The LADIES PAGE

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 67

The LADIES PAGE

By

ESTHER

TABF.E TALK.

Monday. On Thursday afternoon the president of the W’onien a section gave an At Home in the directors' reception room at the Exhibition. In the absence of Mrs Sutherland Ross, the president, Lady Ferguson, took her place, and, together with Mrs Hayward, received the guests at the entrance. After tea and cakes had been handed round, Lady Ferguson took the opportunity of thanking the various committees and sub-committee 3 for the splendid help they had given, and said how one and all had stood together in assisting with the women's section, which undoubtedly was one of the best exhibits of art work, etc.. in the Exhibition. Miss Begg, the secretary, was particularly mentioned for her w’onderful management in connection with all the work that she had bad to handle. From beginning to end the whole scheme had gone well, and not only were the exhibits very interesting to look at, but many very instructive lectures had been given during the afternoons, when numbers availed themselves of this opportunity. Some of the guests present were: Lady Fenwick, Laay Ross, Mesdames Gallaway, Edmond, D: H Ross, Halsted, Fitchett. Orbell (Oamaru). Barr. Reynolds, Mandeno. Todd, Hutchison, Sleigh, Leslie Wilson, Begg, Hayward. Wakefield Holmes, Melville, Barnett. Orbell \Waikouaiti), Cook, Roberts, Batchelor, Blues. O’Neill, Hazlett, and Marshall MacDonald. Misses Barron, Macassey, Reynolds, Joachim, Holland, and G. Webster. On Friday afternoon the directors’ reception room was again the Beene of merriment, when the Exhibition directors themselves gave an afternoon tea to members of the women’s sections and the commissioners’ wives. During the afternoon the commissioners’ wives took the opportunity of making a small presentation to Mrs Todd and Mrs Barr, both of whom are leaving this week for Honolulu, eu route for Canada and America, both their husbands representing the Rotary Club, whose various conferences are being held this year in Canada and America. On Saturday, the first day of May, the Dunedin and South Seas most successful exhibition was brought to a close. All day masses of people arrived from all parts, both afternoon and evening concerts being packed. Had the day only been fine instead of wet, many more people would have been able to he?.i the concerts. As it was, just a limited number of peonle were able to get in. The closing ceremony took place at 9.30 with an impressive service, after which the band gave their usual concert. Representative oodies, committees, sub-committees, subscribers, etc., were all present. In the evening the Exhibition was packed, special trains having arrived all day long from all parts. During the week quite a number of afternoon teas and other oartie.g have been given by the various friends of Miss Nancy Barr, who accompanies her parents to Canada and America, leaving this week. On Friday afternoon Miss Betty Reid invited a number of friends to meet Miss Nancy Barr at Alison crescent, when a delightful tete-a-tete afternoon was spent. Miss Marjorie Statham invited a few friends to sav sroodbve to Miss Nancy Barr at luncheon at the Tudor rooms on Friday. Quite a number of friends assembled at the Dunedin railway station to say goodbye to Mrs and Miss Acton-Adams. who left on Wednesday for Wellington en route for Australia. and thence for England, where they intend snending about six months touring about different parts of England and Scotland. Mrs Chaffev, w r ho has been the guest of Missee Webster. Heriot row, returned to Canterbury last Thursday. Mr Percy Neill, accompanied by Mrs Fenwick, has returned from a short holiday spent at Wanaka Mr and Mrs Wylie and Miss Wylie, of Southland, are the guests of Dr and Mrs iley, George street. Mrs N. Cunningham, of Oxford, is at present on a visit to Dunedin. Mrs Ronald Orbell. of Oamaru, is at present on a visit to Dunedin. Mr and Mrs R. Gilmonr, of Invercargill, were in Dunedin during this week. Miss Murdock, of Oamaru, is at present on a visit to Dunedin. Mr s Hertalett. of Waimate, is the guest of Mrs Orbell, Queen street. Miss Bathgate, who has been paying the Misses Webster, Heriot row', a visit, returned to North Canterbury on Friday. Miss K. Hazlett. of Invercargill, is at present staying with Mrs L. Hazlett, of Salisbury. Miss Edna Graham, of Roxburgh. the guest of the Misses Graham, Heriot row. Mrs Winslow, of Roxburgh, is the guest of Mrs Shand, Pitt street. Mr and Mrs Arthur Nichols were staying at Wain’s Hotel during last week. Mrs Allan Orbell. of Waikouaiti, has been the guest of Mrs John Cook during the week. Mrs and Miss Bell, of Shag Valley, have been in town during this week. Mr snd Mrs R. Irvine, of Oamaru. have been the guests of Miss Irvine, St. Clair. Mrs Douglas Deans, of Christchurch, was ths guest of Lady Ferguson during the week. Dr and Mrs M'Kellar, Miss Blomfieid, and Mr T. Blomfieid have gone north to be present at the wedding of Mr John Sinclair to Mias Nancy Wright, of Levin, on May 5.

INVERCARGILL, May 1. Miss Muriel Collins is spending a holiday in Dunedin. Mr and Mis Ivo Carr motored through for the closing of the Exhibition on Friday morning. Mr and Mrs R. J. Gilmour spent a few days al the Exhibition early in the week. Present at the dosing of the Exhibition were the following, who 9pent a few days in Dunedin: Mrs Denniston Cuthbertson, Mrs A. 11. Mackrell, Mrs R. N. Todd, Mrs A. C. H. Hoyles, Mrs B C. Basstian, Mrs Mervyn Mitchell, Mrs J. Macleod, J. Cuthill, Mr and Mrs D. W. M’Kay, Miss Crofts, Miss Reid, Miss Lousley, Mrs Colin M'Dona!d, Miss Marjory Stout, Mrs W S. Todd, Miss Molly Meredith, Miss Thelma Humphries, Mrs C. S. Longuet, etc. Mr and Mrs Pears, of “Eta vale,” accompanied by Miss Kuna Scandrett, returned south early on Monday morning, after attending the wedding of their son at Kaikoura, Canterbury. Miss Scandrett has been spending an extended holiday in Canterbury. Miss True Galbraith returned to Dunedin on Friday, having been the guest of Miss Bunty Mncpherson. Mrs Guy Chewings, of "Glenelg,” Mossburn, is at present the guest of her mother-in-law, Mrs G. Chewings, Wellington street. She was accompanied by her daughter Dorothv and her small son. Mrs William Cunningham, of Oxford, was in town for the wedding of Miss Mollie Snow and Miss Claris Brass. She returned home on Thursday morning accompanied by her sister, Miss Kitty Hazlett. On Tuesday morning Miss Muriel Burwell left- fer Christchurch, en route for England, wlieie she intends to further her studies in infant welfare work. On Saturday evening a small dance was held in the new Otatara golf club house amongst a few of the younger members. A very fashionable and exceptionally pretty wedding took place in St. John’s Anglican Church on Tuesdav afternoon. T lie bride was Miss Molly Snow, daughter of Mrs C. B. Snow, who was married to Mr Geoffrey St. V. Keddell, only surviving son of Mrs G. Keddell. Lowe street, A venal. A large crowd filled the church at the ceremonv, which was performed by the vicar, the Rev. John Lush. The church was prettily decorated with autumn foliage and nink flowers by girl friends of the bride. The bride, given away by her godfather and unde, Mr A. B. Moffett, wore a frock of ivorv panne velvet, whose flared skirt was banded by a wide niching of ivory marocain. The frock was perfectly simple brat for the large looped bow of the velvet, which was caught on the front of the low waist-line with a pearl ornament. She wore a string of pearls, and her court train of *vory marocain was lined with pink georgette, a pink ribbon forming a true-lovers’ knot at the foot. Her veil of embroidered tulle was clasped at the back of her head with a crescent of orange-blossom. She carried a lovely 9hower bouquet of white hot-house flowers. She was attended by her two sisters. Julia and Peggy, who were in egg-shell blue silk, their frocks, too, banded with a wide ruching of the material, and caught at one side with a posy of roses in two shades of pink. Their quaint little caps of blue silk were inlet with insertion, posied at one side, and they carried silver baskets cf pink flowers. Mr Owen Howells wa9 groomsman, and Mr W. J. Moffett best man. Mrs Snow wore striped Ottoman silk, inlet with blue marocain, and a black velvet hat trimmed with corded ribbon and quills. Mrs Keddell wore a frock of blue marocain, a mole fur coat, and small navy hat. Alter the ceremony a reception was held at the Women’s Club, which was beautifully decorated with pink flowers and autumn leaves. Under a large pink and white floral bell, young Mr and Mrs Keddell received the quests. The Rev. Lush presided at the bieakfast. Mi and Mrs Keddell left by motor foi their honeymoon, before taking tip residence in Gladstone. The bride travelled in a jumper suit of rust red, with small felt and velvet hat to match. Id the evening a dance was held in the Women s Club, oiven by the sisters and cousins of the bride. ° St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Fahiatua, was the scene of a fashionable wedding on Wednesday, April 14. when Margaret Elizabeth (Meg), eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W. E. Taylor, ‘Mironui,” Mungatainoka, was married to James Donald, only son of Mr W. Garcliner, of Mataura, Southland. The marliage was solemnised by the Rev. Gardiner, of Invercargill (the bridegroom's uncle) The bride, given away by her father, wore a beautiful frock of silver brocaded tissue draped in front and caught with rows of crystal beads. Hei court train of tulle, attached to each shoulder, was caught together at intervals down the centre with rhinestones, and at the foot were six silver . tissue poppies. Her veil was of choice Brussels lace fastened to the head with a semi-circle of orange-blossom, of which she also wore an armlet. Miss Joyce Taylor (sister of the bride) was the chief bridesmaid, and wore an exquisite frock of delphinium blue georgette with flare of silver lace, and a coronet of silver leaves and forget-me-nots. The second bridesmaid, Miss Maire Thompson, whs also very daintily attired in a smart little frock of georgette of the same hue, with petalled skirts over silver lace, and rosetted bandeau of silver ribbon around her hair. Both carried bouquets to tone with their frocks. Two dainty little trainbearers were little Marjorie and Grace Bissct, with petalled skirt over silver lace, and a in theii dainty frocks of blue georgette also silver ribbon bandeaux around their hair. They each carried a basket of pink flowers. Mr A. E. Gardiner, of Invercargill, attended his cousin as best man. After the ceremony the bridal party and guests motored out to “Mironui,” where* the wedding breakfast was set out in a large fern-decked marquee ou the front lawn. The bride and bridegroom took their departure by motor, the bride travelling in a smart ensemble suit of nude brown coat, trimmed with fur over a frock of Oriental georgette, falling in godeta from the hips. She wore a toque of vieux rose and powder blue, with nude brown osprey. In the evening a great number of guests, chiefly of the younger set, returned to “Mironui,' where they danced until the early hours of the morning. A wedding of considerable interest took place on Wednesday afternoon in Knox Presbyterian Church, South Invercargill, when Claris, younger daughter of Mr and ! Mrs H. G. Brass, Herbert street, was married to Jack, only son of Mr and Mrs A. T. , Coppard, of AutkUukL The church was beautifully decorated by the bride’s friends. Rev. J. Chisholm officiated. The bride, who f wus given away by her father, wore a dainty frock of mauve satin beaute, the skirt being godeted with silver lace topped with posiei

