A MAID IN MAYFAIR

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1935, Page 13

A MAID IN MAYFAIR

LONDON TOWN GOSSIP GUESTS AT SANDRINGHAM HOUSE MANY OLD FRIENDS INCLUDED. (From Our Own Correspondent). London, Jan. 31. The King and Queen have had an unusually interesting guest list during thei j present stay at Sandringham, many 01 their oldest friends being among those asked to spend long week-ends with them at their Norfolk home. Lord and Lady. Crewe were the latest visitors, and their Majesties were able to offer verj sincere birthday wishes to Lord Crewe who celebrated a seventy-seventh anniversary just a week before going tc Sandringham. Since the end of hi; period of service as British Ambassador in Paris, Lord Crewe has lived verj quietly, indulging in racing as he feel; inclined, and watching the progress oi the various societies in which he is Interested. L&dy Crewe has had a rathei more strenuous time, for her daughter Lady Mary Crewe-Milnes, reached coming out age two years ago, and, after presenting her at Court, her mother ha; been most conscientious in taking her about and entertaining for her. A Queen’s “Lady.” There is a good deal of concern In Royal Household circles at the rathei serious, illness of Lady Bertha Dawkins, who is one of the Queen’s oldest and most valued ladies-in-waiting. Lady Bertha has. a charming suite of rooms in Kensington Palace and it is there that she is lying ill, having collapsed after a strenuous time round about Christmas. Many messages of sympathy have been sent to .her by the Queen from Sandringham, and her Majesty is being kept in touch almost from day to day in regard to her condition. Lady Bertha has an only daughter, Miss Edith Dawkins, who is having a busy time answering the inquiries of her mother’s huge circle of friends. Miss Dawkins is a clever business woman, and recently opened a fruit and vegetable business in Mayfair, delivering goods herself with the aid of a small sports car. Women’s Legion. Members of the Royal family have always taken the deepest interest in the British Legion, and the Princess Royal, is as enthusiastic about the women’s section of it as are her brothers, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Kent, about the men’s. Yorkshire, her adopted county, is holding an area conference at the beginning of next month, and the Princess is not only entertaining some of the principal guests at Harewood, but has promised to be present herself at some of the meetings. Lady Haig will, as usual, be going up to speak at the conference, and Lady Edward Spencer Churchill—a loyal and conscientious ■ worker for both sections of the Legion, and Lady Fitzwilliam, the new president of this Yorkshire area, will support her. The Princess has quite recovered from her indisposition, and will be keeping a number of engagements in the north during February. The Duchess’ Coiffure. The Duchess of Kent evidently absorbed a good deal of the smart Parisian’s desire for chic during the years that she lived in the French capital with her parents. Already she is said to be the most perfectly groomed young woman in London among those who meet at .various restaurants-.and dance clubs at night, and her make-up and style of hairdressing are providing much food for social gossip. The curly coiffure, which the economically-minded woman hoped had been left behind with last season’s gaieties, has been revived by the Duchess, and hairdressers are finding “themselves involved again in piling Grecian ringlets high on the heads of the fashion leaders. 'A black morocco beauty-case, one of her wedding gifts, is being taken by the Duchess on her cruise to the West Indies, bottles and boxes being filled with peach-tinted powder, creams for sun bathing and swimming, sun tan oil, astringent lotions, and the hundred and one cosmetic items which the modem woman needs on a holiday. In Search of Sunshine. Princess Marie Louise went off last week-end on a cruise to Montevideo. A cousin of the King, the Princess is probably the most widely travelled of the women members of the Royal family. Each year since the war has seen her set out in search of some far distant spot where people or industries are of interest. While she is away she takes ! copious notes of her experiences, and an interesting little travel volume is usually the result. It was after the publication of one of these volumes that the Princess found herself eligible for membership of the Society of Authors, and this society is probably the only one which has heard her speak at a public dinner. She was their guest of honour soon after she returned from a visit to the Gold Coast, and, to the great delight of a very large company, she got up and made an extraordinarily interesting speech about her travels in reply to the toast of her health.

March Courts. Now that the dates of the March courts have been definitely fixed by the King and Queen smart dressmakers are getting their work-rooms in order in readiness for the making of court dresses. Some of the orders for these were given as far back as last season, and were verified when application for presentation was made on January 1. As this is the King’s silver jubilee year, it is expected that gowns for the courts will be on a very elaborate scale, both in regard to materials and style. Rich brocades, velvets, and satins are being suggested, and many of the older women will wear the rich purples, royal blues, and crimson tones that belong to state functions. Even the dresses of the debutantes will be more dignified and important than usual and, although chiffon ’S to be one of the most fashionable materials for them this year, silver tissues are likely to take its place for court dresses.

