VANITY FAIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 179, 1 August 1933, Page 2

VANITY FAIR

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES AND POLITICS EDUCATIONAL WORK 20 BE INCLUDED A resolution passed at the conference of delegates from the New Zealand Federation of Women’s Institutes held in Christchurch last week should inspire members to take a greater interest in local government and the government of the country. In future the institutes will endeavour to fit their members for public life by listening to lectures on political and local government problems. “We are distinctly a non-politica] organisation from a party point of view,” said the organising secretary (Mrs. E. Kelso) when a remit from the Southern Wellington Federation, “That all women’s institutes thoub' make an effort to have lectures on local government” was being discussed. “However, I think we should be congenial idiots if we did not try to take some interest in the government of our country. ’ ’ Mrs. Kelso considered that lecturers should only be invited at the will of the majority of the members of any institute. “It is a bad thing to have no vote, but it is a worse thing to have a vote and not to use it,” she said, and many of us do not use our votes simply because we do not know how to.” Mrs. W. Deans, president of the North Canterbury and West Coast Federation, moved as an amendment to the original remit the following: “That this pieeting gives a ruling on whether

the 55 0111611 s institutes are open to receive lectures on subjects bearing on the government of the country, and, if so, to inform institutes that they may invite lecturers on such sul jccts from the federation panel.” Mrs. Deane agreed with the speakers that women could not claim a place in local or national government unless they fitted themselves by education for the svork, The amendment was then carrion. The chairwoman (Miss Amv Kane) expressed pleasure that it had been carried. “I have stood for two local bodies in Wellington,” she said, 4 ‘and the ignorance of both men and women as to who can vote and who cannot is simply colossal—especially that of women. ”

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. Dr. and Mrs. J. S. Beedle, Dannc- ; virke, have been visiting Wanganui. Mrs. Baddely was a Danncvirke visitor to Wanganui during the week-end. ; Mr. and Mrs Albert Scarrow, or Orc , Ore, were visitors to Wanganui last week. ¥ • » » Miss Hazel Wing of Raetihi, visited Wanganui last week. Mrs. S. G. Millen, Westmere, president of the Wanganui Federation of Women’s Institutes, who has been visiting the annual conference at Christchurch, returned to Wanganui yesterday. * • ¥ • Mrs. T. W. Blennerhassett, Wicksteed Street, has left for a visit to Wellington. Mr. and Mrs. Waterhouse, Wellington, were visitors to Wanganui at the week-end. Miss M McLeod, Duncan Street, lias left for Wellington, where she will in future reside. Captain and Mrs. Edge were visitors to Wanganui from Wellington at the week-end. Miss Stella Meuli returned last week from a holiday spent at Mount Eden. Mr. and Mrs. Perry, Palmerston North, have been visiting Wanganui. • # » w The first social evening held by the Nurses’ Club in Wanganui was held at the Stewart Karitanc Home on Friday evening, when Miss E. Rose was hostess. Mrs. Murdoch, formerly of St. David’s Presbyterian Manse, Upper Aramoho, who loft with her son. the Rev. W R. Martin, for Sumner, Christchurch. last February, is revisiting Wanganui on her way from Auckland to the South Island, and i s the guest of Mrs. W. McCosh, Field Street. Miss Isobel Crowe. of the Homo Science Extension Bureau of the University of Otago, whose voice is familiar to radio listeners because of I her lectures on home science, will leave Dunedin at the end of this month to spend a few weeks’ holiday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Crowe, of Palmerston North, prior to sailing on the Mariposa for Los Angeles. °She will proceed to the College of Industrial Arts University State College for Women, in Texas, where she intends to further her studios in home science. Last week the Otago University Council also granted leave of absence to Professor Strong, head of the home science department there, to visit America, and congratulated that ladv on the awards made tn her bv the Carnegie Corporation. Professor Strong will be absent from New Zealand about seven months. Miss Crown will be fortunate indeed! in having Professor Strong as her travelling companion on her long journey.

