SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1666, 5 February 1913, Page 2

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

A Noted Sportswoman. A writer in the "Bulletin" statsa that Mrs; Henry Forsyth, who was drowned on a fishing excursion at Kotorua recently,' was unique as a sportswoman. She hunted regularly in Leicestershire, and, on horses which sko had bought cheap and practically made herself, sho won a reputation for nervo and skill that no other Australian has enjoyed in that hard-rid-ing and hyper-critical part of the world. Sho drove as well as sho rode—four-in-hand, tandem, unicorn,;any combination of horses that could be imagined.- There were few things sho didn't know about fly-fishing,' though she only took to this highly technical sport late in life." Incidentally sho wi-oto a fairly successful novel and was at work on another when she died. But she was seen at her best in her own home, near Dudley (JJiS.W;). Sir. Harry Rawson, after, his first visit there, described it as tho nearest thing to, Paradise- he had seen in Australia. Situated near the'edge of a 'cliff,' one aspect took in the Pacific Ocean 700 feet below, another a lake and a' series of mountains' stretching away in the,, liluo 'distance/.Tho place had originally been a miner's hut. \ Sho kept tho adobe floor, tho, flame tree which grew through' tho .roof of the old edifice, and the enormous fireplace. Round theso she constructed a house which, whilo defying all the known laws of architecture, was, artistically, absolutely satisfying—for one thing, doubtless, becauso it harmonised so perfectly with its environment. The living rooms radiated off tho drawing-room (the only'one in the Commonwealth, probably, with hn adult tree in tho.midst of it), and the old-fashioned garden pushed itself unexpectedly in between them at every turn. There Was a steeplechase course on tho grounds, and anyone who felt like a ride ■before- breakfast could, rely, on "getting-a lead,ovcr it from his hostess. Altogether sho was ft' remarkablo character, tho type of daring and absolutely efficient Australian woman whom one reads about often, but rarely meets. '

Miss' May Beatty In Pantomime. "Dick' is assigned to tho part of Miss May lieatty, vivacious in manner, and never bettor occupied than when rendering a congenial solo, bo it of tho 'catchy' order or pathetic."' Thus the "Daily Telegraph" on this'lady'sperformance of tho hero in "Dick Whittiiißtdn/'vntthe King's Theatre, Hammersmith, which is likely: to prove one 'of tho most popular of London's, excellent', pantomime productions during the school-holiday, period. A lover ef the Conventional. '

: Now''crazes in art came in for some outspoken criticism by Judge Backhouse, when speaking recently at tlio annual meeting of tho Sydney -Philharmonic Society. ■ "This society is showing what tho niusio of the great masters is," ho said. "Lam afraid that, in all art at the present time there is* a tendency to run after the singular,-the-bizarre, and very often the nasty. Wo seo it on the stage in socalled dancing, which' really comprises a. combination of what is-described in tho Police Court and what happens iu a shambles. Wo see it iirpaintinjj, in the nictui'es of the Futurisla and the Post-nn-presiiipuists. Wo see it also in the drama,, 'in some, plays' wo read: of, which are founded -upon subjects which ordinary decent, people never talk about. Tho spirit 1 am complaining of seems to bo invading the musical world also with the work of tho new composers. This society, however, is doing wonderful work in showing the public) what really good musio is, and in liiducingour composers to follow ; on those lines while retaining their originality." ,

■ThoTen. Archdeacon Fancourt and Miss Fancourt have returned from Tinui, ;where they wero tho guests of Mrs. Novins (Anuedalo).

Mrs. Archer (Masterton) has been-spend-ing some usyt in Wellington. -■,"

Mrs. Alfred Nathari and two children, Miss Nathan, and Miss G. Nathan, aro travelling by the P. and 0. MarmOra on their return to New Zealand. Mrs. and Miss Domier are also returning by the same steamor. . . \ ,

Mrs. Devine leaves Wellington next week on a visit to Dannevirke.

Miss Glasgow (Diuiedin) has arrived in Wellington, and is the guest of Mrs. James Glasgow, Coromanuel Street.

Mrs. Kayll (Auckland),is visiting Wellington.

. An enjoyable euchre party was hold in St. Patrick's Hall on Monday evening by St. Mary's Branch No. 3 of tho Hibernian Society. There was a large attendance of members and friends, and the games were keenly contested. Tho lady's prize was won by Miss M. Curtis, and the gentlemen's by Mr. P. M'Mnhon, while tho "booby" prizes w ; cro presented to Miss Polkinghomo and' S. Simon. The committee, with Sister G. O'Plaherty as secretary, and Sister D. M'Grath ns presi-' dent, aro to be congratulated on tho great success achieved.

Mrs. David Nathan arid her daughter are spending somo weeks in Foxton,

Mrs. Mayilo and family left Napier on Monday by the Mokoia lor Christchurch.

MRS ROLLESTON regrets tho inconvenience '. caused .to her patrons through the' alterations .to tho' entrance; The rooms are opened as usual, nnd appointments made by telephone. A speciality is made of Hairwork, and tho best quality of English hair used. Every shado can be perfectly matched, owing to tho large stock and assortment.'Switches, Toupees, and. Transformations sold at English prices. Purchasers receive lesson's in nnirdrcssing gratis. 256 Lambton Quay. 'JEhono 1599.