oi the lieavici material. The long tight Bleeves oi silver lace ha<l a similar posy on each wrist. Her old English lace veil was a family possession, and fell to a short peak behind her. She carried a bouquet of lovely pink carnations, the gift of Mrs R. A. Anderson. Miss True Galbraith, of Dunedin, was the bridesmaid, in shrimp crepe de chine inlet with gode.ts of shrimp silk lace. She wore a pink tulle veil with a coronet of pastel-tinted leaves, and her bouquet was of pink end mauve (lowers. The little flower gir'. was Dorothy Chewings, the bride’s niece, ■friio Tore shrimp crepe de chine, with silver motifs st random oi; the two flounces which formed the skirt She wore a narrow silver i oandeAu with a posy of pink and mauve on on* side, and carrcd a Victorian posy of pink and mauve hydrangeas Mr Jack Stead was heel man. A reception was held at the home if Herbert street, which was beauti-1 fully decorated with bronze chrysanthemums. The young couple left later by car for a honeymoon in Queenstown, the bride travelling in a frock of cinnamon rep, a small hat to match, and a grey musquash coat. TIMARU, April 29 Lieutenant-commander Graham Watson, of 11.M.5. Dunedin, arrived from Mount Cook on Wednesday, and is with Mrs W. T. Ritchie, Te Tawa, Gleniti. Miss Pauline Bennett, of Blenheim, who was at Craig more with Miss Margaret El worthy liaa returned to Mrs HuntcrWeston. llighthorne, Gleniti. Mr and Mrs J. C. Tern pier, who are with Mrs A. W. Wright. Wai-iti road, will return to Wellington on Saturday. Mrs L. 11. Orbell, of Winchester, and her sister, Miss B nek land, of Aknroa, have returned from Dunedin. . Mrs Bolderson went back to Fairlie this week after a visit to Mrs Goodwin, Park lane. Miss Margaret Robinson, Oakwocd, Gleniti, returned last week from a visit England. Mrs Arthur Martin, of Mart inborough, who was the guest of Mrs R. 11. Rhodes, left for the north yestorday. Miss Ethel Le Cren (Maori Hill) went to Christchurch on Tuesday to attend the Beedal-Hill wedding.

Mrs Henry Harris, who was with Mrs F. S. Davidson (Wai-iti road) for a fortnight, returned to Christchurch on Monday. Mrs Donkin, of Marlborough, who has recently come back from England, is the guest of Mrs Melville Jameson, Otumarama, Gleniti. Mr and Mrs W. D. Campbell (Wai-iti road) will leave •'shortly for six months’ visit to Europe and America. Mrs Marshall (nee Temple), who has been paying a round of visits to relatives in New Zealand and spent the last fortnight at Cadogan, Sefton street, left this week for the north, en route for her home in England. The engagement is announced of Frank Rocke, only son of the late F. L. Rocke and Mrs George Latham, of Napier, to Myrtle A. Andrews, M.A., only daughter of Mr and Mrs S. Andrews, of Timaru. Mrs Dysart, of Kirwee, who was with Mrs F. I. Washbourn, Grant's road, left for Tekapo yesterday. Mr Justice Adams and Miss Adams are expected from the south to-morrow; they will stay at the Bungalow, Wai-iti road. The guides and members of the sthff of the Herniitagr, Mount Cook, assembled in full force in the pavilion at the Hermitage on Saturday night, when a complimentary social was tendered to Mr D. C. Clark, manager of the Hermitage, who was married to Miss Iris Knowles, of the Mount Cook Company (Timaru) on Tuesday. Mr J. Richards, an officer of the Mount Cook Motor Company, Ltd., spoke in glowing terms of Mr Clark’s popularity with the visitors to Mount Cook, and of the good-fellowship which existed between him and the staff, for whose comfoit and welfare he was always solicitous. Mr Clem. Williams, chief guide, on behalf of the assemblage, presented the guest of honour with a solid leather suitcase, inscribed with his initials, and wished him the greatest happiness and prosperity in the future. Cheers' for Mr Clark and his bride to be terminated a happy evening.

ASHBURTON, April 30. A surprise party was held at the residence of Mr and Mrs E. F. Nicoll (N.W. Belt) on Friday evening .las*. Dancing took place for the young people, e"d some of the ciders played bridge. A ug those present were

