SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1231, 13 September 1911, Page 9

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

"The Motherley's Luck." "The Motherley's Luck," which was plaved in Iho Opera House last evening lor the first time, brought before the Wellington public some hitherto unknown players. It seemed a pity, considering the object of the entertainment, that there was not a larger audience, but as it happened various circumstances took people elsewhere. One of the special features of the performance was the dancing, which was charming. The qiuintest and most elfish little scene that could bo viewed was the opening of the wood scene with the tiny red-topped toad-stools dotted about on cither side of the green clearing. It was hardly' to be wondered at if now and again one caught sight of a small face peeping out from under the wide scarlet hat which crowned it, and a wriggling of tho small golden body crouched beneath it. Immobility is somewhat of an impossibility for su"di extreme youth to attain to, especially for so prolonged a time. The ballet which followed, in which ■ tho glow worms, tiny little creatures in black velvet ■with a splash of glowing light on their velvet caps, -was very pretty, and when it was joined in with, later, by the moths, the moon fairies, and the stars, it would have been difficult to have found anything- more delightful to watch. Tho little tnotb bodies Were most cleverly carried out. the beautiful markings of tho wings showing out most clearly. Very pretty were the others also, tho colours of the moonlight fairies being very delicate and mistily suggestive. It was a somewhat tantalising play, in that one of its best characters only camo on for a few moments at the end of the play. The police sergeant was admirable, and what little was to bo seen and heard of him left one wishing that a great deal more could have been given him to do. A really good comedian is somewhat scarce. A Woman's Walking Tour. A Press Association telegram states that Mrs. Park; a New Zoalandor, has established a record for women walkers. Accompanied by a packman carrying her impedimenta, she travelled on foot from Melbourne to 'Sydney, the journey occupying five weeks. She slept in'the open. A Veteran of the Maori Wars. There is resident in Belfast an old lady, Mrs. Maria Magec, who has had somo stirring experiences with the 57th Middlesex Regiment—the famous "Diehards"—in various parts of the world, and notably in New Zealand during the Maori wars of half a century ago. She is the widow of the late Private Charles Mugec, who served twenty years in tho 57th, fought with it ih tho Crimea, was badly wounded at the storming of the Man. and died twenty-four years ago. A son-in-law also served with the 57th in the Crimea, and distinguished himself by saving the life of Colonel Weir, of the 57th. A son also served in the 57th. In tho fierce fighting in New Zealand during tho Maori war Mrs. Mageo accompanied the 57th, and was often under fire helping the wounded, and sho was present at tho bloody action which marked tho storming and capture of the celebrated Kaifatka-turia Pa, when tho 57th covered itself with glory in carrying that stubbornly-defended stockade, and lost heavily in doing so. "I was looking after tho poor wounded fellows," said Mrs. Magec to a pressman, in speaking of the action, "and'everj'one was calling upon his mother, his wife, or his children. That's what the soldier always cries for when he is dying, and he always sends a message to those he loves." Tho Girls' Realm Guild, Tho annual general meeting of tho Girls' Realm Guild was held in the Mayor's Room of "the Towhj Hall,-'last ovening, tho Mayoress, Mrs. Wilford, presiding. Tho reports and balance-sheets of the various New Zealand centres wero read, received, and adopted. These showed that considerable interest in tho guild work generally had been shown by the members, who havo relieved many cases of distress and want, and donations had been received by many kind friends. The following officers were elected for tho coming year-!— President, Mrs. "Wilford; one of the vice-presidents, Mrs. Newman; general secretary, Miss Wright; general treasurer, Miss Muller (re-elected). Votes of thanks wero passed to the retiring officers, to tho Mayor. for the use of his office, and to Mrs. Wilford for presiding;

Mrs. J. S. Wilson and Miss Marjorio Wilson aro leaving this week on a visit to Sydney.Miss Dillon, Hawkc's Bay, is in town, arid is staying with her father, Mr. Dillon, M.P., at the Hotel Cecil. Sir Charles Bowen, Lady and_ Miss Bowen aro expected to arrive in "Wellington by the Rotorua on Monday next. Also passengers bv tho same boat are Mr. R. Heaton Rhodes, M.P., and Mrs. Rhodes. Miss Madeline Royle, solo nianist and daughter of Mr. Bert Royle (New Zealand), played at two concerts at Brighton reqently, and again met with success. The previous week" sho was engaged for an "At home." Sir John and Lady Quick will sail from Marseilles on their return to Victoria in tho Orient liner Otway, on September 21.—Press Association.