Kitchen Tea. Miss May Webster, who is shortly to be married, was the guest of the evening at a kitchen tea given by a larg c number of friends at the Turakina Tosvn Hall on Wednesday, July 26. She was the recipient of a large and varied number of useful articles for kitchen use. On behalf of those present Mr. F. Gabites asked Miss ’ Webster to accept the gifts as a token of the high regard in \vhich she had been held, coupled with the warmest wishes for her future happiness. Mr. L. Cameron also augmented the speaker’s remarks in a short speech.' Mr. J. Cater responded on behalf of Miss Webster. The following ladies and gentlemen assisted with the music for the dancing which was greatly enjoyed by all, Mrs. A. Glasgow, Messrs. Copley, Tate and L. Cameron. The evening dosed with the singing or “Auld Lang Syne.” ST. DAVID’S CHURCH CONCERT AND CANTATA. St. David’s Church svas filled to capacity on Saturday evening, when a concert by local talent was given, followed by a children’s cantata, “Soot and the Fairies.” The items contributed worn songs, Miss M. Spurdie and Mr. W. Gregg; vocal duet, Misses I. and M. Kendrick; tap dance, Miss Ayson; club swinging, Miss Watts; recitation. Miss Spence; pianoforte duet, Mrs. ,R. Tizard and Miss Key; banjo and piano duet, Mr. and Miss Todnian. The second half of the programme was given by St. David’s Sunday school children, who gave a wonderful rendition of the old-time favourite cantata, “Soot and the Fairies.” The whole performance was characterised by its smooth running and splendid acting of the young folk, each and every performer fulfilling his and her part faultlessly. The little girls in their star bedecked white fairy frocks and floral garlands, each fairy carrying the emblem of their band in the form of a white lily presented a grand spectacle in their opening inarch. Four of these little ones being specially dressed in pastel shades, wore the queen's attendants. The part of Fairy Queen taken by Miss B. Wadinan could not have been more suitably filled. Dressed in white satin with coronet she presented a charming appearance. Her singing of “The Lily and the Dove” and “Lullaby Land” being a feature of the evening. The queen’s attendants Miss C. Richards, M. Wadman, K. Todman and K. Smith delighted the audience with their song and dance “Magic Ring.” Their voices blending in sweetish harmony as also did Miss M Wadinan in her solo “You will never gro ■ old.” Praise is also duo to “Soot.” which part was ably filled by G. Rab line Webb, he and his attendants, “The Black Brigade.” filling their parts with complete satisfaction. Ralph Walker, as Dr. Sunlight, carried out his part faultlessly. The doctor’s secretary, Mis; Npflie Corps, carried out her secretarial duties splendidly. Other parts, all of which were worthy of equal praise, were taken bv E. Todnian. I). Good D. Benbrook, K. Smith and CRichards. The whole of the evening’s entertainment, marked by a packed house and a thoroughly appreciated audience, amply repaid the producer, Mrs. R. Tizard for her untiring efforts to bring | the performance to such a successful » conclusion. The chairman. Mr. E. Pat.-

terson, at the conclusion of the entertainment. thanked the assisting artists, the children and Airs. Tizard, who had made the evening such a success. Airs. Tizard acted as accompanist for the | evening. Mrs. Murdock, who is revisit i ing Wanganui, was welcomed by all at the gathering.