Mr and Mrs E. F. Nicoll and Miss Joan Nicoll, Mr and Mrs J. Laing, Misses M. Hunter, M Jennings, E. Pettey, Win. Hunter, H. Laing, ana Fooks (New Plymouth), and Messrs G. K. and J. Nicoll, R. Laing, Dr Ryburn, Dr Stewart Hunter, Dr Fisher, and Dr Lowis. Miss Joan Nicoll has gone south for a holiday. Miss Rogeis, of Christchurch, was the guest of Mrs F. Seldon for the week-end. Mr and Mrs Merton, of Christchurch, and Miss Merton were the guests of Mr and Mrs H. P. Nicoll, “Penscroft,” for the Ashburton trots. Mr A. Anderson, manager of the National Mortgage and Agency Co. leaves to-day for Timaru. The Ashburton Trotting Club held its meeting on Saturday in beautiful weather. Among those present were Mr and Mrs F. Seldon, Mr H. F. Nicoll, Mr and Mrs E. F. Nicoll, and Miss Joan Nicoll, Miss E. Fetter, and Miss Helen Laing, Miss E. Rickman, and Mr and Mrs Rickman (Timaru), Mrs \V. Nosworthy and Miss Barbara Morgan, Mr and Mrs Merton and Miss Merton (Christchurch). Mr Rickman, of Palmerston North, has been the guc-st of hia mother, Mrs Rickman, Havelock street. Mr V. Russell has returned from a trip to Dunedin. Mr and Mrs W. A. Fleming spent the week-end at Lake Heron. Mr C. M Pinfold and Mr W. Lane spent the week-end in Dunedin. Dr Mullin paid a short visit to Dunedin during the week. Miss Fooks, of New Plymouth, who was the guest of her aunt, Mrs C. W. Nicoll, has returned home. Mr and Mrs J. Tennent, who have been spending a few days in Dunedin and Timaru, motored back to Lake Coleridge on Saturday. Mr E. F. Nicoll went south by the express to-day_on holiday. Mr Frank Wilson, who has been a member of the staff of the Bank of New Zealand, Ashburton, has been appointed to the relieving staff, and left here to-day to take up duty at Palmeiston South Mr O. Pratt, who has been on holiday, has returned to Ashburton. Mrs J. B. Christian, of Wills street, is .n Wellington. Mrs Murdoch Bruce and Miss Bruce have returned from a visit to Dunedin. Mrs E. F. Nicoll intends paying a visit to Sumner this week. Miss Jennings, of Carter’s terrace, is paying visits in Sumner. The engagement is announced of Stewart, elder son of Mr and Mrs A. Christie, of Cameron street, Ashburton, to Bernice, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Rutledge, of Carroll street, Te Kuili. Mr and Mrs A. S. Doig are visiting the Dunedin Exhibition. Collectors were busy on “Poppy Day,” and nearly £IOO was raised, with the help of country centres. CHRISTCHURCH, April 30. Mrs George Murray Aynsley motored to Timaru on Tuesday. Miss Meredith Kaye, who has been staying at the Hermitage, Mount Cook, has returned home. Miss Rose Gerard has gone to Timaru for a few days. Mrs Ilaraish M’Lean, of Waimate, is the guest of Mrs Cracroft Wilson, Cashmere. Mrs D. Gould, of Featherston, is the guest of her father, Mr A. Elworthy, Holme Station, Timaru. His Lordship Bishop West-Watson and Mrs West-Watson have returned from a short visit to Dunedin. Miss Betty Cotterill, of Cashmere, left on Monday for Dunedin, and will be the guest of her daughter, Mrs Readie. , Mrs Vesey Robinson, of Amberley, has returned home. Mrs D. W. Westenra, of Dunsandel, is visiting Mrs Todhunter, Lake Heron Homestead. Mr and Mrs John McCrory, of Fendaiton, leave next week for England, Canada, and Europe, and expect to be away about two years. Mr and Mrs F. Fyne, of Eealey avenue, are on a motor trip to Dunedin and the Lakes. Mrs Douglas Deans has gone on a visit to Central Otago. Miss Ethel Le Cren, of Timaru, is staying with Mrs Frank Graham. Miss Betty Rutherford, of Macdonald Downs, is the guest of Mrs J. W. TroloVe, The Shades, Marlborough. Mrs W Kain, who h«e been staying with Mrs J. G. L. Vernon, retuinei to Geraldine early in the week. Mr and Mrs J. G. Herdman have returned from a trip to Dunedin. Mrs Cuilewis, better known as Ethel Turner, famous tor her it orb a :>f Australian children, has Iseen staying in Christchurch, and has been visiting many places of inter:st Before leaving for Australia she intends visiting Wellington and Rotorua. Poppy Day, which was held last Friday, wa3 favoured w'itli beautiful weather. The committee forwarded the details of the Amounts collected at various stands. The total amount collected was £6BO, The committee expressed regret that the sum was not larger, and hopes next year that better organisation will effect a great improvement, and that all who are able will contribute. WELLINGTON, April 30. An “At Home" that was very largely attended was held by Miss Skerrett at her home at Lowry Bay on Saturday afternoon. The weather was very gray and threatening, rain having fallen the previous day, but fortunately it remained fine during the afternoon. The garden was a great attraction to everjone, and was looking very gay and beautiful with quantities of late roses, chrysanthemums, antirrhinums, and autumn foliage. The house was thrown open to the guests, who were received bv Miss Skerrett and her brother the Chief Justice, and all the rooms were arranged with beautiful flowers. Tea was set in the dining room, where a high silver stand was arranged with crimson rosea and Michelmas daisies. Outside marquees had been erected, and in them cool drinks were served. In another marquee a band was stationed whose music was varied every now and again with airs played on the bagpipes. Miss Skerrett wore a frock of bioge marocain embroidered in brown and bronze tints and a hat of the same colours Among the guests were Mrs J. G. Coates, Sir Robert and Lady Stout, Mrs Sprott, the Hon. It. F. Bollard, Mrs and Miss Bollard, Lady Chapman and Dr G Chapman, Mrs Guthrie, Mr Justice Ostler and Mrs Ostler, Lady Salmond, Mr Justice MacGregor and Mrs MacGregor, Mrs Seddon, Mr Justice Alpers and Mrs Aluers, Lady Sim, Mrs Gillingham, Sir Joseph Ward. Lady Ward and Mrs Bernard Wood, Mrs F, V. Fraser and Miss Fraser, Sir Alexander and Lady Roberts, the Mayor and Mrs Norwood, Archdeacon and Mrs Johnson, Sir Alfred Robin and Miss Robin, Colonel Campbell and Captain Campbell, Mrs Werry, Dr and Mrs Duncan Stout, Dr Robert Stout, Mr and Mrs Creagh O'Connor, Mrs H. D. Crawford, Colonel and Mrs Hughes, Mrs Pow, Mr R. A. Wright, Mr and Mrs D. Peacock. Mr and Mrs J. Peacock, Mr and Mrs Handyside, Mrs Blundell, Mrs Henderson, Mrs A. de

B. Brandon, Mr, Mrs and Miss Shirtcliffe, Miss Kebbell, Miss Tanner, Mrs J. L). Gray, Mr, Mrs and Miss Miles, Mr W. H. Field, Mr D. G. A. Cooper and Mi3S Cooper, Mr and Mrs E. Blundell, Mr, Mrs and the Misses Leckie, Mr and Mrs A. W. Blair, Mr and Mrs R. Kennedy, Mr, Mrs and Miss Coleridge, Mr and Mrs A. Young, Dr and Mrs W. Young, Mrs C. Earle, Miss 1. Fraser, Mrs Macarthy Reid, Miss Scully, Mr and Mrs Harold Johnston, Mrs Cheviot Bell, Dr Agnes Bennett, Dr Ada Paterson, Mrs and the Misses Morice, Mrs John Barton, Mr and Mrs Bethune, Dr and Mrs Valentine, Sir Donald and Lady M'Gavin, Mr and Mrs Malcolm Ross, Mrs W. Pearce, Mr and Mrs E. W. Kane, Dr Platts-Mills, Dr and Mrs Rhind, Mrs Harper and Miss Harper, Misses Barron, Mrs Burdekin, Miss Halse, Mrs M'Villy, Mr and Mr§ Vickerman, Mi and Mrs E. Bunny, Mr and Mrs E. Hunt, Mrs and Miss Richardson, Dr; Mrs and Miss Elliott, Mr and Mrs Gordon Harcourt, Professor and Mrs Adamson, Mrs Stanton Harcourt, Mr and Mrs Vickerman, Mr and Mrs J. Tripe, the Rev. Father Gilbert, Mi and Mrs Phillips Turner, Mr and Mrs James Hislop, Mr and Mrs Manson (Sydney), Mi and Mrs Tripp, Mrs and Miss Beere, Mi and Mrs Buckleton, Professor and Mrs Rankiiie Brown, Mr E. Page, Mr and Mrs H. Sladden, Mrs Elmslie, Mr and Mrs W. Kennedy, Mr and Mrs C. Turrell, Mr and Mrs Bond, Mrs S. Eichelbaum, Captain and Miss Edwon, Mr and Mrs C. White, Mrs E. Hadfield and Miss Hadfield. Mrs Sheri dan, Mr and Mrs Lees, Dr and Mrs Graham Robertson, Mrs Skelley, Mr and Mrs B. M. Wilson, Mrs Hodson, Mrs Tringliam, Mrs Hope Lewis, Mrs Etherington, Mr and Mrs Ewen. A plain and fancy dress dance for children was held by the social circle of the Early Settlers’ Association on Saturday afternoon at their hall in Abel Smith street. Many children in fancy costumes were present, and the judges had a difficult task in choosing the best representations. These were finally selected as follows: Autumn leaves, Evelyn Brooks; Spanish girl, Jean Coker; Hawaiian Joan Tyke; Coopers’ Seeds, Edie Tliirtle, Mexicans, Eunice Smith and Thelma Brooks; military girl, Hazel Martin; golliwog, Ben Domb; Pivers perfumes, Claude Jupp; modern girl, Bruce Marris. Items were given during the afternoon by Misses Baudiuet, Oakes, Burnett. Hazel Martin. Mariorie Newport, Jean Coker, Master Charles Stewart, and Mr Cameron. Mr M. Domb was master of ceremony. Mrs Bevan has returned to Pahiatua from a visit to Wellington. Mrs Duigan, of Wanganui, is the guest of Mrs Ostler. Miss Mary M'Lean, of Christchurch, is visiting Wellington. Mr and Mrs T. H. Lowry, Miss Lowry, and the Messrs Lowry returned this week from a visit to Australia. Mrs Pockley and her sifter Mrs Curlewis (Ethel Turner) left to-day for New Plymouth, en route for Rotorua. Miss Dunlop has returned to Wellington from a visit to Ilawera. Captain and Mrs Grey left by the Tahiti on Tuesday for a visit.to the Islands. Lady Pomare and Miss Ana Pomare left, this week for Raratonga. Mr and Mrs W. N. Nelson have returned to Woodville from a visit to Wellington. Mr and Mrs J. Breeds, formerly of the Wairarapa, but now of England, are visiting New Zealand. The marriage took place in St. Paul’s ProCathedral on Thursday evening of Miss Beatrice Price, of Mulgrave street, to Mr Noel Carrington, the Vcn. Archdeacon JohnBon officiating. After the ceremony a reception was held by the bride’s mother, Mrs Price. Mr and Mrs Carrington leave to-day for Sydney, en route for their home in Ocean Island.

