WOMEN’S WORLD

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 140, 15 May 1936, Page 13

WOMEN’S WORLD

BUSINESS GIRLS. TALK BY MADAME ALWYN. Madame Lauri Alwyn was the speaker at the fortnightly luncheon of the Palmerston North Business Girls’ Club yesterday. The occasion was a special one, the luncheon being for mothers and daughters, the former being entertained in view of Mother’s Day on May 10. The reception room was crowded to capacity. Mrs M. H. Oram, who presided, said that it was the second occasion oil which Mother's Day had been honoured by the club. If the day caused them to pause a moment and give a special thought to their mothers, 6tie felt it had justified its purpose. Mrs Oram welcomed the visitors and voiced a special welcome to Madame Alwyn, who, she said, had carved a special niche for herself in life. Madame Alwyn, in her address, proved herself a versatile speaker. Her remarks were not only entertaining, hut were lined with the gold of philosophy and a vital understanding. It was a pleasure and experience to hear her speak. Madame Alwyn said the fact that she had been a mother and had had a career as well should inspire other women that careers and motherhood con’d be harmoniously combined, if they took it the right way. The best career in- the world, however, was motherhood. Of course, observed Madame Alwyn, if. the maternal instinct was cut short they must let it have an outlet in some other way. If she had had six sons, in addition to her daughter, she would not have needed a career. (Laughter.) She pointed out that mothers provided a balance in life; there was crudeness in youth as there was in young countries. Mothers and daughters did not always agree; she had come in contact with this very often in her work. It this was so with any of her listeners, she advised them all to take mental stock of- themselves, and find out where the attitude had begun. Then it could be completely overcome. She spoke of what she termed the ‘"broody hen” attiude of mothers who fluttered their wings, as it were, and tried to protect their daughters from the knocks and setbacks of life, which they themselves had suffered. Many things were not wrong, but only indiscreet. Madame Alwyn stressed that this experience was part of the grow-ing-up process, and she gave the Spartan advice to mothers to let their daughters “take it on the chin.” She deplored the saving instinct of mothers who denied themselves in order that their children might have a good start in life. The best start young people could have was no money. Let them get married without money; that was far better than a prolonged engagement. A litle security to start off with was the worst handicap anyone could have; if young people had nothing then they could rise above it and show their character. A great mistake made by parents, especially in the middle classes, was. educating their children beyond themselves. The children turned round and corrected their parents, which showed they were merely educated and not cultured. Culture was appreciation. Girls should never dare to be ashamed of their parents. The best thing parents could give their children was an appreciation of the things that could not be bought with money, and they were the things that mattered most. Madame Alwyn paid a personal tribute to her own mother, and urged daughters to learn to appreciate their mothers before it was too late. A mother was a marvellous anchor in life. “I don’t want strangers to think I am marvellous. I want my own family and dear ones to do that,” said Madame Alwyn when, in conclusion, she urged her listeners to be as sweet and lovely at home as possible. They should not save all their pretty clothes and graces only for going out. “God be with you till we meet again,” were the words with which Madame Alwyn resumed her chair.

On the motion of Miss M. Currie, the speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Apologies were received from Mrs Cooksley, Miss M. Cookslev, Miss G. Bates, and Miss N. Sutherland. WOMEN’S INSTITUTES. BUNNYTHORPE BRANCH. Mrs Jackson presided over a large attendance of members at the May meeting of the Bunnythorpe Women’s Institute. Several visitors were also present from the Ashliurst Institute, it was decided to send a delegate to the conference at Dunedin and two members were nominated. The junior members undertook to arrange a social gathering oil June 3, the proceeds to go towards the delegates’ expenses. The offer of Mrs Wiggins and Mrs Lassen to make and ice the birtlidav cake was gratefully accepted. A demonstration by Mrs Currie, of Ashliurst, on “handbags from old felt hats” was most interesting. Mrs Currie showed some beautiful samples of her work. Before afternoon tea, Mrs Jackson called on Miss Guy, who is to bo married shortly to accept from lier fellowmembers a large number of useful gifts for her new home .The competition for the month was won by Mrs S. Wiggins, Mrs Guard and Mrs Lassen being equal 2, and Mrs Lassen 3. Juniors: Miss L. Gore 1, Miss M. Woods 2, Miss J. Wiggins 3. Next month’s competition will be: —Seniors, a handbag a.nd plate of cream or butter scones; juniors, four varieties afternoon tea cakes from one mixture. The hostesses will be Mesdames Bulmer. Armstrong, Cheetham and Miss L. Gore. PHYSICAL CULTURE CLUB. FORMED BY MADAME ALWYN. Under the guidance of Madame Lauri Alwyn, a physical culture club was formed in Palmerst-on North last evening. The club will be self-support-ing, similar clubs having been organised throughout the world. The following officials were elected: —Hon. secretary. Miss McManus; lion, treasurer, Mrs Pizzey; committee, Mesdames R. H. Billeus (chairwoman). AV. R. Rirnie, li. I?. Spoecliley, J. F. Field and Miss E. Rawlins; demonstration committee, Misses K. Landers. It. Billens, B. Oakley, G. Smith It. Benstead and B. Collins. CITY BAND DANCE. Exceptionally well patronised, the weekly dance of the City Hand proved itself to be one of the many popular functions of this cily r . Miss Conlan played some most enjoyable extras. The following are results of the competitions: —Gay Gordons, Mrs Just and Mr Greer; lucky door ticket, Miss Webb and Mr Major; novelty, Mrs Chapman; Monte Carlo, Mrs Mints and Mr Johnston.

(By “Nanette.”)

GIRLS’ MUSIC CLUB.' MONTHLY -MUSICALE. The monthly musicale of the Palmerston North Girls’ Music Club was held last evening in St. Andrew’s schoolroom. The usual excellent programme was presented, and was greatly enjoyed. Mrs It. S. Law, who presided, extended a warm welcome to those present. Dahlias and chrysanthemums prettily decorated the room. Supper terminated a pleasant evening. the programme was a-s follows: Pianoforte solo, “Caprice” (Bowen;, Miss F. Anderson; violin solo, “Ist movement Greig Sonata,” Mrs J. Fisher (at the piano, Mrs H. C. Morgan); vocal solo, “Four by the Clock” (Mallinson), Miss V. Corke; violin solo, “.Romance” (Sibelius), Miss F. Fowler; vocal solo. “The Enchanted Forest” (Phillips), Mies Mavis Day; violin solo. “3rd Movement Kreutzer Sonata” (Beehoven;, Miss B. Bartlett (at the piano, Miss E. Eyre); vocal solo, “Lament to Isis” (Bantock), Miss G. Lnurenson; ’cello solo, “Concerto in G Major” (Popper) .Miss J. Patou; vocal solo, “You” (Hamblin), Miss E. James; violin solo, “Song of Songs” (Moya), Miss J. Findlay; vocal solo, “Thou Standcst Like a Flower (Liszt), Mrs E. Martin: pianoforte solo, “Golliwogs’ Cake Walk (Dcbnssey), Miss F. Olsen. Tim accompanists were Mesdiames H. C. Morgan, I. Rickard and Miss E, Eyre.