WOMAN’S WORLD.

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 42, 12 November 1921, Page 4

WOMAN’S WORLD.

MATTERS OF INTEREST FROM FAR AND NEAR.

(By

Imogen.)

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL The marriage took place on Thursday evening at St. Luke’s Church, Wadestown, of Miss Molly George, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. George, of Wadestown, to Mr. Eric Roo, of Rotorua, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Roo, of Maiganui. The Rev. J. E. Jones officiated. The bride, wh6 was given away by her brother, Mr. J. George, wore a frock of cream satin, with overskirt of lace tall- ; Ing to the hem, the corsage being of I draped satin. A tulle veil was fastened ' with orange blossoms, and the bridal bouquet was of cream roses. The Misses Seamon (2) and Miss Kathleen Roe were bridesmaids, and wore frocks of maize coloured crepe do chine, and Leghorn hats, trimmed with autumn leaves. Their bouquets were of roses and leaves, in which the autumn tints were repeated. Mr. Edward Carr was rhe best man and Messrs. Kenneth Clayton and J. George the groomsmen. After the ceremony a reception was held by Mrs. George at her home at Wad’estown, and later the bride and bridegroom left on their travels, the former wearing a grfey tailored costume and saxo blue hat. Amongst those present were Mr. and Mrs. E. Roo (parents of the bridegroom), Mrs’ W. H. George and Mrs. Pegg, aunts of the, bride, and a number of young friends of the bride and bridegroom.

An interesting contribution to the recent discussion on the problem of the "superfluous woman" was made by "Mary Gaunt,” the Australian novelist, who wrote from France (states the woman correspondent of an exchange). She says that the woman who has learned to earn her own living is likely to have a sane and just outlook on life. Married or unmarried, she is an asset to the community. "Give the woman a position in the world—a definite interest, even as a man has —and I think the question of surplus, women will soon settle itself. No (ono ever counted a good citizen surplus. Mako of our 'young women good citizens. Then it will be time to consider their chances of marriage."

Miss Menteath. who has been visiting her brother at Christchurch, will leave to-day for ’Wellington to join the Remuera on her return to England. ,

The eighth annual report of the Canterbury Women’s Club shows that ths club’s many activities during the year have been most flourishing, arid that manv distinguished guests have been entertained. Tho cash credit balance nt the end of September, 1920. was .£72 18s. 3d., and for the same date 1921. ,£133 15s. lid. With other . assets such as furniture and piano, and practically no liability, the club is in a good financial position.

The trials and tribulations of domestic servants in Japan have been investigated by a philanthropic Hov.'ehokl Reform Society, which sent out over 3000 que? tionnaires to servant girls, and got over 2000 conscientious—or moderately conscientious —replies. To the first question. "What is your greatest trial?” 1625 servants replied, "Unreasonable scolding.” A strong minority of 1036 replied, "Being kept up late at night.” The third trouble. "Lack of sympathy when ill,” fortunately, afflicted only 128. The questionnaire went on to ask, “What is yoi,r greatest pleasure?” and to this 1858 answered "To receive the heartfelt thanks of my mistress.” For the other pleasures "A gift of money” and “Our spare time,” there was a. dead heat —105 votes each. To the question as to.their favourite amusement, 1870 answered "Moving pictures,” 250 "The theatre,” and seven "Some form of work.” Asked to name what they would most like, 1673 gave the answer "To be treated as one of the family.” “To be treated with love and kindness” said 723; while 260 practical women’s righters declared for one day of rest a month.

A Bill giving the vote to women for provincial elections was passed through the Belgian Senate by 58 to 44 (states a Brussels correspondent, under date Sep. tember 21). The Chamber was opposed to the proposal. The conflict between the two Houses of the Belgian Parliament has lasted several weeks, and the only way out lies in dissolution. The general elections will take place in the first days of November. It is curious to notice that the vote for women was chiefly asked for in Belgium by the Conservative Party.

