THE SOCIAL WORLD

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1300, 25 March 1915, Page 26

THE SOCIAL WORLD

Miss D. L. Allen, daughter of the Hon. J. Allen, returned to New Zealand last week after a twelve months’ visit to England. Miss Allen has been studying Kindergarten methods at the Froebel Institute at West Kensington.

The engagement is announced of Miss Beatrice B. Oliphant, third daughter of Mr. Peter Oliphant, Auckland, to Mr. Herbert Lesl.e Jones, only son of Mrs. Percy Jones, Wairakau Estate, Te Aroha.

The- Rev. E. R. Nevill, who has been appointed vicar of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dunedin, arrived in New Zealand last week. He was accompanied by his wife, four daugh ers, and three sons.

The Campbell Free Kindergarten, Auckland, should profit satisfactorily by the excursion held at Pine Island. The Devonport Steam Ferry Company lent the Peregr ne, and the public freely patronised the ou ing.

Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Caerlyon-Ben-netc have returned to Napier after an absence of seme years in England, France, and America.

The death of Dr. Horace HarrisonSmith (formerly of Auckland) took place at Ramsgate on January 4. The deceased is survived by his wife, four daughters, and four sons —Staff-Pay-master Francis Harrison-Sm.th, C. 8., R.N., the Rev. Chaplin E. F. HarrisonSmith, R.N., Mr. Henry HarrisonSmith, who is in business in London, and Mr. Charles Harrison-Smith, of Auckland.

Mrs. G. H. Swan, of Wanganui, gave a novel function the other day on behalf of the Health of Women and Children Soc ety. It was called a “baby” afternoon, each guest being asked to bring a garment for a baby.

Mr. Heathcote Helmore, son of Mr. G. H. N. Helmore, a well-known Christchurch resident, has been appointed aide de camp to His Excellency the Governor, in place of Mr. Alan Gould, who leaves for Auckland shortly.

The wedding of Miss Alexandria (Lex) Burns to Mr. James A. B. Lawrence, of Carterton, was celebrated at St. John’s Church, Wellington, on March 10.

The death occurred at Waihi last week of Mr. A. H. Benge, headmaster of the Wa hi District High School. Deceased had resided in Waihi for the past nineteen years, and left a wide circle of friends.

Mr. M. C. Stranger, formerly of Wellington, was married on March 13 at.St. John’s Church, Ponsonby, Auckland, to Miss Ruby E. Palmer, daughter of Mr. A. C. Palmer, M.H.R. for Echuca, Victoria. The wedding breakfast was held at “Cargen.”

Lieutenant Cyril Edmund Parker, who was the first Canadian killed in action at the front in Europe, was the eldest son of the Hon. Edmund Parker, at one time general manager for Messrs. Dalgety and Co. in Christchurch.

The engagement is announced in a Southern paper of Miss Lucy Standidge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Standidge, Hawke’s Bay, to Mr. Somerset Playne, F.R.G.S., Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire.

King Albert has decorated Nurse Maunder, of Rangitikei, New Zealand, with the Order of Leopold in recognition of her services to the Belgian Army.

A brass tablet in memory of Lieut.Colonel W. R. Bloomfield, who was drowned, with his wife and daughter, in the wreck of the Empress of Ireland, was unveiled in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Auckland. The tablet had been subscribed for by members of the Auckland Garrison Officers’• Club. The unveiling ceremony was performed by the presdent (Major J. P. Stephenson), and Dr. Averill, Anglican Bishop of Auckland, said the dedicatory prayers.

Dr. D. M. Y. Sommerville and Dr. E. Marsden, newly appointed professors of mathematics and physics respectively at Victoria College, Wellington, arrived from London last week

Mrs. Clarke, of Temuka, has received news from England that her son, Mr. W. Clarke 1 , has joined the Aviation Corps as wireless operator. Mrs. Clarke has three sons on active service.

Mrs. and Miss Herman, of Christchurch, who have been staying at the Grand Hotel, .Auckland, for some months, returned South last week.

A number of Australian and New Zealand ladies have formed a War Club at Somers Town for the wives and dependents of soldiers and sailors. They propose to form similar clubs in other centres, and are inviting subscriptions through the Hieh Commissioners and Agents-General.

