TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3328, 26 December 1917, Page 49

TABLE TALK.

December 17. Mr and Mrs diaries Turnbull have returned from a three months’ visit to the North Island. Mr Geo Mac Lean has gone for a trip to Mount Qook. Mrs Burdon has returned to her home in Geraldine, and was accompanied by Miss Rawson. Mrs and the Misses Hislop are staying at Brighton for the summer. Mrs Gallaway has returned from Wellington, where she was the guest of Lieutenant and Mrs Garth Gallaway. Miss "Helen Williams has gone to the North Island. Miss Buddie (Auckland) is the guest of Dr and Mrs Lindo Ferguson for the Christmas holidays. Mrs Ernest Williams and her children are at Waitati. Mrs and Miss Ramsay have gone to spend Christinas with Mrs Pattullo, Hawke’s Bay. Mr Laidlaw (Matakanui) was in town for a few days. Mrs Orbell (Waikouaiti) was the guest of Mrs Stanley Batchelor for a few days. Mrs Shand has gone to stay with her daughters at Craighead, Tim arm Mrs George Roberts has gone to spend Christmas with Mr and Mrs Alec Roberts in Wellington. > Miss Beatrice Parquhar has left for the north. She intends to go in for fruit-farm-ing in Nelson. Mrs Geo. Mac Lean and her children have gone to spend Christmas with her sisters at Craighead. Mr and Mrs Wilding, who have been staying at St. Clair for some weeks, have returned to Christchurch. . > ■

Mrs Birch, left last week for the North Island to say good-bye- to her brother, Mr Carl Williams, who leaves shortly for the front.

Lady M'Lean and Miss M'Lean left for Wellington last week.

Miss Cafa Graham has gone on a visit to her different relatives in the North Island.

Mrs Harry Angus has returned to her home in Christchurch.

Miss Fanny Shand has been down from Timaru for a few days, staying with Mrs Shand.

Dr and Mrs Nedwill are staying at Onslow House.

Mr and Miss Laing are spending a few weeks at Mount Cook. ■

Mrs Jim Watson has been down f ro m Timaru or. a short visit to Mrs Royse.

Mr and .Mrs Edward Fulton (Wellington) are the guests of Dr and 'Mrs Barnett.

Mrs Carr and Miss Carew have returned from visiting Mrs W. A. Moore at the "seaside.

Sir Joseph and Lady Ward have been in town for a few days this week.

Mrs Mackerras has returned from a holi day trip, to Timaru.

Mrs R. Fulton has returned from her visit to Waimate.

Mrs and Miss Moore have returned from their holiday trip to Dr King's cottage at Karitane. Mr Leslie Miles (Wellington) lias been in Dunedin on a short visit. Mr and Mrs Neil Galbraith have returned from a holiday trip, spent at Mount Cook. December 21. Miss Getha Chapman and Miss Morton, who are studying medicine at Otago University, have gone to their homes in Wellington for tho holidays. Mrs Leslie Wilson and Mr Erlton, Wilson are spending Christmas with Mrs Walter Macfarlane (North Canterbury). Miss Murdoch is the guest of the Misses Fullarton, St. Clair. Mr and Mrs Oldham and Miss Carew have gono to spend Christmas at Hamner.

Mr and Mrs Alec Morris (Wellington) have been the guests of Mrs B. C. Haggitt for a few days, en route for Queenstown.

Miss Ethel Glendining is staying with Miss Preston, Palmerston South.

c Mrs and Mias David Mills have arrlvcci from Sydney to stay -with Mr and Mrs Geo. Ritchie, Heriot row.

Dr and Mrs Ferguson and Miss Buddie are staying at Waikouaiti.

Lieutenant and Mrs Garth Callaway are down from Wellington to spend Christmas with Mr and Mrs Sherman.

Mrs Gilkison and her children are at their seaside cottage at Purakanui.

Mta E. L. Macasscy and her children are staying at Brighton for the Christmas and New'Year holidays.

Mr and Mrs Wolsey Kain are settled in their new home at Sti- Clair.

Miss I. Rattray is staying at Waikouaiti

Miss Rattray and Mrs Russell Ritchie's children are at Moeraki.

Mr and Mrs Carr are settled at their seaside -cottage at Macandrew's Bay for the Bunimer months.

Mrs M'Master is visiting her daughter, Mrs Jack Gould, in Marton.

Mrs Stanley Batchelor and her children have gone for the holidays to their cottage at Waitati.

Dr and Mrs Champtaloup are spending the holidays at Karitane.

