THE SOCIAL ROUND

Southland Times, Issue 20615, 13 October 1928, Page 20 (Supplement)

THE SOCIAL ROUND

IN TOWN AND COUNTRY

(By

“Drindella.”)

Mrs W. E. Bews returned from Dunedin on Monday. Mrs Leech is visiting Mrs H. A. Price, Denton street, Gore. Miss Rene Brown, Gladstone, returned from Queenstown during the week. Mrs A. M. Macdonald left yesterday on a visit to Dunedin and Central Otago. Mrs T. Menzies Watson, of "Morven,” is the guest of Mrs J. L. McG. Watson, Forth street. Mr and Mrs C. H. Virtue, of Auckland, are the guests of Dr. and Mrs Stanley Brown. Mrs N. C. Kensington, Thomson street, left on Thursday on a holiday visit to Auckland. Mrs. Johnston, of Christchurch, is the guest of Dr. and Mrs A. Owen-Johnston, Thomson street. Miss Ross, matron of the Southland Hospital, returned from the Trained Nurses’ Conference in Dunedin on Monday. Mrs McLean and daughter of Rotorua are visiting Mrs McLean’s parents, Mr and Mrs S. Rabbidge, Elies road. Mrs George Hyde of Tarras, Central Otago, with her small daughter is the guest of her aunt, Mrs W. Handyside. Mrs Druce Young, of Westport, arrived on Thursday evening to visit her parents, Mr and Mrs W. A. Stout, Filleul street. Mrs Bowron of Christchurch was the guest of the Rev. and Mrs A. Mcßean for the Methodist Women’s Missionary Conference. Mrs J. Chilwell, Underwood, was hostess at bridge at her home on Wednesday evening in honour of her sister, Miss Giller, of Melbourne. Mrs J. G. Macdonald and Mrs A. T. McCaw, who attended the Otago Provincial Rally in Dunedin on Saturday, returned home on Monday. Mrs A. M. Macdonald, Enwood, entertained guests at bridge on Tuesday evening, and Mrs J. L. McG. Watson entertained guests at bridge on Thursday evening. On Thursday morning Mrs Ritchie Crawford entertained about twenty guests at morning tea at her charming Otatara residence in honour of her sister, Miss Macdonald. Mrs W. R. Wilson, of Auckland, Dominion Commissioner of Girl Guides, accompanied by Mrs Roy Wilson, of Auckland, visited Invercargill on Monday and returned to the north on Tuesday. They were guests at the Grand Hotel. Mrs Pacey, Palmers!on North, president of the Methodist Women’s Missionary Union, was the guest of Mrs Froggatt, Gala street, for the conference, while Mrs Hodder of Palmerston North, secretary of the union, was the guest of Mrs Aitken, Jed street. Miss E. M. Gilmour was hostess at a d’oyley afternoon on Thursday in honour of Miss Vera Bews, who is shortly to be married. Those present were Mesdames H. B. Farnall, G. Broughton, W. E. Bews, F. C. Rowley, L. Lopdell. Misses V. Bews, M. Goodman, M. Ott, and N. Strettell. Mrs W. A. Hammond was hostess at morning tea at her home in Russell street on Thursday, Miss Macdonald of Napier being the guect of honour. Those present were: Mesdames J. L. Bush, J. L. Watson, F. Tucker, F. D. Morrah, Wade, J. T. Prain, R. J. Gilmour, W. M. L. Sutherland. Rirchie Crawford, H. Macdonald. H. 0. Haggit, G. Cruickshank, S. N. Corkill, J. G. Macdonald, F. C. Beere and Misses Tucker (2). Despite the unfavourable weather there was a fair attendance of members and visitors present at the opening of the Waihopai Croquet Club on Monday afternoon. Mr C. J. Broad declared the lawns open and wished the club every success in the coming season. Mrs Halliday was in charge of a delightful tea which was dispensed during the afternoon and was much appreciated by the players. Mrs J. Chaplin and Mrs M. Murray had charge of a well stocked produce stall. Competitions held were won by the following ladies: Mrs W. G. Tait—the clock; Mrs C. G. Pollock the angles; Mrs E. E. Jones—target; Miss Younggolf croquet; Mrs Arthur Steans—French croquet. We have grown so accustomed to seeing the Duchess of York in pale shades of pink, mauve, blue and beige that it was quite a surprise to find her in a frock of a strong tawny orange shade—the material, like that of the majority of the hot weather dance frocks, being printed chiffon, says an English exchange. This she wore at a dinner given by her brother and sister-in-law, the Hon. David and Mrs Bowes-Lyon, at the Ritz Restaurant. There were eight guests, these including Lady Strathmore, very handsome in a black gown, and the only one of the party, it was remarked, who did [ not rise to greet the Duchess on her ar- 1 rival. Mrs David Bowes-Lyon was Miss Betty Cator until her recent marriage and is an old friend of the Duchess, to whom she acted as bridesmaid. The Duchess has not lost her love of dancing. The members of the party stayed on after dinner, and she and the Duke danced frequently.