Mrs. Alfred Kidd’s residence, at Epsom, was the scene of a gay gathering when a garden fete was held in aid of the furnishing of the new Residential Club in connection with the Auckland Trained Nurses’ Association. Brisk business resulted, the stall-holders being Mesdames Gillies, Oliphant, Todd-Smith, Maguire, Misses Bellingham, Fleming, Haultain, Kissling, Robin, Austin, Leys, Orr, and Lindsay. The new club is to be erected at the corner of Mountain Road and Seccombe Road, Epsom, at a cost of about £3OOO.

Miss Alice Hamilton, who plays one of the deceived wives in “The Glad Eye,” is an Aucklander, and returns to her native shores after an absence of about sixteen years. Miss Hamilton had a cordial welcome on he opening night from her numerous friends, and was presented with some handsome bouquets on the occasion of hep return.

Many will regret to learn of the death of Mrs. Baber, which occurred at the residence of her brother, Mr. George Wrigley, Devonport. The deceased lady was the widow of Mr. James Baber, of Remuera, for many years District Surveyor of the Tauranga and Rotorua districts.

Mr. and Mrs. E. A. C. Bennett have returned to Napier after m absence of some years in England, France, and America.

At St. Stephen’s Church, Waverley, on March 1, Mr. Percy Vernon William Alexander, of Sydney and Singapore, was married to Alma Hazel, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Hone, of Kohi, Waverley.

Lady Constance Milnes - Gaskill, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Ranfurly, is doing secretarial work for the St. John Ambulance Brigade in London.

The matinee at Her Majesty’s. Melbourne, in aid of the Comic Opera Company Benevolent Fund, brought in a profit of over £5OO. In addition, a poodle pup was sold by auction in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund. The purchaser was Mr. Edward Solomon, at fifty guineas.

The wedding took place at. St. Mary’s Cathedral, Parnell, Auckland, of Miss Marion Hamit on Metcalfe, daughter of Mr. Henry H. Metcalfe, of “Taurarua,” Parnell. Auckland, to Mr. Stanley King Walker, son of the late Mr. Will'am Walker, of Greenhills, Ellerslie.

The Misses Broad ,of Greymouth, have forwarded the sum of £5O to the Mayoress, Mrs. J. P. Luke, for the equipment of the Base Hospital at Trentham. The money was the result of an art union, the object raffled being a cushion, made by the Misses Broad.

Miss Margaret Clark, one of America’s leading society actresses, has stepped into the films. She made her first appearance in the pictures in her own dramatic success, “Wildflower.”

Dr. Frazer Hurst, medical superintendent of the Whangarei Hospital, has received notification of the acceptance of h's services by the military authorities, and will proceed to the front to join the medical corps.

The wedding took place on March IS at St. Patrick’s, Auckland, of Miss Rose Ralph, fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Ralph, of Princes Street, to Mr. Esmond Napier, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Napier, of Devonport.

According to a London message a controversy rages over the somersault in fashions, many decrying the fuller skrt. Some correspondents urge that women in these anxious times deserve

consolation in the shape of new dresses, while others declare that drastic changes are cruel, as women with small incomes will be unable to buy new clothes and be compelled to continue the tight skirts and advertise their poverty. The fash ons are onlybenefiting the dressmakers of Paris. One says that age and ankles must decide the length of the skirt which slim-ankled maidens are wearing. A short woman must look supple, with a loose waist, a free chest, and property balanced footwear, and she ought to achieve the movements of a Diana. The ungraceful walk caused the tight skirt to be departed from.

Miss Ethel Dane, of “Glad Eye” fame, sets off her blonde charms t.o perfection in a black, loose costume, the coat finished with a pleated basque, and a coquettish little beribboned hat. Later she wears a delightful frock of black crepe de chine with ravishing little touches of cerise. Miss Alice Hamilton is strikingly gowned in each act. She first appears in a mole satin with a full short frilled tunic. Then in a daring combination of lime and green satin with edgings and shoulder straps of sable. Encircling her hair was an emerald jewelled band set off with a border of ospreys. Another gown was carried out in emerald green, fashioned of charmeuse and floral ninon. Miss Elwyn Harvey, the pretty little actress, who has frequently toured New Zealand, was much admired in a rose pink crepe, made with soft draperies. Another dainty frock was of shell pink satin with touches of brown fur.

