WOMEN'S WORLD

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15864, 8 December 1923, Page 15 (Supplement)

WOMEN'S WORLD

(By "Gipsy")

Miss L. Lever, of Auckland, is visitMrs C. Messenger al Orini. I %'* * • Mrs Hamerton has relumed from a nice holiday in Auckland. » :» H • Miss Wallnult has returned from a visit to Mastcrton and Napier. ***** Mrs Campbell, of Auckland, has been spending a few days at Opoia. Miss Asser, of Bemuera, is the guest of Mrs Allen Bell at Te Rapa. * * * * Miss Gould, masseuse has returned to Hamilton and is staying at "Kerri." Mrs Carlton Hay, of Auckland, and her daughter have been staying with Mrs D. Hay. ***** Mrs Biggs, of Auckland, is visiting iher sisters, the Misses Jolly, at Frankton. * * * * • Miss MoNicol has gone to Auckland, where she will meet Mrs A. J. Storey, who is returning from a trip to the Continent. *** ' * The engagement is announced of Miss Muriel McDonald .eldest daughter of Mr R. S. McDonald, late of Pukekohe, and Mr George Hampshire, elder son of Mr Frank Hampshire, of Claudelands. ***** Mrs Bosvvorth (formerly of Hamilton) and Miss ina Boswortli are going out by the Ballarat, leaving England on November 1 (writes a London correspondent). Miss Boswortli, whom New Zealanders will recognise as a talented and successful violinist, lias lately come up to Lonlon from Devonshire, where she had a long summer engagement. She has also been playing in Eastbourne, and has a few engagements to fulfil before sailing. A stay will probably be made in Sydney. ***** Miss Imelda Fama (sister of Mr Tano Fama), who is a pupil of Mr Horace Hunt, is leaving for England by the Mooltan in February. M. Benno Moisiewitsch, who declared that Miss Fama was the most promising of ali the young pianists he heard during his visit to Australasia, has promised to do all he can to assist her. A MERRY EVENING. On Thursday, November 29, Mr and Mrs D. Andrews entertained a number of friends at their residence, "Northcliffe." Dancing, musical items and cards kept all happy and loth to depart. The reception rooms and verandahs were beaulifully decorated will; palms, streamers, lanterns and balloons. Musical items were rendered by Mesdames Mason, Piper, Misses Brookes, Brydon and Andrews, Messrs Dillicar, Russell-Wood, Peace, Button. Roebuck and Piper. Amongst the guests were Mesdames R. Blackie, Mason, Bartlett, Piper, Brydon, Gracknell, Misses Delaney, Brookes, Kendrick, E. Ross, Croxford, Denz, Laurence, Boural, McLean, G. Andrews, Beeche, Wilson, Brydon, Fuzard, Houghton, LanCampbell, D'Auty and Recce. GARDEN PARTY. On Saturday last the ladies of St. Paul's Methodist Auxiliary League held a garden party at the residence of Mi' • E. J. Davey, London Street, for the purpose of raising funds to pay for the furnishings for the new church parlour, and the result was most eneouraging, close on £2O being raised. The spacious grounds, with lawns and beautiful shelter trees, made an ideal, setting for the function. The clear spring day brought out the ladies in full force in their summer attire, and the scene was very bright and animated. The hostess, Mrs Davey, did all possible to entertain the visitors. among whom I noticed Mesdames Pomeroy, Ready, Seed, Fow, Kenyon, Udy, W. Smith, Seccombe, J. Smith. Seed, junr., Wallace, Stevens, J. TreJoar, Kirkman, Marriott, Jones, Sargenson, White, Hames, Tidd, Gordon, Williams, Le Petit, Blacklock, Matthews, Roseman, Lauchlan, Misses Bennett, Clover, Ewan, Wilson, Spence, Holt, Joll, Fow (2), Nelson, Hargreaves, Childs, Jebson, Covell,' Clapbam, Kirkman, Davey, Adlen, Penn, purdora, Cornish and Kelleen. At the eiose the Rev. W. Ready proposed a bearty vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Davey for the use of ground and to Jtfr Jebson for his help. CROQUET. On Tuesday afternoon two teams A and B from the Hamilton Croquet Club motored to Cambridge where they played against similar teams. One team played the Domain Club and lost, the scores being 210 and 185. The same fate haunted the team on the Cambridge lawn for their score was 76 against 146 put up by Cambridge. Notwithstanding their defeat, the Hamilton players had a splendid trip and speak very highly of the hospitality extended to them by the Cambridge people. A return match will * probably bo arranged at an early date.

