VANITY FAIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 151, 29 June 1932, Page 2

VANITY FAIR

EDWARD GIBBON IN ITALY. By the roaa of Bologna and the Apennine I al last reach Florence, where I reposed from June, to September, during the heat of the summer months. In the Gallery, and especially in the Tribune, I first acknowledged, al the feet of the Venus of Medici, that the chisel may dispute the pre-eminence with hie pencil, a truth in the fine arts which cannot, on this side of the Alps, be fell or understood At home 1 had taken some lessons of Italian; on the spot I read with a learned native the classics of the 1 uscan idiom; but the shortness of my time, and the use of the French language, prevented -my acquiring any facility of speaking; and I was a silent spectator in the conversations of the envoy, Sir Horace Mann, whose most serious business was that of entertaining the English at his hospitable table. After leaving Florence I compared the solitude of Pisa with the industry of Lucca and Leghorn, and continued my journey through Sienna to Rome where I arrived in the beginning of October. My temper is not very susceptible of enthusiasm, and the enthusiasm which I do not feel I have ever scorned to affect. But at the distance of twenty-five years 1 can neither forget nor express the strong emotions which agitated my mind as I first approached and entered the eternal city. After a sleepless night, I trod. With a lofty step, the ruins of the Forum; each memorable spot where Romulus stood, or 1 ully spoke or Caesar fell, Was at once present to my eye.—From Autobiography, by E. Gibbon.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. Mrs. Miller and Mfeir K. Miller,, of Dannevirke, are visiting Wanganui. Mr. and Mrs. B. Dawes have returned to Westmere after a visit to Hawke’s Bay. Miss M. A. Pigott, of the teaching staff of the Wanganui Girls’ College, sailed by the Aorangi yesterday for a twelve months’ holiday visit to England. Mrs. Hartland was hostess at a bridge party on Monday evening. • Mrs. Dobson, of Christchurch, is spending a holiday in Wanganui, and is the guest of her grandmother, Mrs. Earle. :: :: :: Mrs. 8. M. Malcolm and Miss Z. V. Malcolm, of Auckland, spent a few days with friends in Wanganui on their way south this week. Mrs. L. K. Dobson and small son, of Dunedin, are staying with friends in Wanganui. Mrs. R. Orton, St. John’s Hill, left yesterday on a holiday visit to Taihape, and will be the guest of Mrs. W. McA. Duncan, Ruanui. Mrs. Mummery Page has returned to St. John’s llill from a visit to Wellington. Miss Annie Reynolds, Wanganui, arrived at Wellington yesterday by the Marama, after several weeks’ holiday spent in Melbourne. Mrs. Burnett, who has been staying with Mrs. 8. Swan, College Street, returned last. Saturday to her home at Karori, Wellington. Mrs. Henry Monckton, of Victoria, Canada, who has been touring New Zealand and Australia for the last six months, left Auckland yesterday for Canada. Recent callers at New Zealand House, London, have included the following:—Mrs. Duncan Simpson (Marton), Mrs. Maurice Earle, Mrs. M. Wallace, Miss Margaret Walker, Mr. K. J. A. Mcllvride (Wanganui), Mrs. ChaseMorris, Mrs. A. Sugden (Feilding), Miss E. M. Uniacke (Stratford), Miss Lorna M. Monckton (Palmerston North), Mrs. E. J. R-idcliford (Lower Hutt).

