WOMAN'S WORLD

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24536, 19 March 1943, Page 5

WOMAN'S WORLD

CONGENIAL CONTACTS ENTERTAINING AMERICANS "Every home lias something to offer which will definitely appeal to some American serviceman or other, if it is only a home-cooked meal or a mutual passion for collecting stamps," said Mr. H. Lass, Director of the American Hed Cross Service Club, when discussing the subject of private hospitality to Americans in Auckland. The majority of New Zealand women, especially those who are grateful for the kindness and hospitality so freely offered to their own menfolk serving overseas, are pnxious iu their turn to have a share in entertaining American servicemen and nurses in New Zealand, but there are two main reasons why many are diffident about proffering invitations. Some are a little afraid they may find they have nothing at all in common with the proposed guests, but many more feel that they have nothing to offer which would be likely to appeal to servicemen, and that their guests might be frankly bored. This is especially the case with people who have 110 daughters to help with the entertaining, and with those whose sons and brothers are away overseas. "Actually, if you could be behind the scenes at the information desk, or near the notice board, you would be surprised at the nature and variety of the inquiries made by our men," said Mr. Lass. He went on to explain how many crave for just some ordinary home-life—-music, a game of bridge, discussions about books and what not. He also explained how much trouble was taken to try to make contacts between servicemen and people with whom they would be likely to fiave a great deal in common. "People have only to call, or telephone, or write to me.',' he went on, "and state what their tastes, interests

and hobbies are, and also when and what forms of hospitality they want to offer, and we will try to make suitable contacts. The details, name and address in each case are recorded, and as soon as some serviceman makes an inquiry which seems just right, or comes to us about the invitation posted on the notice board, we get in touch with the proposed hostess. If she is agreeable and only when we have her permission, we disclose her name and address and put the two in touch with each other." AIR-COMMODORE'S WIFE "I would like to mention the marvellous hospitality given to the New Zealand airmen by the Canadians," said Mrs. L. M. Isitt, wife of Air-Com-modore Tsitt, who is shortly to take up the post of Deputy-Chief or Air Staff in the Dominion. Air-Commodre Isitt recently returned to New Zealand after two years in Canada as New Zealand representative on the advisory council under the Air Training Scheme. Mrs. Isitt, who was accompanied by her daughter, Miss Annette Tsitt. was greeted on arrival by her husband and friends. SOCIAL NEWS Miss Jean Downcs, Auckland, has taken up a position on the staff of the Hamilton Technical High School. Mrs. W. Morrison and Mrs. Donald G. Commons, who are spending a holiday at Kawati, will return to Auckland on Monday. ENGAGEMENTS Drako—Yates.—The engagement is announced between Sergeant Ronald Drake, R.N.Z.A.F., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. D. Drake, 102 Richmond Road, Ponsonby (late of St. Heliers), and Winifred Jean, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 0. Yates, of 'JO 1 Roger Street, Norwood, Winnipeg. Manitoba, Canada. jonos—Aldridga.—The engagement is announced between Leading-Aircraftrnan Percy Jones, R.N.Z.A.F.. younger son of Mr. and Mrs. W. TO. Jones, Te Kiiiti, and Betty, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. X. Alrlridge, Mokauiti.