WOMEN'S THOUGHT LEAGUE. The last meeting of the Women's Thought League i'or 1923 was held last Friday afternoon. There was a large attendance, showing how popular the Society is becoming. The President, Mrs Provis, urged those present to develop and use to the full the whole of their God-given nature in the interest of world progression, the intellectual and the devotional, a steady endurance until humanity's goal of perfectinent is reached; firm of purpose, and compassionate to the life experiences of Others. Mr Seymour gave an interesting address on the work of the Society for Protection of Women and Children, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Miss S. Oppcnheimer gave a short address on women's work and responsibilities towards the larger life. . Songs were rendered by Mrs Dimook, and recitations by Mesdurnes KabcrHarrison and Fred Bullock, and the usual refreshing afternoon tea concluded one of the nicest and most instructive meetings the League has yet held. CONCERT AT CLAUDELANDS. The concert which takes placo i n the Claudelands Hall next Thursday in aid of the St. Peter's Boy Scouts, promises to be an exceptionally good affair. The proceeds are to be devoted to a travelling fund to enable the Scouts lo attend the rally at .Mas- I tcrton, and there is no doubl thai there | will be- plenty of patronage, and the j

nercssarv sub will be easily raised. All the programme will be contributed bv girls, and some excellent items have been arranged. Miss Mary M-c-Kenzie. who was so successful at the Wellington competitions, will play the pianoforte solo with which she gained second place in the open class, and there will be many contributions of equal interest. AT HOME AT WHITIORA. The " At. Home " given by the Whiliora Bowling and Croquet Clubs on Saturday was a very enjoyable gathering. The proceeds were to go to the beautifying of the grounds, and over £25 was' taken during the afternoon. There were competitions of every kind known in the bowling and croquet world, and all were equally catered for, the gentlemen vicing with the ladies for honours. Crazy croquet, A grade, was won by Mrs Kibblewhite, and the R grade by Mrs Earnshaw, who tied with Mrs llamlyn and Miss Jones and won the draw. Golf croquet honours went to—A grade, Mrs Gall, and 13 grade, Mrs Muir. Target croquet was won by Mrs Bartlett and Mr C. Newton. Clock croquet resulted in a lie for Mrs Andrews and Mrs Gall, the former winning in the play-off, and .Mr Stewart won fur the gentlemen Mrs .Tonkin (president), Mrs Newson (secretary), and the committee are to be highly'praised for the perfect afternoon which was the result of their good management. The tea and icecreams were all well patronised, the pavilion's holding capacity being taxed all the afternoon.

Amongst the ladies present were: , Mesdames Jcnkin, W. P. Burrow, Lowry, Prenton, Irvine, Andrew, Evans, Benton, Ifodgkinson, Kibblewhite, Turbot, Thomas, Seddon, Sainsbury, Mullan, Blyth, Nov, Bartlett, Nickcll, J. Olsen, Campbell, Muir, Macnaly, Powell, Osborne, Coombes, VV. 11. Stevens, J. B. Scott, Blomlield, Fenwick, Sanders, W. W. Scott, llamlyn, Earnshaw, Edwards, Bennett, Losvry, jun.. Webb, T. Newton • (Kawhia), Higgott, Jones, Robson, Gall, Cough, Ibbotson, Horsnell, Raulf, NeAvson, and Misses Gee, Ibbotson, and Bennett. GIFT EVENING. On Friday last a very enjoyable evening was spent in Nawton Hall, about 80 guests being present. The occasion was a gift evening to Miss Holmes and Mr C. Tribe, who are shortly to be married. Time, passed pleasantly with music, games, and dftnewmg. Musical or elocutionary items were rendered by Mrs Whitehead, Misses Holmes, Irving, Gunter, and Breckon, Messrs E. Breckon, W. Witchead, H. Barrett and Vernall. The event of the evening was the opening by the young couple of the parcels containiing presents which proved of a varied and useful character. Mr Tribe, on behalf of Miss Holmes and himself, appropriately thanked the donors. The little Misses Murtagh, of Franklon, delighted the company with several songs and dances. A dainty supper was provided by the ladies, the evening terminating by the singing of "For They Are Jolly Good Feillovvs." FAREWELL AT SONNING. Mrs Whitehorn entertained her staff and visiting staff at dinner last Friday evening, the occasion being a farewell gathering in honor of Mrs Griffith and the Misses G. Rawson and Lowe, whd are severing their connection with Sonning at the end of the term. The dinner was a delightful meal after which Mrs Whitehorn in a telling speech voiced her regrets at losing the three teachors, each of whom in her own sphere was most capable and kept her work up to the highest standard of the institution. On behalf of the staff and herself she asked them to accept a small -ouvenir of affection and appreciation. To Miss Rawson she handed a lovely wristlet watch, to Miss Lowe a suit case, and to Mrs Griffith a handsome hook amidst an enthusiastic ovation from the donors. The recipients all nicely responded and the happy little gathering dispersed. TECHNICAL SCHOOL EXHIBITION. An exhibition of the work done during the year took place at the Technical School on Wednesday and Thursday when some wonderful results were shown. In the girls' classes the sewing and garments made, and the millinery and hat building showed finish and style | that would not have disgraced a first- i class emporium. The cooking was a very strong class and the tea provided by the girls was exceptionally toothsome. The boys had a host of fine work to their credit, and.it would be almost impossible to particularise as the manufactured articles were all of a high grade. The wood Wiprk showed some" good specimens, one inlaid gramophone cabinet being very prominent and the escrctoires and other furnishings called forth a lot of admiration, as did the plumbing section. | The drawing sections both engineering and free-hand, appeared to be excellent and one bad but to view the array of work displayed to understand the vast privileges the young people of to-day enjoy and how easy the pathway to whatever goal they set ■ for themselves is made. That the • Technical School is one of Hamilton's I most valuable assets was clearly i proved by the results obtained by the ■ pupils during the year. HORTICULTURAL SHOW. Although the. season was an early :' one, ami the Horticultural Show later than usual, it was certainly an unquali- !, lied success. The sweet, peas and roses were of course the main features of the show , anil did great credit to the exhibitors. In the decorative classes, the work : was much better, some of it being of a ■ high-class, the fable of Mrs S. S. • ! Brown, of Auckland, for instance, bell ing particularly line. The appointments of the table were of a rustic nature, worked out in black, with copper vases, and the flowers were roses in sunset, shades from pink to bronze, and maiden hair. The next two tables lied for second honors. The one credited to Mrs V. M. White was unique but most effective in colouring. The flowers arranged in glass vases were blue delphiniums and tango shirley poppies. j Mrs A. It. Lambourne's table, a riot I of Iceland poppies, was very much adj mired.

