THE SOCIAL ROUND

Southland Times, Issue 20172, 7 May 1927, Page 20 (Supplement)

THE SOCIAL ROUND

IN TOWN AND COUNTRY (By “Drindella.”) Mrs C. R. Shand returned to her home at Centre Bush on Wednesday. Mrs J. Shand was a bridge hostess for Mrs C. R. Shand on Tuesday evening. Mrs. McLauchlan, of Dipton, was a guest at the Club Hotel during the week. Mrs Astley, of Auckland, is the guest of her mother, Mrs T. D. Pearce, Gala Street. Mrs and Miss Kennedy, of Cliveden, were guests at the Grand Hotel during the week. Mr and Mrs Andrew Gilkison and Miss Alison Gilkison motored to Nelson on Wednesday. Mrs Dale, of Hawera, is the guest of her mother, Mrs G. Hannon Wilson, Don Street. Dr and Mrs A. T. McCaw returned from their tour of the Old Country during the week. Mrs Shalcross, who has been a guest at the Club Hotel, returned to her home in Timaru during the week. Mrs and Miss McCarthy, of Queenstown, who have been staying at the Club Hotel, leave to-day for their home. Miss Roma Mee, who has been the guest of her aunt, Mrs C. Campbell, left for her home in Wellington on Thursday. Mrs R. J. Gilmour left on .Thursday morning to join the Aorangi at Auckland, for Suva, where she will stay with Mr and Mrs P. L. Porter, formerly of Invercargill, for a month or two. The engagement is announced of May Isobel Lawrence, second daughter of Mrs S. B. Lawrence, Collingwood, to Walter Lionel Bews, only son of Mr. and Mrs J. E. Bews, Dalrymple Road. The engagement is announced of Mabel Frances Benzoni, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs C. M. Benzoni, Roslyn Dunedin, to Jack Worthington, only son of Mr and Mrs W. J. Worthington, Roslyn, Dunedin. The engagement is announced of Millie Florence, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Andrew Calder, Averell Street, Shirley, ■ Christchurch, to Hector Archibald, third son of Mrs and the late Alexander Ferguson, Nelson Street, Invercargill. The engagement is announced of May Rhoda, second daughter of Mrs J. S. McKenzie, of Tauranga and the late J. M. McMenn.y, of Winton, to James Andrew Scott, second son of Mr. and Mrs J. Veitch, of Hamilton, North Island. Mr. R. A. Anderson left Invercargill last Tuesday morning. Mrs and Miss Anderson left on Thursday morning, joining Mr. Anderson at Christchurch. They leave New Zealand by the Aorangi on Monday for Vancouver, and after crossing Canada sail from New York by the Mauretania for England. It is their intention to tour the Homeland and the Continent and they plan to be back in Invercargill a fortnight before Christmas. On Wednesday, Mrs Mark Stevens, North Road, gave a kitchen afternoon in honour of Miss Hazel Todd, who is shortly to be married. A most enjoyable time was spent, Miss Todd being the recipient of many useful presents. Those present included Mesdames N. Todd, Rutledge, R. 11. Lovatt, W. Aitcheson, T. Nicholson, J. Johnson, P. Rice, Alan McNaughton, J. T. Macdonald and A. Macdonald. Misses 11. Todd, Edie, Rutledge, L. McDonald, Bisset, Officer, Wesney. Coutts. The Play Reading Circle of the Southland Women’s Club, held its opening evening on Tuesday when Oscar Wilde’s play “An Ideal Husband,’’ was read with the following cast. —The Earl of Caversham, K.G. —Mrs A. M. Macdonald; Viscount Goring—Miss W. Macpherson; Vicomte de Nanjac—Miss C. Bailey; Lady Chiltern —MrsC.de R.Andrews; Lady Markby—Mrs L. W. Spencer; The Countess of Basildon —Mrs F. 0. MacGibbon ; Mrs Marchmont—Mrs Owen-John-ston; Miss Mabel Chiltern—Mrs L. B. Hutton; Mrs Chevely—Mrs R. S. Mclnnes. Chorus. Miss McLean.. Others present were Mesdames McFarlane, Hackworth, T. M. Macdonald, T. F. Macdonald, Tomlinson, J. H. Weymouth, A. A. Stewart. C. Campbell, S. McDonald, C. H. Hobbs, Nicholson, C. C. Jennings, A. G. Butchers, H. J. Farrant, T. F. Gilkison, A. Tennant, J. Robertson, John Macdonald, R. Camm, J. McCrostie, Harris. Misses M. Muir, M. Crofts, L. Henderson, I. Speirs, M. Manson, L. Robertson, McKay, S. Waymouth, P. Oughton, K. King, Perrin.

“I have never regretted for one second giving up my amateur status. lam happy now lam fr£e.” So declared Mlle. Suzanne Lenglen on her return from America. She intends to invade England and the Continent with a retinue of professional lawn tennis “stars,” whom she hopes to recruit from British and European players of the first rank. Kinsey will be the only American member of the troupe. She introduced her young and handsome new manager, Mr. Baldwin M. Baldwin, who is a grandson of the late “Lucky” Baldwin the Californian oil king and racehorse owner. In a rapid succession of lambent flashing phrases she poured the persistent rumour that she intended to marry him, concluding: “Had I been married as many times as I have been reported to, I should have a whole battalion of husbands.” Her eyes twinkled as she added that she had not received a single proposal during her stay in America.

