Sassiety Spice

NZ Truth, Issue 578, 15 July 1916, Page 2

Sassiety Spice

-BY "LADY DOT"

The Winter meeting of the Wellington Racing Club opened on Wednesday, and although rain fell m town during most of the day, at Trentham the weather was fairly fine. So far as fashions were concerned, one might have termed it a fur coat exhibition day. From the hundred-guinea seal of the wealthy squatter's wife to the ten to thirty guinea of the social sealer or "comfy" business woman, all qualities, colors and shapes were worn. Her Ex. of Liverpool wore a black and white check costume and lovely fur coat. Mrs. Eric and Mrs. Vlv. Riddlford also wore expensive and lovely furs. Very few "dressed" for Wednesday, but "Dot" has hopes for (this) Saturday.

No favorites came home, but "seconds" proved a better investment than "firsts," so "Dot" is not fretting too much. There were few falls, and, on the whole, splendid jumping, so real sports had a treat. The boys m khaki helped the revenue . considerably and seldom drew a winner.

/The reception on the Japanese warships was a truly wonderful experience m the art of entertaining. The ship was completely transformed into a kind of fairyland. A bower here and another there, m places which had been some rather grimy gun receptacle, were covered m a lovely garden patch. Cherry blossoms and azeleas abounded everywhere. The latter were m miniature and were ten years old. It Is said that they are used as heirlooms and handed down through generations and most carefully tended and treasured by their possessors. The guests were treated to various kinds of Japanese edibles and the tea was pronounced "very refreshing" though ltiwas quite colorless. This is the result of keepIng all the tender young leaves and shoots for home consumption and exporting the coarser ones, which are often "faked" with yellow ochre. A cake, which to us was a sweatmeat, was made of meal and fruit, and resembled a highly-colored square of moist jube. The cherry wine was delicious and evidently reached the heads and tongues of some of our would-be elite, whose hats waggled on on© side whilst their eyes ogled the Japs m a silly manner. .

One well-known dame, whose "hubby" is away fighting for her and his country, drew forth gold pencil and notebook and made an appointment for dinner m a perfectly brazen manner. Yet, later on, she glared and sniffed when she saw two "flappers" arranging a "meet" with two "middies." They had no gold-mounted note book, but the back of an old envelope answered just as well.

On Wednesday of last week the Town Hall was the scene of a reception to the sailors of the Azuma and Iwate's men. The former m the afternoon and the latter m. the evening. The hall was prettily decorated with flags— the Japanese and Allies m the place of honor. The supper tables were laden with tea, cakes and sandwiches, which were partaken of most heartily by the sailors. There was a brisk business doing In the exchange of addresses, post cards, coins, etc It was soon discovered that the Japs could read much more quickly than they could speak English, and pencils and note bookß were m great request. The addresses of the Mayor and Mayoress were much appreciated by the men after it had been translated by one of their number. Before leaving Wellington, Mrs. Luke was presented with a ten-year-old tree and many of their pretty, hand-made flowers.

The "Charley's Aunt Club" gave another of their fortnightly socials last week to a crowded house. Mr. E. H. Cavell was In the chair. The orchestra contributed two Items m their usual style, and Messrs. Lestrup, Merrill, Eaton and Barns sang. Misses Lenzlni and Kutner were as amusing as ever m their humorous songs. Mlsb Betty Purdom's musical monologue was a most acceptable Item, as was also a dramatic recital by Mr. Hlckeness, though a few reckoned it was "overdone." A novelty was a flute solo by Miss N. Simpson. A comedietta by Misses Gallichan and Gow was very amusing, and these younjf ladles give promise of a future In the amateur world.

A lady, Just arrived from Britain, describes tho dire effects of war now visible In London and other cities. Few houses now possess any maids at all, unless they arc very old, and the same with male servants. The girls, wo are told, are all (and wo could wish it were true) earning high wages In munition factories, and the men are either at the front or In training. Erstwhile fashionable hotels, and clubs now contain sober middle-class married couples who cannot afford the luxury of a house, or cannot obtain servants to do the work. Bachelors" Clubs dare not hang out a sign. They would be mobbed. Only a few of the old and toothless brigade toddle In and out of certain clubs— tho hale and hearty are acting as military police after oflice hours.

The sras cooking exhibition given by Mies Una Carter In the Concert Chamber of tbo Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon and evening was a great success, and the Wellington Clas Co. were rewarded ,for their generosity In organising the same and making a charge to augment the funds of the Red Cross Society. Mrs. Firth and Mrs. Meyers of. that Society looked after the visitor*, assisted by a band of pretty glrlß In Hod Cross apron* and caps. Miss Carter divulged tho mystery of Hula* pastry and horns to bo illled with cream and Jam, devilled almond*, bread crumbs, celery and cheese savories, coffee sponge cake, chocolate log and roast rtibblu*. Tho lattor was used us uu illustration for poultry cooking. Tho use of paper wrapping In order to save battling was demonstrated In rousting game or rabbits: but "Dot" prefers rabbits and gome roasted o Ift Maori — that Ib, muffed and trussed as we see them In the shops, then put Into bollIng fat In a saucepan, turned as each side is browned and then simmered to a finish on the side of the fire or over a low gas Jet. Rabbits stuffed as for ft duck and doubled over Into a ball and tied so with twine and cooked as above, are quite equal to poultry. Miss Carter showed a good wrinkle In denning cake or any batter from a dish by using ii piece of cardboard Instead of a spoon. Von can thereby u«e up every particle. In the evening. dripping pastry such as KJiusngn rolls, haricot \»Min pies and stewed kidneys, were on the. menu.

