Notes for Women.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20190, 30 August 1927, Page 14

Notes for Women.

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PERSONAL AND SOCIAL. Mrs Gillman, of Christchurch, who has been the guest of Mrs Stock, returned home on Saturday. • » » Mrs White, of Timaru, arrived in Dunedin yesterday. She will be the guest of Sir George and Lady Fenwick. i * » « Mrs Terence Bridgeman is leaving today on a visit to Mrs H. Orbell, of Oamaru. • * * Miss Betty Reeves is spending a few weeks in Queenstown. * * * Miss Salmond, j, -ncipal of “ Craighead,” arrived yesterday from Timaru as the guest of Mrs J. M. Gallaway, Musselburgh. * * • Mrs and Miss F. D. Bell, oi Shag Valley, are spending a few days in Dunedin. # * * The many friends of Mrs Vivian will bo pleased to hear that she has returned to her home in Cumberland street. • • • The engagement is announced of Eveline, youngest daughter of Mrs G. Smith, George street, Dunedin, to John Leitch, older ton of Mrs and Mr T. Williams, Mosgicl. • * • The reception of German .holiday guests in English homes, which has been airanged this summer, is an interesting sign of the times. One of the things that has struck visitors in Germany most is the difficulty—so unusual in pre-war Germany —of finding Germans who spoke or understood English. In the old days one could wander pretty nearly anywhere m Germany without one’s ignorance ot tne language mattering. English was the German’s second language. » • » The engagement is announced of Mollio Macdonald, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Macdonald, of Lyttelton, to Charles H. Guthrie, eldest son of Mrs G. H. Guthrie and the late Mr C. H. Guthrie, ol Dunedin. • * • Lady Baden-Powell is back in London from South Africa. She says that one of her greatest thrills during her tour was at a combined meeting of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, held within sight and sound of the wonderful Victoria I alls. The boom of the waters rose above the voices of the girls and boys when they sang. She was thrilled, too, when visiting Mafeking. It was the first time H.i ■ had been there since ho left it in such stirring scones 27 years ago. . » • One of the large army of suburban door-to-door salesmen in England has struck out quite a refreshingly original line tpr himself. He turns up in a road late in the afternoon and apparently makes a note of all the houses whore there are young children. He then pays a visit to each of these houses and endeavours to interest the parents in pamphlets of bed-time stories of his own composition. Many Barents would orobably patronise him it he could guarantee the soporific qualities of his stories. «- * * “ President Wilson and a League of Nations” was the subject of the lecture delivered by Mr Lloyd Ross, M.A., to the women’s class of the Workers . Lducational Association last Friday afternoon. President Wilson, scholar, author of political treatises, principa. of I rmcetown University, governor of his State, twice President oi the United States, was an enemy of corruption and an advocate ot peace but the German submarine campaign forced him to enter the war. 9v Dillon in “ Peace Conference wrote: “ Europe, when the President touched its shores, was as clay ready for the creative potter. Never before were the nation so eager to follow a Moses who would take men to the long-promised land, where wars are prohibited 'and blockades unknown,” but when the Peace Conference swerved from his ideas President Wilson, being ignorant of European affairs, was slow to grasp the, situation, or did not have strength of will to oppose it. therefore, as H. G. Wells says, •‘ he exaggerated in his person our common human tragedy; he was so very great in his dreams and so incapable in his performance. ihe League of Nations, however, whose main political work has been, the adjustment of minor disputes, .'bile its duet economic achievements have been the financial icconstrnction of Austria and Hungary remains. 