The Southland Times Social Club held another successful dance in the Labour Hall, Esk street, last Saturday evening when an enjoyable time was spent by all present. The hall had been decorated for the occasion while the floor was in good order for dapcing to music supplied by Duerden’s Kiwi Dance Orchestra. Mr L. McQuarrie carried out the duties of M.C. in his Usual capable manner. Amongst those present were: Mr. and Mrs. G. Hope, Mr. and Mrs. F. Phelan. Mr. and Mrs. H. Read, Mr and Mrs H. Franks, Mr and Mrs A. Sparkes, Misses N. Gimblett, W. Thom, J. Shepherd, M. Chapman, R. Burt, E. Dunlop, R. Cummings, P. Woodward, J. Ritchie, K. Maloney, V. Cringle, M. Davis, Woods, Ladbrook, L. O’Connell, Messrs A. Smith, L. McQuarrie, S. Cassels, J. Archer, J. Lawry, A. Wilson, C. Wilson, L. Wills, S. Pope, J. Chapman, H. King, R. O’Brien, E. Keast, R. McCormack, J. Fox. G. Wright, V. Gregory, J. McLeod, M. O’Neill, Woods and Anderson.

At the Southland Women’s Club on Wednssday afternoon Mrs Hugh Macdonald, assisted by Mrs H. 0. Haggitt, gave a delightful afternoon tea in honour of Miss Macdonald, of Napier. The Reception Room, decorated with many vases of beautiful bulbs, was made cosy by two large fires. During the afternoon the guests were entertained with enjoyable musical items by Mrs C. R. S. Barrett, Mrs L. B. Rowe, Mrs B. W. Hewat and Mrs Tom Honeywood. The daintiest of afternoon teas was provided by the “Mary Elizabeth.” Some of the guests were: —Miss Macdonald and Mesdames Ritchie Crawford, J. G. Macdonald, J. L. Bush, J. A. Lush, F. D. Morrah, O’Beirne, L. Webb, Corkill, W. M. L. Sutherland, J. Lawson Robinson, C. B. Tapley, C. B. Snow, W. Handyside, G. Moffett, P. B. Macdonald, J. Macleod. W. Jones. E. W. Howorth, B. W. Hewat, Christophers, L. B. Rowe, Cousins, W. A. Hammond, J. T. Prain, F. Tucker, G. Cruickshank, C. C. Jennings, F. J. Loughnan, T. Moffett, Callender, Hackworth, Burns Watson, W. Ewart, R. A. Anderson. A. M. Macdonald, R. J. Gilmour, F. C. Beere, A. Stewart, Wade, Tom Honeywood, Novell, McHugh, A. T. McCaw, F. A. D. Barclay, Stevens, T. F. Gilkison, C. B. Snow; Misses Dundas, Guthrie, Lester, Rowley (2), FynecClinton. Ross. Bedford*

Mrs Mervyn Mitchell returned from Dunedin on Monday. Mr. and Mrs. D. W r . McKay visited Dun edin during the week.

Sister Summers of Lome Farm has resumed her duties after her annual leave.

Miss Bicknell, of the Health Department, was a guest at the Grand Hotel during the week.

Sister Fraser of the Southland Hospital has been spending a few days in Christchurch.

Mrs Walton, who has been spending an extended holiday in the North Island, has returned home.

The Misses Mary and Grace McNaught motored through to Rakahouka from Dunedin last Saturday. Miss Bessie McGregor, of Mt. Linton, who visited Invercargill during the week, was the guest of Miss Marjorie Todd.

Mrs Walter Johnston, Duke street, who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs L. Roberts, Gore, returned home during the week.

The Northend Croquet Club held it|opening day on Wednesday, Mr A. C. Credgington opened the lawns. Winners of competitions were: Mrs Nicholson— Break; Miss Young—Golf croquet. Mrs Watts, clofck and target, Mrs Wilson—putting ; Mrs Lundon—angles.

Mrs F. Corkill was at home at the Grand Hotel on Tuesday afternoon. Her guests were Mesdames C. B. Snow, W. A. Oliver, R. S. Mclnnes, L. B. Hutton, A. M. Macdonald, P. B. Macdonald, Hugh Macdonald, G. Cruickshank, F. Tucker, T. M. Macdonald, A. S. Gilkison, S. Brown, R. Crawford. Misses Fynes-Clinton and R. Macdonald (Napier.)

