WOMEN’S WORLD

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 294, 9 November 1934, Page 11

WOMEN’S WORLD

Although best known in the golfing world, Mis 6 Bessie Gaisford, of Marton, is a very capable equistrienne, and at the Wanganui Show yesterday she won the prize for the best lady rider.

Mrs Stephen Curtis, of Petone, is staying with Mrs McFerny, of Palmerston North.

The engagement is announced by cable from London of Ina S. Wallace, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs James Wallace, Palmerston North, and Frederick James (Rex) Ansell, only son of Mr James and the late Mrs Ansell, Highgate, London. Miss Myra Wilson and Miss Phyllis Wilson, of Featlierston Street, left today by the Marama from Wellington on a six weeks’ visit to Australia. They will be the guests of their sister, Mrs Norman McGraw, Croydon, Sydney.

NORMA SHEARER. MONTREAL SUBURB TO WORLDWIDE FAME. Born in Westmount, a Montreal suburb, Norma was one of a family of three. Her sister Athole is the wife of Howard Hawks. Douglas, her brother, graduated from the Bell Laboratories, and became chief recording engineer for M.G.M. Miss Shearer was educated in Montreal public schools and at Westmount High School, where she participated in school plays. It was at this time that she conceived the idea of a picture career.

In New York, Miss Shearer reported with sixty girls for a college film to be made there. She was one of a dozen Chosen and for three days was an actress. Then for a long time she was out of work. Finally she got a chance to play in a Western for a whole week. Opportunities were scarce, but the girl managed to get leads in “The Stealers,” and “Charming of the Northwest.” These brought her a contract from Louis B. Mayer and the chance to go to Hollywood. Her early successes included “Broadway After Dark,” “Broken Barriers,” “He Who Gets Slapped,” “Lady of the Night,” “Slave of Fashion,” “Tower of Lies,” “His Secretary,” “The Waning Sex,” “Upstage,” “Demi Bride,” “The Student Prince” and “A Lady of Chance.” With the advent of the talkies. Miss Shearer came into her own. “The Trial of Mary Dugan” established her as a star of the first water. Then followed “The Last of Mrs Cheynev,” “Let us be Gay,” “Strangers May Kiss,” “The Divorcee,” “Private Lives,” “A Free Soul,” “Strange Interlude,” “Smilin’ Through,” and “Riptide.”

WEDDING.

CARSON—HASTINGS. A very pretty wedding was solemnised at All Saint’s Church, Palmerston North, on Wednesday evening, November 7. The contracting parties were Thelma, only daughter of Mr a.nd Mrs A. Hastings, of Milverton Avenue, Palmerston North, and George Raymond, son of Mr and Mrs W. D. Carson, of Kai Iwi, Wanganui, Rev. P. Wiltshire, of Pongaroa, performed the ceremony, and Mr J. Holmes Runnicies presided at the organ. The bride, accompanied by her fatherj entered the church looking very charming in a beautiful gown of parchment chantilly lace, with cowl neckline a.nd sleeves, the skirt forming a train. Her embroidered veil was caught to the head with touches of orange blossom. She carried an exquisite arm sheaf of Madonna lilies, pale pink and white carnations, roses, sweet peas and maidenhair fern.

In attenda.nce as bridesmaids . were Miss Bessie Kelly, of Hastings (chief), a friend of the bride, and Miss Isobel Williams, of Feilding, a cousin of the bride, being frocked alike in apple green dull windswept satin with puff sleeves, and godets of chantilly lace to tone. Lace caps trimmed with a circlet of pale gold leaves were worn. They also wore necklets, the gift of the bridegroom. They carried arm sheais of pale pink roses and maidenhair fern. The duties of best man and groomsman were carried out by Mr John Montgomerie and Mr Gerald Thomas respectively. After the ceremony a reception was held at Messrs Collinson and Cunninghame’s tearooms. The guests were received by Mr and Mrs Hastings and Mr and Mrs Carsoii. Mrs Hastings wore a turquoise blue swagger suit and white hat; Mrs Carson was attired in a golden brown frock with hat to tone. Both ladies carried bouquets of roses and autumn tints. The happy couple were the recipients of many beautiful presents,' including cheques for substantial amounts. Later in the evening they left by car for the north, the bride travelling in a smart green tailored ensemble and carrying a musquash coat, the gift of the bridegroom. Their future home will be in Palmerston North.