Miss Robertson, who has been visiting Wanganui to address combined meetings of P.W.M.U. members on work in China, leaves to-day for Waverley. Mrs. L. M. Pickering, of Auckland, has received cabled advice that two New Zealand pictures, one an oil portrait, and one a water colour landscape, have been hung in the Paris Salon. The portrait is of Mrs. Jervis, of Auckland, who is 100 years of age. The landscape is of two old cottages in old Hauraki Road, Auckland. ENGAGEMENT. The engagement is announced ®f Maureen Anne, second daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Beech, of “Boscrea, ” Konini, Pahiatua, to John Chase Morey, only son of Mr. and Mrs. John James, of “Deepdene, ” Moore Avenue, Wanganui. A DELIGHTFUL PARTY. A surprise party was taken .0 worth.” Makirikiri, the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Jones, last Thursday night, when a very happy time was .spent by all in dancing and skating. The large loft had been turned into a delightful dance room, and the guests ill their fancy dresses added an atmosphere of happy carnival. Among those present were Mesdames 8. Jones, W. Ford, L. Horrocks, C. Hammond, Misses E. Ford, J. and 11. Horrocks, L. Walker, C. Somerville, W. Shields, Z. and H. Anderson. J. and V. McLeod, M. Williams, N. Scott, D. Johnson, E. and J. Neilson, M. Mcßeth, M. and K. Joues, and Messrs. F. H. Jones. 8. Jones, J. Broad, J. Summers, Anderson, J. Wells. B. Wells, L. Walker. W. Anderson. W. Walker, 1. Burr, G. • McLeod. W. Montgomerie, -J. Strachan, I Fl. Mclntosh, A. Stott. Bartlett. I Graham, L. Hammond and N. Nielson. PRESENTATION. On Saturday afternoon the Turakina Girl Guides, Brownies, and committee assembled in St. Andrew’s Hall to do honour to Miss A. E. Gabites, who has been leader of the Brownie Pack for some time, and is to be married shortly. Mrs P. B. Lethbridge, who presided, presented the guest of honour with a handsome picture ns a wedding present from Guides and committee. Miss Nellie Podjursky, on behalf of the Brownie Pack, handed Miss Gabites a picture. The recipient briefly replied, after which hearty cheers were given for Miss Gabites and her sister, Miss W. Gabites, who is also to be married shortly Games were played and a dainty tea served which brought to a conclusion a very pleasant afternoon.

GIFT EVENING. Many young people gathered al the Public Hall, Turakina, last Wednesday evening, when a ‘‘gift” party was held in honour of Miss Winnie Gabites and Miss Alison Gabites, who are to be married shortly. Each of their friends arrived with a gift to help furnish the homes of the brides-to-be, and later when the packages were opened the many useful and lovely presents were admired. Mr. F. Day returned thanks on behalf of Miss W. Gabites, and Mr. J. 8. Glasgow replied for Miss A. Gabites. Dancing and community singing provided the entertainment and all present united in endeavouring to make the function a very happy one for the guests of the evening. SURPRISE PARTY. A very pleasant surprise party was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Lattimore, Keith Street, last Saturday night. A most enjoyable time was spent in dancing, games and competitions. A dainty supper was served by the ladies. Among those present were Messrs. B. Lattimore, E. Lattimore, 8. Lattimore, V. Madeley, J. Gibb, I. Rogers. J. Holywell, E. Smith, N. Copsey and M. Williams; Messrs. G. Gaze. N. L. Banks, J. A. Duthie, J. W. Simpson, C. Sheriff, C. Wight, M. Kinder and G. H. Saunders. “AT HOME.” Lady Wilford held a delightful “At Home” for the debutantes wht were presented at the second Court, states a London correspondent. She received her guests assisted by her daughter, Miss Isabel Wil ford, and her sister, Miss Belle McLean. The room was beautifully decorated with tulips, irises, narcissi and primroses. Among the guests were Lady Liverpool and Lady Jellicoc. CONTRASTS.

Short, jackets, worn with contrasting skirts, are to be a favourite notion for the next few months. It is also an economical one, too. Many of us have a packet, or coat somewhere that, is in quite good condition. If long, shorten it; then wear with a contrasting skirt and dainty blouse or jumper, and you have one of the smarest suits you could wish to find. UNION OF HOUSEWIVES. A union is being fostered in England to draw together the housewives of the land; its aims are to enrol all British housewives to pledge themselves to demand and buy British goods, to ensure to all British housewives, that “buying British” means buying best and cheapest,’ and to achieve active support on the parts of the merchants and tradesmen in the “buy British’’ movement. As the women of Great Britain represent the bulk of the country’s purchasing power, they can, through uniting in a “buy British” offensive, erect an invisible but impenetrable wall against foreign imports more powerful even than the highest tariff barriers. BEAUTY TRICKS. Beauty parlour tricks are in full swing in Paris just now, and all the women who put their money on their faces are being blanched like almonds and slapped into shape like so many suet puddings. Backs are being paid special attention; they are given a good slapping and rolling, a thorough bleceh, a hot spraying, a foam bath, and a skilful make-up, finishing with a fine layer of powder. Powders of all colours arc the fashion just now. If you want to be pale and interesting, a touch of green powder is the thing. If you want to look. Oriental, stick to ochre. But if you want, to look healthy and innocent, use a mixture of pale pink and salmon—otherwise peach. Don’t forget to tint your lips ever so lightly, touch up your eyelashes if they need them, have your hair most carefully waved, ami there you most beautifully are! NEW SHOE MODELS. Grey shoes are coming back. Made j of antelope, they arc strapped with narrow stitched bands of black patent (states a London fashion writer). There are several models in sandal type, but dchniteiy not a sandal —a short toccap with the upper part fitting snugly to the heel, but cut right away at each side. For count ry wear there is a now type of monk shoe with a broad strap coming from one side and fastening at the other with a buckle. The newest golf shoo has an invisible rubber soli' with a leather hand at, the edge to prevent the rubber sole spreading. Linen shoes are decorated with patent leather strappings, and the blue, red, green and white leather and buckskin golf and tennis shoes are extremely smart, and comfortable. Evening shoes are more elaborate. Of the sandal type, the latest are in white or sand-gold, or green suede finished with platinum-gold kid “ rap pi ngs.

