The Social Round

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18992, 11 February 1930, Page 12

The Social Round

Personal Items. Mrs Archibald, Cashmere Hills, has returned from a visit to Auckland. Miss Freda Davison, of Sockburn, is sta3'ing at Peel Forest. Mr and Mrs F. Huston, of West Lyttelton, are visiting the North Island. Mrs G. JI. Thurlow, Sydnej r , is visiting Christchurch. Mrs Gosset, of Wellington, is staying at Warner's Hotel. Miss A. M. Shillday and Miss K. Goulding, of Auckland, are visiting Christchurch. Mrs Bowman and her two children are staying with Mrs Dalton, Bowhill Road, New Brighton. Miss Doreen Watkins, New Plymouth, is the guest of Mrs H. J. Beadel, Papanui. The Misses Lily and Eileen Evans, of Sea View Road, New Brighton, have gone for a holiday to Peel Forest. Miss M. D. Cameron, Heathcote Valley, left last evening on a visit to relations in Auckland. Mr and Mrs G. W. A’Court, of Cashel Street, have returned home from a holiday spent in the south. Mrs and Miss Witt and Miss Dowsey are spending a holiday with Mrs Savage, Linwood. Miss Merle Garnett, of Woolston, has returned from a holiday spent in Auckland. Mrs Gunn, of Christchurch, is spending a holiday -with her daughter, Mrs R. Stout, of Invercargill. Mr and Mrs Evans and family and Mr and Mrs Allender are Wellington visitors to Christchurch. Mr and Mrs Hassell, Clyde Road, Fendalton, are spending a holiday in the North Island. Mrs M. H. Aiken (Tai Tapu) spent part of the Christmas vacation on the isle of Wight, and went later to London, says an English paper. Miss Bagnell and Miss N. Bagnell, Palmerston North, who have been ing Christchurch, returned to the north last evening. Mr and Mrs W. J. Scott, Wairarapa Terrace, Fendalton, intend leaving at the end of the month for England and the Continent. Mrs T. C. Robinson and Miss Monica Robinson, Cashmere Hills, who have been staying at New Brighton, returned home yesterday. Miss Isabel Scott, who until recently was on the staff of the Bottle Lake Hospital, left for Wellington, en route for England, last Saturday. Miss Muriel Ussher, of Dunedin, is at present the guest of Mr and Mrs Norwood Ussher, “ Naritea,” Grafton Street, Sumner. Mrs G. E. B. M’William (Sheffield, England) and Mr and Mrs E. Samson (Shanghai, China) are guests at Warner’s Hotel. Miss Olive Worthington, of Christchurch, has left for Sydney, en route to Borneo, where her marriage to Mr Douglas Wilson, formerly of Christchurch, will be celebrated. The latest arirvals at the Hotel Federal include: Mrs ‘and Misses Neill (Auckland), Mr Pharo (Wellington), Miss Irving (Albury), Mr Blanchfield (Greymouth), Mr Gallagher (Ashburton). Miss Winifred Guy, whose collection of posters will be remembered in Christchurch, is now in Wellington, after visiting coastal and inland towns from the Bay of to the Bluff, giving lectures and exhibitions. Mr and Mrs John Crompton (Lytham St Annes, England), Miss Richardson - (Dunedin) and Mr and Mrs Felix Barry (The Wynd, St Andrew’s, Scotland) are staying at the United Service Hotel. The Rev Wilna L. Constable and her husband, the Rev W. A. Constable, M.A., of Auckland, are at present in the South Island. After visiting Queenstown, they expect to go to Lake Manapouri, Lake Te Anau and over the Milford Track. Mademoiselle Genevieve Bobenrieth has been asked to assist Mr J. D. White in lecturing at Canterbury College during Professor Blunt’s visit to Europe Mr White will be acting Professor of Modern Languages. Mr and Mrs C. B. Bowie and Miss Dorothy Bowie (Christchurch), after a two-months’ motor tour of England, Scotland and Wales, spent some time on the Continent. They have now returned to London, where they are remaining until Dr Alan Bowie arrives from New Zealand this month. New Zealand members of the Overseas League will be interested to hear that a New Zealander has just been appointed assistant-secretary of the Paris Branch (says an English paper). This is Miss Elsa Thomas, formerly of Christchurch, who has been a keen and enthusiastic member of this branch ’ for some years. She is taking up her new duties in January. The Selwyn Nursing Division of the • St John Ambulance Brigade met re- ; cently at the rooms to resume their • weekly practices. Miss Thompson act- ; ing lady officer, presided over a good 1 attendance of members. After the business part of the meeting was con- | eluded, the acting commissioner, Dr « F. J. Borrie, gave an interesting lecture ’ on the history of the Order of St John , of Jerusalem in England and its work. • Mrs Hitchen proposed a vote of thanks > to the doctor for his lecture.

