SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Evening Star, Issue 25619, 20 October 1945, Page 11

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Mrs Richard Hudson left by aeroplane yesterday for Auckland. Mrs Alan Gray left yesterday to spend a holiday in Christchurch. The annual party of the Otago Women's Club Literary Circle has been postponed until Tuesday, October 30.

Mrs K. Pether and her small daughter will leave on Tuesday for Wellington,. en route to England to join her husband, -who has been repatriated from Singapore.

The Combined ex-Girls' Service Group will hold its annual meeting next Wednesday in the Otago Pioneer Women's Memorial Hall. Mrs F. G. Soper will be the speaker. Mrs Dora Smeaton, president of the Dunedin Free Kindergarten Association, Lady Sidey, and Mrs R. A. Ewing left yesterday for Wellington to attend the biennial conference of the Free Kindergartens' Association. The Samoan high chiefs, the Hon. Tamasese and the Hon. Malietoa, and their wives, were farewelled at the Railway Station on Thursday morning by a large number of members of the Overseas League. As a token of friendship, Mrs Tamasese and Mrs Malietoa were presented with many beautiful bunches of flowers, which they held while they sang a Samoan song of farewell.

Major J. Hiddleston gave an account of his experiences as a padre in ipri-soner-6f-war camps in Germany to the Travel Club, which met in th*e Savoy on = Wednesday - rtof ning. : Guests welcomed by Mrs A. H. Allen were Mr N. M. Clark (Singapore), Mr W. S. Dunne (Kuala Lumpur), Miss Pam. King (Gisborne), Mrs J. G. Pearce, and Miss M. Pearce (Palmerston North), Mrs M. F. Proctor (Wellington), Miss Ngaire Cross (Roxburgh). Miss M. McKay and Miss I. Hunter (Wyndham). The first annual meeting , of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital Auxiliary Guild was held in the Convent of the Mater Hospital last Sunday. The Sisters extended a warm welcome to those present and expressed gratitude for the work accomplished during the year. Letters were read from His Lordship, Bishop Whyte, and the Rev. Mother Cecilia. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mrs M. E. Holland; vice-presidenty : Mesdames W. J. Coughlan and P. Cull; treasurer, Mrs W. J. McAlevey; auditor, Miss D. Martin; secretary, Miss E. M. Lane. The students who have been in training during the year as Y.W.C.A. secretaries and youth leaders of community agencies entertained their lecturers, board members . of the Y.W.C.A., and others who have assisted them in their course on Thursday afternoon. The function was held in the Y.W.C.A. Assembly Hall, where Miss Marion Fougere welcomed the guests on behalf of the students. Two plays were presented, craft work was on display, and there was an exhibition of gymnastics and national dancing. Miss Ethel Law, general secretary of the New Zealand Y.W.C.A., thanked all those who had

combined to make the course so successful, and announced that a similar course would be held in Dunedin next year. The bridge circle of the Otago Pioneer Women's Memorial Association held its closing function on Wednesday afternoon. There was a large attendance of members, who were welcomed by the president of the association, Dr E. H. McKinnon. As well as card games there was a programme of music. Songs were contributed by Mesdames J. Campbell and J. Hamer, the accompanists being Mesdames A. S. Rust and P. G. Dick, Lucky prizes were won by Mesdames F. Kerr and S. E. Stone. There was a special afternoon tea and also a four-candle birthday cake made and presented by Mrs J. Cooke.

, The Otago Pioneer* Women's Memorial Hall was filled to capacity on Thursday evening, when members and delegates from affiliated societies celebrated the fourth anniversary of the purchase of the building. The president, Dr E. H. McKinnon reminded members that the real anniversary date was October 21, a memorable one, that being also the anniversary of Nelson's victory at Trafalgar. The programme included competitions for which prizes were given by several members of the executive. The winners were Mesdames E. R. Kerr and F. J. Nelson and Miss D. Watson. Violin solos wre contributed by Miss S. Bayley, recitations by Miss W. Dowie, and songs by Mrs Middlemass and Miss B. Errington.

