PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22705, 18 October 1935, Page 15

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

Mrs H. V. Lawry is paying a visit to Christchurch. Mrs de Clive Lowe has left for Auckland, where she will in future reside. sJj "S' Lady Ferguson lias agreed to go to Christchurch to attend St. Saviour’s jubilee fair, and will open the fair on Wednesday, October 30 (says a Christchurch paper).

The Gardening Circle of the Otago Women’s Club will hold its spring flowershow to-morrow. Always a favourite among club functions, the show promises to be particularly good this year.

Mrs A. E. Wells and the Misses Eldred and Jocelyn Wells, of Auckland, nre visiting Dunedin, and are guests at the Excelsior Hotel.

The Play Reading Circle of the Women’s Club held its annual meeting on Tuesday evening, the following officebearers being elected: Chairwoman, Miss Lilian McCarthy; vice-chairwoman, Mies Farnie; secretary, Mrs- S. P. Cameron; and members of committee —Mesdames Birch, Cowie, Winnie Fraser, Hervey, M‘Nab, and Sutherland Ross and Miss Billie Mitchell. Afterwards an enjoyable reading of Philip Johnson’s play, Lover’s Leap,” was read by Mesdames Fairbairn and Cowie, and Mieses Ashton, Mary Jolly and Billie Mitchell.

Madame Winnie Fraser will leave today for a month’s tour as far north as New Plymouth to visit her parent, the Rev. John Nixon. While away on October 24 she will sing at the Town Hall, Wellington, for the Royal Wellington Choral Union concert (musical director, Stanley Oliver). The first half of the programme is to be “A Tale of Old Japan,” by Coleridge Taylor. She will take soprano solos in that work, and again appear in two solos with orchestral accoinsaniment. Then on November 12 she will sing at the Christchurch Male Voice Choir concert (conductor, Dr J. C. Bradshaw). She will also broadcast in all four times, twice at 2YA and twice at 3YA.

One of the most successful functions held in Dunback for some time was the occasion of the local football club’s annual ball. There was a large attendance of visitors from surrounding districts. Between 80 and 90 couples thoroughly enjoyed themselves, dancing to excellent music. The hall was tastefully decorated in the club’s colours. DunhackMacraes team being the winners of the knock-out competition, occasion was taken during the evening by Mr Penuo (president of the Eastern Districts Sub-union) to present the shield. Mr W. Hanna (captain' l accepted and suitably replied on behalf of his team. It was pleasing to have among those present Mr Allan Parkhill (South Island and Otago representative, also an old Dunback boy), Mr Harry Simon (captain of the Otago team), who, when called upon to say a few words, was greeted with enthusiasm. The president (Mr C. Denmead) and his committee are to be congratulated on carrying out the arrangements for the ball so successfully. Mr A. Prater made an efficient M.C.

* * * An enjoyable evening was spent on Monday, when the Play Reading and Musical Circles of St. Philomena’s College Ex-Pupils’ Association held their monthly meeting. The president (Mrs P Walsh)' presided. The Rev. Dr Klimeck was also present. The proceedings opened with an interesting competition, the winner being'Mrs J. J. Kenedy. A play, arranged by Miss M. 0 Sullivan entitled “The Boy Comes Home, was read by Missses E. Tither, A. Price, E. Houston, G. Toomey, and C. Leonard. The musical portion of the programme was devoted to “New Zealand Music. Miss A. O’Connell gave a talk on this subject, describing the various instruments used by the Maoris, and their Native dances and = songs. Vocal solos, “E Moe Tera” (Kaihau) and Waiata Maori” (Hill), were rendered by Miss Mollie Fenton. Pianoforte solos, wedding Day ” (Ed. Greig) and “Romance (Sibelius), were played by Mm A. J. Dowling. “E Pari Ra (Rowe) and “ Home, Little Maori Home (Hill) were sung by the Ex-pupils’ Choir. The accompaniments were played by Miss I. Tylee.

