Vanity Fair

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 234, 2 October 1929, Page 7

Vanity Fair

"Chronicle" Office, Wanganui, October 1, 1929. Margot has always heard a deal about the technicalities, intricacy and subtlety of bridges there are people, she knows, who make a very comfortable little living from writing books about how not to trump one’s partner’s ace. And yet, taking all things into consideration, she’s not so sure that it takes a great deal to make a reputation at the card tabl e. To begin with, it’s Very nice if you can manage to remember whai are trumps. For, cards having been dealt and a suit called, it’s absolutely a safe bet that somebody will massage her brow in a puzzled sort of way and say, "Dear me, now. 1 wonder what trumps were?” And then, if you happen to know, you can chip in just at the right moment, saying in a severe tone of voice, "Spades, I believe.” Everybody then looks at you with respect, and the I ady whose memory wouldn't be much use to a private detective murmurs meekly, “Sorry, but I'm just a beginner: we’ve all got to learn, haven’t we?” And yoti forgive her, with an air of majestic condescension which adds considerably to your reputation. Sometimes, of course, without meaning to, you really do play Well. You are dealt, let us suppose, three aces, four kings, and pretty pair of queeens: not to mention some helpful extras. “No trumps," you call, taking care that your voice penet rates to the furthest corner of the room. For there’s something about the mere sound of a no-trump call which adds considerably to your prestige, more especially if you don’t go down in them. Everybody feels instinctively that clubs are small-minded and diamonds, in anything less substantial than a tiara, the first infirmity of minds quite incapable of grasping the principles of bridge. Anyhow, you make your no-trump call. Let us suppose, for the sake of argument, that you win: ever so much more by luck than by good management. You forget, almost at once, how many cards of each suit are out, but the beauty of it is that everybody there present has done exactly the same thing, only more so. One or two fluke shots come off. "Well played, Partner,” murmurs Dummy, in tones of deep-chested admiration. You miss: "Hard luck," comes the sympathetic murmur from all quarters. The whole truth of the matter is that the average woman doesn't take bridge one half so seriously as she Would have you believe. A cup of tea, the colour of a summer frock al “ neighbouring table, a cigarette—all or any of these are enough to distract her attention and gel her hopelessly tangled up concerning her partner's leads. And Margot isn't sure that the game isn’t much jollier bemuse, al bottom, most people recognise that it is just a game. Philosophically, MARCOT.

ON BUYING RUGS In getting together a uew home, perhaps no item is more important than the floor covering—for it becomes the foundation, the stage upon which all other pieces play their part. By this we do not mean that the carpeting is—or should be—the most luxurious item on the list. Quite to the contrary. Tho idea that, to be really “good,” one must have Orientals is one of the most pernicious mistakes to eliminate from the new home-maker’s mind. It is, however, of utmost importance to have colour, texture and pattern (if any) of the carpeting in each room set tho keynote for its colour scheme, make itself an integral part of the interior, instead of something apart from it. Decorators are practically united in recommending the use of plain, rugs for the room containing patterned’ upholstering, draperies or wall paper. Or, if the care of the plain rug seems an obstacle, one may have a carpet indefinitely patterned in self tones so that when on the floor the effect is plain. Very good broadloom Wilton carpets in shades to harmonise with any colour scheme can be found at low prices. These carpets wear satisfactorily and are in good taste with all types of furnishing. Then, if one desires the Oriental touch, a small but really fine rug used before the davenport or the hearth will add both colour and interest. Good taste dictates that in carpets, as in dress, imitations should be avoided wherever possible. It is better to have one’s home covered with good plain carpets from beginning to end than to find in it inferior Orientals or imitation Oriental patterns, in ma-chine-made rugs. The so-called washed Oriental rug is a modern product, chemically treated, which the new homemaker will do well to avoid, seeking wherever possible the antique Orientals which even in the less expensive types are in good taste and increase in value with age.

A good and very inexpensive carpet for the simple home is the Seminole rug, a woven wool carpet that is reversible and washable. Rather than have a cheap rug of the velvet type, the conscientious decorator will invariably recommend a Seminole, or its equivalent. Scatter rugs are, as we say, “out.” The preferred floor covering being either all-over carpeting or a room-size rug. PERSONAL AND SOCIAL. Mrs and Miss Leaver, of Westport, who have been visiting Wanganui, have returned to Wellington. Mrs Fred Faber (junr.) has left on a visit to her parents in Dunedin. Mrs L Cross has returned to Wanganui from Palmerston North. ’Mrs G. Turnbull, Makino, visited Wanganui last week. Mrs Norriss-Brown, of Oamaru, is visiting Wanganui and Stratford. At tho fancy dress ball held at Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co.’s wool store for the Aramoho baby, the following were prize-winners:—Best girl Nita Ollet (Bonny Prince Charlie); best boy, Leslie Dyke (Clock); most original, Basil Robin (Half Boy, Half Girl); Kelvin Slayer (Swagger); most economical. Iris Tibbs (Patches), Patena Bell (Time). Competition results were a s follows: —Brush comb and mirror, Mrs Gifford Moore; doll, Mrs Hammond; chocolates, Max Sheppard.