The opening evening of the Cabaret Circle of the Southland Women’s Club which was given in honour of Mr. and Mrs C. de R. Andrews was held in the Club Rooms on Saturday, April 30. Those present were Dr. and Mrs A. Tennant, Mr and Mrs C. de R. Andrews, Mr and Mrs H. B. Farnell, Mr and Mrs G. Broughton, Mr and Mrs L. B. Hutton, Mr and Mrs R. H. J. Camm, Mr and Mrs W. Johnston, Mr and Mrs Mervyn Mitchel, Mr and Mrs R. Laidlaw, Mr and Mrs F. C. Rowley, Mr and Mrs Harris, Mrs H. Macdonald. Misses T. Watson. K. Hazlett, K. Anderson, N. Strettell, I. Vipan, M. Wingfield, P. Webb, Lawrence (2), M.‘ Raines, G. Weymouth, O. Rein, O. Holloway, V. Bews, B. Gilkison. Messrs D. Whitson, J. Dundas, Speight, Hazlett (2), J. Strettell, C. Prain, MacPherson (Gore), T. Miller, W. Bews, G. Reed, G. Sadd, Stewart, H. Macdonald, and Weymouth. It was decided that the Circle should hold its evenings once a fortnight. The members of the Southland Executive of the Girl Guide Movement were the guests of the Provincial Commissioner, Mrs J. G. Macdonald, at morning tea on Saturday, to bid farewell to Mrs C. de R. Andrews, who leaves shortly to take up residence in Dunedin. The President of the Girl Guide Association'presented Mrs Andrews, on behalf of the members of the Executive, with a gold Thanks Badge. Mrs Andrews in reply thanked the Executive for their gift, and said that she was extremely sorry to sever her connection with the Southland Guide Movement, but she would be always keenly interested in the progress of Guiding in the province. Mrs A. S. Moffett, District Commissioner at Bluff, on behalf of the country districts expressed appreciation of the work that Mrs Andrews had done to help their companies. She had not spared herself in any way, and country companies owed much to her sympathy and to her encouraging example. The guests included Mesdames C. de R. Andrews, F. D. Morrah, W. Hammond, R. S. Mclnnes, W. S. Todd, C. B. Snow, M. Mitchell, H. 0. Stuckey, W. Carswell, R. H. J. Camm, Girdler, Scandrett, Hinchey, Gumbley, Poppelwell, Pigeon 1 (Gore), Wilson, Gray, Jordan (Riverton), A. S. Moffatt (Bluff), Smith, Nelson and I Dr. Gow (Winton). Misses R. Aitken I (Gore), and Tish Watson.

Miss Swale, of Limehills, was a guest at the Grand Hotel during the week. Mr and Mrs Moss and son, of Dunedin, were guests at the Grand Hotel last weekend. Mr and Mrs Andrew Todd (Marlborough) accompanied by their two little sons are the guests of Mrs Arthur Moffet. Mrs Traill csenr.] returned to Stewart Island on Saturday after visiting her daughter, Mrs Percy Macdonald. The following were recent guests at the Mount Cook Motor Company’s White Star Hotel:—Mr. A. Pike (Nottingham, Eng.), Miss L. Derbecker (Canada), Mr and Mrs Moyes (Adelaide) ; Mrs C. Hill (Geelong), Mr and Mrs Borrowdale (Sydney) ; Mr and Mrs Perkins (Auckland), Mr. L. Wilson (Rotorua, Mrs R. C. Ongley and Mr. Tony Ongley, Miss McCarten (Taihape) ; Mr and Mrs Mill (Tokomaru Bay) ; Mr and Mrs D. Spence (Feilding); Mr. Russell (Wellington), Mr and Mrs J. Barr, Messrs H. Barr, E. H. Miller, I. Haberfield (Christchurch) ; Mrs J. Earl (Otari) ; Mr C. Drummond (Omarama) ; Mr and Mrs Le Cren, Mr and Mrs Sim; Mesdames J. Graham, Lynshey, Misses M. Drummond, L. Boyd, E. Templeton, Swan (3), E. Moore, A. Moore, Blaney, Scorgie (2), B. E. McElrea, E. Johnson, Messrs J. Drummond, D. Moore, O. C. Longuet, 0. G. Gilmour, W. Walker (Dunedin), Mr and Mrs Cutler and family (Pembroke); Mr. F. Watkins (Skippers.) Recent visitors at the office of the High Commissioner for New Zealand during the week were: Mrs C. A. Whitney, Auckland; Mr and Mrs A. Liston Wilson, Auckland; Mr M. Fountain Barber, Christchurch; Dr. and' Mrs F. A. Morton, Wellington; Miss Wylde-Brown, Auckland; Misses M. J. and F. Whelan, Wellington; Miss F. E. Baker, Timaru; Mr P. L. Black, Dunedin; Mr D. Wilson, Dunedin; Mrs W. D. Lysnar and Miss W. F. Lysnar, Gisborne; Mr and Mrs H. H. Tombs and Mr D. M. Tombs, Wellington; Mr D. Lester, Wellington; Dr. Clifford S. James, Dunedin; Mrs G. S. Humphries and Miss Betty Humphries, Wellington; Mr R. M. Macdonald and Miss M. M. Macdom aid, Christchurch; Dr. James D. Hunter, Dunedin; Mr Gordon W. Carter, Auckland; Mr C. E. Kay, R.A.F., Auckland; Mr and Mrs W. K. Macdonald, Timaru; Mr H. J. D. McManaway and Miss M. McManaway, Wellington; Mrs Fretwell, Port Chalmers; Misses A. and R. Patterson, Wellington; Miss B. Musgrave, Christchurch; Mrs M. J. Godley and Miss Joan Godley, Timaru. The Bridge Circle of the Southland Women’s Club, held its opening night in the Club Rooms on Monday, May 2. Those present were Mesdames Weymouth, J. L. Watson, J. T. Carswell, W. Macalister, A. E. Smith, D. Cuthbertson, W. Kennedy ■ (Otautau), G. Broughton, R. R. Binney, L. B. Hutton, R. H. J. Camm, J. Mcleod, T. M. Macdonald, W. Johnston, R. S. Mclnnes, F. 0. Mac Gibbon, L. Roberts, Kensington, H. Carswell, W. S. Todd, A. H. Mackrell, W. Barclay, H. J. Farrant, G. McDonald, T. D. Pearce, W. Clark, Chilwell, A. M. Macdonald, A. G. Butchers, Owen-Johnston, H. P. Thomas, R. Crawford, H. O. Haggitt, Handyside, F. C. Rowley, J. G. Macdonald, Vickery, J. Thomson, Malcolmson, H. 0. Stuckey, B. C. Basstian, Harris. Misses Brodrick, Perrin, S. Brown, Weymouth, W. Macpherson, L. Henderson, N. Strettell, Oughton (2), Swale (Winton). Mrs Mclnnes won the prize for the highest number, and Mrs Mackrell, the prize for the hidden number. Several members have donated special prizes to be given once a month to the member with the highest average score. WEDDINGS.

