For Women Folk

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12083, 11 August 1917, Page 4

For Women Folk

By "STELLA."

Miss Kissling (Rangiora) is,visiting friends in Nelson.. • • O • • Mr and Mrs Hepburn, Palmerston North, are visiting Christchurch. * * » •* • Colonel and Mrs Ewart are staying at the Clarendon. ♦ v » • • » Mrs Craddock (Timaru) returned to her home this morning. Mrs Gordon (Timaru) is visiting friends in Christchurch. * # • # • Mrs Buckley and Miss Buckley left for Wellington last evening. * * • « • Mrs Paul Studholme, Waimate, is staying at Aberdaro House. «>•««« Mrs Allan Hamilton arrived in Christchurch from the north this mornk ing. L • » » « • B Miss Yetta Rose, who has been stayBwlug with Mrs Millias, "Wellington, has 'returned to Christchurch. # # « * • Mr and Mrs J. A. C. Bayne (Greymouth) went hack to tho Coast yesterday after a holiday in town. V • # • « Mr and Mrs B. Smith (Wanganui) arrived from the north this morning, and are staying at "Warner's. * * * * • Mrs C. Hood Williams has returned to her home in Armagh Street, after being away for several months. » « * • Mr Paul Studholme, Miss Studholme and Master Michael Studhojime left recently on a visit to the Bay of Islands. ' » « « « Mrs H\ H. Loughnan, who has had a house at Cashmere Hills, has now taken Mr Humphreys's house' at Richmond, Sumner. * * • e • Mrs C. R. Beadel and Miss Beadel, "Holly 'Road, accompanied by Lieutenant Geoffery Beadel, left for Wellington last night. • * • 4t « ' Mr and Mrs J. F. Buchanan, who have had Mr Matron's house at Sumner for some months, have, with their family, gone back to Little River. * * « * « Mrs Wichsteed and Mrs Reston (Wellington), who have been to Dunedin, are staying now at tho United Service. Mrs C. H. Poole, wife of Mr Poole, M.P. for Auckland West, who has been on a visit to her sister, Mrs I-J. Blakeley, of St Albans, returned, to Wellington on Thursday evening. # • • # • Mrs Andrew Fairbairn and her young daughter, who have been spending a short holiday with Mrs R. Perkins, Park Villa, Richmond .Terrace, returned to Dunedin to-dav. * # • * • The tiny pupils of Miss Webb's kindergarten at. Papanui sent in to the Red Cross depot, through th 0 Merivale f branch, four dozen beautifully made "handkerchiefs. Most of the children

"Stella" will be glad to hear from all Interested in Women's Work and Life, and to receive Items of Interest and value to Women for publication or reference In this column.

