A MISSIONARY CARAVAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 109, 10 May 1934, Page 2

A MISSIONARY CARAVAN

HOME FOR TWO WOMEN A horse-drawn caravan which is being constructed in Christchurch for the Church Army, will be almost as exact a replica of a modern home as it is possible to place on wheels in New Zealand. The Church Army intends to use thi.first mission caravan to visit the iso- ■ lated country districts on Canterbury pinins; it will enable missions to be held in each of the townships which at present can be paid only the shortest visits by the Army officers, and will facilitate the distribution of Church literature in scattered areas which are at present difficult of access. The caravan, which is stated to be the first of its kind placed on the roads in New Zealand, will be the permanent homo for two women —Sister K. North, of the Church Army, wiio will be in charge, and a trainee sister (Miss F. Childs, of Ashburton)- It will be known as the Christchurch Diocesan van, and will undertake mission work solely on the plains in Canterbury, from Amberley in the north to Waimate in the south. Since it is to be a complete home for the two sisters, it has been constructed with the greatest attention to comfort and convenience for them. The van is slightly smaller than a furniture pantechnicon, its dimensions being 15ft. Gin. by Gft. 9in., with a height of 7ft. Gin. The two horses which will be used to pull it from place to place will be driven from a window in a roomy front cabin, which will be equipped with scats for the driver and her companion. In the cabin is concealed a sink, quite as large and serviceable as the usual bungalow washing sink, with convenient cupboards underneath. A Roomy Kitchen. Behind the cabin is the kitchen, in which a largo camp stove is built into . a recess lined with aluminium, and completely fireproof. On the other side of the kitchen are several cupboards; so many, in fact, that there is almost as much cupboard room in the caravan as would be required in an ordinary home. A meat safe is let into the wall and has the usual ventilation. Below is another safe for vegetables and other food. Fuel boxes, and a drying cupboard above the stove, warmed by an insulated stove-pipe, complete the arrangements. The bedroom has a large wardrobe with a mirror door. Two built-in beds will hold lace web mattresses, capable of being reveised to provide settees. The beds will be more than 6ft. long: underneath each is a cupboard ami lockers, and at the end of the room a combined dressing table and writing table, easily C’-nverted to either purpose. The ojdroom will be nicely lined with stained panelling and the floor is absolutely dust and waterproof. The ceiling is more than 7ft. high and slopes I off to a lantern roof, similar to that with which Christchurch tramcars are

equipped. One could hardly imagine i more comfortable bedroom for two poisons, who will Lave to do a great dea of travelling to isolated areas. Strong Body-work. Admirable lighting facilities have been constructed into the body. There are six “ rise and fall ” windows in the caravan, and others in front and at the back. These windows have been made dust and rainproof. The body is lined on the outside with 22 gauge steel and felt; adequate springing is provideel on the lines of the usual springs for horse-drawn vehicles, and additional exterior accommodation for goods will bo provided by the addition, under the body at the rear; of a large box with a hinged lid. Haulage will be effected by two horses from a drawbar, but it will also be possible to use a tractor. It was emphasised by an officer of the Army that the missionary work which would be undertaken was not intended to take anything out of the lianas of the clergy, but to augment its work. The van’s visits would be jnade in direct co-operation with the clergy. It had been found in New Zealand that the country ministers had large parishes, where they found some difficulty in doing visiting work and in building up church branches. The Church Army wished to assist in overcoming those difficulties. FASHION WHIMS If you study the latest fashion books you will notice that most of the principal Baris dressmakers are trying to abolish the tight-fitting look where skirts are concerned. They let them hang loosely from a belt-line rather below the normal, or, by having the belt visable.in front only, but disappearing through slots into side seams of the bodice. This style leaves the back quite straight, the effect being youthful and slimming. The latter style lends itself to the longish gown for evening wear. Fashions in jewellery are changing rapidly. Those who have jewel boxes containing ancient jewellery, arc dipping into them for the- Victorian brooches which are fashion’s latest whim. Originally designed to ornament a stiffly boned bodice, they look delightful on frocks made of organdie and chiffon. The hems of our garments have suddenly gained a new importance. A designer declares that a frilly hemline gives an allure and piquancy to a wearer that recalls the days of the Edwardian beauties. One sees ruchings right round the foot of skirts, with one, or sometimes two, petticoats also finished with inched frills beneath, which peep out as the wearer moves, with the approved, coquettishness of the last generation. Among accessories ear-rings have forced themselves into the news. Instead of screwing or hooking, they now clip on in the same way as brooches

and hat ornaments, and this gives new inspiration to designers. They also follow the modern tendency of angularity and stretch to a point with success. One fascinating pair of these new earrings seen recently were made of glass and enclosed were minute coloured fish in water, and as the wearer moved the fish glinted in the light and seemed as if they were swimming. It was difficult to believe that the fish were not real. A graceful necklace matched this unique pair of ear-rings.