PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21975, 9 June 1933, Page 15

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

In tlie private chapel of an Athens villa, Mr John Amory, the -21-year-old son of Mr L. S. Amery, former Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, was married on March 3 to Miss Una Eveline Wing, aged 23, an actress. The ceremony was performed by the Greek archimandrite, who had previously baptised the couple according to the Greek Orthodox faith. The couple first decided to marry a year ago, but the Chelsea registrar refused to perform the ceremony because Mr Amery had not secured the written of his parents. Three messages, with the object of delaying the wedding, had been received from relatives—the first from Lord Greenwood, Mr Amery’s uncle, the second from Lady Greenwood, and the third from his mother. Meanwhile, Mr L. S. Amery was hurrying home from Canada to see his son. In spite of this opposition, the couple were still determined to niarry, and left London for Paris, but as they were still legal “ infants ” in France, they were again unable to wed. They next tried the Russian Church, the Bulgarian Church, and the American Pro-Catholic Churches, with similar results. At last the couple went to Greece, where, Mr Amery declared, they could get married. On being told of this. Mr L. S. Amery remarked that his son was now 21 and therefore could please himself.

The fortnightly meeting of the St. Clair Women’s Club was held on Monday, the president, Mrs 0. P. Williams, being in the chair. Mrs J. R. Bode, who was responsible for the entertainment’of members on this occasion and had arranged a Maori programme, is to be congratulated on her efforts. She had gone to some considerable trouble in procuring the correct setting, for the stage had been arranged as a pa. A model whare had been erected in the background, while pungas, toi-toi, and ferns added to the picturesqueness of the scene. Detailed attention had also been given to the costuming of those members assisting, and the whole effect was very realistic. The part of the chief of the tribe was played by Mrs G, W. Ferens, who, after the welcoming song (“ South Sea Isle ”) to a visiting pakeba woman, told the legend of “ Hmemoa and Tutanekai.” “ Hamate ” was then sung by the company, and Mrs E. H. Ombler related the story of “E Parj Ra,” which Mrs Bode rendei’ed as a vocal solo in Maori. The choruses, “ 1 Will Go Now. Dear. Right Away to Taka-, puna ” and ■ The Maori Slumber Song ” were then sung. The performers proved themselves adept at the stick game, while their manipulation of the poi in both the canoe and standing single poi dances was very creditable. MiSs May Brook sang the solos “Hine e Hine” and “Waiatapoi,” while the duet, “ Home, Little Maori, Home.” was tunefully rendered by Misses Rhoda Brooks and Dorrie Thomson. “Home, Sweet Home” was sung in Maori. _ A feature of the evening, was a miniature war canoe in connection with which the company sang “Poi Waka ” and “Hoea Ra.” “ Pokarekare ” was sung as a trio by Mesdames J. R. Bode, F. L. Lawrence, and E. H. Ombler, and the duet “ A Maori Love Song” by Mrs E. H. Ombler and Miss Dorrie Thomson. Mrs F, L„ Lawrence rendered the solo “ The Hui-'a Lament,” and the evening closed with the good-bye song “HaereJßa,” after which the company gave a fierce and realistic haka. Mrs Charles Thomson acted as accompanist throughout the evening, others assisting Mrs Bode being Mrs E. Hutchings and Miss Olive Quartermain. Mrs_ Bode, in replying to the vote of appreciation for an enjoyable and entertaining evening, said that she and her company had derived a great deal of pleasure in preparing the evening, and she particularly wished to thank , the Misses Russell (2), of Otakou for their kindly assistance.