In the children's table decorations, the work of Miss Ailsa Wilson on the first prize table was certainly not thai of a novice. Her arrangement of the mauve ixias in silver vases was most artistic. The Misses G. Brown and J. Gillillan tied for second place and their tables were very dainty. The hanging basket of Mrs E. P. Cowles had countless admirers and was a handsome creation of bronze and yellow poppies and alstromerid. The beautiful bouquet of red carnations made by Mrs C. S. Brown was an exqfiisite piece of work, and the hat, the work of H. Toombs, and composed of yellow daisies and green leaves was also a work of art.

A great deal of interest was centered around the two exhibits competing for the Hamutana Cup. It is a case of East versus West, and this year, the former had a decisive win of five points. Mrs O'Meara who was in charge of the winning collection was deservedly proud of the trophy awarded to her to be held for the year on behalf of the contributors from the east side of the river. The judge for this section was Mr Cutter, of Auckland, who eulogised generously both exhibits.

Mrs Mortimer Jones and Miss Willis judged the decorative sections and gave every satisfaction.

The afternoon tea in charge of Mrs Alien Bell and Misses C. Whitton. Pullen, and E. and G. Walsh, and E. Bell, and a band of willing workers was a welcome institution of which the visitors took full advantage.

Amongst the ladies I noticed Meslames M. G. Bell, T. Jolly, E. P. Cowles, Biggs (Auckland), P. R. Stewart, E. J. Mears, Miller, 11. T. Gillies, R. Mears, M. R. Bcvan, D. Hay, Mortimer Jones, J. N. Walshe, H. Valdcr, R. C. Fowler, E. 11. O'Meara, (Dr.) Davies, Hubbard, F. T. Wilson, C Monckton, Page, H. Hammond, G. Way, H. Douglas, B. Whyte, A. Gilfillan, (Dr.) Joseph, Hopkins, Lambourne, Gray, A. R. Brown, F. Jolly,