FANCY DRESS DANCE ST. LAWRENCE'S GIRL GUIDES The annual fancy dress dance of St. Lawrence’s fourth Wanganui Company of Girl Guides, was held on Saturday evening at the Aramoho Boating Club Hall, when a large number of young people spent a happy few hours. The judges of the fancy costumes were Mrs. M. B. Hirst (District Commissioner), Miss M. Newcombe, Miss Sheridan and Miss K. Rhodes, and they awarded prizes to the following:— Bost girl, Betty Russell, “Old English Lady”; best boy, D. McElwain, “Tramway Inspector”; most economical, Betty Todnian, “Sack of Potatoes.” Music svas supplied by Emmett’s electric gramophone. Novelty dances added to the enjoyment of the evening, the Monte Carlo waltz being won by Ruth Meyer and Mr. Rees Dawson, while the statue waltz was svon by Miss Merle Spurdie and partner. During intervals between dance numbers, songs were sung by Misses Merle Spurdie and Helen Wadinan, and elocutionary items were given by Joan Banks. Miss M. L. Browning (captain) and Mr. Hinton ably carried out the duties of masters of ceremonies. Mrs. Hirst was wearing a wine coloured lace frock with chenille velvet jacket to match; Miss Browning wore powder blue georgette; Miss McNivcn (lieutenant), wine coloured velvet and bridge coat of grey crushed velvet; Miss Nowcombo, black georgette and gold lame bridge coat. Canon W. G. Williams and the representative of the Wanganui City Rovers were also present. Amongst those in fancy costumes were: A. Adams “Russian Girl”; G. Moorhouse, “Have a Spot”; G. Browne, “Military Girl”; R. Meyer, “Before Glaxo”; K. Dukeson, “During Glaxo”; A. Cleaver, “After Glaxo”; B. Mason, “British Empire”; J. Christensen, “Pierrot”; D. McClyinont, “Artist”; M. Bev ge, “Dutch Girl”; Z. Bevegc, “Anchor Butter”; M. Brown, “Gypsy”; W. Fairfull, “Gipsy”; B. McLean, “Powder ahd Patches”; W. Goddard, “Colleen”; P. Goddard, “Gypsy”; B. Russell, “Old English”; B. Hunt, “Pierrot”; M. Hicks, “Spanish Lady”; L. Auams, “Town Clock”; R. Trussell, “Egyp tian Lady”; M. Wells, “Golliwog”; G. North, “Chinese Boy”; L. Stratford, “Mephistophelcs”; B. Todinan, “Sack, of Potatoes”; B. Jackson, “Chinese Boy”; J. Nielsen, “Becky Sharpe”; B. Puller, “Bohemian Maid”; P. Luxford, “Pierrot”; A. Loftus, “Peasant”; P. Forward, “Jester”; O. S. Meads, “Pyjamas’’; D. McElwain, “Inspector.” Among those in evening frocks were Mesdamcs Fromont, E. Hicks, Adams, Goffe, Wells, Bcvego (2), Mrs. Garner, Ander, Dearsley, Fromont, Madder, Misses M. Spurdie, G. Brandon, A. Robertson, N. Goffe, E. Hoskins, E. Moorhouse, M. Humphries, H. Wadman, P. Dearsley, A. Holroyd, I. Dearsley, E. Allomes, B. Cathro, AL Harrowby, R. Dobson (Inglewood), B. Cathro, I. Turner, J. Nelson, N. Bryson, AL Gifford, Joy Haywood, AT. Trott, D. Hoskins, E. Peters, E. Smith (2), E. Hoskins, E. Allomes, C. Allomes, G. Brown, G. Houston, J. Banks, AT. Gould, AL Iwikia, Y. AlcNiven, AT. Sladen, Roberts, V. Fromont, E. Anderson, B. Holmes, J. Raynor.

