WOMEN'S WORLD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20068, 14 October 1939, Page 11

WOMEN 'S WORLD

Engagements

O'Halloiaii—Cash oil.—The engagement is announced between Vincent Disney, only son of Mn and Mrs. R. J. D. O'Halloran, Stout street, Gisborne, and Margaret Olive (Marjorie), younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Casbort, Macky avenue, Devonport. Fletcher —Sherratt.—An engagement is announced between Perry Fletcher, Ruatoria, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Fletcher, of Londonderry, Ireland, and Josephine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Sherratt, Ngatapa, Poverty Bay. Poverty Bay Gardening Circle The monthly meeting of the Poverty Bay Gardening Cil'cle was held in Le Grand Cafe, on Thursday afternoon, Mrs. H. R. ICendon presiding over a good attendance of members. A charming display of cut flowers was judged by Mr. Johnson, who later gave a most interesting talk on gladioli culture and the points in judging. A warm vote of thanks was awarded Mr. Johnson. A seeds table under the charge of Mesdames M. Lawless and H. Holmes was well-patronised. The president reminded members of the annual summer flower show, which 'the circle is staging on November 16.

The following awards were made by Mrs. Johnson: —Nemesia. Mrs. Woodrow, 1; Mrs. C. Crone, 2. Stocks. —Mrs. C. Adair, 1; Mrs. C. Crone, 2. Polyanthus.—Mrs. E. Jenkinson, 1; Mrs. C. Crone, 2. Ranunculi. —Mrs. E. Jenkinson, 1; Mrs. W. G. Alexander, 2. Novelties. —Mrs. E. Jenkinson, 1; Mrs. E. Woodrow, 2.

Bride-Elect Entertained A delightful “green kitchen” party was given by Mrs. A. Henderson at her home in Russell street on Wednesday night for Miss Daphne Greaves, to-day’s bride. Masses of lovely lilac were used with artistic effect in the decoration of the drawing-room. Numerous diverting competitions were enjoyed by the guests, and the winners, Mrs. G. ; Henderson and Misses D. Greaves, J. McGibbon and E. Carter, Christchurch, were each rewarded with an attractive gift. Supper was served informally, and later the bride-to-be, assisted by Miss E. Carter, one of her prospective bridesmaids, opened the gift parcels, revealing a varied- assortment of kitchen utensils in shades of green. The hostess was wearing a graceful frock of navy blue and white printed cloque relieved with a white collar. The guest of honour wore a smart ensemble of crepe romaine patterned in .a multi-coloured conventional design. Among the guests were Mesdames H. H. Barker, T. W. Bayliss, A. L. W. Martin, E. Dillon, G. M. Henderson, C. Holland, W. H. James, J. Hepburn, J. Ballantyne, and A. McGregor; Misses E. Carter (Christchurch), F. Smart, and J. McGibbon. “Pantry” Tea for Bride-Elect On Thursday afternoon Miss Lois Matthews, whose marriage to Mr. Rolleston Bartram, Toiaga Bay, takes place shortly, was the chief guest at a delightful “pantry” tea given by Miss Natalie Mitford, at her home in Russell street. ®

Bridge tables Were arranged in the drawing-room, which looked inviting with its decorations of shaded Iceland poppies, stocks and white broom.

Tea was served in the dining-room, Iceland poppies combined with golden broom being used with artistic effect in the decoration of the table.