STANDARD OF FILMS

STEADILY RISING. MOTHERS’ UNION FINDINGS. The Mothers’ Union, as a result of a questionnaire concerning cinema films, programmes, etc., in England, presented the following findings:— (1) A great deal of the criticism of cinema programmes is exaggerated and not based on careful observation or adequate data. (2) The entertainment provided in cinema houses in England is far more clean and wholesome than might be imagined from the titles of the films. (3) A number of experienced workers consider it. is far better for young people and children and tired working people to be in cinemas than wandering the streets or reading some of the literature they are likely to get hold of and discuss. Thi.s is true, even taking “cumulative” effect into account. Standard Steadily Rising. (4) The evidence of the Mothers’ Union visitors supports the contention of experts of long experience that the standard of films shown is steadily rising. (5) A recognised criterion, such as i.s provided by the United States Code, is most helpful. It is hoped that something of this kin dwill bo forthcoming from British and other producers. (6) Co-ordination and co-operation (with a view to uniformity of standard and full exercise of powers, etc.) of all Local Licensing is desirable; and this, together with instructed local opinion such as is gained by going to cinemas regularly, is the greatest safeguard that can be procured. (7) The provision of some means of communication between the controlling bodies, the producers, and the public would be valuable. BOOK ENDS The vogue for book ends, introduced a few years ago as a decorative detail, has rapidly increased in popularity. Great now is the variety of designs from which one may choose and equally various are the mediums in which the ends are carried out. There are,' for instance, baskets of barbola flowers, quaint animals in moulded glass or pottery, plaster groups, and decorated blocks of wood. Among the most recent of all models are the segments of tree branches with birds modelled in wood and painted in the natural colours. Very attractive, for example, are a couple of woodpeckers in their gay plumage, with a splash of bright red on their crowns.

The Duchess of York recently purchased a pair of delightful ends made from blocks of silver birch on which two engaging blue tits were investigating the polished bark, to which small clusters of lichen clung. The birds in such designs are carved in ash and painted with oil paints, and the blocks used arc either cherry wood or silver birch. This same idea is applied to very original door knockers, the tail of the bird, usually a green or great spotted woodpecker, forming the knocked. In the case of a nuthatch the beak formed the knocker, and, as in nature, tapped smartly on a nut lodged in the bark of a tree. Butterflies with wings outspread, poised on blocks of oak, form unusual and attractive letter-weights. These are a further development of a notion, started a couple of years ago by a brother and sister. Desiring a less expensive version of the costly coloured metal birds used on motorears, the brother carved a. pheasant which was then beautifully painted by his sister and varnished with weatherproof varnish. Now, after a couple of years in sun and shower, it looks as fresh as if new. Other of these delightful ornaments include snipe Had duck, the latter being specially popular. THE DIFFICULT FEATHER. There ought to be a movement among milliners to reserve certain fashions for only the prettiest women, (states the Daily Mail). For instance, the new type of brimless hat which i.s becoming popular in London and Taris is really suitable only f ur the few. It looks as though it has been inspired by a square box, is perched on the head at. an angle, and worn with a veil which reaches to the chin. A difficult fashion altogether. Then there is an amusing novelty now being seen a good deal in Paris which must be very trying to the wenrer. It is a trimming which apparently consists of the merest, skeleton of a feather with nearly all the fronds removed, usually worn sweeping the cheek and protruding beyond for a couple of inches. The owner has to take the greatest, precautions when she is lunching not to get her spoon or her fork entangled with it. On the whole it looks bettor when worn sticking straight, up in the air, and certainly it. gives less trouble. En ve’opes. Ladies! We have received further supplies of our well-known “Top Notch” envelopes—-a supremo Britishmade envelope for every purpose. Order a box of 250 at. 2/6; postage 6d extra, A bettor envelope is not made, so replenish your supply while storks la*!. The Wanganui Chi<jhiiJ c i,o._ Ltd,