TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3383, 15 January 1919, Page 49

TABLE TALK.

Monday Evening. On Monday afternoon Mr and Mrs T. R. Fisher celebrated their golden wedding at their residence, St. Clair, at a pleasant family reunion, when six of their sons and daughters-in-law, Miss Florence Fisher, several gra-ndchildren, nieces, and a lew Inti-

mat© friends were present. The happy couple received their guests in the drawing room, Mrs Fisher wearing a becoming gown of black crepe de chine, with a cape of oream silk and lace, worn at . her wedding 50 years ago, and carried a bouquet of golden roses, with handsome streamers of golden satin. Tho wedding tea was served in the dining room, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion, a wedding bell of white Canterbury bells with a golden tongue being suspended from the ceiling-, and the table daintily arranged with Iceland poppies and ribbon of a golden shade. Mr and Mrs Fisher were the recipients of many congratulatory wires and letters and 1 several handsome presents. In the evening a family dinner brought a happy day to a successful close.

The many friends of Colonel Eugene O'Neill will hear with pleasure that he has received the decoration of Companion of St. Michael and St. George for services rendered during the war. Colonel O'Neill, 0.M.G., is returning to the Dominion shortly to resume his practice. - .

Lievitenant-colonel Marshall Macdonald, who, with his wife, did 1 such excellent service in France during the- war, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Mrs George Roberts and Miss Eulalie Roberts left on Thursday to visit Mount Cook.

Mr Justice Sim, Mrs Sim, Mrs Gordon Denniston, and Mr J. Sim have gone to Mount Cook. Miss Gallaway, who has been the guest of Mrs A. D. .bell (Shag Valley), joined the party en route.

The Misses Gilbertson (2; "Wellington) are visiting Dunedin at present.

Mr and Mrs H. S. Fenwick have returned from their visit to Lake Wakatipu.

Dr and Mrs Fulton have returned from Waimate.

Miss Helen Williams- is the guest of Mrs George Ritchie (Herot row).

Miss Kate Hertzlett is visiting friends in Christchurch.

Mrs Oswald Napier is staying at Onslow House.

Mrs T. Rhodes and Miss Ethel Cargill (Timaru) are in town .at present, having come down to meet their brother, Mr Douglas Cargill, who is returning from the front.

Miss Helmore (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs Rattray (Waikouaiti).

Professor Jack (Dunedin) is visiting Lake Wakatipu.

Mr. "W. Ellis (.Sydney) arrived from the north last week.

Miss Alice Woodhouse has returned from visiting relatives in Christchurch and Timaru.

-Mrs Brooke (Auckland) has returned from her visit to Queenstown, and is the guest of Mrs Reggie Dawson (Montpelier) at present.

Dr and Mrs Colquhoun have returned from Timaru. ,

Mr and Mrs C. P. M. Butterworth have returned from their motor trip to Mount Cook.

Miss Kathleen M'Lean is the guest of Mrs Jack Reid (Oamaru).

Flags flew everywhere and crowds assembled on Saturday afternoon in the vicinity of the Railway Station to welcome General Pan and the members of the French Mission. When the first express arrived a guard of honour was drawn up on the platform, and, when the Marseillaise had been played, the Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) cordially welcomed the general and his part. A gathering of representative citizens shook hands, and Miss Marcelle Belluguo presented a beautiful bouquet of the tri-colour, carried out in flowers a.nd streamers. The route to the Octagon Hall (which was crowded to the doors) was lined with cheering crowds, and gaily decorated with bunting for the 'occasion. Mr J. J. Clark formally welcomed the mission in an excellent speech, and Mr George Fenwick also spoke of his recent visit to France, and paid a tribute to the heroic endurance of the Frenoh people. General Pau, who was accorded a very enthusiastic reception, made a charming reply in French, which was interpreted by a member of the mission. At the close of the proceedings the National Anthem and the Marseillaise were sung and the party were driven to the Fernhill Club, where they will stay while in Dunedin.

On Sunday .afternoon Dunedin was again en fete to welcome the 920 soldiers who returned by the troopship Tahiti, and several bands in Arizac square and vociferous cheering greeted the returned men, who were quickly conveyed to their homes by members of the Otago Motor Club.

Colonel Cowie Nicholls and Major Lampen left for Wellington this morning.