1 * * » It was in Bond street, London, that a pretty girl, obliged to walk with a stick, had chosen a handsome and striking tassclled stick of a colour matching her costume. Her skilful way of managing it was noticeable, but she was quite unembarrassed by being the cynosure of all eyes An elderly woman remarked: ioor tiling. Why ever doesn’t she dress a little less noticeably in the circumstances? ’ But that isn’t the modern girl’s way. And really why shouldn’t she make the best of a bad job if she pososscs sufficient selfconfidence? Unlike her predecessor of the Victorian age, who kept in the background if afflicted even with the necessity of wearing spectacles, the girl of to-day tends to make the most of her handicap. * * * The annual bazaar of St. Hilda’s College was held in the school gymnasium on Wednesday last. As this date fell within tho week of the old girls’ reunion, thenstall ont-clid all former efforts. Tho present girls presided over their respective house stalls, which were well stocked with dainty and useful wares, the result of their efforts being as follows Lawrence House (produce), £l2 ss; Nelson (work), £24 18s 2d; Wellington (flowers and lavender), £l3; Havelock (sweets), £ll 12s Prefects (art), £23 15s 91d; Old Girls’, £73 ss; Tea Room, £ls 7s 3d; door tickets, £7 9s —total, £lßl 12s. Tho expenses were £5 16s, leaving the balance to be allocated .as follows:—Melanesian Mission, £2O; Orphanage of Mercy, London, £24; St. Mary’s Orphanage, Dunedin, £l2; St. Hilda’s Property Purchase Fund, £ll9 16s 4d. In the evening a very successful entertainment was provided by the senior girls. Recitations wore given by Babetto Jennings and Geraldine Palmer, Myra Johnstone received a clamaroua encore for her violin solo, while Dorothy Scoular pave much pleasure by her graceful Polish dance. A humorous play, “ Snowed Up With a Duchess,” was acted by four seniors, the name part was taken by Prudence Smith; Audrey Abbey Jones skilfully personated the French dressmaker; Margaret Holloway played Mrs Cholmondelcy Jones, and Catherine Todd gave a very characteristic representation oi Mrs Hodge. A well-known wallpaper manufacturer says that the latest fashion for covering walls is with wallpaper. After a period of other fashions wallpaper is definitely coming into its. own again—a further example of the return to old-fashioned ideas. Modern ideas, however, are different from Victorian notions in wallpapers. At present there is a tremendous craze for black and white wallpapers. Coloured designs, except certain Chinese and Queen Anne patterns, are hardly being used at all by people who want their houses to be quite up-to-date. Reproductions of old Dutch black and white papers of rather formal design and eighteenth century French papers showing the same magpie colouring are being used a good deal. Beautiful Indian Bedspreads and Table Covers. Procured at very low cost, and offered at prices much below their real value.—C. and W. Hayward (Ltd.), 145 George street. —Advt. * * » Note. Wbrn deciding on your Glove.or Stockings go to the specialist, Ixmdon Town Hosiery Parlour, where you buy direct from mill at the lowest cost -186 George street (opp Salisbury Butchery) Advt » * * Mr and Mrs Napier are still conducting “Te Kitoroa,” the popular Guest House and Health Resort at Waimate; modern house, with electric light ami drainage. Ideal winter climate, beautiful garden, extensive view. For illustrated descriptive circular containin'.' full particulars address Mr W, D. Napier, R.O. Box 10, Wuirnate (telephone 151, Waimate). — Advt