At the conclusion of play the gitf parcels, containing a varied assortment of useful articles, were opened by the bride-to-be, who thanked her friends in a charming manner. The hostess wore a smart frock of cloque printed in a floral design in gay colours. Miss Matthews wore a becoming frock of black wool georgette accented with a lacquer-red belt, and a turban of matching velvet. Miss H. Kinder, a house guest, was frocked in navy blue silk striped in red and eyllow. Among the guests were Mesdames D. Kinder and B. Smith (Waimata Valley); Misses E. Matthews, N. Broadhurst, S. Muir, D. Barton, J. Blair, L. Harris, B. Dobson, H. Bartram, R. Sinclair, J. Benner (Auckland), M. Foster, and V. Dodd. Birthday Party Fun and frolic prevailed at the jolly children’s party given recently by Mrs. H. Angell at her home in Clifford street to celebrate the third birthday of her little daughter, Janis. The weather was all that could be desired, and the pretty garden with its spacious lawn made an ideal playground for the tiny guests, the charm, ing scene being thoroughly enjoyed by a number of adults. Games, a peanut scramble, and last but not least, a bran tub, were among die attractions provided for the entertainment of the children. Clusters of balloons and advantageously placed bowls of Iceland poppies and brilliantly-hued ranunculi gave a festive air to the dining-room, and here a gay company sat down to a wonderful party tea. The table, laden with all the good things dear to childhood, was adorned with quaint favours, the handsome birthday cake, surmounted with three candles, forming an effective centrepiece. The hostess was smartly frocked in navy blue satin-backed crepe stitched in a lighter shade of blue, and her small daughter was a dainty figure in a frock of blue sprigged muslin. Among the adult guests were Mesdames W. Maclaurin, Kent, W. Hcgarty, H. T. Holden, K. Cameron, J. de V. W. Blathvvayt, V. S. Caulton, C, Graham (Waimata Valley), T. A. N. Corson, R. Bruce, and W. L. Irwin; Misses Fleming and Clinch. The childre nincluded Thomas Angell, Yvonne and Margaret Kent, Naomi and Juliet Hegarty, Brian Holden, Alex and Sara Cameron, Gerald and Gretehen Blathwayt, John and Donald Caulton, Barry and Kitty Graham, Robin and Thomas Corson, Audrey and lan Gray, Robin and Maryanne Bruce, Mike and Jeremy Irwin, and Jill Bowen.

St. Luke’s Parish Mothers’ Union The monthly meeting of St. Luke’s Parish Mothers’ Union was held on Wednesday in Makaraka. Members met at the home of Mrs. Halbqrt, where the meeting was provided over by Mrs. Livingston. There was no service at the church owing to the absence of the Rev. R. C. Aires at the synod. A social hour ended with afternoon tea. Gisborne Patriotic Effort Women will have noticed the appeal issued in yesterday’s issue of the Gisborne Herald asking all women to contribute to the effort being made at Show time by the Poverty Bay Women's Central Emergency Committee. This is the big patriotic effort from Gisborne in the present war. The committee has undertaken to provide all meals at the Show,on both days. Every woman is asked to give something—no matter how small a gift—which helps to make this appeal an outstanding financial success. Helpers—waitresses and others —are also needed. To avoid overwork for the already heavily burdened and very active secretary of the committee, Mrs. G. A. Nicholls, it is suggested that women get into touch with the convener for their own suburb. The names and telephone numbers of these ladies were published in yesterday’s issue. Women in country districts will be communicated with by letter and telephone and a convener in each district appointed for rural areas, too. Golfer Engaged The engageme-nt has been announced in Perth of Miss Jessie Anderson, former British women’s golf champion, and holder of the Scottish title, to Mr. George Valentine, son of Mr. F. D. Valentine, principal of the firm of Messrs, Valentine's Motors, Perth.

Miss Anderson, who has 1 also held the French'and New Zealand women’s championships, is the daughter of Mr. Joe Anderson, the well-known Scottish golf professional. Mr. Valentine, who is associated with his father in business in Perth, served for some time at the Austin works, and has represented that firm in motor trials in many parts of the world. Hukarere School Old Students Success attended the initial social afternoon held by the old students of Hukarere School, Hawke’s Bay, in the Poverty Bay Rowing Club’s social hall, Bright street, recently, the occasion providing a pleasant opportunity for the renewal of old friendships. Games, community singing and Maori action-songs were entered into with enthusiasm, while reminiscences of school days added considerably to the enjoyment of the afternoon. It was suggested that short stories depicting Maori home and school life be included in future programmes. It was agreed to conitnue, in the meantime, the social gatherings with a view to ascertaining the desires of old students in regard to the formation of an association. Much of the success of the reunion undoubtedly was due to the convener, Mrs. Robb, who was warmly thanked for her efforts. Afternoon tea was served informally. Among those present were Mesdames Halb'ert, Bristowe, Rangi, M. Whailiri, R. Halbert, R. Smith, Q. Kapuaroa, S. Shields, G. M. Chrisp, L. Eade, R. Robb; Misses Pere and Halbert. NERVE-RACKING NIGHT COUGH

