SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 14, 17 January 1946, Page 2

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Miss Mary Stewart who has been in charge of the Government Tourist Department kiosk at Hanmer Springs for the last 38 years, will shortly retire. She joined the staff of the department in May, 1908.

The King has made special awards of the Defence Medal to the Duchess of Kent in recognition of her services as Commandant of the W.R.N.S., and to the Princess Royal and the Duchess of Gloucester for work with the Women's Auxiliary Services.

One of the most reliable authorities on gipsy life and traditions, Lady Eleanor Sm.th, daughter ot the first Lord Birkenhead, former Chancellor, died in London recently aged 43. Lady Eleanor was the autnor of many novels on Romany lite, and was also an authority on the circus and the Russian ballet. Her lirst novel “Red Wagon,” was completed when she was only 17, and she followed up the success with “Flamenco,” "Caravan”— now being filmed in British studios—- “ Ballerina,” based on the life story of Pavlova, and “The Man in Grey, - a story of the Regency. During the production of “Ballerina” as a play, with Anton Dolin in the cast, Laay Eleanor and Anton Dolin claimed to have seen the spirit of Pavlova cross the stage. Lady Eleanor rode in the circus ring to gain atmosphere for her books. HITHER AND THITHER Girls’ Conference Ends. The annual Dom.nion conference of the Girls’ Life" Brigade, which is an interdenominational organisation, was concluded in Auckland this week. Representatives of various groups, including the Girls Guides, the St. John Ambulance Association, and the N.Z. Red Cross were present at the first day's session yvhen greetings from the brigade’s patron, the Duchess of Gloucester, and the New Zealand patron, Lady Newall (who is at present in Auckland) were read. The Rev. Clifford L. Welch, divisional chaplain of the brigade, was among those who gave short addresses. Queen Mary Commissions Artist. Queen Mary commissioned the New Zealand-born artist, Mr. Oswald Birley, to paint a portrait of the Duke of Beaufort for presentation to him and the Duchess of Beaufort, in acknowledgment of the war-time hospitality they extended to her at their beautnul home in Gloucestershire. Queen Mary, who would have preferred to remain in London during the ‘blitz,” went to Gloucestershire at the express wish of the King and the Royal Family, and she enjoyed her quiet stay in the country. Mr. Birley has in the past received many Royal commissions, including the portrait of King George V and Queen Mary for Windsor Castle. He painted also the portrait of Lord Birkenhead in the National Gallery, and no fewer than four Viceroys for Government House, New Delhi.