£teros of social interest and topics relating to the homo are invited. Communications must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer. Notices of engagements must be signed by one at least of the principals, or by some responsible parson, os a guarantee of genuineness.

Not many women in Dunedin have ventured into the realms of journalism, so that the reporting and editorial staff of the Daily Times joined yesterday afternoon in a farewell ceremony which, as was remarked, was .unique as far as the Daily Times was concerned. The occasion was the departure of Miss Josephine O’Neill, wideiy known as “Phillida,” who will leave tomorrow morning on a 12-months’ trip to England with her parents. The editor (Mr James Hutchison) acted as spokesman lor the formidable array of males before whom Miss O’Neill had to appear to receive the farewell wishes for a pleasant and profitable trip. In asking her to accept ,a gift from her colleagues, ho assured her that the delightful eameraderio which had characterised her relations with the staff generally had bred in everyone an esteem, and he could safely say, affection also, which found some small expression in the writing companion which he now handed to her. They regretted exceedingly to lose her, but they were glad of the opportunity to wish her bon voyage and to show her that she was looked upon as one of the staff whom they would certainly miss very much. Miss O'Neill, quite unabashed at the score of pairs of male eyes focussed upon her, replied very gracefully, thank ing those present for their good wishes, and reminding them that she was, after all, only going away for 12 months. Editor, sub-editors, and reporters alike sang “ For She's a Jolly Good Follow,” and gave three cheers for Miss O’Neill, after which she took some time expressing a score of individual adieuv. GLASS FLOORS AND DANCE SLIPPERS. “ Almost it would seem that the shoemakers are in league with the makers of those brilliantly lighted glass floors,” laughed a woman the other night as a party of us sat at a table on the edge of the floor at London’s newest dance club (writes Jacqueline in the Daily Mail). The rest of the party smiled, then immediately focussed their attention .on the slippers of the women on the floor, while the lights beneath flashed crimson, water green, coldly white, dazzling blue, and various other shades. SHOES MATCHING THE SHOULDER KNOT. Very pretty were the neatly-shod feet of a girl whoso cerise satin Court slippers with Spanish heels matched the raggedpetal silk flower on the shoulders of her white chiffon frock. My eye was attracted, too, to some pale delphinium-blue satin slippers which were the exact colour of the fluttering georgette dross worn. Several of the slippers were embroidered —in braided flowers, sequins, diamante, and tinsel —and several heels were jewelled. SKIRTS TO THE ANKLES. Two of the drosses wore of the period typo, one in blue taffeta trimmed with cyclamen, thu other in black velvet, with the skirt very long and a big trail of silver flowers' falling down the back of tho left shoulder to end in a big knot of diamante, rather of the truo-lovers’-knot typo. Far from tho vogue for flowers on the shoulder passing, they seem to grow larger. One knot that particular evening was of pink and blue hydrangeas on a pale pink gown. Another was of a couple of rhodo dondrons in shaded yellow, and flame tints which were set on the and towards tho back, a handsome big brooch of pale gold and platinum in mesh style being pinned on tho front .of tho shoulder. MILANESE FLEXIBLE BRACELETS. Tho gold-and-silver, or gold-and-platinum Milanese flexible bracelets are tho most serious of tho rivals to tho big shackle kind of bracelet. Many women are preferring them for their jewelled watches in place of the pale grey corded ribbon which has had prido of place for so long.

BEAUTY FROM NATURE. Nature’s medicine chest contains just what every woman needs if she would bo healthy and beautiful. Day by day fresh produce is gathered in, and all should partake freely of Nature’s store. To be beautiful means to bo healthy. When the blood is impure it is impossible to have a clear complexion, and a sluggish liver will not allow of bright eyes. The dull eye and the muddy complexion cannot bo improved by toilet aids; all they can do it to hide the defects. It is the work of Nature’s medicine chest to do what the so-called “aids’’ cannot. Few women eat sufficient fruit or vegetables, as their complexions prove. At breakfast fruit should always be eaten, either fresh or cooked, the former when possible. Watercress is also a useful addition to the meal —it is so good for tho blood. . At luncheon lot Nature’s medicine chest provide a largo portion of tho meal, and at dinner let there be a generous supply, too. Many people either do not know or do not realise that root vegetables are a very important article of diet. Not only docs each contain its own spqcial active principle, but they also contain “salts” that are so invaluable to health. Carrots are invaluable to the woman who would cultivate a clear complexion; turnips are useful, too. Tho humbla eabbago and turnip-tops must not be despised; they rank as excellent blood purifiers. Celery also has its use in helping to keep tho body healthy. Tomatoes are good for tho blood and should be eaten plentifully. Spinach is fpftunately procurable all the year round now that the winter variety has become so general. It is one of tho vegetables that is so rich in iron, and so helps to give colour to the cheeks. Lettuces are another useful article of diet, but unfortunately for so many months of tho year they are expensive. Yet a lettuce sandwich would cost no more than a fancy cake for tea, and bo far more valuable to your health. The much-abused onion is one of tho most important vegetables. Tho odour can be subdued, if not entirely removed, by eating parsley immediately afterwards. Uncooked vegetables are far better than cooked ones. To prepare thorn, all that is needed is to reduce them to the finest possible state of division. Root ones should bo grated—a custom now becoming quite common in the smart menu, although many people do not realise what they are eating. The green ones should be finely minced. Fruit should be eaten fresh when possible. When this is not feasible, it must bo stewed. The vitaminos and mineral salts that the fruit contains are invaluable for health and beauty. At all seasons of tho year there are so many to choose from, and at most moderate prices. Although fresh fruit is tho best, there are always tho old friends of tho nursery days to fall back upon—prunes and stewed figs. If more money were spent on fresh fruit and less on toilet aids—useful as they can be—there would be many more pretty faces brighter eyes, clearer complexions, and finer skins. [Published by Arrangement.] CLEAN WINDOWS.

