MOTES FOR WOMEN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7871, 5 August 1911, Page 9

MOTES FOR WOMEN.

IN' “THE SUE SET LAND.” Onco more the war cloud has passed, and the busy people who yet like to bo up in everything that is going on in the great world havo put oIT "looting up .Morocco’' until a more convenient season. Truth to tell, Morocco is one ox the places in tho world about which we assume tlmt wc arc decently conversant, but havo no very good grounds for the assumption- Yet in the light of climate, custom, race, and religion could any spot on north present a more striking contrast to Lund of tho Long White Cloud" than “the Sunset Laud"? For freedom, take slavery; for ini dustry, idleness; for uprightness, treachery; for kindliness, cruelty. f lho thought of Morocco, its white-draped men anti black-veiled women, its hidden courtyards and horseshoe arches, is ail as unfamiliar as tho rhododcndron-clad gorges of the Himalayas. I know' of just one Moorish archway in Wellington, and its presence in tho convunUoLVU respectability of Hobson street never fails to stimulate Interest in the architect who, in this infantile country, dreamed of that hoary land of departed glory. When Laurence Harris, an English artist. loft London, in September of 1908, it was on an interesting mission: none other than to interview and sketch the (then) new Sull'-an of Morocco. His instructions, ho says, may bo summed up as follows: "If through some untoward circumstance you. meet with personal inconvenience in the shape of brigands, bullets, or tho slower but moro deadly 'machinations of an Oriental cook, you are so to arrange that your despatches do not fail to reach London without delay—your remains may follow at leisure." Tlie exceptional advantages Mr Harris enjoyed as Court painter at the Court of Mulai Uafid enabled him to get a closer insight into Moorish life and customs of to-day than is often obtainable, And what customs! The “Protender" of the moment. Bow Hamara was then disturbing tho provinces, and tho author tells how' some of the Koyal regiments sent out to quell tho insurgents “merely visited a few unoffending villages, cut off tho heads of tho defenceless peasants, and returning with these glorious sports of war laid tho gory harvest at the feet of tho Sultan. Duly Eickled by tho Jews, these heads were ung on tho great Moorish arch of the city gate—a warning to ail tho unfaithful! In connection with Bow* Hamara it will bo remembered that when he did fall into the power of the Sultan whose throne he had tried to snatch, his fato was a fearful one. Ho was thrown alive into a cage of hungry lions, tho Sultan and tho favourite members of his harem watching tho horrid spectacle. Mr Harris speaks of the Sultan's "Zoo" as containing “tho most magnificent

EDITED BY "ZEALANDIA.*'

lions and tigers I have ever seen, either wild or in captivity. Their coats were sleek as satin, the markings of the tigers •■being very handsome, and all tho animals giants of their kind. “Mulai Hatid was pleased as any schoolbo v as ho went from cage to cage, speaking to and teasing tho lovely creatures. ‘Wait,' he said, ‘and I will show thee something to feast thine eyes on/ Ho gave an order to 'the attendants and a live sheep was brought; struggling and bleating it was thrust alive into tho cage ox a fine tiger. It was a nauseating sight. I turned my head ataxy, but njot beforo I caught eight of Muiui Halid’s face. Such a look of cruel enjoyment X have never seen on-any human face. With glistening eyes and open mouth he lost not a detail of tho horrid spectacle as the x> oor was rent to pieces by the hungry tiger." Under such a ruler, and he only one of generations of like-minded despots, can one wonder that Morocco is the Augean stable of cruelty, tyranny, and abomination that She is? -No doubt it would bo a frightful thing that the torch or a