Notes for Women.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7023, 11 January 1910, Page 7

Notes for Women.

(EDITED BY " ZEALAND I A.")

ZEALANDIA will p«rsonally attend all social functions of interest, for which cards may bo forwarded to the ' r.ew Zealand Times" office. Aecountß of weddings, dances, and social events generally, sent in for insertion, must bo properly authenticated. Ago-

landia Trill be p!«ased to give correspondents the benefit of her advice on matters connected with the household, toilet, cookery, dress and tasmon etiquette, etc. On these and all ouiei subjects of interest to women correspondence is cordially invited.

homclifc, these classes in home decoration havo been started. The day is.dawning; it has dawned in America, when homemaking shall be looked upon as a science, and be a snibjoot required in all schools and colleges. It will be demanded that every child shall receive a vocational training, raisin.; them above the degrading level oi inefficiency. And tho home-maker is the key to tho whole problem. Never a great man without a Kreat mother. From tho mother, it is said, the child inherits its intellect. How (jreatly, therefore, does the obligation upon her become, to surround/ herself with a knowledge of what constitutes tho truly beautiful in the life that is open before her.

HOME DECORATION

MUST EDUCATE OUR GRANDMOTHERS. ENTHUSIASTS IN WELLINGTON. "We talk much of the 'uplift' of communities, and we talk on a largo scale, says a recent writer. But the only uplift" that amounts to a row of pins is that which begins with, the effort, hero and there, of some individual, to realise some ideal and instil i« into tile mind 9 of growing citizens. It is to educate tho future j lOll ? 6 - mothors along, wise lines that Mr l.a Trobe has opened classes at the Technical School for the study of "Decoration in the Home." under the personal supervision of Miss Sybil Johnson. "It is, usual," said Miss Johnson m reply to an interviewer, "to shrug out of an educational difficulty by saying we oucht to havo educated our grandmothere. Well, that's what we are trying to do: educate the grandmothers of tho future." , ~ ,~, "We are tryini? to teach the children that beauty has never conformed to any fashion but is a sense of harmony, a true senso of the proportion of things in our lives, and that wo have power to control and make our surroundings beautiful." These classes, conducted at tho local school, aim at a wide spreading influence. They attempt-to go down into tho roots of some things and oxplain whv they exist. They have set out to influence the future generation. In our primary system wo teacn the child how to express certain things on paper, but the imagination is too often ignored and such . a thing as taste is forgotten. Looking round on results it seems our educational ideals are too utilitarian in aim, and it is re-actmg in tho outlook of our people. The system seems to ignore the dreamer latent in most children. The colonies, struggling to emerge from the primitive, have no sympathy as yet with dreams; and the sense of beauty in tho home life seems strongly lacking.. Yet it has been the dreamers who have lifted up tho race. It was recently said to tho writer by one just returned from some years in the European centres of thought, that the first tiling to 6trike a returned colonial was the total lack of the beauty sense in our daily life, and our perfect unconsciousness of the lack.

It is to remedy this fault that the art classes applied to homo decoration have started.

These classes are organised for the studontis attending the commercial classes, who are intended for a business career. To the girls the office is often but a transitory phase of life, a manner of earning their daily bread: their future is the home. The two and a half hours a week they devote to the study of decoration in the home, in these, their impressible years, will have future effects not to be calculated. Tho ideas of beauty opened before their hungry minds in these youthful days will affect their intellectual outlook during life.