Brooklyn, Wellington, 13th. December, 1912.

Dear Mrs. Hullen — Kor years 1 was tortured with superfluous hair bri my face, and feared I should never rid myself of tho distressing disfiguremont. Being extremely sensitive, I suffered considerably, being often reminded of the fact, which I realised only too well. I tried several so-called cures, also spent a grcat deal of money on electrolysis, but all to no purpose. In fact, L got worse. Then I heard of "Rusma," and, as a last resource, decided to give it a. trial, though having little faith of ever being oured, Imngino my surpriso\,and delight on discovering that, with each treatment, the hair grew finer, until finally I was cured.

A Noted Philanthropist, Miss Catherine Marsh* tho venerablo philanthropist and author, died iu Deccmbit at the great ago of 05. Sho parsed away at FoTlwcll Rectory, Norfolk, the residence of her nephew, the Rev. Henry O'Rorke. Miss Marsh was perhaps the Inst of the great English evangelicals. 'There are great evangelicals still, but they, have a touch of modernity, which she lacked, unci she, on the other hand, had something not easily defined which they Jack. It may perhaps best be described as unction, but it was not uuchiousnoss. It was a, serene, satisfied,' triumphant confidence, into which no doubts were suffered to intrude. Her most famous hook was "Tho Memorials of Captain Hedley Vicars," published in 1835. This had u prodigious circulation and a mighty influence. Miss Marsh's sister, was engaged to bo married to Captain. Hedley Vicars, and the mnrriago was to lake place on his return from tha Crimean War; but the gallant officer died in the trcnckes.before Sevastopol, leaving a fragrant memory. Miss Marsh had distinct literary power,, a warm and tender heart, and'a practical talent ". which she evinced in many good works.'. Thus, at tho time of the cholera epidemic iu the East End of London, Miss Marsh spared no effort' or risk in order, to help the stricken. ,She founded a hospital nt Black Rock, near to-the former gasworks of Brighton. Her book, "English Hearts and English Hands: or, tho Railways' 1 and tho Trenches,' was published in 1858, and had an immense success, it contained the records' of a mission to the navvies or day labourers employed in the construction of the Crystal Palace. Perhaps tho best book sho ever wrote was tho Life of her Father, the Rev. Dr. William Marsh. It had a good sale; but not. equal to' that of its predecessors. She' wu'olo hi later years unany little volumes, in particular one on Earl Cairns, in 1885. It. is pleasant to know that the- sunset of her' years was happy and peaceful, i For tho High Church party Charlotte Yongo stand foremost among women writers; for tho Evangelical party. Catherine Marsh divides the .'honours with Frances Ridley Havergale. ' ' . _

One of the attractions arranged for the garden fete to be held in tho Prime, Minister's grounds on ' Saturday -will be a one-act' play, taken part in by-Miss Hard-iiige-Maltby arid Mr. Vivian Hhind. Stalls for produce, home-made sweets, flowers,' etc., will lw in. evidence, and thcro will be several interesting competitions for tho entertainment of fhose attending the fete. ,

' Miss M'Grogor, of ."Uamvnr," Dunedin, is visiting Wellington, and is tho guest of Mrs. M'Vicar. '•,.■'■; ■■

Dr. and Mrs. Pronger and Miss Pcregrino (Harrogate, England) are, touring the Dominion, and are expected in Wellington at the end of the week. .-,;"

Tho P. and 0. s.s. Marmorasaileci from London on December- 27 .with a good .many passengers, en route to Austrnlin, and some who aro going on to New Zealand. Those for Auckland are: Mr. and Mrs. H/-J-. Brayi-Mrs. A. T. Clay, Mr. John Duck, Mr. E. Garde-Brown, Mr. G. V. Hutton (wlio joins at. Colombo); Miss Johnson, 1 Mr. I'. E. Jones,' Mr. and Mrs. W- Macfarlane, and the Misses Macfarlane, Mr.: Alexander Miller,. Mrs... N. Alfred' Nathan, two children, two maids, and governess. Miss Nathan, and Miss G. Nathan, Mr. and Mrs. 0. A. ■ Stubbs and ,Jliss Stubbs, Mr. M. Walker. 'Mrs..and Miss Donner and maid, and Miss E. do Nicholas (to to Gisbonie, ; Mr. and Mrs. George M Alpino to Wellington. ■ ;

Mr. and Mrs. F. Rogers, To Kowhai, aro visiting Wellington: '. . •■/ ''■■■"■ ■ .'

. MrJ George Moors (Eparaima, East Coast), and Miss Moore, aro visiting Wellington, 'and aro staying, at, the Royal, Oak. : :■■'■.•"• .-. '■.■•'

: Mrsi Exley (Rbseneath), who, is gradually recovering from n long illness; ha 9 taken Mrs. West's houso at Muritai for some .'weeks. . ■ '.