Beale, Johnson, Way, and Misses Willis, Nathan, Tully, Searancke (2), Jolly (2), and Way. WEDDING. KENSINGTON—SAYERS. A very pretty wedding was solemnised in St Andrew's church, Gidudelands, on November 27th, 1923, Rev R. Mackie officiating. The contracting parties were Mr N. D. G. Kensington, of Pukekohe, and Miss N. Sayers, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs W. G. Sayers, Claudelands. The day was perfect and as the bride was well known there was a large gathering at the ceremony. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attired in a beautiful gown of Versailles satin, with long draped skirt, the straight bodice having long, full sleeves of georgette beautifully beaded. Her veil, which was arranged with a coronet of orange blossoms, was the gift of a friend. She was attended by two bridesmaids and a flower-girl, the chief bridesmaid being Miss Tui Mackie, of Hamilton, the second being Miss Amy Kensington, sister of Hie bridegroom. The little flower girl was Miss Vivia Cox, niece of the bride. Mr W. Kensington (brother of the bridegroom) was best man and Mr A. Hutton groomsman. Mr Woods offieinled at tin; organ. The chief bridesmaid looked charming in a lovely gown of heliotrope brocaded crepe-de-chine, with draped skirt, the bodice having vest and sleeves of silver lace; with it was worn a fine leghorn hat wil.li a crown to match the frock and ; sprays of lilac on the brim. The second bridesmaid was dainty in a gown of buttercup brocaded crepe dc cliche, swathed round the hips and caught with a beautiful Egyptian ornament. Her hat was of gold, trimmed with tiny blue llowers and streamers to match. The little flower girl was sweet in a dainty frock of white georgette with the skirt gauged and gauged ribbon trimmed the scollops of the skirt, sleeves and big collar. With it was worn a Dutch cap of georgette trimmed with gauged ribbon. Mrs Sayers (mother of Hie bride) wore a frock of black corded silk and black hat trimmed with mauve. Mrs Kensington (mother of the bridegroom) was in a dress of brown crepe dc chenc and brown hat lo match. Mi's E. L. Jones (sister of the bride) wore' a dress of blue crepe marocain and big leghorn hat. Mrs K. W. Gox (sister of the bride) wore a frock of blue shot silk and big black hat. Miss Kitty Kensington was dressed in a smart costume of Shantung and a top of Paisley silk and hat to match. Miss Molly Kensington wore a frock of crepe d 0 chene and hat,to match. Some very smart frocks were worn by other guests, amongst whom were Mcsdames Golhoun (Ngaruawahia), Mrs Peck (Auckland), Gerrand (Rangiriri), Reid (Waikino), Cameron, J. Baillie, Ragg, K. P. Eade, J. B. Hobbs, R. Madill, A.

Smith, R. Mackie, N. Rowe, and the j Misses Ragg, C. Patterson, Prentice, | Hooper, J. Currie, M. Baiilie, F. Marks I (Auckland), L. Plant (Auckland), A. Osborne, D. Osborne. After the ceremony the guests sat down to a sumptuous breakfast where the usual toasts were honoured. The happy couple left by the midday train for Rotorua, th c bride travelling in a pale grey costume with wbjch was worn kingfisher blue jumper and wide hat of same colour.

The bridegroom's present to the bride was a marabout fur, to the bridesmaids a suede purse and silver purse respectively, and to the flower girl a string of pearls. The bride's present to the bridegroom was a shaving outfit. Th e presents were numerous, amongst them being several cheques. The church was tastefully decorated by the friends of the bride, the floral arch from which was suspended a large wedding bell being most artistic. ■.■ - i GERTRUDE ELLIOTT IN SYDNEY. Miss Gertrude Elliott (Lady Forbes Robertson) said good-bye to Sydney on Friday night (says a woman writer in the Bulletin). After the inevitable speech, in which she promised to be back next July, and after the very last eurtain had dropped on her as "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife," she arrayed herself in georgette warmed up to magenta tints, and held a reception on the Criterion stage. The welcoming handshake was given in the foreground, while the boar's head or its locum beckoned to the feast from a long table in thc background. Thc platters and bottles were no unwelcome sight to the guests, who had been huddled about in the stalls during the half-hour necessary for the lady's change of attire and the spreading of a moth-eaten cloth over the boards. Dick Stewart acted as Chief Master of Ceremonies, and the Forbes-

Robertson chick, Jean, was busy in a milked-coffee frock of tulle, twisted about her hips with a glittering sash that suggested a nicely-coiled python. Later on, when the dweller in the plains had gone and only the Olympians were left, they took a 'busman's holiday, and entertained one another with song and dance from their various shows. The hostess, for her part, crooned some of her famed coon lullabios. i NOTES FROM WELLINGTON Specially Written for Waikato Times'. WELLINGTON, Thursday. Rev. Frederick Slubbs, F.R.G.S., who came back In Wellington last week, .says that Austria admires us, and is very friendly Inwards British people. The Germans also admire us j 'according to Mr Slubbs. How nice it i is lo know this, but one wonders how long this admiration would last if they , could get back again to the situation j as it was before the Great War. For , the time being the " Mailed Fist" is wearing a soft glove and is ready to offer die hand of friendship. A meeting was held to further the project of the much-discussed Military Pageant, which is definitely fixed for March. Women represented will be: Queen Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Seols~ Britlania, and Joan D'Arc. The j big attraction will be the staging of "Jousting before Queen Elizabeth," which was the star attraction of the | wonderful pageant held at Arundel j Castle this year. We hear of the return to New Zea- ; land of Mr Len Barnes, a popular baritone vocalist, who has been away in England and the United States for nearly five years. He will commence to fulfil engagements at once, and is due in Dunedin lo lake part in the " Messiah " in that city. During his J absence abroad Mr Barnes has studied j under several very well known leach- j ers. Gne of his most delightful experiences was at Shanklin, Isle of Wight, when lie was a member of a j concert party for five months. News comes from Home that Mrs j C. li. Worsley has generously given | three of her fate husband's paintings | of New Zealand scenery to be perm- j anently in.used at the High Commis- ; sioncr's office. Lady Allen and Mrs ' Cunningham-Smith wen! lo the Impe- i rial Institute r.nd they made the choice J of three pictures. ' Masonic Ball and Cabaret Dance. i A bright and joyful scene I'u'l of j colour effects was carried out at the j Town Hall for "ie Masonic ball to j celebrate the installation of Lord Jellicoe as Most Worshipful Grand Mas- | ler, Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Col- j oured streamers and draperies decked out the gaileres and the front of the . stage giving light and gaiety to the dull building. The organ loft was hidden by a screen of black and purple and banked higjl wj.t|i £pJ.U