WOMEN’S DIVISION, FARMERS’ UNION.

MEETING OF BRANCH

■ Mrs W. Howell, of Raumai, presided at the monthly meeting of the Palmerston North, branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union yesterday, when there were also present Mesdames Cunninghame, Doherty, Neiderer, Boyce, Swainson, Nicholls, Davidson, H. R. Green, Armstrong and W. F. Field (secretary). Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames Davison, Bond, Sinclair and Martin. Mrs Howell reported that, after conferring with the Wanganui provincial executive, the Wellington Central executive had decided to manage its own housekeeper scheme. Mrs Neiderer conveyed to the meeting appreciation from Mrs Hughes, a member who is at present in hospital, on receiving a letter of sympathy from the branch.

The secretary reported on the result of the stall at the Show, the gross returns from which had been almost £3O, and accounts amounting to £6 7s Id were passed for payment. Mrs Howell said the result had been very gratifying and expressed her thanks to the members who had worked so well. Special votes of thanks were conveyed to Messrs Davison (Rongotea), Field, Boyce, Frecklington and Kempthorne for generous assistance. A request from the Calf Club for the branch to carry out the catering on the day of the annual competitions was considered, members unanimously agreeing to undertake this work. It was also agreed to donate £1 Is to provide first, second, and third prizes for the theoretical side of the competitions, or as the club thinks fit. The resignation of Mrs Davison as treasurer and committee member was accepted with regret.

OBITUARY,

MRS C. MURRAY. Tn the death of Mrs Christina Murray of Levin, on Monday, there was broken an association of a considerable number of years with the Levin and Wairarapa districts. Mrs Murray, who was born in the Lower Wairarapa Valley in 1859, was the youngest daughter of the late Mr James Harvey. Her early girlhood was spent at Kopuaranga, where her father was farming. Later she married the late Mr Alex Murray, who for a number of years was a well known farmer in the Waihoki Valley and Eketaliuna districts. With her husband, the late Mrs Murray retired to Levin, where in 1918 Mr Murray passed away, a victim of the influenza epidemic. _ Of a generous and cheerful disposition, the late Mrs Murray endeared herself to a large number, by whom she was held in high esteem. She was always a keen worker in the interests of the Presbyterian Church, in which circle she will be much missed. Much sjttipathy has been extended to the bereaved family in their loss. They are Mr Harvey Murray (Shannon) and Mesdames L. W. Fletcher (Levin), F. N. Fletcher (Levin), and A. Bond (Tokomaru). The respect in which the late Mrs Murray was held was shown at the funeral on Wednesday, when a large gathering of mourners followed the casket to the Levin Cemetery. A service was conducted at the Presbyterian Church by Rev. I. W. Fraser, who afterwards officiated at the graveside. The pall-bearers at the liouse_ were Messrs H. Murray (son), L. W. Fletcher, A. Bond, F. N. Fletcher (sons-in-law), Murray Fletcher (grandson) and N. Taylor, and at the church and cemeterv Messrs T. Boddy J. Smellie, W. "Jenson, E. W. Clark, R. Butt and D. Taylor. A large number of floral emblems were received, including tributes from the Caledonian .Tennis Club, Horowhenua Druids’ Lodge, Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild, and the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS,