Mrs Walter Hislop, the Misses Hislop, and Miss Moodie have all gone to Brighton for the summer. Mrs Hislop has let her house in town, furnished, for two or three months.

In place of having the usual break-up entertainment this year St. Hilda's Collegiate School gave two entertainments in All Saints' Schoolroom, partly to provide funds for a new lennis court and partly for patriotic purposes. The entertainment-"given by the junior school was particularly good. The first part consisted of nursery 'rhymes, songs, and dances, all being moat prettily staged, and tho children's costumes showed how cleverly mothers and teachers could turn to account inexpensive materials. "Tho Byelow Boat" was one of the most effective items, the smaller children, in quaint little pink cloaks and hoods, sitting in an in-geniously-contrived boat that stretched right acroßS the stage ; while round about them were grouped tali "dreams," draped in grey, and leaning on long poles bearing fairy lanterns, while they sang lullabies to tho sleepy little ones*. In the second part of the programme a scene from "Peter Pan" was given, and a playlet called " The Pixies' Christmas Eve." The "Peter Pan" scene—tho scene where Peter comes into the Darlings' night-nursery, trying to find his shadow—was exceedingly well staged, and the acting could hardly have been better. "Peter" particularly seemed thoroughly at home in the part; but all were good, in spite of one or two mishaps with the lighting apparatus that might easily have disconcerted much older players. Later in the week tlic older girls staged scenes from a version of "Pygmalion and Galatea" —unfortunately rather a burlesque of one of the most beautiful of the old Greek stories; and in the afternoon of the same day the prize-giving ceremony took . place at the schpol, the Bishop of Dunedin presenting the piizes.

On Tuesday last iho prize-giving ceremony at Archorfield School was held! in the school Assembly Hall, which was prettily decorated for the occasion. The -Rev. Mr Balfour presided, and after a very satisfactory school leport had been read the prizes were presented, and Mr Balfour spoke a few words to the girls who wore leaving. Afternoon tea was then served in the main school building, whero some very good work in the way of sewing, painting, and drawing was on view.

The engagement is announced of Miss Helen Cameron, daughter of Rev. A. Cameion, Anderson Bay, to Private H. Wilkinson, N.Z.E.F., eldest eon of Mr H. K. Wilkinson, Dunedin.

INVERCARGILL, December 20. Mr M'Arthur and the Misses M'Arthur, Lumsden Hills, who were staying at the Grand Hotel, have returned home. Mrs H. Studholme (Birchwood) is in town for' a few days. Mrs B. B. Wood and Miss Bean (Christchurch) have gone over to Stewart Island for a short holiday. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, who spent a few days down here last week, have returned north.

Miss Ewart had a few friends in for bridge last Friday evening. Some of her guests were Mrs Tennent, Mrs Roberts, Mrs Kemp, Miss Brodnck, and Miss Fynes-Clinton. Miss Bell left for Timaru this week. Mr Handyside (Wellington) is the guest of Mrs Fbsbery Handyside. On Wednesday evening a concert was given in Victoria Hall by the pupils of St. John's School to celebrate the breaking up for the Christmas holidays. The pupils of the lower schools did some very pretty dancing and action songs; while some of the upper pupils gave an excellent rendering of part of "The Merchant of Venice." The dresses throughout were most artistic. Among the audience were Archdeacon Richards, Mr and Mrs" W. Handyside, Mrs Rowley, Misses Rowley (2), Mrs W, Robinson, Mrs J. Macdonald, Dr and Mis Hansen, Mr and Mrs 'Chisholm, Mr and Mis F. Webb, Miss Shepherd, Mrs Ward, Rev. Fynes-Clinton, Miss Fynes-Clin-ton, Mrs Rodger, Mrs M'Ewan, Mr and Mrs Russell, Mrs Studholme, Miss Snow, Mr Corbett, Misses Cbrbett (2), Mr and Mrs C. Tapley, Mr and Mrs Stock, Mr and Mrs G. Moffett, Mr and Mrs H. Royds, Mr ana Mrs Ei. R. Wilson, Mr and Mrs Hoyles, Mrs W. Blown, Mr and Mrs L. Webb, Mrs Foster, Mrs R. J. Gilmour, Mr and Mrs Abbey Jones, Mrs and Miss Hackworth, Mrs Haggitt, Mis Prain, Miss Prain, Miss Jobson, Mrs Howorth, Mr and Mrs Jennings, Mrs Kemp, Mrs Mackerel, and Mrs VynerT