Personal Items. Miss E. Turner, Wellington, is the guest of Miss Ivy Ha3', Christchurch. Miss Joan Wycherley, of Palmerston North, is visiting Christchurch. Mr and Mrs Clayton, of Christchurch, are visiting Palmerston North. Sir Emmanuel and Lady Hoyle, of Huddersfield, London, are guests at Warner’s Hotel. Miss Nattlie Hodskins, London, is visiting Christchurch and is a guest at Warner's Hotel. Mrs A. Brown and Mrs Leo. Dwan, from Wellington, are guests at the Clarendon Hotel. Miss Ethel Birchley, of Palmerston North, is spending a holiday in Christchurch. Mrs W. G. Cunningham, Hunterville, is visiting Invercargill and Christchurch. After some > r ears in London Mrs Logan has returned to New' Zealand and is visiting Christchurch. She is sta3 r ing at Khartoum, Cashmere Hills. In securing the diploma of A.R.C.M. (Associate of the Royal College of Music) Miss Elaine Newton, of Wanganui (daughter of Mr I. E. Newton, M.A., principal of Wanganui Technical College, and formerly of Christchurch) has added another worthy distinction to those which she already possessed, the latter including the M.A. and L.T.C.L. The A.R.C.M. is the only diploma which may be secured by examination at the Royal College, London (of which Sir Hugh Allen, Mus. Doc., is principal), and is the equivalent of the L.R.A.M., a diploma which is perhaps more widely known, belonging as it does to the older musical institution, the Ro>'al Academ3 r . Miss Newton’s primary aim in visiting England was sight-seeing and educational observation, and it was not until after her arrival there that she decided to qualify for the diploma. She had the advantage of study under Herbert Fryer, one of England’s finest teachers (and a recitalist of considerable repute). Mr Fryer found Miss Newton’s executive ability and musical artistry already ■well developed by her New Zealand teachers, one of whom was Mr Gordon M’Beth.

Sydenham W.C.T.U. The first meeting of the S>'denham W.C.T.U. for 1930 was held in the Baptist Schoolroom last Thursday. Mrs Gilmour presided over a large attendance. A number of apologies were received from members. The pledge was repeated and a temperance fact given. As the union was celebrating Francis Willard da3', Mrs T. E. Ta3dor was to have given the address, but she was not well enough to attend and sent an apology. Mrs Gilmour spoke a few words instead. Mrs Perritt, late of Auckland, and Dominion superintendent for Anti-Gambling, was welcomed to the union and gave a short address on gambling, for which she was thanked. The syllabus for the year, as drawn up by the executive, was approved. Mrs Gilmour was appointed delegate to the convention at Timaru in March. Mrs Windsor gave a recitation, and afternoon tea was served. :: Pavlova in London. London has given a rapturous welcome to Pavlova, who is now making her first appearance after her return from Australia (states a Home correspondent). It is four years since she danced in London, and, although her technique is as wonderful as ever, one critic has said that she has changed, and has grown sad-looking during her absence. This puzzles Pavlova. She says there is no reason why she should be sad. that work means more to her than ever, and “ I live for the jo\ r of every day.” It was once prophesied that Pavlova would have to retire at the age of forty, through sheer nervous exhaustion. Now she is forty-four,, and she declared that the thought of retirement has never crossed her mind. She is more than ever fascinated by the art of dancing, and she practises ever3 r da\', since it is alwa3'S possible to improve. The one thing that pleases her particularly just now is the thought of spending Christmas Day in her Hampstead home, surrounded by her friends. She can hardty remember what it is to spend Christmas quietly at home, and is looking forward to this Christmas as a delightful and novel experience. In the new year she is to make a tour on the Continent, but she plans to be back in London in May.