The Hon. Dr. Collins, C.M.G., will lecture on "Social Hygiene” in the Red Cross Chambers in Dixon Street, on Tuesday evening next. Dr. Valintine, Direc-tor-General, will preside.

Tho monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Young Women's Christian’ Association was held on Thursday, Airs D. O. McClay, the president, occupying the chair. Interesting reports were received' of the activities of the various departments in connection with the association, special mention being made of a club that had been formed for oversea girls—a club which will have necessarily a social programme but one which at the same time will be educa-tive-striving to develop character and self-reliance, as well as a spirit ° camaraderie. The Y-W.C.A Tennis Club was reported to have a full membership of enthusiastic players, while arrangements for a swimming club wpre being made. The hostel and cafeteria reports showed a steady maintenance of numbers during the month, one hundred visitors in all having stayed in one or other of the hostels during October, while eighty-five permanent boarders had been in residence.

"It is not tho divorce law that wants amending, but the marriage laws said a speaker at last night’s meeting, held to discuss the matter of the divorce law. "Give the wife a legal claim upon ner husband’s wages make the economic position of women safe, and you have very little need of the divorce courts The endowment of motherhood,,he conskjered, was the crux of the whole question.

Members of the Pioneer Club ore entertaining Miss Phoebe Myers this coming week, before she leaves for England. Discussing the figures for divorce given by Mr. A. R. Atkinson, at last nights meeting showing the increase of divorce for 19 9 0 n s against other years, it was pointed out by a member of the audience that one of the reasons that macle it difficult for a woman to petition for divorce (and this had applied with special force in past years) Was the fact that women were not so financial as were men, and it was not by any means an easy matter for them to pay the necessary deposit to secure a lawyer’s service.

In criticising some of Mr. Atkinson’s remarks at last night’s meeting, which he addressed upon the divorce law, it was pointed out by a male member of the audience that in some ways the divorce law had been very beneficial, though it had failed in others, and it seemed to him necessary to go into the matter very carefully, and to find out what exactly was wrong with marriage to-day. There was something seriously wrong, of that thero was no doubt, and he thought hasty marriages and marriage at too young an age were some of the causes. A lot of money was being spent in the divorce courts, ami he thought that if a body of women would go into the matter, make careful Inquiries, and then work out a scheme to bring before the Government for the improvement of the law, a great deal of good would be done.

Mrs. Do Castro returned on Thursday via Auckland from a visit to England.

Speaking of some oT the causes that led to divorce, one of the audience at hast night’s meeting expressed her opinion that it was not only hasr.v marriages, but the conditions under which so many young people lived that brought about divorce. The housing difficulty played an important part in this tragedy of married life, and she thought that if women worked for betfc- conditions they would do a great deal for tho country. There were no homes (only in many cases a room for a young couple), and no home life; tho girl had nothing to do all day, and tho result was trouble. The same speaker also pointed out that the woman who went to a magistrate’s court to obtain a separation, order was the woman who was the wife of a “kvager” and consequently was poor; to pay the necessary deposit for a lawyer’s services was utterly beyond her. Many women would be only too glad to be divorced by the husband, but the financial difficulty stood in the way. They had to think not of the wealthy people who . could settle matter’s for themselves, but of the poor.

WELLINGTON GIRLS’ COLLEGE

HISTORICAL PAGEANT AND DISPLAY OF WORK.

