WOMAN'S WORLD.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2845, 9 August 1916, Page 2

WOMAN'S WORLD.

(By Imogen.)

MATTERS OF INTEREST FROM FAR AND NEAR,

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL The St. John Nursing Guild.

The monthly committee meeting of the District Nursing Guild of St. John was held on Monday afternoon at Mrs. AV. H. Sefton Moorhouse's residence. Present: Mcsdaraes Moorhouse (presiding), Corrigan, Gibbons, E. Hadfield, Pearson, Misses K-obieson and Edmeades (lion, secretary). Apologies.for absence were received from Mesdames Balcombe Brown and AV. B. Tripe. Nurse AValton reported for July "much sickness." Eighteen patiefits were registered, 10 discharged, 4 died, 1 taken to Convalescent Home, 34 remaining on register; 626 visits had been paid. Parcels of clothing, etc., were acknowledged with thanks from Mesdames Moorhouse, Fullarton, Kent, Glasson, Denniston, Lissack, Evans, Buino, Misses Robieson and Stevens, Mr. Cooper, a Reel Cross Committeo, Busy'Jßeo Society, Gear Co., two "Anonymous," Terrace Congregational Young AVomen's Club. Care of Sewing Machines. •In these days when the sewing machine is in such great requisition everywhere, the following directions as to how to keep it clean should bo useful: —It is advisable to give your machine a periodical examination, according to the amount of sewing done. If it is allowed to become clogged with dust and short of oil it will naturally not run swiftly and smoothly, and the material is likely to be ruined. Your best method is practically to batlio the machine in kerosene. Thoroughly soak all working pans with this oil, and allow to remain untouched for at least half a day, after which wipe off all superfluous oil with a soft cloth. If any parts appear to be still unclean, apply more kerosene, and allow to stand as long, as is necessary. You should next carefully dust the machine all over. Replace any parts that you may have removed; be sure that you do this correctly. Now oil all necessary parts with.the best machine oii, as in the ordinary way, and allow the machine to run at top speed for two minutes or so. This allows the oil to percolatc thoroughly into the works. It is important now to give it a good wipe over ,so as finally to get rid of any superfluous oil, otherwise you stand a good chance of soiling your material. Just. see that all nuts and ' thumbscrews are tight, and the needle is in order. : You can then consider that your Sewing machine is in excellent working condition (Sydney "Sun"). Women's Wdrk In Canada. AVomen in Canada are beginning to replaco men in a. number of industries and occupations,' releasing them for service at the front. The Canadian AVomen's Emergency Corps has been organised with' branches all over the country, to enrol women willing to undertake the 'work of men who will en-, list. Already several hundreds of women and girls aro engaged on munitions work; one firm alone, within a low days, has taken on seven hundred women for this work. Another firm applied to the corps for 100. Several firms, have notified the men engaged by them that tliey are to go to the recruiting office, and if they are physically- acceptable for the arm}' they will not ho re-engaged, but if they . bring, back a certificate of unfitness tliey will be; otherwise their places will be taken by women.- The women arc ready to release many hundreds more/of men of military age, who are employed in stores, offices, factories, and on the farin, and in various other industries. There has been some reluctance on the 'part of many employers hitherto to putting women into their factories In the place of men. The question of equal wages for the women to those paid the men is also a moot point.

The funeral took place on Monday afternoon of' Mrs. "Williams, wife of Mr. Andrew Williams, who has been engaged in business in Courtenay Place for over thirty years past. Mrs. Williams, who was sixty-seven years of age, was an old and respected resident oi Wellington and her funeral was; attended by many who liad been associated with her in church work years ago, when both sho and her husband were adherents ofithe old United Methodist Free Church'in Courtenay Place.

Mr. and Mrs. Mawley (Masterton) are visiting Wellington, and are staying at Miss Malcolm's.