CARTERTON, April 29. A very pretty wedding was solemnised at the Lutheran Church, Maurioeville West, the contracting parties being Annie Margaret, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs V. K. Lemberg, Mauriceville West, and Leonard Allan, eldest son of Mr and Mrs J. L. Peter-

son, Te Uri, Ormondville, Hawke’s Hay. The bridegroom was attended by Mr H. T. Pedersen (his cousin) as best man, and Mr James French as groomsman. The Rev, M. Christensen, of Palmerston North, officiated at the ceremony. After the ceremony a reception was held at the Mauriceville West Hall, where Mr and Mrs Lemberg received about 120 guests. Later the bride and bridegroom left by car for Rotorua. St. Matthew’s Church, Masterton, waa the 6cene of a pretty wedding last week, when Mi&a L. M Willis, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Willis, of Villa street, Masterton, was married to Mr G. H. Gilding, third son of Mrs G. Gilding, of Masterton. The Rev. W. Buliock was the officiating clergyman. Miss D. E. Henderson (Carterton) was bridesmaid, and Mr S. M. Gilding best man. After the ceremony a reception was held in St. Matthew’s Parish Hall, where a large number were entertained. Later the couple left for a tour of the South Island and a visit to the Exhibition, the bride wearing a brown frock, with hat to match. At Knox Presbyterian Church, Masterton on Wednesday, the marriage took place of Miss Elsie Griffiths, daughter of Mr W. Griffiths, of Lansdowne, to Mr Leslie Donald, son of Mr and Mrs JJ. Donald, of Pakaraka, Te Whiti. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. Davie. Mr Janies Donald brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man, and Mrs A. T. Griffiths was matron of honour. The engagement 13 announced of Hannah Chisholm, only daughter of Mrs Purvis, of Pahiatua, and the late George Purvis, of Bonar, Scotland, to George Poison, elder son of Mr and Mrs J. C Maule, of Hataitai, Wellington, and late of Glasgow. A wedding of unusual interest was solemn, ised in Napier at the Salvation Army Citadel on Wednesday last, when Ensign Jackson united in the bonds of matrimony Miss Nellie Victoria Wooster, third daughter of Mr Frank and the late Mrs Wooster, of Napier, and Mr Henry Mansfield Read, eldest son of Mr and Mrs J. H. Read, of Masterton, both well known Salvationist families. The bridesmaid was Miss L Hvett, and the best man Mr Wilfred Read, of the Masterton Corps After the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served in the Forester's Hall, when 80 guests were entertained. Mrs Norris, of Wellington, is visiting her mother. Mrs Fountaine, of Martinborough. Mrs Hislop, of Wellington, is visiting her daughter, Mrs Francis, of Masterton. Mrs W. J Martin and Miss Martin, of Martinborough, are in Dunedin on holiday. Miss May Hector, of Lower Hutt, who has been visiting Mrs R K. Jackson, of Masterton. has returned to her home. Mrs F. M'Allum, of Martinborough, has returned from Napier. Miss A. Anderson, of Eketahuna, ha 3 returned from a short visit to Wellington. Mrs ana Miss Edmonds, of Parkville, have returned from a visit to Dunedin. Miss Doris Russell, of Invercargill, is staying with Mrs J. H. Irving, of Masterton. Miss Wwyn Aston, of Rotorua, who has been the guest of Miss Kempton, Elm Grove. Grey town, returns to her home on Monday, after spending a month's holiday in the Wairarapa. Mrs Colin Campbell, of Clareville, sailed by the Maunganui for Sydney, where she will join a Home liner for a trip to the Old Country. Mr and Mrs O. Bubb, of Carterton, have Uit for a trip to England. Dr Church and Mrs Church, of Dunedin, are the guests of Mr and Mis Frank Reynolds, of Taratahi. Mr and Mrs A. H. Daniel! have returned to Masterton from a prolonged visit to the South Island. Mr and Mrs S. E. Warner, of Hamua, have left on a visit to Wellington, accompanied by Mr and Mrs Neil Small, of Hukanui FEILDING, April 3D. Mrs Kingston is visiting Hamilton. Miss Morrish, who has been visiting Mrs Wild, has returned to her home in Christchurch. Mrs Richards, of England, is the guest of Mrs Norris, Moncton street. The engagement is announced of Dorothy, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs L. L. Levin, “WciStella,’ to Neil, second son of Mr and Mrs H. M Campbell, of Horonui, Hastings. Mrs Brewer is visiting Hastings and Napier. Miss Lacy Hare has returned from a visit to Napier. At St. John’s Church, Feilding, on Wednesday, Ursula, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Norman Gorton, wa9 married to Guy, youngest son of Mr and Mrs Oscar Monrad, of Palmerston North. The Veil. Archdeacon Innes-Jones, of Wellington, officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, was gowned in a charming frock of cream lace with a veil embroidered with gold and true lovers’ knots. Her bouquet was of beautiful autumn colours. She was attended by Miss Peggy Marshall, of Marton, as chief bridesmaid, and by Miss Freda Monrad, Miss Margaret Guy and Miss Barbie Inglis (all from Palmerston North). The bridesmaids' dresses were of coffee coloured lace finished with pink and coffee bows and shoes and stockings to match. Mr H. Knight, Palmerston North.; carried out the duties of best man, and with him as groomsman were Mr F. Gorton, brother of bride, Mr 11. Kissling, Gisborne, and Mr Duncan Guy, of Palmerston North. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion bv friends of the bride. Mr and Mrs Gorton entertained a large number of guests in their spacious and artistic garden. Among the guests were Mrs O. Monrad, Mrs A. 0. Meyrick, Mr and Mrs Leslie Gorton, Mr and Mrs Norman Matthews, Mr and Mrs Charles Matthews, Mr and Mrs H. Akers, Mr C. Finch. Mr Hannay, Mrs Willis Mr and Mrs Hewitt, Mr and Mrs Dan Wiilis, Mi and Mrs Tom Wallis Mrs Lane, Miss Cox, Mr and Mrs Wilde, Mrs E M. Moncton, Mrs Frank Cash, Mrs Sheriff. Mrs D. Riddiford, Miss Dalrymple, Mr and Mrs R. P. Lethbridge. Mr and Mrs Dan Lethbridge, Mrs and Miss Levett, Miss Taverner, Mr and Mrs Evans, Mr and Mrs Woollams Mr and Mrs C. A. J. Levett. Mr and Mrs Atkinson, Mr and Mrs H. B. D’Oylev, Mr and Mrs A. Le Cren, Mr and Mrs NewtonBroad, Dr and Mrs Cameron, Mr and Miss Bailev. Mr and Miss Hocking. Mr and Mrs and Miss French, Miss Wright, Mrs Revirg-ton-Jones, Misses Spain, and many others.

