SATURDAY CHAT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6861, 3 July 1909, Page 7

SATURDAY CHAT.

SUNDRY VIEWS ON ART. Apropos of the recent art controversy, I was considering the advisability of offering a fen' remarks, and had got as far as a headline, when a'young friend with artistic proclivities entered. He was frank. "Art, goad Heavens!" he ejaculated, as his eye fell on my headline; "er, I mean it won't interest a public which only buys motors and oleographs, or at least small ix)t-boilers, and hardly knows an oil painting from un illuminated signboard. Give 'cm ■somothing that they (and you) understand—bargain sales or something else topical. Art! Why, one only needs to look round this ugly, utilitarian place, to see that art is nuito immaterial—no wonder the Governor launched c/ut about our architecture," and he aomposed himself into a chair before the fire. "Mr La Trobo holds other views of Wellington," I ventured. "Mr La Trober" "Director of technical education," I vouchsafed, rummaging for Wednesday's "Times." Here they are: "There us one thing which is not, I think, sufficiently recognised in Wellington : strangers coming to the town usually allude to it, but otherwise it is hardlv ever even suggested. 1 refer to the siiiguliir beauty of the town and its surroundings from an artist's point of view. . . . One cannot walk through

it.lio streets without seeing many oliarmiug vistas ready composed for the painter, the very brush marks indicated. 'Where hills, and town, and harbour meut in a delicately luminous atmosphere, suoh as wind-swept Wellington has, one cannot take an evening or 'morning stroll without seeing a whole guilery of masterpieces." "Very pretty and romantic. Didn't he say anything about the awful buildings, the banal surroundings?" "lie admits our buildings are not beautiful, taken separately, and in detail, but he pronounces the tout ensemble as allright, and thinks it should bo the main inspiration for the Wellington art student. Art ideals, he says, are as much bom of the soil as of the race." "il'm! Everyone knows that. " Italy, for instance —the world's greatest artistic centre. ... I think myself, you 'know," gazing meditatively into the lire, "that New Zealand should be specially adapted for the development of the artistic temperament." "Yes," encouragingly. "And one man I know, for whose opinion I entertain the highest respect, set down in print 'some little time ago, that there are indications that point by no means uncertainly, to the idea, that in all probability the great destiny of Sew Zealand will include pre-eminence in arE, ias well as in many other things." "Learned conned by rute," I cciuld not help interjecting aside. "He uvea,goes as far as todeoate —but, ■mind you, he's a bit of an idealist — whether New Zealand will not excel Italy herself as the hlome of art in the future." "There would be no reason to forbid such a development, but upon, what does your optimistic oritic-friend base his views?" A "The steadily/ advancing excellence of the local Art Societies, and the disposition of New Zealand artists to seek inspiration from the wonderful scenio and atmospheric effects of their own country, which, ho thinks, outrivals even Italy. But he's not the only one who thicks so. Lord Plunket, I remember, in his opening speech at one of the art exhibitions, lenxarked that there is no occasion for a New ' Zealand artist to go outside New Zealand tor his subjects, so rich and wonderful is its scenery, so infinite its variety. Moreover, his Excellency said that the artist who has succeeded in transferring to his canvases the beauties of New Zealand, may have the supreme satisfaction of knowing that he is doing a patriotic action by educating the eye and elevating the tastes of the rising generation, and -in doing so renders a distinct service to civilisation. He has done something snore than this, when he 'has given people, old and young, a better conception uf the country, which it is their privilege to call their own, and a stronger ahection and greater pride in its unequalled scenio charm. Ho may even induce New Zealanders to encourage local urt by buying his pictures, as well us instilling a craving for decent architecture. You're not going to make copy out of my poor sentiments?" "Your friend's isentinients," I corrected, "and Lord Pluukefs. No, I tniaik I shall write on '.Bargain Sales/" "That's more sensible," was my friend's retort, as he reached for hits hat. THE CULT OF THE CHILD. What a vast amount of importance is attached to the simplest remarks children muko nowadays (writes a contemporary with very pardonable asperity). The cult of the child is the correct thing at present. This must be because children in households are, to use the popular misquotation, few and far between. So far 13 the cult carried that grown-up outsiders, when the little angels are about, rind it impossible to get a word in edgeways. The adult relatives, of course, never want to! The visitor begins some subject, which he thinks rational enough, but nobody listens, ill's M.'s eyes are fixed on "Boy'' und Air M.'s on 'Tootles." You get some hurried, wandering, inapt reply, and then Boy and Tootles take the floor, metaphorically, as they have already done literally. What they say and what do ure the only things that matter. So the visitor, vowing never again, goes out, well aware that his absence is scarcely noticed, and certainly not regretted. "What a fuss they do make over their chickens," said an old lady recently. "In my day, when eight or twelve children wore the rule more than the exception in a family, the clamour ivas too deafening to notice any one in particular, so they just had to fight it •out amongst themselves."