Dresses in "San Toy." The AVellington Amateur Operatic Society has started a new prgcedent in AVellington, as it i s the first time that any society of the kind has taken a room, and in that room has had its own costume-making done. Formerly it had been tho custom to give out the dresses, etc., for whatever piece was to be performed, but on this occasion the Operatic Society has been able to use the Savage Club rooms in the Exchange Buildings, and there the making of tho very pretty dresses which will be seen in "San .Toy" has been proceeding for some littlo while. Sirs. James Hannah has designed these costumes, and Miss M. Sinclair has bosn carrying them out, with Mrs. Smythson and one or two assistants to help her. Her sister, Miss F. Sinclair, has been making tho hate, which are a distinctive feature of tho dressing, as will be recognised when tho production is staged. At the present- time the Savage Club practice room is the scene of dressmaking, trying-on, rehearsals, scraps of operatic singing, dancing, and various other things incidental to tho production of musical comedy. In one corner might be seen an impassioned love scene between the principals, while in another a - serious discussion will bo taking placo, as to whether dragons or flowers or gold embroideries would bo the most effective thing on San Toy's pretty white satin coat, while every now and again an undertone of San Toy music would break out from beneath the pianist's lingers. As has alroady been stated,\the costumes worn in San Toy promise to bo very effective, and some charming colour schemes should result when the piece comes to be staged. The Emperor (Mr. Shaw), in one of his appearances, wears a Chinese robe of purple satin, on'which run riot numbers of dragons on backgrounds of gold. Showing iust below the wide sleeves, which end in cuffs, of Oriental trimming, are under-sleeves of rich brocade, and the collar is also richly ornamented with Eastern embroideries. Tho robe is worn over a black and royal blue striped satin skirt. _ The crowning effect, however, lies in thjO hat, which is of black velvet, something like a tricorn in shape, with great curving corners, ■ while a ' gold satin crown rises into a high narrow peak ending with a tiny gold device. It suggests a miniature temple in itself, and much of tho Emperor's dignity, should surely lie in his hat, San Toy, as may be imagined, wears some very pretty costumes. "In her' first appearance she will arrive upon tho stage in a Chinese boy's clothes or. rose pink silk, very- loose like all Chinese clothes, and the. coat ornamented with symbolical looking designs that are very, ornamental. A wide straw hat is also' worn. Later she will appedr in silver, green and black velvet, tho combination of colours making, one of the prettiest of the dresses which will be worn. Her bridal dress is a harmony of white, and gold, the loose coat being of white satin embroidered with gold flowers, over a'yellow satin skirt, heavily embroidered with blue flowers and gold •leaves.

The dress jrom by the Captain of the Guards (and his double) is very handsome,, and -is of emerald greon loose 'trousers, with a black satin coat, inlet 'with purple, and with purplo sleeves, tho cult's of which are of gold, red and purplo striped satin, while tho borders of tho coat are outlined in gold braid, in something like tho Greek key pattern. The Royal dragons, worked in gold oil a royal blue: background and worn in the front of the coat arc most ornamental.. The hat, which is worn is shaped like that of tho Emperor, but with a purplo crown to which is attached a. long cerise tassel or plumed "Li" (Mr. A. Newton) is -quite a gorgeous figure in a yellow flowered gown worn with loose yellow trousers and a littlo pork pie hat, or; one shaped something like it. Fo Hop wears a loose coat of amethyst, on which aro worked black elephants outlihed in cerise, and", other figures as well, with a little pork .pie'shaped.hat, in black and amethyst, • with a. cerise tassel. Sing Ho is another effective figure in a tangerine satin robe richly ornamented with , Oriental designs. Quito a number of these potentates possess as many as twelve wives, some of whom. aro charmingly dressed in soft tones of blue and apricot, and others in gold and pale blue and silver. A number of boys' upon the stage will wear loosa Chinoso drosses; of .biscuit and. white striped material, with largo round straw hats. Other colours have .been devised for other groups. It is in the last act that tho more gorgeous colours will predominate.

