THE LADIES’ PAGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3609, 15 May 1923, Page 53

THE LADIES’ PAGE.

By

Esther

Wherever % true n jmq oomea, fl| always around ha-.”—liuskin.

Gather will be pleased to reoeire letters trod correspondents on \ny matter of interest to theta, And to reply through the medium o 1 this page, the torn de plume only of Uie correspondent* to published. letters to bo addroased “Esther/* Hit ot tbo Editor.

TABLE TALI,

Friday evening

On Friday, May 4, Mrs B. C. Haggitt gave a e-mail afternoon tea at the Women’s Club in honour of Judge and Mrs Fraser. Also present were Mesdtimes Ritchie, Macassey, Callaway, H. Haggitt, Misses Haggitt, K. Haggitt, Williams, Callaway, Macassey, APBaren, etc.

Judge and Mrs Fraser entertained a few friends on Tuesday afternoon at tea in the Tudor Hall at the Savoy. Present were Mesdames B. C. Haggitt. Ritchie, Macassey, Callaway, C. Haggitt, J. Haggitt, Nevill, Misses Haggitt, E. Haggitt, Callaway, Williams, Macandrew, etc. During the afternoon an exhibition ol dancing was given by Miss Helen Watson and Mr White.

The choral Society gave a great treat at their concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in the presentation of the “Ancient Mariner” at His Majesty’s Theatre. A large and appreciative audience was present.

On Wednesday afternoon Mrs Ritchie, Balvraid, gave a large “At home.” The guests were received in the large lounge, and tea was served in the dining room, where the table was prettily arranged with roses in a cut crystal bowl. The Misses M‘Daren, who are staying with Mrs Ritchie, assisted her in the entertainment of her guests. Also present were Lady Williams, Mesd a mes Fraser, B. C. Haggitt, G. Ritchie, W. Maitland, Nevill, Macassey, Bridgeman, Callaway, J. Stewart, Din do Ferguson, S. Neill. Cheeseman, Sliand, O’Neill, APKibbin, Vivian, Holderness, Bell (iSha-g Valley). Misses Cargill (2), Gilkison, Reynolds, Graham, Webster, Sise, Williams (2), Rattray (2), Macassey, Bell, Ulrich, F. .S'liand, A. Neill, Davis, Bond. Bridgeman, Alacandiew, Haggitt, E. Haggitt, Denniston, Callaway. The Dunedin Horticultural Society held their Winter Show in the Art Gallery on Wednesday and Thursday. Beautiful blooms of chrysanthemums were shown. Much praise is due to the growers for bringing them to such perfection in such a wet and sunless season. The fruit and vegetables were als-o splendidly grown. The apples were brilliant a.nd tempting. The Misses Sh-and (Timaru) are spending the holidays with their mother, Mrs Sliand, Pitt street. Mrs E. Thomas (Timaru) is staying at Onslow House. Mr and Mrs Elliston Orbell left for Christ - cli u rch 1 ast week. Judge and Mrs Sim returned last Monday from a delightful trip to England. Miss Dily M‘Baren is staying with Mrs Ritchie. Miss Tabart has returned to Christchurch. Mrs Stanley Batchelor and her children are at Waitati for the holidays. The engagement is announced of Trixie Majori, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Charles Bailey, of Wangnui, to Dr D. N. M. Scryingour, youngst son of Mr and Mi's i’. Seryingour, of lyjiingt-on, Dunedin, News lias come through from England tht Mr Francis Gordon I’ayne. the only son of Mr F. W. Payne, the well-known mining and consulting engineer, was married in London on the 11th January last to Mi as Evelyn Rodgers, the younger daughter of the late Mr J. Rodgers, of Leicestershire. On Friday evening, May 1. in the Early Settlers’ Hall, the Victoria League held a very successful dance, which, as usual, was prettily decorated. Amongst those present were Mesdames G. Ritchie, H. Reeves, M'Rabbin O’Neill, Cotterill, Chrysta.il, Barr, Edgar Hazlett, Kelly, J. E. Macassey, Statham, Tapley, Misses Haggitt, Sidev, Emerson, Gallaway, H. Watson, button, /S'add, Macandrevv. R. Hogg (Invercargill), Morrah (Invercargill), A. Miatheson, Cheeseman Blomfield, Ramsden, Statham. Kelly, J*. Blair. Milne, Todd, Harris, Jackson, J. Burt, lion. C. E. Statham, Messrs G. Ritchie, Harman Reeves, Sinclair. Laidlaw, Solomon, Tapley, L. Harris, Stowe, N. Haggitt, White, Jennings, Macassey, etc. The occasion was taken advantage of for the debut of the Misses Kelly, Nancy Barr, and Statham, who looked very charming in their “coming out” gowns. Miss Kelly wore an apricot taffeta trimmed with gold cm. broidery, email jrosey of orange and blue flowers. Miss Marjorie Statham was attired in white georgette and gold embroidery, Victorian posey of various flowers; Miss Nancy Barr, white taffeta frock made with tiny frills, small bouquet of forget-me-nots. Mrs Tapley was attired in a handsome gown of black morocain; Mrs Harman Reeves, black satin with panels of blue; Mrs G. Ritchie, black lace over satin ; Mrs Statham, emerald green satin; Mrs J. E. Macassey. black jet rcJie over white satin; Mrs M’Kibbin, pink taffeta with silver lace; Mrs Edgar Hazlett, black satin with touches of red; Miss Callaway, gold satin veiled in laee the same shade; Miss P. Harris, black georgette over satin; Miss Joan Harris, soft shade of mauve georgette over satin ; Miss A. Matheson, primrose taffeta; Miss Peggy Ramsden, grey beaded robe over sa-tin; Miss Jean Burt, rust-coloured satin with gold trimmings; Miss Jackson, black satin with jet; Miss Morrah (Invercargill), gold and black with touch of crimson ; Miss Watson, rich crimson velvet with gold ornament catching draperies at the side of the skirt ; Miss Cheeseman, turquoise blue satin. INVERCARGILL. May 12. Mrs E. Russell and Miss D. Rus&eil have gone to Auckland to spend tlu winter. Mrs R. B. Caws left for Timaru this week for a short holiday. Mrs John Stronach (formerly of Invercargill) stayed here on her way to Melbourne. She was the guest of Miss Broderick while here. Mrs J. M‘G. Watson and Miss Watson have gone to Queenstown.