Miss Stella Murray. Miss Stella Murray, the New Zealand contralto, like so many artists nowadays, has a flat in a converted mews in London. She lately gave a charming party there, at which she herself and Miss Vera Moore, the New Zealand pianist, provided the musical programme. As an addition to the usual party programme there w*as a treasure hunt. Among the guests were: Mr and Mrs Harold Craxton, Lady Doughty, Mr and Mrs Lindo Levelin, Mrs Jack Gordon, Mr and Mrs Graham Carritt. Mrs Guy Innes and Mr Innes, Miss Douglas Hamilton, Miss Colleen Clifford, Miss Anne Williams, Mr Sheridan Russell, Mr Bushell and Mr Temple, Mr and Miss M’Clure-Smith, Miss Colhoun, Mr Colville, Mr Hubert Ennor, Captain Blackford, Miss Shirley Derby shire, and Mr and Mrs Friend. « :: A Harbour Mistress. A girl of twenty-one Miss Stella Gale, may proudly claim that she is the only harbour “master” of her sex in England. When the post of master at Paignton’s little harbour became vacant through the death of Mr George Moore, who had held it for many >-ears, Miss Gale applied for it, and the directors of the Harbour Company were so impressed by her qualifications that they disregarded all precedents and gave her the job. Miss Gale owns an outboard motor, and, as one of the crew of a yacht, has often taken part in Torbay races. Her father, Mr Louis Gale, is head of an engineering and shipbuilding firm at Paignton. :: Enthusiastic Farewell. Wellington residents went out in great numbers to see the Governor-General and the Lady Alice Fergusson depart for England, and all felt glad that their last sight of New Zealand was under such perfect weather conditions as prevailed on Saturda3'. Among officials and friends who shook hands in a last goodbye in the Harbour Board shed (gaily decorated with flags were Lady Myers, the Ma3 r oress (Mrs G. A. Troup), Mrs Forbes, Mrs Bernard Wood, Lady Bell, Mrs Cecil Day, Mrs R. A. Wright, Mrs . Peter Fraser, Mrs Craig, Miss Pomare, Mrs Arthur Barnett and Mrs E. W. - Kane, while the crowds on the wharf i enjo>'ed a last wave from Their Excel- > lencies from the top deck of the vessel. - All around the seashore many watched > the ship slowly move out of the hart bour, while the girls from the Borstal , Institute at Point Halswell were al--3 lowed to go down to the shore at the 3 point to watch. Even when she got - outside the Heads attention was still - called to her, and visitors to the garden r fete at Maranui hurried ta the top of - the hill to see her passing L>-all Bay. ; It was altogether a really “Royal” send - off. r r Christmas in a London Hospital. 1 The elaborate efforts of all the Loni don hospitals to make Christmas a time of brightness for the patients in their wards was nowhere better organised than at Guy’s, where the students ( formed themselves into a concert-party , and toured the wards wealing all manner of amusing fancy dresses, ‘ o’clock on Christmas morning u». til 6 ’ p.m. They gave a short recital in ' each ward. They had devised a programme full of topical jokes and sly ‘ digs at the expense of some of the more ‘ prominent members of the medical and , nursing staff and there were roars of [ appreciation as some of the thrusts . went home. The songs were sung with | tremendous gusto, speaking wch foi the lungs of the performers. Everywhere L excited little boys and girls were being . held shoulder high to see the fun The \ wards were most carefully decorated by the nurses, who find time to do this J in spite of their very hard work. The ’ eye ward was decorated to represent the seaside, with a lighthouse as the piece de resistance, throwing out real beams as it revolved. One small girl in this ward took me to her cot to show off a family of six dolls which had been given to her on Christmas morning, and all the other children were equally well- ■ stocked with gifts. The Dorcas Ward, ' which has a large number of endowed 1 beds and cots, had become a corner of ' Japan, gay with lanterns and umbrellas, a charming Japanese garden and a shrine and an avenue between the two : rows of beds decorated with artificial ■ peach blossom. Every other ward was decorated in a different way and there 1 was great competition between them as to which was the most original. Dr Francis Camps, a house ph>'sician ’ who arranged most of the entertain- ‘ ment and nobly appeared as a coal- - black golliwog in the concert party, had ; also arranged a dinner for the nurses ’ at the expense of the medical staff, and a concert for the patients on Box- • ing Day, at which the Artists’ Rifles ’ were to be the performers. A friend of ’ Dr Camps who is a clever amateur con- : juror and a member of the Magicians’ • Club, entertained the children on Box- [ ing Qav to a performance not in an>* ? way intended for grown-ups. ::

