Notes of the Week.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 18, 2 November 1910, Page 62

Notes of the Week.

Women Journalists.

* A graceful compliment was paid women journalists from overseas last Saturday, when the regulation "gentlemen only” ill connection with the luncheon tendered to overseas members of the Annual Conference of the Institute of Journalists was waived, and the little band of women journalists from British colonies and dominions, who are now in London, were specially invited. ' - ' A more beautiful room in which to hold a function than the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords could not be imagined. On the walls on either side are great historic pictures, copies of which even we from far-off know well) by Mai-lise, representing the death of Nelson, and lhe meeting of Blucher and Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. There are many stained glass windows, and all are exquisitely beautiful, so that the light that floods the room is delicately tinted and seems in keeping with the air of stateliness that the apartment presents. In the ante-room, where the guests were received, were some fine groups of statuary. This is the first time that the famous gallery has been used for such :i purpose as it was on Saturday-, and a special telegram of thanks to llis Majesty the King—through whose courtesy the historic gathering was held—was despatched after the luncheon. A second happening that was surely unique in the history of the dignified room was the hearty cheering for Lord Beauchamp, the president of the council and the host at the luncheon —followed by the singing of “He’s a jolly good fellow,” and round after round of real British "hurrahing” given with the keenest gusto by men from all corners of the earth.

Only- seven ladies were present from overseas, but there were about 170 men, many of them well known all over the world. Mr. Owen Seaman, editor of “Punch,” for instants', Sir F. Carruthers Gould ("Westminster Gazette”), Mr. J. Henniker Heaton. M.P., of penny postage fame. Sir Douglas Straight, the Rt. Hon. Col. J. E. B. Seely, M.P., Parliamentary Hndcr-Secretary of State for the Colonies, Mr. T. P. O’Connor, M.P., the eminent Nationalist, Sir George Riddell (Newncs), Mr. Spencer Hughes, M.P. etc., etc. The ladies present were the Hon. Mrs. 11. Lawson (wife of the president of the Institute of Journalists), Miss Mary Moseley, editor and owner of "The Nassau Guardian” (West Indies), Miss C. Kenninghain (Montreal), Miss Griffiths ("Egyptian Gazette”), Miss Ray Sclio’elield (Milton, N.Z., sister of the editor of the N.Z. Associated Press). Miss E. L. C. Watson (Sydney "Evening News”), Miss Richardson ("Montreal Witness”), Mrs. Henry Cooper (Waikato, N.Z. and N.Z. Press Agency). Hobble Skirt Tragedy. A well-known French lady was the victim of a lamentable accident last Sunday afternoon owing to the hobble skirt she was wearing. One of the horses, which was being led through a paddock at the Chantilly races Suddenly took fright, broke away, and dashed through the spectators. A lady in a hobble skirt turned to run out of the animal’s way, but fell right under th<‘ horse, one of whose shoes caught her hair, causing her to lie dragged some distance. She sustained a fractured skull. Plucky Woman Swimmer. On Monday night Miss Frances Footman, a well-known Battersea .swimmer, and n youth named Alexander Mackay, effected a gallant rescue in the Thames of a woman who attempted to <ommit suicide, by drowning.

Both the rescuers are employed by the 'Army and Navy Stores, and they were returning home separately when the woman leaped into the water. Divesting (themselves of portions of their clothing, they billowed each other into the Thames, and swam to the prisoner, who was then in midstream, where a strong tide was running. The woman struggled, dragging Miss Footman and the youth .under water. She was, however, silenced by a blow on the nose from Miss Footman. Mackay, well nigh exhausted, shouted for help, •nd, after an exciting struggle, all three yvere picked up. The plucky swimmers were rewarded by the magistrate with 112 2/ each, and * tribute of commendation.