Mrß B. Hewat hoe gone to visit her parents in Oamaru.

Miss Roe and Mrs Cook have gone north for a short etav.

Miss A. Dannie is at present spending a few weeks in Dunedin.

Mrs F. D. Moriah gave a farewell bridge party this wee-k for Miss Thomson Lennei, who leaves for England shortly. Among her guests were Miss Thomson, Mrs Bush, Mne T. S. Miller, Mrs Do ugh nan, Mrs J. G. Macdonald, Mrs Newton, Mrs M‘Caw, Mrs F. Handy side, Mrs D. Cut h hex t son, Mrs liazlett, Mrs Abbey Jones. Mrs R. N. Todd, Mrs A. Hawke, Mrs Roberts, Mrs Haggitt, Mrs Spencer, Mrs Bush, Mrs Barclay, Aire Fenwick, Mrs R. Crawford, Mrs Ewart, Mrs F. Barclay, Mrs Cruickshank, Misses Fynea>Chnton, Guthrie, Broderick, Bund as* Tucker, Forbes, D. M'Dean, and H. Macdonald. Mrs Bush also gave a bridge party this week in honour of her sister, Mis© Thomson. Mrs F. Brooksmith entertained ©(.me young people at a dance last Saturday evening at her home Dalrymple road. Among some of those present wore Mr and Mre T. Abhererombio, Mr and Mrs Callender, Mat Mali'roy, Mieses Galbraith, Macpherson (2), M Queen, Richardson, Brodie, Hurst, HaigbSmith (Auckland). Messrs Dundas, Todd (2) # Young, Rae, F, Carswell, and M iller. OAMARU, May 11. Miss Joyce Stronach returned to Dunedin last Saturday. Miss Macieen Reid lias gone to Wellington for a few weeks. Mrs Newman and Miss Cameron have returned north after spending a few weeitß with Dr and Mrs Fitzgerald. Mrs Orbell gave a very enjoyable white j morning in honour of Miss Molly Lane. Some present were Mrs Douglas, Mrs and Miss Dane, Mrs H. Orbell, Mrs Bullied, Miss Sutton, Mis© De Dambert, Miss Maude, Mrs Jones, Mrs Q)r) Scott, Mrs Fitzgerald, Mrs Scott, Mrs Smith-Morton, Mre S. Reid, Mrs M‘Culloch, Miss Kcddic, Mies NicliolJi% Mrs Fotheringham, Miss Humphries, ivlisa B. Reid, Miss Hewat, etc. Several afternoons have been given for Miss Molly Dane by Miss Betty’ Sutton, Mis© M. Nichols, Miss Russel, and Mias Preston. A number of bridge parties have been given this w r eek. Miss Virginia Nichols (Kuriheka) haA take na trip to Tasmania. An enjoyable concert woe given in St Luke’s Hall by the senior girls of the Sunday school. Miss Gilchrist and Mrs Holmes have returned from Dunedin. TIMARU, May 11. Mr and Mrs W. D. Campbell (Sc-lwyn street) left to-day for Christchurch, whero they will be the guests of Mrs Wilfred Sura for a few d ays. Mrs J. S. Barker (Four Peaks) is on a short visit to Christchurch. Miss Dobson (North Island i will Jeav« Timaru to-morrow for Balmoral to stay with Mrs Sains. Mrs Frank Hayhurst, who has been in Christchurch, returned to Tprnuka to-day. Miss Shona Rhodes (Beverley, Christchurch) arrived in Timaru to-day on a visit to Mrs A. W. Wright, Wai-iti road. Mrs R. Turnbull, who is in Christchurch, intends returning to Timaru to-morrow. Visitors who will leave by the Mount Cook car tomorrow morning are Dr and Mra Pitts and party of eight (Waimate), Misa Bentley (England), and Miss Dobson (North Island), who goes as far as Balmoral on a visit to Mrs Sams. Mrs Bennett-Fitch, who has been speniL ing several months at the Hydro Grand, will go north to-morrow to join the sg. Tainui for England. Mies Lily M’Larcn (Craighead) is (he guest of her sister, Mrs Ritchie (Balvraid, Duneel in). Mr and Mrs Staveley (Hokitika) are with Mrs H. Thompson (Seaview terrace). Mrs Aubrey Stevens and her family (Dunedin) are visiting Mrs Bowker, Sarah street. Miss B. M. Watt (principal of the Ti mnrii Girls’ High School) is spending the teim holidays in Christchurch. Mrs Mirams (Beverley road) is back from j a short visit to Christchurch. Mrs Wilfred Rutherford and Mis© Betty Rutherford (Auckland) are the gueetfi of Miss M‘Lean t Ardgour. Mrs Leonard Webb (Invercargill) ie af the Hydro Grand. Miss Hartley (England) arrived from Wellington yesterday on a visit to Mr and Misa Knublev, Sar-ah street. I Mr and Mrs Bernard Tripp (Orielton) and Miss Vera Hope (Tumi an a kc) returned early this week from Glen ray, Southland. Mrs Norton Francis and family (Christchurch) are at the Hydro Grand. Mrs John Rutherford (Opawa, A 1 bury) left this week for Pembroke. Turakina. Mrs Vavasour (Blenheim) is the guest of Mrs Vivian Be Cren (Tekapo). The Misses Shand (Craighead) are down in Dunedin. Mr and Mrs Frank Moore (Hawera), who have recently returned from England, spent the last fortnight with Mrs Frank Bradshaw (Waimate), and went north early this week. Mr and Mrs Philip S her rat t (Gisborne) ere with Mre E. C. Studholrne (Waimate). Miss Bassett (Bank street) is the guest of Mrs George Shirtcliffe (Wellington). Mrs E. *S. Rutherford (Albury) left today for Christchurch and Auckland. CHRISTCHURCH, May 11. On Monday afternoon Madame Gower Burns entertained a number of Christchurch musicians and friends in the private reception room at Ballentyne’s to enable the'u to meet Mr Andre Skalski, the young and talented Polish pianist. The hostess wore an elegant gown of pearl grey satin with silver braiding, a wide grey hat with ospreys, arid a handsome wrap of fur. The reception room was charmingly arranged with bowls of autumn foliage and chrysanthemums. After a delicious tea had been enjoyed a shoert address was given by Mr Ernest Empson on behalf of the Christchurch musicians, and by Dr Croolie on behalf of the singers of Christchurch. Air Skalski, in a short and fluent speech, thanked those presenj for the warmth of their welcome, and for the enjovment of his visit to Christchurch. A few of the gueste included Mr Andre Skalski, Mrs Cora be Stanley Mackellar, Mr and Mrs R. A. Horne, Airs George Rhodes, Alias Rhode#, Mr and Mrs Ernest Empson. Mrs George Gould and Miss B. Gould. Air end Mrs K. B. Owen, Mr and Mrs Zimmerman, Mrs Deans, Air and Airs E. C. Huie, Aliss Aileen Warren, Aliss Mina Ward, Aliss Lillian Harper, Airs B. B. Wood, Airs George

