FOR WOMEN Effect of Divorce Rate on Children

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1946, Page 10

FOR WOMEN Effect of Divorce Rate on Children

“The Steady-growth in.the incidence of- divorce. in ■ Neiv Zealand has occasioned much concern,” states the 49th! annual report‘of the New Zealand Society for the Protection of Women and Children, to be presented at its annual meeting.this month. “The problem of divorce, has been accentuated' by,the chaotic - conditions resulting from war and economic upheaval, due mainly to the absence of our own men on service overseas and the presence of an army of occupation. That the New Zealand divorce rate has risen 163 per cent, in the last. 10 years is truly alarming.

Basic Course of Delinquency “To avoid domestic calamity in the home is an ideal the society has ever festered,. pointing out to those who would hastily rush, into separation and divorce 'the social perils and evils that attend such action. Disruption in the family causes children anxiety and distress. The basic cause of delinquency in children is always the same; the lack of that precious thing which above all others is vital to a child’s happiness and behaviour —a happy and united family life. As a child's anxieties nearly always manifest themselves in his conduct, it is no coincidence that of all the children who pass through the Children’s Court, more that half of them come from broken and unhappy homes. “The readjustment of life from war conditions to those of peace paradoxically created problems and disharmony in many homes. The former independence enjoyed by many wives in receipt of regular Army allotments from husbands overseas must now be discarded and the return to joint living and dependence is not always easy. Many emotional crises arose in which the help of the society was sought as mediator. With patience, understanding and tactful handling not more than 9 per cent, of the cases who consulted the society reached the Court.” .

The year’s work revealed a decrease in the number of affiliations obtained for unmarried mothers, due to the fact that so many girls, realising the unequal battle ahead, arranged that their children be adopted. “This,” the report says, “is no light decision for a girl, often bewildered and fearful of disgrace and the censure of friends, facing separation from her own child for all time.” Child Allowance During the year amendments to the Social Security Act provided for a universal child allowance of 10/- a week payable in respect of every child in New Zealand under 16 years of age, or 18 if still at school. The society had always urged the inclusion of illegitimate children in the provisions of the Social Security Act and was gratified by the action of the Government in response. Another gratifying aspect was the stipulation that The money be payable to the mother or guardian having care of the child, and not to affect the liability of the father for the payment of maintenance.

A further provision made in the case of widows with children, whereby a mother's allowance, in addition to her pension and that of her children is payable to a woman rearing her family and unable to earn, was applauded as “humane and progressive legislation, removing causes of hardship which have been the subjects of remits from the society to the Government.” Mayor and Mayoress Entertain Greymouth citizens who were members of the committees of patriotic organisations during the war were entertained by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Kitchingham) at Harker’s on Saturday evening. Also present were a number of war brides from overseas, who were welcomed by Mr. Kitchingham. Mr. J.'W. Greenslade, on behalf of the guests, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Kitchingham for their hospitality and spoke of the excellent leadership both had given in all patriotic efforts. Items were given by Mrs. Daniels, Messrs. W. B. Hutton, W. Ford, T. Learmont, F. W. Coleman, and A. M. Jamieson. Miss Broad and Mr. H. Chalk were the accompanists. Annual Bal] of Greyinouth Golf Club The pavilion at Victoria Park was tastefully decorated last evening when the Greymouth Golf Club’s annual ball was held. The energetic ball committee effected a transformation in the appearance of the hall, which was favourably commented on by many of the large number present. Not the least feature of the decorations was a series of appropriate cartoons, drawn by Mr. J. Rhodes. Music for the dancing was supplied by the Mayfair Orchestra. The lucky spot dance was won by Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Lindley, and Mr. J. B. Bluett was chosen “sheik of the ball.”. During the evening the president of the Greymouth Golf Chib, Mr. W. Meldrum, presented the trophies won at the West Coast championships. He congratulated the club on the revival of the championships after a lapse of five -years during the war. Women’s Institute Blaketown Despite inclement weather there was a good attendance at the Blaketown Women’s Institute Octobei’ meeting. Mrs Moreland presided. The motto for October was “Initiative .is doing the right thing without being told.” The resignation of Mr,s Parmenter, president, owing to her transfer to Pieton, was received with regret. Mrs Dyett won the. wandering shilling competition. It was decided to conduct a coin afternoon on October 24. The roll call, “Donation to the Leper Fund” met with a generous response. Mrs Moreland demonstrated the shampooing of a mat. • Competition results: Sugar bag article, Mrs L. Stewart 1, Mrs Herring 2, Mrs Smith 3; cheese straws,. Mrs Moreland 1, Mrs P. Smith 2; Iceland poppies, Mrs F. Smith 1. Personal Notes Mrs F. K. Cameron, of Maori,Hill, Dunedin, who has been visiting Greymouth, left this morning on her return. | Miss R. Manson left this rooming on her return to Ne\V Plymouth,