HAWKE’S BAY. April 30. Among the guests present at the reception held after the Harley-Lowes wedding at 'Aslicott,” the beautiful home of Mrs J. B. A’Deane, Takapau, were Mrs J. B. A’Deane, Mrs Marshall A'Deane, Mrs Harley, Mrs J. D Milton (Christchurch), Mrs Sydney Johnston, Mrs Lowry-North, Mrs G. Beatson (Hastings), Mrs Groonie, Mrs Hole. Mrs W. Hobson, Mrs Gladstone, Mrs M'Leod, Mrs C. F. Cracroft Wilson (Christchurch), Mrs Lowes (Marton), Mrs Hall, Mrs Cook, Mrs Blathwayt, Mrs Welch, Dr Hall, Messrs Beatson, Welch. C. F. Cracroft-Wilson, Hobson, and Rev. Blathwayt. A very pretty wedding took place at St. Matthew’s Church, Hastings, when Miss Margaret Evelyn' Craig, eldest, daughter of Mr and Mrs Joseph Craig, Hasting*, waft

married to Mr Eric Dudley Anderson, second son of Mr and Mrs L. Anderson. The bride wore a dainty frock of ivory georgette beaded and embroidered in silver, with the modish scalloped hem. Her two sisters, Misses Ivy and Irene Craig, were bridesmaids. Miss Ivy Craig wore a green georgette frock embroidered in oriental colours. Miss Irene Craig wore a georgette frock in palest pink, beaded in silver Both bridesmaids carried bouquets to tone with their frocks. Mr F. Tickner (Waipawa) was best man, and Mr W. Terry Roach* was groomsman. Mr and Mrs J. Craig entertained their guests at their residence. Mrs Craig wore a handsome frock of pale brown with cinnamon lace, and satin hat to tone. Her bouquet was of autumn tinted flowers. Later the bride and bridegroom left on their wedding trip by car. The engagement is announced of Miss Kathleen Bradley, daughter of Mr and Mrs H. Bradley, of Thompson road, Napier, to Mr Winter Mawson, son of Mr and Mrs T. Mawson, “Te Manuiri,” Waipawa. Mrs and Miss Coulson, of Hawera, are visiting Hawke’s Bay. Mrs H. Humphries, of Napier, leaves shortly on a trip to England, Mrs Milton, of Christchurch, was the geust of Mrs Sproule during her stay in Napier. Mrs and Miss Speedy, of Dannevirke, have left on a visit to England. Mr and Mrs A. A. Hastings, of Napier, - have left on a visit to England. They will return to New Zealand via the United States. Miss I. Lawson, of Dannevirke, was in Napier during Easter. Miss U. Loudoun, of Napier, has returned from a visit to Wellington. Mrs 0. Krogh, of Hastings,- has returned from a visit to Wellington. The engagement is announced of Miss Dorothy Levin, oldest daughter of Mr and Mrs R. L, Levin, of Feilding, to Mr Neil Campbell, second son of Mr and Mrs H. M. Campbell, of Horonouni, Foukawa. Mrs All Reid, of Hastings, has returned, from a visit to Palmerston North. Miss E. Thacker, of Christchurch, is on a visit to Hawke’s Bay. Mr and Mrs A. W. Parsons, of Waipukurau, leave Wellington for Sydney, en route for the Old Country. Miss Margot Russell, of Tunanui,” Huwke’s Bay, has gone on a visit to Sydney. Mrs Pattullo leaves shortly on a visit to England. Miss V. M. Greig, of Napier, leaves at the end of the term to take up her residence in Wellington. HAMILTON, April 26. A most enjoyable dance was held in the Claudelands Hall on Tuesday evening. Coloured paper streamers were used to decorate the room. The supper tables looked very dainty with chrysanthemums arranged in crystal vases. Those present were: Mesdames J. Tates, A. MacDonald, C. Hall, and K. Johnstone, Misses V. Hodson, M. C-larkin, A. Martin, M. Lawson, E Mufphy, D. Vests, M. Kelly, E. Carthy, Pizzini, Chapman, Davey, D. Marshall, Fitzpatrick, Stuart, V. Pickford, B. Davey, Grogan, Hodgkinson, Renwick, D. Flynn, Rowe, M. Flynn, S. Clarking, Nicol, and D. Stewart. A very pretty wedding was solemnised at Paterangi on Wednesday, when Miss Annie Macky, daughter of Mr and Mrs W. G. Macky, was married to Mr Sidney Smith, eldest son of Mrs and the late Mr J. Smith, of Paterangi. The bride wore a handsome frock of white satin, with pearl trimmings, and rich tulle veil, with orange blossoms. The bridesmaid, Miss Eileen Macky. had on a pale mauve georgette frock and black hat. The flower girls were Miss Molly Macky and Miss Nancy Symes. Mr Ralph Smith acted as best man. A reception was held after the ceremony at the home of the bride’s parents, where a large number of guests were entertained. Those present were Mesdaines Smith, sen., S. C. Macky, W. Gcrmann, G. Hall, Baird, Symes, M'Millan, P. Ryburn, I. Hall, A. Brown, and Hardie, Misses A. Smith, S. Scott, E. Smith, M. Macky, R. Macky, G. Finch, C. Germann, A. Finch, and D. Macky, Messis S. C. Macky, G. Hall, Scott Macky, W. Germann, Symes, I. Hall, and Rev. Hardie. A bridge party was enjoyed by a number of guests at Mrs H. Lewis's home (Cambridge) on Friday. The guest of honour was Mrs A. B. Herrold, who leaves Cambridge shortly to return to Fiji. Mrs Lewis wore a black satin and lace frock, and Mrs Herrold a handsome blue brocade with fur trimming. Others present were Mesdames A. H. Niccol, B. E. Roberts, B. Christophers, E. R. Lee, - Caldwell, D. Lundon, Carlyle, G. G. Taylor, ;.B. Couper, M. Wells, Poole, and Rowland, Misses Cox, Brann, Murphy, S. Brann, Christophers, and Dunne. A birthday party for children was given Mrs S. Lewis, when the young folk had a happy time. Those present were Mrs Lundon and daughter, Mrs Hawkesby, Mrs .Souter and children, Mrs Horne and daughter, Mrs Poole, Mrs J. Sawers and daughter. Porritt and daughter, Mrs Bryce and WpUt Mis H. Lewis and lighter, Mrs A.

Richardson and daughter, Mrs Grummett and- daughters. AUCKLAND, April 29. Government House is once again unoccupied, their Excellencies the GovernorGeneral and Lady Alice Fergusson having left in the Tutanekai on their promised visit to the Cook Islands and other parts of the Pacific Miss Boyle, of Christchurch, accompanied the vice-Regal party. An opening evening of the literary circle of the Lyceum Club was held last Friday evening, at which the vice-president of the club, Mrs J. C. Dickinson, presided. An interesting address was given by Mrs A. G. Talbot on Sir James Barrie and his works. Mr and Mrs Spencer, who have been spending some-months in visiting heir lelatives in New Zealand, have left on their (eturn o South Africa. Mrs Otway, of Drury, 13 staying wnh her daughter, Mrs Kcsncth Richardson, of Hastings Mrs J. Merton Bingham is a visitor fom Christchurch at present in Auckland. Mrs Northcroft leaves for next month to stay with her son, Mr S. Northcroft, and will later proceed to England for an indefinite period. Mr and Mrs Arthur Macandrcv, of Titirangi, who recently returned from a tour in England, Scotland, and the Continent, gave a pleasant tea party last week. Many musical friends were present, amongst the number being Professor and Mrs Egerton, Mr and Mrs Cyril Towsey, Mr and Mrs H. E. Simmonds, Mr and Mrs R. A. Singer, Mr and Mrs C. Prime, Mrs Roger Fenton, Mrs Booth, the Misses Amy Stevenson, Fenton, Una Garlick, and Messrs Barry Coney, Colin Muston, and C. B. Plummer. The engagement is announced of Miss Runa Larner, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs V. J. Larner, of Remuera, to Mr Robert Graham Buckleton, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Henry Buckleton, of Oriental Bay, Wellington A number of parties have been giv-n lately for Miss Lovering Burns, whose marriage to Mr J. Russell takes place this day. Among the hostesses have been Mrs 11. E. Vaile, Glade Hall, Epsom, who gave a kitchen evening, when gifts of various size* and use were brought by the many guests. Bridge, billiards, and dancing were later indulged in. The supper table yas artistically arranged in shades of pink, while great bowls of chrysanthemums decorated the various rooms. Miss Ferguson, of Victoria avei.ue, gave an afternoon tea for her cousin, the bride-elect, when brigde requisites was brought as presents. A botbroom tea party was given by Miss Lawford for Miss Lovering Burns, and fragrant soaps and powders, bath salts, and sponges were brought as gifts. All manner of dainty and novel articles were stocked at Miss Nancy Colbeck’s party for Miss Burns, and the guest of honour went away laden with her presents. Mrs Alma Baker and Mies Baker are at present staying at the Grand after a very enjoyable time spent at Wairakei and various camping places with Mr Zane Grey’s party. Miss Baker has bought a farm in the north, and is intending to use it for breeding horses and sheep. Mrs Howard Thomas, who has been visiting Dr and Mrs Theodore Thomas, of Palmerston South, has returned to Auckland.

