Plamerston Doings.

Free Lance, Volume XV, Issue 816, 18 February 1916, Page 18

Plamerston Doings.

Dear Christabel,— TOWN was rery quiet last week. Khaki is scarce since the Rifle Brigade left Rangiotu. A few shy ambulance men, a few convalescing wounded, a few "Tenths" on their last leave, and you have the sum total. On Saturday and Sunday evenings the flapper and dainty damsel are not so much in evidence. Males in mufti have lost their hitherto charm. And peace reigns in the City of the Square. * ■» a * As good" taste decrees that woman's ■dress must have the appearance of simplicity (it often costs more than the elaborate-looking garment), and quiet tones prevail, her taste- for dainty trifles has, like measles, "gone in," where it is often more dangerous. "Undies" in crepe de chene of the daintiest colours are worn beneath these •seemingly simple toilets. So woman to the dictates of good taste, and yet indulges her taste for dainty finery. Ladies' pyjamas made of floral material on a black background have superseded the plain and striped kind. To be smart everything must have its little touch of black. Curtains, upholstering, and wallpaper are patterned much the same as the pyjama material, -on black ground. Tou see, Christabel, there is economy in the idea. You can jnake pyjamas out of discarded chesterfield covers, and make cushions out of your pyjamas. ' .«■ ■■■ '•' » -■ * Owls were, I understood, generally •considered unlucky, yet they are a pre•doininating feature of our winter millinery. It is to be hoped they will not add anything to our present luck, which, without appearing pessimistic, does not really seem anything too wonderful. At all events, owl headß of tea-, thers, and owl heads of " beads stare -vacantly at you from some of the smartest headgear. ' - -..-•.» ■& & * Men are more amenable to discipline -than women, I believe. "Were it not for the strict discipline which obtains m our armies- in the field and m preparation for active service, it would be impossible to maintain any sort of order .-or method among the khakied thousands. I often wonder how things .would fare with a few regiments of women if it were found necessary to raise fhejn. Even in smallish institutions, where women are presided over by women, things are apt to get merry at times. * . # * . * Take our hospital for instance. We nave an excellent matron, who is a stern disciplinarian, and has kept the hospital in,the front rank of such institutions in New Zealand. We also have a lady on our Hospital Board—a lady who is not afraid to contradict our but recently-titled chairman, when occasion arises. At first it was the bogey of nonemployment of local girls as probationers. The last little storm was ,on account of the resignation of x>ne of the probationers, because she had been put m the kitchen to act as kitchenmaid. * * * * And now the Press chips in and complains that it is not getting full particulars about all these little comedies -which —are being enacted. Its contention is that hospitals, being public institutions supported by trie public, all information concerning them should be available to the public. However, the patients are receiving the best of attention while the little argument progresses, so a little ventilation may clear the air, and they will all kiss and be friends again just like smaller children do. ; * * # * Meanwhile, Dr. Peach has taken over Dr. Martin's work at the hospital, and •carves up the appendicitis people in a truly Martian manner. For has he not been the grand little surgeon's rightihand man in nearly all his operations for years? Dr. Peach's genial smile and cheery optimism are a splendid -tonic. a- -•-« «• «■ There has been quite an invasion of «tars and crowns this week-end, and some of these portly officers wear their uniform with much, distinction. Among the military big-wigs were: Lieut.Oolonel Duthie, of Wellington; also Captain Baker, of that city. Colonel Hislop and Major Crawshaw came down from sunny Napier-by-the-sea, and Major Leach, from New Plymouth. The new Director-General of Staff, Major Sleeman, who has recently been fighting in France, was also here. The little dash of scarlet on the uniform, denoting "staff' gives an additional air of importance to the men who guide the destinies of our War Office. » •& ■& «■ . The Rev. C. C. Harper, who was for many years vicar of All Saints' here, before transferring his; eloquence to Wellington's big church, is now installed at the Rectory of St. Mary's, Newmgtcai, South London.

Sergt. Ivan Miller, of Feilding, was married to Miss Beatrice Thompson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield Thompson, last week. Miss Ethel Thompson was bridesmaid, and Mr. Dugald "Thompson best man. #*•■»■* Mrs. (Capt.) Hewitt has just received the sad news of the death of her youngest son, which took place in hospital in Cairo. Lieut. Arthur Tifford Oliver Hewitt left here as sergt.-major in the 6th Reinforcement, but received his commission at Gallipoli, where he also received the "shrapnel wound which caused his death. H e had been in hospital since November, and was reported to be making a good recovery, when he had a relapse. Lieut. Hewitt, who was only 27' years of age, was an old War nganui College boy, and a splendid athlete. His elder brothel, Captain Dudley Hewitt, who is an officer in the Indian Army, was on furlough in New Zealand with his wife, when war broke out, and he was immediately recalled. «■ . =*■«■ ■» « Lieut. A; M. Wighton, who is a wellknown authority on seeds and nursery business generally, has been called up for special service. He saw a great deal of service in the South African War. Lieut. Wighton left on Friday for camp, and expects to leave New Zealand very soon for service abroad. * * «■ * On Monday night an official welcome was tendered to our returned soldiers, who have arrived in odd lots at odd times, making a welcome on their immediate arrival impossible. His Majesty's Theatre was nearly full, about 700 people being present. All men in kahki were invited, and many availed themselves of the invitation, the public being admitted at Is per head.! Some of our well-known singers contributed a musical programme, and Dr. Robert McNab gave an interesting speech on the . war and recruiting, and supper, provided by the ladies of the Patriotic Committee, rounded off the evening's welcome. « » * « Mrs. Wynn-Williams and her daughter are staying with Mrs. Grant Simm. Mr. Jack Louisson, who has been in charge of the Palmerston Telephone Exchange for some years, has been transferred to Wellington as supervisor of the city exchange. ■#.'■» •» » Young Owen Pleasants, jun.. son of Mr. Owen Pleasants, of Feilding, has secured a scholarship entitling him to a four-years' course of training at Duntroon Military College in New South Wales, and he left last week by the Sydney boat to enter upon his military career. ' «• * » •» * The Palmerston North Hospital authorities have decided to erect a memorial tablet in memory of our brave. nurses who went down on the Marquette. # '* * « At St. Stephen's Church, Marton, last week, Sergt.-Major Ekstedt, of the New Zealand Field Artillery, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Ekstedt, of Palmerston North; was married to Miss Hilda Mary Wilson, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs! F. C. Wilson, of Marton. Sergt.Major Ekstedt is now in camp, and sails with the next Reinforcement. ■a <&■■#. *• ■ _ The "Flaxies" from the swamp lands, which extend from Foxton to Shannon, came to town by special train on Saturday, and held a monster meeting in His Majesty's Hall. I don't know if it was a recruiting meeting, but I fancy not. . They generally foregather when they have a grievance. We can only hope there are no further = labour troubles brewing. We have troubles in plenty of another kind on our hands just now. Your friend, AWAPXTNI.