Mrs P. Dick acted as accompanist. A special supper was served, for which a four-candle birthday cake had been prepared by Mrs A. S. Rust. Original Plays Presented. The Play-Reading Circle of the Otago Women's Club held its annual party on Tuesday evening. Miss Lilian McCarthy, chairwoman, welcomed a large attendence of members. The programme included two entries for the late Lady Ferguson's original play competition, written and produced by members, the winning play being ' It,' by Mrs J. Sutherland Ross. During the evening Mrs Ross was officially presented, .with Mr Butterworth's prize for this competition, presented by Mrs Batchelor. The winning play proved to be a delightful comedy set in a most attractive and colourful summer scene and working up to a delightfully unexpected climax. Those taking part were Mesdames Hollyer, Stevenson, Misses 'Rewa Begg, Beryl Service, and Margaret Young, Mrs Ross herself acting as producer. The remainder of the programme included ' The Surprise,' an original play by Mrs W. Evers Pollard, produced by Mrs I. W. Cowie. The scene was laid in a modern millinery shop, most realistically and effectively furnished. _ The cast included Mesdames Cowie, Kerr, White, and Misses Sada Martin, Doris Watson, and Helen Wilson. The third play, ' Becky Sharp,' adapted from Thackerey's "' Vanity Fair ' and produced by Mrs F. G. Soper, was portrayed by the following cast: Mrs W. Misses Rewa Begg, Grace Farnie, Kathleen McLeod, and Cicily Power. Two delightful sketches completed the programme: 'Pain in a Pleasure Boat,' by Mrs E. J. Anderson, Misses Lilian McCarthy and Sada Martin, and an original sketch written by Mrs W. .1. White, presented by Mesdames J. Hamer and White.

Croquet. The Tainui Club held its opening ceremony on Tuesday, the president, Mrs Rennie, welcoming visitors and members.

Mr J. Henderson, on behalf of the Tainui Bowling Club, wished members a happy and soccessful season. Mrs Newall brought greetings from the Otago Croquet Association, and after running the first hoop, declared the lawns open. Afternoon tea was served in the pavilion, Mr Henderson winning the prize for the lucky cup and Mr L. McLean the lucky seat. Competitions were then held on the lawns, the winners being Mrs Chisholm, of Watea; Mrs-Gain, of Punga; and Mrs Mrs McGregor, of Tainui. During the afternoon floral sprays were presented to Mesdames Rennie, Newall, and McGregor. Ladies' Bowling. The Otago Club opened on Tuesday. The president, Mrs Manning, entertainedwuembers and visitors from sister clubs at progressive pairs and afternoon tea. The prize winners were

I Mrs Morrison, "Mornington, (skip) and Mrs Kerr, Otago (lead). Mrs i fav won the lucky prize. The Kaikorai Club opened on Tuesday afternoon. There was a large attendance of members and progressive doubles were played, resulting in wins for Mesdames J. G. Jackson (skip) and J. Morrison (lead), who received prizes donated by Mrs Foster, president. A dainty afternoon tea was also provided by the president. - In conjunction with the men s club the ladies of the St. Clair Club opened on Saturday. Owing to inclement weather, the ceremony was performed in the pavilion. Mrs Humphreys, president, welcomed the guests. Mrs McDonald, delegate to the centre, brought greetings from her own club (Kaikorai), and also from the centre, and wished the club a happy and successful season. A stall < had been set up for the sale of produce etc., and excellent business was done. On Tuesdav afternoon members of the Anderson's Bay Club were entertained in the pavilion by their president, Mrs Mitchell. Trump whist was played, the winners being Mrs Thomson and Mrs Sim. During afternoon tea the vice-president. Mrs Hall, presented Mrs Mitchell with a posy of flowers. The opening of the Caversham Club took place on Tuesday with progressive pairs, Mr A. Thompson being in charge of the games. The winners, Mrs J. Patterson (lead) and Miss E. Pattison (skip) were' presented with two beautiful inlaid bowls, gifts of the president, Mrs A. McDougall. During j