In the many forms assumed by the. corselet tho tendency is now towards the waist-lino Jjeing onco more relegated to its normal position. It is likely that the spell which the charm of the Empire ffown has woven around us will continue to affect tho placo of tho waist for some time and that the hifih waist will hot be entirely forgotten for many months, but its adoption is no longer universal, and in the modified forms ot the princess frock especially the waistline is normal. "All that I am or hope to be," said Lincoln after he became President of the United States, "I owo to my angel mother." "In my mother's presence, said another very prominent man, "I bccomo for the time transformed into another person."

THE PIONEER CLUB With the inauguration of the Pioneer Club to-day begins a new era in the woman world cf Wellington. The tendency of modern women to form clubs and societies has found expression in our city m the formation of this club, which tile promoters earnestly believe will be a potent factor for good in the lives of tne women it has been specially designed to benefit. The ideals of the promoters are, generally speaking, the providing of a place where women engaged and m professional, literary, artistic and philanthropic work can meet and discuss matters of common interest; the provision of comfortable rooms where members can read, write, rest and amuse themselves witn games—games for money being strictly taboo, however —and obtain mental stimulus by interchange of opinion one with another—opportunity for which latter has hitherto been greatly needed by VV'eliugton'ss many women workers. Another advantage is the opportunity that members will be given to meet and entertain visiting women of note. It is also hoped the club will prove of much benefit to country members.