DUNEDIN, August 16, 1927. Dear Phillida,— Your friend Maime of Glasgow, !s exceedingly lucky in possessing an uncle who is a Scientist and sufficiently interested in her and her family to point out the dangers of flies and' dust on windows and ledges, I was not so fortunate as far as the uncle goes, hut have been able to obtain the same results for years by the use of an Electrolux. A very interesting man called one day and was able to prove to mo that Electrolux not only keeps down the (ly nuisance, it keeps tho windows bright and fret: froni dust and also all other parts of the house. This was many years ago, and I remember the terrible argument I bad with Frank because I purchased the Electrolux on ‘’terms.” Frank is frightfully old-fashioned about such things, and it took me quite a while to get him to see that there is absolutely no _ difference in hiring a “mechanical maid ” than (here is in hiring a human main 1 Except that, it is much cheaper and lots more efficient! You remember Kate, the girl 1 used to have, I paid her 30s per week and her keep at well. I onlv paid 2- 6d per week for mv Elextrolux. and it eats nothing. Just think I 27s 6d saved each week and no spring cleaning. It ha- paid for n-elf a hundred time-. Why don't you gel one7—Yours lovingly, Gladys. ’’

EARNING A GOOD TIME

Many a young girl who enjoys little opportunity for a “good time” at home may participate in some very pleasant holidays and outings with well-to-do friends if she is sufficiently tactful and enterprising to conform to their mode of life and make herself agreeable enough to become useful and in demand. People soon begin to rely on an attractive girl who is always ready to shake one at the bridge table, and can, besides, play a really good game; who is delighted to show anyone the new Charleston steps; or will display pleasure at a shopping expedition in which she is expected to fetch, and carry. They ask her again and again if she is at their service over the telephone, and willing at short notice to slip into a pretty evening frock to complete a party at the dinner table, for the theatre, or a dance. If an expected guest fails the hostess, she thinks of that “nice little girl” who seems very pleased to stop into the vacant place, without display of injured dignity that she has previously only been invited at the last moment, and has an amusing fund of conversation to help en- I tertain other guests. , . And when she has enjoyed a good time j she doesn’t forget to thank her kind hostess warmly and prettily, with an immediate note, if it is a more important occa- ; sion, attentions which are appreciated and j duly remembered in her favour. j The girl will find tennis, golf, and, in- ' deed, any sports useful accomplishments, and if she can sit at the piano and accompany well, or rattle off dance music, so much the better. She can easfly make herself very much liked, and almost indispensable to the woman with no daughters of her own, or without a companion, if she has a cheerful smile and an eager readiness to bo of use an any occasion, especially if she also knows the tactful moment at which it is better to efface herself. Her efforts to be agreeable and necessary are more than repaid by the many opportunities she -gamsof meeting people and participating in functions denied to most girls with a small income. Such an ordering of her life is hardly in character with the very independent, or the selfish type of girl, who will not trouble herself to study other people, even to her own ultimate advantage, but to the one with naturally pleasant manners and adaptable nature, the part comes easily.—Glasgow Weekly Herald.