Mrs.! J. P. Luke, president of tho Women's Committee of tho British Red Cross and Order'of St. John, has received notice from Mrs. Hart, Mayoress of Hastings, that her branch will provide for the making ol" 350 ward suits i'or the military hospitals, and 18 from Foxton, per' Miss Boss.:' These'wilt be delivered at the depot in Mercer Street at tho rate of 50 suits per week. Mrs. Luke will bo very glad to hear of other guilds or societies who would help in this way, as'a largo number is needed. Miss Fotheringhame is staying at Roto-Hewi, Hatuma, with Mrs. W. Stratford.

£t. Mary's Cuild.

Tho monthly meeting of St. Mary's Guild was held yesterday morning, Jliss < Ooates presiding. Tho roport stated that tho health of tho girls, in the . homes is good. A discussion took place regarding the necessity for greater financial support, in view'of tho increasing expemUture. caused by tho large increase iu accommodation which lias had to bo provided.,. It . was decided to.make a direct appeal for regular assistance to every parish in the Anglican; diocese of Wellington, point- , ing out:.that St. Mary's Homo is a diocesan institution, and suggesting that a lady collector should he appointed by the parish authorities, so that • ■each parish should contribute at least -£2- per annum in support of the wo.rk. It.was emphasised that a special effort ds necessary in order to assure tho Tegular payment of , tho interest on tho money obtained for tho purchase of the recently-acquired property. It .was announced that Miss Baber and 'the pupils of the Fitzherbert Terrace School, who are always ready to help good cause, liavo arranged to hold bazaar and to 'prodrice a little play on 'August 24, the proceeds to ho divided between the Bed Cross and St. Mary's Home: Parents and friends aro cordially invited to givo their patronage. The members of the guild expressed licarty. appreciation of-the generous offer "of Miss Baber and, her pupils. VSocial'! In St.. Peter's Schoolroom. St. • Joseph's Parish : social was held in St. Peter's Schoolroom last evening, and was very successful from every .point of view.. .There.'was a large at- , tendance of parishioners, and dancing, interspersed with musical and elocutionary items, formed tho entertainment of the evening. A large committee, comprised of ladies of the parish, was in charge of the various arrangements, including supper, and the secretary was Miss Phelan: During , tho evening Miss Striokland sang, Master Fergus lleevos recited, and Miss O'Leary contributed' some fancy dancing. The M.C.'s for the dancing were Messrs. J. M'Keown, J. Boyce, and Johnson, and Mr. Williams supplied the music for the dancing Tho hall had been decorated, with flags and tho floor was in excellent condition for , dancing; Several of the clergy were present-during part of the evening.

To-morrow evening Mr. Lionel Curtis will be entertained by members of the Pioneer' Club at the club rooms on Lambton Quay. Members will be permittod 'to bring their husbands or other masculine relatives. . !

Members of the Sydney Street Soldiers' Club Committee are reminded of the meeting to be lield at the Y.M.C.A; on. Friday morning. As the report and balance-sheet for; the year' aro to be presented, it'is hoped that all members will endeavour to bo' present. .

A fair test of merit is the continuous sale of . Miss Mil&omV facial and skin preparations, extending over many years. "Culteno" Skin Food, 35., builds up, feeds and nourishes the -wasted tissues. "Culteno" , Balm, • 3s. 6d.,prevents ' redness, keeps the face' cool and rested, removes dust and dirt; invaluable for motoring, golf, and theatres. . Hygienic Pace Powder, 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d., a skin fobd in powder form. ' ; Obtainable in Creme, White. Buff and Pink 6hades to suit ajl skins. Parisian: Bloom, 3s. 6d., a new preparation giving a natural and healthy fresh appearance, to the. complexion. Lip Food, 2s. 6d. prevents the lips cracking and preserves Nature's glow permanently. . All hair' preparations. Call or write, Miss"Milsom', Barrett's Buildings, 91 Willis /Street. Telephono '814.—Advt. •

MRS ALEC-TWEEDIE'S HUTS

A GREAT WORK FOR THE SOLDIERS.

