THE SOCIAL ROUND

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 960, 9 March 1917, Page 4

THE SOCIAL ROUND

Mr ami Mrs G. L. Sunderland (Hawke's B;ty), who have been holidaying on the West Coast, are at present in Christchurch, on their return to the north.

Mr and Mrs R. Allen and Miss Allen (Nelson) left by motor for Kaikoura this morning, after a short stay in Christchurch. Dr Leatham and Miss C. Leatham (New Plymouth) are making a holiday tour through Blenheim and Christchurch districts. Mrs Stead has returned to "Strowan," after a visit to her daughter, Mrs Russell Grace, Wangauui. Mrs J. Donald (Christchurch) is spending a few weeks in Nelson. Mrs W. 11. Skinner (Christchurch) and her daughter, Mrs W. Churchill (Blenheim) are the guests of Mrs Devcnish, New Plymouth. Mrs E. Hervey (Blenheim) is visiting friends in Christchurch. A wedding of interest to Canterbury residents was celebrated in England lately, the bridegroom being Bandsman Harold E. Buckingham, of Waimate, and the bride Miss Bectrice Thompson. The bride wore a pretty costume of ■wedgwood blue gabardine, trimmed with musquash, and a hat of white panne velvet. Major and Mrs Finnis have gone for a trip to the West Coast.

Mr and Mrs Frank Peter have return ed to Anama, after a week in town.

Captain and Mrs Chapman (Temuka) came up to town this week to meet their eon, Rifleman H. J. Chapman, who returned yesterday on the hospital ship. Mr and Mrs Jas. Robinson, of Sydney, are amongst the oversea visitors at present in Christehurch.

Mrs Knox Gilmer went back to Wellington last night. Her husband, Cap tain Knox Gilmer, will remain in Christchureh for a time. Mr and Mrs Hanmcr Atkinson are motoring back to Hanmer to-day, after a short stay in town. Miss Maud Wilson, M.A., at present first assistant mistress in the Southland Technical College, has been appointed to the position of Chief Instructor in mathematics in the Auckland Technical College. The engagement is announced of Miss Beatrice Evelyn Curlett, eldest daughter of Mrs E. A. Curlett, " Braid wood," Salisbury Street, and Air Ernest E. Joyce, Devonshire, England, a member ef the Antarctic Expedition.

We get an amusing glimpse of life at Spencer House—the latest mansion placed at the disposal of the Government—in the letters of Lady Sarah Spencer, daughter of the second earl. In May, 1808, Lady Sarah writes from Spencer House to her brother: "The event of the greatest importance I know of today is the arrival and down-laying of a beautiful new carpet in the drawingroom. It affords conversation to all the visitors, and afforded Mama an excuse for turning out Lord Bulkeley 's great dog, whom he had brought with him, two very good effects to'be produced by a new carpet. Alas, poor earpet! In how short a time will it be trod and spit upon by dogs and men, Ttfithout scruple, and never thought of from week's end to week's end!"

Like the haggis, the mealie-pudding is to the Sassenach a Scotch delicacy the origin of which is wrapped in deepest mystery. The other morning two travel-stained English Tommies dropped into the rest-room at Aberdeen Station for some much-needed refreshment (says a writer in an English paper). They were heartily welcomed by the ladies in charge, and in a few minutes a succulent mealie-pudding, piping hot, was placed before each. Both had seen more than a bit of life since joining the Army, but a mealie-pudding was one of the things hitherto undreamt of in their philosophy. Determined, however, to brave the unknown, one of them boldly cut his pudding in two, scooped out some of the contents, and took a mouthful. As lie slowly masticated the oatmeal, a look of contentment came over his features. "Go ahead, Bill! "he exclaimed. "It's only good old porridge in a 'Tank.' "

"O. Henry" is not. the only recruit to literature from (he bank counter. There was "Fiona Macleod," Hie pen name of William Sharp, whose manager one day diplomatically suggested that banking possibly did not suit him, though he very generously offered him another chance in Australia, together with a day to consider the matter. But. he "resolved to forget business for that day, seek the country, and hear the cuckoo.'' When, next day, he told the manager of his movements there ■was a. sharp difference of opinion as to ■whether the bank or the cuckoo was the more important. And William Sharp did no more banking. Louis Becke fared even worse. After six weeks' experience of his banking capabilities he was "allowed to resign."

Letters written by Lord Kitchener to Sir Evelyn Wood during the re-conquest of the Soudan are to be sold for the Bed Cross Funds.

HONOURING A NURSE

MEMORIAL TO SISTER HILDYARD. A very impressive ceremony was held in the, Couucil Chambers, at Lyttelton, yesterday afternoon, when Lady Liverpool unveiled a portrait of the late Sister N. Hildyard, a nurse who lost her life in the Marquette disaster. The Mayoress (Mrs Radcliffe) received her Excellency on arrival.

Mr J. T. Norton, Doputy-Mayor, presided, owing to the absence through illness, of the Mayor, Mr W. Radcliffe. He apologised for the absence of the

Mayor of Christchureh and several other gentlemen, who were engaged in welcoming the returned soldiers in town. The late nurse's mother was present at the. ceremony, and the nurses from the hospital ship also attended.

Mr Norton said he was pleased to set! so many people gathered together to do honour to the memory of Sister Hildyard, who had made such a splendid sacrifice while serving her country. Puring her life she has set a tine example to all, as she had by her death. Mi' M. J. Miller said that many of those present had known Sister Hildyard from her childhood, and she was greatly esteemed by all. If there was one particular body of women that the people honoured it was the nurses, who did their duty so nobly. Mrs Newell said that Nurse Hildyard died just as truly for her country as any soldier. It was service such as that they had met to commemorate that uplifted the nation. Lady Liverpool unveiled the memorial, revealing a large painting of the late Sister Hildyard, in uniform.' The people rose, and the "Last Tost" was sounded, followed by the National Anthem.

The portrait was by Mr Wallwork, of Christchureh. It was very much • admired by all. After the ceremony the ladies of the Lyttelton Swimming Club provided afternoon tea, and musical and instrumental items were given by Mesdames Davics, Aynsley, Livingstone, and Aliss Nottingham. Subsequently Mrs Baddiffe conducted her Excellency and party through the Seamen 's Institute.