Miss May Stewart and Mr W. Downie Stewart returned to Dunedin on Saturday.

Mr and Mrs J. J. Clark have returned from the north.

Miss Gibson, Invercargill, is a guest of her sister, Mrs Short, Leith street.

INVERCARGILL, January 12. Miss Webb (Dunedin) is the guest of Mrs P. Webb (Gladstone). * Mrs Morrah has returned from her visit to Stewart Island.

Mrs Donaldson (Dunedin) is staying with Mrs Wylie (Eisk street). Mrs Chilwill -went to Stewart Island this week for a short holiday.

Miss "Valange (Dunedin), who has been staying with Mrs Chilwill at Dnderwood, also went to Stewart Island on Wednesday. Mrs Bush has returned from her trip to Mount Cook. Mies V. Crawford (Timaru) is the guest of Mrs G. Crawford. Miss Barr (Auckland) is down on a visit to Mrs D. Hansen. Mrs W. Saunders has gone to Stewart Island for a holiday. Mr Miles (Wellington) Is the guest of Mrs Fosbery Handysido. Dr and Mrs Hansen have returned from their; visit to Fortrose. Mr and Mrs Cuthbert (Sunnyside) were in tcvra for a, few daya during last w«ek.

OAMARU, January 12. The Fisk Jubilee Singers wore greeted with a full house on Thursday evening, when they put on an excellent programme. A large crowd gathered at tho railway station on Saturday to welcome the French Mission, headed by General Pau. Mr and Mrs Humphries and family havo returned from Timaru. Mrs Roxby, sen., is the guest of Mrs H. M. Roxby. Mrs and Miss F. de Lambert have returned from Waimate. Miss Keddie and Miss de Lambert are visiting Akaroa. Mrs Sandilarwis' (Feilding), who has been visiting her parents, Dr and Mrs Whitton, has returned home. Mr and Mrs Darling and family are ing down at Pu-rakanui, where they have taken a cottage tor. a few weeks. Miss Whitton is the guest of Mrs Darling. Mr and! Mrs Basil de Lambert, also Mx and Mts Dick Fotheringham, have returned from "Waimate.

TIMARU, January 11. Mrs S. Dixon (Hastings) is staying with Mrs Hindmorsh (Stafford street). Mrs Timaru Rhodes (Hadlow Grange) and Miss Cargill are at present in Dunedm Mrs Howden (Park lane) and her children are staying with Mi* Reid (Mtornington). Mr Knubley .and the Misses Knubley have returned from Hanmer. Mrs W. H. Walton (Wai-iti road) has returned from Dunedin. Mrs Chater (Tauranga) is the guest of Mrs Sterndale (Preston street). Colonel and Mrs Sleeman, who were the guests of Mrs Bond, have returned to Wellington. Miss Evelyn Robinson, who was at Oakwood for the holidays, has returned to Dunedin. •Mr and Mrs Bryan King (Sealy street) returned on Monday from Dunedin.

CHRISTCHURCH, January 11. On Tuesday the town was gaily dressed with flags flying from every building in honour of General Pau and the other nieror bers of the- French Mission, who arrived by the ferry steamer, and were met by Colonel Charley, 0.C., of Canterbury, Lieutenant Garland, M.C., representing his Excellency the Governor-general, and the French Consul, Mr Humphreys. The civio reception held in the Theatre Royal was largely attended by the public, and hk Worship the Mayor, in welcoming General Pau, spoke of the pleasure it gave him to welcome so gallant a man to Canterbury. Sir James Allen also gave a most pleasing welcome, to which it was suitably replied by General Pau and the other members of the mission. On "Wednesday the visitors were motored to Mr John Grigg's model farm at Longbeach, Ashburton, and on Thursday a motor trip to Akaroa, where they would be the guests of the French settlement. On Friday a large luncheon was given by his Excellency- the Governor-general, which was attended by all members of the mission. There has been quite a lot of tennis played in Christchurch during the week, the hostesses being Mrs Rhodes, Mrs "Wilding, Mrs Moore, and the Misses Anderson and Humphreys. Mrs G. Rhodes and Miss Shona Rhodes have gone to Hanmer Springs. Mr and Mrs Gerald Stead (Brackenfield) have returned from the Auckland races. Sir James Allen, Lady Allen, and Mies Allen arrived in Christchurch on Saturday from Mount Cook. Sir James went up to Wellington on the same day to meet General Pau and the other members of the French Mission. Mrs T. Cowlishaw is the guest of Mrs J. Tripp (Orari Gorge). Mr and Mrs G. Gould have returned from Coldstream, Ashburton. Miss S. "Westenra has returned from a visit to 'Mrs C. Rattray (Dunedin,). BLENHEIM, January 7. There was a fair attendance at ,the Marlborough lawn tennis grounds last Saturday afternoon, when tea was provided by the ladies. Some of those present were Mesdames Lightfoot, Prosser, Hardy, Orr, Wiffen, MoWat, Misses Neville, Chapman, Williams, xt Clouston, Rogers, and Lightfoot, Messrs Wiffen, Prosser, Thompson, Horton, and Captain Hardy. Mr and Mrs Teshemaker Shute hav returned from Wellington, and are now spending a holiday in the Sounds. Miss Moe Clouston has returned from the Sounds.

