MELBOURNE CENTENARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19942, 29 October 1934, Page 12

MELBOURNE CENTENARY

A NOTABLE VISITOR. One of Mayfair’s prominent hostesses is looking forward eagerly to her forthcoming trip to Australia, states a London correspondent. The Dowager Lady Swaythling will be the most notable English woman visitor since the Hon. Mrs Ronald Greville was there in 1927, during the tour of the Duke and Duchess of York. Like Dame Margaret Greville, she is a great traveller, and her trip to the Commonwealth will complete her knowledge of every corner of the globe. Travelling with her maid as sole companion, Lady Swaythling has made a hobby of seeing the world.

No one in London leads a busier life than this remarkable woman—for apart from her social activities, she works on no fewer than 22 committees. She is a member of the committee of the Air League, and the Common Interests Committee of the English Speaking Union. The Japan Society, the Wine and Food Society, and the Alliance Francaise all make a claim on her time. She is treasurer of the Electrical Association for Women, chairman of the Women’s council of the Institute of Industrial Psychology and takes an active interest in the affairs of the Girl Guides, as well as being vice-president of the British Women’s Hospitality Committee (formed specially for the entertainment of overseas visitors), a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and of the Royal Philharmonic Society. She serves on the committees of various hospitals, and on the St. John’s Ambulance organisation—but of all her interests, she will tell you that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children holds first place in her heart. She gives up more of her time to it than any of her other social welfare connections. Although Lady Swaythling has five grandchildren, her figure is slim as that of a girl, and her movements lithe and youthful. Softly greying dark hair curls back from a real English rose-leaf complexion, untouched by the passing years; and she has a forceful vivid personality allied with great personal charm. She attributes her wonderful health and stamina to the strict observance of basic health rules. Lady Swaythling has never had need to resort to fashionable slimming, because she keeps her body young by systematic exercise. First thing in the morning—she is an inveterate early riser—she does her “daily dozen,” followed by a plunge into a swimming bath if one is available. She never eats meat, never drinks tea, and has never tasted a cocktail in her life.