CAMBRIAN NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17830, 26 April 1926, Page 13

CAMBRIAN NOTES.

WELSH HATS AND THE EISTEDDFOD.

It is rumoured that the Welsh ladies are to be encouraged to wear their national costume this year. At the Scottish Society’s gala nights they wear Glengarry caps, so why should we not wear tall hats? It is difficult to understand the origin of the tall beaver hat, unless it is a survival of the fashion in Stewart times, introduced from England. From examination of pictures of that date it would appear so—and then, perhaps, because the hats were very costly, they lasted a long time and were handed down from mother to daughter, and the fashion survived in Wales when it died out in England with a change of monarchy. The Highland kilt is no doubt a survival of an early British fashion, common in Wales and Ii eland, but now, mercifully, only surviving in Scotland. They perpetuated the kilt, and we kept the tall hat. On an old stone preserved at Neath there is a delineation of a rudely carved figure in a kilt, and others have been found in Ireland and at Llandevailog and Lanamlech, in Brecon, ascribed to the eleventh century. There seems to be nothing distinctive about the dress of Welshmen since they let the Scots have the monopoly of the kilt, for the blue-grev knitted worsted stockings and knee breeches are seldom seen now. But the dress of the women is very picturesque with its beautifully laundered frilled caps tied in a demure bow, its fichu and three-cornered shawl, and checked or striped apron over a pleated skirt, or a skirt of striped linzey. In pictures of recent Eisteddfods bodices with elbow sleeves, from which white muslin undersleeves appear, gathered into a wristband, seem to be worn. The principal object of an Eisteddfod is to cultivate a patriotic spirit, by the encouragement of the music, literature, language and customs of Wales. So this is a fitting opportunity to wear the Welsh costume. If a few would lead the fashion, by September every Welsh lady attending the Eisteddfod would be wearing her quaint and pretty costume and give it a greater attraction.

The Cambrian Society’s opening social was held in the Trinity Church schoolroom on Saturday night, through the courtesy of the eiders of the Congregational Church, as a recognition of the society’s help in giving a service of song there, when Madame GowerBurns sang the solos and the Welsh Choir several beautiful Welsh hymns. It was rather a departure from the usual routine —and was intended as a welcome to all new and propective members, and to give all an opportunity to meeting each other, and of starting the new year brightly and happily. The president, Mr Thomas Williams, expressed his confidence in the committee, and said he was sure it would be a successful year. He welcomed the guests of honour* Mr and Mrs Hudson, who are leaving to-night for a year’s holiday in Australia, and Mr Gann, a visitor from Wellington, who, at one time, was an active mem-, ber of the Society. He then left the evening’s programme in the capable hands of Mr Johns and Mr J. Bowden, who provided a most enjoyable entertainment of games and competitions, and all went merrily as a marriage bell.. Singing proverbs was a novel entertainment. Miss P. Williams and Mr Rogers were the winners. Mr Reeves won the “Lttcky Spot” prize. The old games of “Dusty Miller,” and “Spinning the Trencher” provided: amusement for all, and a considerable amount of exercise. The Peanut race was won by Miss Y r era Pollard. Boy’s Peanut race, E. Williams. Married ladies’, Mrs Bradbury. Men’s, Mr F. W. Jones. Miss James won the balloon race, which w ? as a pretty event. Blowball proved most exhilarating. Mr Johns's team proved the winners after a most exciting contest with much “barracking.” The ladies provided a most excellent supper. The hall was decorated with vases of chrysanthemums and greenery. The pretty lamsphades shed a pleasant glow. POPPY DAY. A team of ladies representing the Cambrian Society sold poppies on Friday, at Cook and Ross's corner, which realised £3O 18s 3d made up as follows:—Miss Baker £5 14. s 9d, Miss Morgan £5 4s 9d, Mrs Pollard £4 3 Gd, Mrs Evans £4 2s, The Honorary Secretary £ll 13s 3d. ANZAC DAY. We saw the Barracks filled with that vast concourse of people, gathered together to render homage to our glorious dead, to the deathless “Main Body,” to the survivors, and to the nurses who braved all the dangers to tend the sick and wounded, and to the nio. thers and wives, who, stifling their' fears, bade their sons go and do their duty. We heard the singing of the combined choirs, the band, the click of the rifles, as the firing party obeyed the words of command, the “Last' Post,” the stirring oratory of the Hon L. M. Isitt, M.L.C. We joined in the hymns and the prayers of the Padres, and then came, as a message of hope and comfort and conviction, the lovely voice of Madame Goweiv Burns, “I, Know That My Redeemer Liveth.” We feel proud of her. The wreath sent by the Cambrian Society was among those placed in front of the Cathedral yesterday. It was composed of laurel leaves, and the Prince of Wales’ feathers in white chrysanthemums, and was made by Mrs Bayliss, a member of the society. At the Salvation Army Citadel yesterday, wreaths were placed at the base of a facsimile of the Cenotaph at Whitehall, painted by Mr A. Johns. SOCIAL. Mr and Mrs Hudson leave Christchurch Station at 6.45 this evening. As many members of the Cambrian Sor ciety as possible will meet there to bid them “good-b3 r e.” Miss Shirley Stalker is staying with her grandmother, Mrs Marshall, Stonyhurst Street. Miss Bettie Williams is going to Dunedin this week to see the Exhibition. Mrs Pollard, vice-president of the Cambrian Society, and Mrs Danvers Hamber, assisted the Mayoress (Mrs Archer) and Miss Nonie Enwright to adjudicate at a fancy dress party on Saturday afternoon at St Saviour’s Hall, in aid of the Sydenham Girl Guides Company, and were presented with bouquets of chrysanthemums. During the week, Mr R. C. Jones, of Oswestry was a visitor to Christchurch, and had a pleasant chat, with Mr David James on Welsh affairs. About sixteen years ago he was honorary secretary of the society, and he hopes now to make his home in New Zealand.