WEDDINGS,

At St Mary’s, Merivale, Christchurch, on April 24. Archdeacon Haggitt was th- officiating clergyman at the marriage of Frances Ellen, younger daughter of Mrs E. Meadowcroft, Papanui, to Dr J. H. Crawshaw, of Dunedin. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr J. S. Meadowcroft, wore an uncommon frock of delphinium blue georgette, over cyclamen silk, and a hat of blue georgette, with petal brim and trimmed with cyclamen velvet ribbon. Her loose round bouquet was of cyclamen flowers, and finished with ribbon streamers. Her only attendant was n little flower girl. Miss Norah Crawshaw, sister of the bridegroom, who wore a frock of pale champagnecoloured georgette over apricot silk, and a wreath of flowers in her hair. Her po«.T was of apricot-coloured flowers. The bridegroom was attended by his brother, Mr Colin D. Crawshaw, as best man. Mrs Meadowcroft. the bride’s mother, wore a becoming gown of navy blue marocain embroidered with gold, and a navy hat to match, and carried a bouquet of autumntinted flowers and leaves. Mrs Crawshaw’s frock was of dull brown panne velvet, with which she wore a brown velvet hat, and carried a bouquet of apricot-coloured flowers. After the ceremony. Mrs Meadowcroft held a reception at her home in Papanui road. The bride travelled in a smart frock of navy blu« torrain, with pleated front pane) of rosewood georgette and a navy ribbon hat.

On Wednesday, April 21, St. Peters Church was the scene of one of the prettiest weddings ever witnessed in Kaikoura, when Doris Mary, elder daughter of Mr ,and Mrs J. Boyd, “Kahautara,” was married to John Monteith only son of Mr and Mrs J. A. Pears, of Etavale, Southland. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion with white cosmos and autumn colourings. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a graceful gown of ivory georgette, georgeously patterned in crystal beads. From her left shoulder hung a tie of white georgette, forming a true-lovers’ knot. Her veil, becomingly arranged on a coronet of orange blossom, was worn over her face as she entered the church. A shower bouquet of white and gold begonias and maiden hair fern completed a dainty ensemble. The bride was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss Rosa Boyd and Miss Molly Pears, who wore similar frocks of gold chiffon velvet made with long bodices and short flared skirts. From the shoulders hung long ties of same material finished with tassels. They also wort gold tulle veils gathered on to wreaths of autumn-tinted leaves and flowers, and carried shower bouquets of yellow and bronze and gold flowers with streamers of gold ribbon and tulle. Their pearl necklets were the gift of the bridegroom. The bridegroom was attended by Mr N. R. M. Rein, of Invercargill, and Mr L. J. Kennedy, of Kaikoura. After the ceremony a reception was held at the Club Hotel, where Mr and Mrs Boyd entertained a number of friends. Mrs Boyd wore a smart frock of navy silk marocain with a low waistline and a flared skirt, touches of bronze being repeated in her small navy hat. She also wore a marabout stole and carried a bouquet of pink roses. Mrs Pears wore a becoming frock of grey satin marocain with a small black hat trimmed in ospreys, and carried a bouquet of red roses and maiden-hair fern. Mr and Mrs J. M. Pears later left by motor for the north prior to taking up their resi- * * * dence in Southland, Mrs Pears travelling in a smart ensemble suit of brown repp, with fur collar and cuffs and cinnamon hat, with side ornament. Amongst the guests were Mrs and Miss Gates (Christchurch), Mrs M‘Keeman, Mrs J. D. Boyd, Mr and Mrs Stone (Methven), Miss Boyd, Mr and Mrs S. C. Heard, Mr and Mrs F. Monk, Mr and Mrs G. Dickson (Parnassus), Mr and Miss M'Grath, Miss Frances Acton Adams, Mr and Mrs E. E. Wallace, Mrs Withers, Mrs Williamson, Mr and Mrs W. Baker, Miss Turner, Mr and Mrs Davidson, Mr and Mrs A. A. Boyd, Mr and Mrs J. Parsons Taylor, Mr and Mrs G. R. Park, Mr J. Boyd, Mr R. S. D. Perry, Mr J. Matthews, and Mr G. O’Malley.

“ALIEN’S” LETTER FROM ENGLAND.

(Specially Written for the Ladiea’ Page.) March 16. CRITICISM OF WOMEN. Are men of the twentieth century developing the “old-womanish” attitude of “nagging”!' Certainly of late there is an unchivalrous tendency always to put the woman in the wrong. Take up any journal you will and the carping criticism of male writers of women and things feminine meets the eye with such frequency that one is reminded of the woman who askc| concerning her boy “What is Willie doing? Whatever it is, tell him not to do it!” For generations our clothes have been under criticism. Whatever we wear, or have worn, is wrong. Tv»ns of paper have been used and rivers of ink devoted to the physical evils of the tightly-corseted waist, and the trained skirts that swept up refuse and acted as a deadly diseasecarrier, and now when women wear scarcely any corsets at all, and nothing in the way of “hobbled” skirts to fetter movements, that is wrong also. Silk stockings and light shoes were cause for reproof, and when the snow was feet deep this last winter and women had the common-sense to don Russian boots and Agings, that also wan the cause of ridicule ! The summer girl, the river girl, the seaside girl, and every sort of girl you can name has been cavilled at in turn by

