WOMAN'S WORLD.

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 260, 30 July 1919, Page 4

WOMAN'S WORLD.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

BETTERS Of INTEREST FROM FAB AND NBAI.

(By Imogen.

Dr. and Mrs. 'Edgar (Napier), ivlio have been staying in Wellington, have left by motor for Waugumii, oji route for Napier.

■Mr. and. Mis. Hbrriek Tonkin have returned to Napier.

Miss. Vjda Maclean, R.R.C., lato matron of Brockenhurst Hospital (who recently arrived by one of the transports), is. at present, in Wellington. She has been appointed matron in charge of Trentlmni Hospital..

Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Hall (Christchurch) and Miss Margot Hal), left England in June «n.route for New Zealand. They will spend some timo in America.

Mr. Justice Sim and Mrs. Sim left for Christchurch at the beginning of tho week.

A committee consisting of the Misses Willcocks (hfi'n. sec), Pope, Martin, Moncrieff, Forsyth,' Salmon, Grant, Sutherland, Poutowera, Flux, Anyon, . and Clark is busy with'- th'o arrangements for a danco organised by the Wellington College Old Girls' Association;.

Sirs. J. ][).■ Henry left Mastcrton on Monday for-Wellington, where,-with, Mr. Henry and family, she is taking up her residence

The wedding took placo recently of Mr. Maurice Aujirey Frank Archer, second 6on of tho late Mr. J. Archer, of-Welling-ton, aud Miss Beatrice Elizabeth Pegden, eldest daughter of Mr. and. Mrs. W. .Pegdon, of Palmorston North. The ceremony took place at the residence of tho bride's parents in Fitzherbort Street, and was performed by tho Eev. A. Doull, M.A.

The late Mrs. Prudenco Skinner, whoso death occurred in New Plymouth last week, was tho last of a family who wero closely connected with the foundation and advancement of New Plymouth and North Taranaki, states the "Taranaki Herald." She was also the last survivor of the adult passengers to arrive at Moturoa by the Amelia Thompson on September 8, 1841. She was the, youngest daughter of John Veale, of "Mm," Parish of Clawton, Devon, who was one of the largest purchasers of land from the Plymouth Company in their "Settlement of New Plymoi/th, New Zealand." The result of his determination to migrate to these shores was that ouito a large number of farmers and others from the r.f.igh-' bouring parishes also decided to make the venture. Both Wells and Seffern. in their histories of Taranaki. tell of this nioneer band leaving Holswortliy, in Devon, and the stir, it created in that locality. The story of Mrs. Skinner's life would be in reality an opitomo of tho history of New Plymouth, so closely was she bound up with its foundation and development. In December, 1846, she was married to her late, husband, Thomas Kingwell Skinner, another,of the pioneers who landed at New Plymouth from 1 tie Oriental, on November 7, _1841. Of the original family of five, one'daughter and four sons, two survive their mother, Messrs. J. K. and- W. H. Skinner.

Wedding at Sanson, Tho wedding look place in tho Methodist Church, Bauson, on July 23, oi' Miss Oiga Irene Harris, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Harris, "Woodlands," Sanson, to Mr. Leroy A. J. Henson, third son of tho late Mr. John and Mrs. Henson, of "Beaumont," Mount Stewart. ■ "Tho -fiev. B. James officiated, and the church had been prettily decorated for the occasion. Many friends and relatives of the two families were present to witness tho ceremony. The brido was' given away by her father and woro a gown of white brocaded satin, the court la'nin 'draped over palest pink ninon, and finished with pearl embroideries. ; .Her veil of Brussels net was fastened ■ with orange blossoms. Tho Misses May and'Brodio Harris attended their sister as bridesmaids, also Miss' Eileeu.-Hensen. Thoy woro,- respectively, frocks of palo pink net over silk, pale lemon georgette over crepe-de-chine, and pule bluo georgette,- with pretty hats to' match. Littlo Miss C. Harris (cousin), in pink net over silk, and Master Leslie'Ped'crsen (nephew) in white'satin with Maltese lace, wero also in attendance. The bridegroom, who recently returned after two years' war service in France, was accompanied by his brother, Mr. Allen Henson as best man, and Messrs. Louis Matthews' and A". Mitchell (both of whom saw long service at the front) as groomsmen. The reception was held in tho. prettily decorated Sanson Hall. Mrs. Harris, who, ! with Mr. Harris, received the-guests, wore a black brocaded satin dress with hat to match. Added enjoyment was given by tho music provided by Mr. Dunn's Pending orchestra. The various toasts appropriate to the occasion were drunk with mnsicnt honours. Shortly after 2 p.m. the bride and bridegroom left by motor for Palmerston. ami. the north, the bride travelling in a navy blue costume ,and bronze coloured georgette hat trimmed with .autumn leaves...The bridegroom's mother was dressed in black talTetas silk; Mrs. A. Pedersen woro a black cloth dress; Mrs. B. Kilsby (Tiritea), saxo bluo coat frock; Mrs. Moylo (T/inton), navy blue costume; Mrs. AY. Henson, a grey costume; and Mrs. S. 11. Underwood (Wellington), cream tailored costume.