Murray- Aynsley, Miss Agnes Lawler, Alise Amos, Alisses Nottingham, Mrs and Misa Barnett, Mr Hugh Hobbs, and Air and Air© Bid good. Mrs Norton Francis gave a very enjoyablo

“At home" during the week in honour of her visitors, ALrs Arthur Myers and Alisa Myers, of Auckland. The reception rooms were prettily arranged with bowls of gorgeous autumn flowers and foliage, and looked very cosy with their attractive tires. A few of the guoSl© present included Mrs

George Gould, Miss B. Gould, Mrs George Rhodes, Miss Rhodes, Mrs Jellett, Miss JelJf’lt, Mrs George Buchanan, Mrs J. 11. Hall, Mrs J. Stevenson, Mrs G. F. Gibson, Miss lielmore, iliss Dennis, Misses Reeves, Miss E. Aitken, Mrs Deans, Miss Alys Thomsen, Mrs Goorgo Buchanan, and Mrs J. F. Studholme, Mrs Eric Harper, Mrs T. Cowlishaw. Mrs John Stevensan gave a bridge party during the week in honour of Miss Thurston, who was spending a few days whh her at Feudal ton. A few of those playing included M »*s Moore (Dunedin), Mrs Eric Harper, Mrs Maitland Rich. Mrs 'l'. Cowliehaw, Mrs Russell Bettis, Mrs F. G. (Jibson, Mrs Bernard Wood, Mrs R. Hennah, Mrs J. LI. Hall. Mrs Moore (Dunedin) is tho guest of her mother, Lady Kinsey, Pa.panui road. Mi and Mrs Elliston Orbell (Dunedin) are visiting Christchurch, and are the guests of the Misses Tahart, Papanui road. Miss Sylvia Wright (Christ’s College) it spending the holidays at Oomaru. Mrs Ren wick has returned from a visit to Wellington, and is now on the Cashmere Hills. Mrs Norton Francis and family are spending the holidays at the Hydro in Timaiu.

Sir Godfrey Fell, who has been visiting * *■.t*v s in Christchurch, has returned to England, via San Francisco. * i*. Pinckney, who was visiting, T ios'll and her sisters, the Misses Cox, •• returned to her home in Christchurch. • lad land Rich has taken rooms at Warwick House for tlie winter. Mrs Vernon is leaving for Sydney very shortly. BLENHEIM, May 8. Or Friday and Saturday the Marlborough Racing Club held their autumn meeting at the Water lea Racecourse, and in spite of the threatening and showery weather the attendance was very fair. Some f those I noticed present- were Mrs C. Tesche maker, in navy blue costume, navy blue hat; Mis Weld (Flaxbourne), brown knitted costume, brown toque; Mrs Murchison i v Upton Fells), navy blue striped costume, navy blue hat with white wings; Mrs W. B. Stevenson, heavy fur coat, smart black hat; Mrs Corry, navy blue costume toque with flame-coloured foliage; Mrs Hendeison, navy blue costume, mole-coloured hat; Mrs Boag, mole-col-oured velvet, mole fur hat and furs; Mrs G. Rudd,