Women’s Institute Organiser. Miss Stoppes, a prominent worker for the women’s institutes in England, arrived by the Niagara at Auckland yesterday, to take up permanent work as an organiser in New Zealand. This has been arranged by the Hawke’s Bay branch of the Federation of Women’s Institutes. This is not Miss Stoppes’s first visit to the Dominion. She once started an institute here, and also one in Samoa. Financial support for this appointment has been given by a wellknown agricultural paper, which has undertaken to supply £SO a year towards the project for the next three 3'ears, and this, with the support of the numerous women’s institutions, should enable good organising work to be done in ths distant country districts, where a centre to attract the women of the farms and give them some outside interest above their daily toil is so ver3' much needed. Women in the cities and the suburbs have all kinds of distractions, but the country women too often have but work from sunrise to sunset withoiit any form of mental break. It is to remedy this isolation that the women’s institutes were first formed in Canada.

£BOO,OOO Heir. The engagement is announced in a London paper of December 31 of Mr David Pierce Plunket and Miss S3 r bil Archer. The romance of Mr Plunket is the second romance in one of the wealthiest of Irish families to be announced within a week. Miss Archer is the younger daughter of Mr and Mrs Archer, of Seaford. Mr Plunket, who is twenty-one, is the eldest son of the Right Rev the lion Benjamin J. Plunket, former Bishop of Tuam and Meath, who inherited the £BOO,OOO property of his aunt, Olivia Charlotte Lady Ardilaun, in 1926. Bishop Plunket is a son of the fourth Baron Plunket. :: :* Visitors to Hanmer Springs. Recent visitors at “ The Lodge,” Hanmer Springs, include: Mr A. E. Allen (London), Mr and Mrs L. B. Scott (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs E. E. Bailey, Miss Ilazel Evans, Miss Helen Thomson, Miss L. G. Thomson, Mr and Mrs R. J. Joy, and Miss Daphne Joy, Mrs Walter Harper, Mrs Wilson, Sir Walter and Lady Stringer, Mrs Graham, Mr Aiken, Mr and Master Nicholson (Christchurch), Mrs Wheeler (Wellington), Mr and Mrs L. J. Bayfield (Christchurch) Miss Parsons (Amber--163'), Mr F. Instone (Christchurch), Dr and Mrs Thomson, Miss Pitt, Mr and Mrs T. F. Dobson (Omihi).