are not more than eight years of ago and the sewing is quite a& good, if not Letter, than tho average sent in by much older folk. * * • # • Tho Women's Auxiliary Committee of tho Canterbury Branch of the Navy League is issuing invitations for a gift and coin afternoon to be held, bv kind permission of .Mrs Nicholls, at " Mona V'ale, ' Fcndalton Road, on Saturday, August 25. at 2.30 p.m.. to provide Christmas comforts for tho New Zealanc.ers of tho motor-boat patrol. Gifts needed are socks and stockings (preferably black or blue), mittens, mufflers, balaclavas, jerseys (blue or black or coin equivalent. & ® • Hci Excellency Lady Liverpool has now .nought out a .second edition of her " Knitltinft Book," to which she has added a lew more recipes. The K.ok, a. boon to knitting enthusiasts, is dedicated to !the women of New Zealatid. fhe knitting oi articles invaluable to the troops, the making of childien s garments, and orher interesting matters dear to tlm hearts of the busy women who have made knitting an inclustiry with them, arc included in tho hmts with which iho book abounds. All profits go to help our sick and wounded soldiers. * . » o » In no way is Madame Parti's personality so ivpll exemplified as in her treatment of her guests. Telegrams, cablegrams, letters, all am sent at the expense of the hostess. It is her w;sh that 1 a visitor may not find it necessary to spend even a penny while stavm" with her. It wa s in 1875 that Madamo i atti was first attracted bv the olci castle nf Craig-y-Nos. She secured tho property at a moderate cost, and since then has spent something like £IOO,UUO on its improvement. * * » * ft In Switzerland, girls c.f fourteen are employed as porters, carrying tho baggage ot travellers ui> and down thef steep mountain paths.* The limit to the burden often put. upon them is their inability to stand up under anyth.ng more. But the burden inceascs with the age and strength of burden bearers, till by the time the girl; come to womanhood there is no sort of menial toil in which thev tio n : a hand, and quit e commonly the chief hand. C » « * 9 A good story is told about Lady Diana. Manners and her mother, tho Ducness of Rutland. They wore sfcaying'at Uc-lvoir Castle, the family's magnificent seat in Lincolnshire.' While theie they entertained a number of wounded soldiers to tea. Amongst the main tieasuies the castle holds is an enormous silver punch-bowl, probably the largest in existence. It weighs 1601bs, and holds lifty-two gallons. *" A couple of wounded soldiers stood for some minutes in speechless wonderment betore this gigantic driniungvessej. At length one- of them, quite oblivious of the presence of Lady Diana, who was standing a little way in the rear, blurted out, " Lummie, Bill, but wouldn't it do a chap's heart good to see that full o' porter after a twenty-mile route march?'' Madame Clara Butt, the famous coutialto, probably receives a greater number of letters .nskino; favours than any other singer. She relates the following story, showing the sort of ingenious requests that come to her from, time to time. One day she received a piece of manuscript music sent, by an unknown composer, who wrote: "I enclose a post office order for twelve shillings and e:ghteenpence in stamps, making thirteen and sixpence in all. This and the stamps, J beg you to understand, are your own for the compliment which you will do mo of singing my song in public. Should you sing it more than once, and will acquaint me with the time and place of its second rendering, T shall be very pleased to make the matter up to, say, fififteen shillings.'' The famous contralto is still thinking the matter over. * * « # • WEDDING. WOOLER. Cn Thursday afernoon. at tho Merivale Church, Miss Charlotte Wooler, eldest daughter of Mrs E. J. 'Wooler, Merivale, was married to Mr Thomas Trim, of England, tho Rev P. B. Haggitt officiating. Tho bride, who was given away by her mother, wore a simple frock of white silk and a becoming hat of pale blue. Her two sisters, Misses Zona and Carrie Wooler, attended her as bridesmaids, wearing white voile frocks, largo black picture hats. Tho groomsmen were Messrs H. J. Anderson and C, H. Gillies. After the ceremony a dainty tea was held at tho residence of the bride's mothei. • » « • » ST MICHAEL'S GIRL SCOUTS. The Scout movement is one of the best methods of instilling into tho young a .sense of honour, of obedience, and a desire to love and sea-vo one! another. It not only does these thing hub it encompasses much practical knowledge being gained by the mem-

bers. In connection with St Michael's parish there is a band of Giii Sooutts, under the guidance of Miss M'KenzieGibson, who gives much time and attention to the girls in her charge. During the winter the girls have undertaken somo rerv long walks, in and surroundng Christ church, besides which they have carried out systematically a number of useful and beneficial schemes. An innovation into the ordinary routine is being introduced. I-nst Saturday the troop visited the gardens and we're shown, by Mr Young, how to grow seedlings, how to grow cuttings, how to prune, and tho rudiments of gardening generally. A plot of ground has been given them, and each girl will be responsible for a small portion thereof, and will endeavour *to successfully cultivate her particular piece of the ground, the best gardeners being awarded a, .Scout badge at the end cfi the season. These girls have also been busily rehearsing for an entertainment which is to be held next Tuesday in aid of their class. » * * * • WOMEN'S NATIONAL RESERVE. At a meeting of the executive of the Women's National Reserve, held a* 257, Manchester Street, Mrs Wood presided. •" The Ball Committee, Mesdames Rhodes, Chaffey, IT. Wood, M'Dougall, 0. Dalgetv and Miss Tabart, reported that; satisfactory progress was being mado. A request -was received from tho Soldiers' Ball Committee to tho effect that floral contributions be asked for decorative purposes. It was decided to ask that all flowers and shrubbery be sent to tho Alexandra Hall not! later than 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Mrs Wood reported that the next meeting, of the club for the wives and