Recent guests at “The Hermitage,” Mt. Cook included: Mrs A. Aubrey (Wellington! ; Mr and Mrs P. Leahy, Miss McKee, Mr J. W. S. Roberts (Waimate) ; Mr and Mrs H. S. Hamner, Mr J. P. Lamb, Mr W. N. Angus (Timarul ; Mr and Mrs R. Fleming (Christchurch) ; Mr J. F. Lawson. Mr E. J. Gravestock (Sydney) ; Mr E. J. Groves, Flight-Lieut. A. P. Ledger (England >; Mr Shura Cherkassky and Mr J. Cherkassky (Paris).

On Friday evening Mrs J. G. Macdonald was hostess at a bridge party at the Southland Women’s Club in honour of Miss Macdonald, of Napier. There were nine tables, the guests being:—Mesdames H. O. Haggitt, Ritchie Crawford, W. A. Hammond, F. C. Beere, L. Webb, J. Macleod, W. Ewart, Hackworth, J. B. Sale, C. B. Tapley, J. T. Prain, G. Cruickshank, Barclay, J. L. McG. Watson, F. C. Hall-Jones, W. Handyside, C. B. Snow. W. M. L. Sutherland, B. W. Hewat. F. D. Morrah, G. Moffett, F. C. Rowlev, R. J. Gilmour, C. F. A. Jones A. H. Mackrell, W. S. Todd, C. C. Jen nings; Misses Macdonald, Guthrie, Watson Hackworth, L. Henderson, Lester, Corbett, Rowley. Miss Bathie Stuart (Mrs Umbers) who was recently a visitor to Wellington left by the Maunganui for America. Miss Stuart was recently in California, and while there brought New Zealand prominently before Californians in a series of addresses, interspersed with slides, which proved of undoubted value in advertising the Dominion. She is now returning to the States on a similar mission, and will spend some time in California lecturing and giving exhibitions of her remarkable knowledge of Maori folklore. Her tour is being sponsored by the authorities, and she will take with her slides of the Dominion that should further add to the publicity given to New Zealand by the Government Publicity Department. Miss Stuart found Californians eager for information about this country. She hopes to spend a happy time among them, repeating the experience of her for-

The prefects of the Southland Boys’ High School held a successful dance in the school at Herbert street on Friday evening. Those present were:—Mr and Mrs T. D. Pearce, Mr and Mrs J. Dakin, Mr and Mrs J. Page, Mr and Mrs A. Deaker, Mr and Mrs R. M. Strang, Mr and Mrs Drees. Miss Samuel. Miss Earwaker, of the Southland Girls’ High, and Mr Braithwaite, Mr Robins. Mr Dunlop, of the Southland Boys’ High School. Misses K. and J. Edwards, A. Tapley, I. Graham, M. Nicol, K. Beattie, E. Kerse, S. Rankin, I. Shepherd, S. Pope, M. Royds. M. Schofield, M. Fletcher, P. Gow, C. Lindsay, E. Batchelor, L. Fraser, K. Hardcastle, M. Batchelor, B. Wilson, D. Jones. N. Clare, R. and J. Hinchey, M. Pollok, W. Bell, R. Grey. Messrs B. Barclay. 0. Yule, R. Watts, P. Gilchrist, C. Smith, N. Derbie, H. Ross, Sutton (21, W. Butchers. K. Cox, B. Bailey, Brash (2), 0. Joyce, I. McGrath, A. McCurdy, Gough (2), L. Jones. Littlejohn, K. Broad, J. Craig, S. Ritchie, C. Seigel, T. Spencer, W. Fraser, R. Strang, W. Strang, Carman, Wicks, Hastie, D. Brass, etc.

An “At Home” in aid of the Christmas Funds of the Southern Branch of the Zenana Bible and Medical Mission was held at “Maranui,” the residence of Mrs A. ' Morrell Macdonald in South Invercargill on I Thursday Owing to the inclemency of the weather, no competitions could be held out of doors, but the visitors walked around the garden and admired the beautiful display of spring flowers. A delightful tea was served after which Mrs J. D. Gilmore sang two songs which were very much appreciated. Mrs Nairn played the pianoforte accompaniments. As a result of the afternoon £9 14/- was raised. The money is distributed between the Ballard Hospital, the Zenana Home and the Industrial Home at Jaunpur, and helps to bring medical necessities, clothing and Christmas gifts. Letters were received during the year from those in charge of the institutions expressing their gratitude for the gift. The guests included: Mesdames A. Morrell Macdonald, T. M. Macdonald, R. A. Anderson, Brooksmith, G. McKinnon, A. W\ Service, W. A. Ott, H. Gibson, Nairn, J. D. Gilmore, A. Pollok, C. Longuet, Cutt, W. Todd, Stuckey, Yule, G. Scandrett, Thompson, J. Manson, P. Macdonald, J. Kingsland, Rewi Kingsland. Misses Dundas, Pavitt, Murdoch, Hardie, Dummegan L. Price, Birss, McCallum, Manson. AN INTERESTING TOUR FROM JOHANNESBURG TO VICTORIA FALLS. The following is an interesting account of a journey from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, written on April 28 by Miss Bellamy, formerly head mistress of South School and at present on a tour of South Africa. It was with suppressed excitement that on Thursday July 26 at 8 p.m., I was farewelled from Johannesburg station by three New Zealanders. The two South African daughters manifested by the wearing of the silver ferns that they were devotees of the All Blacks. When the illuminations of this great city of the a eld had faded, I found myself to be one of three in a corridored apartment. The night was cold and we agreed to turn in early. The usual revelations, which women regard necessary to travellings companions took place. The sleeping appointments in South African railways are commendable and it was a pleasure to mount among such white sheets and pillows.