Quickly end distressing night coughing—keep a bottle of Baxters Bung Preserver by the bedside. "Baxters” rapidly relieves irritation of the bronchial tubes —stops coughs—breaks tip colds. Ask for "Baxters,” tho cough remedy with the tonic action. All chemists and stores, 1/6, 2/G, and 4/G. Don’t cough—take "Baxters.”*

THE DAILY ROUND

Informal Party Tea

Informality was the keynote of the delightful tea party given by Mrs. Richard Barker at her home in Russell street on Tuesday afternoon. Iceland poppies and arum lilies were chosen for the adornment of the lounge, and the drawing-room .was gay with spring flowers, rhododendrons and sweet peas in a rich shade of pink predominating in the artistic decorative scheme. Afternoon tea was served in the dining-room, a floating bowl of mixed flowers beautifying the charminglyarranged table. . The hostess looked smart in a frock of navy blue cloque accented with a white collar and matching cufTs. National Council of Women On Thursday afternoon Mrs. W. E. Goffe presided over a good attendance of members at the monthly meeting of the Gisborne branch of the National Council of Women, held in the committee room at the Gisborne Women’s Club. ' A welcome was extended to Mrs. G. W. Humphreys, the newly-ap-pointed .delegate of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. It was decided to arrange a small sale early in December for the benefit of the council funds. An article entitled “Rangiora’s Nursery School” was read by the president. This school is an innovation and was made possible through the Association for Country Education with a generous grant from the Carnegie Corporation. Miss Doreen Dolton, a trained psychologist, who was brought from England to take charge, carries on the work, not with a skilled staff, but with the assistance ~of high school girls taking the home science course. A Plunket nurse and doctors supervise hygiene and health. At present the school is open only on market day, but it is hoped to extend the service in the future, as the relief to busy mothers is important. International Suffrage Conference The speech in the International Women’s News given by Mrs. Corbett Ashly at the opening of the International Women’s Suffrage Alliance, held in Copenhagen, was read by Mrs. I. J. Quigley, the following extracts being of special interest: — ‘‘There were 200 delegates from 20 countries when the alliance took shape in 1904, in a great congress in Berlin, and the whole civilised world was agreed that'human personality was the finest expression of God; that individual liberty was the necessary condition for the finest output in thought or deed of mankind; that the human race had reached the stage of manhood when it could be trusted with those dangerohs weapons of free thought, free speech, free press and free election. “To-day that faith is challenged. Can the women’s movement ignore it or must we declare that both theory and practice show us that where man, is free woman can and has achieved freedom? But where man is not free, woman is bound with heavier chains than he. “Yet we must as practical women meet the challenge of thc>?e who warn us that to widen our object may be to direct us from out main and hardest task, to obtain real equality for real women in real life; equal pay for equal work, and a just estimate of the value of woman’s work in the home and as mother. Advance in Democratic Countries “In democratic countries there is undoubtedly an immense advance; the keen social conscience is making more demands on woman for work and cooperation. On the other hand, in some countries we see deliberatelyorganised reaction under a theory that lays down that the State is best served by driving woman out of her newlyacquired position by* limiting her education and her chances of work to cooking and the cleaning of the home, fhe breeding of children and, for the select few, the organising of social work directed to this end. The State is therefore increasingly interested in the physical well-being of its mothers, bu f not in their intellectual acquirements or their personality. “Women by their training have to be practical and attend to detail; it is not enough to cry peacq where there is no peace. . . . Women do not cease to believe in the League of Nations because it has become the fashion to decry it. “We pass; the world goes on. We shall be satisfied if this congress has added one grain to human wisdom, lit one dying ember of faith, re-dedi-cated one woman to the service of mankind.” Afternoon tea was served at the close of the meeting.

