held iu the Otago Women’s Club on Thursday, when the members of the Play-reading Circle met together to ■welcome home Miss Farnie from a tour abroad, to hid farewell to Mrs Hervey (a very active member, who is leaving shortly to make her home in Wellington), and to honour Miss Lilian M'Carthy (who is retiring as chairwoman of the circle).' Mrs A. A. Fairbairn presided and presented each of the guests of honour with a spray of roses. After tea had been served Miss Farnie gave an interesting little talk on London theatres and plays she had seen there. Those present were Lady Hutchison, Mesdames Wakefield Holmes, S. P. Cameron, I. W. Cowie. Sutherland Ross, Murray, Hervey, Roberts, N. Beckett, J. H. Stewart. H. Cook, and the Misses Holland, M'Carthy, Farnie, M‘Dougall, Billie Mitchell. Crow, Fenwick, Holford. Nelson, Whitson, Burgess, and Nicolson.

A very happy Plimket gathering, consisting of the Dominion president, Lady Sidey, the Dominion ami branch executive, members of the committee, the district Plunket nurses, the acting matron and tutor sister of the Trilby King-Harris Hospital, met in the Vedic on Thursday afternoon to say farewell to Miss Thomson, of Roslyn, who is retiring from the society. Lady Sidey, in a very happy manner, mentioned how Miss Thomson had endeared herself to everybody by her wonderful gifts of “ sweet reasonableness,” adaptability, and great efficiency. She also mentioned what a great mainstay she had been to tho society, being able to lit into any place at almost a minute’s notice, and filling all positions most admirably. At one time she filled the place of matron at Karitane Hospital. Lady Sidey, with her understanding of human nature, and knowing the sadness of all present at the parting, mentioned all these intimate things in such a way that all present almost forgot their sadness in the enjoyment of the moment. The afternoon ended with the presentation of a handbag as a. loving appreciation of Miss Thomson’s worth and personality. The recipient responded in her own sincere and heartfelt way.

A very enjoyable cabaret party to celebrate the coming of ago of Miss Winifred Paterson was held on Saturday last at Cargill’s Castle. The guests, numbering more than 40, gathered at the home of Mrs J. Heaney in Rattray street, the aunt of the guest of honour, and here Miss Winifred’s health was drunk with musical honours. Afterwards the guests proceeded to the Castle. Those present were Misses Nancy Alcook, Roma Clarke, Dorothy Clyde, Doris Forster, June Francis, Flo Lennox, Jean Lennox, Joan Kendall, Billie Mitchell, Peggy M'Leod, Mavis Ross. Mavis Scott, Ethyl Taylor, Nancy Taylor, Gladys Main, and Messrs Syd Angel, Jack Balfour, Jack Hannah, Keith Johnston, Lloyd Martin, Jock Munro, Donald Munro, Bruce M'Kenzie, Douglas Paterson, Ralph Paterson, Tom Rolfe, Bill Reid, Lionel Sceats, Arthur Wyman, Ernie Paris, Ken, Stewart, Neil Fergusson, and Dick Fraser.