Sic # $ A pretty wedding was solemnised at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Gore, on Saturday morning, June 3,,when Mary, daughter of Mr and Mrs John O’Neill, of Nelson street. Gore, was mar ried to George, son of Mr and Mrs F. R. H. Sutherland, of Arthurton. Nuptial Mass followed the wedding ceremony. The Rev. Father Tylee-officiated,' assisted by the Rev. Father Harrington. The altar Was prettily decorated with seasonable flowers. The organist was Miss Irene Robertson. The bride, who was given away by her father, was charmingly gowned in a frock of ivory ring velvet, fitting close to the figure. The bodice was fashioned in cross-over style with epahlets, under which were worn long, tight-fitting sleeves, pointed over the hand. The skirt, which was cut in hip yoke effect, had diagonal seaming. The only trimming was ring-velvet covered buttons. She also wore a full length veil held in place with a spray of orange blossoms, and carried a dainty bouquet of white chrysanthemums and maidenhair fern, tied with white satin streamers. The bridesmaid. Miss Eileen Holland, cousin of the bride, was gowned in an anklelength frock of black silk velvet moulded to the figure and flared at foot.' The cone neckline, lined with coral pink georgette and coral pink shoulder reviere at the back, finished at a high-waisted skirt, and French pnff sleeves cut low on the arm met long black mittens, which were trimmed with a row of tiny coral velvet buttons. She carried a rucked coral velvet muff and wore black and coral beads. Her hat was of black felt, with chenille crown, and her shoes of _ brocade to tone. The flower girl, little Miss Kath-, leen O’Neill, niece of the bride, was daintily attired in coral satin with an ov«r-dress 'of silk net to match, and carried a coral net muff, relieved with rosebud trimmings. Mr Allan Sutherland, of Wellington, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. At the wedding breakfast, held at Speden’s rooms, the Rev. Father Harrington presided, and the usual toasts were honoured. Mrs J. O’Neill, mother of the bride, wore a black chenille frock, I'clicved with fawn, with a black felt hat to match. Mrs F. R. H. Sutherland, the bridegroom’s mother, was attired in a frock of navy repp, with cream georgette and lace inset, and wore a model hat of black satin and georgette. Amid showers of confetti, the happy couple left by car for the north on their honeymoon. The bride travelled in a coat of wine coloured diagonal cloth, with frock and hat to tone. Mr x and Mrs George Sutherlands future home will be at Arthurton.

An unusual and interesting evening was held by the Society of Women Musicians on Wednesday evening at the Otago Women's Club, when a debate on the subject, “That Broadcasting Advances the Cause o£ Music,” was held. Mrs H. C. Campbell (president), in a few opening remarks, spoke of the ideals of the society in trying always to have good music and to keep up the standard. Those who took part in the debate were six members of the society, the affirmative being taken by Misses Favell (leader), Irene Barth, and Mary Allen, and the negative by Miss E. M. Logie (leader), Mrs M'Farlane, and Miss R. Moore. The meeting was conspicuous also for the inauguration of the society’s orchestra conducted by Miss Mary Martin and led by Miss Stella Bayley, and which opened the programme by playing the ballet music from “ Orpheo ” (Gluck). Miss Favell, in opening the debate for the affirmative, spoke of the advantages which radio gave for hearing the best artists and music, how it educated and trained the ear, and was also the means of bringing real music to those in the loneliest places. Misses Barth and Mary Allen ably supported their leader with fresh arguments. Miss E. M. Logie firmly upheld the negative side, explaining very clearly what the cause of music really meant and showing how the feeling of sympathy between artist and audience was lost through the wireless, which failed to convey the aesthetic quality of music. Mrs M'Farlane spoke very emphatically, giving more statements for the negative, as did also Miss Ruth Moore. At this point the debate was opened to the meeting, and several members gave their opinions, some for one side and some for the other. Miss L. Morton, who had kindly consented to act as judge, said it was a very hard subject to decide, as there was so much to be said on both sides, the radio having many advantages besides disadvantages. On the merits of the debate she declared the affirmative to be the winners, and. although commending all the debaters for their cdnsiateney. adjudged Miss Irene Barth as the best speaker for th? evening. The orchestra then gave two further items —“ Andante,” from “ Goodhumoured Ladies” (Scarlatti), and “Impressions de Route” (J. Burgmein). both being much enjoyed. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Miss Morton and

the speakers of the evening by Miss Jessie Jones, who said that the debate had created a deep interest among the members, and who also congratulated Miss Martin and the orchestra on their performance.