Tho promoters appear to have an excellent notion of wnat should constitute an up-to-date and attractive club for women, and there can be little doubt that the "Pioneer" will early justify its existence, and be productive of the highest good, not only to the members, but to the city itself. That Wellington is ripe for a movement of the kind is demonstrated by the fact that to date oyer 150 representative w-omen have signified their desire to become members. SOCIAL AND PERSONAL NOTES ilr and Mrs E. S. Marvin, of this city, have left on a visit to Auckland. They are staying at the Grand Hotel. Mr D. Buiek, M.P. for Palmerston North, Mrs Buick and Miss Buiek, have 'gone for a trip to Auckland, where they are staying at the Hoyal ■ Hotel. Mr Waterfield, private secretary to his Excellency Lord Plunket, accompanied by Mrs Waterfield, will go to Auckland on Wednesday next. Mrs Haselden and her daughter, Mrs Harold "Cooper, of Palmerston North, are staying at the Empire. They will remain in town tor a few weeks. Tho pretty little girl who sings the solo of "The Wonderful House that Hook Built," in. the vat in "Miss Hook of Holland," is Miss Tina Lincoln, a younger slater of the prima donna, Miss Ruth .Lincoln. Miss Daisy Belmore,- who will be remembered <as a leading member of the late Wilson Barrett's company, when the celebrated actor lasit visited New Zealand, is to make her re-appearance here as Araminta in "Cinderella," by -the English Opera Company at the Onera House on Wednesday next. An interesting wedding, was celebrated at the Webb .street Primitive Methodist Church, Wellington, Mies Margaret Isabel Lambert, youngest daughter of Mr T. S. Lambert, J.P., being married to Henry Stewartson Irvine, youngest son of Captain Arthur Irvine, harbourmaster at Wanganui. At St. Joseph's Church, Tenui, on Wednesday, the marriage was celebrated of Miss Mary J. Bushby, of Tenui to Mr Charles Ireland, of Melbourne. The Rev. Bean McKenna performed the ceremony. The bride was given away by Mr Neil O'Kane, and wore a dainty silk frock with the customary wreath and veil. Mies L. Hodgson, of Dunedin, attended her as bridesmaid, being attired in cream chiffon taffetas in Directoire style, and a big feathered Merry Widow hat. Mr J. McGann acted as best man. Miss Milsom, Hair Physician and Face Specialist. If you want healthy glossy hair, use her famous Lubricants, Shampoo Mixture, Hair Tonic, Hair Cream. For a lovely complexion use CTJLTENE, Nature's Skin Food. Shampooing, Clipping, Manicuring, Electrolysis, Hair Dressing, Hair Work of every description. Natural Hair Pads. No artificial methods used. Consultation Free. King's Chambers, Wellington. Telephone 814. * No entertainment is quite complete without flowers, which make ail the difference in the world. Miss Murray, Vice-Regal Florist, 36, Willis street, makes it her business to cater for this all-important department in. town and country- Call or write. * Mrs Mathewson, Lambton quay, is holding a great Millinery Removal Sale, a 6 it is cheaper to sell everything at a sacrifice than to remove the goods. It is not every day such a chance occurs. * For choice cut flowers, fresh everyday, try. Miss Prebble, the Floral Depot,' Hotel Windsor Buildings. Church, house, ball, club and dinner table decorations a speciality. Prompt attention to country orders. • PIONEER CLUB. MEETING OF MEMBERS. Members are reminded that the inau guration meeting of the Pioneer Club will bo held this afternoon in the Club Rooms, Mr Winder's buildings (first floor), at 3 o'clock. •

UNVEILING A MEMORIAL HUEIA MATENGA DARLING." In the Assembly Hall of the Missions to Seamen building last night the actingPremier (Hon. James Carroll) unveiled the memorial photograph of Huria Matenga, the Maori woman who in 18U3 saved sixteen of the crew of the Delaware by swimming with a life-line from the shore at the Croixelles to the ship. Preliminary to the • unveiling of the memorial Mr J. Moore, missioner, reminded the large audience of die dee.l performed by the heroine who had died last vear. The acting-Premier said: —"It is true that Huria Matenga has been called the 'Grace Darling' of New Zealand, and it is also true that the bravo deed she performed-in those far-off days is worthy of permanent record. History is sown thick with incidents of the bravery of women, and anions the most beautiful examples of self-abnegation and absolute forgetfulness of self the splendid performance of a bravo young Maori girl is memorable. In my opinion the heroes and heroin ;s of the world have always been spurred to their deeds by their own great hearts, with no thought of consequences or of the colour or creed of those whom they sought to save. "Huria Matenga. then a young girl, simply knew that someone was in danger. Her high spirit, the invincible courage of her forefathers, her inbred love for others compelled her to heroism. Intrepiditv, courage and resource are not, thank God, the possessions of the people of any race. There exist everywhere, people of outstanding character, of pure instincts, and of kindly hearts. Sailors are naturally fond of heroic deeds, because so many sailors have been heroes. Sailors, kind and chivalrous as they invariably are, will gladly give the memory of a brave woman the respect it deserves. The Kia Ora branch of the Girls' Guild has presented this picture, and I ask the mother of benefices, Mrs Williams, who has presented the hall to the Missions to Seamen, to unveil the portrait. Mrs Williams is deeply interested in everything pertaining to the sea for in the sea and in those who rro down to the sea in ships she formerly had her love and hope. I am glad indeed to have the opportunity of'being present at a function that'is riot onlyunique, but one that must; have its effect in spurring men and women to deeds of self : saerifice, of chivalry, and kindness." . Miss E. Young, secretary of the lua Ora Club, spoke briefly, mentioning the ~ift of the guild, which had 6000 members in all" parts of the world comprising a sisterhood that desired to help those in distress, to see that those-who had distinguished themselves should not be forgotten, and to enhance the joy of everyday life. Dunn" the evening a concert was given by Mrs~Bourke, special features being a duet bv Mr and Mrs Bourke. song bv Mr. Hislon. and Mr Hill's "Poi Song, b-- Miss Fuller. Miss Pasopc recited with uncommon power and finish. . The inscription on the nortrait reads: "Presented by the Kia Ora branch of the Girls' Realm Guild. Mrs Julia Martin (Huria Matenea), the New Zealand 'Grace Darling.' who saved the lives ot the crew (16) of the brigantme September., 1863. Died April, ,1909.