The following pretty little story is told in Melbourne “Punch”: —When Melba leaves for America she takes with her a young South Australian contralto, as yet unknown to fame, who will be professionally known as Miss Clara Serena. Quite romantic is her life-story. Living on a farm in the backblocks, she was heard singing by a wool traveller, who, struck by the volume of her voice, arranged for her to sing before some musical experts in the city. From that moment she was taken up by Adelaide’s very best. To give her a good musical education, a syndicate, known as the “Serena Trust,” was formed, and principally supported by Mr. Peter Waite, one of South Australia’s wealthiest squatters, whose daughters have taken an immense personal interest in the singer. She went to London and studied for several years at the Royal College of Music, but beyond college concerts Miss Serena did not make any London appearances. Personally conducted by Miss Waite she went to Cologne for more study, and there she was when war broke out, and there still is most of her luggage and all her music. Miss Serena returned to Adelaide, and introduced by the strong social influence of the “Trust,” sang at Government House, where Melba heard her. And now she is getting a brilliant chance —under exceptional auspices for an unknown singer—to “make good” on tour in America with the world’s greatest prima donna.

Mrs. G'. H. Scales, Petone, lent her residence last Wednesday for a garden fete in aid of the Plunket Nursing Funds. Mrs. Algar Williams (president) opened the function.

Lawyer (to timid young woman) : "Have you ever appeared as witness in a suit before?” Young Woman (blushing); “Y-yes, sir, of course.” Lawyer: ‘‘Please state to the jury just what suit it was.” Young Woman (with more confidence): ‘‘lt was a nun’s veiling, shirred down the front, and trimmed with a lovely blue, and hat to match ” Judge (rapping violently): “Order in the court.”

“When a man makes real, genuine love to a woman, he talks to her of one thing only and of nothing else in the universe, and that is—herself.”

The “Times’ ” Paris correspondent says that a revival of normal ideas in plays, music, and books is becoming daily more marked. Everyone is getting new spring tailor-made clothes, and women declare that they must have them. Having made the confession they are not doing the thing by halves. Sorrow lurks behind the veil, but the veils are put on with extraordinary skill. Economy dictates simple serges, which are made on practical lines, with short-pleated skirts. Slim ankles are more desired than a pretty face. What is saved in dresses is spent on shoes and stockings.— * * sS *

Although women’s employment has been more severely affected by the war than that of men, there is one brilliant exception (says the Manchester “Guardian”). Medical women are in demand as they have never been before. Hospitals whose doors have been closed to them are eagerly begging them to come forward and fill resident posts. Since the war women have obtained posts at the London Hospital, at the Samaritan Free, and at the London Temperance Hospital. Several other important hospitals are asking for women resident doctors. Almost all the poor law infirmaries in the country are willing to put one woman resident on their staffs.

In Japan the music of the Occident is fast becoming the vogue. The Japanese heretofore largely depended upon Germany, both in the art of playing and the making of pianos, organs, and other musical instruments. Now it has become evident that the British musician and the British instrument maker have a promising field there. Tokio, however, appears

to have made a beginning on its own account, for one reads of “The Japan Piano Manufacturing Company,” and the making of high-grade pianos.

Elgar’s new work, “Carillon,” received its first performance at a London Symphony Orchestra concert in December. The composer conducted, and the performance was evidently impressive. The work is a setting of Emile Commaert’s “Charitons Beiges Chantons.” One critic remarks that “the heartbroken cry of the patriot poet weeping for his ruined country, and declaiming vengeance, has inspired Sir Edward Elgar to one of his loftiest utterances.”

“Audiences in Melbourne are very susceptible,” said Charles A. Millward.

Mr. Millward is playing Robert Staf-

ford, the passionate husband in “Bought and Paid For” at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, Miss Muriel Starr appearing as the wife. “The other night,” said Mr. Millward, “when the second act, in which I break down the wife’s bedroom door, had ended, in response io the applause I came forward to take the usual call, when a voice from the gallery exclaimed, ‘Away with you, brute!’ I took it as a tribute to the sk.ll of the playwright who had conceived such a scene of vivid realism.”