age. Supper was in the concert chamber, and the tables were decorated with baskets of sweet peas and other flowers of the same shades. His Excellency was* attended by Captain Sou thy, A.D.C., From all over New Zealand Masons came to attend this great gathering of the brotherhood, and business as well as pleasure was put through last week. Miss Borlase arranged a dance on Friday night at the Goring Street Hall for the commander and officers of H.M.S. Chatham and 11.M.5. Laburnum. Miss Borlase as usual made the dance a very popular affair, and the hall was well filled. Among those present were: Commander Butcher and a party of officers from both ships. Miss Borlase wore black satin and lace; Miss Lcckie, Early Victorian pink frock; Mrs Elgar, black chiffon velvet, and headed net; Mrs Vivian Riddiford, deep rose georgette, over silver tissue; Mrs Sievwright, cornflower blue panne velvet: Mrs John Duncan, rose-coloured georgette; Mrs Eric Riddiford, ivory georgette and silver embroidery; Miss Agnes Duncan, primro-se satin. The Beggar's Opera.

Wellington playgoers are thoroughly enjoying this musical production, which scored such a big success at Home. Main attention in the cast is centred on Hilton Osborne, an English baritone, who awhile back was a prominent figure in "Polly" (the sequel to "The Beggar's Opera"), at the Savoy Theatre, London. Almost immediately after his arrival in Australia he took the place of Ilowett Worstcr as Macheath, and pleased everyone. He arrived in New Zealand a week before the opening date, bringing his wife witli him, and they have been seeing the sights at Rotorua. His wife is Miss McGill, and she takes thc role of Jenny Diver. Pauline Bindley is also a member of the company, and she will be remembered by theatre-goers when she toured some years ago with Paul Dufault. She has scored marked popularity as a singer in " The Beg-

gar's 1 Opera," singing charming old English ballads. Arts and Crafts. Lady Gibbs gave a delightful party at the Pioneer Club for the arts and crafts cricle of this self-same club, and it is the wind-up of this year's activities. Beautiful flowers decorated the big reception room —bowls of delphinium and red and pink roses were in profusion, every available shelf being brought into use, and a great many of these flowers had been sent to Lady Gibbs. The Arts and Grafts Circle lias a very big membership, and a large party sat down for tea. Later on Lady Gibbs made a pleasant little speech, mentioning the fact that this circle had in four years' grown from a membership of three to forty or more. She also complimented them on the exquisite work which lias been turned out. A short musical programme was given by .Miss Beatrice Price, Mrs Albert Russell, and Mrs Mitchell. Lady Gibbs came in a gown of amethyst morocain with coral beading and a wide lace hat. Crafts of Egypt. When Pharuah Tutankhamen stepped from the quiet darkness of the tomb into the noisy glare of modern publicity, lie changed from the divine mortal of three thousand six hundred years ago to King Tut, familiar to the man in the street. Modern woman has adopted the designs and decorations, invented by the ancient costumiers of the Nile, adding to the fascination of her person the art and craft of the jewellers of old Thebes. Among I he marvellous treasures' found i n the tomb were many objects intimately connected with Die daily lives of those who occupied this palatial house of the dead. This included wigs, toilet accessorcs, and a queen's robe embroidered in semi-precious stones arranged in a diamond shape. Bui Ihe craze for everything Egyptian is over, and new patterns are with us. Bui the same time old Egyptian jewellery is still 1.0 lie worn especially Ihe nceklets and armlets'. Patterns will be the outstanding features of 'lie new fabrics —patterns from Morocco, IndoChina. Tonkin, Ihe romantic Soudan, ami Madagascar. Astonishing lliings have been done with silk moire, for instance, printing 'il wilh huge stenciled blocks in Ihe sublesl tones, and Paris' lias gone mail over ihis fabric. Almost every material is embroidered. Extraordinary effects are obtained by Broderie Anglaise. sometimes done in metal on a riehly-eoloured woollen material, and arranged in open squares or in designs. Colours are more intriguing than ever, and browns in Havana or tobacco shades and in lighter tones have a prominent position. Grey, navy blue, strong green, and bottle green are much in evidence. The sweet fragrance of fresh Lavender Flowers lias made 52 Lavender the f)i)oe_n of (4J