A Women's Efficiency League. A series of drawing-room meetings has been-started-in AVellington for tho purpose of forwarding tho aims of tho Women's Efficiency League, a branch of which" was recently formed in Wellington. '.One of the series.was held ycstcrdiiy afternoon, and was addressed by Mis. Juueton Pnrkes. In advocating tho formation of. tho league, Mrs. Pnrkcs spoko of the great power that lay in the hands of women to-day, especially with those women who possessed the franchise. It was to women that thinking men were looking for tho.reforms which were so necessary if the sacrifices during the war were to be niado worth while. Possibly women themselves did not realise how great was their power. It had been a matter of great astonishment to her to learn that in the recent contest over the question of continuance or prohibition with compensation, many women had not troubled to vote, while others (not n few) had voted for continuance. She herself had great faith in women, and when sho had been told these things she 'began to wonder if every possible means had beentaken to put the issues fully before them. Sho believed that there was only ono temperance society in Now Zealand, and that one was tho W.C.T.U. Society, which renHy represented only about 3 per cent, of the women of New Zealand as regards membership. When tho women in England wero working to secure the suffrage, they formed innumerable organisations, representing the different professions, the different interests of women, and by such means they reached a great number who. otherwise might, not have beon drawn into the movement. She thought that possibly the fame methods of organisation might be tried among women here, or, at any rate, something akin to those methods. In Christchurch meetings of women ha;l been initiated, and the Women's IlfTiciency League.hud been formed, with very heartening results. One thii><r about this io.T'uo was the fact, that tVy had no constitution and no subscription. Every m-mbei upon 'joining pledged herself definitely to vote for prohibition, and to gee ns ninny other.women as possiblo to jobi. That was their platform. The tiiiggestion of the. president, and if. was mii- Hint was being noted upon, was that everv member should i»n armed with a notebook and pencil and write down the name of every, member they gel to join. When the book was filled it; was io be bawled in to, the secretary, and another taken out. Mrs. Parlies expressed the oninion that if they concentrated upon this reform • others would follow in its train. \ At the close nf Mrs. Parker's address 1 llie names of those present were taken ■ ns additional members of (lie Women's i Kfliciencv League in Wellington, nm] j very heai'tv votes of thanks In the sneaker and Io the hostess were im?«yl. Afternoon tea was a very pleasant addition to tho meeting, which will bo followed by'similar'gatherings in various i other homes. _ __ . ... _..

Public Trust Office Bail, Although tho ball given by the staff of tho Public Trust Office has in past years been one of tho most popular ot tho season, tho efforts of tho committee promise to surpass all its previous records. Every consideration lias been given to tho comfort and enjoyment pf tho guests, and it is anticipated that tho committee's efforts will be well rewarded. Tho furnishing and decoration is being carried out by skilful hands and promises to bo quite unique. A novel feature will be the decoration of the various bays allotted to the Allied countries, and special electrical effects are being installed for tho occasion. Tho catering is" in Hie hands of a. well-known' firm, and although the Concert 'Chamber is not available, complete arrangements have been made to transform tho upstairs corridor into a cosy supper room. The orchestra consists of eight skilled performers. Special cars will rim to Thorndon, Botanical Gardens, Newtown, and Kilbirnie. • Arrangements have also been raado to run a special cable car to Kelburn.