On Saturday evening the Dunedin Badminton Club held a successful tournament to mark the close of the season, the winners being Mrs J. D. C. liidgar and Mr Leslie Burt. During the evening Mr Roy Fr-apwell, representing tbe Otago Badminton Association, presented the A Grade Bolwell Shield to the club. This was accepted by the president, Mr L. E. Bullock, who indicated that it was fitting that the Dunedin Badminton Club should be the first club to win the shield as it was the jponeer Badminton Club in Dunedin. The evening was concluded with dancing. Those taking part in the tournament were; —Mesdames F. Clapperton, G. Dickinson, J. Laidlaw, J. Thomson, J., D. C. Edgar, W. Shepherd, and Ripley, Misses J. Hay, 6. Gallaway, B. Dawson, D. Chrystall, R. Frapwell. L. Brewer, C. Bain, M. Buchanan, P. Shepherd, P. Stuart, M. Donnelly, I. Reid, B. Paine, E. Gotts, and C. Bell, Dr Porteous, and Messrs L. E. Bullock, Clapperton, G. R. Dickinson. J. Laidlaw, L. Goldsmith, L. Macassey, L. Burt, L. Wright, L. Simpson, D. Stuart. H. D. Kerr, F. Kerr, N. Buchanan, S. Dawson, A. Hart, R. Howard, D. Edgar, W. Armitage, W. Shepherd, F. Halsted, B. Horne, Avent, and Henderson.

The first three ■ one-act plays of a miniature drama festival, staged and produced entirely by members of the Dunedin Playbox, were given on Tuesday evening, when a large audience was present. Mr Russell-Wood acted as judge, and spoke after the conclusion of each play. The first was “Mr Sampson,” a quaint comedy of the Midlands, by Charles Lee. This was presented by Mr Frank Lanyon, who also appeared in the name part. Miss 6. Johnson appeared as Caroline and Miss V. Jefferson as her sister, Catherine. In his criticism of their efforts, Mr Russell-Wood commended the players for their choice, stating that the setting and arrangement had been effective and. the performance a fairly even one. Mr Lanyon’s character study had been good, but his make-up was wrong. Miss Johnson did some good work as Caroline, but did not use her hands well, and occasionally dropped the dialect. The Catherine of Miss Jefferson was a wellcontrasted and spirited effort; her comedy sense was good, but, unfortunately, her intonation frequently lapsed into an Irish brogue. The second play was “ Shanghai,” a powerful little drama by W. Stuckes, set in a dingy eating house on the waterfront. This was produced by Miss Lucy Faulkner, and was a convincing production, being suitably staged and dressed and having good atmosphere. The' tempo had been a little slow in places, but the predominating fault was the poor lighting, which had marred the effect of make-up. There was some good individual work. Miss Nell Warren giving a clear-cut character study as Flora, a waitress, and displaying a keen sense of dramatic values. As Mrs Patch, a disreputable old woman, Mrs J. L. Anderson was impressive, her make-up being very effective. Mr K. Donaldson played Bert, a watersider, with commendable spirit, and Mr J. Walker, as Joe Patch, did fairly well in a part offering little scope. The final play of the first evening wai3 “A Farewell Supper,” by E. F. Stevens, which w r as elaborately staged by Mr C. V. Smith. The arrangement and properties were artistic, but the play itself did not offer much scope for action. Miss M. O'Sullivan' played Mimi, an actress, attractively, but could have been more vivacious. Mr C. V. Smith appeared as Anatol, and invested his part with commendable spirit, but his movements were rather jerky. As Anatol’s friend,'" Max, Mr G. C. Abbott did well, and as the waiter Mr Leo Manning was suitably unobtrusive, and handled the “ props ” very well. His make-up was splendid. The remaining plays will be produced by Mrs John Macphcrson, Mrs Hugh Speight, and Mr Leo Manning.

Mrs J. P. M'Quilkin, of Christchurch, is visiting Dunedin.

Mr and Airs H. A. Alunson left on Sunday by car for Oapiaru, where they are guests at the Queen’s Hotel.

Miss Eileen Orchard, of Christchurch, has returned home after spending a week’s holiday at Dunedin. Mrs Orchard is staying in Dunedin for three weeks.

The annual meeting of the Bridge Circle of the Otago Women s Club took place on Wednesday evening, when the following omccbearere were elected for the coming season:-—Chairwoman, Mrs Wallace Watson; vice-chairwoman, Mrs Gregory; secretary, Airs Duthie; members of committee, Mesdames Allan, Armstrong, Benzoni, Dalgleish, Penrose, Pratt and Speight. After the election progressive bridge was played for a prize given by Mrs G. W. Reid and won by Miss Holford.