Early in the morning we passed through Mafeking, 190 miles due west from Johannesburg. When I return it is my wish to remain here for two days to visit a cemetery and to pay respects to the town which sustained a seven month’s seige during the Boer War under Colonel Baden-Powell. We were still in the veld with little cultivation or settlement other than the bee-

hived thatched huis of the Kraals. Transport was carried on by oxen and the loads were chiefly sacks of mealie meal and props for mines. By mid-day we were passing through sandy country dotted with thorn bushes and leafless trees.

One station arrested my attention —Matalapye—for on June 19, six men, with two Morris trucks had in thirteen .days trekked from there across the Kalahari to Ghanzi on the Western border. Their experiences had been entertaingly told in the Rand Daily Mail. The encountering of the diminutive bushmen, wild dogs in packs, wolves, jackals, hyenas and lions quite satisfied my expectations of the desert. It was disappointing to me, that none of these denizens presented themselves on the railway track. So like fireside travelling, I shall have to be content with illustrations. Certainly the skins were paraded along the platforms by natives shouldering them on bamboo poles. It takes many skins to make a kaross or mat, but I have met with too many in a moulting condition to make a purchase.

, Kalahari Desert is much in the limelight at the present time. Last week Doctors Cameron and Cadle set out 10 study the pigmy bushmen and to test the theorj r that this desert is the cradle of the human race. The bushmen are said to have speech in common with monkeys. At every station the natives and picaninnies offered crude wooden images, models of lions, giraffes, guinea fowls, bead bags and chains, milk and oranges. As we journeyed north the trees became larger and at one station I saw a fine specimen of avocado pear. The run from Mafeking to Bulawayo is 500 miles so we had our second night on board train. The hot day closed with a sunset of delicate pastel tints. Bullawayo town suggests Cecil Rhodes, and there he stands in bronze in typical attitude, hands clasped behind, gazing northward to the land he held so dear. There is no inscription on the granite pedestal. To every Britisher the figure is all sufficient. At the next cross roads stands the monument, surmounted by a gun carriage, to those 259 pioneers of civilization vrho lost their lives in the 1896 Matabele Rebellion.

Municipal markets are always interesting for the types of frequenters, eager faced purchasers and natives everywhere handling the goods. The boys vary in coverings but here all have gone much beyond the loin cloth. One official wore a skirt considerably below regulation length which was kilted so thickly that it stood out like a parachute. Above was a blouse of distinctly feminine design. Another, a house boy, had long trousers then khaki shorts, a jersey and a short coat. It was a study of plus fours in descending or amending scale. The British settlers treat them well with he characteristic justice of our race. In scenes so near tropical Africa one apprecates the devotion of the two body bearers, native boys, who carried to the coast, 700 miles east, their beloved Livingstone. Vegetables were being sold when I arrived at the market. These were on square wooden trays—lettuces 1/6 for fifty, 25 oranges for the same money. The climate is suitable for growing vegetables but there has been a drought for two years and water has to be carried for every production. Southern Rhodesia is rich in metals and minerals, chiefly gold, chrome ore, asbestos, coal and limestone and shale used for Portland cement. Cattle thrive well, but sheep so far have been a failure and butchers are dependent on Cape Colony for the supply of mutton. The opportunity of visiting the world’s view, 27 miles distant from Bulawayo, is given between train stops. The car journev is interesting when within view of the Rhodes Estate. The dam for irrigation purposes has a capacity of ten million gallons. The Agricultural School has fine buildings and boys intending to work on the land have entrance after passing standard VI. The two years there can be continued with a course on the Government farm adjoining. For all time Cecil Rhodes will be the foster parent in the development of that great tract of land which bears his name. This gift of 115,000 acres makes him the benefactor not only of South Africa but of the world, since with irrigation, the soil should supply Empire needs. Affixed to a boulder within the park gates, is this inscription: “This is consecrated ground, and set apart forever to be the resting place of those who have deserved well of their country.”

