Events and Topical Notes

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 1 October 1927, Page 11

Events and Topical Notes

(By

Stella).

INTERESTING ADDRESS Lady Cowan In Wellington AT THE PIONEER CLUB (Special to “Tribune.”) Much interest has been taken in Wellington in the visit of Sir Heijry and Lady Cowan and Miss Cowan, who have been visiting New Zealand to speak on Empire subjects. Of interest to women will be the following, extract from a private letter, written by a member of the Pioneer Club to a Hastings friend: —She writes—“ Lady Cowan was given a reception on Tuesday at the pioneer Club, and in an address touched on the good results of having an Empire Shopping Week, as they do in England, when goods from every part of the Empire, but no others, are for sale. Prizes are given for window dressing, and last time (May), 5000 London shops competed. Lady Cowan also spoke most eloquently and feelingly upon the great harm done by the American films, especially to children. During the first four years of war, while Britain was fighting, America was turning out films. She said 95 per cent, of the films were American—in Canada, 98 per cent. The Americans will only pay England a small sum—far less than the cost —if they do buy one of the films, and then they perhaps make £30,000 out of it. American money seems limitless, said the speaker. America makes its film programmes a year or even two years ahead. Lady Cowan said that America had a magnificent chance, if she only used it, of making films which would have an elevating educational influence, and which were beautiful and attractive. In England special matinees were being given for children, they were also much enjoyed by the parents, and they were completely successful. Lady CovVan is an excellent, mosl fluent, and altogether pleasant speaker, and an attractive looking woman. She was beautifully dressed in a tailored frock of black satin, with red inset in front. The hem was embroidered in cream and red. A very large highcrowned hat was worn, and also very long ear-rings. All the Pioneer Club members most thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of hearing- this interesting speaker, who, with her husband and daughter, returned to Australia on Wednesday.