A JOLLY DANCE. A most successful fancy dress evening was given by tho School Committee in the Fordell Hall on Friday, September 27. The committee are to be congratulated on their success and thanks are due also to Miss Moir on tho way the children carried out their grand parade and items rendered. The following were in fancy dress:—Elsie Weir, daffodil; Jim Richardson, pierrot; Isla Dickinson, Old Dutch cleanser; Colin Johnson, Bowser; Mona Johansen, Old Dutch; Georgina Den ton, good luck; Jack Lloyd, Chinaman; Betty Guthrie, Red Riding Hood; Joan Lloyd, Dutch girl; Jack Tilley, winter I sport; Rene Johansen, candlestick; Jim Ross, little Dutch boy.; Raymond Lloyd, Dutch boy; Dorothy Campbell, snowdrop; Bessie Christie, summer; Nita Richardson, Early Victorian; Arthur Hope, swagger; Lyall Christie, Red Indian; William Crafar, Eskimo; Jack Crafar, King Cole; Patricia Carroll, Spanish maiden; Margaret Carroll, butterfly; Sheila Carroll, clown; Marjorie Glasgow, Christmas tree; Wiliiam Glasgow, Herald; Kathrine Glasgow, rose; Janet Bailey, match-seller; Douglas Bailey, Indian; Dennis Higgle, swagger; Peggy Higgie, night; Jean Higgle, pansy; Malcolm Higgie, sundowner; William Stewart, ruination; Margaret Thwaites, Early Victorian; Jim Thwaites, bumble bee; Lindsay Budge, Pirate; Jack Guthrie, No More Strikes; Joan Parnell, Spring; Ray Brady, Strawberries and Cream; June Whillans, Jockey; Leslie Hickman, Kadak; Jim Bolton, Johnny Leckie; Frank Bolton, Red Indian; Pat Button, Jockey; Desmond Campbell, Monkey Brand Soap; Ken Campbell, Half and Half; Jack Harkness, Sandwich Man; Joan Hickman, Tingey’s Wall Papers; Mary Harkness, Milkmaid; Joan Clark, Fairy Dye; Margaret Patterson, Welsh Dancer; Cecil Bolton, Spanish Dancer; Grace Bolton, Irish Dancer; Gordon Bonniface, Grandmother; Doris McGovern, Folly; Basil Bonniface, Swagger; Phylis Lewis, Chrysanthemum; Alan Bolton, Boxer; Jean Bamber, Raindrop. The judges wore Mesdames Belton, V. Blyth and Free. The prizes were awarded as follows: Boys, Standards IV. to VI. —Gordon Bonniface. Girls, Standards IV. to VL— Joan Lloyd. Boys, Standard I. to 111. —Desmond Campbell. Girls, Standard I. to lll.—Rene Johansen. Boys, Primers. —Lyall Christie. Girls, Primers. —Margaret Thwaites. Most Original.—lsla Dickenson, Mac Higgie, Jack Guthrie, Marjorie Glasgow. Following the grand parade the children gave the items:—“Sir Roger” was daintily danced by the Junior room. Song, “Good-night Sun,” by the pupils. Part songs without music, (1) “Now the Day is Over,” (2) “Early to Bed,” (3) “Come, Come, Here.” Recitation, Mona Johansen, “The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat.” Song, “Plow Song,” by the pupils. Recitation, Zita Richardson, ‘‘Camel.” Song and monologue, “The Seasons.” Jack Tilley, Winter; Joan Wilkinson, Autumn; Bessie Christie, Summer, Joan Parn'ell, Spring.” This item was gracefully rendered. Recitation, Jack Tilley, “Hiawatha.” Recitation, Arthur Hope “China Seas.” Song, ‘‘Oh, Dear, What Can the Matter Be,” by the pupils. Recitation, Reng ’Johansen, “My Brother Will.”

Following the concert two games “The Grand Old Duke of York” and ‘‘Musical Rings” were played by the children. At 10.30 the “grown-ups” took the floor for dancing. Much credit is due to the teachers and committee for one of the most enjoyable evenings. The prize fund is now between £8 and £9. Mr Whillans, the chairman, thanked all present. The. children were given, a sumptuous supper of jelly and cakes.