Feminine Interests

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 637, 13 April 1929, Page 23

Feminine Interests

Where Youth is “Nifty”

An unusual American novel appears to-day which will make the average British parent gasp and ask in amazement, “Can this really be modern American youth?" It Is called “The Rampant Age," hy Robert S. Carr, and portrays the life of schoolboys In a (presumably) reputable college in the States—time, the present decade. There are no "dreaming spires” about Westfield; there are no Michael Fanes, as in our own "Sinister Street,” whose chief occupation is wandering about mooning about the moon and chanting to themselves, “Thick as autumnal leaves in Vallombrosa.” This Westfield reads more like a lurid night club. From the start of his “educational career,” the hero, Paul Benton, finds himself in an atmosphere of liquor, sex, autos, and movies. These bright lads of Westfield, U.S.A., are “nifty” to a man. Their principal hobby is rushing about in their own autos “side walk snatchin’,” which, translated, means scooping up any bit of a girl who is out for fun. Their next is getting thoroughly foozled on a certain ambrosia called “lily blood tonic.” Their third, gyrating at a local dance hall, where the "side-walk snatchin’ ” starts all over again, and making supplementary “hot dates.” They huh-hu and heck and yea-bo and Jeesy their way through adolescence, and the hectic indulgences of adolescence, in a manner which might conceivably shock a seasoned roue. Here is some English as she is spoke at Westfield: ENGAGEMENTS The engagement is announced of Miss Adrienne Acland, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Acland, of Park Tearrace, Christchurch, to Mr. James Macfarlane, of Lyndon. Waiau, North Canterbury. * * * The engagement is announced of Winifred Gladys, twin daughter of Mrs. Saran, Church Street, to Alfred George Clarke, both of Ponsonby^ The engagement Is announced of Phyllis Rose, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Mobberley, Glenmore, Mount Albert, to Augustus Gordon, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Bowden Roose, of Grafton.

“But you never was out alone with a girl—in a machine, parked along the road at night?” Buck eyed the boy almost hungrily. “Nope,” Paul admitted. “Christ!” muttered Buck to himself, averting his face, “wonder what it feels like to be ” “But, listen, Buck. I'm startin’ my steppin' out the minute the ole man'll let me have the Ford by myself. Snoot Hartman said he'd got me * a date with Gertrude Humphreys, and she ” Here is another example, when the boys are keeping a “hot date” with the girls, and someone rings up: “That good-for-nothing dad of mine!” snapped Dot crossly. “One of his damn* women trailing him. He only comes around every once In a while to see Mom when he gets to feeling frisky. Well, it’s one o’clock—you boys had better be clearing out of here.” And so the tale goes on. It does not matter much that Paul finds a break away in the end. The interim is a ruthless indictment of the crass sophostication of modern American youth and girlhood. Is it a just one? A friend of the writer who has lived many years in America says that, as near as makes little difference, it is. All one can say is: Heaven hide the book from our idealistic Michael Fanes! Leave them their dreaming spires. . . .

AFTERNOON TEA PARTY Miss M. K. Wilson, a divisional commissioner of Girl Guides from Ayrshire, Scotland, was the guest of honour at an afternoon tea given by JDr. Margaret Knight. The guests included the provincial executive and council of the Auckland Girl Guides’ Association and two other English visitors, Miss Anderson and Miss A. Windham, a divisional commissioner from Sussex.

