MANAGED BY WOMEN

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2652, 24 December 1915, Page 11

MANAGED BY WOMEN

Miss Lena Ashwell, whoso excellent work in organising concert parties for the amusement of the men in the trenches has brought her of late into much prominence, has resumed the management of the Kingsway Theatre in London, and is producing a now comedy, "Irish Interviews," states a London correspondent. No men except those over fighting age and physically unfit ■for service are to be employed. There is a woman: stage manager, a woman assistant stage' manager, and a woman "'property man I" Girls were trained by the electrician in t'lie theatre t-o manipulate the limelights, and. after two hours .a day tuition'for one fortnight, proved themselves most efficient at their task. All the light scene-shift-ing is done' by women. The stage carpenter has passed his seventieth year, and is therefore above reproach. The orchestra is also composed of ladies, known' as the Anzac quart-et; but they are not. to be seen, as palm leaves veil their position. Audiences are, however, what is described as "Zeppish" nowadays, and it is not to be wondered at; for, anything more' disheartening and exasperating than'trying to make ono's way through London streets after dark, can scarcely be imagined. The most familiar places become unrecognisable in. the gloom. Various alterations in theatre hours are now suggested, and '.'The Man Who Stayed at Home" 'company is taking tile lead. They 'have opened a series of performances which begin at 5.30 p.m., and at about 7.45, with daily matinees a3 well. The new system _ promises to be a success, for the booking went up immediately. The artists welcome the change as well as tlie audience, since it means free evenings.-

A Distinguished Tasmanlan. Dr. Isobel Ormiston (Tasmania) has just returned from a prolonged tour in Montenegro, where she has been inspecting hospitals on behalf of the Wounded Allies' Relief Committee, states a London correspondent. She also spent a fortnight m 1 Egypt. _ It will bo remembered that Dr. Ormiston greatly distinguished herself last year by lier courage and devotion to the Belgian wounded. She was in Ostend when the German army took possession, and was the only doctor who remained behind after the hospitals were evacuated to look after the soldiers who were too badly wounded to be moved. Sho was taken prisoner by the Germans, but was shortly afterwards sent to Holland, from whence she returned to England. Later sho worked in a field hospital at the Belgian front, under the famous surgeon, Dr. Depage, whoso wife was'one of the Lusitania's victims. Y.W.C.A. Notes. On Christmas Day, at the Young Women's Christian Association, Fowlds' Buildings, Manners Street,.' there is to bo a Christmas tea for strangers'and girls away from home at 5.30 p.m. This will bo followed by old-fashioned games and music, and a most enjoyable time is anticipated. • _ . At the Young Women's Christian Association on Sunday, at 4.15 p.m., the speaker is to be Mr. R. 0. M'Clay. There will be singing, and all girls and young women are invited to be present at the, service, and to the tea which follows. . .» The death took place at Waiatarua, Nihotupu, on 'Monday, of Mrs. H. M. F. Cameron, widow of the late Mr. A. T. Cameron. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. A. H. and was born at Parnell nearly sixty years ago, and she was married to her lato husband in St. Sepulchre's Church thirty-eight years ago. For some time after her marriage she resided, at Melbourne. Accompanicd by her husband and daughter, she proceeded to England some years-ago, and, aft|r travelling, about England and the Continent, she finally returned to Auckland five years ago. Her husband, a well-known cricketer, predeceased her' about' two years ago, and her daughter survives hex. ' ' Mrs. George Fanner, Himitangi. is , returning home after visiting Wellington. , Miss-"Wolff (Masterton) is visiting Rotorua. The special course of Hair Treatment for One'Gui'nea at Mrs Rolleston's comprises Clipping and Singeing, Massage, with Scalp Food, Shampooing, Hand and Vibro Massage; also a lesson in the latest style of Hairdressing.'and' advice on the care and treatments of the hair. , 258 Lambton Quay., Tel. 1599.—A'dvt. The Store for travelling l requisites. including Bags, Bugs, and Trunks, is Herb. Price's,, Willis Street.