Mr and Mrs Newey, of Ravensbonrne, gave a very delightful party iu the Strand Salon on December 5 in honour of their daughter’s (Miss Nana Newey) coming of age. Many attractive gifts were presented to this very popular young lady. The guests were entertained with cards and dancing, and novelty competitions. The supper tables were arranged and decorated in a most artistic fashion, and were much admired. Among those present were Messrs and Mesdames Cameron, Claridge, E. Monk, T. Rodger, W. Smith, J. Smith, A. H. Newey, T. Lukeman, Mesdames A. Campbell, R. Condon, P. Findlay, Robinson, Grubb, D. Thomson, Misses S. and M. Conner, H. Dune, M. Shrimpton, Roche, S. Wilson, J. Cairney, D. Bain, King, 0. M'Qnity, R. Bullin, P. O'Gorman, P. Ironside, I. Clank, N. Newey, 0. West, Messrs * W. Conner, .7. Conner, B. Cuthbertson, Townsend, Alexander, Willett, A. M'Dowell, W. Davidson, C. Smith, I. Cairney, A. Cameron, E. Cameron, B. M'Quity, K. Hardy, Ashworth, A. Grubb, and A. WalmHey. Pre-wedding Parties. Miss Mary Ritchie, who is to he one of the earliest New Year brides, has ■been the guest of honour at many parties. Hostesses for this week included Miss Vi Livingston, who gave a delightful tennis party at her home in Dunottar on Tuesday, and Miss Ruth Phillips, who entertained guests at bridge on the same evening. On Thursday Mrs G. R. Ritchie was hostess at a luncheon party iu the Otago Women’s Club. The table was charmingly decorated'with a central bowl of red roses and a dainty posy of the same flowers was placed beside each guest, while the bride-to-be’s little tribute was in the form of a horseshoe of Paul Scarlet roses held by a silver cord. At the luncheon the other guests were Misses Joan Ritchie, Orbell, Batchelor, Elizabeth Ritchie, Mary Reeves, Molly Birch, and Cecily Ramsay. In the afternoon Miss Molly Birch had arranged a tennis party, but the unfavourable weather drove the guests indoors, rather to enjoy tea round a blazing fire. On Thursday evening Miss Cecily Ramsay was ‘hostess at a three-table bridge party, when tlie other players were Mrs Leonard Black and' the Misses Joan Ritchie, Mary Reeves, Molly Birch, Elizabeth Ritchie, Ruth Phillips, Daphne Chrystall, Dorothy Scoular, Joan Fenwick (Wellington), and Barbara Williams. Yesterday Lady Ferguson and Mrs Gerald Ferguson were joint hostesses at a buffet luncheon in the Otago Women’s Club. Bowls of lovely roses adorned the tables, which were dotted found the dining room. The guests were Mesdames Russell Ritchie, Fraser Edmond, C. AV. Rattray, H. S. Fenwick, John Edmond, J. S. Monro, and the Misses Mary and Joan Ritchie, Molly Birch, Mary Reeves, Batchelor, Denniston, Ilona Allen, Ogston, Vi Livingston, Elizabeth Ritchie, Peggy Brewer, Lorraine Dawson, Jean Abraham, and Joan Fenwick. In the afternoon Miss

Jean Abraham concluded a round of jolly parties by giving a small bridge party at her home in Littlebourne. Miss Eleanor Couston. Miss Eleanor Couston, accompanied by her mother, _ Mrs B. Couston (formerly of Dunedin), arrived in the Dominion on Saturday last from England. They are spending a short time with Mr W. Couston, in the North Island, before Miss Couston takes up her new position as dietitian at tho Lewisham Hospital, in Christchurch. Mrs Couston will then come on to spend a few weeks in Dunedin. Speaking of diet study in Miss Couston, gn being interviewed in Wellington on her arrival, said that dietary positions in England at present were very few and far between, even for the fully qualified worker. There seemed, however, hope for the future. As hospitals reorganised they all made provision for a dietary department, and there was increasing recognition of its services. Some of the large _ schools were employing trained dietitians to take charge of the commissariat for the pupils in health and sickness. Six months ago, also, the British Dietetic Association was formed to prevent people posing as dietitians without having the necessary qualifications. It demanded of its members more specialised training than was required in New Zealand hospitals, where diet was often in charge of qualified nurses without definite dietary training. So far as qualifications were concerned, said Miss Couston. New Zealand home science students had no advantage over the English trainees who attended King’s College, London, for household and social science. The course was similar to that taken at Dunedin, and students left it to take post-graduate study for two years. The work was hard, interesting, and often exacting. Miss Couston graduated at Otago in 1932. and went as a student for six months each to the Royal Northern Hospital and to tho Barts Hospital, in London. She was then appointed to the Royal Northern staff. Her place there has been taken by another New Zealander, Miss Monica M'Kenzie,