i afternoon tea recess the president j welcomed a large number of members and visitors. Navy League Notes. Some interesting letters have just arrived from overseas, and it is hoped to include extracts from them in next week's notes. The need for garments for the children of seamen is emphasised, and much gratitude for the tinned foods received is expressed. Parcels for the next consignment overseas must be in by October 29 at the latest. The last wool distribution from the ward-room, for the year, will be on November 14, but finished knitting and other goods may be sent in at any time to Mrs Ross (Broomhill, Roslyn), Mrs Ritchie (26 Heriot Row), or care of Ross and Glendining Ltd. (High street), marked ■" for, Navy League," and with the sender's name and address. Girl Guides to Help with Unrra. The Government has given its consent for the New Zealand Girl Guides' Association to send four representatives to Malaya to assist in the work of Unrra. This information was given last night by Miss M. Cocks-Johnston, who, with Miss Codlin (Auckland), Miss B. Brown (Wellington), and Miss Abrahams (Masterton), has been chosen to go to Malaya. Miss Cocks-Johnston, who has been in New Zealand for the past eight years, was formerly prominent in Guide circles in England and South Africa,, and since arriving in the Dominion she lias been travelling tutor for the Co-ordination Committee of the Women's Institute in adult education work. In addition, she has, at times, been seconded to the Health Department for special work. The total number of the party proceeding to Singapore is 70, and apart from the four New Zealanders, the personnel will be selected from Australia. The party will be divided into three groups—(l) relief and rehabilitation; (2) mobile hygiene and first-aid units; and (3) mobile canteen and kitchen units. The Guides' organisation will undertake the work involved in the last-mentioned group. No date has yet been fixed for the departure of the New Zealand members of the draft, but in the event of a long delay, Miss Cocks-Johnston said she would accept a standing offer to go to Greece, where helpers were needed. Red Cross News. Voluntary Aid Notes. —Home nursing classes for the year finished on Tuesday night, when Miss Doreeu McKechie, on behalf of the V.A.s, thanked Miss Watt for her interesting lecture, and made a small presentation. The home nursing examination will be held on Tuesday, November 6, at 7 p.m., in the Medical School, King street. Will candidates please bring pen and ink? Junior Red Cross. —Writing from Geneva on July 24, M. Georges Mil-

som, director of the Junior Red Cross Bureau, acknowledges with thanks a copy of the annual report of the New Zealand Junior Red Cross. "It is a most inspiring document, and contains much excellent material which we shall be happy to use in our publications," he states. "It is impossible to read this report, .with its accounts of the widespread ■„ activities of the different centred, without feeling the firm conviction that the Junior Red Cross in New Zealand ..will play a large part in the relief of distressed children, and in the building up. of a friendly attitude among the young people of all nations. Please accept our warmest congratulations on the siplendid work that is being, accomplished by the New Zealand juniors" and their leaders." Junior Christmas.cards, costing 2d each, may be ordered from the Dunedin office now. League of Mothers.

D., Mclver presided at the meeting or the Dunedin North branch. Mrs Moore and Miss Kirk sang two Scottish, .songs. Mrs Howell gave a demonstration of flower decoration and arrangement. She deftly and quickly completed seyeral bowls of flowers which were a joy to see. To have blooms last any length of time it was necessary, she said,, to have the vases quite clean, to have no foliage on that part of. .the. stem in the water and to cut the stem on the slant. The Maori Hill branch held its monthly, meeting, on. Thursday. _ Mis F. W. Robinson presided and reminded members of the annual social evening to be held on November 6. Mrs Olive Campbell spoke on the ' Life of Chopin,' tracing his career from the time he! played in public when nine years old, until he di«l at the age of 40. . Mrs Campbell played several of Chopin's compositions, and Mrs H. R. Naylor sang three of his songs. The Glee Circle also entertained with two part songs.

Nurses' Garden Party. '_ The Registered Nurses' Association is holding a garden party in the Kew Children's Convalescent Home next Saturday afternoon. The attractions will include a bring-and-buy sale, afternoon tea, ice cream, a copper trail, and there will be a musical programme.

Women's Division of the Farmers' Union.

The Dunedin branch' of the W.D.F.D. held its final .meeting for the year in the Pioneer Women's Memorial Hall on Tuesday... Mrs Skinner presided, and welcomed Miss Erlane, of Queenstown, and Mrs Morrison, of Dunedin. Mesdames Livingstone and Monson will represent the branch at the Portobello birthday party on November 9. Mrs Leatham reported that the Mobile Health Exhibition, had been most successful. Mrs J. M. Charles, provincial president, , had represented the Women's Division and Miss M. Cocks Johnston, tlie Co-ordinating Committee of the Women's Division, and the Women's Institute. Mrs Charles lectured on the preserve section, and Miss Cocks Johnston on the garden. It was requested that nominations for branch officials should reach the secretary not later than the first week in March. Contributions for the Christmas cheer fund for the men of the merchant navy and the mine sweepers amounted to £-20. This would be handed over to the Navy League. Mrs Cunningham drafted a remit to go forward to conference on the poor quality of fruit being sold in the shops, some of the fruit being too green when picked. Mrs H. S. Reid and Misses Valentine and Gourlay were the hostesses.