, the censorious male, who now regards the shingled girl as capping all her other offences. But the modern girl is not overwhelmed by this masculine criticism: she is not of the school that thought the only way “to bring repentence to her lover and wring his bosom is—to die.” “What does it matter what lie thinks?” she says. The very latest “carping” is an article in an evening paper which I read recently, headed “Women’s Influence on the Novel of To-day,” in which some of the novelists and dramatists disenss the statement of Mr St. John Ervine, at Liverpool, that— One important novelist has told me frankly tnat he is writing “tosh” for women. If one describes “cave men” women, queue up to buy the book. Novelists I know have the profoundest contempt for their readers At the moment woman's influence on the novel and the play is a bad one. At theatres where “advanced” plays are being performed, one finds great crowds of ravenous-looking women waiting to gain admission. Plays have changed to brainless things' because the audiences have changed from men to women. Men like strong plays; women do not like tortures on the stage, they like dresses. But can the men who “write down” to the level of frivolous women produce the “strong” novels and books that men are supposed to like. And are all the subscribers to the circulating libraries of “tosh” women ? And are there no men readers of the magazines about which Max Pemberton says: My experience is that not only are novelists “writing down” to meet with the tastes of women readers, but are encouraged to do so by some magazines. The first thing to say to any young novelist if ho comes for advice is: “If you have any artistic sense or any lofty notions about art, you are sroing to be greatly handicapped. Your only chance is to write down for women of moderate tastes. ‘Unless you make a book moie or less "spicey,'’ you have no chance with it.’ ” That, I think, is the trend of things to-day. The whole of fiction is being diverted to meet the tastes of women who want their reading matter near the border line. It is very much the same in the theatres, and at the moment it is very difficult for anything but a sex play to succeed. Of course, there are notable exceptions, but in the last three years it has been the sex play which has made money. But, 'n tne stalls and pit of the theatres are there no inane young men ogling and smirking and applauding the unclean suggestions and risque situations ? It was a woman who stood up in a crowded theatre a short time ago and publicly protested against the morals of the play, and a man who made renly that people went to the theatre to be amused. Mr Gilbert Frankau says Mr St. John Ervine is talking through his opera hat, that writers who have a contempt for their public never succeed ; that women do not want “tosh,” and it is ridiculous to say that they do. He cites such writers as •Sir J. M. Barrie, Mr Somerset Maughan, Mr Fredrick Lonsdale, Mr John Galsworthy who have not made their success by pandering to a public whom they despise. And as the public libraries can testify, these are among the favourite authors of women as well as of men. The late Welsh writer, Allen Raine, did not sell over 1,000.000 copies by writing “tosh.” Nor did Mary E. Mann make her appeal in “The Cedar Star,” nor Alice Perrin with her stories of India, or Mary Cholmondelev with “Red Pottage,” Mrs Campbell Praed, Miss F. E. Montressor, Beatrice Harraden, and a list of others win their laurels by “writing down” for women. Mr Denis Mackail’s answer to Mr Ervine is that nine out of every ten modern novelist write with sincerity. Women to a large extent make up the novel-reading public, but that is because they have more time to devote to it than men. It is women then whose taste in literature has much to do with the popularity of an author. Thoughtful women feel that this assumption of the superiority of one sex over the other is childish; it is too late in the day for the man—especially the modern man—to claim a monopoly of intellect. The preliminary work of women in science, literature, scholarship, and the arts, and in other specialised fields jjrove them in the opinion of an informed public, to have made good use of the opportunities but recently afforded. If the masculine writers of plays and novels, and the sale of newspapers so greatly depends upon feminine approval, it is remarkable that in the pursuit of their personal success men of the pen so often go out of their way to insult women. Either patience and self-con-trol or contempt for superficial masculine opinion prevents women from retaliation, for if the men who depend upon the women for their livelihood, and contemptuously assume that their “tosh” is all the feminine intellect can rise to were to be boycotted, they would realise that women resent the belittling that has been heaped upon her for ages. A woman’s genius has availed her little in the past. She lias poured her gifts into man’s hands. But those men, too mean-minded to own that women are capable of appreciating their highest in literature and art, might recall that “George Eliot” was a woman, and that no novel written by a man ever had the circulation of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” by Mrs Beecher Stowe, of which it was said it “had done more for humanity than was ever before accomplished by any single work of fiction.” It is quite heartening to turn from all the spiteful talk concerning the modern girl, and read in a leading article in the Daily Mail a man’s appreciation of her. He Bays: — Women in business we must have. There is no more admirable character in the social community than the girl or woman who, having no means of her own, works bravely and competently and contentedly for her living. Nor is there anything more cruel than to speak derisively of the woman who has had no inducement to marry. The dis-

appearance of the phrase “old maid” from English usage is creditable to the generation. But when all is said, modernism is not going to change the very foundations of human nature. True, the unmarried woman of to-day has a very different outlook on life from tb*»t of the Victorian woman who was “on tho shelf" in her 'twenties. She haß no need to hide humiliation—for there is no humiliation in being single. But a home cornea first, as a business man has told us. And why not? Why not? Love and marriage and motherhood will always make the first appeal to women. Business men say that a considerable number of business girls leave their firm each year to he married. Despite all the talk of the modern girl human nature remains the same. A wider education and experience has enlightened girls to the fallacy of the glamour cast in the past over the primitive facts of life, and although love and marriage and motherhood still make their appeal to women—old Mother Nature sees to that—their ideal is higher, there is less sentimentality and more common sense regarding the mating. Any sort of love and marriage*

and motherhood does not attract the girl of to-day to leave the single state, in which she can maintain herself with a salary from an office or wages from a factory, or income from a profession. Miss Hester Vinev, principal of the College of Nursing, who addressed the Royal Sanitary Institute at Hastings the other day, said that that lost type of womanhood—the oldfashioned mother—must he brought hack into the home. In the old-fashioned home, she said, the mother was a skilled, efficient woman, having a large household under her, rule, and a wonderful fund of knowledge on such practical details ns spinning and weaving, brewing, making medicines or draughts, treating the sick, cooking, managing the live stock, and educating children. Woman broke away from the home when her educational opportunities widened, choosing to follow blindly where men had gone before. She lost much in the process, and to-day she is turning her eyes, she said, once more upon the home. I doubt it. The drudge value—the unrewarded drudge value—has lost its

appeal to women. Her conception of "home” has changed since Victorian women sunk their individuality in securing the comfort of the man. While men spend their leisure at their club, eat at a restaurant, and devote every free hour golfing, jazzing, or at the wheel of their car, their womenfolk are not likely to find the domestic loneliness of the housewife and her laborious, unthanked tasks fill all her horizons and needs. It is lack of companionship in the home, lack of the man’s comradeship there, his lack of identification with her struggles and burdens of soul and body there —her self-giving for his well-being in the lonely monotonous round from Sunday till Saturday, year in and year out, that, as much as anything else, has driven women out of the home into the sports fields, the clubs, and the dancing luslls. Only the ideal home will tempt woman back—her small world set apart, where she is cherished and reigns. She has earnestly tried in the past to. spend herself on her home. But her self-spending was too common for notice. No one ever contested her “right” to self-effacement. A woman’s “unfitness” for work outside the home was not criticised when the nation called upon her to come and do man’s work in places of responsibility and danger during the war—it was only when the Empire no longer needed her so terribly that we began to hear again about her “womanly sphere.” But it is one of the payments that men must pay for man-made war, that it disillusioned women of the carefully built-up idea imposed upon them, of man’s pre-eminent wisdom and justice, and it robbed the wife aud mother so horribly of her “sacred claims,” that many of this generation of women refuse motherhood lest they, too, be called upon later to pay for the joy of motherhood, in anguish, such as the mothers of their brothers bore. Home! What count does war take of home? Instead of the spiteful, mean carping of a section of short-sighted men, let them consider how far the lost ideals of women can be traced to the lack of ideality in their own dealings with them, if women refuse the home as their sphere, how far the man’s neglect of her there is responsible for women’s clubs? It is because the woman’s instinct of love and service to the man has been so long traded upon throughout the whole structure of the state and social life, as well as in the home, that women have sought other ways and means of self-expression. In his resentment at the loss of the home-woman does it ever ocur to the man how much he has had to do with driving her forth? The statement recently made by Dr Eugene L. Frisk, a notable New York doctor, that “The idea that marriage hinders the career of a man or a woman is utter nonsense,” has been commented u P°n here Ly public men and women. Mr G. K. Chesterton says: Marriage is a practical, working partnership,. and is no more a hindrance to ‘free-dom”-—whatever that may mean in the home —than boots are to walking; though, incidentally, I think it might have been a great deal better for all of U 9 if the careers of some people had been hindered by marriage. Mrs H. W. Nevinson, the well-known M.E., upholds marriage, but not for women who would devote themselves to a profession. She says : "I agree with Dr Johnson, when he said* ‘Every man is a worse man in proportion, as he is unfit for the married state,’ ” she said, “but a woman whoso life-aim is art or science must be free of all save the most elementary domestic cares. “Once a woman is a wife and mother, her primary duty is to her husband and children —for a child, a living soul, is infinitely more important than any work of art. "For a man it is obviously different. In his case, marriage means comfort, regularity, good meals—very important, these, to a man with a career; genius marches on its stomach as well as armies!" If only the wind were not so cold and the skies so grey we should rejoice more in the dawn of spring. But even the chill winds cannot repress the song of the birds and the glory of the spring flowers. Daffodils are multiplying everywhere. There has been a glut in the market from Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex, Lincolnshire, Cornwall, the Scilly Isles, and Gurnsey, and violets from the Exeter district have been plentiful. It is said that for a distance of 15 miles to a width of two miles down the valley of the River Exe, there is one stretch of blooms. A firm in Covent Garden market has been receiving two railway van loads daily, many of which go to the baskets of the London flowersellers, and to those who are not wanderers round the woods and sheltered byways to gather the earliest flowers. That “In the spring a young man’s fancy” still “lightly turns to thoughts of love,” and that marriage is still the fashion with young men and women is evidenced by the mitnber of weddings announced to take place at Easter, although society marriages have been numerous all the winter. Spring time may not be “the only pretty ring time,” but it is the most symbolic of hope and love, and in April and the following months churches will be hard-pressed to fit in the wedding ceremonies till the end of the season. Three interesting weddings are to take place befone Easter. On St. Patrick's Day, Lady Sheila Scott, the youngest daughter of the Earl and Countess ol Connell will be married to Major Mlfnsel Jackson, D. 5.0., M.C., of tho Royal Deccan Horse. They will return to India on the day following their marriage. A quiet wedding will be that of the Marquis of Queensburv and the portrait artist Miss Kathleen Mann, who are to be married in a few days. On March 22 the brother of Viscount Allendale, the Hon. Ralph Beaumont, will marry Miss Christine Wray, younger daughter of Brigadier-general and Mrs Cecil Wray. The ceremony will be a very picturesque