An easy climb brought one to the “Westminster” of Rhodesia. Just tw r o granite slabs with metal plates inscribed: "Cecil John Rhodes,” “Leander Star Jarison”—simple but arresting. The spirit of Rhodes is in this extensive view of a land rich in possibilities. If is intended to reinter Sir Charles Coughlan, first Premier of Rhodesia, on this height of fame. On the last stage of 300 miles, the largest colliery in Southern Rhodesia is passed. The coal area at Wankie is, according to publicit report, about 400 square miles, with 800 square miles of prospective rights. Unfortunately this natural wealth is controlled by a company to which the rights were ceded by Saberquela. With sunrise we beheld the spray from the falls over four miles distant. The hotel commands a fine view of the gorge which is spanned by a masterpiece of British construction, in height 400 feet, with a span of 500 feet. With eagerness our part- trod the path towards the eastern cataract. The spectacle was magnificent the sunlit waters descending in foamy billows,, for four hundred feet. It is, however, by walking for over a mile through what is called the Rain Forest, where the spray is returned as rain, that one realizes the extent of these wonderful falls, and the beauty of the tropical growth which enhances the scene. Words fail to describe this panorama of loveliness. Above the falls, the Nambesi, is a quiet flowing river. Native boys are waiting to paddle parties across to Livingstone Island where the famous explorer first saw the falls. On the track we saw the tree with “D.L.” clearly defined although the inscription is not visible. A motor boat runs to Kandshaw Island and on the way one sees the calm waters of the Nambesi on which sculling contests for the world’s championship have taken place. WEDDING CAMPBELL—ALCOCK. A pretty wedding was solemnized at St. John’s Church, Invercargill on Wednesday, September 26, when Elfreda Maud, daughter of Mr and Mrs A. H. Alcock, of Invercargill, was married to John A. Campbell, of Tuatapere. The Rev. J. A. Lush officiated and Mr Charles Gray presided at the organ. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a pretty frock to white and taffetas with trimmings of silver lace. Her veil of embroidered tulle was arranged with sprays of orange blossom. She wore a long rope of pearls and carried a bouquet of friesias, roses, begonia and maiden hair fern, with long streamers of white silk ribbon.

