Women's World

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22587, 16 March 1948, Page 7

Women's World

PERSONAL ITEMS Mrs. R. W. Coop, Muriwai, is on holi day at Rotorua.

Four mannequins who flew down from Auckland yesterday. Misses Sue Collins. Lenore Allen, Vivienne Williams and Anne McKeaver, are staying at Almadale. Gisborne friends will be interested to learn of the wedding last week in Wellington of Miss Molly Bishop, daughter of Mr. T. O. Bishop. M.L.C., and Mrs. Bishop, Lower Hutt, and Mr. John Buckleton. younger son of the late SitHenry and Lady Buckleton, Wellington. The ceremony was at S. Paul's ProCathedral. An Edwardian gown of white brocade was worn by the bride, who was attended by her sister. Miss Paddy Bishop, and Mrs. Arthur Hyams,

Misses Ellen Millar and Cora Oman left Gisborne yesterday for Auckland, where they will attend the wedding of Miss Millar’s niece, Miss Noeline Pearce. Mrs. J. Bell Thomson. Tukura road, left today for a holiday in Dunedin. Visitors to Gisborne staying at Almadale include Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Harris and Mrs. A. N. Harris, Wellington, Mr. and Mrs. T. Noonan, Hastings, and Mrs. T. Mcßeath.

Women bowlers from Hastings in Gisborne for the tournament include Mesdames V. Westerman, C. G. Wilkinson, D. Watter, E. Wedd and G. Allen. They are staying at Almadale. Mrs. R. S. Greening and her small son, Aberdeen road, have just returned from a holiday in Hawera, Marton and Palmerston North. Mrs. Greening was a guest at the Fiske-Cockburn wedding. For the Sutherland-Porter wedding tomorrow, the following out-of-town guests are expected:—Mr. and Mrs. J. Porter. Miss J. Porter, Dunedin; Mr. and Mrs. R. Lange, Dannevirke; Mr. and Mrs. W. Miller, Napier; Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Mrs. A. W. Butt. Mrs. W. Gray. Misses L. Butt, J. Richardson, E. Mossman, Mr. Eric Butt, Hawke’s Bay; Lieutenant lan Stubbs. Malta; Miss Yolande Renner. Christchurch. RETIRING EMPLOYEE

After having been with the firm ever since the present company of T. C. Nicol and sons was formed, Miss J. Aitken retired recently in view of her marriage, which will take place at Easter. Staff members with whom she had worked during the years gathered Tuan informal function when a presentation was made by Mr. C. A. . lev.se, whose eulogistic remarks were endorsed by Mr. F. W. Roberts, the firm's auditor. Other speakers added tributes to Miss Aitken’s popularity in the firm, the guest of honour suitably replying. CROQUET FAREWELLS

Though rain was falling on the Turanga Croquet Club’s lawns on Saturday, it did not detract from the enjoyable function held in the pavilion, where members were gathered for the triple purpose of witnessing the distribution of prizes and cups won during the current season, to farewell Mrs. E. Derbyshire, former district handicapper and club captain, and to wish Mrs. W. Reddell good luck on her plane trip to Australia. After a delicious tea the president and vice-president distributed the prizes. Many speeches and toasts to the departing guests were given and replied to. Mrs. Derbyshire was presented with a sports folding chair for use on the Napier lawns and Mrs. Reddell also received a gift from the club. Two new gentlemen members were present, one of whom, Mr. B. Wallace, received the C. championship cup. Toasts were proposed to Mrs. J. F. Donnelly, president, Mrs. M. Lawless, vice-president, Mrs. T. Bayliss, actingcaptain, and Mrs. Reddell.

OFFICE PRESENTATION The Railway Department recently farewelled a popular young member of the staff, Miss Nancy Murphy, who has resigned to fake up a position with a legal firm. A suitable presentation was made to Miss Murphy before her departure. BRIDE-ELECT’S PARTIES Four gift parties have been given for Miss Mollie Porter, prior to her marriage tomorrow to Mr. W. Sutherland, since she arrived at Gisborne from Dunedin for the wedding. She was guest of honour at a party given by Miss Ella Watt and Mrs. E. R. Renner at the home of Mrs. E. Sutherland and Miss Watt, Gladstone road, when miscellaneous gifts for the bride were brought by a large number of friends. The bride-elect was wearing a leaf green peplumed frock, Mrs. Renner had chosen a Paisley patterned frock, and Mrs. Sutherland was in a royal blue and floral two-piece ensemble. The bride-to-be's sister, Mrs. Ivo Lange, Patutahi. was another partygiver, inviting friends to a "miscellaneous" evening last Saturday. The guest of honour wore a floral georgette frock and she was assisted by her two bridesmaids, Misses Jean Porter and Moira Wells, to open her friends’ gifts. Mrs. Lange wore a pink linen suit. A "pantry” party was given by the bridesmaids at the home of Mrs. E. J. Lange, Herbert road, last week. For it Miss Porter wore a pink clover leaf sheer frock. Mrs. Lange’s frock was a model black crepe. Miss Jean Porter’s blue model featured eyelet-hole embroidery, and Miss Wells was in a floral silk.