The children in these classes, are given objects to study, to put on paper, and then combine into a decorative whole. Then when the child has grasped the olomentary laws of • arrangement, proportion, and harmony, they are asked to explain whore suoh and such a thing is good, and why. Tho lecture often takes the form of bringing before the children works of art, ivorks that havo been acclaimed by the centuries as of the best: and asking them what part or picture they consider tho best, and why they so decide. This trains their judgment. It is hero that a great lack in our general educational scheme crops out. Names that have been tho joy, the romance, or even the laughter for generations are to our children unknown. Mercury to them is a metal in a tube tha£ tells the weather. And_ King Arthur was a man who lived in England and burnt the cakes. Alas, for the perfect knisilvt his life has ceased to bo of interest to our modern colonial mind. Yet tho children crave these romantic tales; their interest in all the old idylls, and heroic sagas, is of tho keenest; and they never forget. But our system seems to have- failed somewhere. Wo have stolen the bloom from off the peach, robbed the child of the one -land that would 'always remain in their possession, the eolden land of romance; closed their .minds to the jjlorious tales of our English homeland, and not even given thom in placo a knowlodge of the romantic history of the Maori.

These children passing through the classes at the Technical • School will know something of the laws of beauty that rule the world, those laws that aJ'e as well defined as the laws that control the flight of an aeroplane, and in their futuro homeKfe will feel their effect. These gir] students will know that houses are but the outward form of a woman's inward mind: a fact so often overlooked by the modern women. A room is but tho emblem of a personality, bo it big or little, it expresses tho owner in every line of decoration and arrangement. Even if bought ready fitted by an expert it still proclaims the want of harmony with its inhabitant. Any home is but the emblem of a dominant personality, be it large or small, old or new, it shouts out the character of its maker in unmistakable accents. The young girls are learning what few women eoem to appreciate in this country, that a home is but a frame for the living picture of domestic life. Some are tawdry, cheap, chipped; 60me are gaudy, ostentatious, vulgar; and some are quiet: a harmony of restful peace. It is thus that the housewife's mind is shown, of times cruelly, against the background of her daily surroundings. To influence the future housewife in the most important part of her life, her

THE PIONEEE CLUB

It is expected that a number of ladies will visit Wellington next niorrtk. in connection with, the Medical Congress, which meets hore towards the end of February, and the Pioneer Club intends to entertain them at a reception on tho first Wednesday after their arrival.