Guests at “ Hanmer House,” include: Miss Mary Stewart (Hanmer Springs', Miss Margaret Kennedy (Loburn), Mr and Mrs J. Nairn (Lincoln Road), Mr M. R. Cargill (Wellington), Mr and Mrs Mackie, Miss Voller, Air and Mrs Thompson (Christchurch), Miss R. M. Redell, Mr C. S. Haberfield, Miss Ibbotson, Miss Treleaven, Mr Wren, Mr T. B. Cargill (Christchurch), Mrs M’Kenzie (Melbourne), Mr R. H. H. Mitchell (Timaru), Miss Swan (Dunedin), Messrs Marshland, F. Johnstone, and F. S. Little (Blenheim), Dr Shore, Mr C. Allen (Wellington), Miss D. Smith (Wanganui), Mr and Mrs Nanson (Belfast).

Recent guests at “York House,” include: Mrs Austin, Mr F. C. Coleman. A. J. Wyatt, R. A. Sowden (Lyttelton), Mr IT. Knowles, Mr Alex Munro, Miss H. Thompson, Miss E. L. Thompson, Mrs C. Thompson, Miss D. R. Kent (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs Bowen, Mrs Maddock (Kaikonra), Mr J. C. Casserley (Stillwater), Mrs T. 11. Chance. Miss Chance (Wellington), Miss M. Dalr.vmple Stewart (Wanganui), Miss D. Chaplin, Mr and Mrs Faudelin (Christchurch), Miss Hobbleden (Wellington), Miss Mander (Leithfield), Mr Scott (Scargill), Mr Kinlock (Wellington). :: :: Amongst recent guests at “ View Brae,” were: Mr and Mrs Bell, Mr and Mrs W. Manning, Mr Billsom, Miss Young, Mr L. Clark, Mr Darwin, Miss Gill (Christchurch), Mr Turner (Stillwater), Mr Ycle, Mrs Sellars (Roxburgh). Mrs Scott (Marton), Mrs Harvey (Wellington), Mrs Winchester, Mrs Prosser (Leeston), Mrs Brown (Anama), Mr and Mrs W. Watson (Rangiora).

Farewell Party. A pleasant time was spent at the Scottish Society’s Hall last evening, when Mr and Mrs J. S. Chisholm and a large number of friends met to farewell Miss E. Fraser, whcr is leaving this week for Scotland. Miss Fraser, whose home is in Scotland, has been actively connected with the society in Christchurch for the past four years, and her departure is much regretted by its members. An excellent programme had been arranged. Songs were given by Miss Betty Bruce, Mrs D. R. Kennedy, a visitor from Wellington, and Mr James Wilson. A pianoforte solo by Mrs John Forrester and a violin solo by Mr David Brown were also much appreciated. Misses Kathleen Walton, Betty Bruce, Barbara Dickson and Nancy Chisholm entertained the guests with Highland and Irish reels, and Misses Betty Bruce and Nancy Chisholm interpreted a Russian dance. Dancing was indulged in at intervals, the music being provided by Mrs Creigh and the society’s pipe band. Miss Fraser was presented by Mr Chisholm with a brooch made from the society’s badge which he had worn for the past seven years. Mrs Chisholm gave her a photograph of the officers of the society, and little Bruce, the four-year-old grandson of Mr and Mrs Chisholm, presented a bouquet of heather and Scottish bluebells tied with the Fraser ribbon. Supper was served, and further dancing concluded an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. Coming of-Age Party. An enjoyable evening was spent at the residence of Mr and Mrs J. Frazer, “ Willandene,” Cashmere, on Saturday, the occasion being the coming of age of their niece, Miss R. Maclnnes. Mrs Frazer, Mrs D. Johnston (mother of the guest of honour) received the guests, the former wearing a becoming frock of salmon crepe de chine and silver lace, the circular skirt being caught at the waist with a diamante buckle. The latter wore a smart toilette of black satin and lace. Miss Maclnnes wore a frock of lemon taffetas, beautifully stencilled. Dancing took place in the drawing room and on the balcony, both places being effectively decorated with streamers and lanterns. Huge bowls of sweet peas, gladioli and gvpsophila adorned the hall and dining room, where supper was served. On the supper table was a huge cake adorned with 21 candles. Mr C. Howell (uncle of the guest) proposed the health of the guest of honour, and presented her with a gold key. Amongst those present were: Mr and Mrs Jas. Frazer, Mr and Mrs E. Howell (Lvttelton), Mrs D. Johnston (Rakaia), Mesdames Powell, Barker, and Amour (Rangiora), Misses W. Amour, Peterson, Lund, Purdon, Laler, C. H. Hare, Spier, M. Smith, M. Frazer, Betty Frazer, Messrs Sim, Easton (Rakaia), W. and J. Young, W. Shatford, Moss, R Lamb, Haile, Lloyd and Jamieson.