OAMARU, December 20. On Wednesday evening Miss Dorothy Davies held,.* the break-up of her school in St. Luke's Hall. The Ven. Archdeacon Russell presided, and the prizes were given away by Miss Fanny Stronach. During the evening the pupils gave an exhibition of wand exercises and Swedish drill; also some musical items and a play. Some of the guests were Mr and Mrs M'Culloch, Mr and Mrs B. de Lambert, Mr and Mrs Armstrong, Mr and Mrs Cuthbertsdn, Mr and Mrs Borton, Archdeacon and Mrs Russell, Mrs Orbell, Mrs Haines, Mrs Elcoate, the Misses Stronach, A. Piper, de Lambert, Humphries, Darling, E. Robinson,- and Nicolls. "The Messiah" was given in St. Luke's Church on Tuesday evening- by the united choirs. A collection was taken rip in aid of the poor of the parish. ■ : Mrs Russell is visiting Waimate. Mrs and the Misses M.'Douall have gone for a trip to the North. Island* Mrs Burry has been visiting Mrs J. C. Niicholls, Kuriheka. •■; ■• g Mrs Whitton is visiting Christchurch. Miss Nicolls is the guest of Mrs Allan Orbell, Waikouaiti. Miss Humphries has returned from Hakataramea* ..- Mrs John Frazer, who has been spending some months in Christchurch, has returned home. TIMARU, December 22. Mrs Johnston (Christchurch) has taken Mrs Cole's house, Wai-iti road, for the holidays. Mr and Mrs G. Wright (Wellington) have taken Mr G. Raymond's house m Christchurch. Mrs Wright has been spending some time in Timaru visiting relatives. Colonel Campbell, Mrs Hacon, and Miss Downes, who were at the Hydro for a few days, left on Tuesday for Dunedin and the southern lakes. Miss Islip (Orari Gorge) spent the weekend in town. Mr and Mrs Guinness, Miss Guinness, and Mr John Guinness leave on Friday for Fairlie. They intend spending Christmas at Mount Cook. Mrs Wilfred Howell (Kainui) spent a few days with Mrs Howell, Marston. Mr and Mrs T. M'Kenzie spent o few days durin<r the week with Mrs O'Callaghan, Highfield, returning to Takatu on Saturday.

Miss M'Kenzie (R.angiora), who has iust returned from Australia, is staying with Mrs M'Kenzie, Waihao Downs. On Wednesday the Misses Hall (Strathmore School) held a very successful garden party in Mr Smithson's beautiful grounds, which were kindly lent for the day, the proceeds went in aid of the Red_ Cross Funds, which would benefit to a considerable amount.. Vn-rious fancy and other stalls did a brisk business, while delicious afternoon tea was much appreciatedMiss Freda Jones is spending Christmas at Mount Cook.

CHRISTCHUPCH, December 21. A happy Christmas io all readers, and the best, of wishes for the New Year. It is such a joyous tlmo for the young- that Christmas must be kept up, though with many it will only bo a pretence. The returned soldiors. who have been taught basket-making in the hospital by Miss Webster, Dunedi'i, sold their wares in Cathedral square on Wednesday, and wcie quickly sold out. There was a fine show of baskets, trays, and string bags, and the wounded men must have been pleased to soo how popular and saleable their work ie. The annual cricket match Christ's College v. Otago High School was playeu on the College Grounls on Saturday, and resulted in a big win for College. It was a very warm day, and though numbers watched the play it was disappointing that College's easy win did not necessitate, play on Monday. Amongst those present were Mr and Mrs Blanch, Mr and Mrs Morton, Mr and Mrs Gould and the Misses Gould, Mr and Mrs Flower, Mr and Mrs Hogg, Mrs Dalgety, Miss Dalgety, Professor and Mrs Blunt, Mrs and Miss Tothill, Mr and Mrs Bulnois, and several others.

Mrs C. Cooper gave a delightful children's party on; Saturday for her small daughter Ann's birthday. Amongst those present ware Miss Hislip (Wellington), Mrs Cordner and Quito, Mrs Gresson and Terrence, Mi's Godbv and Ivor. Mrs W. Helmore with 6on and daughter, Mrs Guy Eonalds and daughter, Mrs Williams and Margaret, Mrs Andrea© and children. Mrs B. B. Wood and Ward Wood, Mrs Firth and daughter, and several other small children.

Mrs G. Gould (Avonsbank) gave a small jvenile party on Tuesday evening. Dancing* took place in the billiard room. Amongst those present were the Misses Gould (2), Wells, Westenra, Pratt. Wood, Helmore, Beswick, Cowlishaw (2), Dalgety, and Messrs Ait ken, Garland, Helmore, Gould, Turner, Hooves, Cotterill, Dalgety. Miss Webster' (Dunedin) is visiting Christchurch,.