SHOULD THE WOMAN ASK? BY A GIRL FKOM THE WAK. Among the last rights of women to bo fought is the right to propose. It is the inevitable consequence ot the vote and of the war. Tho position ot woman with regard to marriage nas eutirely changed, and the sooner it is recognised the' hotter. Up till now nice women have very properly not proposed because it meant virtually; "Will you keep me?" , . Now. that a woman can- be as independent as a man she need have no scruples on that score. .''.,' In every other direction the .position of men and women with regard to marriage is equal. It is quite ridiculous that it should be an honourable thing in a man to love a woman who does not return his affection and yet be a disgrace-to a woman to love unasked. A proposal from the man clears ; the air, and it would bo the same with one from the woman. In the present condition of things a woman often wastes the best years of her life on a hope. It would bo very much hotter if she could say in the. beginniug-, "1 like you, and if you like'me-as much as I liko you let us spend our lives together." It would- bo quite simple for the man to reply, if he were of a different mind: "I -am sorry. Of course I like you, but I do not feel liko going into partnership." 'Die woman would, then put him out of her mind and go about her, business. Broken hearts heal in time, and it is possible that hearts' would never get beyond tho wounded stage if this plan were adopted. There is a very serious reason why it should bo adopted. Sonne badly wounded men are feeling very much as if they had changed places with (he women. They do not have to say/'Will you keep mop" when they propose, .but, what to them is almost as bad, "Will you keep yourself ? J It would bo a great relief to many a crippled man in love if proposals were taken out of men's hands. . ..... In the present"circumstances ' no" nice girl could bring herself to propose, however willing she is to keep herself, however much she loves the •man. There is no need to fear that the new right would give, added license to the other kind of girl. She proposes now, although not in so many words.—"Daily Mail."

ART AND THE THEATRE MISS ETHEL DIVING'S VIEWS. Miss Ethel Irving (Mrs. Gilbert.-Por-tcousf. tells somo interesting stories i" the "Strand Magazine" about her. career on tho stage. •(•.-.., ' "George Edwardes- was certainly., tho most remarkable man. 1 ever nic'. in my theatrical career," slip says. "His judgment of tho public taste-was, to. niyiiiiud, almost .uncanny, while the manner in which ho would reconstruct, in almost every detail, a play which did not meet with his appro\ r al'..ttt.Tt)h'earsals, or'-after tho. public had shown only lukewarm interest, illustrated the genius of the man as a manager and producer. _■'■;"- "It may seem-somewhat egotistical- on my part to relate'tho incident, but I always' think that one of Edwardes's- kindest acts occurred when 1 was called from tho provinces to tab up Grncio Leigh s part in 'San Toy' at Daly's. For that reason I tfivo it. .Whether 1 wis.unduly nervous, or apprehensive of my ability to do iustice to tlio"part, I do not i know, but tho fact remain's that I failed to please tho stage-manager at the rohears;ii, being repeatedly stopped and told,to trv certain entries, exits, and .actions again. - This occurred so often that my nerves began V give way, and I seemed to be going from bad to worse. , "Suddenly a voice cam© from Uie gloom of tho balcony:- " 'For Heaven's take, leave- the giil alone! She can teach you all how to ai "'rt was Edivardes, who, in his characiteristic.. quiet way, had stolen into the theatre to watch the rehearsal. "I wonder-if, before closing,. th is a - tide. I may, say a few words to om 1 i-sont-day audiences? I wonder it they euliso.what.a factor they «f in the success not only of a play., but so in regard to the future ofVista, cineciallv of tho young beginner ..Iheie Sen lately (may I call it?) anapAy predominating with modern and ences. Whether it is that they take life gone}of course, inclute the.' enjoyments, ■I- cannot say, but if they on v ew what a big part they piny. in v vug. tho' artistes all the encourage-n-rat they can when they like a piece, applause-tlio most valuable means ol spurring the actor to do «}« "Wo arts es aro very liko cniicuen Wo cannot and will not , do o«ibes without the kmdly words of ew.mw ment from those- who ook on Ilo* often I hear: 'Ho,v dull « '.• ue „ ct U " 0 ! move them. I simply cant a « , r>ht'' a«d,' like children, w m our m say, 'No one seems to care about us ' we. don't try.' Pediaps this apple above all.to the comedian, but, bulieu me those few words of ■ encouragement c nvevedV applause from to auchence to the artiste mean everything to us.

On- Friday afternoon a farewell tea j was given in the Mayoress's room at the Town Hall' for"Mrs. W, Nathan,, who, with Mte Alice Nathan, is leaving shortly on a visit to England. There was ,a ar"e "alhoiing ■ of Red Cross workers m-esenf,'and, on their behalf and her Sirn the Mayoress (Mrs J. sented Mrs. Nathan with a token of lemrd in the shape of a brooch representSJ tho Bed Cross badge arid tairjng the design "Wellington, WU to 95. m>. Lufe also expressed the high esteem which vm felt for Mrs. Nathan by her nssoc ates in lied Cross work, and wised her a safe and pleasant voyage. Mrs. Nathan suitably replied.