VANITY FAIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 282, 2 December 1935, Page 2

VANITY FAIR

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL Miss Dayton, who has been visiting Wanganui, has returned to Tiniaru. Miss Phyllis Piggott is a Wanganui visitor to Auckland. Mrs. W. Christie, who leaves shortly to make her home in Oaniaru, was the guest of honour at an afternoon party given on Friday by Mrs. George Glenn. Miss M. A. Gibbs, of Palmerston North, has arrived in Wanganui to take up a new position. Miss Gibbs was recently the recipient of a presentation. by members of the staff of H. L. Young, Ltd. Miss Gloria Rawlinson, the Auckland girl poet, was tendered an “at-Home” on Thursday evening, at the clubrooms of the Overseas League in. Auckland, ia celebration of tile publication in Loilood of her book of verse, ‘‘The Perfume Vendor.” The Baroness Burton, who left England on November 9, by the Urania fur New Zealand, is a daughter oi the first baron, whom she succeeded iu l!h;;). Her first husband, Mr. J. E. B. Baillie, M.V.0., died in 1931, and the next year the baroness married Major W._ E. Melies. She has two sons, her heir being the Hon. George Evan Michael Baiilie, who is 41 years of age. In I‘)<jJ he married Lady Maud MackintvsL, eldest daughter of the nin h Uuke of Devonshire and widow of Uiqtain Angus Mclosh.

ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY ST, DAVID’S CHURCH St. David’s Presbyterian Church Hall ana grounds preseuied a, charming appearance on Saturday afternoon, wllcu the annual garden, party and sale oi work was held by me -Cadies’ Guild. The stalls were most attractively arand decorated in dillerent colour schemes, and the wonderful variety of saleable articles- bore eloquent testimony to the woik of the guild members and church workers. Hollowing the singing of a verse ot a hymn, the sale was lermally opened by me Rev. John Paterson, M.a., of bt. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, who after ottering a short prayer, congratulated the goud folk oL bt. David s anj said he nvped they would have the same success as the Bible Class giris had had the previous week. He spoke of the attractive appearance of tne stalls ana wished the workers good luck. In addition to the stalls indoors, a summer house in the grounds made an excellent ice cream shop, while under cover of a tent a Christmas tree displayed numerous' gaily decorated parcels and pretty toys, also a fish pond. There was great excitement among the young people when Father Christmas arrived. The Mouth Organ Band played several selections during the afternoon, and there were outdoor gamvs to entertain patrons. A splendid array of Christmas cakes and a variety of othei confections were displayed ou the cake stall iu charge of Alesdames t Good Withers and Gosling, while an interesting collection of sewing and worked articles was managed by Mcs|lames Walker and Gregg. Mesdames MeCos'll, Pemberton Hamlin and Eden had for sale a large stock of produce and cooked meats. Afternoon tea was dispensed by Mesdames Hallam, Dempsey, Davidson, Patterson, Hewitson, Misses C. Richards aud Poad. Other stalls were: Sweets, Mrs. Richards, flowers, Miss Warburton; ice cream, Mesdames Bish., Mackintosh, Maiths <T. Gregg and M. Good; fish pond and Christmas tree, Mrs. Healey, Miss K. Smith, and Mr. Gregg; outside games and competitions, Messrs. Webb, Withers, Kearns, and Hewitson.

HITHER AND THITHER Townswomen’s Quid, The December meeting of the Townswomen’s Guild, to be held on Wednesday next, December 4, will take the form of a Christmas party. Afternoon tea is not the rule at guild meetings, but it has been decided to make this party a special occasion, and members are asked to contribute towards the serving of the afternoon’s refreshments. Surprise Birthday Party. A pleasing little function took place at the Gonviile Croquet court on Saturday afternoon, when a surprise birthday tea was given in honour of Mrs. Firth. The president of the club, Mrs. B. Hoaf, on behalf of the members presented Mrs. Firth with a bouquet of sweet peas in the club colours of scarlet and white, and in congratulaving her expressed the wish that both she and Mr. Firth would enjoy many more such pleasant functions. The guest of honour, to whom the function was a genu iue surprise, was asked to cut the birthday cake, made and iced by Mrs. Clark, and who later responded to the good wishes expressed. The bouquet was made by Miss O’Neale. Death of Woman Writer. Winifred Holtby, an important literary figure in London, died recently at the age of 37 years. Born in Yorkshire, she was one of the young women who left school to engage in war work, and after the war she went to Somerville College, Oxford, and later became teacher and lecturer. Possessed of honesty and common sense, with great zest and much knowedge, she achieved nfemorable success as a journalist. In 1926 she became a director of “Time and Tide,” that admirable magazine founded by Lady Rhondda. She will also be known to many women overseas as the literary reviewer of books in “Good Housekeeping.” Winifred Holtby wrote several novels, but the satire, “Mandoa! Mandoa,’’ was her best. Though during the last year she was aware r.hat she was suffering from a deadly disease, she continued her work, and she has left a four-act play and new book on Yorkshire, the latter to be published this month. Farewell Gathering. Miss E. G. Garner, a popular member of the City Council staff, who is shortly leaving for England, was entertained at a farewell gathering on Friday afternoon. The town clerk, Mr. G. Murch, and the city engineer, Mr. L. F. Row, extolled the loyal and conscientious service rendered by Miss Garner during her asociation with the council. She held the esteem and respect of every member, and all regretted her departure from Wanganui. Cr. J. D. Crowley (representing the councillors;, Messrs. G. Fear, G. Holmes, A. Charles and W. G. Hickman also paid tribute to the popularity and good work accomplished by Miss Garner, and wishing her every success for the future. On behalf of the assemblage Mr. Row presented the guest of honour with, a gold wristlet watch, suitably inscribed. Miss Garner, on rising to reply, was the recipient of an ovation. She thanked them for their kind expressions of goodwill and their gift. She had spent a most happy time in the council’s employ and she would always treasure the years she had spent in Wanganui. Miss Garner will spend a week or two with relatives in Wellington and Ashburton, leaving for England early in the New Year. Choir Member Farewelled. Iceland poppies and other summer flowers adorned the drawing room at Airs. L. G. Walker’s home, Jones Street, Wanganui East, ou Friday, when members of the Townswomen’s Guild and Women's Institute, who belong to the Orpheus Choir, gathered to bid farewell to Miss Eleanor Smith. Mrs. H. Stephens, whom it was the intention to farewll at the same gathering, was unable to be present. An expression of deep sympathy with Mrs. Stephens was made by those present. Musical items were given by Airs. Buller, Miss Ashmore and the choir, Airs. Maxey, playing the accompaniments. Competitions held were won by Mesdames Buller and AlcNeil. Aiiss Smith was the recipient of a brass Vase from the choir. Airs. Buller, in making the presentation voiced tne wish of the memoers that their guest of honour would enjoy a happy life in her new home in Dunedin. Airs. Rowling, president of the Aramoho Institute, expressed the regret of the Aramoho centre that it was losingtwo valued members, Mrs. and Aliss Smith but hoped that both would carry with them happy memories of their association with the institute. Aliss Smith thanked all present for their good wishes and the gift. A dainty afternoon tea was served.