City Cosmetician’s Visit to Greymouth

Some interesting hints on make-up and the care of the skin were given, by Mrs Esine Crosbie, representing Cashmere Bouquet cosmetics,, when interviewed by an Evening Star reporter this morning. “You know,” she said, “every woman, no matter what her age or her walk in life,'likes to be admired and beauty calls for admiration always, bxit because beauty is mainly a battle against time, and the lack of it, so many women forego the joy of the admiration they cherish. Beauty isn’t elusive, neither is it hard to achieve and retain. Simple home care faithfully carried out and carefully selected make-up give tne poise that comes with good looks and good grooming.” Four Skin Types “Skin types differ,” Mrs Crosbie added. “For easy classification we have four types: the normal or perfect skin, neither too dry nor too oily; the dry sensitive skin inclined to flakiness and 'soreness when' in contact with wind, or sun or too frequent washing; the oily type ■Which without correct treatment shines distressingly through rain and shine, and lastly the very usual combination type, oily on the nose and chm and inclined to dryness on the cheeks. • “For all these Skin types, though the preparations . differ, the rudiments of care are the same, namely, to cleanse first' every time the makeup ic changed and at night before washing thus thoroughly removing all make-up and grime which, if left, are the primary causes of a blackhead condition. Then replenish the natural youth preserving oils of the skin by patting nourishing cream thoroughly into the face and neck and allowing it to remain _ through the night. Comes the morning and a soft young skin again. Brace and lift tired muscles by quick patting with a skin‘tonic sprinkled on a pad of damp cotton wool to refine _ the pores and neutralise excess oil.” Correct Making-Up

Speaking on make-up Mrs Crosbie advised not just a quick dusting of powder on a weary skin, but first a tinted foundation to blend with the skin and face powder shade, then rouge, chosen always to match the lipstick, powder firmly pressed on to the foundation, and dusted lightly upwards first and then down to give matt perfection, light pencilling of the eyebrows where necessary, eye lashes freed from powder, and then the lipstick, gay, indelible and expressing personality as surely as it high-lights frocking. “Make-up to match your frocking is a byword of smart women everywhere and this applies to evening as well as day wear,” she added. “Glamour by night calls for soft glowing powder and deep vibrant lipstick, and rouge shades to withstand hard electric glare. Admiration, yes, and what satisfaction to know that make-ups stay fresh and enhancing come what may.” Greymouth women are fortunate to have the opportunity of consulting this capable city cosmetician who will be at Beath’s for the next few days. Her services are available free of charge.

High Heels Ruinous to Posture Australian girls have nearly the perfect figure, but they are “leggy,” walk badly, don’t mind their feet and have a tendency toward “stenographer’s spread.” That is the considered view of Sydney medical and physical training men, states the Melbourne Herald. Professor Harvey Sutton, director of the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, said girls could not be blamed for walking badly when they insist on wearing high heels which did not allow any ankle action. “But,” he added, “the Australian girl knocks spots off the rest.” Mr T. A. Langridge, physical culturist, said bad walking and sitting helped to develop the undesirable swayback—ruination of any good figure. “Stenographer’s spread” was a common fault, and thighs were often two or thre inches too large.

Surgeon-commander W. E. Roberts, I who, during the war, was principal [recruiting officer for the Navy, said that between the ages of 18 and 27 Wrans weighed slightly under 8> stone and were sft 3in in height. The health standard of the women was much higher than that of the men, who were not the tall, sun-bronzed creatures Australians were led to believe. Hints and Recipes Steamed Pudding Tip. To prevent the cloth from sticking to a boiled pudding or roly-poly, put the peel of an orange or lemon in the water. The oil from the peel gets into the water, prevents trouble, and also helps to flavour the pudding. Chocolate Icing. When making chocolate icing, add the juice of,, half a lemon and half a teaspoon of vanilla essence.; This makes’a delicious . change from the usual icing. Use For Mustard. After peeling onions, sprinkle over each hand a little dry mustard and rub it over the fingers, then wash the hands: the onion odor will have disappeared. Cheap Polish. Powdered starch is excellent for polishing silverware, pewter, electroplate, oxidised copper and bronze. Moisten a soft cloth, dip in the starch and rub it on the article to be cleaned; let it dry and polish with a soft cloth. Shropshire Crumb Puddinci. Pour 3 cups boiling milk over 1 cup dry breadcrumbs, let stand till cold, then add 2 well-beaten eggs, £ cup stoned raisins or sultanas, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 heaped tablespoon marmalade. Add a little milk if more moisture is needed. Pour the mixture into greased mould; tie greased paper on top and steam steadily till firm. Serve with custard or sweet sauce. Fish Cutlets. Cook together in a little hot fat 1 tablespoon chopped white onion with 2 tablespoons sweet red pepper or parsley. Add 2 tablespoons flour and when well blended stir in 1 cun milk, salt and pepper. Add 1| cup flaked, cooked*’flsh. Put in cool place and chill. Divide into cutlets, roll in flour, brush with milk, roll in crumbs and fry in hot fat. Drain ?md serve with sliced, lemon,