Importance of Plunket Work An urgent appeal to members of the Auckland committee of the Pluhket Society was read from the Dominion president at a meeting presided over by Mrs. J. C. Allan. The president pointed out that in a distracted world the hope of the future lay with the children and the work of the society was doubly important in view of the terrible wastage of human life caused by the war. If the war continued, she pointed out, there would be many young wives whose husbands would be in the forces, and it was imperative that the society should not fail them at a time when their need was greater than ever. The appeal was closed with the following words of the late Sir Truby King, published in 1915:—“In view of the wastage of human life due to the casualties in the European War, we feel that we should all make even greater efforts than heretofore in trying to ensure for the rising generation the best possible conditions for health, so that our children may not only survive, but may grow up thoroughly strong and capable of taking their places worthily in the battle of life.” War Preparations in Britain A striking account of the completeness and rapidity of Britain’s preparations for war was given by Miss Marion Tylee at a meeting of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in Palmerston North. Miss Tylee, who has just returned from a long visit to England and the Continent, left Europe shortly before the outbreak of war, but before she left she was actively engaged in air raid precautions work, and was able to see the extent of the preparations. Considerable interest was aroused by her demonstration of the standard type of gas-mask, which she showed to the audience. All houses .shops and flats had their gas-proof rooms, and most places had a bolt-hole in the garden, she said. “The organisation in London is marvellous. Every civilian has a job and knows exactly what to do. Everyone has an identity disc. Many of the jobs sound trivial, but they were all essential,” said Miss Tylee. Billeting arrangements in preparation for evacuation were very well arranged. Billeting officers went round all the houses in the country telling the residents how many refugees from the crowded areas they must take.

Miss Tylee was particularly impressed with the V.A.D. organisation in England. In Cardiff she was present when the Princess Royal reviewed 2000 V.A.D.’s from the nearby counties. Every village and town had its detachment.

“Nearly everyone is in uniform of some sort,” continued Miss Tylee. “The quiet efficiency everywhere is amazing. They have a complete organised land army, also women territorials. England altered rapidly in the year I was there.” In France the preparations were not so noticeable, as the country was always organised for war. Baby’s Eiderdown

The modern version of a patchwork quilt can be made at home at a very small cost, states a correspondent in The Queen. Delicate touches of hand embroidery give their particular charm to a dainty patchwork down quilt for baby’s cot. The cover of the quilt is specially designed to be easily removed for washing purposes. It may be made at very little cost, since the squares may be cut from those lovely bits of silk that collect in a piece bag. Choose several pretty pastel shades for the patchwork. One yard of artificial or thick silk, 3Gin. wide, will be required for the back and side borders of the quilt, costing about two or three .shillings, If an entirely new quilt is to be made, two yards of material, about 24in. wide, will be needed to make the inner bag to contain the down. Cut a piece of silk 3Gin. long by 24in. wide for the back of-'the quilt. Cut the remaining material into four lengths, 3in. wide each. Seam one of these strips to each side and. ends of the back; mitre the corners. Cut an Bin. Square in stiff paper or cardboard. Use this as a pattern to cut fifteen squares from the silk pieces. Choose some transfers with tiny designs, and iron off one in the centre of each square •

While working, some of the silk edges will have unravelled. For this reason 2in. turnings have been allowed. When all the little flowers have been worked in natural shades, cut lin. off " all sides of the pattern card and cut all squares to this size. Arrange the squares on a table in groups of three in each row, making five rows in all. All flowers should be placed to “grow” the same way. Tack the first three squares together, then machine. Then sew the next three together, and join the two finished rows. Continue in the same way. Take in lin. turnings.

Machine the patchwork piece when finished to the borders of the quilt, with the exception of one end which is left open to put in the filling. Press with a very mild iron on the wrong side, and turn to right side. Make a bag, 25in, by 23in., of the lining material and fill with down; seam up, and slip into the cover. Stich up open end.