brown coot frock, with brown toque; M'rs A. Duncan, navy blue striped costume, black hai ; Mrs L. Chaytor, peacock blue kniitod frock, brown hat; Mrs Harvey, navy costume, black hat and furs; Mrs Mogridge, fur coat, black hat; Mrs Fraser-Tytier, navy blue co-stume, beaver hat; Mrs 13. Mcc-re, wine— coloured costume, black hat; Mrs Churchward, flecked costume, fur coat, end yellow hat; Mrs Andrew (Birch Hill), brown costume, brown hat; Mrs Good (Kekeran :u), navy blue costume, navy blue hat with wing's; Mrs Redman, navy blue costume, brown hat; Mrs C. Mills, navy blue costume, royal blue toque; Mrs Palmer, navy blue coat frock, navy hat; Mrs Lester, fawn costume, black hat; 'Mrs G. Seymour, brown channelise gown, brown hat; Mrs E. Rose, mole-coloured costume, blue velvet hat; Mrs Stocker, wine-coloured knitted costume, hat to match ; Miss Rutherford (Kekerangoi), navy and white striped costume, navy and white hat; Miss Vavasour, fawn and white knitted costume, cerise hat; Miss P. Vavasour, pale grey knitted costume, tomatocoloured hat; Miss Corry, heliotrope knitted costume, white furs, hat with grey feathers; ‘VI S 3 Neville, navy blue costume, block hat; Miss Amy Neville, navy blue costume, navy blue hat ; Miss Dorset (Wellington), peacock giccn coat frock, black hat; Miss M‘Rae, brown costume; Miss Wolferstan, brown coat frock; Mis-s Mowat, grey costume, black hat; Miss Gale, grey fur coat, black hat. On Friday .afternoon Mrs J. White entertained a number of friends at York terrace in honour of Miss Monica Grace, who is shortly being* married. A delicious tea was dispensed in the large dining room, the tabic being prettily decorated with cosmos and autumn leaves. Mrs White received her guests in royal blue satin charmeuse prettily beaded. Miss Grace wore black taffeta, black liat. Delightful music was supplied throughout th© afternoon, and a Shakespeare competition was won by Mis a I. Horton. Others present were Mrs Churchward, Mrs G. Seymour, Mrs A. Lester, Mrs M. Grace, Mrs Adams (Langley Dale), Mrs R. M‘Callum, Kirs Rovell, Mrs Cheek, Mrs (Houston, Mrs Andrew, Mrs and Miss Woods, Mrs H. Redwood, Misses Bell Neville, Jenkins, York, Chaytor, etc. WELLINGTON, May 10. A reception to Captain Pollock, Governor American Samoa, was held by the executive of the English-speaking Union in the Dominion Farmers’ Institute on Monday after non. Captain Pollock was accompanied by his A.D.C., Lieutenant Ertz, commander of the Ontario, and by L/r Humphreys, and the guests of honour were welcomed by Mr Morpeth (chairman of the Executive Committee), Sir Francis Bell, and Gir Harold Beauchamp in the course of brief and very cordial speeches. The st?,ge had been charmingly decorated with big bowls find stands of chrysanthemums and Lie same flowers also decorated the long buffet on which tea was set. Mrs D. C. Bales, wearing black velvet with a marabout stole and a black feathered hat, received, and among those who were present were the Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright, M.P.) and Mrs W right, Mrs Sprott, Mrs Morpeth, Sir Heaton Rhodes, Mr and Mrs J. U. Gray, Sir John and Lady Findlay, Mr and Mrs Sieywright, Mr and Mrs James Hislop, Dr Platts-Mills, Mr A L. Hunt. Mr Douglas Madean .Hawke’s Bay), Mrs J. Henderson, Mr Mays (American Consulate) Mrs MacGo wan, Miss N. E Coad, Mr and' Mrs Shaw, Mrs Middle ton, Mrs Preston, Mr Black Mr Ilott Mr 11. Atmore, M.P., Mr Toogood, ’ etc. charge of the tea arrangements were Mrs K Johnston, who was assisted by Mrs" J C. Andersen Mrs A. L. Treadwell, Mrs Campbell Miss Phyllis Bates, and Miss Bore. During the afte ■moon songs were sung by Mr Goudie, Mrs Shaw, and Mr Campbell Apologies for their unavoidable absence wore revived from the Prime Minisn'j- ~ W - *• Massey) and Mrs Massey. Upon the arrival of the guests tlie Starspangled Banner was displayed bv the Misses Henry and the singing of the tbe'GG Antn , e “* with Dr Platts-Mills at tne piano, enoed th. 3 occasion. On Saturday afternoon a very successful dance was given by the boarders of the KwmF P fOT M.*s Marjorie Ciosswell, who is leaving shortly for a visit nrti-ycHK n d' Vj , wst schoolroom was artiwcally decorated by a committee of the boys, as also was the supper room, whmre chrysanthemums and autumn leaves formed the table decora Bans. At suyper time the chief prefect M. Hanan, presented Miss Cresswell with a gift from tlie boarders and wished her the best of good luck while she ml 8 nuhf- MlS t Cresswe , ll nl ’ ade a charming little speech m reply. Amon« those who were present, m addition to the -uest and h M^ U f' and Vi 16 y ? ung People, were Mr It- *£? .Cress-well and the Misses Cresswell Miss Bicknell (the matron), Messrs M Ihn' staff; lltLri d “; Wof the enjoyed gl ' the daKC<> w « thoroughly very enjoyable evening f P ? a * to Miss Rose Jenkyns, who is leaving sho-tlv oU a^ S dt^ h I T a 3 lh^UmS uad a “tmnn Mrs Snrori h °r dl . aWmer loom in which fc .rtE STS! oughly enjoyed themselves. Mrs Smo't wore a gown of black charmeuse' with tet trimming, and Miss Jenkyns was ■, ‘ 0 J ln Dr'and 1036 h ° were Present were 1 an( * His Mason, Mr ancl Mrs qhirtni'fl. Hr and Mrs Walter Bethune, Dr Ada Pater’ s-on, Mr and Mrs Tombs Mrs 1 t l f e Morrah, Miss Campbell' Mr*and* Mrs Inigham, Mr and Mrs S. Eicheibsn-n Ar Jiistic, Chapman Mrs J.' Darling and Mrs Page Mrs Field, Miss Harrison MilEdwin, Mrs Etherington, M r ’ Cor ISS , Miss Morton, and many inert Afi Jenkyns was made the recipient 1 U pretty bouquet from Mrs St On Saturday afternoon Captain Pollock uZ.A , nre i t 0 Eastbourne, and was enterLowry if Mm eV Ttc , ‘S3"K llumpiir e 3 3 were entertained by the ITon J. C. Parr and Mrs Parr at the Minis iai lcsidence in Molesworth street... The fo low mg wore invited to meet the guests if" honour Robert and Bade Stout tlf Mayor (Mr R. A. Wright) and Mrs Wr-ht ■Sir I ramus and Lady Bell, tho lion w’ Aos worthy, the Ilaji. J. C. and Mis rV„i ' the Hon. Downie Stewart and Miss' Stewuri’ tho lion J G. and Mrs Anderson. Sir Maui and Lady 1 ounare, Sir Heaton Rbrios 0» tain and Mrs Hamilton, Commander Sblclalls and Mrs Siddalls, Mr J Hislop Mr J 1). Gray, Mr and Miss Bucklelou ’ The American visitors were also entertained bv iho Y\ ellingdon Club, the Savage Club, tlie Rotarians, and various other bodies. On Monday they left on their return to Auckland.