MACKENZIE—SEAMAN. A wedding of considerable interest to dancers took place in Wellington on April 27, the contracting parties being Miss Olga C. Seaman, only daughter of Mr and Mrs A. B. Seaman, to Sergt.-Major Peter Mackenzie, New Zealand Defence Forces. The bride, who was born in Invercargill, where her father was stationed as guard on the New Zealand Railways, competed in many of the classical events at the Highland gatherings in Southland, in which she carried off the greatest honours on numerous occasions. The bridegroom, who was born in Aberfeldy, Scotland, served in the Imperial Army with distinction during the Great War. He is now attached to the Permanent Staff in the New Zealand Forces. His mother resides in Wellington. BURROWS—WISEMAN. Durham street Methodist Church, Christchurch, beautifully decorated by friends of the bride, was the scene recently of a large gathering to witness the marriage by the Rev. W. H. Spencer of Jeane, second daughter of Mr and Mrs G. Wiseman, of Opawa, and John Maxwell Burrows, youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs Burrows, of Christchurch. The bride, who entered the church with her father, wore a sleeveless frock of ivory georgette, the Skirt being inset with large hoops of silver lace. Her bridal veil of Brussels lace, beautifully embroidered, was arranged from a tiara of Honiton lace and orange blossom buds and fell in graceful folds below the hem of her frock. A shower bouquet of white hot-house flowers, lightly intermingled with palest pink, completed a very dainty toilette. Miss Emily Wiseman attended her sister as bridesmaid, wearing a frock of cylamen crepe-de-chine with silver lace trimmings on the skirt, the left shoulder being caught up with a posy of silver flowers. She wore a headband of silver leaves and carried a shower bouquet to harmonise with her frock. Mr J. Jordan undertook the duties of best man, and the wedding music was supplied by Mr Firth. On leaving the church the bride was presented with a horseshoe by little Miss Phyllis Allen. Afterwards a reception was held at Dixieland, the usual toasts being honoured. Mrs Wiseman, mother of the bride, wore a smart tailored suit of navy cloth with black fox furs and a wine-colbured hat and carried a posy of autumn-tinted flowers. When Mr and Mrs Burrows left for their wedding trip the bride wore a smart frock of bois de rose marocain, the skirt having an inset point panel finely pleated, a panne velvet hat of the same shade and carried a handsome black coney seal fur coat. KINRAID-MOFFAT. An event of considerable local interest took place in St. Andrew’s Church, Queenstown, on Wednesday evening last, April 27. This was the marriage of Miss Ruby Moffat, second youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs George Moffat, Queenstown, and late of Balclutha, to Mr Irvine M. Kinraid, of Frankton Junction, youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs Kinraid, of Alexandra. The church was decorated for the happy occasion with chrysanthemums and autumn foliage by the friends of the bride. The Rev. J. Collie, minister of St. Andrew’s, officiated. The bride wore a frock of white satin, fashioned on becomingly simple lines and trimmed with silver lace and pearls. She wore a tulle veil delicately embroidered and caught up with orange blossoms. Her bouquet was of white chrysanthemums and asparagus, tied with white streamers. Two of the bride’s sisters attended her as bridesmaids. Mrs McLean wore coral pink crepe-de-chene and she carried a bouquet of sweet peas, with streamers matching her frock. Miss Kitty Moffat was in heliotrope crepe-de-chene. Her bouquet was composed of sweet peas toning beautifully with her colour scheme.