Royal Dresses. The tremendous number of state functions in connection with the jubilee will necessitate the Queen ordering a great many dresses for both day and evening wear, and patterns of beautiful materials have already been submitted to her for approval These she has with her at Sandringham, together with selections of specially-drawn sketches, in order that she may go over them and discuss them with her ladies-in-waiting at leisure. As a general rule, the style of Her Majesty’s dresses does not alter a great deal. Lace may be added in a different way, and embroideries may be varied, but with rich materials such as are necessary for gowns for State occasions no great scope is given in the matter of design, neither does the Queen care for elaborate decoration. The success of her dresses always depends upon the richness of the fabric and the clever handling of it in regard to line.

Popular Bride. The weather rather spoiled the pageantry of Miss Angela Dudley Ward’s marriage at St. Margaret’s, Westminster, but Londoners had a wedding after their

own heart in spite of it. Traffic was held up by the cars of guests, white-clad bridesmaids and pages arriving rolled up in shawls, hundreds of society folk in velvet gowns and magnificent furs, and a charming girlish bride in a white and silver wedding gown. The crowd gave her a tremendous cheer, which seemed to delight her, although she was by nc means the pale, trembling figure dear to the old-fashioned novelist’s heart, but a radiant little person with smiling eyes and a good deal to say about the arrangement of her bridal procession. The bride's father gave her away, and Mrs. Dudley Ward, looking ridiculously young to have a daughter married, was a picturesque figure in her favourite colour, blue, with soft fur to trim it. Lady Cunard lent her house for the wedding reception. Emigre Art. When the charming Duchess of Kent returns to London at the end of her

citHiiifitiiiiiittiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiitiiuiiiiiiiiHtiittiiiiiiiiiuiiiuiH honeymoon trip, her first public appearance will be in a most interesting role. She has promised to perform the opening ceremony of an exhibition in London of Russian art in aid of Russian emigres in this country. The works which will be on view will be mostly by Russian emigres, but will include some, of course, by those under the Soviet regime. It .will embrace all forms of art work, from painting to manuscript, furniture to ballet design, and many of the exhibits will be of historical and artistic value of the highest order. London has nothing like such a Russian emigres colony as Paris, for most of the victims of the Bolshevik Terror sought refuge in the gay city almost .by instinct. They were always in close touch with Paris in Tsarist days. But we have many in London, too, including one taxi-driver at least in whom the grand ducal manner still survives most fascinatingly. Exclusive Host Zses. London has few exclusive hostesses these days.. Nearly every notable house has been thrown open to the public—or tniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitniiiiiiiiiniiitifiiiMiittiitiiittiiittiiiiiif

to a section of it—at some time or other during the last few years, and Mayfair’s social list is now extended to such an extent that there is little difficulty in building up a reputation for entertaining. But a few of the gentlewomen of an older generation reserve the right to throw open their doors only to their own circle, and among them is Lady Ludlow, who entertains rarely, but always on the grand scale and in the old fashioned way at Bath House, her Town residence in Piccadilly. The time for one of her delightful dinner parties came round last week, and there were the usual twenty-four guests, seated at one long table, and chosen with great care in order that there might be perfect harmony of conversation. MusicSpanish songs by Madame Conchita Supervia and Russian ones by Peter Lescenco—followed, in the old-fashioned way.

WOMEN’S DIVISION

Meremere-Ohangai: The first meeting of the New Year was held on Friday, Mrs. Williams presiding over an attendance of 17. Sympathy with Mesdames McCarty and Trilford in bereavements was expressed, and with Mesdames Trilford and Dalton in illness. Votes of thanks were accorded Mrs. Williams for the use of her garden and her help at the recent garden party, and Mrs. Dalton for her donation of a duchess set to the branch. It was decided to ask the Red Cross nurse to address the next meeting at Meremere on March 22. Members were asked to make a garment by next meeting for the advisory members and to start on Peggy squares again. A sewing bee was arranged for Friday afternoon at Mrs. Elmes’, to cut out garments for distribution amongst members. At a subsequent meeting of the social committee it was decided to hold a flag five hundred evening on March 8. A stencilling demonstration