An impromptu party was given on Wednesday afternoon by Miss A. Stevenson at her home in St. Leonards in honour of Miss Ruth Herrick, of Hawke’s Bay. The guests were people prominently connected with the Girl Guide Committee. After tea was served a stroll through the gardens, which were gay with primroses, tulips, and other spring flowers was much enjoyed. Those invited were: Alesdames H. K. Wilkinson, A. Cameron, Keith Cameron, W. H. Borrie, P. Alilne, J. Gray (Milton), T. C. Ross, R. H. Stevenson, A. Barnett, A. E. A. APDougall, R. Sloan Brown and J. AI. Stevenson, and Alisses Blackmore, A. Duthie, AI. Anderson, Zita Hart, and Jane Hay.

The Musselburgh branch of the League of Mothers held its monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, when the large attendance of members was much interested in a talk and demonstration arranged by Mrs Gear and Miss Steedman, of the St. John Ambulance Association. First-aid work, in regard to the more simple accidents of everyday life was dealt with competently and many valuable hints on home nursing with various remedies for minor cute, burns, etc., were given. A hearty vote of thanks was passed by Mrs Denton Leech for the helpful address given by Mrs Gain and Miss Steedman. A discussion of the programme for the final meeting of the year followed, and then general social chat concluded an interesting evening.

Among the recent guests at Wanaka Hotel, Pembroke, were: Mr J. A. Moore (Enniskillen), Mr and Mrs H. R. J'Basford, Mr and Mrs Arthur R. Maas, and Miss Grace M. Merchant (United States), Mrs H. L. Baillien and Miss J. Bryant (Australia), Mr and Mrs F. B. Court (Auckland), Mr I. G. Neale and Mr J. R. Wilson (Wellington), Mr and Mrs C. Watkins, Mr and Mrs Sandall, Mr R. W. Quickenden, Mr V. R. Roberts, and Mr G. A. Worthington (Christchurch), Mr W. S. Minchar (Timaru)., Mr and Mrs J. Paterson (Oamaru), Mr and Mrs C. G. Smith, Mr and Mrs H. Mandeno, Mr and Mrs P. M. Wales, Dr and Mrs Patrick Anderson, Misses I. Maxwell, Scott, and Armstrong, Messrs E. N. Stewart, L. B. Dawson, J. Davey, L. C. Barrett, R. A. Mathenson, H. 11. Crabb, R. N. Johnston, A. J. Hines, G. H. Geeson, D. J. Brown, D. J. Moody. L. J, Simpson, W. A. Service, H. C. Browett, Ken Bayne, R. M. Meffen, W. Rudkin, A. D. M'Donald, J. Allan, R. D. Gilchrist, and W. A. M'Naught (Dunedin), Mr D. Mitchell and Miss Phibe Mitchell (Mosgiel), Mr J. M'Lean and Mr G. Laing (Ranfurly), Mr A. M. Taylor. Mr J. M. Macdonald and Mr George Frye (Alexandra), Ml M. Warhurst (Clyde), Mr G. Mitchell fCromwell), and Mr and Mrs A. E. Clark (Taumanmui).

■Miss Mol lie Birch is the guest of Airs John Deans, Kirkstyle, Christchurch.

The Eoslyn branch of the League of Alothcrs held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Mrs G. W. Reid presiding. The speaker. Dr S. C. C. Sinclair, took as her subject ‘‘ The Film Industry*” She dealt with various organisations formed for improving the tone and subject of the film, and the law as applied to it in' New Zealand, especially mentioning the efforts of the British Film Institute. She gave some idea of the,use of the films for educational purposes in schools in other countries, and stressed what a force it would be in the character of our children if tlie right kind of film only were shown. Mrs Bezctt, a member of the Alaori Hill branch, san_g two songs. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Dr Sinclair and Airs Bczett.

A delightful “ at home ” was given by Aire E. S. Calverley, “ Seaview,” Canongate, in honour of her daughter’s, Aliss Muriel Calverley, birthday. The hostess received the guests in the hall, and then adjourned to the drawing room, where the tabic was decorated in pink, a novelty being a pink ice-cream birthday cake. Among those present were Mesdames Kennedy, Cioelee, Watson, W. Calverley, APDermid, Eishcr, Cook, and Scales, Aliases ,E. Eattigan, Stirling, L. Richardson, E. Stewart, J. Al‘Farlano, L. Rattigan, and L. APFarland. and Alessrs W. Calverley, A. Pettitt, and E. S. Calverley. A musical trio was given by Air Pettitt, and Alisses E. and L. Rattigan, and vocal solos by Alisses A. Watson, AI. Stirling, E. Stewart, E. S. Calverley, AT. Fisher, and AI. Calverley. The guest of honour received a number of presents.