THE SENTIMENTALISTS. (By "Simple Simon.”) I’ve just witten a moving little ballad straight, from the heart, to which my friend Wilfred has set one of those haunting refrains you whistle for a week and then never want to hear again. Wilfred tells me that if only someone would publish “Little House of Dreams’’ it would make our fortunes. Some day, perhaps, someone will. Meanwhile, if someone else would leave eiither of us a fortune wo could publish it ourselves, and so make another. When 1 recited the words to Christine rather proudly and with much feeling, she said she thought songs like that were all right for the pantomimes arid the music halls, but the sentiment, for her taste, was too heavily laid on. Admirable for the gallery, but rather 100 bourgeoise for the stalls. Besides, she could remember at least three songs about people who had found a little cottage in their dreams just like the one whose praises Wilfred had sung to his own music. It. had roses round the door, crooked chimneys, a thatched roof, and a garden where bloomed more rosos. When the golden sun had sunk in the west, when the shadow were falling, and th (5 lights were low, a welcoming lamp shone brightly in the latticed window, and —here you come to the tit-bit of the song—the someone-you-love (who always rhymes with “above”) was sitting in th e inglenook with a smile like an angel, waiting till you came back to the little home for two you had found in your dreams with the roses growing round the door. . . Now you know the sort of song it was. I told Wilfred what Christine had said about it, but he said that didn’t matter a bit. People didn’t want originality or highbrow stuff; I hey wanted a nice easy melody and a little homely 7 sentimant. “Something —what shall I say?—something commonplace and yet appealing . . some-

thing human. Something thoroughly sloppy and sentimental. . . Good, honest tripe. Romantic rot —and you've got it. Two verses and a chorus." "Thank you, Wilfred," I said coldly. "I'm sorry you think my verse is tripe. It took me hours to cook, and I've lost my rhyming dictionary. I'm not sure that I shall let you publish it at all. 1 shall re-write it, without the refrain, and make it into a littlo poem. It shall go into the drawer with all my other unpublished poems, and one day, when I di e an early death, you, as my executor, will have them printed and give the money to my starving widow." "Don't make me cry," Christine said. "You're getting sloppier than ever. Dream cottages and roses are bad enough, but death and poems and widows! You mustn't write any more songs for Wilfred. It makes you too sentimental." Christine is a person of sudden pronouncements and unexpected queslions; the sort of person who wakes you up from a sleep and says, "I'm sure that woman was lying. . . ." which is just her way of continuing the conversation of the night before, line of her best questions came when she was reading and 1 was writing. For half an hour (here was silence. My ideas were just beginning to How when suddenly. "Do you like lemon cheese-cakes?" My inn stopped. The ideas ceased lo How. "No —yes —I don't know. Why? For goodness' sake tell me why?" "I don't know," she said calmly. "I just wondered." I'm getting gradually accustomed to these lightning Hashes, but the latest, the very latest. ... I am stilt doing my best lo "catch up." It happened in the interval at the theatre. The lirsl ad, was over, and we were sitting thinking about it. Al least, I was. I was thinking how dull it was, and was wailing for Christine to say so. She leant towards me. "I've come lo Ihe conclusion," she said quickly, "that I want to go back and live in the country. . . " I should like lo meet Ihe man who says lie can read a woman's mind like an open book. So would Christine. Yesterday we went on a journey of exploration. "There's no hurry, of course," Christine had said, "but, it might be fun lo spy out the land. .lust to see if (here are any houses, you know There were lot's of houses, large and small, and some of the small ones would have done nicely. Unfortunately, lliey were all occupied. "If only we could lind one," Chrisfine kept saying. "Close to the station, and yet"—with a wave, of the hand—"real country. . . ." Close to the station! Real country! I groaned at the thought, of the station. t could see a vision of myself fearing towards it at 8.444, with W.-ili'libKllii imMlt liiHi a"d ;\ pj.9i;e

of toast and marmalade in the other, In a frenzied effort to catch the 8.45. And in the winter —the rain and the muddy lanes. . . "real" country, much too real!

It was getting dark and late when we made tracks for home —thirty miles away. Our lane wandered narrowly between high hedges and brought us to the top of a little bill. At the top, close to the road, we saw it. It!