European war should bo lit anywhere, for a war in these times of scientific destruction means a bajitism of blood before which tho imagination quails. Nevertheless, tho moro one reads about Morocco, tho more one realises that life as it is expounded in “tho Sunset Land," is a blot on tho history of the times. Tho most natural question to ask oneself is why do tho unhappy subjects of the Sultan endure his tyranny? The answer is found in trying to realise the curious and peculiarly Eastern character of his position. “Tho Chosen of God," as the Sultans of -Morocco are called, are not, strictly speaking, pontifical or religious rulers. They do, however, possess the “ Baraka," or power of blessing—owing, no doubt, to tho Sultanship only being held by a “Shereef." one who is directly descended from the Prophet—and it is this power of the hereditary and inalienable benediction which is tho celestial unction which sanctifies tho Sultan of Morocco. His faults even his acts of cruelty, are all excused os being attributable to some divine inspiration which mere mortals are incapable of comprehending. Moreover, it must bo remembered that so far as the present Sultan is concerned ho is a very babe, seethed in tho milk of human kindness, in comparison with his predecessor, Mulai Abdallah, of whom it is said that not a day passed without hundreds of his subjects being put to death in the most horrible modes a debased ingenuity could devise. The last sentence in Mr Harris's book runs thus: “This country of atrocities, which equal tho horrors of the Spanish Inquisition, is only lit to be occupied by a European power." Poor shadowed land of tho blood-stained sunset! —ZEALANDIA. SOCIAL AiND PERSONAL Hr and Sirs Squires, who Lave been staying in. Wellington, bare returned to Nelson. Miss England, who had been on a visit to Hawke’s Bay. has returned to Wellington, Mr and Mrs McLeod, who havo boon on a short visit to Wellington, have returned to Mastorton. Captain and Mrs Moss have gone on a visit to Hawke’s Bay. Mrs Wilson (Auckland) is the guest of Mrs Alex. Young. Mrs W. Turnbull is leaving for Christchurch to-night. Mrs Gawith and Miss Boris Gawith (Mastorton) are visiting Wellington. Miss J. Campbell (Sydney) is staying with Mrs Scales (Hntt). Miss Davidson (Nelson) is on a visit to Wellington, and is staying at tho Cecil. Mr and Mrs B. T. Cameron, who had been staying in Wellington, returned to Glen Bhu yesterday. Mrs Penrico is leaving for a short visit to Sydney, where she will bo the gnest of Bean and Mrs Pryor. Mr and Mrs Eapburn, who had been making a short stay in Wellington, returned yesterday to Blenheim. Mr and Mrs C. Vallance (Masterton), accompanied by Miss Zona Vallance, left last evening for Christchurch, where they will attend the Grand National meeting. Mr and Mrs W. Birch, who have been staying at Miss Malcolm’s, left for Martoa yesterday. Mr and Mrs Thomas (Nelson), who ore visiting Wellington, are staying at the Windsor, Miss Muriel Wylie, who has been speuding a holiday in Auckland, has returned to Wellington. Mr and Mrs T. Bornean (Wanganui) passed throngh Wellington yesterday on their way to attend tho Grand National races at Christchurch. Br A. Wilson and Mrs Wilson (Wanganui) are on a visit to Wellington. Miss Primrose (Napier) is on a visit to Wellington, and is staying at tho Windsor. * Mr and Mrs Tyer, who arrived from Napier yesterday, are staying at Balmoral. Mrs Graham Gow and her daughter have gone south to spend a week with Dr Gow, of Winton, Southland. . Sirs Jack Rose left last night on a visit to Chiisbchurch. Mrs V. Baldwin (Auckland) is staying with Mrs C. Pearce. Miss Stewart, who has been spending