tu tho Jiftoriiuuu the tHio of \V<?H!nfSton wore prcHi-ni. Inrhidlnjj hor "Kx." of Uvi»rti(u)l, ilic f'ouni«.«B« of Olok(U>w. l.u<\y \\'urt\ ;iml her Anunhler. Mr«. H. I?, Wood Mrs. .Nfnn«ey nnil Mi»« Mii<rft«y. of Auckland, nnd Mr», Luke <muyar««H). Af<<»r tht< cooklnsr. the t'(tHh<'t< wcr<! fiucdotud by Mr. Townnhpjui. ntn\ bfcntifl«« ««mi> hnrt bc<»n mnoU nnd looked upon by jiuch nrUtocmiic no»e# nml Uu<y broughi In v tidy addition to tho fund*.

"Dnt" haa hftn plcrt*cd to noj» that at varloa* time,", reforms and muxKnitiotiit m«-iu!oned by "Truth" hovn l«v«-n ' cnrrli?U q»i:, though tI)M p«p«'r did not roc^lv* Use cretin for ih? ortg» lnal idea- Now ih»r« U another chased

for some one to make good upon the Information herein supplied. The Pensions' Board, no doubt prompted by a higher authority, is not acting quite fairly towards soldiers who apply for pensions. Questions are put which, m almost every case, tends to draw from an unfortunate soldier the fact that he was suffering from some defect or ailment before he enlisted. Many a lad m happy ignorance of what his admission meant, finds himself turned down for a pension because "he had so-and-so before he enlisted!" In some cases the lads were ignorant of the meaning of technical terms, and as they saw they were expected to say "Yes," they did so. A man who had once hurt his knee at football owned up to the fact, though he had injured the limb at Gallipoli; the consequence was — no pension. Now the thing Is becoming a scandal, and if a man passes a severe test on enlisting and goes to the front and meets with injury he should not be judged on his pre-war condition. Yet this is. done again anl again, aud "Dot 11 can mention many cases which are vouched for by a friend who is an officer returned from the front. Who will take this matter up m Parliament?

The complimentary concert tendered to Mr. John McGlashan on Monday last m the Town Hall, was well attended and proved a musical success. This is as It should be, because his services have teen always available for any deserving object Many a young musician has been helped and encouraged m his studies by John McGlashan, and it was quite fitting to find so many musical friends either assisting with the programme or to note their presence m the hall.

It almost goes without saying that the orchestral selections were musical treats. The first item was "Lucretld Borgia" (from Donlze Hi) under tho conductorshlp of Mr. H. Cummins, and the second one, "Maritana" (Wallace), whilo the third item, "New Colonial March," had to be cut out owing to the lateness of the hour. In connection with this, "Dot" cannot resist a tilt at a certain daily, whose reporter wrote up the concert m his office before the event actually came off! Ho also gave Miss Richardson credit for a solo, and the , lady never appeared !

But to return to the programme. Mr. Will Gondio was m capital voice, and "Friend of Mine" waß a very fine effort. The same may he said of Mr. Lux, who rendered "My "Word" and later on kindly filled Miss Richardson's place. Mr. H. F. Wood's flno tenor voice was heard to advantage m "The Joy Bird" and In the duet "Battle Eve" with Mr. Gondle. Miss Vere St. John brought down tho house with her funnyisms, as also did Mr. Dllllon. Mr. O'Connor's Item "Let Me Love Thee" was very pleasing and nicely rendered. The entertainment concluded with that very amusing comedietta, "Photographed or Married" by Mr. Norman Aitken and Miss Vero St John. This kept the audience convulsed at the misunderstandings and risque situations, and all went home aft«r a good evening's enjoyment.

"Tuesday afternoon was sarcasm day m Parliament," so said a wellknown frequenter of the galleries. "Dot" could have given it a harsher term when aha remembered having heard that every hour of Parliament means a cost of £70! However, everyone laughed heartily at the bulls, blunders and sarcasms of members. Tlmaru's Cralglo was earnestly drawIng attention to his town's urgent need of a post office. "Why, It's so small you have to stand outside to get in* side," he protested and then wondered at tho hearty laughter of House and galleries. Dr. Newman was violently protestIng at having to live In such a vitiated atmosphere as the present chamber. "The place is most insanitary, foul air above and foul language of members below." Tho result — horrified convulsions In the gallery and strangled laughter elsewhere.

Mr. R Newman, of Bangatlkei, gavo a very fine example of refined and humorous sarcasm, arousing much laughter whilst he maintained a sol* ema gravity which added to tho effect. He was assisting other members m "twisting the tale" of Minister Proser for not hurrying on the new Parliament buildings. ir Wheu I left hero six months ago I could dually look over the walls, and now when I return I find it more difficult to look over them, so progress must be Bolnjr on," ho gently ventured as all rourod at the look of discomfiture on the face of the Hon. Mr. Froser.

The Hon. Mr. Ngatn added his quota of fun. whilst Mr. Ell, Kvho was an earnest objector to tho farcical delay m pushing on with tho building, got cut Bhort In hia remarks.

Two bricklayers and a solitary carpenter »r© said to comprise tho entire staff of workmen engaged on this largo building "which Is tho laughing stock of Wellington and tho Dominion."