The Misses Buckley (Oamaru) have been the guests of Mrs Goukl.

Mrs Stead is the guest of Mr and Mrs W. Stead, Hawke's Bay.

The Hon. F. H. Wigram and Mrs Wigram have gone to Hanmer Springs. Dr and Mrs J. Palmer have gone to Auckland for the races.

Mr and Mrs J. Vernon have returned from Geraldine.

Mr and Mrs A. Elworthy (Timaru) have been in town.

BLENHEIM, December 20. In epite of the prevailing wind on Saturday afternoon the Marlborough Lawn Tennis Courts were, as usual, well attended. During the course of the afternoon a dainty tea was provided and dispensed by Mrs J. "White and Miss Urquhart, which was much appreciated during the intervals of play. Some of those I noticed present were Mrs White, Mr A. J. Maclaine, Mrs Andrew (Birch Hill), Mrs Samuels (Wellington), Mrs Hardy, Mrs Hulrne, Mr 3 A. Mbwat, Mrs B. Clouston, Mrs Lightfoot, Mrs E. Ball, Mrs T. Orr, Mrs M'Keller, Mrs Bastings, Mrs Cheek, Mra Best, Mrs R. M'Callum, Misses Chapman, M'Keller, Loughnan, Clouston (2), Neville (2), Revell, Lines, Geddis (Wellington), M. Lightfoot, Urquhart, Scott-Smith, Bundle, MCallum, H. Mowat, Ailkin (2), Cheek, etc Mr and Mrs - Samuels (Wellington) and Miss Geddis (Wellington),-who.have been the guests of Mrs Stevenson-Smith "in Maxwell road, proceeded to i\elson on Tuesday. Miss M'Callum (Dunedin) is spending her vacation with her parents at Argyle. Miss Sibbald arrived from England last week, and is residing here with her parents Mrs Andrew (Birch Hill) was ■ m town during the week.. ... "

_ Misa Amy Neville has returned from visiting friends in the South Island.

k r, !, WELLINGTON, December 19. JJr Bedford, lecturing here on 'llace-build-ing,'. had a great success, owing, some of it, to the admirable manner in which he is seconded by the ladies, some of whom are very enthusiastic in the cause. Miss M'Lean introduced him from the chair—she was presiding—as a student of human nature—a student, above all, of facts: not at all likely to take a biased view of things so important as those he was going to speak of. She ended by declaring her conviction that the lecture would be inost helpful. The young doctor began by saying that, though not a medical man, he had diligently studied facts of life and books of authorities. He urged women to think not so much of their duties as of their rights. These are: the right to be protected against evil and disease and -the right to enjoy life in its ideal foim—a home life with good health and happy parenthood. With this introduction,-he sailed into an eloquent treatise on a . subject which has been long forbidden, and therefore attended by the giavest evils. A very good contribution to the general knowledge and very.well imparted, as the ladies all agreed in talking the matter over after the talented, lecturer had: departed from their hall in which he had done his work—the hall, I mean, of the Y..W.C.A., of course.

Mi;ss Baber, at the break-up ceremony of her school, had much this year to say about the careers of girls. The position has, as we all have felt before this, been accentuated for the worse by the war, which has taken such heavy toll of the men of the country, <jmd is likely to take so. much more of the same before the Moloch of war has been saturated. It will for some time be far more necessary than before the war for girls to be put into the way of earning for themselves a good living, instead of having to take the scraps of work aiid the wretched half-pence left for those who know nothing and have no useful skill. "Cansider," said Miss Baber, addressing parents, "the subject of a career for your daughters. In fact, put your daughters in this respect on the same level as your sons. In the coming generation, still more than in the past, that highest vocation for women —wifehood and motherhood —will be for the few, and the many must find the fullness of life in other ways." As. to the details, which are everything in such a matter, Miss Baber did not forget them. Here is a list of some of the things she maintained were well within the ambition of women and fairly remunerative: nursing, the medical profession, teaching, office work of all kinds, gardening, and farming—all offer scope for women. On this subject Miss Baber did not forget to give valuable advice, not resting content with vague generalities in which most speakers on difficult- subjects seek their stock-in-trade The Women's National Reserve people have opened a place in which the children of soldieis' wives working in the absence of their men at the front can bo housed and tended .and cared for—a creche, in fact, which in ancient France was a time-honoured institution. But better late than never. Lady M'Lean and her daughter are here from, the south. The town is travelling for the Christmas holidays for the most part, and the air moreover is full of the reports of school break-