a few days in Wellington, left for Dunedin last evening. Miss Olive Tnrton (Hawera), who is visiting Wellington, is staying at the Boyal Oak. Mrs Mead is returning to Carterton to-day. A committee meeting was hoU. l a '^' evening in connection with the Civil Service ball, which is to bo held in the Town Hall on Wednesday next. All arrangements are now well in banu. Members of the Ministry have notified that they will attend, and there is every prospect of the ball being a great success. Late care will run to Thorndon and Newtown after tho ball. Tho committee of tho poster ball desire to thank the following for contributions: —-Dominion, two guineas; Levin anil c-o*. | .£1 10s; Messrs Milligan, Androws, W. Bethuno, Harcourt, A. T. Bate, Xolhurst, and the Gear Co., • each; Wong Wab, Hiil and Son, Pallisei, G. B. White, 10s Cd each; Mr S. Gilmer, 10s; Mrs Pergusson, 13s. The committee, also thank tho following lor assistance. —Colonial Carrying Company, A,ow coaland Times,” Walkfrr (carriers;. Smith and Smith), Coulls and Culling. BanLs, Ferguson and. Hicks, Watkins, , Co h Tyler and Co., limes (earners), "Post,” Messrs Walter Leslie. Linlcj. Richards.' Tiller, Duckworth, Sootillar’s, and Miss Prebble. .Mrs John Puller, juur., who iron a guinea prmo, has returned tho amount to tho eociay. WANGANUI NOTES. (By “Eileen.”) 3 . Tho Wanganui Arts and Crafts Society intend holding an exhibition about the 10th of this month, and it open about a week. Mm ',, ia (lion, secretary) has had wo, 1 Loin hia Excellency Lord Islington- that ho will be pleased to become patron. T , On Friday evening last Mr Lonis Cohen entertained the members ot the Shakespearian Club at Lyceum to witness tho beautiful iuovni„ pictuio w Henrv VUI. There were about Stty’in tho/party. Among those Present were Mrs H. Sarjcaut, Mrs luinv-y. Mr» (Dr.) Wail, Mrs Montgomerie, MiHughes Johnston, Mrs inues,. Misses Currie (2), Cherritt, JarcUno. Moore, Bi„nell. Christie, and many others. The patients of the hospital were entertained by a musical party ou Monday ovenS?" aid ou Tuesday evening the members of St. Paul’s choir, with their mstor lUev. Mr McKenzie) gave a Scotch night, which was thoroughly enjoyed by -all who were able to be pro'°Tho Egmont-W anganui Hunt Club held their meet on Saturday last at “AVaikupa," tho homestead ot Air Jjiank Jones. The day was a glorious one, and auito a largo number of visitors weie present. At the conclusion of tho meet, Air and Airs Frank Jones entertained all at afternoon tea. Beforo leaving, Air Barton, deputy-master, thanked their host and hostess for their generous hospitality. Among those who drove out were Mrs Clay, Miss Ireland, Mr and Mrs Glasgow, Mr and Mrs J. Casey, Mrs W. K. McLean, Mr and Mrs \V. Higgle, Mr B. Bussell, Mr and Mrs Jas. Biggie, Mrs Patterson, Mr S. Morton, Mr A. Higgle, Air and Mrs G. McLeod, Mr J. Cameron, Misses McLeod, Mr and Airs Sommervilie, Messrs G. Swan, 1. Seccomba, Bayley, Vaughn, Jones, L. Sargoant, Quigley, Enderby, and Blacklock. Among those ■ who followed were : Miss Outfield, Miss Campbell, Mrs Bckker, Mr Barton (deputy-master). Messrs Budge Gordon (huntsman), L. Strachan, C. Patterson, E. Jones, A, Gordon, T. Cathro. W. JC. McLean, L. Turner, L. Wilson, and E. Graham. Tho executive of tho Wanganui Young Men’s No-liceose Club and the W.C.T.U. have passed resolutions of sympathy with Airs T. Taylor and family. The draw for the fourth medal match against Bogey took place on Wednesday. Those taking part in class A were Airs I. Saunders v. Mrs Sargeant, Miss Wiiford v. Miss E. Anderson, Mrs B’Arcy v. Miss Cade, Aliss Anderson v. Mrs Izard, Miss Knapp v. Aliss Stevenson, Aliss P. Nison v. Miss Stevenson, Miss Barley v. Mrs Armstrong, Miss Bates v, Aliss Grerson. Class B—Mrs Strouts v. Mrs R. Jackson; Miss. G. Christie v. Aliss Bayley, Aliss Frankist y. Aliss Marshall, Mrs Stone v. Miss Collier, Airs Wooten v. Miss Greaves, Airs Mcßeth v. Mrs Mackay, Mrs Brookfield and Airs Davis v. Misses C. and I. Nixon, Mrs Bymock and Mrs Stevenson v. Mrs Lomas ana Aliss Kerr, Miss P. Hadiield and Aliss Davis v. Miss M. Hatrick.