ORANGE BLOSSOMS RULE—PEPLOE A pretty wedding was celebrated on April 10 at St„ John’s Church, Ponsonby, when Phyllis Alva, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Rule, of 9 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby, was married to Henry John, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Peploe, of Thames. The bride, who was given away by her father, was gowned in ivory georgette and silver lace, worn over pale pink georgette. Her veil was of white tulle embroidered with lily of the valley and was arranged with a coronet of orange blossom. The bride was attended by her two sisters, the Misses Janet and Mavis Rule, who wore frocks of pompadour pink and lilac georgette respectively. Each maid carried a bouquet of pink carnations and lilies. Mr. G. Peploe was best man. After the ceremony a reception was held in the O’Neill Street Hall, where the bride's mother received the guests. Her gown was of cedar rose crepe de chine, relieved with beige, and she wor a navy and beige silk coat. Mrs. Peploe, mother of the bridegroom, was in a navy blue ensemble. The bride’s travelling gown was of beige charmelaine with a close-fitting beige hat and a mongolian fox fur. Y.W.C.A. NEWS DIRECTORS’ MEETING The monthly meeting of the board of directors of the Young Women’s Christian Association was held yesterday, Mrs. J. A. Bradstreet presiding. The president conducted the devotional period which was followed by a morning tea when Miss Elva Fraser, chief girl citizen, was welcomed to the board. The reorganisation of the club’s activities department was discussed, and Miss Dempsey. Mesdames Kenner, Murdoch, Brjtten-Bull and O’Halloran were appointed to represent the women members on the new committee. Four representatives from each of the girls’ departments will be appointed later. Miss Begg, general secretary, reported that 20 citizens sections and 12 senior cluba had commenced their year’s work. There were several vacancies for leaders of clubs and teachers of handicrafts. The girls are most enthusiastic, and the club programmes arranged for diverse subjects, appreciation of music, native birds and flora of New Zealand, debating, elocution, first aid, cooking, and handicrafts of all kinds. New girls were joining clubs each night, and all the clubs were trying to double their membership. The Easter camp at the Holiday House Blockhouse Bay, for both senior girls and citizens was a great success. Miss McCrea, girls’ work secretary, was responsible with Miss Wills for the smooth tunning of the huge camp, and they were particularly fortunate in having Miss Leila Bridgeman as camp mother. In the health and recreation department it was reported that some of the classes were now full, but new classes for women and girls just formed, brings the classes within the reach of every girl. Several of our women doctors had generously given medical examinations to all girls taking gymnasium work. There is a large demand for leaders for the physical work of church and community clubs. Members discussed remits and changes in constitution for consideration at the convention of the Dominion Y.W.C.A., to be held in Wellington in September, and preliminary arrangements were made for a Chinese market to be held during June for aid of world fellowship funds. Mrs. J. C. Dickinson, Mrs. Chas. Smith and Miss Begg were appointed delegates to the National Council of Women for the ensuing year. The Two and Two Campaign is beginning to bring in many new members, and a very fine response is being made by women to the appeal for support of the association by an annual sustaining fee. Arrangements were made for the stall for Poppy Day. The house committee reported a successful jumble sale and the buying of a new machine and some crockery. Mrs. Bradstreet also asked for old linen for the clinic to be held under the auspices of the City Mission.

KITCHEN EVENING A delightful little “kitchen evening” was given by Mrs. F. A. Wood, of 10 Pencarrow Avenue, Mount Eden, on Saturday last for Miss Ethelwynne Ward, who is shortly to be married. Mrs. Wood received the guests in a pretty frock of blue, and rose lace, and Miss Ward wore a gown of flame coloured georgette. The dance room was decorated with streamers of autumn shades. Supper was served in the dining room, where gaily-coloured streamers made effective decoration. Much amusement was caused as the many useful and original gifts were opened by the bride-to-be. Those present were: Mrs. John Broughton, frock of rose georgette beaded in crystal. Mrs. St. J. Dignan, black sequmed Sweetapple (Napierj, black georgette, with silver relief. Mrs. O. Campbell, pink georgette beaded in crystal. , Mrs. Whitelaw, gown of grey georgette. Mrs. xMcNab, buttercup yellow georgette. , .. . Mrs. C. Leys, rose and silver lace. Miss Thompson, black georgette picture frock, with gold lace hem. Miss D. Watson, black taffeta and georS& Miss Whitelaw, black panne velvet. MOTHERS’ UNION OTAHUHU BRANCH There was a large attendance of members and friends of the Otahuhu branch of the Mothers’ Union at the opening meeting of the session, held in the Holy Trinity Church, Otahuhu, on Thursday afternoon. Mrs. A. Murdoch, president of the branch, presided, and was ably supported by M.rs. V. Morrin, secretary. The Rev. C. B. W. Seton delivered an inspiring address, entitled “God’s Presence Everywhere,” after which the meeting adjourned to the Parish Hall, where Dr. Buckley Turkington gave a short talk on women’s citizenship, urging the necessity of the womenfolk taking an interest and active part in all of the activities of life.