With pale green silk stab right through to the other side at the corner of each square, stab back to front of quilt and tie firmly. Cover these stitches by working a French knot. When the cover needs to visit the washtub, just cut the hand-stitched end and cut the French knots carefully, ar.d slip out the down case. HOW TO STOP THAT PERSISTENT COUGH Many people are left with a persistent cough which hangs on right through tlie spring. There is always l.lie danger of a fresh chill, resulting in a serious cold. Clear that cough rigid, out of the system with a few regular doses of Baxters Lung Preserver. “Baxters," the champion cough stopping remedy, has proved its worth from generation to generation. More New Zealanders rely on “Baxters" to stop their coughs than on any other remedy. Don't experiment. Buy a. bottle of “Baxters” at once. Take it according to directions, and that cough will quickly go. “'Baxters" is invaluable for soothing distressing night coughing oh the part of children. Serve “Baxters" with water as directed on tile label. “Baxters" is a full strength remedy, and is therefore very economical. “Baxters" also has a unique tunic action. Sold everywhere in bottles at 4/(5, 2/(5, and l/O.*

Brides In Khaki Government emergency measures are all very well but The Times, London, evidently finds marriage and engagement announcements just as important. Even more important. While everything else is being cut down to make room for statements from the War Office, Admiralty, and Air Ministry, The Times has more than doubled its announcement columns. Brides arc substituting khaki for white satlin without a whimper. Gas masks take the place of bouquets at all the best weddings these days—and-they are not thrown to the bridesmaid. Tamarau W.I. Activities There was a good attendance of members at the October meeting of the gardening circle of the Tamarau Women's Institute, held at the home of Mrs. Wallen, Daphne street. As the occasion coincided with the first anniversary of the inception ot the circle, the opportunity was taken of reviewing the past year’s work, with very satisfactory results. The competition, a vase of flowers, was won by Mrs. MacDonald; A "bring and buy," arranged by members during the afternoon, met with success. It was announced that the next meeting would take place at the home of Mrs. Lord. The members of the drama circle met at the home of Mrs. Campbell on Wednesday evening, when an interesting debate was held under the direction of Miss Calcott. Satisfaction was expressed at the success of the children’s concert conducted recently by the circle, and it was decided to commence rehearsing for a similar event on Saturday, October 21. The meetings of the arts and crafts circle have been well attended throughout the season, and the members are at present busily preparing for a Christmas sale of work.

Romance of War Every war has romances fitfully gleaming against the dark background of tragedy. Those who have read “Wellington's Officers,” by Douglas Bell, will recall the remarkable story of Juana Maria do los Dolores de Leon. There were ugly incidents after the capture of Badajos, -but in that welter of blood and passion there was still a place for pity and compassion, on which Jove found a sure footing. Two officers of the Rifles were walking along a street when they were appealed to by two Spanish ladies, the younger of whom was only 14 years of age. One of the officers, Captain Harry Smith, afterwards an Empire figure, married the beautiful young girl, and until the peace, she shared the hardships of the campaign with him. He was a born soldier —an Empire-builder—and she accompanied him to India and South Africa. She won the devotion of the men of the famous Ligh Division. She sought no comforts that they could not share, accepting all, the privations of war, and sleeping in a tent on on the bare ground without demur when away from town or village. The memories of many New Zealanders go back to the Boer War just on 40 years ago, and veterans meet regularly in Gisborne and spin their yarns of Sir Redvers Buller, Lord Methuen. De Wet, Botha, Cronje, and those ultimate victors, Lord Roberts and Kitchener. Nor can they forget Ladysmith and Mafeking, and the fierce battles and sieges of the campaign. The Ladysmith whose fate meant so much to us in those days was named after the former Juana Dolores de Leon. Of her Douglas Bell wrote: She was a lovely pteature with brilliant dark eyes, clear olive skin, dark

brown hair, a perfect figure, and silvery voice. She was gentle, intelligent, alive!” In this instance English and Spanish character blended so happily that the story is one of the most charming in the history of romance in war. War-Time Dressing Following hints given unofficially to Anglo-French women for sober, practical war-time dressing, complicated coiffures an.l ringlets are being avoided, writes a London correspondent. The women are adhering strictly to a neat style of hairdressing. They have also abandoned extravagant hats perched on top of the head. If they -are unable to find a practical hat they go bareheaded. Sport's suits, with pleated skirts and roomy pockets and strong leather gloves, are worn. As gas masks must be carried, in order to keep the other hand free the handbag is being replaced with a, small vanity case attached to the belt. ■Low-heeled shoes are worn, thus preventing tumbles when running for air raid shelters.