TAUGHT BY HER CHILD During -the summer I was ill with nervous disorders and was "fe i? very irritable (writes A Mother m "Good Housekeeping")- , _ • .. , , When I began to mend, I noticed how exactly my eight-year-old daushter had copied my tone., frown,' and entire manner. It seemed she was absorbing every bad habit I had so unconsciously formed during the time when I was least responsible for my actions. I decided to let her copy something worth while, so whenever I felt the least irritation I forced myself to laugh. It was very hard at first, but it paid, for the laugh comes easily now. It is the best lubricant for domestic machinery known, and my little imitator laughs also when tasks annoy or brother The "children quarrel less than formerly, and as for myself, the habit has been more beneficial to me .than medicines.

The regret which tinged the rejoicings of the Dutch that the Holland princess was not a prince, recalls the fact that their experience is , not unprecedented. When the late Queen Victoria had her first child, the British nation was similarly disappointed, and so was the Queen, though she took it. philosophically. "Never mind," she was reported to have said to her husband, when he expressed the fear that the nation would be displeased, "it shall, be a boy next time." And therein her Majesty showed herself, as the "sequel proved, a true p*rophet. So it may be, therefore, in the case of Queen'Wilhelmina, to whom such universal congratulations were extended recently. ' . ' Queen Wilhelmina, who is now in her twenty-ninth year, was ten years old when, on the death of her father, William 111. of the Netherlands, she ascended the Dutch throne. ' Only child of his second union- to Princess .Emma of Waldeck-Pyrmont, her birth, coming as it did after the • death of ' her stepbrothers, the Prince of Orange and his younger brother, was hailed by the nation with no less joy than that whichattended the advent of: her own child.

Miss Elizabeth-Chessar, who has been inquiring into the condition of women prisoners in England, reports that very few skilled workers are found amongst them. The majority of women, criminals are either quite uneducated or women without any trade, and it,is very often their absolute unfitness for work which causes them to drift into crime in the first place. The New York Senate has decided by 3S votes to 3 that women teachers should receive the same pay as men when they do the same work.

Though there is a very general idea that women wear mourning 'for their husbands' relations in exactly, the same manner as .they would for • their own, this is very rarely done. As'a rule the mourning worn for law relations is for a much shorter period, and it is not so deep from the first as it would be for one's own blood' relatives. Black would be assumed, but not of so dense a quality, and white collars,, frilling, etc., would be permissible even if the mark of respect were for the husband's parents. ,

The average old maid is, as a rule, infinitely more amusing, kind, and tolerant than the average married woman, who is so entirely preoccupied with her' own family and their interests, that she has no time to spare for other peo~, pie.—" Lady." ■ Princess Wilhelmina of Orange cannot ascend the throne while her mother lives; had a son>been born (or if a son is yet born) he succeeds at the age of eighteen, and her Majesty becomes the Queen-Mother.-