STUDIO DANCE Afiss Vivienne Healy’s studio presented a happy scene on Saturday night, the occasion being a studio dance held for the Saturday night ballroom class and their friends. The l ar ge gathering watched svith interest two “threesome” demonstrations of the new rumba by Aliases J. Blackie, J. Keating, F. Young, V. Healy and ' Messrs. W. Frankish and J. Wotton, after which all present enthusiastically danced the ballroom rumba. Later on in the evening Aliss Joy Keating and Mr. Wotton gave a graceful exhibition of the diagonal waltz. The Monte Carlo quickstep was won by Alias Keating and Air. Peter Alay. Among those present were: —Misses B. Godfrey, sage green lace and georgette; Z Benefield, jade floral georgette, pink coatee; AL Batt, prirose satin; p. Denham, apricot crepe satin; I. Wahlstrom, blue crepe de chine black coatee; B. Stokes, black and gold satin and cape; I. Ford, tangerine satin beautc and lace; AL Revell, ivory satin and net svith cape; V. Summerell. cyclamen silk and net; J. Summerell, floral voile and capclct; AT. Blyth, pink georgette and lace svith black coatee; P. Taylor, blue taffetas and white fur cape; B. Horsley, flame georgette, velvet coatee; D. Winter, svhite satin ami velvet; J. Connor, amber satin ann coatee; D. Vincent, tomato floral chiffon; E Painters, pink floral organdie, velvet patterned coatee; L. Goodwin, cherry taffetas; F # Cato, sea green satin; AL Rodgers, salmon pink satin and crush velvet; R. Howard, black floral satin; P. Rose, midnight blue crepe do chine; M. Howard, jet lace and crepe de chino; V. Dunn, black crush velvet and flame coatee; N. Howard, polka dot cream silk net; V. Clarke, sage silk lace with white fur trimmed cape; J. Stroud, oau de nil satin and cape to tone; M. Clarke, pastel pink angelskin, black velvet coatee; J. Blackie, sunset pink crepe de chine; F. Young, black and gold fish net; P. Jcnman, black velvet over flame satin; I Peters, floral georgette and coatee; D. Gurney, cerise georgette and velvet coatee trimmed white fur; R. Parker, white angelskin, glacier velvet coatee; J. Patterson, black satin, silver brocade wrap; J. Keating, shell pink organdie, puff sleeves; and A”. Healy, crystal beaded black georgette. Messrs. W. Frankish, D. Low, AfcCrorie, J. Hammond, J. Wotton, C. Beadle, W. IDcano, F. Wiggins, J Blackie, J. Cameron, R. Goldstone, H. Peters, G. Wallace, G. Forward. W. Peters, 1. Forward. E. Wright, N. Svendson, G. Constantine, A. Jones F. Smith, N. Jackson, G. Peters, I Wallace, F. Condor, A. Deerness, P. May, AT. MeGlyn. D. Bail, E. Windley,' R. Dennis, R. Nelson. J. Dear, R. Orr, C. Hutchinson, Wilde Stokes, I. Lord, D. Lord, C. Davis, T Healy. J. Deare.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES PROGRESS DURING THE YEAR REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET The annual report adopted by the third annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Women’s Institutes held at Christchurch last week stated that the progress of the movement had exceeded all expectations. There sverc now 635 institutes throughout the Dominion, with an approximate membership of 30,000 svomen. Interest in all activities had been well maintained during the year, despite the financial stress—a tribute to the zeal and enthusiasm of the members themselves, and a proof that the institutes had been a help and refuge for minds undergoing strain. A gratifying development during the year had been the co-operation with the agricultural and horticultural societies, and in common with other women’s movements the institutes had had the privilege of participating in the home science extension scheme under the guidance of Aliss Violet Macmillan, B.H.Sc., holder of the Sarah Ann Rhodes Fellowship. During the year community drama had grown and spread and the institutes had made close contact with the New Zealand branch of the British Drama League i Aliss A. E. Jerome Spencer having been elected to the council, and the secretary (Airs. R. Kelso) to the executive. Handcrafts Exhibition. In November of Ijist year the first Dominion exhibition was staged in the Dominion Farmers’ Hall, Wellington. The function was opened by Her Excellency, Lady Bledisloe, who expressed her delight in the display of beautiful handcrafts and the ingenuity and skill of the country women, particularly in the making of thru. articles. Aluch valuable experience svas gained in handling and staging the exhibits. It was a matter for pride that the standard of svorkmanship in crafts was steadily improving, and, above all, that the women were using the materials at hand—wool and skins especially being utilised in many practical forms. During the year an endeavour had been made to find wider market for New