One of the ideas that the founders of the club had in view was that women visiting "Wellington officially should be so entertained, and those members of the club who were present last week when the club entertained the ladies attending the Educational Institute understood how pleasant this could be for both hostesses and guests. A few of tho delegates had left for their homes, but most of them oamo to the club and a very pleasant afternoon was spent. Miss Richmond, as president, addressed the visitors, welcoming theniion behalf of tile club, and saying that the club might be considered as representing the many women in the community who appreciated the work dono for their children by the toachers, though, perhaps, they never gave expression to that appreciation. Sbo then gave a very interesting account of visits she had paid to schools and colleges in Germany and America. After her address several of the teachers—Miss Shrewsbury (Auckland'), Miss Hooper (Dunedin), and Miss Chaplin (North Canterbury)—responded on behalf of the delegates. They said they very much appreciated the hospitality shown to them by the clubhand that in no other town whore the'lnstitute "had met had tho women of the town ever extended a welcome to tho women delegates or shown so much, interest in their work. It has been determined tliat in futuro when the Pioneer dub officially entertains its guests a notification to that effect will appear in the adver. itising columns of the daily papers. WEDDINGS . : GEIRARI>—AEKINS. Yesterday afternoon at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, by. the Rev. McNicol, of Otaki, Violet Madeline Gertrude only daughter of Mr R. J. Aokins, of the Railway Department, was married to Mr Harold Gerard, of Wellington. The bride wore a graceful princess frock of white satin charmeuse, and a veil and orange blossoms. She carried a shower bouquet. ' Miss Eunice Lagor was chief bridesmaid and wore a pretty white embroidered muslin frock and a white hat trimmed with marguerites. She carried a shower bouquet of heliotrope flowers. Two little tots, Joyce Aelrins and Nellie D'aviSj wealing white muslin frocks and carrying baskets of flowers, were also bridesmaids. Mr 0. Warren was best man and Mr Percy Aekins groomsman. After the ceremony a recaption was held at the homo of the bridle's mother, the wedding breakfast being laid in the dining-room, which was artistically decorated with white flowers. Mr and Mrs Gerard left by taxi for their honeymoon, which is to be spent in the North. The bride travelled in a smartly-tailored mole coat and skirt, and a tricorn hat of mole, trimmed with palo blue- flowers. McCATTD—COLYER. At St. Thomas's Church. Newtown, yesterday afternoon. Miss Beryl Colyer, daughter of Mr J. R. Colyer, Registrar of the Supremo Court, Invercargill, was married to Mr Douglas G. McCaul, son of Mrs M. M. McCaul, of Wellington. Thle Rev. Walker performed the ceremony, and Mr P. B. Crouch acted as best man. Tho brido, who wore a cream crysba.llino_ semi-Empire frock and a cream' hat," was given away by Mr G. GiUon, of Wellington. Miss Barry wais bridesmaid, wearing a grey frock and rose pink hat. After the ceremony a reception was given toy Mrs Alcorn at her residence in Clyde quay. Mr and Sirs Douglas McCaul will reside at Enandallah. WEDDING AT SHANNON. I A pretty wedding took place on Thursday at the Yen. Bode's Church, Shannon. Tho contracting parties were Mr J. T. Rcid, of Hanmer Springs, and Miss May Stansell, third daughter of Mr J. R. Stansell, of Shannon. The .wedding wao Solemnised by the Rev. S. G. Compton. The bride, who given away by her ! father, looked charming in a handsome dress of cream crepe de chine, trimmed with silk insertion.) and net. She •wore a lovely Brussels' lace veil and orange blossoms and carried a shower bouquet, a; gift of a Wellington friend. She was attended . by two bridesmaids, 3rissos Florence and Ruby Stansell, sisters of the brido, who wore white embroidered princess dresses, cream hats, trimmed with heliotrope, . and carried heliotrope bouquets. Mr R. T. Reid, of Auckland, brother of the bridegroom, was groomsman. Tho . bridegroom's gift to the bride was a gold cable bangle, and the maids received Sold brooches. The bride's gift to the bridegroom was a set of silver-mounted brushes. Mrs Stansell, mother of tho bride, wore ?v handsome dress of black taffetas trimmed with silk insertion and a smart black and white bonnet. After the ceremonv the jmerts. ivbo consisted only of the relations of both Darties, were entertained at "Flaxbonrne," the residence of the bride's parents. A sumntuous weddimr. breakfast wa.-x servcl in a larce mn.rcmee on th-« lawn. The hfi.rmv rouble left bv for T*vr-in, from there to AuckIpTid. via WcllinctATi, and f'nallv to ffa.nmw Pnrinss. the fntvjrc homo of the nowly married couple. The bride