The match, played last Wednesday for Mrs Good's prize resulted in a win tor Miss Spencer—lo, sips . clown. On the 10th of this month, there will be a nutting competition for a prize presented oy Mrs Lomax. The Wanganui Hockey Association have issued invitations for a euchre party and danco (complimentary to the Taranaki visiting representatives) to bo held in the Assembly Booms, on August 10th. A very strong committee of ladies and gentlemen have everything in hand, and, given fine weather, the. evening should be an enjoyable one, NEW PLYMOUTH NOTES Mrs Graves (Hawera) is staying 2 ]? 6 New Plymouth for a short visit. itra B. Pridham is visiting Wellington. Mrs Kebbell and her little son have retained from an enjoyable visit to Auckland. On Tuesday afternoon, on the Ngamotu likns, the finals for the senior and junior ladies championships were played, The weather was fine but doll, with a Ught breeze. Quito a number of spectators followed round to witness tho match for the senior championship between Miss Stephenson and Miss Brewster. Tho first hole was halved, the next two holes iMtsm Stephenson won, and she maintained a load all through, winning by 3 up and 2 to play. Miss Brewster played a plucky game, but Miss Stephenson played too experienced and steady a game, and tho issue was never in doubt. Miss Standish, who has several times fought out tho final with Miss Stephenson in previous years, this year was not a competitor. Previous winners of the club championship havo been: 1905, Miss Stephenson: 1906, Mrs Byrnes (nee Miss Hoakin); • 1907, Miss fetandish; 1908, Miss Standish; 1909, Miss Stephenson; 1910, Miss Stephenson; 1911, Miss Stephenson. For tho junior championship, Miss K, Saxton boat Mies Glasgow by 2 up* after a very close and interesting game. On Monday evening the Taranaki Rifles hold their* annual ball in the Theatre Eoyal. It was a most successful and enjoyable function. The decorations, which were moat lavish and artistic, quite transformed tho theatre; nikau pni-mfl pud mirrors wore placed at intervals ail roundthe hail; red, white and blue draperies and nikaus wore used to decorate the

whole front of the dress cir.cle, and the pLi Lure supporting it were also festooned with the tri-colours and nlkaus. Under tho electric lights in the centre ol tho coiling was suspended a .huge Japanese umbrella, each, “spoke having a. coloured cluno.:.c lantern ataciied to it, forming a most effective decoration. The stag© was furnished as a drawingroom, and palma and large bowls of. arum lilies were also used with very good effect. Supper was lorn at the back of tho stage, the tables being very prettily arranged with red camellias and white flowers, and bowls ol vimets. Airs Wood's orchestra supplied excellent music. Among 'those present were: Mrs Fletcher, in white taffetas with goal trimmings: .Mrs Bellringer, pmk satin; Mrs Bacon, black satin; Mrs A. McDiannid, floral chiffon over bine satin; Mrs 1 black net over taffetas, touches of op ll / son on corsage; ili.