Mrs Clouston (St. Andrews) has gone to stay with Mr and Mrs B. Monro (Dartmoor) at their residence in the Sounds. Miss Laura "Wolferstan is staying with Mrs B. Monro. Mr and Mra J. Maclaine and Miss Rene Horton have returned from the Sounds. Miss Good has returned from the Sounds. I Mrs and Miss Allison Corry have returned from Wellington. Mr and b'Mra and Miss Ldghtfoot have returned from Picton. Mr and Mrs Lovey have returned from Picton. Mr and Mrs B. Clouston have returned from the Sounds. Mr and Mrs Relling have gone to Wellington. Mr and Mjts BT. Burden and family have returned from their holiday to Nelson. Mr and Mrs Adam Bell (Riverlands) have returned from their short visit to Hawke's Bay. The Rev. and Mrs York (Christchurch) and Mr J. Wilson (Greymouth) are the guests of Mrs York (the Vicarage). Mr and Mrs Claude Mills and family are camping in the Awatere. WELLINGTON, January 10.

The event of the week has, of course, been the advent of the French Mission under General Pau. The great reception in the Town Hall eclipsed anything of the kind which haps been *een in that hall since it was opened. Before the reception in the hall in the presence 'of the vast audience—assembled at 11 a.m , remember, a unique record, —there was a reception on a smaller scale in the Mayor's room, whereat many citizens were presented to the general. Among those presented was the daughter of one of the old 1 French settlers of Akaroa— Madame Webb (nee De Malmanche), —who took the opportunity of pinning a bouquet Oil th© general's coat, the general in return gallantly kissing her hand. As these two engaged' in brief conversation, animated after the French manner, one could not hel{- speculating what would have been the difference to-day if in the remote time of the arrival of the French Nanto-Bordelaise expedition the officers of the Aube frigate had not put into the Bay of Islands and divulged to Governor Hobson the object of their visit to the southern port of Akaroa., to which thay were then en route. In duo course, by the way, the mission visited the town of Akaroa, and had the opportunity of meeting - many of the descendants of ihe old French residents. The general took the opportunity of declaring that the complete accord! of French and English at Akaroa Is

a typo of the ocoord represented by th« Entente Oordiale. That reminds mo that tho general speaks very well, quit© aB fluently aa one would expect from one of his nationality, and not quite so rapidly, but with great pose and. dignity, made very charming by decisivesigns of alertness and the broad humour which belongs to Southern France. The general belongs to the great people of the "Midi." The enthusiasm he inspired in the vast audience of tho Town Hall was something to remember. All Wellington was there, and took care to bring his wife. But not many ladies were accommodated on the platform, which, I venture to think, was an oversight on the part of Monseiur Ie or someone taking part in hia arrangements, Lady Stout I noticed among the few, the Mayoress, of course, Mrs Donald and a few others. The hall was brilliantlydecorated with flags,, and the brilliancy wa* increased by the dresses of the many laaiea in the great throng. When the general complimented our young soldiers who had made the name of Anzao so famous, there was a burat of frenzy. At every turn he was interrupted more or lees in the same fashion as he discoursed of tire union between the peoples of their old fights and feuds, of the respect that never failed between them, based, as it Was, on the honourable character of their hostilities —they fought like gentlemen always,—and wound np with. fervent hopes that the friendship thus begun would ripen soon into that commercial understanding which is the best thing in the future of both countries.