Millions of packets of “NO-RUBBING” Laundry Help sold to Grocers last year. Truly nothing succeeds like success.

Mr and Mrs 11. .Svmos (Tal:aka) are visiting' Mrs W. 11. Jackson in Masterton. Miss Earp (Tawa Flat) and Miss Griffiths (Wanganui) are liy the Niagara for America and England. Mrs Y. G. Day arrived in Wellington -1 tho end ci last week from u visit t > Christchurch. Mrs Newnham (Wellington) is visiting her sister, Mrs T. Gordon, in Mcsterlon. Miss Lawrence (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs W. D. Stewart, Hob.-.on st ». The Misses Perry (Seat nun) left on Friday for :S‘ydney, where they will spend the winter. Mis Norman Fulton (Gisborne) is spend ing a few days in Wellington on her way to Christchurch. Kirs A. P. Webster is visiting relatives in Wanganui. Miss Gillies (Chilton House School) is visiting Timaru. Miss Jean Mackenzie has left for New Plymouth. AUCKLAND, May 9. Her Excellency Lady Jeilicoe, accompanied by Miss Gillett, was the guest of honour at the Women’s Club last week. During tho evening the president (Mrs W. 11. Parkcs) a ixno u n oed her E xco Honey’s in tie n t Lon of becoming a warden of the club. Lady Jellicoe, who was presented with a bouquet «.f pale pink flowers tied with pink satin streamers, wore a handsome beaded gown of crystal and jet, and diamond and peurl ornaments. Mrs Parkcs was in black georgette, plentifully embroidered in jet beads. The Women’s Club is in a very satisfactory condition, and its membership is growing into big numbers. A bridge afternoon, organised by the president, Mrs W. Coleman, and the committee of the Myers Kindergarten, took place on Friday of last week at the residence of Mrs P. A. Lindsay, O’Rorke street. The funds raised are to go to the association, and as most of tho bridge players in Auckland wore present, the kindergarten will benefit considerably. The large rooms at Edzell, the home of Mrs Lindsay, were prettily decorated with various shades of chrysanthemums; and over 30 tables were arranged for the player^. Miss Ormond (Hawke’s Bay) is at present the guest of her Excellency Lady Jeilicoe at Government House. The engagement has been announced of Miss Gwendolyn Ma-rriner (elder daughter of Mrs and Mrs H. A. Marriner, Mount Eden) to Mr Henry Michael (son of Mr and Mrs Gordon Clark, Surrey, England). Tho marriage is to take place in June. Another engagement that has just been announced is that of Miss Lydia Jull (daughter of Mr and Mrs H. A. Jull, Dev onport) to Mr Gilbert Meadows (son of Mr and Mrs A. Meadows, also of Devonport). Miss Taverner (Dannevirke) is the guest o£ Mrs Edward Russell, Princes street. Mrs and Miss Rattray (Dunedin) are staying at the Grand Hotel. Mr and Mrs Robert Allen (Christchurch) are also at tho Grand. Miss Mary Hey wood, who lately returned from a trip to England, is visiting hex relatives in Wanganui. Mrs Anderson and Miss Younge (Auckland) who have been visiting Mrs DampierCrossley in Christchurch, are returning home this week. Miss Joyce Stevenson has returned from a visit of some two months’ duration in Melbourne. His Majesty’s Theatre was crowded to the doors last evening, when Miss Emilio Pol ini (one of the most brilliant of British actresses who have ever visited New Zealand) opened the season with Henry Arthur Jones’s “The Lie.' It is a problem play, and the impression gained by those present was that it had been portrayed in an exceptionally clever manner. It is of interest t-o note that Kliss Nancye Stewart is a member of the company. In the cinema line the highly successful British coloured film “The Glorious Adventure,” with Lady Diana Manners as the chief character, is having a great run at Everybody’s Theatre. Our soldiers, when on service in the late war, were, many of them, brought into close touch with Lady Diana Manners, who, with so many hundreds of other British women, gave up all their time to nursing and helping in every direction. Mr and Kirs Chas. Rhodes and tlie Misses Rhodes (2) have left on a six months’ tour of America and the Far East. COSY CORNER CLUB. MEMBERS’ MEETING. Dear Comrades of tlie Cosy Corner, —It is cheering to meet so many old friends at this year’s first meeting. Old members will be delighted to welcome Elsie back to the place from which we missed her last year. I hope this session's meetings wiU provide much pleasure for the circle, and interest- other readers. I regret that owing to the extreme pressure this week it is necessary to hold over until next week several of the contributions. I will open with Hinekupango’s paper, which members might well keep in view for the Discussion meeting at the close of tlie session. V/ORK F’OB THE NEEDY—BY THE STATE. Work.—This little word work, is the keynote of all true happiness. No one can be really happy without the blessedness of work. Work, well done, strengthens a man both in soul and body; and breeds in him a right spirit of independence, the outcome of which is self-denial, self-control, diligence, cheerfulness, and numberless oilier virtues, while idleness engenders all that is weak and false. Work is divine, and noble, for God Himself works. Our dear Lord, Jesus Christ, said, “My Father worketh hitherto and 1 work.” So, each one of ns, in his own station, is called upon to copy God. To be fellow-workers with God. And, mark you, we cannot do each other’s work. No! Each one must do his, or her, own allotted task—we may help, but “every man must prove his own work.’’ And this being so, what an irreparable injustice arid injury we do our

