Notes for Women

Southland Times, Issue 25746, 9 August 1945, Page 8

Notes for Women

Miss Marie Tait, Hastings, is the guest of Mrs G. H. Uttley, Herbert street. Mrs H. P. Fougere, Duke street, left on Tuesday to spend a holiday in Auckland. Mrs M. S. Tansley, who has been on an extended visit to Mrs A. C. Tansley, Ythan street, returned to Dunedin on Tuesday. Mrs W. P. Wicks, Leet street, who has been visiting Dunedin, returns home today. ‘ Mrs W. R. Worsfold, Christchurch, who has been the guest of her aunt, Mrs Oswald Rice, sen., Lewis street, left on a visit to Woodlands yesterday. Lance Corporal T. R. Perriam and Mrs H. Perriam, Wrights Bush, have returned from an extended tour of the North and South Islands. Visitors to town today for the GraceMcKenzie wedding will include Mr and Mrs A. McKenzie, Mrs G. Wisley (Isla Bank), Mr and Mrs J. McKenzie (Thornbury), Mrs M. Terry (Wellington), Mr B. O’Connell (Auckland) and Mrs E. Kelly (Dunedin). In a fascinating talk on the history of spoons given by Mrs E. R. Latham to members of the Arts and Crafts’ Circle of the Women’s Club yesterday afternoon, the various types of spoons used through the centuries were described from a shell used by early man to the horn, bone, and later, the silver spoon. The speaker remarked that the Coronation Spoon of yellow silver dating back to the 12th century was the oldest in England and was valued at £ 1500. Royalty used to carry their own spoons about with them. Various designs evolved, some plain and some intricate and spoons were classed according to the decoration on the head. The early makers were the monks and silversmiths and each province had its own spoons and individual designs. It was interesting to note, * said Mrs Latham, that some of the finest work achieved by silversmiths had been done by women, and at an exhibition in Wellington 11 years ago many of the loveliest examples of the silversmith’s craft belonged to women. Collectors belonged to different categories, those who collected for sentimental reasons and those who collected for trading purposes. The amount of English silver and spoons bought by American buyers annually amounted to over one million pounds. The beautiful display of silver in the lounge that had been lent by members evoked admiring comment. Mrs C. Lange, chairman of the circle, welcomed the speaker, and she was thanked for her talk by Mrs J. D. Gilmore. One of the most popular functions of the year, the Post and Telegraph ball, took place at St. Mary’s hall on Monday evening. Posting boxes set at intervals around the wall, and the emblem of the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Employees’.. Association which formed a striking background for the stage, created a realistic atmosphere. Spring flowers and balloons added a gay note to the decorations, and much merriment Avas caused during the evening when confetti; streamers and paper hats were showered upon the dancers. Those present included the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs A. Wachner, and the acting chief postmaster, Mr H. V. Ward. Vocalists were Miss Helen Galt and Mr E. Hickford and the extras were played by Mr J. W. Mutch and Mr I. Shearer. Mr R. M. Barrett was master of ceremonies. The committee responsible for the organization of the ball was: Mr A. W. Fergus, president; Miss H. D. Dalgarno, secretary; Mrs M. P. Beadle, treasurer; * general committee, Misses M. Curran, J. Hannon, M. Murfitt, D. I. Thomson, A. H. Sloan, Mrs T. J. Ramsay, Messrs R. M. Barrett, G. D. J. Hughes and R. F. Lockhart.

The Waikiwi W.D.F.U. held a successful 11th birthday recently, when a musical pageant of Scotland was presented by the members, outstanding personalities in the history of Scotland being presented in story and song. The scene was picturesque and the frocking was very attractive. The commentary was written by Mrs E. Ella -MacGregor and read by Mrs J. Wilson. Ine accompanist was Mrs W. A. Robertson. The following members took character parts in the pageant: Commentator, Mrs J. Wilson; Scottish Lassie, Mrs W. A. Gray; Fisherwives, Mesdames M. A. Wilson and Meadows; Rob Roy and wife, Mesdames Woollett and C. Myers; Flora MacDonald, Mrs E. MacGregor; Prince Charlie, Miss B. Wilson; Robert Burns and wife, Mesdames Allan ana Taylor; Walter Scott and wife, Mesdames B. Perriam and Port; Andrew Carnegie and wife, Mesdames Palmer and Sutherland; Alexander G. Bell and wife, Mesdames Eggleton and McDougall; Harry Lauder and wife, Mesdames A. F. Waters and C; Williams; James Mollison and wife, Mesdames Batt and F. Rhind; Scotch Standard Bearer, Mrs Tomlinson; St. Andrew, Mrs Aicken. The following items were given during tne afternoon: Pianoforte solos, Misses Helen Wilson and Margaret Harper; violin solo, Miss M. Robertson; songs, Mrs A. C. Gray, Miss H. Tomlinson and Miss Margaret Gray; recitation, Miss J. Meldrum; Mrs Ballantyne s party and dance, Misses H. and A. Bell. Mrs W. Steel was stage manager. The cake with 11 candles was beautifully iced with pink roses and silver leaves and on the centre stood a doll dressed in the Highland dress. The candles were lit by Mrs M. A. Wilson and extinguished by Mrs J. Robertson. Mrs McKinnel, provincial president, cut the first slice A large number of branches were represented. Shoulder sprays were presented to Mesdames McKinnel, W. Steel, A. F. Waters, W. A. Gray and MacGregor.