A "kitchen” tea was given by Mrs. S. Porter and her daughter, Mrs. R. S. Greening, at the latter's home in Aberdeen road yesterday afternoon. Games and competitions were on the entertainment programme, the bride, who was in a green model frock with black bead trimming, being assisted by her two bridesmaids to open the gifts, for which she offered suitable thanks. Belladonna lilies, hydrangeas and pink carnations were the floral decorations. Mrs. Porter wore a floral, silk frock for the occasion, a blue moss crepe being the choice of Mrs. Greening.

(GARDENING CIRCLE The monthly meeting of the Poverty Bay Gardening Circle was held in Low’s reception rooms last Thursday. Mrs. R. P. Baigent presiding over the large gathering of members. A welcome was extended to six new members, Mesdames T. Leslie, D. A Wells, D. Redstone, L. Worthington, Angus and Lucas. Special points prizes for the year were announced; For flowering shrubs, Mrs. F. Williams’ trophy; and for most entries in the cut flower classes, Mrs. J. W. Owen’s trophy. Hints on garden culture for the current month were given by Mrs. F. Ormiston, and on work amongst the lilies by Mrs. C. G. Crone. The judge of the cut flowers was Mr. H. Stubbings, and of the decorative work Mrs. R. Graham, who considered the "entries extremely good, the placed boxes being beautifully arranged and wonderfully fresh.” A beautiful begonia bloom, Mr. Walter J. Nash, was displayed by Mrs. B. Dodge. The tea-hostesses were Mrs. F. Williams and Miss V. Williams, and Mrs. I-I. Hanes was in charge of the seedlings sales table. Mr. Stubbings’ main topic concerned the results of the garden competition. He also gave a resume of prizes won by circle members at last year’s flower shows and congratulatory remarks thereon.

The results of competitions were:— Cut flowers. —Charm dahlias: Mrs. E. E. Jenkinson, 1; Mrs. J. T. Langford, 2. Any other perennial: Mrs. L. F. Williams, 1; Mrs. B. Dodge, 2; Mrs. E. E Jenkinson, 3. Any other annual: Mrs. D. P. Mclntyre, 1; Mrs. C. Greig, 2; Mrs. L. Worthington, 3. Flowering shrub or tree.—Mrs. E. E. Jenkinson, 1; Mrs. W. H. James, 2. Decorative work. —Hospital box of fruit and flowers: A section, Mrs. B. Dodge, 1; Mrs. R. P. Baigent, 2; Mrs. W. Neal. 3. B section, Mrs. T. Gresham, 1; Mrs. H. H. Barker, 2; Mrs. A. Hamilton, 3. Mrs. R. A. Dudfield, Cobden street, returned at the week-end from a visit to Auckland. Mrs. E. Derbyshire, Russell street, left Gisborne today for Napier, where she will make her home. MISSIONARY UNION Members of St. Andrew’s P.W.M.U. held their first meeting of the year last Thursday in the school room. Mrs. J. Hutchin presided. The Rev. J. Kingsley Fairbairn, M.8.E., opened the meetting with prayer. Mrs. W. Keith reported the receipt of letters from people in Scotland who had received parcels of food from members. Mr. Fairbairn gave an inspiring address on "Our Security in G.od.” The world was seeking security—some sure foundation on which to build for the future here was the answer to the problem of our down—get back to God. A great example of faith was quoted by the speaker, Sister Annie James, a missionary in China. Miss James served the church in China all through the war years and after a brief holiday in New Zealand at the close of the war, though due for retirement, returned to China to carry on the work. Mrs. Hutchin thanked Mr. Fairbairn for nis address. Hostesses for the afternoon were Mesdames lies and Jackson, assisted by Mrs. Pitcher and Miss Stubbs. MISS BURDETT’S WORK ALEXANDRA HOME Miss Frances Burdett, lady superintendent of the Alexandra Home for Girls in Wellington, has been the guest of her sister, Mrs. J. S. Sherriff, Waihora station, Kanakanaia, for the past few weeks and after another week’s holiday will return to Wellington. Miss Burdett is an ex-Gisborne High School student with a fine career in humanitarian work and as lady superintendent of the Alexandra Home acts as intermediary between mothers and childless couples anxious to adopt children born at the home. The hospital has had as its particular object in past vears the care of the unmarried mother, but in addition to the girls’ home there is also now a modern and well-equipped maternity hospital which is never empty. Girls Do All Domestic Work Each of the inmates must promise to remain in the home for at least three months after her confinement so that the baby may obtain a good start in life The entire domestic work is carried out by the girls under the direction of the lady superintendent and ample opportunity is provided for recreation. Talks are given and films screened “The attitude of society towards the unmarried mother is changing,’’ Miss Burdett commented recently. “No longer is she regarded as an outcast, but as a woman who stands in need of help during a time of crisis. Babies, after all, are the potential wealth of the State and every one must be welcome. The girls are so appreciative of our efforts that many keep in constant touch with us. The majority of them, of course marry, and it is by no means unusual for them to call when they visit Wellington with their children. The demand for children to adopt far exceeds the supply and childless couples all over New Zealand are anxious to adopt infants. In almost every case a girl is asked iqy. A close liaison is always maintained between the home and the Child Welfare DePa Mi^ en ßurdett is the daughter of Mr. , and Mrs. C H. Burdett, Tokomarii Bay.