Captain Barclay represented the French Club, addressing the general in French, and tho general referred to him in his reply &# " Mon Camarade." We were all sorry when the proceedings closed, but we will never forget the fervour with which the big audience sang the National Anthem and the Marseillaise. The later singing was much, helped by leaflets of the words—an English translation —liberally supplied. Of course, the grand organ played by the city organist. Mr i'age, lifted up the music in grand style.

The annual conference of the New Zealand Women Teachers' Association is being heldL The most note-worthy thing was the ad dress of the president. Miss Chaplin, of Canterbury. It was thorough in everything—in condemns* tion of the small, badly-Ventilated school <■ buildings, in its demand for better staffing, in its insistence on the appointment or women as inspectors, in its clamour tot roomy playgrounds and surroundings elementarily hygienic. In the matter of inspectorships and 1 other positions generally not now open to women, the president asked . pertinently, " Are we so inferior that we must be content' to fill only subordinate positions?" The miserable pay. of the teachers did not fail to get a showing. Every possible grievance and disability Was dealt with before the remarkable conclusion, so sane and so practioal: '" If we are untrue to ourselves we cannot be true to our scholar* Our profession ought 'to stand among the highest, and we should count it an honour rather then a, duty to help in the uplift." Mr and Mrs !L. BlundeM and Mr and Mrs J. L>. Blundell are staying in Christ- . church for a few days. The Misses- Staples, of Wellington, are spending & holiday at Sumner. Lady Allen, who arrived after the big meeting is away in the south' with her husband.

The members of the St. John Ambuknoe Association are somewhat perturbed by Mr JbiusseH's reference to the need l for establishing a national organisation to do very much the same work as the association. The feeling is that as no one outside the Dominion would recognise the diplomas and certificates of a local organisation as they do those of the time-honoured universal institution, the new thing would be- a mistake. Why not help the old one along if it requires helping? That is the general idea.

AUCKLAND, January 9. The third day's racing on New Year's Dayopened' in showery weather, in spite of -which fact there was a large attendance.. Two bands played cheerful music—one on' the* kwn and the other on. the hill. The doubtful weather prevented many from wearing frocks meant for the day, and coats and skirts were in evidence everywhere. Amongst southern visitors present were Mrs Arthur? Russell and Miss Russell (Palmerston North, and who have just returned l from a prolonged visit to England), Lady Findlay (Wellington), Mrs Eric Riddiford (Wellington), Mrs Georgo Stead (Chri&tchurch), Miss June Clifford (Canterbury), Mrs Brodie and her sister, Misa Rita Moss (Wellington), Mrs Louisson (Christchvrch;. Mrs Murphy (Gisborne), Mrs Peacock (Wellington), Mrs do Latour (Gisborne), and Mrs W. Fitzherbert (Balmerston North). After the running of the Derby the winner, Gloaming, was led on to the lawn, and Miss Gorrie (daughter of the vice-president, Mr H. T. Gorrie) performed the ceremony of pinning the blue riband around the successful horse's neck amidst great applause. Mrs Cockburn-Hood (Masterton) is staying at Car gen. Mr Green and Miss Molly Green (Wellington) are also at Cargen. Cargen was the scene of a large ball on New Year's Eve, which was very greatly enjoyed by all present. Dady Walker looked charming in a lovely frock of opal-coloured ret, with lace and touches of turquoise} Mrs Erio Riddiford wore a smart black-and-white frock; Misa June Clifford, pale pinis georgette; Miss Neville Thome George, greejj tulle with a smart touch of scarlet; Mis* Rita Moss (Wellington), dainty frilled frock of pink-and-white tulle; Mrs Eliot Davis. silver tissue veiled with tulle and finished with toviches of blue on the corsage; Miss Kathleen Holmes, pale mauve chiffon velvet made in the style of the new skirt, and 1 finished with tulle and lace; Miss Una Buddie wore a smart black frock with touches of dull gold.