I poor ana nceuy brotners uua sisreio in the j world; espceui.y m tlie ia. 0 o and crowded ! alio—ia uciiy.ng tiiern tile i.. :it and oppor- [ tuiuty of earning their o.vn ae.l-respect, an J j uidcpeiiaum . , by our liiuiscriiniuaie co-criwi I cuaiity. i mue is .ur too much of tn.--> mj discriminate gwing, winch omy p-u..errors I n.id chi.eehies muse whom wo ouon.ei s_‘.K to j siaii-o i.l their head serves to higher things.' But they unit wo it of trianijeltca. it M 0.. r u..ty ai.u prrvi.e .e to help, but each one must do his, or uer, own Smile. Dove. —God’s love, the real Line charity working through man, is never v.caiy, but ready io help again and aam the laden and wayworn lo arise and assert their r.gut to "work our their own salvation. Let us see, then, wliat we can do for those in need. By forcing them into the | arena of work instead c>. pauperising them , with doles of m-.iicy, v.a help them to rise to tlrorr fullest height of manhood arid womanhood. And vve must now consider how, and by whom, that work is to be found. The Deceiving Home in our own city, according to tne daily papers, is getting ; overcrowded with the unfortunate children ! of the idle and irresponsible parents who ■ bring these littie ones into the world, merely to throw them upon the State. This is a thing for the State to guard against. llovv can it be done? By forcing these irrespons dies to work for themselves and their children, i Large State farms, State factories, industries of all kinds, would meet the case if au -ret of i'ariiament made n law taut not i only the children, but also the parents and caretakers of these children, were adopted by the State and forced to do Slate work There would be a scale of wages according to ability and work done, but so much deducted for the up-keep of the children. The worthy poor, the kindly, trustworthy parents, who are striving to do their duty to their families and their country, should also have employment found lor them, as, for instance, farm agents, house managers, matrons, school teachers, nurses, porters, gardeners, etc., as they are fitted by education, or experience. | “Giving to all their wages of going on, and not to die.’’ Thus making them a blessing to themselves and their country instead of a curse. This is a very crudely expressed line of thought, but by God’s blessing it may lie the means of suggesting others, from which will evolve a good, sound, practical scheme for the amelioration of those we wish to help. HIXEKUPANGo. ■ The question of unemployment is a very difficult one ; so many workers may be thrown out of work through no fault of their own. The State and municipal bodies should make every effort to provide useful work for the unemployed, as has been done here just lately. I do not think there is a groat amount of indiscriminate charity giving. The provision of farm ’ colonies for men who neglect their families is an urgent need, but meanwhile their children cannot be left to starve. LbTHli.it. j » * * * PItOBLEMS FOR THE CURIOUS, j Dear Esther, —With your 1 ' would like to present a few problems that our comrades, if they feel so inclined, may consider in their leisure moments and send in solutions of for discussion day or sooner if they wish. Number 1 will bo specially interesting to those who are versed! in foreign languages. I picked it up in a London paper, and some of the words appear to be English. 1 hope some one will send in a translation. i “As birselt bere-meal bannocks byaukit wi - I a suppie whey, j Weel thoom’t wi’ butter frae the kirn sweet | as the new-mown hay, ■ A knievelock o’ a murlie kebbuck rossen at ■ the fire. Swoelt’ ower wi’ waughts o’ fatmin’ milk | just feslien fiae the byre. i “On snowy days the orra loon will girn a i baud or twa, Forbye there’s aye a hen to pluck for freen’s j that chance to ca’, i A hoch o’ braxy mutton noo and than’a nae I uwa cast, And fish is nae a fairlie wi’ the rooster rinnin’ past.” No. 2 concerns the meaning of the first and last lines of the first verse of Kipling’s ballad, “Mandalay,” and, in case there may be someone who is not familiar with it, I j quote the verse: I “Bv the old Moulmein pagoda, lookin’ easl- ' ward to the sea. There’s a Burma girl a settin’ and I know she thinks o’ me; For the wind is in the palm-trees and the temple bells they say: ‘Come you back, you British soldier; come you back to Mandalay!’ Come you back to Mandalay, where the old flotilla lay: Can’t you ’ear their paddles chunkin’ from Rangoon to Mandalay? On the road to Mandalay, where the (lyin' fishes play, And the dawn comes up like thunder outer I China 'crost the Bay!” | The question is, where is the pagoda mon- ' turned in the first lines? The probable reply of a casual reader would be: “in Moulmein. ’ But, looking eastward from Moulmein is not "to tlie sea°“ but away from it. Likewise, china is not acibss the bay from Moulmein, though it is from Rangoon. If my reap (only a small one) is correct, those two lines are more applicable to Rangoon, but I am unwilling to assume a mistake on the part of the author if there is any way of avoiding it, so I ask if anyone can tell me if there is a pagoda in Rangoon known as the “Moulmeiii l’agoda?” No. 3 is a question for the naturalists. Are rats proliferous? Sir Ray Lankester, in “More Science from an Easy Chair,” savs of tho Maori rat: “It was not one of tho destructive proliferous rats of the northern hemisphere.” Proliferous means reproducing by budding. Some ferns are proliferous. Besides producing spores, after the usual manner of ferns, they also produce buds on