Zealand butter and honey, many institutes sending gifts to their “links.” A gratifying response had been received in the warm interest shown in New Zealand through the medium of letters and gifts, and in arousing interest in New Zealand products. Censorship of Films. Following a resolution passed at the last conference, a delegation from Lho Dominion executive had visited the censor, who received it sympathetically and gave helpful information explaining the difficulties as regards supplies of films. An appeal had been macle to the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, England, seeking the cooperation of that body towards securing the best class of British films, and a reply hud been received advocating a constructive policy to educate public taste in films, and a strong stand in the censoring of British films which, although rejected in England, were allowed to enter New Zealand. “As can be seen by the increase in our members during the year, organising has gone on consistently,” said the report. “New country Jias been brought in, in the King Country, the Taupo area, Nelson and the Catlins district, lu Poverty Bay good work has been done, especially in the formation of ALaori institutes. The committee is glad to be able to say that the number of Alaori members is increasing greatly, and the interest and enthusiasm shown by them are most gratifying. Institute Jomnal lu spite of adverse circumstances, such as economic distress among country women, sales tax, reluctant advertisers, and rivals, the journal, “Home and Country,’’ continued to increase in circulation and popularity. All federations, with the exception of one, had increased their subscriptions. An endeavour was made by the editor to give, within the meagre space, room to cover the activities of the institutes in all federations, while at the same time bringing in subjects that concerned svomen in general. The rest cottage scheme had been inaugurated at Paraparauniu beach in September, .1932 and had aroused much interest and proved a stimulus to othei federations, an outstanding example being the cottage opened at the Alount by the Bay of Plenty Federation. The scheme had been well backed by members, and the cottages appeared to meet a want in their areas. Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay had followed on the same lines, svhilc a fund had been started with a similar purpose in view iu Wanganui. “iSunic kind of insurance or welfare scheme would seem to be indicated in connection svith the rest cottages,’ said the report, “to enable those svho most need the change to take advantage of it, if not in a financial position to do so themselves.” The following publications had been issued (.luring the year. •'Outline of History and Annual Report,” “NevZealand Handbook,” ami various leafThe Wellington Federation had issued again this year, in aid of their own and the Dominion funds, a calendar, selling more than 9000 copes, and had generously handed over £-10 for the use of the Dominion Federation. The Balance-sheet The balance-sheet showed a total credit balance of cash in hand and in the bank of £22-1 13s, compared xvit h a credit at the beginning of the year of £B4 6s 7d. During the year the affiliation fees had totalled £217 19s Id, donations £l6O 10s, and profits of sales of literature £5l (>s lid. ’The expenses for the year had totalled £.”>9l Ils 6d. Travelling expenses for the chairman, secretary and committee had totalled £llB 10s 4d, and salaries £lo.”> 5s 6d, while printing had cost £B9 7s Id. Airs. C. Chisnall, the treasurer, recommended the conference and the incoming executive to consider tlm question of increasing the affiliation fees. It. was absolutely necessary for

licadquai ier.s to nave funds, and tin time had come when a full-time secretary as well as the organising secretary should be employed. Airs. 11. J. Barnicoat, of Kimbolton, paid a tribute to the work of the committee in keepjng the expenses su low, and the conference heartily applauded her words. The secretary (Mrs. R. Kelso), presented the balance-sheet of the insti tute magazine, “Home and Country, which showd subscriptions totalling £153 6s Bd, cash in hand of £52 16« sd, and expenses of £479 0s 4d. Mrs. Kelso said that the magazine had progressed very satisfactorily, and its circulation had increased greatly throughout the country. So far little attempt had been made to foster the advertising side, but nevertheless ad vertisomonts had been coming in, and she believed that as soon as they could give the time to the development of this side of the business they would be unable to keep the advertisements out Both balance-sheets ivero adopted after a i’ew questions had been asked and answered.