The evening of Thursday last was very pleasantly spent by many friends and relatives of Mr and Mrs F. T. Hansen at a surprise party which was taken to their residence, 15 Morris Street, to celebrate the birthday of their only son Wilfred. The members of the party indulged in games, competitions a.nd dances, until the early hours of the morning. A dainty supper was served by the ladies, and much admiration was expressed of the beautifully iced and decorated cake, which was made and presented by Mr and Mrs Robinson, 240 Fergiison Street. Among those present were: Mesdames

for the year:—President, Mrs Paton ; vice-presidents, Mesdames F. Collier, R. S. Law, J. Fisher, and Miss M. Muirhead; lion, secretarytreasurer, Miss I. Clark; assistant secretary, ’ Miss V. Corke ; committee, Misses L. MacDonald, V. Wood, G. McKenzie, G. Laurenson and V. Gunter; auditor, Mr 0. Bettany". Thanks were expressed to Mr 'Bettany for auditing the books, and to Miss V. Macmillan for acting as scrutineer.

The meeting agreed that the subscription should be 12s 6d, to be reduced to 10s 6d if paid by August 1. A recommendation to the committee, proposed by Miss Junker, that the committee should work toward a definite goal in the arranging of programmes, was carried. The meeting accepted the resignation of Miss D. Stevens with regret, while it was also advised that Miss J. Cameron would be leaving the city shortly, regret being expressed at her impending departure. At the conclusion of the business the following programme was presented: Vocal duet, “The Day is Done” (Lolir), Mesdames Findlay and Dean; violin solo, two movements Bach Sonata, Miss F. Howley; song, “All Through the Night” (Welsh), Miss M. Walker: ’cello solo, “Stucke im Volkston” (Schumann), Miss Joan Paton; song, “Solveig’s Song” (Greig), Miss Z. Leamy; musical monologue, “Bairnies Cuddle Doon,” Miss J. Hume; song, “The Wooing of the Rose” (Franclte), Miss Junker (Pahiatua). The final item was the solo, “Huslieen” (A. Needham) by Miss C. MacGibbon, with vocal accompaniment by Mrs Findlay, Misses Bryce, Cameron, Laurenson, Walker, and MacDonald, a delightful offering _ arranged by Miss Hume, which received hearty approval. The accompaniments were played by Mrs J. Iv. Paton, Misses M. Muirhead, E. Corke and Dorothy Stevens. Other members present were Mesdames Collier, Donald, Henderson, Law, Misses Clark (2), Histed, Tankersley, Fiest, Parker, James, Wood (2), MacDonald, J. Shirley, J. McLeod, E. Tonkin, A. Douglas. Apologies were received from Misses McKenzie, V. Corke, Aiken, Chapman, Kilgour, Grace, Mesdames Bayliss, Inkpen, Small and Fisher. Visitors welcomed were Mrs Plank, Mrs Purdie, Misses N. Macmillan, Slyfield, A. Turner, Findlay, and Anderson. Supper brought tlie gathering to a close.

TRAINING OF SPEECH.

ADDRESS TO BUSINESS GIRLS.

Members of the Business Girls’ Club at their luncheon yesterday were ad-

Hansen and Ward, Misses D. a.nd E. E. Hansen, D. and E. Ward, MShand, F. Robinson, B. Jamieson, M. Robert, N. and F. Pye, M. and It. Drury, B. Leddra; Messrs F. T. Hansen, C. H. Cook, It. Collins, B. Healy, R. and G. Robinson, J. Wallis, R. Morgan, G. Hayly. and E. Jamieson. Mr C. H. Cook officiated as M.C., assisted by Mr F. T. Hausen. One of tho principal attractions at the last dance held by the ladies’ committee of the Central School was the waltzing competition for the Black Challenge Cups. The trophies were again won by Mr and Mrs W. Lundy, Mr Ofsoski and Miss H. Boyle being the runners-up. The judges were Mr and Mrs W. Bodell and Mr Bowden.