CLOTHES AND THE WOMAN The Teal occupation at the moment is clothes, remarks the "Sydney Morning Herald's" Loudon lady correspondent, writing on May 21st. Toilettes cannot be turned out quickly enough. We have hr no means seen the end of the D.rectoire modes. They will last rifint lihrough the season, but there is steadily coming under- cons»doration .the Merovingian or Moyen Agu style ot gown. J. saw recently at tue dinner or thu Stage Society a sister 01 the late Aubrey Beurdsley in a green cuirass ot no; and beads made to lit tasUtly oyer thf hips, worn with.a soft c.\ape skirt mtlle with a good deal of draiiery, nor auoarn hair and soft pale skin making her' look just ais if she had stepped out of tie pages of a child s fairy tale. And at wt. James's Theatre a girl was weari.cg a cuirass of silver sequins w ith long Hat medieval sash worked on silver i£ Wkling Paillettes, the start being of puirple net heavily embroidered .111 .silver, worn over a green skirt; it, v,as aJmost like a n .^ oh s ;? m * ss - pm y° S "The Thief Revived! wore a*curious Sawm of soft Pink damask mado with the bouica. There is no doubt that heselW ,gowns are tat coning m • the only thing is that ><™ ,imvms if V'l'tU go m tor this UM ui uTeSng, ,as the eye soon tires ot a cosh,me eaect and if it becomes as common aftSe -Uirectoire all women wiU M -3E. d £S£ i£- Proceeds to describe the Parisian u.Uaue.l gowns, which Mrs tqurth allowed to be exhibited residence, bmitWS down al t £ r °* tno press upoJt her. ino models, uiiee in number, were extremely simple, and tfeie almost fourteenth century sty-ic. Une was copied gown *« tofe ped tunic of spotW, matei-lai,ioided rf tS Se a tened with a tanck card .«* «£ gown Tne thml go\vn wad like a GTetchen, witS a nish-waist«d bodice, aoia skirt hnely gatnered om to this bodace, woto over tt lawn Uo«-necked guuup* and halt sleeves. The flout or ™> S™? i was iaoed with cards, and had ui^ele.

WOMtN AND CIVICS. The good wives of Washington, tho political capital of the : United totals, were recently driven to a. desperate tut-p oy me unclean state ot lieu- streets, in vaul they mad called the attention ot the authorities to tne dirt and litter wtticn was always to be lound in the streets; tho authorities were deal to all; then pleadings and urgings, to, anally, m <lesDoratioS, a large number of prominent women, including wives of representatives and senators, turned out in a body one day and personally supervised the daily cleaning. .It is said that never did the streets of .Washington present such a clean appearance as on that day.

The women of Edinburgh, Scotland, | have been doing their beet to. mate the . desert rejoice and blossom like the rose. | Not content with the prospect ot to»ni narks and city gardens, which have been planned tor tne iuture, they determine* to begin at once to bring some light and brightness into the Blum districts, and, provide places where the poor, children could play. With this determination, a committee found five spaces _ m the poorest slums of the town, which they decided to turn into wardens, lho-nrst of these has just been officially opened, and the spot, which was once , an ugly heap, is now a pretty little garden, witn a plot of grass and bright flower beds. The children from the neighbouring schools will have their .nature classes there, and under Supervision will Keep the garden in order.

Copenhagen has admitted women members to its municipal council, and an. ac- 1 count comes from Europe .of the first ap- i pearance of the city mothers m the cpr- J poration. "The-public gallery was filled with women, visibly delighted at the triumph, of their cause. No little curiosity had been felt as to how the sexes would, meet in the council chamber, but the result exceeded the most optimistic expectations. Gallantly the grey-bearded councillors offered the new members their arms, and courteously comxuctcd them to their seats. The ladies all looked solemn and somewhat nervous. Most of them wore black, except the new socialist member, a compositor, who was resplendent in a white blouse and hat, with scarlet trimmings. The new members, were formally welcomed, and then, business over, the city fathers and mothers gathered : about the coffee table in the big dining hall for an informal chat, when matters apparently progressed famously, for one of the new women members was heard to remark-that she never thought thev. would have had such a pleasant party." The picture of the "city fathers and mothers" seated sociably round a teatable, amicably discussing the affairs of t the city, is much prettier than the dis- , orderly scenes we have recently had so ■ I 'much of in some of our local council , chambers, where only men are present, and whatever one may think about,woman's power to vote with wisdom, there cah be no doubt that on questions of the city welfare, which after all is onlyhousekeeping on a broader scale, woman's experience and ingenuity would be helpful and valuable.