CASTLECLIFF BAND OF HOPE Another pleasant evening under the direction of Airs. Smithers in charge cf the “Blues” was spent on Tuesday last at Westbourne Hall. Items were given by Jamcc Duncan (recitation), Valerie Brown. Pat Vincent, Lesley AlcGonagle, Raymond Watson, Edith Watson, Howard Crutchley (vocal duet), Grace Sopp and Alelva T'c-tty (song), Stanley Crutchley and choruses of the group. Mr. Theo Brown in a thrilling seafaring narrative held the children’s attention telling his experiences connected with the evils of drink also deeds of valour which needed only sober persons to accomplish. The company rules and the singing of the Temperance Doxology brought the evening to a clc-se. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 11, at the usual time.

SUCCESSFUL GARDEN PARTY ST. MARY’S CONVENT No more perfect setting for a garden party can be imagined than the spacious graunds of tit. Alary’s Convent, Grey Street, which on Saturday were tne scene of an enjoyable fete and annual sain. The playing grounds adjoining the lawns were used for the exhibitions of marching, physical drill, Indian club-swinging, exercises etc. Displays by the girls and boys were a feature of the afternoon’s programme, and included a grand march by St. Mary’s Convent pupils, club-swinging, Egyptian balance movements and quick set movements by the pupils of the Secred Heart Convent, marching and physical drill exercises by pupils of the Marist Brothers’ School, and great interest was shown in the display. An avenue of well-stocked and decorated stalls were set on the lower lawn which extends in a terrace from the convent to the playing grounds. Throughout the afternoon, excellent music was played by the Garrison Band. The place presented a maze of attraction, and side shown and visitors were willingly lured from one competition to anouher. The afternoon proved lire most popular period, when the grounds were crowded, but the morning buyers had the best choice. A great novelty for the children was Airs. Wigg’s Cabbage Patch, which proved to bo more attractive than a bran tub. In a wire netting ‘enclosure were orderly rows of cabbages, each centre cleverly concealing a surprise packet. These treasures were eagerly bought by the small folks, who made their choice of a “cabbage” from the outer side C’f the enclosure. Each stall, which had a variety of goods, from produce to fancy work, was covered with a tarpaulin in the event of rain, for the skies were grey and overcost. The weather was kind, however, the afternoon being fine and warm.

ALucli interest was shown in the baby competitions, for which there were St' entries. It was decided that owing to the varied ages of the entrants that three classes, instead of two, should be held. Aliss E.. Warnock, the judge, had no easy task, I'ct there were so many bonny babies that the points awarded wcie very close. The winners were as follows: —One to six months, June Ward I. (Six to twelve months, I’at Burke 1, Rosemary Chainey 2. Twelve months to two years, Judith Anne Robson 1, Elizabeth Anne Bnell and Toni Mitchell, tied for second place. Aliss Warnock was thanked by the committee and the gathering gave her three hearty cheers. The assistants at the side shows, games, and in the various stalls, and those running the competitions worked hard and unceasingly to ensure the success of the function. The fancy work stall in charge of the Sisters and helpers, was stocked with an assortment of lovely articles, including firescreens, pictures, cosies, kmitting and fancy articles of all kinds. A Christmas cake decorated to represent a garden party was a feature on one stall. Aliss Kennedy and the children of St. Alary directed the serving of morning and afternoon tea in a large marquee ou a lawn near the entrance drive. The members of the children of St. Alary were also responsible for the novelty stall, in charge of Aliss Glynn, and the cabbage patch, with Miss Mary Cahill as Mrs. Wiggs. Other stalls were the Vincent de Paul, with Mrs. Dwyer and assistants in charge; Castlecliff, Airs. Quin and helpers; Gonviile (ice cream, drinks, and sweets) Airs. White and assistants; baby competition, Afisses Roche and Lander; Aramoho St. Vincents, Mrs. Benefield and helpers; games, side shown and competitions were in charge of members of the Hibermians. Air. J. B. Cotterill, ALP., Airs. Cottcrill, the ’Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Airs. W. J. Rogers) were among the many present during the afternoon.