Mr Syd Kinraid acted as best man to his brother, and Mr George Campbell as groomsman. The nuptial music was played by Miss Jean Moffat. After the ceremony the bride’s parents held a reception at the Strand Tea Rooms, when the customary toasts were proposed and duly honoured. Later in the evening Mr and Mrs Kinraid left by car for Cromwell, where they spent the night. Next day they proceeded north. The bride travelled in a green charmelaine frock> with which she wore a smart cinnamon velour coat and hat to match. STARK—MITCHELL. A very pretty wedding took place at the Gore Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, April 27, when Gladys Thomson, only daughter of Mr and Mrs A. Mitchell, was married to David, youngest son of Mr and Mrs J. Stark. The church was beautifully decorated with autumn leaves and flowers. The “Wedding March” was played by Miss Ida Mac Gibbon, I.T.C.L. The bride, who entered the church with her father, wore a gown of white georgette, beautifully and heavily beaded. The dress was made with long sleeves, gathered at the wrists. She also wore the customary veil, held in place with a coronet of orange blossoms, and carried a handsome shower bouquet. Miss Elsie Aitken attended as bridesmaid, wearing a pretty handworked French model frock of salmon pink, daintily relieved with cream lace. She carried a bouquet similar to that of the bride. Misses Gladys Williamson and May Stenhouse acted as flower girls. Mrs A. Mitchell, mother of the bride, wore a dress of bois de rose repp with a coat of the same shade, relieved at the collar and cuffs with fur and with hat to match. Mrs W. J. Stark, mother of the bridegroom, wore a black ensemble suit relieved with white and pink, and hat to match. Mr Edgar Stark attended his brother as best man. The Rev. S. E. Hill, of Tapanui, was the officiating minister. The wedding breakfast was held at Milne’s Tea Rooms, where some 90 guests sat down to a bounteous repast, at which the usual toasts were honoured. Mr and Mrs Stark left for the north, where the honeymoon is being spent. FORD-HOFFMANN. A pretty wedding was solemnised at the Roman Catholic Basilica, Invercargill, on Easter Monday, the contracting parties being Margaret Gertrude Hoffman, daughter of Mr and Mrs M. Hoffmann, McMaster street, and John Gerald Ford, son of Mr and Mrs M. Ford, East Road. The Right Rev. Monsignor O’Donnell, asisted by the Rev. Father Gavin, officiated at the service which was fully choral. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a frock of powdered blue marietta georgette, inset with panels of silver lace. Her veil, of powder blue, which formed a train, fell from a silver coronet with touches of orange blossom. She wore silver shoes and stockings and carried a bouquet of lilies and maidenhair fern. Miss Mary Hoffman, sister of the bride, attended as bridesmaid and wore a frock of coral pink French crepe-de-chene trimmed with cream and gold insertion, and cream picture hat. She carried a bouquet to tone with her frock. Mr Viiicent Ford, brother of the bride-

groom, carried out the duties of best man. The wedding breakfast was held at the • residence/of the bride’s parents. The bride’s mother received her guests wearing a frock of biack satin and lace, with black hat relieved with a shaded pink flower. The bridegroom’s mother wore a frock of plum coloured charmelaine and black | hat with osprey trimming. The young couple left by the afternoon express for a tour of the North Island, the bride travelling in a fawn embroidered frock, fawn felt hat, and shoes and stockings to match. She also wore a marmot fur coat, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridegroom’s present to the bridesmaid was a gold wristlet watch. The bride’s present to the bridegroom was a gold watch-chain and to the best man a silver cigarette case. THE DBAGON ABOUSED CHINA THROUGH A WOMAN’S EYES. Mrs Ruru Taylor, a New Zealand woman in China, in a letter to a friend writes:— We are having exciting and striking times here. Striking for this and for that. One member of our firm said to me that it was getting as bad as Australia. Rather unkind. Just in the midst of our coldest weather the tramway companies, three in all, French, British and Chinese, and the Motor Bus Company all went on strike, and those that did not want to strike were intimidated, their homes etc., threatened, till they finally all gave in. Then the Post Office went out, they say mainly through fear. There is a reign of terror at present. Foremen of mills, factories, etc., anyone trying to keep law and order in the works and refusing to strike, are being shot down on their way to work. In all there have been 20 such murders this last month, which proves they carry out their threats. They, being the General Labour Union who hire assassins for about 30 dollars to murder anyone proving troublesome to them. Each murder ensures a more successful—save the mark —strike, and it has put a very real fear into foremen of mills, etc. Not long ago a well-liked and respected and very popular No. 1 Inspector (Chinese) of the tramways was murdered, together with his rickshaw coolie, as he was on the way to work. He had been threatened many times by letter, and generally had a guard. His influence with the workers was wonderful, kept them together, never had a strike, and he was a real influence for good. Consequently, the agitators had him marked down, and for 30 dollars each two assassins murdered him. Lately again, a Chinese accountant of the same tramway was shot. The union called a strike one Friday evening and by Saturday afternoon, there were 10,000 men idle, walking the streets. The tramway men gave a great deal of trouble. A long drawn out strike had just been completed and most of their demands were granted. On the last day of the strike they demanded some tramcars to “celebrate their winning the strike.” They were promised three cars. The French company had lent their men a car—Chinese dearly love a procession, crackers, banners, noises, etc. So our company did likewise, but when the men arrived to celebrate there were 500 from all the other mills. Consequently more trams were refused, they began to get ugly, so were given and helped themselves to at least 10 more. By the time they arrived near Nanking Road, they were out of hand, crazy, yelling, hooting, jeering at foreigners, and things got so bad the police ordered the electricity turned off. This made them mad, they got

