Vanity Fair

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 288, 4 December 1929, Page 2

Vanity Fair

“C/ironicZe** Office, December 4, 1929 It's surprising, when you come to think of it, what unaccomplished creatures most of us are. How many women can speak French, play croquet, knit sox, discuss Scandinavian history with intelligence, compose a savoury which doesn't cause a guest to wrinkle her nose, and persuade sweet peas to blossom with real vigour? Margot's one of the "cant" class, and the worst part of it is that she has selected above a mere handful of accomplishments. There are so many, and such various, things that can be done, if one has only the time, the inclination and the skill. Of course, occasionally one hears of a man who does everything well, including himself, but such are rare birds. All this is a prelude to saying that Margot has Very nearly acquired a new accomplishment, and she's proud of it. Moreover, she feels that she's been rather original about it. Wanganui is possessed of a perfectly good river, but how many women make practical use of it? Well, Margot has learned to row with one oar, and is assured that if neither she nor anyone else gets drowned in the attempt, she'll be able to do more than splash and describe geometric patterns with the other one before she has finished. Boating, from beginning to end, is fun. First, although people seldom if ever do disappear overboard at unexpected moments, you always feel, when they stand up and commence to wobble, that they might; and this adds zest to the game. Then there's the matter of learning how to hold one's oars. Margot, at first, clasped hers affectionately amidship, after the manner of an irate wife caressing a rolling pin, made a short, sharp stab al the water, and waited for results. The results included a five-minute session of prayer from the other occupant of the boat, a brief period in which the good ship spun round and round, after the style of a teetotum, several large blisters on Margot's hands, and a good deal of excited applause from the trouts and bullfrogs who had assembled to watch the fun. However, in time, Margot really did learn something about the art of using one oar; when she tried with two, it was quite useless, except from the point of view of free entertainment, because, no matter how impartial she tried to be, one oar always seemed to beat the other by lengths, which Was very confusing for the boat. And does anyone k how lovely the river is in the evenings? The willow trees do their very best to upset you, and put their long green fingers in your eyes; and among them are ever so many hundreds of small birds, who have quite a 10l to say, and impertinent, at that, concerning your efforts at navigation. There was a dark shadow in the stream at one point. ‘That," Margot mentioned, "is presumably a taniwha. Why doesn't it bite the boat?" "He is probably," replied the tutor, "helpless with laughter," Still, rowing’s great. Zealously, MARGOT.

NURSES HOLD SOCIAL. Thc first inspection of the recently formed St. John Ambulance Cadet Nursing Division was held last Friday evening in the Ambulance Hall, when in the unavoidable absence of the Assistant Commissioner, Mr J. Brine, the inspecting officers were Mr H. T. Harle, district officer, and Miss H. Vine, corps officer. Competitions in practical and oral first aid were held in connection with the inspection, in which the trophies were won by Miss Joy SuinmcreU (seniors) and Miss June Summerell (juniors), Miss Marie Banks securing second place in the juniors. After the inspection a happy social evening was spent including a treasure hunt and missing word competition, won by Miss Joyce Ward and Miss Jessie Thurston. Amongst the visitors present were mothers of the girls and members of the senior nursing division. Miss B. Facer, the superintendent, was congratulated on the manner in which, she has organised this division, which has the proud distinction of being the first girl cadets’ division of the St.John Ambulance Brigade in New Zealand. FOR THE BLIND. Attention of ladies is called to the sale of basketware from the Jubilee Institute for the blind which is being conducted at thc shop in Selwyn Buildings, Victoria Avenue, by members of the Wanganui Central Nursing Division, St. John Ambulance Brigade. Basketmaking to the blind, is more than a means of livelihood. To quote from their catalogue it forms a “pleasant and useful occupation, which is to thc blind the key to health and happiness.” Baskets made by a local resident are also on sale , A hamper and pair of stockings left at the stall held at the Agricultural Show may be obtained on application at the shop, or direct to the hon. secretary. A Presentation. Mr C. J. Du Flou of the National Bank left for Wellington yesterday on transfer to the National Bank there. On Sunday morning the members of the St. Mary’s Choir made a presentation of six crystal goblets to Mr Du Flou and Miss Vickers in view of their approaching marriage. Their many friends wish them health and prosperity in their new sphere.