PLUNKET SOCIETY MATAMATA BRANCH The annual meeting of the Matamata branch of the Plunket Society was held in the Town Hall, when the officers were elected for the ensuing year, as follow: President, Mrs. PLaurie; vice-presidents, Mesdames G. G. Bell and T. J. Underwood; secretary, Mrs. C. E. Barry; treasurer, Mrs. W. Stevens; committee, Misses McAllister and Moore, Mesdames Johnson, D. G. Johnston, J. F. Wells, G. Mclntyre, W. Were, GardnerBrown, Findlater, Gordon, C. Taylor, G. Stewart and Ross. The committee recorded the services rendered to the society by the late Mr. H. J. Bailey. During last year, 1,131 visits of mothers and babies were made to the Plunket rooms. The present accommodation is considered quite inadequate, but a building fund is being established with a hope of better accommodation in the future. RAETIHI BRANCH One of the largest attended meetings of the Raetihi branch of the Plunket Society was held in Mr. Ashwell’s Hall on Wednesday, Mrs. Sigley, president, being in the chair. The nurse*S report was received. It showed that the general health of the babies had been quite satisfactory. There were 131 old cases in the district, two new cases, 51 visits to office by adults, 41 visits by babies and 23 visits by older children. The balance sheet showed a credit balance at the start of the year of £lB4 2s lid. The chief items of expenditure were rent £43, nurse’s salary £ 60, purchase of emulsion, etc., £45. The credit balance in the bank was £2l 9s lOd, and stock in hand was .valued at £2O 8s Bd. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, Mrs. Sigley; vice-presidents, Mesdames P. G. Smith, Feltham, Sandford and Macdonald; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. McDowell; committee, Mesdames Merman, Proude, Gundy, Ashwell, Cummins, Paulger, Anderson. Datson, Fletcher, K. Baird, Misses Harris, Hill and Hall; advisory board, Dr. Feltham, Messrs. Sandford, Drury, Ritchie, Thomson and Ash well. The president reported on the progress of the society during the year and made reference to the splendid work of Nurse Corbett, Mrs. Lynch, past secretary, who are resigning.

GIFT EVENING FOR BRIDE-ELECT A party was given at 7 St. Alban’i. Avenue, Dominion Road, last evening in honour of Miss Doris Menzies’ approaching marriage to Mr. Ronald Holloway. The evening took the form of a china gift shower, and many novel and useful presents were received by the bride-elect. The early part of the evening was devoted to live hundred, and after supper games and competitions were indulged in. Miss Stella Menzies received the guests wearing a frock of black crepe do chine. Among those present were:— Mrs. A. G. Menzies, grey jersey cloth. Miss Doris Menzies, rose silk and ecru Miss Edna Ashwin, black taffeta frock. Miss Mavis Holloway, ciel blue taffeta. Miss Daphne Gribble, cherry silk rayon. Miss Mina Kleinman, black satin crepe. Miss Dorrie Stych, iris mauve taffeta. DANCE AT DARGAVILLE TO AUGMENT GOLF FUNDS POPULAR RESIDENTS ENTERTAIN To augment the funds of the Dargaville Golf Club Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Colmore-Williams gave a social and dance in the Hibernian Hall at Mangawhare. Visitors from all parts of the district attended and the function was a success in every way. Mrs. T. W. Murray won the bridge competition, and Mr. Jack Smith won the 500 competition, after having tied with Mr. T. Antonovich. Vocal items were given by Mrs. F. Watters, Mrs. O. E. Olsen and Mr. J. H. Ratcliffe. Mrs. D. A. Williams acted as accompanist. Mr. F. Clendon Gould was M.C. Miss Lowe and Mr. Dickson w r ere the successful couple in the spot waltz competition. Dr. Greville, on behalf of the club, thanked the host and hostess of the evening, which had been a most enjoyable one and would result in the funds being considerably augmented. Mr. Colmore-W r illiams suitably replied on behalf of Mrs. Williams and those assisting her. The music was supplied by the Melody Makers.