HERE AND THERE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 36, 13 February 1933, Page 11

HERE AND THERE

Dance at Brown Owl. A small dance organisod by a number of young people was held at the Brown Owl, Akatarawa, on Saturday night, and proved moat enjoyable. The guest of honour was Mr. E. D. Andrews, and among the dancers were Mrs. Bernard Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Howden, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Begg, Mrs. J. N. Lowiy (Hawke's Bay), Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Lowry (Taihape), Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Pritehard, Misses Joyce Nathan, Penelope Blundell, Peggy Lowes (Eketahuna), Mollie and Jessie Peacock, Betty Herbert, Pamela Kiddiford, Ailsa Nelson, Cara Johnston, Sheila Todd, Betty MeParland, Major Toms, Lieut.Conimander W. H. Bremner, K.N., Messrs. P. Savage, B. Blundell, S. Wheeler, W. and D. Blundell, E. Nathan, P. Whitcombe, B. Miles, B. Whyte, D. G. Webster, and K. Poinare. "Mother of the Civil Service." Came Mande Lawrence, whose death was recently announced, had a distinguished career, having been appointed in. 1920 Director of Women Establishments in the Civil Service. She was the daughter of the first Lord Lawrence, who was Viceroy of India, and was educated at Bedford College, London. She served with the London School Board, and was then appointed chief woman inspector of the Board of Education, a position she held until she went to the Treasury in 1920. Affectionately known as the "mother of the Civil Service," she was responsible for every woman drawing pay from the Treasury, and was the only woman entitled to sit at the high table at civil servants' official dinners. Dame Maude Lawrence told the Civil Service Commission that she would like to see the marriage bar retained, as the angle of approach should be the efficiency and benefit of the public service, and not the desire of the individual. She received the D.B.E. in 1926. Late Telephone Duties. Telephone girls in London in future will work later at night, according to the "New?-Chronicle." Up to now the telephone exchanges have been operated by men after 8 o'clock, but, following a recommendation of the Bridgeman Committee on the Post Office, it has been decided that girls must in future share duty with the men until 11 o'clock. The reason given for the change is that women are better operators than men. At the same time the girls were- informed that "the artificial protection of women must be discontinued." The Postmaster-General has virtually aaid to them: "You have been claiming equality for a long time—well, now you! can have it. But you must take the rough with the smooth, and do late duty." Thousands ox. the girls, however, dislike the idea of working later at night, and are protesting. They say it will mean the end of their social life —and that they will no longer be able to go to parties and dances. When will they be able to meet their sweethearts? Many of them ■will have to wait until | midnight 'and after for their homeward trains, and others will have long and lonely walks home in the dark. The men, as well as the girls, are protesting. They argue that they will lose employment. The Post Office replies that there is no question of dismissing men, but that girls will replace the men as vacancies occur, Many of the night operators at present are ex-service men. Discus-^ sions are taking place between the unions concerned and the PostmasterGeneral. A 100-Mile Tramp. Anxious about her huaband who was in hospital in Lisbon, a young married woman, Coneeicao Rosa, recently arrived there after walking 100 miles with her four children, all between the ages of throe and eight years, states an. English exchange. The husband, a poor peasant, was seriously injured on a railway line, and tak-en to- hospital in Lisbon. Hearing no news of him, and torn with anxiety, Coneeicao Eosa and her children left Alcobaca on foot. They travelled the 100 miles, going through heavy gales and rain. With her feet bleeding and her children crying with hunger, the mother was taken by a policeman to the hospital where her husband is lying. Following their happy reunion, a fund was started to send' the family back to their own village with sufficient money for their immediate needs. Kindergarten Garden Party. The committee of the Ngaio Free Kindergarten opened its 1933 season of activities recently, when a delightful party was held at the home of Mrs. Hi Featherstone, "Eversleigh," Trelissick Crescent. Tennis, games, and competitions were enjoyed in perfect weather and amid very beautiful surroundings. The council was represented by Mrs. Vickery, Mrs. McLean, and Miss M. England, from the city, and Mrs. S. W. Peterson, who was accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Eeid, from Khandallah. A dainty tea was provided by the committee, and the willing help of Miss M. Seed (kindergarten director), Miss Thompson (assistant), and many other friends was much appreciated by them and added greatly to the success of the afternoon.