Dish-cover Helmets.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 93, 12 January 1918, Page 4

Dish-cover Helmets.

Domestic conversation in London is still mainly about air raids. Undoubtedly they have had a disturbing effect, particularly on the poorer aliens. But (writes a correspondent of the "Weekly Scotsman") the effect altogether is negligible when one thinks of London as a whole. Many employers of labour speak with enthusiasm of a staff which, after bad nights, turns up a,s usual, and the spirit of tho ordinary housohold and family is what one would expect. I have seen the same sort of war improvisation that occurs at tho front shown by matrons hero without any fuss, only a little amused by the absurd side of it. Ono of these was the appearance 011 a balcony of a lady during one of tho raids wearing a big electroplate dish-cover 011 her head. She thought tho raid was over, but took that precaution against shrapnel. Another lady, having to cross a square to reach her shelter, also woro a dishcover with a cushion under it, and another had a powtcr dish as a tii'icld. It was a procession that ought to bo commemorated.

Nurse Susanna Josephine M'Gann, who lias been awarded the Royal Red second class, is a member of tho New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association and of tho Auckland Nurses' Chlb. Sho obtained hor certificate in Queensland, but had been in Auckland for somo years prior to going to the front more than two years ago.

Another of the excellent concerts arranged for tho Sailors' Friend Society on Thursday was given by tho Misses Fulton and Boyd. The programme was made up of recitals, songsj instrumental items, and story. The short etory competition was productivo of much humour and interest. Tho rod drill by Miss Armstrong was done with skili. Mr. Moore, missioner, who presided, thanked recent donors of discarded bookstand pleaded for further gifts to enliven tho voyages of tho men. The performers wero Mesdames Hoy, Walker and Alexander, and tho Misses Julian (2), Florence, Armstrong, and Cunningham, and Messrs. Cooper, Armstrong, and Rolfe. Mrs., Walker and Mr. Armstrong wero at tho piano.

Home of Compassion. The following names wero unavoidably omitted from previous lists of Christmas donations to the Sisters of Compassion, Island Bay:—Mrs. Johnston (Highden), £20; ilrs. N. Reid, £2 '25.; Messrs. J. Staples and Co., £2 25.; Mr. Doolcy, £2; Mrs. C. 11. Smith, £1; Hibernian Society (St. Patrick's), £1 Is.; Miss Flyun (Levin Hotel, collected), £7 125.; _ Mr. M. O'Connor, £10 (not £5, as in a previously published list); and Miss M'Gillicuddv, £6 (not £3 19s. 7d.); Messrs. T."and W. Young, groceries; Miss Madden, confectionery, and tlie American Manufacturing Co., a gaily decoratcd table and head rest for invalids.

Through, the generosity of a wellknown Wellington lady, the children of the Homo of Compassion, to tho number of nearly sixty, spent a very liapp.v day at Belmont last Saturday. Motor buses had been provided to take them (and the Sisters) to Clarko's Picnic Grounds, and all tho children capable of walking, down to the tiny toddlers of eighteen months, wero of tho party. The excitement and pleasure of the littlo ones, which liad known no bounds all day, reached a climax when a pot lamb came, an uninvited guest, to join them at tea. The long drive homo just after sunset, as tho lights of tho city wero heginning to twinkle, made a charming ending to a very charming day.

Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Simmon (Feilding) arc visiting Christchurch. Miss Rothenberg, lion, of the Syduey Street Soldiers' Club, ias received the following letter of thanns for the literature she collected for the use of troops while at sea"On behalf of the troops under my command, I desire to convey to you their sincere thanks and appreciation of the literature placed on board by you for their use. As we' have been favoured by calm seas and summer weather all the way up to the time of writing, the men have had ample opportunity of making constant use of your gifts." The letter was signed by Captain A. E. Brown, officer commanding tlie transport. Those who contributed books, magazines, and literature generally will be pleased to know how greatly their gifts nelped to lessen the tedium of a long, monotonous voyage. Mrs. and Mr. E. J. Barnett, of Reatoun, have returned from a northern tour, principally spent in the Bay of Plenty district.