SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1116, 2 May 1911, Page 9

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

Women's Reform League, A large meeting of the Women's Refcrm .Lcaguo was held in Boulcoti' Hall, Boulcott Street, last evening, Mrs. l\ewinan presiding. A considerable amount ot' business. was transacted during the evening, and several new members were elected. A resolution was moved by Mrs. M'Call expressive of the greatest appreciation of the work done by president (Mrs. Newman), and also of the pleasure with which the fact that Dr. Newman had announced himself as a candidate _for the Wellington East seat had been received. Everyone (the speaker stated) would agree with her, that they were fortunate in having a man of Dr. Newman's qualities coming forward. The characteristics that could not fail to win attention were the thoroughness with which Dr. Newman, when Mayor, had associated himself with charitable and philanthropic work, and his diligent, upright, and able administration. His liberal and humane consideration for the poorer section of the community had gained him a place in their estii'iiation, and tho fullest confidence was felt- in him. The resolution was carried with enthusiasm. An interesting paper on "Literary Pilgrimages" was read by Miss li. Holmes. Among many quaint and fascinating tilings which she had seen in England was May Day Festival, revived at the suggestion of John Ruskin, who had greatly deplored the decadence of - ■ tho old out-of-doovs gatherings, and longed for England to be "merrie England" once more. Whitelands College took it' up with enthusiasm, and Mr. lTuskin had helped thorn with gifts' and knowledge, so that now May Day was ouo of. its innermost and most cherished customs, dedicated to his memory.' In tho large hall of the college the former May Queen was to bo seen wearing her crown of now withered apple blossoms. She made her speech of abdiction in a sweet clear voice, declaring the past year the happiest of her life, and then removed the crown. Her maids, closing round- her, replaced 'it with one of i'orget-me-nots. The chamberlains—stately girls in Geneva gowns of palo blue, and with pale blue Portia caps—proclaimed that ' the May Queen "was not." Voting papers were then distributed for tho election of her successor. When the now rjueen'.had been finally clectcd, she was led .aw ay to be robed, and to be put in possession of her. treasury from which pres-ntly -came a'long list of gifts, sometimes'rewarding merit as a queen shouti; and sometimes merelv because it was her will.

As all this was a matter of time ifce chamberlain announced that it was. the May Queen's desire that the levels should be proceeded with. They consisted of pretty and intricate maypole dances with a maypolo song. There wvs also a masque of the seasons with anpropriite songs and dances and. when they nero at an en>!. tho new May Queen appeared, was led to the dais and crowned, and received the homage of her little world. She was not merely the Queen tor the day, but head of tho college for the year. This festival means a groat deal to the Whitelands College, ;:vl gives ttom a special status. Death of Mrs. Rudman. On Saturdav evening, at Masterton, tho death took place of Mrs. Rudman, wife of. Mr. H. Rudman, of the Lands and Deeds Registry Office, Napier, and mother of Mr. Edward Rudman, master of the Thames High School, and formerly assistant- master at the Wellington College. Deceased was a sister of the late Mr. James Wood, a journalist of the early days," who inaugurated the "Hawke's Bay Herald" in 1857, having been previously sub-editor of the "Southern Cross," Auckland. Tho cause of death was heart disease, an attack occurring while, Mrs. Rudman was attending a picture show. Deceased was 72 years of age. Death of Mrs. Pownsll. Our Masterton correspondent states that Mrs. l'ownall, wife of Jlr. C. A. Pownall, solicitor, of Masterton, died on Sunday alter a short illness. The deceased lady, during her life-time, did many kindnesses to peoplo who were in need of a friend, or. were in any way in distress, few, outride those she helped, being aware of the many kindly and generous deeds for ■vhicli she was responsible. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, and was largely attended. Domestic Servants. The domestic servant difficulty, vias touched upon in the annual report of tno Victoria Lcaguo, presented at . a public meeting last evening. In a passage of the document mentioned, the Executive Committee stated, while in England, Lady Ward would ask. members of the league in London to make known in their various centres the urgent need of_ domestic helpers for tho country districts. It was hoped that a class of respectable women might thus bo obtained who would' agree to go into comfortable, country homes, where there was no lack of money but great need of help, and where they would be such a comfort to tho overwork-, ed wives and mothers whose health and even lives were sometimes sacrificed for the want of domestic help. Mrs. Ballance, of Wanganui, is visiting Wellington, and is staying with Mrs. D. Anderson for a 'few days before leaving for Cliristclmrch. Miss Lyons has returned to Palmerston North. Mrs. Andc-rson, of Mahau, Pelorus Sound, is at present on a visit to Wellington. Mrs. Morrison,- of Rarotonga, returned from Australia last week, and is tho guest of Mrs. Darling, of Kelburne. Miss Whitalcer, who has been the guest of_ Bishop and Mrs. Averill, and also Miss Williams, in Napier, during her-tour of the U'aiapu diocese, left for Christchiircli yesterday, where she will be tho guest of the Bishop of C'liristcliurch and Mrs. Julius. Mrs. Clift (Marlborough), who has been spending soma' time in Christchiircli, is visiting Wellington. Jlr. and Mrs. C. B. Hoadlcv have returned to Napier from Wellington. Mrs. J. Mitchell, of Lower Jluft, left on Friday last for Rotorua and Tauranga, on a month's holiday. Miss Casclberg, of Masterton, and Miss Myra Casclberg, accompanicd by their brother, are leaving .Masterton to-day for Auckland. Mrs. J. Pliolns, of Wiohine, Matarawa, is on a brief visit to Auckland.

} ,Si Boatrico Clapshan* and Mifs Ada Clapsliaw, The Terrace, ivlio (by direction ol her Excellency, Lady Islington) had been receiving instruction in singing l'l'om Jlr. Silencer Lorraine, received by mail yesjertlay morning a further proof of her Excellency's kindness and interest —a parcel of beautiful songs, duets, and an autograph letter wishing them success for their future career. Mrs. Boddington (Newcombe), Masterton; has left on a visit to Auckland, where she will be tho guest of her daughter, Mrs. M'Govern.