THE MODERN GIRL AS A HEROINE. The trouble with the modern girl, as a heroine, is that she has not the same spacious chances that the earlier girl had (writes James Milne).Not so many years ago the novel ended with wedding bells, whereas now it begins with them, or, if there is a -ry, at a registry office. The girl is therefore not called upon to be a heroine until she is a married woman, or has experiences enough to be regarded as one. Sweet Seventeen. It suggested a demure picture, like a rose awakening one morning with the sun, and wondering whether it would open to it or wait until another morning. But Sweet Seventeen is now a smart little lass, high-heeled, silkstockinged, short-skirted, and, if not shingled, certainly bobbed. She is pretty sure of herself, untroubled by doubts about others, intelligent in a direct, practical way, altogether a most capable little person. Her qualities are clear and good, plain sense and no nonsense, but wonder does not burn in her, as it did in the old Miss Sweet Seventeen. She knows what she wants and gets it, or takes it, and, being thus satisfied, Ims no vague dreams for impossible things. The Victorian girl travelled hopefully, even if she did not arrive, while the new Georgian girl travels confidently and quite gracefully, and. dogs arrive. No renascence of wonder for her —she docs not need it. Now, the thing to notice here is that wo have two very different sets of conditions, and that one makes for girl heroinism and the other for woman heroinism. The modern girl is the companion of the modern young man, and often a far better person. She fills out his life that way, while to her he is a sort of esquire without sentiment. Is it dancing? Then they arc “ partners ” more interested in the subtle steps of the tango or the Charleston than in each other. Is it motoring? Then she may have a car in which she takes him along, and 10 to one she drives it. Life is compact and well arranged for Miss Sweet Seventeen and Master Twenty-one. The coming of the kinema has had a good deal to do with the passing of the girl heroine whom Miss Braddou and ever so many other writers delighted to honour. You could' not, in a moving picture, have Doris in her baby hat philandering with the sun for long. A “ movie ” is a “ movie,” and something has got to happen, or people who have paid good money for admission will know the reason why-. There must be action when love’s younv dream is put on the screen, not merely poetic sentiment. A knoek-about business is demanded, and, indeed, real life is a knock-about, and all that does not fit the young girl. She must have the grip of a wedding ring on her finger, and the knowledge which it brings is in her mind and heart. What happens, then, is that we have the maiden no more, or very little, as a heroine in our novels, and the young married woman much. Of course, there are novelists who greet her as a fullblown woman, even if she has no ring, but they don’t play the game as she herself sees it, and so may be left out of count. She looks without her wedding ring upon a comely man, as the old ballad has it, and then a story begins to unfold. Obviously there is more then to write about in a woman’s life than when she is 17. Obviously, also, if truth to reality be the test of honest romance, there is a great deal to say for the Georgian novel, only again it pretty well leaves out the girl heroine. She was a rather helpless but charming figure of the yester-years, because, thank goodness, dependence and innocence were always the elements which attract, if, possibly, they fail to hold. Her successor is equally charming and not less “ nice,” though old maids and other spiteful people sometimes say things. We need not therefore lament the change which has taken place, but gallantly salute it. “ Once aboard the motor and the girl is mine,” goes ,the Georgian slogan, but one does wonder whether a very modern novelist, even Mr Michael Arlen, might not make quite a hit if ho were, once in a way, to bring back the blushing, confused, damask-cheeked maiden who cries bravely, yet pitifully, to the bold, bad man: “ Unhand mo, sirrah, or I scream.”

One of the most curious and most interesting natural wonders to be found in Arizona is Montezuma Well. This strange lake is located about the centre of the State in an isolated community. The well itself is some 200yds across, and, as far as it has been possible to determine, is bottomless. The water in the well is absolutely clear and pure. It maintains a certain level all the time, which is unaffected by the dryness or wetness of the season. The walls that rise precipitously above those clear waters and reflect themselves in them were at one t : mc the homes of a populous community. it or this is the very centre of what was once the cliff dwellers’ stronghold in Arizona, a primitive people in the midst of civilisation.