THE SOCIAL ROUND

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 96, 17 January 1935, Page 6

THE SOCIAL ROUND

Farewell Afternoon A farewell afternoon to Miss Susie Eagar, a prominent Red Cross worker, was held at the residence of Mrs. Bunny, Oriental Parade, on Tuesday afternoon. Miss Eagar, who has been ai.sociated with the Red Cross Society for many years, is leaving on a trip to Australia by the Wanganella on Thursday. The guests were received by Mes-damr-s Bunny and Angus, and during the afternoon an enjoyable programme comprising musical items and games was provided. The winner of both competitions was Mrs. McNeill. Opportunity was taken of present ing a gift to Miss Eagar as a token of appreciation of her services. Mr. M. S. Galloway, New Zealand secretary. in making the presentation, spoke in appreciative terms of the loyal interest which Miss Eagar had at all times shown in matters affecting the ‘ Wellington centre, mentioning in particular her very efficient work in connection with the Red Cross cafeteria, which, during the past eight years, had been carried on at the general hospital, for the major portion of which period Miss Eagar had fulfilled the duties of honorary secretary. On behalf of the society and those present, he extended to Miss Eagar best wishes for a happy, health-giving holiday and safe return. Among those present were: Mesdames Lundins, L. Angus,- P. Schneideman, M. S. Galloway, Hendry, McNeill, W. Ellen. Brandon. Manson, Thomas, Bunny and Misses Eglinton, Eagar and Bunny. . x WHAT WOMEN READ Answer to Sydney Inquiry What are women reading? asks a writer ip the “Sydney Morning Herald.” Judging from inquiries at the principal libraries the answer is —everything! Their tastes are both catholic and selective—that is to say, women are reading largely books in every branch of literature, and are keen judges of style and quality. The consensus of opinion is that a much better type of literature is being read to-day than was the case a generation ago. All librarians agree that, whereas some years ago about 90 per cent, of reading was fiction, now it is only about 60 per cent.. The other 40 per cent, is much sterner literature. Mr. Bertie, of the Sydney Municipal Library, remarked that, while among his ordinary acquaintances he fancied that men indulged in a heavier type of book than women, yet it was pleasing to note that, searching the shelves containing good solid reading were as many women as men. Although the Municipal Library is hardly a fair guide—the average visitor being an earnest seeker after knowledge—yet subscription libraries bear out the statement. The general verdict seems to be that men and women are equally attracted by poetry, drama, history, biography, and travel—the last two increasingly popular of latter years. Women seem to predominate in the fine art section, but leave almost severely alone criminology, politics and technical books—arguing a more developed artistic sense, and less taste for the material and practical. On the fictional side it was said that women are becoming much more discriminating The old “Family. Herald” type of story is no longer tolerated. Well-written stories of modern life, “human interest,” appear to make the greatest appeal, Galsworthy leading the way by lengths. The frankly “sex” books have only a limited appeal; and, though a “notorious” book may be speedily demanded, it is as quickly dropped if it borders on vulgarity. It is gratifying to hear that this type of book is only in demand as long as its notoriety is blazoned.

Detective stories, whose popularity

is increasing, attract men more than women, although those women to whom crime stories appeal are generally shrewd in early picking out the villain. This may be another example of “woman’s instinct” at work. Humorous stories, too, have less appear to women than men. Is this any reflection on their sense of humour?