There was an interesting display of work and an original concert programme presented at the Girls’ College last evening. The first part of tho concert pro-/ gramme took the form of an historical pageant, arranged by Miss Catherine Watson, L.R.A.M. (T.), Lond. The character of history was well represent-, ed by Kathleen Shirer, and the twentieth century by Mary Cooley. Other characters were Miriam (Noleen Markman), Deborah (Joanna Black), Queen Margaret (Dorothy Smith), Queen Elizabeth (Kathleen Forde), Joan of Arc (Rere Beckway), Lady Jane Grey (Gladys Moore), Lady . Nairne (Joanna Black), Mary Sommerville (Dorothy Little), Mrs. Browning' (Gwen Carey), Grace Darling (Olive Stubbs), Queen Victoria (Minnie Forsyth), Charlotte Bronte (Nancy Marshall), Florence Nightingale ( ), Mrs. Booth (Olive Green), Dr. Jex Blake (Jean Law), Pandita Ramabai (Lily Mitchell), Norwegian Lady (Leone Sutton), Lady Astor (Nancy Maclaurin), Madame Curie (Mary Mac Lean), Chinese Woman (Ivy Ingertonl, Ellen Terry _ (Phyllis Dewsbury), Queen Mary (Clarice Leah).• ■Each girl (dressed in character) appeared on the stage for a short space, spoke her part, and gave place to the next figure. The speeches of modern characters were bright, appropriate, and were written by the girls of Form VI. second part of the programme comprised a variety of dances, given by tho pupils of Miss Qarwell-Cooke and Miss Beore; a physical drill display by the pupils of Miss Whish, and an item by the Glee Club, “This Is Sylvia,” under the conductorship of Miss Martin. Recitations were given by Kathleen Shirer and Mary Cooley. Great interest was shown in the culinary department. In the cooking room, there were © bewildering variety, of dishes set out with quite the professional touch. The large display of dainty garments would do credit to any needlework depot, and it is evident that the modern girl, with nil her progress, can s still excel in the rincient art. On the ornamental, as well as the useful sido, sewing is holding its own in the Gills College. Along the walls of the corridors was the art display; nnd it is surprising what a finished appearance some of the productions had. The whole display gave convincing proof that the practical as well as the aesthetic side receives attrition at the Girls’ College. Judging by tho work seen, the higher education of girls seems, to increase effi-. ciency in the domestic side of life. Llie display will ho continued, and the concert programme repeated this afternoon and evening.

Miss Beere's Recitals. In connection with Miss Beere’s dance recitals, which will open in the Grand Opera House this evening, some charming ballets have been arranged. Ine dresses to be. worn by the dancers are artistically designed, with gorgeous colour effects in some of the groupings, particularly in the dance story, me Golden Lily.” Important numbers in this are to be played by Miss Betty Rankine-Brown, Miss Jocelyn Knign., Miss Marjorie Gray, Miss Joan Deere, Miss Dorothy Buck, and Miss Mavis King. Dances, songs, choruses, and ballets' will all help to make a varied and interesting evening. A matinee will also be held in the Grand Opera House this afternoon at 2.00. An interesting and novel competition is to be held in connection with the last gathering »f the Early Bottlers Association. It is to take the. form of a sack competition, or oompet tion ot articles made from the humble and often discarded sugar-sack. There will be prizes for several classes of uoik. Utility garments (for near by juveniles or adults), ornamental and most original design of article made In explanation, it was mentioned, that few people realise what can be made from a sack—useful garments for the juveniles, such as overalls breeches, pinafores, and dresses; adults, aprons, woi ing and fancy ones for afternoon tea., overalls, house skirt, hats, etc. ornamental and useful cushion-covers, runners, tray-cloths, pegbags tidys and many things of a useful character, qnck's after being thoroughly washed, coufd bfdyed, and the nature of the material lent itself for the working of any designs with either wol, knitting silk or floss silk, and such like. All exhibits' are to be the property of the association, and will form tho nucleus of a stall at a sale to be arranged at later dale. Mr. W- A, Edwards, who' is the convener, would be pleased to give any information required, and seeks the co-operation of all Jarties .interested in this work which will d«?onstrate what can be done by those ot an economical and practicable disposition. The exhibits will be judged, and oil exhibition at an evening Kunng the Second week in’ December.

Mrs. D. O. McClay, president of the Y W C.A., will be the speaker at the service to lie held on Sunday at 4.15 p.m. in the Herbert Street clubroom. This service will be the first meeting in connection with the world’s week of prayer, and it is hoped that many will bo presant- The meetings will bo continued on each, day of the week.