Garden Party. The Canterbury West of England Society held a successful garden party at Mr W. L. Thomas’s grounds, “Mataiki,” River Road, Opawa, on Saturday afternoon. About 120 were present. The weather -was ideal, and the large shady trees upon the lawn offered a pleasant retreat. Derry’s Band was in attendance and played some musical items, which were greatly enjoyed. The chief attraction for the afternoon was the spacious grounds and their lovely condition and lay out. Races were provided for the children. The society can now boast of 231 adult members and 79 juvenile members. The ladies’ committee, under Mrs I. Fox (Torquay), secretary, worked admirably in attending to the stalls of goods and in providing tea for those present. Several people who wish to become new members next year gave in their names. Mr G. H. Apdrews moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs W. L. Thomas for lending the spacious grounds. Mr Thomas suitably responded.

Victoria League. At a meeting of the Victoria League held in the office yesterday, Mrs Deans (president) was in the chair. There were also present: Mesdames Boyle, Hanmer, Hugh Acland, J. M. Tripp, A. K. Archer, Thacker, Orbell, Bean, Chilton, Hennah, Miss Skoglund, Bromley Cocks, Mr Owen, Miss R. Tabart (hon secretary), Mr F. A. Macbean (hon treasurer). Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames Hogg, Lester and Hall.

The hon. secretary reported that in accordance with a remit passed at the recent conference asking the Christchurch Committee to form a branch of the Victoria League in Marlborough, in order to complete a chain of branches throughout New Zealand, she had communicated with Mrs C. Rutherford in Blenheim, who at once responded by forming a strong committee of fourteen. The committee had readily agreed to observe all necessary conditions of the work, thus assuring the establishment of the branch. New arrangements were decided for the future distribution of books and magazines, at present in the hands of Miss Bromley Cocks. It was decided that donors be asked to leave all literature at the office in Cathedral Square. Arrangements were made for the annual meeting to be held in the Jellicoe Hall on Wednesday, March 12, at 3 p.m. The resignation of Mrs Deans as president, which position she has held for the past five years, was accepted with regret. Stillwell’s Dance Assembly. On Saturday evening at the Caledonian Hall a very successful dance was held by Mr Reg Stillwell’s Dance Assembly. The function took the form of a Naval Carnival, the special attraction being a large illuminated novelty ship, representing “H.M.S. Danceland,” which was erected on the stage. The music for a full programme of old and new dances was supplied by Mr Herb. Walton and his band. During the evening a lancers’ competition was held, the winning set comprising the following: Misses V. Wilson, N. Reader, Hegan and Barkley, Messrs T. Picket, I. Gleeson, C. Smith and Dooley.

M.P. Smokers. Most of England’s women M.P.’s are ardent smokers. They are not permitted to smoke in the members’ lobby while the House is sitting, but when the ancient cry of: “ Who goes home?” resounds through the precincts the rule relaxes and they promptly “ light up.**