the upper surface of the fronds and theso buds develop into young plants. But if rats are going to propagate in the same way Sir Boyle Roche, in his ever-memorable oiation, has not been so far from the mark as we have thought. ‘Mr Speaker, I smell a rat, I see it floating in the air, but 1 11 nip it in the bud.” Certainly, by all means! If rats are proliferous (and who will dare to contradict Sir Ray Limkcster), let us nip them in the bud, and the sooner the better. No. 4 concerns an advertisement that appeared originally in an American paper, though it reached me by way of London. ' Advertisement:—A lady keeping a first-class boarding school, requiring a piano, is desirous of receiving a. daughter of the above in exchange for the same.—Boston Transcript. Here are two questions that require solution. First, what is meant by “the is it the piano, the school, or the lady? It cannot be the last named, for the lady is the adveitiser, sj it must be either the school or the piano; and the probabilities feeem about equally divided. Then the daughter is to b? taken in exchange for ‘ the same.” This is the second mystery. It can’t be in exchange for the school, so it j must be in exchange for the piano, but the lady, apparently, has not yet got the piano, bo how can she give it in exchange for anything. My last is taken from an account of a trip to Stewart Island that appeared net long ago in our cwn Otago Witness. “The chief annoyance of the visitors is the sandflies which are of a vicious and venomous kind, the very yawn of Beelzebub.” Does this not- suggest the idea that poor BeeJzebab had been scandalously overworked? I wonder if the advent of the trippers had any connection with it? Recently I fell heir to a few very welcome numbers of Punch, and I hardly like closing without quoting a couple of paragraphs. “From a Scots paper:— Lord' Haldane made the important- announcement that an anonymous donor had sent him a cheque fur £OO,OOO towards the endowment of the University (Bast Midland).” Punch: “We don't know how he managed to sign the cheque anonymously, but we can understand why he preferred to remain incog..” “Canad an paper : —lt is no more possible to restore the normal welfare of Central Europe without Russia than to set a watch diog going again with a third of it 3 mechanism on the floor.” Punch: —“Personally we should not attempt to resuscitate a dog like that.” O CTO G E NARIA N. j We may always look to Octogenarian for something humorous to brighten our meetings. Perhaps some member of the Burns Society could translate the verses quotedAdvertisements are fruitful in absurdities of phraseology, but the specimen here given is especially baffling. ESTHER. 1 * * * * * THE VALUE OF A HOBBY. Dear Esther, —Greeting to all active and silent members of the club and may tho session be a good one. I am choosing for my paper the value of a hobby. I think it a very great advantage to "everyone to cultivate a hobby of some sort or other, those who live an active, laborious life, to have one of a restful nature, those who lead a sedentary life one that calls for action and exercise. To derive the greatest amount of pleasure from a hobby—it should remain a hobby, not become a taskmaster —it should have the effect of giving us mental or physical recreation. ! Many people indulge their fancies for tilings that they are not naturally adapted for and wonder why the result doe.s not give them the pleasure that another person derives from the same thing, or again, they choose something that is far 1> vend their means and it becomes a continual source of worry and anxiety. I have known people whose hobby was gardening. These folk, though their gardens were all well arranged and very | beautiful, gave me the impression that the full enjoyment was not obtained, unless they could procure the latest in roses, sweet peas, etc., each year. It was not the beauty of the flowers in themselves that appealed—first and foremast was the desire to go one better ; than their neighbour. Many years ago Shasta wrote one of her splendidly humorous papers, and in it she expressed an opinion that all the gardens in the street were her property in that no one could! deny her the joy of fleeing the beautiful colours, etc.., and she ' obtained this without the labour of planting, 1 weeding, etc.” That is the true lover of j flowers, to enjoy them where ever they are. ! Not because they arc expensive or because we j are the exclusive owners; if we can share | our hobbies with another, the pleasure is . increased tenfold. 1 wonder how many friendships have sprung j up and been sealed through the great hobby j of knitting. This is one of my favourite 1 hobbies. J find it the most soothing and I calming of all employments, and the pleasure j to see the ball of wool diminish and the ! garment increase. Again the. beautiful ' colours of the wools make it more fascinat-