The Daily Round

HELEN KELLER’S VISIT TOUR AT END OF MARCH Miss Helen Keller will arrive in Australia on March 29 lo begin a six months' lecture tour of Australia and New Zealand. She will travel to the various centres by air, and will be accompanied by her companion-secre-tary, Miss Polly Thomson. The tour has been arranged by the Royal Sydney Industrial Blind Institution.

Miss Keller, who is now 67, lost her sight, speech, and hearing at the age of two. Her battle against her disabilities is regarded as one of the most human American stories on record, and she is listed as one of the outstanding 12 Americans of the century. She “listens" with a finger on the lips of the speaker and lingers on the throat. She wants to meet persons, particularly former servicemen and women, afflicted by loss of speech, hearing, and sight in every centre she visits, but has asked that social functions be kept at a minimum, as she prefers hotels to private hospitality. More than anything else, Miss Keller resents being regarded as a heroine, and wears the most attractive frocks and hats she can buy. She studied science, mathematics and politics, and was the first blind deaf-mute in history to gain an academic degree. STRIKING TRENDS SHOWN AT TODAY’S FASHION PARADE Despite murmurings of horror and upraised hands at the thought of the “new look” by many women, a radical about-face is likely to be wrought upon Gisborne women by the Easter mannequin parade which was held in Gisborne tipday and will continue this evening, with a final session tomorrow morning at the music-room. Fifth Avenue Gowns’ sophisticated new and eminently graceful styles modelled at. the parade are a revelation in feminity, grace of line and perfect cut and are shown by four Auckland mannequins with poise, grace and charm. Graceful, swirling skirts, one with four yards of material, which “give” with the wearer as she walks, nippedin waists, and flaring pcplums sitting out over the hips are all featured. There are ballerina-lengths, anklelengths, a one-shoulder frock, and uneven hemlines for those who hanker for the newest in the “new look.” And for those who prefer a modified version of fashion’s latest styles and trends, there are gowns which rely for their appeal on clever cutting, perfect styling and the right accessories. Ballerina Frock in Yellow There is a striking and most exciting. lime-yellow ballerina frock of Swiss lace with a three-tiered ballerina length skirt and one-shoulder neckline. It is modelled by Miss Sue Collins and worn with short black lace mittens, black shoes, a black band at the throat and a dashing wide black sash tied in a big bow to one side. A loose red coat swinging gracefully from the shoulders brought several “ohs” of admiration for its subtle cut. The back was longer than the front to emphasise the fullness and it alsofeatured large cuffs and slit pockets. Beneath it. Miss Ann McKeaver wore a delightful beige wool frock with an unusual drape to one one side of the skirt.

Wool was used a good deal in the fashions displayed, there being some refreshingly “different” colour combinations adding a dashing touch to some of the ensembles worn. Of the evening gowns shown, there were styles to delight the heart of any woman, running the gamut of all lengths and fashioned of some gorgeous fabrics. including creamy jewelled satin, shining, sheath-like satin lame, black and silver, and one specially lovely ballerina-length frock of white lace and foaming tulle with a strapless bodice and worn over a black slip, giving a charming and altogether unusual effect. Important Accessories.

Accessories, which play such an important part in any woman’s wardrobe, were a joy to behold. There were studded shoes, shoes with intricate strap-effects, jester-heels and different lines. Bags were pouchey, boxey and beautifully finished in lovely leathers. Purple earrings, choker and bag were combined with a silver lame frock and the costume jewellery was both exotic and appealing. A great deal of use was made of artificial flowers, often in silver, worn in a bunch at the waist.

Some striking features of the parade which lingered afterwards in the memory included the combination of chartreuse and red earth in a wool suit, a big black hat with an under-the-chin drape, a silver lame yoke with a sophisticated black evening frock, the continuing popularity of draping, a frock with a long zip fastener at the back and two small ones on the sleeves and the introduction of brown corduroy velvet. Not particularly practical but lovely to look at just the same, were two gowns with hobble skirts, one in silver and black with an accentuated pointed peplum with a tiny nipped-in waist and draped shoulders. Magyar sleeves struck an attractive note in a royal blue cocktail frock and one of the most beautiful ensembles shown was a threepiece suit, man tailored in tweed. An effective tableau with the four mannequins in contrasting evening gowns concluded the parade. Misses Lenore Allen and Vivienne Williams were the other two mannequins showing frocks, Miss Muriel Murray providing an excellent running commentary during the parade. The gowns displayed are exclusive to Fifth Avenue and were designed and made in their Auckland workrooms for the Gisborne branch in Peel street, and all proceeds from the parade are being donated to the Heni Materoa Home.*