out and commenced to push the trams themselves. Finally, it developed into a street riot, stones were flung, handles of cars used as weapons. The police were turned out with batons and there were a few sore heads that night. Finally all the trams were left standing in Nanking Road, empty and no current. Then the foreign men of the company, including my husband, who were passing or about at that time, had to take a tram each and drive it back to the depot. Such excitement on a Saturday afternoon. Really it is the labourers dictating to their employers now. The Chinese workers are so insolent and unreasonable. I will enclose a cutting from the Daily News showing the demands of the Hankow Bank employees. From all accounts the city of Hankow is now in a shocking state of neglect, dirty, unkept, beggars everywhere. Doesn’t it seem a wicked crime to turn the Britishers out the way they did. They arrived here, crowded in small boats, no money, in the pouring rain. Left everything behind them. Some of them had about 10 minutes to get out. It was disgraceful. The Hankow people are very indignant over the discussions that Mr O’Malley is having with Eugene Chen, and do not see what he is to be congratulated on at all. The majority of these people have lost their homes, their positions, and have to start life again and no recompense is made. Now there is no chance of them getting their positions back, now that the Chinese have control of the settlement. Really, we are all getting “fed up” with the actions of the Chinese, they even fired shells upon the French Concession here, one passed through the walls of a room where two children lay sleeping, their mother was sitting at the fire, luckily no one was hit. Said it was an “accident,” no one has been punished although it has since been proved it was a deliberate attempt to rouse antagonism and provoke an attack. It seems like war times with all the troops here, rushing here and there in lorries, despatch riders, Red Cross men, mules, Indians, pack-carts, etc., etc. We have had many a parade as the various regiments arrive and witnessed the arrival of the world-famous Coldstream Guards, we stood in pouring rain and bitter cold while they marched through the town. I was disappointed, I must confess. Maybe I was looking for the red coats, bearskin headgear, etc. The British Women’s Association have opened many canteens here for the “Tommies” and the Indian regiments. Nothing has been done by the Americans, French, etc. They are leaving it all to the British. The complacent way the French sit with folded hands, while the British do the work and shoulder the blame makes one’s blood boil. They did not do a thing during the last trouble nor do they intend to do much here, from all appearances. There hre American marines here, that’s all. We have the Suffolks, Durham, Bedfords, Guards, etc., etc., stationed and billeted everywhere. There is not enough ground in the settlement for them. There is so much “red tape” here, they must be on British ground only, and cannot be in Chinese territory so, consequently, it has been difficult to find quarters for them and their equipment. It is a difficult proposition, they cannot make a move until the police do, and when several hundred Chinese soldiers tried to storm through the other day, they stood by and prevented them, but had no rifles, although the Chinese fired their machine-guns, and got their rifles ready to fire, the Durhams had to stand unarmed, and take a chance. Unless the police give the order to fire, they cannot fire first. So altogether we are having exciting times. We are enjoying armed robberies daily and nightly. Since the Mixed Court has been given back to the Chinese, armed robberies and hold-ups are of daily occurrence. They seem to get off scot free and know that, so they are getting bolder. Previously, undesirable characters were forbidden to enter the settlement, were “expelled” when caught. Under the Chinese law there is no “expulsion” so the worst of criminals can roam at large until actually caught in the act, and they are seldom caught, as the Chinese are too afraid to give alarms until many hours after the robbers have been. These “undesirables” now walk down Nanking Road under the nose of the foreign police—who know them all and laugh at them! A Chinese arrested for cruelty to animals (and he had been cruel, the horse could hardly stand) was dismissed as the Court has no law for “cruelty to animals,” and could not impose a sentence. It means now, if we or the police see any Chinese ill-treating a horse, dog, etc., there is no redress and they know it. Things are at a pretty pass. Well, no more of thi£ misery. We foreigners in Shanghai feel quite safe, the above facts are just to let you know how things are, but we are not complaining as long as they leave us alone. Of course, prices are soaring sky-high. We are thankful the troops are here and do what we can to help. I am doing canteen work on Saturday evenings. FIRST FOREIGN PORT