mothers of soldiers would be held in tho Alexandra. Hall on Friday, Septem- | ber 1&. It) was also desired that a meeting of the visitors to the wives and mothers of soldiers be held quarterly, tho first) meeting to take place before the end of August. Mrs Hamber asked that a branch of the Reserve should bo formed in Linwood. Mrs Wood said sho would ba glad to accede to such a request, and asked Mrs Hamber to organise the branch. Mrs Berry (Burwood) forwarded hei hospital report, which showed that all arrangements in connection with the 6oldiers were satisfactory. Mrs Tomlinson reported that the daily afternoon teas at the Roturned Soldiers' Olub were n. great success and were much appreciated by tho men. Special notice should be given to tho afternoon when Mr G. Gray gavo an exhibition of }i,Llliard playing, and also (tho day tha men entertained soldiers en route to their homes in the south. On both occasions the I'Vndalton branch of tho Reserve provided tea. Mrs Wood said the thanks of tiho committee wero duo to Miss Lily White for tho trouble sho had taken in proriding flowers for the Returned Soldiers' Club, ami Miss Whit'o was accorded a vote of thanks. Miss Cocks read a statement/ showing- that the receipts of tho "Women's National Reserve amounted to £93 and the expenses to £3O, leaving a btilanco of £57. • • • • • A FANCY DRESS DANCE. One of tho most successiul and jolliest of dances was that which took place last evening in tho Caledonian Hall in aid of patriotic funds, when cowboys and princesses, noblemen and peasants and other curiously assorted folk mingled together in sprightly manner. Tho arrangements were all that could be desired, the music and floor being perfect, and the sitting-out rooms artistically decorated. Tlie