Miss Mavis Hunt, who attended as bridesmaid, wore a frock of blue silk taffetas. On her hair she wore a bandeau of tulle finished at the side with a large rosette. She carried a bouquet of spring flowers with long blue streamers. The two little flower girls, sisters of the bride, wore dainty frocks of white silk taffetas with pale blue and pink streamers and carried baskets of spring flowers. The bridegroom was attended by his brother, Mr James Campbell of Invercargill. After the ceremony the guests adjourned to the Federal Tea Rooms where the wedding breakfast was held. Mr and Mrs Alcock received the guests. Mrs Alcock, mother of the bride, w*ore a gown of black crepe-de-chene relieved with white, black silk coat and hat to tone. Among the guests present were Mr and Mrs W. Hopkins of Palmerston, uncle and aunt, of the bride. The bride and bridegroom left later on their honeymoon, the bride travelling in a frock of charmelaine, black satin coat trimmed with white fur, pale grey hat and shoes and stockings to tone. WINTON NOTES (From Our Correspondent.) Miss M. B. Cowie has returned from Dunedin. Miss B. Hunt, Invercargill, is staying with Mrs Hunt. Mrs Currie and her small son, Nightcaps, spent the weekend with Mrs P. Cappie. Miss E. Scobie left on Monday oh a fortnight’s visit to Mossburn and Balfour. Mrs. O’Donnell Jr., Lochiel, is visiting Mrs. T. O’Donnell. Mrs. M. Baker and Mr. R. Baker, Dunedin, are staying with Mrs W. Horsburgh. Miss F. Lemin spent the weekend with Mrs. W. Horsburgh. Mrs. W. D. Cowie and her daughter, Nancv, returned to Dunedin on Tuesday. Miss Olive Young, Mossburn, is staying with Miss H. Hamilton. Mrs. H. Taylor has returned from Orepuki and Tuatapere. Miss E. Sutherland, Invercargill, spent the week-end with her aunt, Mrs A. G. McKenzie. Miss R. McDermott, Invercargill, is staying with her mother, Mrs W. McDermott. Miss L. Banks is holidaying in Dunedin and Timaru. Mr and Mrs T. C. Taylor and family spent the week-end at Ryal Bush. Mr and Mrs Adams, sr., returned from Out rani and Milton last week. Mrs Nimmo, Nightcaps, spent the weekend with Mrs J. Nimmo. Miss G. M. Horner, who has been on an extended tour of the North Island, returned home on Wednesday. Mrs Tait, Invercargill, and Mrs Metzger, Longbush, have been staying with Mrs E. R. Davis. Miss Lillian Kerr, Browns, who has been holidaying in Christchurch, returned home this week. Miss Rodgers is relieving in the secondary department of the Winton District High School during Miss Macßean’s absence through illness. Mrs J. S. Nelson is spending the weekend at Lumsden. Miss K. Hamilton defeated Mrs A. Gerrard in the final for the B grade golf championship on Monday. Mrs F. Moore is the winner of quite a number of prizes for most points in various classes in cut flowers at the Lumsden Spring Show. Mrs J. A. Broom was also a successful exhibitor in this section. Amongst those who met Mrs W. R. Wilson, of Auckland, Dominion Commissioner of the Girl Guide movement, at the afternoon tea given in the Guide Association rooms in Invercargill were:—Mrs J. Smith Nelson (District Commissioner), Dr. M. Gow, Mesdames J. P. McWilliam, W. H. J. Shaw, R. M. Gilmour, J. R. Hamilton, J. Walsh, W. H. Thomson, Miss Russell (Winton), Mesdames W. H. King, A. Hamilton, F. Rumler and Miss Henderson (Browns). The Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild is offering a large assortment of bags, aprons and novelties for sale in the Sunday School Hall on Thursday. There will be produce and cooking stalls also and a short musical programme to enliven the proceedings in the evening. The Winton Croquet Club is holding a gift evening in the Masonic Hall on Monday to furnish novelties for the fair which will take place in the Drill Hall at race time. Dancing, competitions and musical items are included in the evening’s programme and the members of the club are providing supper. A programme afternoon w’as held at the residence of Mrs J. Walsh on Tuesday afternoon. Songs were contributed by Mesdames F. Cowie, D. F. O’Malley, J. Walsh, Miss M. B. Cowie, a vocal duet by Mesdames A. Gerrard and F. Cowie, trios by Mesdames Thompson (piano), Walsh (violin) and Miss Kelly (’cello), a piano solo by Mrs Thompson, ’cello solos by Miss Kelly, a recitation by Miss M. B. Cowie and a reading by Dr. M. Gow, Mesdames J. P. McWilliam, J. R. Hamilton and Miss M. Cowie. All these items were very pleasingly rendered. Mesdames F. Moore, D. T. Larnach and W. H. King (Hokonui) were also present. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames J. A. Broom, T. Walker and 0. Smith. The president, Mrs H. Hogg, occupied the chair at Thursday’s meeting of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union, which was well attended. Mrs J. A. Broom presided at the organ and Miss D. Wilson read a letter from Mrs Adam Harvey, of India. Mrs T. A. McWilliam had much of interest to tell her fellow’-members about the wonders of Rome and Florence. In Rome, a city of magnificent buildings and beautiful architecture, the house where St. Paul had lived for two years, the Appian Way mentioned in the Acts of Apostles, the catacombs where writings of St. Paul had been discovered recently and in Florence the art galleries were visited by the travellers. Mrs McWilliam concluded her address with an account of the trip down the Main Trunk line and reference to the work of the Home missionaries in the backblocks of New Zealand. In moving a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker, Mrs J. B. Wilson said how much members had enjoyed the glimpse they had been given of these famous Italian cities. Afternoon tea was dispensed by Mesdames R. Heller and S. Smith.

The Winton Power Board staff has every reason to be proud of the success of its first annual ball held in the Radio Theatre on Friday, October 5. Evergreens, bright coloured streamers and balloons and hundreds of coloured electric lights transformed the hall into fairyland. The lighting effects, controlled by Messrs E. Liddell, T. Dutton and C. Gresham, of Invercargill, were beautiful and added to the festivity of the scene. Confetti and balloon dances caused much, fun and the excellent music of the Gaiety Band made dancing delightful. Extras were played by Mrs Skelt, Misses M. Balch, B. Moore, Mr Thomson, of Taramoa (piano) and Mr E. Soun,ess (cornet). Messrs J. Nimmo and C. Thomson were the M’s.C. and carried out their duties in an able manner. The catering was in the hands of Mrs W. Gill. Over three hundred people were present from all parts of Southland, amongst them being:—Mr and Mrs W. Watson, Mr and Mrs W. H. J. Shaw, Mr and Mrs J. N. West (Browns), Mr and Mrs G. Bradley, Mr and Mrs R. S. Smith, Mr and Mrs V. Lea, Mr and Mrs W. Balch, Mr and Mrs P. Reynolds, Mr and Mrs O. Smith, Mr and Mrs C. M. Lindsay, Mr and Mrs D. Robb, Mr and Mrs J. Nimmo, Mr and Mrs F. Moore, Mr and Mrs J. S. Nelson, Mr and Mrs Smart, Mr and Mrs Skelt, Mr and Mrs Goodman, Mr and Mrs Martey (Invercargill I, Mr and Mrs C. Thomson, Mr and Mrs Dawson, Mr and Mrs F. O’Connor (Otahuti); Mesdames D. F. O’Malley, J. Wateh, H. A. Pierce, Mcllwrick, Scobie, R. King, Smith, J. Gerrard, J. R. Hamilton, GHI (2), C. Pagey, A. L. Gerrard, J. Brown, H. Liddell, M. G. McArthur, W. G. Clark, E. Raines, E. Ward; Misses Smith (2), West, Sutherland, McMaster (Browns), Affleck, Woods, Humphries (Oreti), M. Watson, Egerton (3), D. Pattinson, Norman (2), K. Bell, Lodge, King, Williamson, Mclndoe, D. Hagerty, M. McKenzie (Barkiy), I. Shand, C. Calder, Wateon (2) (Lochiel), Joyce, Burke, K. and L. Hamilton, E. Cheyne, McConachie (2), M. Kersey M.. A