VISIT TO DURBAN. (By M. A. Petchell.) After three weeks at sea the thought of a port is the cause of great excitement, particularly when one is nearing a land of strange customs and strange people. We arrived at Durban about 5 p.m. and berthed at the coaling station across the bay from the town. _ There we had our first glimpse of the Kaffirs as they came aboard to coal, and very dark and dirty they seemed, partly by nature and partly the result of their grimy occupation. After the arrival of the mail we piled into tenders and were ferried across to the town, arriving at our hotel (the Marine) just in time for dinner. Here everything was strange and round every corner one seemed to find Kaffir servants chattering like magpies, and taking a vast interest in everyone who happened to pass by. The dining room was quite a contrast. There we were waited on by silent Indians who served us with a delicious dinner, and many strange fruits, which we sampled out of curiosity. After dinner we wandered out on to the Parade and hailed a rickshaw. The result was rather terrifying. A line of twenty rickshawmen charged at us, and as they all wear enormous horns and quills as a head-dress and are hung about with every conceivable kind of skin (which does not make them pleasant as a means of locomotion when there is a head wind) we felt rather inclined to retire to the hotel. However we plucked up courage and I got into my first rickshaw. They are quite the most comfortable things one can ride in, the Kaffirs take long, slow strides and although they travel at quite a pace, there is no jolting. It was a perfect night and we rode round the Berea, the residential part of Durban, which lies on the hills at the back of the town. All the way we rode through an avenue of flamboyant trees—large feathery trees, with huge red flowers and the perfume from these and from the gardens as we passed by was almost overpowering. The next morning we were up early and after breakfast wandered round the town. The streets were crowded as there were five liners in port and everyone was busy rushing round to buy souvenirs, and see the beauties of the place. The curio shops in particular were reaping a great harvest. Many Indian women were to be seen, heavily robed, with pierced and beaded noses and by way of contrast the Kaffir women wear as little as decency permits. After an hour and a-half of the town, we drove out to Umhali, on the outskirts of Durban to see the surrounding country but it was so hot we were glad to get back’ into the cool of our hotel. After lunch we had a swim on the beach and then motored through the native quarter to Umgani, near the river at the back of Durban. It was a beautiful drive through bits of tropical bush and the native quarters were very interesting but rather disagreeable. We crossed the river arid 4tokb to a tea house where we had cool

drinks and made friends with some monkeys in the trees who were only too willing to pose for us. \ Of course, here we met most of our passengers and had quite a merry party. In the evening we had a dinner party at the hotel and about ten we hailed rickshaws and had races up and down the Parade in the moonlight. This was the time when we found out the aromatic qualities of our “boy’s” attire as there was a good sea breeze blowing So after half an hour of this sport we returned to the hotel to finish the evening. The next morning was our last in Durban and we only had time for a frantic farewell rush round the town before crossing the bay to join our boat. Fortunately we still had another port in Africa but we were all very sorry when we steamed away and saw Durban fading to a dim spot on the horizon. GORE CHAT. (From Our Correspondent.) Mr and Mrs J. Shanks have left for a trip to the North Island. Mrs T. Sim and Miss L. Sim have returned from a visit to Dunedin. Mr and Mrs P. R. Stewart, who have been visiting relatives at Gore, have returned to Milton. Rev. L. A. and Mrs Day are on a visit to Oamaru. Miss Mabel Adams, Dunedin, is on a visit to Mrs T. Landels, Graham Lodge, Charlton. Mrs Sawers, Dunedin, is the guest of her daughter, Mrs J. M. Boyne, Devon street. Mr and Mrs Walton, who have been on a visit to Mrs Frank Scott, have returned to Timaru. Mr and Mrs V. Courtis have returned from their holiday. Mr and Mrs W. Mac Gibbon, after spending a holiday with the Misses Mac Gibbon, East Gore, have returned to Orawia. Mr and Mrs R. Ritchie have returned from a holiday spent in the north. Miss C. Barnett, Dunedin, is the guest of Mrs G. Elvidge. Prior to leaving Gore to reside at Timaru, Miss Margaret Fraser, late on the staff of Messrs Smith and Dolamore, was entertained on Monday evening last by the Presbyterian Young - Women’s Bible Class and Social Club, of both of which organisations she has been a valuable member. Miss Wilson expressed warm appreciation of Miss Fraser’s work, and presented her with a handsome bowl of Russian marquetry, while a vase was also handed to her for Miss Kitty Fraser, who had already left for Timaru. Miss Fraser suitably responded, expressing deep regret at leaving her friends at Gore. On Wednesday afternoon the members of the firm and staff of Messrs Smith and Dolamore met to bid farewell to Miss M. Fraser, who had been associated with the firm for the past four years. Mr E. C. Smith, in a few remarks, presented Miss Fraser with a beautiful xylonite brush, mirror and comb, and in doing so thanked the recipient for her loyal services to the firm, and expressed regret at her departure. Messrs W. Stevenson and T. R. Pryde, on behalf of the staff, both supplemented Mr Smith’s remarks, and referred to the sociable relations that had always existed between Miss Fraser and the rest of the staff. Miss Fraser suitably returned thanks. A delightful dance was given by Mrs J. A. Edwards at her pretty residence, Otikerama, on