-ts Humphries, black satin, with sequin trimming; Miss ktondish, blue channelise, veiled with coronation bluo-spanglcd chiffon; Miss Bedford, black taffetas, with emerald green on corsage; Miss Dora Bedford, pink Lomsine silk; Miss O. .Mackay. black ninon over satin, white chiffon fichu; Aliss Kiriiby, white ninon over satin; silver embroidered trimming; Miss Saunders, white charmcu~c; Miss Warren, white and blue flowered- chiffon over white channtmsc, silver trimmings; Miss Godfrey, black liitssiau net over taffetas; M-itss Arden, white silk; Miss White, pink silk; Mrss K Bennett, green velvet; Mi-s Hcaly, blue 'crepe; Miss llailett, black charmcusc, lliiisbcd with *?teel and silver embroidery. Among the gentlemen were: Colonel Malone, Major Bellringer, Captain, A. iU> Bjarmld, Captain Fletcher, Lieutenants Marctt. Boon, and Willis, Messrs McCord. Bain, Humphries, S. Burgess, Crisp, Stone, Bacon, Arden, and lloby. KAPIER LETTER FEOil ORE OWN COEEESPONTENT. Mrs and Miss Pollen havo returned, (from Wellington. , Miss TuUo, who has been, on a four mouths’ visit to her sister. Mrs Gudgeon, of Auckland, and also to Okoroirp and the Hot Lakes, has returned to Napier. Tho wedding of Miss Violet Benson, of Hospital' Hill, Napier, to Mr Hugh Abso;um (late of Auckland) has been arranged to take place at St. Augustine’s Church ou August 21st. „ Mrs W. J. Geddls and her son. Mr Trevor Geddis, left on Thursday for Sydney, via Wellington, to meet Mr Geddis on his return from the Old Country. Mr and Mrs Howard, of Colombo, are spending a few months in Napier. Mrs George Russell, of Kumata, has returned homo after a visit to Mr and Mrs Geo. Land, of Hastings. . Miss Black, ot Gisborne, has been visiting Mrs Russell Duncan. , , , Miss Anderson, of Christchurch, •vmo_ has been staying with Mrs May no at tho vicarage, has returned homo. 'Mrs Bullock, cif Auckland, is tho guest ot .Mr and Mrs H. lan Simson. of Havelock North. , , . . Mr and Mrs H. Warren left this week ou a trip to Sydney. The Napier Sailing Club’s dance was a great success, the only drawback being that tho Foresters' Hall wits rather too small for tho requirements. Namer is badly in need of a, medium-sized dancing balk The ladies' committee (Mrs A. D. Brown, MLses McAlister and Absolum). also tho secretary (Mr A. Sinclair), received great credit foe the splendid arrangements. Tho music was superintended by Mrs Benson- Among those present were: Mrs Williams, ' black charmcusc. jetted tunic: Mrs McCarthy, black glace gown; Mrs Montgomery, white ninou do Eoie, pearl trimming; Mrs A. McCarthy, pmk satin, dewdrop tunic; Mrs Anderson, black charmeuso; Mrs Crcagh, shell pink with silver; Mrs Triggs. black not tunic over satin; Mrs Nicholson, vieux rose charmeusc; Mb Storkey, black velvet; Mrs Lessell, pink ninon; Mrs Kelly, pale pmk frock; Mna Duncan, black satin, jet tunic; .Mrs Gilherd, ivory white; Miss Niven. white ninon ; Miss M. Niven, white pailettc silk: Miss Coates, pale blue and silver: Miss Brown, white ninon; Miss Wilson, white silk; Miss Marotti, amethyst ninon with tnnio: .Miss Anderson, pale blue oharmouso; Miss Mayo, blush pink; Miss Scheole, pink satin; Miss McCartney, pale green: Miss Ashton, pale blue satin; Miss A. Ashton, ivory white; Miss I). Ashton, scarlet ninon; Miss Macblister, bine satin, dewdrop tnnio; Miss Dwyer, white ninon; Miss Benson, Polo blue; Miss Holland, green ninon; Miss Edwards. white crystalline; Miss Fenton, blue crystalline; Miss Mitcu-ell, -maize silk, gold trimming; Miss E. I’cnton, pale Who; Miss Absolum, paio pink; Miss Burgess,, cicl blue with silver; Miss V. Roulstou, seagreen; Miss G. Roulstou, piuk; Miss SoLomeycr, white.