chaperones were—Mrs Roberts, Mrs Young and Mrs Terry, and the committee Messrs L. and P. Roberts, Brent, and Salt. Amongst the many present were—Miss Ethel Brooke, "Ladybird"; Miss Mary "W iglcy, "Ragtime Girl"; Miss Ethel "W ynnWilliams, "Egyptian Princess JVliss Lulu Hannay, "Pierrot"; Miss Violet Wat kins, "Powder and Patches"; Miss Olivo Watkirus, "Eastern Princess"; Miss Gwitha Young, "Bluebell"; Miss Irene Mahon "Colcen Ba.wn " ; Miss Bethune, " Pierrette " : Miss Falck, "Gipsy"; Miss Belle Young, " Powder and Patches " ; Miss Munroe, " D-utch Girl"; Mis-s Gudgeon, "French Peasant"; Mif-s Martin, "Pierrot"; Miss Leithhead, "Dutch Girl"; Mr B. Peache, "Clown"; Mr L. Salt. "Pierrot"; Mr T>. Roberts, "Pierrot"; Mr N. Jones, "Cricketer" ; Mr L. Wyles, "Clown" ; Mr Ralph Beadel, "Sport"; Mr L. Lcversedge, "Cowboy ; Mr R. "Wilson, " Dutch Boy " : Mr Pnrsons, " Cricketer "; Mr Harry Gill. "Pierrot." Others present, not in fancy costume, „- ere —Tisdale, Miss Joan Quanc, Miss Hazel Evans, Miss G. Diamond, Miss Maude, Miss English, Miss Beere and Miss Bridge. * * • • • HOSPITAL LADY VISITORS. Tho Hyman Marks Fund for destitute hospital patients, administered by tho Lady Visitors' Committee, is the interest, derived from a sum of money left by the lato Mr Hyman Marks in 'the hands of trustees tor the beneiit of destitute patients in the Christchurch Hospital and to assist them tempoiaiilj when it-lir-y leave. Tho trustees hand this interest to the Hospital Lady Visitors' Committee every six months, to bo expended by them to the best advantage according to the requirements of each recipient. Tho trustees particularly request that special assistance shail be given to those needing artificial limbs or who are crippled in any way. They also request that tho work of the fund shall be brought before tho public every few years so that the fund may bo added to from time to timo. Tho Hospital Lady Visitors' I\imd was instituted many years ago for the purpose of bringing brightness into tho lives of patients while m hospital and sending those needing a further rest and change of air to the Rhodes Convalescent Home on tho Cashmere Hills, or otherwise helping in any suitable way to hasten their recovery to health, the fact being recognised that many (who are by no means destitute) need a little help only because of their illness. This fund is derived from the interest of two legacies and from the annual subscriptions of members. The work of the Lady Visitors' Association is very varied. Among other things, it supplies the Christmas gifts, and toys are constantly given for tlvo children's ward, and children aro sent on leaving the Hospital to the Children's Convalescent Cottago at New Brighton. The, weekly concerts ar 0 part of tho work of tho committee. The winter sewing meeting supplies much warm underclothing, while Howors, books, papers, etc., are constantly sent or taken by the visiting members. Theso two funds are worked conjointly by a committee which meets once a month and a sub-committee, which inquires weekly into the needs of patients leaving tho Hospital. This year there havo been a large number of patients who required extra assistance from the Destitute Patients Fund, therefore it was deemed suitable and desirable to ask tho public for a little help. This appeal Avi 11 bo made in the form of a garden feto in the Hospital grounds next November, and already the Hospital lady visitors and their frends are ousy with preparations. * * # * • COUNTESS OF ONSLOW ON WARTIME ECONOMY. Tho Countess of Onslow, who since, October, 1914, has. to uso her own words, "lived in a hospital"—that is to say, at home at Clandon Park, tho Earl of Onslow's residenco in Surrey, devoted to the needs of tho wounded—naturally made the subject of tho hospital staff and the Food Controller's rations the first topic of consideration, in her talk about economy with a "Daily Mail" representative. ' As regards the food question in the hospital," said Lady Onslow, "wo find hero that we can manage on tho rations, and I think that everyone now realises the necessity for economy. " Ati first tho position was not understood universally, and many people were inclined to think that women who work hard —and the nurses and V.A.D. members in a hospital do work very hard—require moro than tho ordinary rations. 1 think now, however, that people are realising that they must! make up their, minds to do without, and that as timo goes on tho ration will get shorter and possibly less attractive in substance. " As to other matters in which women are interested, I should like to take the subject of dress as one where there are opportunities for considerable economy, both in labour and material. "It is no good saying that, generally speaking, it is not. an advantage to n. woman to be well dressed in whatever station of life slio happens to bo placed; indeed, I cannot see why women in ordinary times should not spend money on their clothes any more than people do on horses, .theatres, bridge, cooks, wine, or any other luxury. And although I do not pretend to hold that people, should not be amused in timo of war, I think very strongly that no mere amusement should be allowed to absorb time, money, energy and material that could bo moro usefully employed in winning the war. '• So that when one goes into dressmakers' and milliners'—ono must go into these places to buy clothes that are necessary—one feels very strongly