one at St. George’s Church, Hanover Square. Among the April weddings is Viscount Fcrtmans heir, the Hon. Edmund Portman, and the Hon. Sibyl Douglas-Pennant, daughter of Lord Penrhyn. A manager of one of the big hotels told a reporter on the Sunday Despatch that arrangements made for smart balls now always include comfortable seats for chaperones. Every debutante has her mother with her now by day and by evening exactly as in the eighties, or some lady taking her mother’s place. Although the season proper does not begin till May, and all the big functions are arranged for after Easter, each wfek sees the awakening of social life of London, and the stir is more pronounced as people return from the Riviera, with the closing of the fashionable season there. A number of people unable to seek the sunlight abroad or find the genuine article at home have been taking a course of “sunlight treatment” artificially. In towii the great ladies have been placing their houses and themselves at the disposal of the causes for science and charity. In the cause of science Sir Edward Penton received the guests at the scientific demonstration at the Middlesex Hospital. Among the guests were Prince and Princess Arthur of Connaught, Princess Marie Louise, looking charming in a grey velvet cloak, Princess Helena Victoria, Lady Mildmav, and. Mrs Philip Snowdon. Princess Mary, dressed in deep black, opened the Alexandra House the other day, which is to be to the late Queen Mother—a home at Ealing for motherless children. The Duchess of Sutherland lent Hampton House for Lord Gerald Wellesley’s interesting lecture on ancient houses from the time of Charles I. The proceeds of the lecture, which was organised by Lady Carson, were in aid of the Children’s Country Holidays Fund. Other ladies present interested in this good work were the Duchess of Wellington, Lady Ernest Hamilton, and Lady Dawson of Penn. HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS. Throwing salt or powdered brimstone on the fire in the grate, and holding a board in front of the fireplace is a good remedy if your chimney catches fire. Mud stains can often be removed from a garment if, after the stains are dry, they are sponged with alcohol. To make a jelly quite firm stand the mould in cold water in which a little salt has been melted. A stove will not need much cleaning after frying or other cooking if salt is strewn on the top beforehand. All that has to be done after is to sweep the salt off. When washing china do not use soda for any with gilt decorations. It should be reserved for greasy articles, and used sparingly. Turpentine will remove varnish stains from different fabrics. Apply with a wad of cotton wool. Take doughnuts from the hot fat, let them drip a moment, and plunge into boiling water for an instant. They will be freed from all superfluous fat, and be more light and spongy. Gilt frames can be brightened by brushing them over with a mixture of loz of chloride of potash or soda and the whites of three eggs, beaten together. When choosing apples remember that the best fruit yields with a slight cracking sound if pressed with the thumb. Brass candlesticks can be improved by dipping them into a quart of lye, with which 2oz of alum has been mixed, and polishing the surface with a brush after. Woollies, handkerchiefs, stockings, dusters, and kitchen cloths should be washed at home. A galvanised bath or

enamelled howl can be kept for boiling small white articles. Steamed vegetables retain more flavour than boiled ones, but longer time, from five to ten minutes, must be allowed for cooking by this method. If a cellar smells damp and cannot be thoroughly ventilated, a few trays of charcoal set on the floor and shelves will purify and sweeten the air. A pad of soft paper makes a good polisher for mirrors and windows. Stiff, harsh paper must not be used, as it is apt to scratch a smooth surface. \\ hen fish that has been rolled for cooking comes unrolled it is because the skin was turned inside instead of outside. Those who are “hard” on corsets find this a considerable item of expenditure on which it seems impossible to economise. In the case of the better class, unbreakable corsets, the springs are often still quite sound, although the material is worn and shabby. It is possible to utilise these in making a new pair of corsets, using the old ones as a pattern. Draw out the springs and lay them in pairs on the table, being careful to keep them in order. When all these are out, cut the corsets away from the two backs, leaving the two rows of eyelet holes for use in making the new pair. Then cut up each seam where the springs have been removed. These pieces will serve as a pattern for new r , for which three-quarters of a yard of drill or other suitable material should be bought. It is a wise plan to cut up only one side of the corsets as a pattern, leaving the other as a guide in making up. Lay the pieces of old corset on the new material, and then cut out. Strips of flic new’ should be utilised in making casings for the spiings. The new pieces of material are then joined with a neat machining. The raw edges are arranged on the right side, as these are later covered bv the casings containing the steels. Over each seam place one of the casings, and in each insert a spiral spring in its right position. Stitch the strips neatly along the bottom, allowing half an inch for movement. There will then be one steel spring over each seam and one between. A new pair of busks must now be added, and put all round top and foot of the stays a strip of stay binding, which can be trimmed with a little lace or embroidery, as desired.

HOME INTERESTS

SPANISH SALAD. Required: Six tomatoes, four cooked new potatoes, one beetroot, half a pint of cooked French beans, three eggs, salt, pepper, mayonnaise dressing (one gill), one lettuce. Method: Cut the tomatoes, potatoes, and beetroot into thin slices. Wash the lettuce, drain it in a cloth, and arrange it in a salad bowl. Pile the sliced vegetables over it, cover with the beans, and pour the mayonnaise dressing over all. Garnish* with alternate lines of the sieved yolk of egg and the finely chopped white. Put the lettuce heart in the centre, and serve. WHEATEN BISCUITS. Put five ounces each of wholemeal and white flour and a good pinch of sait and baking powder into a basin. Rub in two ounces of butter, add an ounce of castor sugar, and mix all to a very stiff dough with a iittle water. Roll out (not too thin), cut into rounds, prick them, and bake on a greased tin for about ten minutes. LANCASHIRE PARKIN. One pound of fine oatmeal, half a pound of sugar, half a pound of flour, six ounces of butter, dripping, or lard, one pound of syrup or treacle, one and a-half teaspoons of ground ginger, one and a-half teaspoons of baking powder, and a small teacup full of milk or water. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl with the butter and syrup. Stir the contents well, and gradually add the milk. Four into a shallow baking tin well greased, and bake for one and a-half hours in a slow oven. This is a delicious winter cake. MILK PUNCH. Boil a pint of milk with four ounces of loaf sugar. Beat up the yolks of two eggs with half a gill of cold milk, pour on the hot milk, return to the pan, and stir over low heat until the mixture thickens, but do not let it boil. Add a quarter grated nutmeg and two tablesponfuls of brandy, and serve in a punch bowl. This may be served cold with crushed ice. CARAMEL TOFFEE. One quarter of a pound of sugar, three ounces of butter (not margarine), one tablespoonful of golden syrup, a large tin of full cream milk. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add sugar while boiling, then the syrup and milk. Boil for 20 minutes, stirring all the time. One tea9poonful of vanilla essence can be added if liked. Pour into a sandwich tin to cool. The sweet can be varied by having ready small pieces of Brazil nut or dates, and covering them with the mixture before it is cold. The mixture will be ready in a very short time for covering nuts, etc. FRUIT GINGERBREAD. Three quarters of a pound of flour, two ounces each of brown sugar and margarine, two ounces of glace cherries, two ounces ot blanched almonds, one egg, three quarters of an ounce of ground ginger, pinch of salt, half a teaspoonful bicarbonate of soda. Mix all dry ingredients together. Melt margarine. Beat egg up. Mix soda in very little warm milk, adding to the margarine and beaten egg; stir all together into the dry ingredients. Give a short, brisk beating, and pour into Yorkshire pudding tin lined with buttered paper. Bake in moderate oven about one hour. Cool on wire tray. Then cut into fingers. This gingerbread is very good, and will keep fresh for weeks if stored in a tin. BANANA FRITTERS (SAVORY). Cut four bananas in halves, sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and cayenne, dip them in frying batter, and fry in hot fat. Drain, and pile on a hot dish, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and hand tomato or brown sauce. A cheap frying batter is made by mixing four ounces of flour and a pinch of salt with a gill of warm water, mixed with a tablespoonful of aalad oil. Beat well, and let the batter stand for at least half a A hour. For the sweet fritters, stir in the stiffly whipped white of an egg just before veing the batter.