Was given by Mrs. Williams. Members were shown how to start a cushion cover, which is to be given to the branch in aid of its funds. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses, Mesdames Dickson, Slater and Tapp. AHITITI-TONGAPORUTU. WOMEN’S DIVISION SOCIAL. The Tongaporutu hall was packed on Thursday evening for the celebration of the third birthday of the Ahititu-Okau-Tongaporutu branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. Visitors attended from Okoke, Waitara, Uruti, Mokau and Mahoenui. The hall was decorated with streamers in the division’s colours, with a background of greenery. Across the back of the stage was hung the hand-painted banner of the W.D.F.U. lent by the New Plymouth branch. The birthday cake, decorated and holding three candles, was placed on a table on the stage. McNeill’s orchestra played dance music, extras being played by Mrs. Beatty (Mokau) and Miss O’Sullivan. Members of the division acted as “masters of ceremonies.” Songs were sung by Mrs. Hamblyn and Miss Doris Anderson. Messrs. H. McNeill and H. Lee gave violin and saxophone solos. The president, Mrs. H. L. Lewis, extended a welcome to all. The work of the branch during the year was briefly outlined. On behalf of the Okoke branch, Mrs. Fraser extended greetings, on behalf of Uruti Miss Boyes and of Mokau Mrs., Beatty. A congratulatory message was read from a former member, Mrs. Townley, Stratford. Mrs. Lewis cut the cake. The supper tables were decorated with vases of asters, pink and mauve. A “mystery dance” was won by Miss Southcott and Mr. Tom O’Sullivan, the “mystery” couple being Mrs. S. Burton and Mr. Frank Blackmore. A lucky spot waltz was won by Miss M. Carr and Mr. Bert Bray. Mesdames Shaw and Schmidt had charge of the ice cream stall. TRIPLETS HONOURED. COMING-OF-AGE AT WHAKAMARA. In honour of the coming-of-age of their triplet children, Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Skevington entertained over 140 guests in the Whakamara hall on Saturday night. There were relatives and friends present from Eltham, Normanby, Manutahi and surrounding districts. Before the supper adjournment, Mr. Christie, on behalf of the residents, presented the young people with gifts. The Misses Skevington received a leather suitcase and pair of vases each and Mr. JS. Skevington a fountain pen and wearing apparel. There were also a number of presents from relatives and friends. Mr. Eric Skevington returned thenks. ’ The three young people received a large key each, which were afterwards autographed by those present. Mrs. J. Barkla presented a bouquet to Mrs. Skevington. The birthday cake, the work of Mrs. Carter, Hawera, was decorated with kewpies and flags. There was dancing to music by Mrs. Langley, extras being played by Mrs. S. Buckrell, Miss G. Gulliver and Mr. N. Barkla. Mr. J. Potter was master of ceremonies. WAIPUKU GIFT EVENING. On Friday evening the Misses Rita Morrison, Gwen and Pat Alexander, Phyllis Jonson and Jean Blair held a gift evening in honour of Miss Mavis Goble, in view of her approaching marriage. The evening passed pleasantly, with musical items, games and dancing, and a large number of friends attended, some having come from as far as Matapu. Miss Morrison asked Miss Goble to accept two heaped baskets of gifts, and extended the best wishes of the company for a happy future. The presentation of a beautiful bronze fruit dish from members of the Midhirst Basketball Club was made by Miss Jean Blair. Miss Goble has been a keen member of the club, since its formation three years ago, and had been vice-captain of her team for two years as well as gaining divisional representative honours for the last two years. Mr. W. Townend returned thanks. Items during the evening were contributed by the Misses Joyce and Violet Bell (pianoforte duets), Miss Lorna Goble, Cardiff (tap dance, Highland fling and military dance, accompanied by Miss Hoskin, Cardiff, and Mr. Riley, Matapu (humorous songs). Great amusement was caused in “The Runaway Honeymoon” game, which was won by Mr. Townend and Miss Goble. Novelty dance winners were: Train, Mr. G. Trass and Miss Z. Tapp; lucky Gay Gordons, Miss Noel Howard and Mr. J. Tapp; statue log cabin, Miss Goble and Mr. Townend. Messrs. Dick Harkness and Arch. Thompson were masters of ceremonies, and dance music was played by Mr. R. Mail, with an extra by Miss Hoskin. Those present included Mesdames W. J. Townend, G. Goble, A. Goble (Cardiff), G. Bell, C. C. Phillips, J. Blair, C. Fowler,, W. Nicol, J. Tapp, Adlam, C. Busby, 'A. Riley (Matapu), J. Capper, D. Thoms, F. Bottin and Misses D. Goble (Cardiff), A. Goble, Ada Morrison, D. Knight (New Plymouth), Kittie and Jean Thoms, L. and R. Hunwick, E. Graham, Riley (3), Matapu, Z. Tapp, L. Trass, R. Griffen, J. Willdon, E. Jensen, N. Howard, Hoskin and L. Goble.

OKAIAWA PERSONAL NOTES. Mrs. Nairn, who has been the guest of her daughter, Mrs. D. Blair, Okaiawa, returned to Eeilding on Saturday. Mrs. Mellon, Auckland, is visiting her daughter, Mrs. G. Barclay. Miss I. Sparrow, Ngatea, Hauraki Plains, and Mrs. Hawke, New Plymouth, are the guests of Mrs. E. J. Betts. Competitions for the funds of the Okaiawa Croquet Club resulted as follows: Nightdress (No. 6), Mrs. Mclntyre; ironing cloth (No. 11), Mrs. West (Hawera).

Miss Edna Washer, Okaiawa, is visiting Auckland for the croquet championships. Mrs. Evetts visited New Plymouth during the week. Miss F. Clark® Midhirst, is visiting Okaiawa.