Balch, N. Raines, M. Campbell, Gill (3), Pollock, M. Gerrard, G. Clark, O’Neill, I. and A. Gilmour, E. Wilson, V. Ward, E. Sutherland, H. Hamilton, I. Bourke, B. and A. Moore, McMurtrie, Svenson, E. Horner (Heddon Bush), Stewart (2), M. OMalley, R. Goodall, B. Kidd, E. Main, Hume (2), Mclvor (Riverton), Creighton (Port Chalmers), I. and C. Lindsay, W. Metzger (Bluff), Grant, Dixon, Wilson (2) (Limehills), C. McKay, R. Ward, Baird, W. Liddell, C. Kiikelly, A. McDowell, E. Melville, Smaill, Jones, Palmer, I. Hannan, McManus, C. McGregor, C. Langmuir, M. Ronald, D. Tobin, Donnelly, Bevin, Johnston, Mahoney, Davis, Reynolds, O’Neill, Gill, Bridgeson, J. Tapper (Invercargill), Johnston (Lumsden), Jones (Wyndham) and Martin (Mataura) ; Messrs Henderson (2), D. Blyth, F. Anderson, N. R. Farnall, W. Brown, Maynard, M. Thomson, G. R. Conroy, J. Scott, Calder (2), R. McKenzie (Barkiy), L. and H. de la Perrelle, J. Leyden, Malcolm (2) (Heddon Bush), C. Goodall, W. Stott, Branks, McAnelly, J. Duffy, C. Barham, Horner (2), N. Hannah, J. W. Clark, Hagerty (2), J. D. Cameron, R. Souness, I. Mcllwrick (Browns), B. Balch, J. Porteous, G. Holloway, Paul, D. Crawford, T. Gerrard (Dipton), Day, Milbum, Sands, Malcolm (Ohai), W. Main, Bradley (Dunedin), Kilby, G. Cowie, J. Arthur, W. Watson, Raymond, J. Egerton, A. Watson, J. Taylor, Eastlake, Kenward, K. Given, L. Scobie (Balfour), Barker, Affleck (2), Woods, Baird (2), A. D. Brown (Oreti), Jones (Wyndham), McFetrich, Grant, Wilson, Reid (Limehills), J. Patterson, Kerr, Pulley (2), R. Hope. T. Stroud, Walker (2) (Otautau), Derby, Tapper, Dundas, Herman, H. Smith, Smiley, Thomson, Dunnage, L. Neill, O’Brien, Fraser, Hughes, Frampton, Dutton, O’Dowda, Stewart, Cassels, P. Donnelly, Little, Gresham, Liddell, McWilliam (Invercargill), and Cessford (Riverton). Gift Evening.