It was a farmhouse, a small cottagey one, with a barn and some stabling at a respectful distance. Th c roof was red and the walls freshly white. Someone had been scrubbing and polishing them, painting the doors and the windows, putting everything into applepie order. There were two little gates leading to two little doors. The first took you through a plot of garden where fruit trees, vegetables and flowers were growing up happily together —a real cottage garden. The other gate was more important—a sort of Sunday clothes and visitors' gate that invited you to walk across a newlymade and carefully rolled gravel path to the front door. On each side was turf, trim and tidy, and splendidly green. In thc neat beds were as gay and goodly a company of asters as you could find in a day's journey, and other flowers whose names I forget. And then—the great discovery. "It" was empty! There were no blinds and no curtains. The whole place—even to the barn —was being done up. The rooms were uninhabited.

"Fancy," I said to Christine, "an empty house." "You're wrong," she said softly, "th e empty house. ..." I looked again at the asters and the crooked chimneys and the red roof and the apple tree, grossly overladen, and th e new paint, and the view from the hill. . . an' everything. I forgot'the eight-forty-five and the mud and the "real" country.

"I've always dreamed," Christine said, "of something lik e this— always. Something really old and quaint with odd corners and beams and. . ."

"Cupboards in the wall," I said. _ "Yes." she went on, "and a hig-gledy-piggledy poor man's garden for everyday and another little bit without a weed, very prim and square, to impress your neighbours when they come to tea on Sunday to ask for subscriptions. . . ." "It can't be really empty," I said gloomily. "Someone's coming into it soon." They must be. A newly married couple perhaps. It all looks so spick and span." "And romantic,' Chris'tine sighed.

"Yes," I said, "romantic. P'raps this is Dream Cottage after all and this road "

"I know," said Christine, "Honeymoon Lane."

We passed on in silence, looking back as we went. When thc main road, and the station, came in sight Christine began to talk I knew she would. She had made her plans—for lh c garden and the barn and the slables (we could let them to thc nearest farmer) and the furniture and. . . well, as I said before, an' ev'ry tiling. When we got home at last Christine became more sentimental than ever. "I simply must find out," she said, "if by any chance the man (or woman) who owns the house 1 want, the house I've always wanted, the house I shall want—if by any chance . . . But what's th e use? It's certain to be let. One's dreams never come true. One goes on hoping and hoping, and nothing happens. . . but it's hard, especially when asters are one of your favourite flowers!" I began to hum a tune —the sort of tunc with a haunting refrain that you whistle for a week and then never want to hear again. Christine listened, a far-away look in her eyes. I could see where she was—on'Hie top of the hill on Honeymoon Lane.

"I think.'' she said, "Wilfred was J wrong about your 'Little House of j Dreams'. . . romantic rot and tripe he called it. . . I think it's rather a good song—the words, I mean. Rather original and-true. Sentimental, of course, but not too cheap. I'm beginning to like it. Don't you think it was the most angelic place you've ever seen? —the roof and the chimneys." "Tell me," tactfully, "ar e you fonci of lemon cheese-cakes?" LONDON FASHIONS. (By a Lady Correspondent.) Ascott Dresses. If I were asked to forecast the winner of the Smartness Stakes at Ascot this year I should, without hesitation, name Pleated Georgette Gown—colours, almond or mignonette green—with Lace Dress second, and Muslin Frock third, if a runner at all, that is, though in its absence, owing to weather conditions, its place will surely be taken by that old and well-tried favourite, Crepe Marocain. Seriously, I hope you will take my tip, and make sure of having one of these most fashionable, and also becominc:, gowns of closely accordionpleated Georgette, while, then, if you see one of the new models in mignon-elte-grcen lace, with rather fuh skirt draperies hanging in deep and quite transparent points to the instep (the underslip of chiffon having ended its career well above the ankles), you will surely not be happy till you get it — and wear it —on another day. Summer Muslin. As to the muslins, nothing could be more delightfully suggestive of youth, and the summer, than a full-skirted frock of pale hyacinth-blue shading with a broderie Anglaise design bordering the crossover bodice folds, and lying in a big sasli bow at the left side, where a posy of yellow butlercups' is tucked into its loops. And, as a contrast for this sweet simplicity scheme, there is the elaborate loveliness of the muslin gown which sets no such hard and fast age limit for its wearer if so lie that she is slim and smart —as taffetas silk underlines the muslin, to whose faint pink it gives a fascinating subtlety of shading by its own llower-likc brightness, while slotlo.d through loops of the muslin at the low waistline there is a wide velvet ribbon, also blue, whose long looped ends hang far down over the gathered skirt fullness, after holding in place a cluster of cerise, and mauve and purple dowers. Evening Wear. So much, at the moment, for your day dresses, for I want to draw your attention to a new need in the way of r. finish for your evening toilettes —to wit filmy scarves of tulle to veil your bare neck and arms, and carry out the colour scheme of your gown. Half a dozen women were thus tulle-draped at the first night of "The Insect Play" at the Regent Theatre, King's Cross, which as a matter of fact, brought together one of the most beautifully gowned and cloaked audiences I have seen this season. Mrs C. B. Cochran was at first, enwrapped in a cloak of silver tissue and chinchilla, but she soon discarded this, and revealed a lovely white lace gown with a belt of aiid paste, while drawn, high round