wore a travelling costume of cream Silician with black facings, white hat with large black plumes. They were the recipients of numerous costly presents. SOCIAL AND PERSONAL NOTES Mrs Percy, Mrs A. E. Donne's sister, arrives to-day. Mrs Findlay loft last night fox several woeks' holiday in Duuedin. Miss D. Richmond is the guest of Miss Richmond, of Hobson street. Mrs "Wright, wifo of Mr Wright, M.P., goes to Eotorua for a fortnight. . Mrs Frederick Samuel and Mrs and Miss Corliss, have returned from their holiday in the Picton sounds. Mrs David Findlay, who has boon on a motor tour in the Auckland and Ilotorua districts, ' has returned to Wellington. Dr Fitchett is to attend the meeting of the University Senate in Dunedin next week, and Mrs Fitchett goes South with Mm. Mrs O. Waddy, of Marlborough, is at present spending a holiday with her sister-in-law, Mrs Wynn-Williams, of Jjonsdowne, Masterton. Mrs .Waddy will pay a visit ' to her sister's at Otahoua before returning home. To-day will bo "ladies' day" at the' Thorndon bowling green. Afternoon tea will be provided under the supervision cf Mrs R. J. Collins and Mrs W. F. Barraud. There was a largo number of ladies yesterday, but to-day it is anticipated that even more will attend. The many friends of Mrs W. H. Tucker, wife of the Hon. Captain Tucker, will Tegret to learn that she is still in a very low condition (says the Gisbomo " Herald"). It is pleasing, .however, to know that the patient is not suffering pain. Her illness is the result of an old complaint. On Friday evening (writes our Blenheim correspondent) the Messrs Munro gave a 1 most enjoyable dance at "Bank•boose," and the bad weather which prevailed, all • day cleared sufficiently to enable a large number of guests to attend._ Drags and motor-cars were requisitioned to convoy the guests to tihe Homestead. The drawing-room was used for dencong, and the verandah was canvassed in. A dainty supper was laid in the dining-room, the tables being decorated with sweet peas and roses. Mrs Munro wore a handsome Mack silk gown relieved with cream ■lace. Amongst those present were:— Mrs Dvraock, Mrs F. N. Dillon, Mrs Watts." Mrs .Griffiths. Mrs L. Griffiths, Mrs Perrett, Mrs A. Mowat, Mrs J. Mnwnt Mrs Adams. Mrs Burden, Mrs B. Olouston. Mrs W. Clomton, Mrs Maclaino. Miss Urquhart (Scotland*. Misses D. Waddv, Griffiths, K-ott-Smith. Bell <Z), Borton. JlcXah. Severn, Nivon, Clouston (3), Redwood,

Chaytor (2), Vavasour (2), Snistedi (Westport), and Messrs Mtraro (2), Mc-< Shane, Adams, B. Moore, W. Brace,' A. Bell, Tuko, J. 8011, White (2), HilL L. Bridgo (Wellington), and many others, all of whom spent a, most enjoyable evening. Mrs A. Western ; also gave an enjoyable dance for, young people at Tuamarina on Wednes- , day last, in honour of Miss Western, of England. The guests, many oi whom drovo 'out from Blenheim, spent a very pleasant evening, and dancing was kept up till an early. ■ hour on Thursday morning. ' Mrs Western woro a black silk frock relieved with real laoo, and the guest of honour woro a vioux rose ninon with Oriental trimmings. It isvCTy convenient for ladies.- vium they require a nice frown to have the advantage of expert advice and knowledee. Hayward, the well-knoTm Indies" tailor, of Laanbton quay, makes a T»»nt <jt studying the wjclics of his patrons, and . all his gowns bear the imprint'-of a master hand. ■ We have three months of summer two* ther to get yet, and one is surprised to find new summer millinery just given away at Mrs Mathewson fl, Lambton quay. Ton can get each a smartlytrimmed hat there for 8a lid, and thosa at 12s Od are good enough for the most dressy occasions. The sale is only for ten days, so wise people will,buy early.'* Bridal Debutante —. Presentation.— Hand Bouquets in all newest ntyl«fl, ladies' dress and hair sprays. Gentle* men's oont flowers. Birthday offerings. Miss Prebble, th» Floral Depot, 51, Willis street. '« Weddings.—Bribe's and Bridremaid'a Bouquets, Sprays. Basket?, and other. wtistio floral devices for birthdayn, presentations, bon voyaee. etc. Choicest ■ fiowora only used. Miss Murray. VioeRogal Florist, 3fl. Willis street. • HINTS ABOUT TOUR HATE AJJD HOME TREATMENT. If your hair is falling, faded, or grey, do not worry, Miss Mileoin'a wonderful treatment and preparations will not only reslore to life and lustre, but positively cure dandruff and diseases of the scalp. Treatments from 3s Gd. Shampooing, Faco Massage, Manicuring, Clipping, Hairdressing dono and taught. Hair, work of every description. .Electrolysis, E amies? and permanent. King's Cramers, Willis street (neit Empire Hotel). Telephone 814. •