GIRLS’ MUSIC CLUB,

ANNUAL MEETING HELD

The members of the Palmerston North Girls’ Music Club held their eleventh annual meeting in the St. Andrew’s Sunday school room last evening, Miss M. Grant presiding. There was a good attendance. The report of the president, Mrs J. K. Paton, stated that the club membership stood as follows: —Active 34, comprising piano 13, violin 5, ’cello 3, vocal 13; honorary 42, a total of 72 members. Unfortunately some valued members had been lost through their removal to other towns. The working year had been most successful and in March a cherished ambition had been realised by the purchase of a piano. A glee club bad been formed, also a string orchestra, both under the able conductorship of Mr Hamilton Dickson. In June a most successful concert had been held and, so encouraged, a final concert was held in October, which again met with gratifying success. Thanks were due to the members for their co-operation and splendid team work, without which nothing could be accomplished. During the year, at the invitation of the matron, a concert party visited the Old People’s Home at Awapuni and later members contributed items at a concert of the Feilding branch of the British Musical Society. The club had the pleasure of entertaining the Wanganui . Male Choir on the occasion of their visit to Palmerston North. Fanvell parties had been tendered to Miss Elvira Wycherley and Miss Buchanan. The club placed on record its appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Miss Buchanan (now Mrs Hodgson) as secretary for a number of years. Grateful thanks were tendered in the report to Miss Clark, the present very efficient secretary and treasurer, and also to her able assistant, Miss V. Corke. Appreciation was expressed to Mrs Fisher for the loan of a piano, to Messrs Bay lis's and Graham for the use of practice rooms, to St. Andrew’s Church officials and to the Press. The report concluded with a general vote of thanks to the members and good wishes for 1935. A satisfactory credit balance was shown in the balance-sheet, and in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. Miss Grant complimented the members on the completion of another successful year, which had been rich in experience under the leadership of Mrs Paton. The motion was carried. The following officers were appointed

dressed by Mr J. Holmes Runnicles on the subject of speech training, his remarks proving both interesting and instructive.

“The power of speech i 9 a general means of human expression, and while some people express their thoughts and memories in various arts and crafts, speech is the only medium of expression left to the greater number,” said Mr Runnicles. “Like all the arts, speech can be cultivated to a fine point. Oratory and rhetoric from time immemorial having its great devotees, again like all the arts, there is a technique to be gained, good habits to be formed, and bad habits eradicated. Speech training is dependent upon memory training, observation, and organised thinking, also the reading of good literature in the purest form of one’s native language. Although not absolutely necessary, tho art of writing is a .valuable aid. Speech training is nlso dependent upon well-formed muscular habits, so that diction may be clear to the understanding. The peculiar physical formation of mouth and throat, which gives each language and dialect its own particular colour or accent, and the possible imitation of the same proves that cioiour or accent _ can be assimilated to a degree consciously or unconsciously. Unconscious assimilation of colour is responsible for much that is bad as well as much that is good. “From early childhood speech is dependent upon environment, ond imitation is an indirect means of speech training. Unfortunately, this results only too often in the cultivation of bad habits which much be eliminated before voice culture can be attempted,” Mr Runnicles commented. All forms of speech making demand tonal placing and the cultivation of tonal carrying power. Conversational speech does not make such a great demand as does public speaking, and the local surroundings must be taken into consideration in this respect. Under the heading of diction, pronunciation, enunciation, accent, emphasis, or stress must be carefully cultivated, always remembering that simplicity and directness of language are best understood by one’s audience, foreign idioms being carefully avoided unless one is perfectly certain that they are understood.” Mr Runnicles gave the basis _ of speech training as being summarised into cultivated thought, organised memory, correct breathing, mu soul at activity, tonal placing, tonal carrying power, tone colour, and diction. Miss D. Edwards presided over a very large attendance and proposed the vote of thanks to Mr Runnicles.

There were apologies for absence from Meedames Cooksley and Oram and Miss Grant. Members were reminded of the banquet to take place early in December.