The Social Round

Southland Times, Issue 24592, 14 November 1941, Page 7

The Social Round

Mrs W. F. H. Stone, Earnslaw street, returned last night from a visit to Wellington. Mrs R. D. Story, Venlaw, has returned after a visit to her daughter, Mrs Lockyer Williams, Dunedin. At the Georgetown barrow fair to be held on Saturday, the price of admission is 6d for adults and 3d for children. Mrs J. A. Coveney, "Greendale,” Grove Bush, has returned from Nightcaps, where she was the guest of Mrs R. McLellan. Mrs J. Phelan, Macrae’s Flat, who has been spending a holiday with her parents, Mr and Mrs Peter Mackenzie, Otautau, has returned home. Mrs W. A. Stout, Filleul street, and her sister, Miss Strachan, Brisbane, who have been the guests of Mrs Robert Stout, Timaru, have left for Dunedin, where they will spend a holiday before coming to Invercargill.

Mr and Mrs R. .G Alington, Spey street, have received word by cable that their youngest son, Geoffrey (now stationed in Canada) is to marry Audrey, youngest daughter of Major and Mrs Robertson, of Vancouver, on Saturday. At a social afternoon held in the Southland Women’s Club yesterday, Miss E. Hunt, Auckland, who was introduced by the president, Mrs Ritchie Crawford, gave an interesting talk, choosing as her subject the contribution of each nation to world civilization. She spoke of New Zealand as a nation with a distinct individuality, which she thought would develop in the direction of art rather than the Australian tendency towards power. New Zealand, being isolated, lacked the challenge and stimulus of other countries where competition was keener. To study Maori culture and its influence on the future of the Dominion, she had visited Princess Te Pua’s native settlement at Ngaruawahia. Miss Hunt also thought that emigration would be an important factor in the development of New Zealand after the war. On behalf of the members present, Miss C. McLeod thanked Miss Hunt for her instructive address.

OBITUARY

MRS MARGARET RABBIDGE The death occurred of Mrs Margaret Rabbidge at her home at Wyndham. Born 73 years ago at Te Anau Downs Station, Mrs Rabbidge was the eldest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs John McLaren, pioneer settlers of Wyndham. At the age of three years, with her sister, the (ate Mrs Mitchell, she came to Invercargill with her parents, who made the journey on horseback, encountering many difficulties. After a halt of three days in Invercargill, the couple and their two young children continued .he journey to Wyndham along unformed roads, and had to ford the Mataura river at Menzies Ferry, eventually arriving at the well-known “Camp Hill” farm, which is still retained in the family. Mrs Rabbidge was educated at the Mimihau and Wyndham schools, and later worked for Dr J. R. Menzies at “Dunalister.” In 1890 she married Mr Thomas P. Rabbidge, who had just taken up a farm at Glenham which he named “Don View,” and this farm also remains in the family. They were married in Invercargill by the Rev. John Ferguson. Mr and Mrs Rabbidge resided at “Don View” until 1907, when they sold out to their eldest son and purchased a farm nearer the main road. When they retired to Wyndham 12 years ago, this farm was taken over by their second son. Mr and Mrs Rabbidge celebrated their golden wedding on November 19, 1940. She is survived by her husband and a family of four sons and four daughters, namely, Messrs Edward and John Rabbidge (Glenham), Thomas Rabbidge (on active service in Egypt) and James Rabbidge (Otama Valley), Mcsdames P. Laurie (Menzies Ferry), A. Thomson (Wyndham), W. Robinson and J. Bruce (Glenham). There are also 31 grandchildren and one great-grandchild living.

WEDDING

milligan—McAlister At North Invercargill Presbyterian Church, the wedding took place recently of Isabella Lorraine, daughter of Mrs and the late Mr James McAlister, Invercargill, and Percy George Pax, eldest son of Mr John Milligan, Riversdale. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Hugh Graham, and Mr Mitchell was the organist. The church was decorated in pink and white blossoms and white lilies by friends of the bride. The bride, who was escorted by her brother, Mr J. A. McAlister, wore a gown of white Anglais tinsel lace over cream satin. The bodice was cut on fitting lines, with tight-fitting long sleeves, with raised shoulders and high neckline. The frock had silver loops and buttons to the waist-line, and the sleeves and the Eton collar were finished with silver loops. The full panelled skirt fell to a train, and the veil lent by a friend, was worn from a halo of tulle and small lilies. She carried a sheaf of white lilies. The bridesmaid was Miss Joyce Dawson cousin of the bride. She wore a frock of silver tinsel facone georgette in powder blue, with a heart-shaped neckline and puffed sleeves, and silverbuttons and loops from neckline to below- the waistline. The wide belt was tied in a bow in front. Her halo was of pleated net with blue and silver flowers. She carried a sheaf of pink tulips. The best man was Mr Leslie Davidson, and\the ushers were Mr Lloyd McAlister and Mi- E. Milligan. During the signing of the register Mrs W. Young of Mossburn sang “My Prayer.” At the reception held at Elmwood Gardens Mrs McAlister and Mrs Milligan received the guests. For travelling, the bride wore a mustard coat and hat with navy frock and accessories. Mr and Mrs Milligan will live in Invercargill. Before her marriage the bride was presented with a gift from the Girls’ Auxiliary, and was a guest of honour at a kitchen and pantry evening given by Mrs J. A. McAlister,-Lome street.

COUNTRY NEWS

BLUFF

Mi’ and Mrs T. Hair, Lumsden, were recent guests of Mrs T. Jioyd, Slaney street.

Miss I. Hutton nas returned from a week’s holiday in Dunedin. Miss Elsie Prestqn, Wellington, is the guest of her mother, Mrs R. Preston, Foyle street. Mrs R. E. Price and her daughter,

Wellington, are guests at the Golden Age Hotel. As a mark of appreciation for her splendid work as secretary and club captain of the Bluff Women’s Golf Club, an evening for Miss Cecil N. Sinclair was held at the home of the president, Mrs A. M. Wilson. During the evening a presentation was made to Miss Sinclair by Miss Casey, on behalf of the -lub. Table tennis and other games were played. A competition was won by Mrs Evan McQuarrie.