The funeral of the late Colonel G. W. S. Patterson, officer commanding the Auckland military district, took place on Saturday. The* interment was at Purewa Cemetery, and was carried out with full military honours. The chief mourners' were Mrs- Patterson (widow of the deceased) and Mrs Prescott and Miss Kathleen Patterson (daughters). Miss Virginia Dobie, 8.A., has been appointed to a. position on the teaching staff of the Otago Boys' High School. The Hon. G. J. Garland, M.L.C., and Mra and Miss Garland are visiting relatives in Napier. r~ GREETINGS. Eve sends on. behalf of herself and Gab'rlelle a greeting to all the members of the 0.0. C. ""We would like," she writes, 'to send a few words of thanks for kindly messages sent to us during our last session of the olub,. end a few words of greeting for the new year. Our club's reunion will be shadowedl by the knowledge of Val's empty

place, andi we shall miss her greatly. Almost Binoo the club first came into existence Val haa been one of its strongest supporters, and. one of its most interested members—a true and loyal comrade in every way. "Witness readers as well as active members of the club will feel her loss. I know, for she bad made her own special place, and no one else can fill it." There are many who will join with Eve in her appreciation of Val, and sympathise with her in her loss. Truly, as Eve says in another part of her letter, this last Christmas has been a sad one for many, but we will hope for brighter days in store. For the very kind message that she sends to myself, I thank both her and Gabrielle most sincerely.

"VAL."

It is with very great regret that I have received the accompanying letter from L»ex, with its sad news. Words are so inadequate to express one's feelings, but I can only assure him that I feel for him very, very deeply. liike*all members of the C.C.C., I have always welcomed Val's contribution, and she will be very much missed, while, judging from what her writings have shown, one can understand what the loss must be to Lex. The news hna coma as quite a shock to me, as I had not happened to see any notification, of her death, and I know many others besides those who knew her personally will feel they have lost a friend. Dear Elizabeth and Comrades of C.C.C., — With great sorrow of heart I write to tell members of the O.G.C. that our beloved Val passed away very suddenly on November 8. In the New England School of Writers around Concord and Boston it has been the good and time-honoured practice of that sooial circle to preserve in. book

of the club for the last 21 years, and always took the warmest interest in the meetings of C.C.C. Val's poems and essays always showed a very high order of merit, and did the writer great credit. Rangiora writes:

"Dear sweet, good Val! I can hardly realise that I will not see her again." Gabrielle and Eve write nlso, saying that our comrade Val will be sadly missed indeed. AJ.er interest and sympathy and help have always been so very great, and the metings have never seemed complete, without her presence. Eve and Gabrielle say, "We shall all grieve for her." Merix writes also, expressing her great sorrow at the loss sustained, but she says how pleased she was to have met once when Val paid her a visit. Alpha also expresses her great sorrow at our loss. Alpha was able to represent the C.C.C. at the funeral. Val had distinguished herself at the Dunedin Competitions, having carried off a prize for the poems with a very fine poem on the seasons, describing the beauty of summer, autumn, spring, and winter. The poem showed a very high, order of merit. Val also gained a place in the Competitions for original story section. Val has published, along with Mr G. B. Laidlaw, the Now Zealand Fern School song k book. I consider the song v book the very best • in New Zealand, ana does the writer the highest 'credit. It contains 10 beautiful songs in the old' and new notation. Mr James Eennie, 8.A., B.Sc, of Albany Street School, recommends the songs with confidence to teachers. The Education Department accepted the song book for the the use of the State schools of New Zealand, and have placed it on the accepted list of approved books. We laid dear Val to rest in the beautiful cemetery of Anderson's Bay alongside the sea that Val loved so well, awaiting the resurrection of the pure and just

as true a picture .ae may be of the life of each departed member. The very sad duty falls to me to write up for all active and silent members of the C.C.C. the -virtues and graoes of our dear departed member. Val, like myself, has been a very loyal member "till the day dawns and the shadows flee away." Val loved the flowers, the birds, and Nature-study in a very high degree, Val also had a fine sense of humour, which would give you pleasure. I dedicate this little poem to hor gracious memory: To My Mary. I asked the stars, where Mary dwelt } The light they gave wa& but their own. Remote they shone, a gleaming belt: They made me colder, more alone. I asked my heaort where Mary dwelt—- ■ My heavy heart so full of woe, — And as I questioned it I felt That here was* something I could know. For with the rush of tears s that welled Prom depths below to heights above, I dreamed at last where Mary dwelled, Since there, as here, her home is love. LEX.