irug. A friend lately expressed the opinion that lovely colours in wool knit up batter. She has more pricte in her work. The pleasure and prido to be derived from knitting a first dress will long stay with me. The family had the craze badly last year, throe ‘ c.f us were each knitting a dress at the same time. 1 think that it helps a lot if we have a hobby that is self-supporting. The money derived from that source is of more value in our eyes than that which comes in regular. Several of my acquaintances make a con- ; siderabl© amount of dlress money through 5 their knitting. j In poultry-keeping the same thing again j applies if a person has the time and space ! to keep and look after a few fowls, and it becomes a much more interesting pastime when one can find a fellow enthusiast to compare birds, notes, etc. The new-laid egg is really a far better article when you can discuss all the pro s and cons of the fowl run and its inhabitants, with Brown, and get a few more points from Smith, it is the same with all hobbies, if they help to develop a cheery, friendly spirit among each other, and one thing is certain if you have a hobby the word ennui will disappear beyond your ken. To those who have not got one, I say get one, and get it quickly, but where possible get one that suits your nature, and one that will give you relaxation and let you pack ur> your troubles and forget they exist. ELS IK. Yes, it is well to have a hobby, Elsie, and both gardening and knitting are excellent ones. Thank you much for your interesting private letter. ESTHER. > * * * * QUALITY RATHER THAN QUANTITY j INI EDUCATION. Dear Esther, —I am sending you a few ex- i traits from a large and diversified correspondence on “Lessons in School," from the Weekly Scotsman. “Are our schools teaching the right subjects?” There are many who, regarding education as more than a preparation for the child to earn a living, consider the present curriculum well selected to ensure the proper development of the young people’s minds. Still move, whilst regarding all the subjects as “good" in themselves, aver that owing to the multiplicity of subjects the fundamentals do not receive sufficient attention. Others bold that the question resolves itself into one of methods, rather ' than of subjects; others lay stress on the ! need of greater attention to certain subjects, among which may be mentioned religion and economics; whilst others still consider that economics figure too largely in the general scheme. ; Above all, on the mental side, the child’s powers of thinking must be developed; of j understanding the thoughts of others, of j j thinking about those thoughts, and 00m- | muiucating his own thoughts to others —in other words, reading, composition, and writing are cf the utmost importance. To train reason and memory and also to facilitate business relations in after life, a j knowledge of arithmetic is essential. As we I must try and avoid the ‘mistakes that have been made in the past, we must get to know how these mistakes were made—that is, history should be taught, not as a dry catalogue ' of dates and facts, hut as a live narrative of the doings, good and bad, of men and ! women like ourselves. All attempts to increase and stimulate meni t.al powers arc, use l ess and vain : without tiie corresponding development ! of the physical faculties. Education has for 1 its aim the training of our future citizens, j Therefore only those subjects helpful to this end should be taught, and these should he English, history, and arithmetic; and with these properly taught we shall have happier . children, better scholars, better citizens, and better value for our money. The function of the ordinary schools should , be to furnish their pupils with a sound general education in the fundamentals of the subject, together with such other items of instruction as will broaden their intelligence; ! teach them the rudiments of human ; physiology and nature study, train them in 1 physical drill, exercise and discipline, which 1 will be useful in developing the muscular i : system, and in promoting habits of ready attention and obedience, besides counteracting j the ill-effects .of over-much sedentary study! ! Our present system promotes breadth of | (study at the expense of depth; j that the education is superficial instead ! of heing solid, owing to too much time and j energy being wasted on subjects, such as I Latin, French, drawling, painting, winch • have their utility but hove no right to be taught as an ordinary subject. "When so j many subjects are taught they impose such | a nervous and physical strain upon the pupils ' owing to tlie necessity for intensive cramming I j and home lessons (to attain the standard set ] 1 by the Education Department) that they I become a danger to the pupil’s health instead j of an advantageous equipment for their future ■ caieers. BUENA VISTA, j

Probably too many subjects are attempted both in primary and high schools, with detriment to thoroughness. ESTHER. COMFORT IN TIMES OF TROUBLE. Dear Eisther, —How swiftly the years fly and as we once more look back at the changes which time has wrought, we find how very true was the promise of the Lord Jesus when He said “My grace is sufficient for thee." His goodness' ever nigh, His mercy ever free; Shall while I live, Shull when I die, Still follow me. To these who mourn the loss of loved ones, who have gone on just a little while before, He says, “Blessed are- they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” And His promisee never fail. In times of sorrow, God is near, His vigils never cease. His tender loving voice I hear In me, ye shall have peace. Is it not wonderful the peace which God bestows upon us, in times of trouble? When wo get more than we can bear, sorrow and anguish, and despair, or trouble of any kind. Then if we go to Him and cast all our care upon Him, for He careth for us. And when we have cast all our care at Ills feet, we aro to leave it there, not just lay it down and then pick it up again. Then we find that “blessed peace, sweet boon of Heaven, that bids our troubles cease," and we can say from f nil hearts : Glory to Thee, for strength withheld, For want, and weakness known; For the fear that sends me to Thyself, For what is most my own. What comfort is to be had from this verse too: Hast thou within thy breast a care so deep It chases from thine eyelids sleep ? To thy Redeemer take that care' And change anxiety into prayer. Prayer moves ths hand that rules the world. And God comforts us in all our afflictions, like as a mother comforteth her child. First, we have to pass through the fire of affliction so that ail the dross of our natures may be burned, but the fire docs not to-uch the gold, it refines it. In Numbers 31; 22, 23 we are told that all that can stand the fire, is to pass through tne fire, everything else is to be washed with water. So if God subjects anyone to fiery trials, it must be because they can stand the fire, there is some sterling quality in them which can stand the test. Other natures can only stand the water. Precious more than gold that passeth Is the trial of your faith, Fires of anguish or temptation, „ Shall not dim it, shall not scathe. Your Refiner sitteth watching Till His image shineth clear; T* ol ' t H ls glory, praise, and honour, When the Saviour shall appear. And again; WTrat though to-day, Thou cane t not- see at ail the hidden reason For His strange dealing through the trial season, Trust and obey! Though God’s cloud mystery enfold thee here, In after life and light all shall be plain and clear. “Trust ye in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.' “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy oometh in the morning.” The Lord Jesus was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and! acquainted with grief. And shall w© in dismay, Shrink from the narrow way of the Father, Thou dids’t tread? As He passed along on His journey through life He had to bear shame and rude scoffing, so have many of His followers, but never forget God’s promise, “For thy shame, thou sha.lt have double." H.c says “Come unto Mo all ye that are weary and heavily laden, and I will give you rest." I’ve found a joy in sorrow, A secret balni for pain; A beautiful to-morrow Of sunshine after rain. My Saviour, Thee possessing I have the joy, tlio balm, The healing and the blessing, The sunshine and the psalm. FAITH. You have always a message of comfort, Faith. Thank you for your kind personal letter. ESTHER. * •* * * (To be contined next week.)