Despite the inclement weather on Monday evening, October 8, a large number of people gathered at the spacious home of Mr and Mrs R. J. Anderson, Meadow Bank, Kauana, the occasion being a gift evening tendered to Miss Irene Cowie, who is to be married shortly. Mrs Anderson received her guests in the drawing room which had been arranged for cards. Two very pleasant hours were spent at progressive euchre the holders of the winning tickets being: Ladies, Mrs A. G. Linn; gentlemen, Mr Colin McKenzie. The booby prizes, which caused considerable amusement, were won by Miss Price and Mr W. Nicol respectively. After the prizes were presented, an adjournment was made to the dining room where Miss Irene Cowie and Mr Colin McKenzie opened the parcels, disclosing many costly and useful gifts. The guests, who did not play cards, had been playing games in the breakfast room where they were joined by the rest of the company. There a number of amusing competitions were held, the winners of which were: Drapery competition, Miss M. B. Cowie spotting competition, Miss E. McFetrich; grocery competition, Mrs W. Nicol. A dainty supper was then served in the drawing room after which Mr A. G. Linn in a short speech presented the gifts, at the same time assuring Miss Cowie and Mr McKenzie, of the very best wishes of the friends present, for their future happiness and prosperity. Mr C. McKenzie responded on behalf of Miss Cowie, thanking the guests for their many handsome gifts, and Mr and Mrs Anderson for their generosity and hospitality, which had prompted them to give such a delightful evening. The remainder of the evening was devoted to music. Songs and elocutionary items were given by Mrs F. Cowie, Misses G. Cameron and M. B. Cowie. Some well known songs were then played by Miss M. Anderson and community singing was heartily entered into by every one. “Auld Lang Syne” enthusiastically sung, brought to a close an extremely enjoyable and sociable evening. Among the guests present were: Mr and Mrs W. J. Cowie, Mr and Mrs R. J. Anderson, Mr and Mrs J. Hubber, Mr and Mrs W. Nicol and Mr and Mrs A. G. Linn. Mesdames Grant (Limehills), Swale, F. Cowie, H. Jefferies (Oamaru), Misses Irene Cowie, G. Cameron (Invercargill', M. B. Cowie, McFetrich (3), Price, Swale (2), Ward (Invercargill), Lyons, Shand (Otapiri), Grant, Baird, Rabbitt; Messrs C. McKenzie, W. Swale, Price (2), Grant, McFetrich (2), M. Rabbitt, A. Shand (Otapiri), Hawkins. RIVERTON GOSSIP (From Our Correspondent.) Mrs D. Tweedie, Havelock street, has returned after an enjoyable holiday in Christchurch. Mr and Mrs Nelson Wilkinson and family, Kingston, are looking up old friends at the seaside. Miss Jean Allison is the guest of Mr and Mrs D. C. Robertson, South Riverton. Miss Younger has returned after a holiday in Dunedin. Mrs and Miss Walsh, Christchurch, are visiting friends in the south. Miss Cournane, of Mossburn, is visiting Miss Younger. Mr and Mrs Craig and family, Gore, are staying with Mr and Mrs D. M. Tweedie. Miss Winnie Gee, who spent a short holiday with her sister at New Plymouth, has returned. Miss Rowlands, who has been staying with Mr and Mrs G. R. Berdntson, South Riverton, left on Monday for Wellington. Mr and Mrs Henderson, Invercargill, spent the week-end at The Rocks. Miss Southberg, of Frankton, who has been visiting her sister, has returned home. Mrs Lee, of Auckland, is on a visit to her sister, Mrs L. W. Petchell, South Riverton. Mrs E. Davey and family, who have been staying at, The Rocks, have left for their home at Wyndham.

Mr and Mrs W. Stirling, after visiting friends, have returned to Invercargill. On Monday evening a surprise party, comprising Thornbury and district friends, met at the residence of Mr T. B. Mclntyre to welcome home the newly-married couple. A very enjoyable time was spent in games, etc.

Among the many present were the following:—Mr and Mrs J. R. Reidie (Gropers Bush), Mr and Mrs J. McLean, Mr and Mrs Riddle, Mr and Mrs Davis, Mr and Mrs A. Hall, Mr and Mrs J. Fallow, Mr and Mrs J. R. McNaughton, Mrs A. McKay, Mrs W. Armstrong, Mrs Anderson, Mr and Mrs Hopcroft, Mr and Mrs J. Haywood, Mrs Milmine; Misses Mclntyre, Thompson, Hopcroft (2), McNaughton (3), Armstrong, Milmine, McLean, Fallow (2), Riddle, McNeil; Messrs Haywood, Mclntyre, Parker, Officer, Hopcroft, McNaughton, Crawford, Fallow, Thomson, McNeil. Mr and Mrs J. S. Mosley, who have been on a tour throughout the Wallace electorate, have returned. Miss Carmody, of Wellington, is visiting friends in the Western District. Mr and Mrs Reeves, Invercargill, are holidaying at The Rocks. Those present at the band social had a most enjoyable time; the unfavourable weather, however, was accountable for the small attendance. Those present were: Mesdames W. J. Winton, Spencer (2), J. Duthie, McLean, Eade and D. Macdougall, Misses Woodward, Mills and Wright, Messrs J. Hymers, D. Macdougall, T. Henderson, Simpson, Gerrard, Smith, McDonald, Merrie, Whyte, Walker, Thomson. Mrs and Miss Nicol, Ohai, have been staying with Mrs A. Gilchrist. Miss Ward, of Dunedin, after a short holiday left for home on Monday. Among those present at the Stewart-Logan wedding on Wednesday in Invercargill from Ermedale were: Mr and Mrs J. Fraser, Mr and Mrs C. Stalker, Mr and Mrs A. E. Fleck and Mr J. Spiers. On Wednesday afternoon, under most unfavourable climatic conditions, the ladies of the local Croquet Club opened the season, the official opening being performed by Mr J. C. Thomson, who in a short but appropriate speech declared the season open. The grounds and surroundings were looking neat and tidy, but play was out of question. The ladies, however, passed the time in the pavilion, regaled by a delightful afternoon tea. Those present were: Mesdames J. Crawford, A. Evans, Curtin, Caigou, A. Proyan, Miss Southberg, Swap, McNaughton, and Galloway.