her neck, and far down over her shoulders, were filmy veilings of white tulle over black. Then in one of the boxes, where three girls of strikingly contrasted types made a beautiful picture, one black-haired girl, gowned in carnation red, had a scarf of tulle in the same colour, and a oloak outwardly a rich darkness of wine-red and black, but with a shining lining of silver tissue, which she brought into outward evidence by the one movement of carefully calculated carelessness, with which she slipped off her wrap and flung it over the ledge o! the box, where, all through the evening, it hung like a banner. Next to her a girl of wonderful fairness wore a cyclamen-coloured gown, and a brown-haired beauty was m blue.

HOLIDAY FASHIONS, Picturesque simplicity will be the keynote this year of the most attractive fashions for the holidays. Once again, too, individual tastes will be allowed lo assert themselves, and so long as a woman makes a pretty picture in her holiday garb, she will retain a considerable freedom of choice. No hard and fast line will be laid down for her as to the length or breadth of her skirt, the shortness of her sleeves, the size of her waist, or even its position. Under these delightful conditions, it will be a pleasant task indeed to choose a holiday outfit, for there can be no doubt that fabrics and designs were never more varied or colours more charming than they are this summer. Even in the matter of travelling wraps, many delightful garments will be seen, carried out in fine woollen fabrics and chosen in soft shades of grey, biscuit and fawn colour.

For morning wear, whether in the country or by the sea, quite 'simple fioeks will be chosen, made in various 'washing materials, such as sponge cloths, cotton poplins, ratines and Irish linens. Other morning frocks will be carried out in washing crepe de Chine, chosen chiefly in cream or ivory white, with stripes in various colours. 11' only we gel a fair share of sunshine, this washing crepe de Chine will be the favourite fabric for morning frocks of lie' smarter kind. If, however, we should be doomed to dull, chilly weather, the coats and skirts, as well as Ihe Ihree-picce suits in finely knitted arliliciai silk and wool, will be smart in appearance and yet sufficiently warm. The knitted wool fabrics which show the new slacquard effects will be very popular. Coats for wearing afler v t(Minis and other sports will be made in white blanket cloth of the softest description.

Holiday headgear for the morning will include the always popular Panamas draped with long scarves of Paisley ninon. Small pull-on hats made in various kinds of fancy straw will a'so be worn, trimmed at the back with tall upstanding loaps of rib Don. For the afternoon, very large snape; in shot straw will be chosen, ihe brims bound at the edge with narrow velvet ribbon and the crowns encircled witfi masses of flowers. On some of the smartest of the afternoon frocks clusters of flowers will be worn at the waist, matching those which nave been chosen as hat trimming. As to the afternoon frocks themselves, there will be dainty Orsandie muslins for s.mny days choseu in pale colours and worn with white muslin cottars and cuffs, lace trimmed and hand embroidered. Paisley silk marocain will no chosen for other afternoon frocks, simply draped and arranged with cross-over bodices. Evening frocks for dances will be carried out in soft satin, in crepe Georgette, in silk marocain, and in shot taffetas for the younger people. Older women will do wisely to pin their faith to gowns of black charmeuse, lightly veiled with fine black lace and brightened with glittering jet embroideries. Relieved with a touch of vivid colour at the waist, emerald green perhaps, or orange, these black will be among the most useful items of a holiday outfit. By exercising a little ingenuity in the choice of the coloured flowers, it will be quite possible to obtain several different effects with one and the same gown. Evening oloaks to match the frocks with which they will be worn will be Ihe choice of those who can afford such luxuries. Generally speaking, however, wraps in soft black satin will be most in favour closely draped round the figure anl lined with flowered crepe de Chine. LAPPET VEILS, A pleasing novelty in veiling has just made its appearance in London. Hailing from Paris, this consists of a narrowstrip of open-work mesh net that ends on each side In embroidered lace lappets, similar to those that adorn the caps of Breton peasants. Draped over the top of a small cloche hat, the new veil allows the lappets to hang gracefully over either side, and the new model is a distinct improvement upon the "weeping" 'veils that were so fashionable last season. The new lappet veils also lend themselves to the trimming of the newest hats made with one wide-sided brim. In the new tone'of blue, or navy blue worked with grey stitching, veils of this sort possess a decorative value that canot fail to make them popular wilh all wearers. 52 Lavender grows in popularity every year—because of its delicate sweetness —and charming fragrances