A vory line work for the soldiers at the front has been done by Mrs. Alcc'LVeedio, the well-known authoress, by her scheme for increasing the already existing number of Y.M.C.A. centres (hutments) numbering 1100, for the soldiers in their "off" moments, and in helping to pay for their upkeep. With new men constantly joining the forces, such, a work needs to ha increased if it is to be effective, and this Mrs. AlecTweodie set herself the task of doing. By means of bazaars, rummage sales, and private entertainments of all kinds, sho has succeeded in raising a. sum (by May 30) of over £11,000, and lias put up 27 liuts. When writing of the work to a Wellington friend' (Lady Stout), she was then having a month's rest, and had recently suffered tho loss of her second son in action. Both boys had been at Oxford when the war broke out,-and at once they offered their services in the cause of world freedom. Her other son is an aviator.

Mrs. Alec-lVedio is known as a most delightful and charming woman, who suddenly, by tho death of her husband, was thrown entirely upon her own resources, with ■ two sons to provide for as well! Sho summoned up her energies, and in tho courso of time made a reputation as a very clever writer of books of travel, of fiction, and of others dealing with some of tlio social and economic problems of tho day. She is also known as a leader of thought, and as one who has taken a considerable part in many of the movements that have made for the betterment of the people. Like so many women in the world to-' day who have made their great sacrifices, Sirs. «\lec-Tweedie has tried to obliterate her own suffering by thinking of that of others, and she has worked greatly for the welfare of the men who are giving their all for the sake of liberty. For the duration ot tho war she has laid aside her profes-* sioual pen and: is devoting her whole energies to the prosecution of tho schemo mentioned above. Needless to say, tlio personality .'of the gifted authoress has had something to do with its success, as, cheques liavo been received from people who havo expressed tho great pleasure they derived, from the reading of her books. By appeals inviting the formation of local commit-' tees all ovor the country for tho promotion of bazaars, by cake and doll competitions (the entrance fees being given to the fund, and cakes and dolls to tlio hospitals); by rummago sales; whilst drives, soldiers' dancing parties, concerts, penny subscriptions from mother' meetings, knitting competitions (in which' tho socks and helmets are sent to the troops, and a shilling on oach article subscribed to the fund), and various other ways, she lias, met with, gratifying success. As the army grows, however, the need for the work grows greater also. •,

Another method which Mrs. AleeTwoedie tried, and -which met with happy results, was the house-to-house collection. A. printed slip, with an addressed envelope, was left at every house. The slip read:

"Have you a boy at the'front?

"Have you a relative at the front?

■ "He requires a : place, to sit in, , a place to write-in,- a place to remember you in, and a place to rest in. : "These...-huts provide all these and other requirements and comforts.

"Tho local committee appeal to you to give your mite to this very deserving and necessary object.

' . "Help our 'boys' and your friends who are helping you to spend your lifo in your own home. • .

"The enclosed envelope will he called for on or before Friday. ' When you have made your collection ancl placed it in the envelope, please seal and hand

it to one of t-lie following collectors." Letters from such men as General Sir Charles Monro, Commanding tho Mediterranean. Expeditionary lorces, Major-General H. A. Tagart (from tlie Headquarters of the British Expeditionary Force), from Lieut-General Sir AV. Pitcairn Campbell, Commander-in-Chief of tho Southern Command, and Captain A, C. Candy, of H.M.S. .Dolphin, have been received by Mrs. AlecTwoedie, in which the highest appreciation of these huts and .ivhat they provide for the men has beon expressed, and all of the writors express the hope that more still will bo done iu this direction.

When Wellington people assisted the Ladies' Auxiliaiy of the Y.M.C.A. to raise a sum of money (£400) sufficient to erect a hutment in Franco, thoy helped ou a work that has the heartiest approbation of tlio Army leaders.