that those employed in the production of costly garments would be much better employed elsewhere. Two or three coats and skirts for day wear and a couple or evening gowns are quite enough for anyono at the present tune.'' * a * * • ORNAMENTS. Tn Early Victorian times jet was much worn, and was considered distinguished and becoming, as indeed it is when woi'n suitably. It is again becoming the fashion. It is not as expensive as jewels, and is more in keeping with tho times. Jet ornaments studded with pearls are being worn at Home. E.ED CROSS NOTES. THE SILVER. THIMBLE FUND. Many attractive features aro being arranged for Our Day, September ~8, and tho day all over the Empire for collecting funds for tlvn sick and wounded of oui- Navv and Army. And not only all over the British Empire is Our Day celebrated, but in every country whero there is a settlement of British people. Not the least interesting of the local arrangements for collecting funds will bo the "Old silver" stall in Cathedral Square, undertaken by tho Auxiliary Committee of tho Red Cross Society. At a meeting of this committee held on Wednesday, it was decided to start collecting at once, and the whole campaign has been well thought out and set in motion. In tho letter given below, which is to be sent to all branches next week, readers can see for themselves how the collecting is to be done. The society hopes for a good response, not only from the country people, but from all 'I own people who have any worn or broken articles of silver, no matter how small. The letter is as follows: "With a view to raising funds for the Our Day appeal of ithe Red Cross, it has been 'suggested that almost every household has some damaged article ol gold or silver which could be melted down and sold. "Wo should be most grateful if you would collect such articles in your district, and send them any time, addressed to Mrs Blanch, chairman of Auxiliary Committee, Central Depot, Red Cross Society, Manchester Street. " Wo should be glad to hear from you as soon as you have consulted your members. , "Suggested articles: —Old jewellery? old sleeve links, silver photo frames, old silver thimbles, broken or worn gold and silver trinkets, bracelets, brooches, chains, cigarette cases, coins, etc., or any oddments of silver or gold, are earnestly asked ior. ' There the circular ends, and tho ladies in charge of tho "Old silver'' stall on Our Day hope to receive not onlv old silver and gold for melting down, but perhaps an occasional piece of silver that can be sold for the benefit of the funds. Last year, for Our Day,, tho same thing was tried on a small scale, and was most successful. This year wo hopo that every Canterbury housewife will search all boxes and cupboards and see what they will yield in tho way of a harvest. As a means of augmenting this particular section of the Our Day Funds, a most attractive picture postcard is to bo on sale within a week at tho Rod Cross Depot. The picture on the card shows, in two colours, the work of the fund in England, from which tho local branch of the Red Cross Society has borrowed the idea. Opened early in tho first year of tho war, tho " Silver Thimble " Fund has. out of nothing but old and broken silvtr and gold collected in England, provided five motor ambulances for Franco or London, five motor hospital boats for Mesopotamia, a travelling disinfcctor for France, and built a rorm and endowed a l>ed at tho Star and Garter Home for disabled sailors and soldiers. The last item cost more than £2OOO. and another £2OOO went to the fund for disabled bluejackets and marines. Altogether, the amount collected up to about six months ago reached £12,000. Tho object, for which tho inaugurators of tho scheme aro at present collecting is a donation oi £IO,OOO for tho disabled sailors and soldiers. In this distant country we aro apt to lose sight of the fact that the Red Cross Funds aro equally for sailors and soldiers. We are so busy seeing that our men want for nothing when they arc sick or wounded that we find it difficult to remember the sick and wounded sailors in England, and that the funds aro equally at tho command of both the Senior and Junior services. SPRING FASHIONS IN BABY WEAROnly recently have the clothing requirements of our babies been properly considered in the light of style and fashion for the season. The well-known baby linen specialists, Messrs Reddings, Ltd., 2l'iß. High Street, aro now showing the spring fashions in baby wear, and the exquisite gowns, coatees and iuilinery arle a veritable eyeopener iii what can ho accomplished in clothing tho little tots. Every mother who takes a pnde in the appearance and comfort of her little ones should at least inspect what the spring styles offer for them in dainty long costs, silk and muslin matinee coats, delightful millinery of every description, not to mention frocks and gowns—all of which may be seen at the special spring show of Ltd., tho Baby Linen Specialists. 268, Nig'i Street. X * * * * * MRS ROLLESTON. (Qualified London and Paris), TS RECOMMENDED for all Hair and Face JL Treatment (especially 1-idling Hair ; Prematura Orcyncss and Dandruff, i nc<> ; and Coinploxion Treatments, Specialised. Hairwork of every description and Permanent Removal of Superfluous Hair by E.octrolysis. DOMINION BUILDINGS, Cathedral Squara- ,