WHAT EVEKY WOMAN DOESN 'X KNOW Same ingenious person, has found out and recoraed tnat tne average good, honest, true woman auly too ouen coiniiels tno average good, huneat, true. man to falsehoods, blio makes him tell lies, because, in lier vanity, in her over-ween-ing sense of xiroprieLorshixi, sue rn'efers a lie to the ti-utn. Tnere can ho no two opinions about the personal honesty and truthruiness, for instance, of Mr Jarr.. ilo is pure gold, all wool and a yard wide, so far .as his private predilection for telling the truth is concerned. Host men are. And yet, poor wretch, how he lies, and lies, and lies, to Mis Jarr! ile Iras to. in order to keep peace in tlie family, in order to make life with ■Airs Jarr worth living at all, ho has to tell lies to her. These lies, when they make an especial appeal to her vanity, the foolish woman accepts in the faoo of all her own intelligence to tire contrary. Hut when they do not make this flattering appeal, when, on the contrary, they strain her credulity, what does Mrs t Jarr do but force the poor man to fur- ; tber inoriminato himself by perjury—a. sin which the best of men is likely, under such: circumstances, to commit rather than confess to an angry woman that ho has lied to her. . / Slaking .duo allowance for the hrgii lights and exaggeration, Mr and Mis Jarr are archetypal of a largo class ot young married couples, just, as, noooubt, they were, .in their days of courtship, archetypal of the lover-and-sweetheart one of the paradoxes of human nature, is it not? that a man who holds himself toward all the rest of the world in an attitude of uncompromising vcracitv of unimpeachable honour and integrity, is frequently a man who occasionally or ' systematically deceives the one being of all others for whom, ho Sort <£!&. And what a diabolical joke that, ill relation to the W™h lojos. the most loyal erf benedicts, the most exemplary of bachelors, should be obliged upon occasions of greater or leaf frequency, to brand himself as an unconscionablo dissembler. And yet, how a man would like to tell the troth, if only a woman would let him' How'much he would like to do so only that man knows who has a wide and varied experience in not doing so. Tor most men have.a- strong predilection for tolling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth The- reason for this is "not so much ethical as it s nractical. Men prefer to tell the truth, not merely because it is natural to de so, and therefore much easier as aw■rtl nrocess, but because long experience, MthfndMdual and racial, him that, all else being equal, honesty is the best policy.

MORE WOMEN -IN CONFERENCE It certainlyspeaks Veil for nurses as ';, me-ssengers of peace, that, during the 10 vetre the Australasian Trained purses Aviation has been in existence .ttere . have never been any absolute. nece*gty for a ceneral conference. Ihe various, branches throughout the Commamraalth - have always worked tinder the .same rules oulctly and harmoniously, and.no questions of debate have ever arisen that could rot be settled without over much diSussion. Now, however, it has been decided to hold a general conference, and ... defecates from -the different States will, , visff Sidney for tills purpose this month, ■ : «he necessity for the conference.has not arisen from any disagreement, hut tiom the fact that so many . matters of vital importance have lately been discussed by the various councils, that-a general meetintr seems the fairest and easiest waj ot ; settling them. Therefore representatives will come from Queensland, Western Australia. South. Australia and. Tasmania to thrash out the diflercnt probJems, of which tho most important will be the question of State or lederal legislation for the registration of nurses.

Flustered hostess (speeding, -the parting guest):."Oh, good-bye Miss Blank I believe I said good-bye to you before, but 0110 can't do a. pleasant thing too often, you know.