Wednesday night last. The rooms were prettily decorated with autumn leaves and berries, and a bounteous supper was served in the living room. Mrs Edwards received her guests in a silver lace and cyclamen georgette frock. Those present were—Mr and Mrs H. A. Price, Mr and Mrs J. M. Boyne, Mr and Mrs S. F. Cowan, Mr and Mrs F. Scott, Mr and Mrs H. C. MacGibbon, Mr and Mrs H. F. Grant, Mr and Mrs A. F. Houston, Mr and Mrs L. Roberts, Mr and Mrs D. Dunham, Mr and Mrs F. V. Piper, Mr and Mrs T. L. Piller, Mr and Mrs A. J. Hawke, Mr and Mrs R. B. Bannerman, Mr and Mrs A. L. Dolamore, Mr and Mrs L. Hawk, Mesdames Williamson and Stewart, Misses Anderson and Mac Gibbon, and Messrs Gair, H. Poppelwell and C. Tripp. WINTON NOTES (From Our Correspondent.) Mrs C. Lemin, Invercargill, and Mr L. Tuffery, New Plymouth, via ted Mrs Horaburgh during the week. Misses E. Cheyne and M. Watson spent the week-end in Invercargill. Miss Jean Grant, Dipton, spent the weekend with Miss Margaret Kerse. Mrs Walker, Palmerston, has been on a visit to her daughter, Mrs A. Nicolson, Devereaux Road. Mrs W. Gill and Miss J. Gill have returned from a motor trip up Central Otago. Mrs W. Horsburgh has been in Invercargill for a few days. Mrs Thomas and family, Waihoaka, are staying with Mrs J. Fraser. Miss Ivy Coster, North Island, has been visiting her sister, Mrs T. C. Taylor. Miss R. Williams, Invercargill, is the guest of Mrs R. Matheson. Mrs J. S. Nelson is visiting Invercargill. Misses B. Kinross and C. Enright, Gibbston, have returned from Stewart Island and were guests of Mrs T. Thomson for a few days. The second euchre tournament promoted by the Radio Card Club and Winton Football Club took place in the Radio Theatre on Thursday evening and was well patronised, 19 tables being occupied. Mrs O. D. Jamieson, who had 23 points, carried home half-a-dozen wine glasses. Messrs C. Hughes, C. Watson and M. Forde, junr., gained 21 points each but in the play off Mr M. Forde, junr., won the electric torch. Mr P. A. Blomfield expressed pleasure at seeing such a large gathering. The final evening would be held next Thursday and if the attendance was good consolation prizes would be awarded in addition to the usual prizes. The Radio Card Club announce that other tournaments will be held during the winter months. Amongst those present were:—Mr and Mrs M. Forde, Mr and Mrs J. Egerton, Mr and Mrs D. B. Mehaffey, Mr and Mrs Andrew Baird, Mr and Mrs W. G. Clark, Mr and Mrs E. G. Marshall, Mr and Mrs H. A. Pierce; Mesdames L. Grimwood, M. Driscoll, W. Jamieson, James Butler, M. Reilly, A. Nicholson, F. Tilley, 0. D. Jamieson, Larnach, W. H. J. Shaw, J. A. Matheson, A. Adams, Smith, E. Horn, C. J. Corcoran, T. Egerton; Misses I. Bourke, M. Balch, Capil, Foster, Thornbury, Maloney, Holland, Clark; Messrs Forde, P. Bradley, A. Watson, P. Blomfield, Balch (3), H. Knight, Sands (2), S. Gill, Burke, McAnelly, Keach, H. Braxton, M. Thomson, C. Watson, J. A. Adams, F. Malcolm, Holland, C. Hughes, J. M. Marshall, White, J. Egerton, W. Brown, J. Thornbury, Allen, F. Anderson, H. de la Perrelle, F. Horner, J. Harvey and Master Jack Matheson. BLUFF NOTES. (From Our Correspondent.) Mrs Shalcross, of Timaru, spent the week-end with Mr and Mrs E. A. Nichol. On Monday the Ladies’ Committee of the Girl Guides movement met Mrs C. de R. Andrews, late Provincial Commissioner of Southland, to bid her farewell on her removal to Dunedin. About fifteen ladies were present and the proceedings were informal. Some nice things were said as to Mrs Andrews’ capable administration of the affairs of the movement. It was announced that Mrs Andrews’ successor would .be Mrs Macdonald, of Invercargill. The Rev. Mr. Moffatt returned on Wednesday from a week’s sojourn at Stewart Island. An addition to the amenities of Bluff has been recently made by Mr E. Bradshaw who has converted a portion of his building on the front street into a social hall. The hall will accommodate about 150 persons, and has a specially laid floor for dancing, dressing rooms, stage, kitchen, piano, etc. The first use of the new hall was made on Monday night when the congregation of St. Matthew’s Church held a social gathering at which 120 persons were present and expressed their approval of the new accommodaUoii provided. A quadrille as-

sembly will meet periodically in the hall. The party of Maoris of high lineage which is accompanying the Rev. A. J. Seamer in his tour of the district in the interest of Methodist Home missions gave their delightful entertainment to a crowded audience in the Star Picture Hall on Thursday evening. The party consists of a quartette of talented vocalists and instrumentalists whose rendition of Maori music, solos, duets and other concerted items was most tuneful. These were interspersed with hakas, waiatas, poi dances and other distinctive Maori features. A little girl of ten years was a .host in herself of dainty accomplishment. Mr Seamer gave a history of Methodist missions and a graphic account of the work among the Maoris today. Warehuia Rangheuea, a chieftain of the Rotorua district, also gave a stirring address. A financial appeal was liberally responded to. RIVERTON GOSSIP (From Our Correspondent.) Mr and Mrs T. J. Fahey, Mr J. McKay and Miss McKay (Gummies’ Bush) were present at the Deegan—McKay wedding in Invercargill. Mrs Brown and Misses Brown, of Centre Island, are spending a holiday in Riverton. Mrs and Miss Fletcher, of Dunedin, are on a visit to friends in the south. The visitors leave for home on Monday. Mrs Leslie has returned after an enjoyable holiday spent in the North Island. Miss C. McKay, of Winton, is on a holiday at the seaside. The opening winter meeting of the Presbyterian Girls’ Guild was held at the residence of Miss Galloway, Havelock