Girls’ Education Week

Southland Times, Issue 25312, 15 June 1935, Page 20

Girls’ Education Week

LECTURE ON FOODS. On Thursday afternoon the country girls who yesterday completed an Education Week in town organized by the Southland Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, attended an interesting lecture on foods given by Miss Blakie, B.H.Sc., at the Technical College. Miss Blakie spoke in turn of the different food constituents, explaining their value and the foods in which each is found. She told of the work of these constituents and of their necessity to good health, dwelling particularly on proteins, minerals and vitamins and mentioning as well carbohydrates and fats. She explained the division of vitamins into classes and the recent discovery by research of the new vitamins D and E, telling at the same time of the diseases which each is necessary to prevent. In conclusion she urged the girls to make good use of the foods rich in value and health giving properties which surround them in the country mentioning in particular, milk, butter, honey, vegetables and fruit which are necessary to good health. Mrs J. Stewart, provincial president, moved a vote of thanks to Miss Blakie. The Dinner Table. Yesterday afternoon Mrs W. Quinn, after being introduced by Mrs J. Stewart, explained to the girls in an interesting manner the etiquette and methods of correctly setting a dinner table as well as serving the diners in the correct succession of courses and wines. To illustrate her remarks Mrs Quinn had set a table showing clearly the respective positions of the eating utensils," cruets, wine glasses, tumblers and table napkins. She explained the procedure of waiting the table and the customs, fashions and conventions observed by hostess and guests. On the motion of Mrs W. H. Ward, Dominion president, a vote of thanks was accorded the speaker. The table and napery and crystal vases used in the setting of the table were kindly supplied by W. Strang and Co., Ltd., and H. & J. Smith, Ltd., respectively. Learn to Dress Suitably. Perhaps one of the most important sessions of the week took place yesterday afternoon when H. and J. Smith, Ltd., gave an instructive address and demonstration dealing with the incorrect and correct methods of dressing. The speaker was Miss S. Aitken and the mannequins who displayed the garments were employees of the store. In her address, Miss Aitken explained the importance of choosing garments to suit the wearer’s type, taking into careful (Consideration such important details as accessories. She pointed out the ways in which the wary buyer could by being careful in such details as cut and design buy to her advantage so that her appearance would always be at its best. Starting with foundation garments, the mannequins displayed five types of figures, the sway back, the hip, the abdomen, the average, and the short below waist figure. In the first instance they appeared incorrectly .and later correctly dressed, showing clearly the difference. Important details such as simple straight frocks * for the woman of shorter size instead of those which are elaborate and follow horizontal lines were v also explained. It was shown that the heavier type should avoid every broadening line and should choose fashionable but quiet garments with lengthened lines. Incorrect and correct garments were shown for the middle-aged woman and for the elderly as well as for the petite of advancing years. At the same time the incorrect and then the correct shoes, hats and accessories were shown by each mannequin, illustrating the importance which those who desire to be well dressed must attach to detail. Dressmaking. The final session oF the week took the form of a talk on dressmaking given by Mrs Ward, in the course of which, with the aid of blackboard .illustrations, she explained the methods of making paper patterns so enabling the dressmaker to copy any illustration which she may admire in a fashion paper. Mrs Ward showed clearly the making of the original pattern which was cut to fit the wearer perfectly and was the 'foundation from which any style could b- cut. She explained in detail the exact methods of altering the foundation pattern so that it served equally well for any type of garment for day or evening wear. The speaker then Idwelt on the importance of choosing styles and materials to suit the figure of the wearer and stressed the necessity of their being in accordance with her age as well as the limits of her purse.