street, on Tuesday. A pleasant evening was spent in sewing and music. A dainty supper was supplied by the hostess. Those present were: Misses Robertson (2), Southberg, Cassels, Armstrong, McNaughton (2), Bell (2), Swap, Todd, Helm, Bailey, Gee, Tweedie and Roy. Miss Winnie Gordon leaves on Monday to take up the duties of nurse at the Karitane —Harris Hospital, Dunedin. Miss Daphne Parkin, Invercargill, is spending a holiday with her brother, Mr C. Parkin, Palmerston street. Misses Jones, Otago Central, are visiting friends at the seaside. Miss A. Thomson, Otautau, has been the guest of Mr and Mrs McKay, Riverton. Miss L. Wilkinson, of Christchurch, who has been on a visit to friends in the south, left for Christchurch on Wednesday. An enjoyable and successful afternoon sale of cakes and produce, in aid of the Riverton Plunket Society, was held at Mrs J. R. Reidie’s residence, “Aldersyde,” Groper’s Bush, on Wednesday. Those assisting Mrs Reidie were: Mesdames Playfair, Thomson, Meek, Milnine and Brown; Misses Playfair, Milnine, Thomson, Officer and Reidie. Amongst those present from Riverton were: Mesdames W. S. Hunter, J. B. Hunter, L. R. Jordan, Trotter, Walden, Robertson, Gray, Price, Borland, Wilson, Hancock, Curtin, Gordon, Berndtson, Griffiths, Petchell, Misses Robertson, Price and Birch. Miss Webster, of Dunedin, is on a holiday in the south. Miss Donnan, Otautau; Miss Evans, Ohai; Miss Mclntyre, Waimatuku; Miss Wilson, Orepuki, are attending Miss Hurst’s classes in eurythmics which are being held at the Riverton School. OTAUTAU NOTES. (From Our Correspondent.) Mr and Mrs Lightfoot left for Dunedin on Wednesday to spend a holiday with friends. Mr and Mrs W. Martin (Invercargill), Mrs Hicks (Stewart Island), Mrs C. Rogers (Naseby), and Mrs J. Soar (Invercargill) spent the week-end with Mrs Laidlaw. Mrs A. R. Leckie, Christchurch, was the guest of Mr and Mrs G. H. Stevens during the week. Miss Scatter returned to the township on Wednesday evening, after spending a holiday in Timaru and Christchurch. Miss M. Stevens returned to Invercargill on Saturday. Amongst those present at the card evening on Monday were—Rev. and Mrs Snell, Mr and Mrs J. Smith, Mr and Mrs T. H. Walker, Mr and Mrs H. Booth, Mr and Mrs C. Webb, Mr and Mrs V. Lea, Mr and Mrs Rountree, Mr and Mrs Bradshaw, Mr and Mrs W. Blaikie, Mesdames Keith, Saxelby, Coulter, Matheson, Baker, Scatter, Maxwell and R. Cuppies, Misses R. Campbell, Connell, O’Brien (2), Thompson, Lock, Norman and W. Arthur, Messrs Norman, A. Smith, Bulman, Cole, W. Scatter, Pulley (2) Lynch, Moore, Barwell, Thompson, Lumsden, Connell and W. Smith. Miss E. Matheson returned from Orepuki on Monday. Miss D. O’Brien left on Wednesday to spend a holiday in Dunedin. There was a representative attendance at the annual ball, which was held in the Town Hall on Friday evening last, some 75 couples being present. The function was a pronounced success from every point of view. The building was tastefully decorated with tree ferns, gold and black streamers, and coloured shaded lights, and presented a pleasing appearance. Jellyman’s orchestra supplied splendid music, while Mr W. Burnett carried out the duties of Master of Ceremonies efficiently. A capital supper was dispensed at a convenient interval, and the dance was well up to the standard of former years. The following were noticed amongst those present—Mr and Mrs Collett, Mr and Mrs J. Miller, Mr and Mrs Sadlier, Mr and Mrs A. H. Lindsay, Mr and Mrs V. Lea, Mr and Mrs J. Flynn, Mesdames McDougall, Arthur, A. D. Pulley, Scott, McIntosh, Rawlinson, Chamberlain, Angus and Cuppies, Misses Stevens (2), Arthur, Lumsden, Stroud (2), Downey, Lock, Kirkpatrick, Smellie, Low, Dahlenburg, Smith (3), James (4), Beggs (2), Burke, McKay (2), Hoare, Ledingham (3), Hope, Thomson, Winton, Collie, Laing, Burns, Renowden, Keen, Coombe, Corkhill, Clark, Ireland, Halpin, Smith (2) and Valli, Walker, Dooley, Bell, Kane, Hume, Kearns, and McKenzie, Messrs Hoare, Fraser, Cole, Brooke, McKay, Mitchell, Coulter, Lumsden, Todd, Smith (2), Harrington, McDougall, Mclvor, Fisher, Smellie, Paterson (2), Clapp, Aitken, Stroud, Laing, Burke, James (3) Low, Thomson, Sheedy, Lynch, Muir, McAnergney, Burnett, O’Brien, Collie, Valli (2), Yates, Keen, McGill, Muirhead, Grant, Walker, Beck, Dahlenburg, Olliver, Bulman, McKenzie, Mills, Arthur, Norman (2), Currie, Ireland and McCarthy. A DUNEDIN LETTER (From Our Correspondent.) Friday afternoon last Mrs Cogan asked friends to tea to say goodbye to her sister, Miss Mackerras, who leaves on the following Monday to spend the winter in the North Island, The other guests included Mesdames E. C. Reynolds, Laidlaw, Edgar, Hazlett, Leslie Wilson, Elliston Orbell, Shand, George McLean, Misses Moody, Macassey, Shand, Webster. Mrs Geoff Henderson, Mornington, returned this week by the Moeraki, from Australia, where she spent some months with her sister. Miss Gould and Miss White Parsons, who were in town for the golf contact, returned to Christchurch on Monday. Mr and Mrs Kilkelly (Invercargill) are staying at the Excelsior Hotel. Mrs J. M. Ritchie entertained Mrs Noel Buchanan at a dinner party, the other guests at “Ballraid” being Mesdames Finch, Maitland, Galloway, Misses McLaren (2) and Rattray (2). Dr. and Mrs Radcliffe (Balclutha) were at the Grand Hotel during the week. Mr and Mrs Charles McFarlane were the guests of Mrs J. M. Ritchie at “Ballraid,” Pitt street, during the week. Mr and Mrs W. Grant are Invercargill visitors at the Grand Hotel. Mrs G. Moffett (Invercargill) who has been the guest of Mrs George Sise, “The Cliffs,” St. Clair, returned south this week. Mrs and Miss Scandrett (Invercargill) are staying at the City Hotel. Miss H. Pinckney (Waikaia) stayed at the Excctaox on jjgj return from the ,