The Social Round

Southland Times, Issue 24235, 19 September 1940, Page 9

The Social Round

Miss Macpherson, Tweed street, left by train on Tuesday for Christchurch.

Mrs P. McLean, Layard street, left by Tuesday morning’s express for the north.

A number of women conductors are now undergoing their training at the Chiswick Works of London Transport. They are known as “clippies.” Mrs W. Todd, Thomson street, and Mrs J. C. Prain and her children, Gladstone Terrace, will return at the week-end from a holiday in Queenstown.

Members of the knitting bee of the Southland Travel Club have now completed a year’s work, during which many garments have been made for soldiers. In celebration of the first birthday, the members met at the home of Mrs W. J. Jones, Herbert street, last night and were entertained at supper by her.

Queen Mary has not figured much in public life since war began. She is, however, still extremely active in her West Country home. She has turned a large part of her garden into vegetable plots, and invites evacuated children to attend picnics and play games in the other part of the garden. She knows them all by name, and they know her as “the lady who lives up the road” or “Mrs Queen.” An excellent cook, Queen Mary distributes recipes of economical rationed dishes which were served at Buckingham Palace during the last

war. She has studied local jam-mak-ing methods and supplied many useful cookery tips. Every Sunday she writes to the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, enclosing sewing instructions and pattern books as a substitute for the weekly lessons she used to superintend personally. In the evenings, Queen Mary knits for the forces. Once a week she goes to London, lunches with the King and Queen, shops, visits a hospital and sometimes goes to a West End cinema.

The lady editor will be pleased to receive for publication In “The Social Bound” each day Items of social or personal news. Such Items should be sent In promptly and should be fully authenticated. Engagement notice! must bear the signatures of both parties. Correspondence is Invited on any matters affecting, or of interest to, women.

REPERTORY SOCIETY GATHERING

RIVERTON’S CONTRIBUTION

The social evenings held regularly during the season by the Invercargill Repertory Society have proved both popular and entertaining, and have been well attended by members. Many one-act plays have been presented at these informal gatherings which have reflected credit on the producers as well as on the actors. Last night interest was added by the presentation of a play by members of the Riverton Repertory Society, which was formed only last year. Their most successful effort has been “Anti-Clockwise,” which time did not permit to be given last night. The hostesses were Mrs Brian Hewat and Miss Nancy Gilkison. Bowls of spring flowers decorated the small tables at which the audience sat.

The one-act comedy “Snowed Up With the Duchess,” produced by Mrs Lance Raymond and played by the Riverton Society, had the following cast: Mrs Hodge, Mrs J. A. C. Mackenzie; Madame Value, Mrs C. R. J. Inder; the Duchess of Salterton, Mrs J. W. Martin; Miss Cholmondeley Jones, Miss Runagh Robertson. “The Ogboddy’s Outing,” produced by Miss Ray Courtis, was played by: Mrs Ogboddy, Miss Beth Manson; Ede Ogboddy, Miss K. Bowen; Mrs Minnifer, Miss Gwen Lewis; Mr Ogboddy, Mr H. Rees; Winnie Minnifer, Miss le Petit.

In “Mr Racket’s Alibi,” produced by Miss M. Fitzgerald, the cast was as follows:—Mrs Hacket, Miss P. Drewe; Mrs Saunders, Miss M. Fitzgerald; Winnie, Miss Cardia Russell; Sam Biddle, Mr J. H. B. Scholefield; Mr Hacket, Mr L. F. Moller.

PRESENTATION AT WOODLANDS

PARISHIONERS FAREWELL MR AND MRS PYE

The members of the Woodlands St Barnabas Church recently met in the church hall to honour Mr and Mrs J. Pye, who are shortly to leave Woodlands. The evening was spent in playing flag 500, the winners being Mesdames J. Pye and A. McKee, and the Ven. Archdeacon J. A. Lush. The consolation winners were Mesdames Dinnington and R. E. Soper and Mr McKee. .

Archdeacon Lush, in presenting Mr and Mrs Pye with a gift on behalf of the parishioners, spoke of the excellent services given to the church by them both. Mr Pye, he said, had been treasurer of the church since it was opened over five years ago; he was also a co-trustee and had carried out his duties in a very sincere manner. The speaker referred to the part taken by Mrs Pye in the affairs of the church and said she had proved herself a faithful worker and had held with distinction the position of secretary for two years. For these services he thanked them both, and wished them a very happy future in their new home at Thornbury. Mr A. Napper also voiced appreciation of the work and time given by the guests to the church and wished them good luck. Mr Pye replied on behalf of his wife and himself.

PRESENTATIONS AT FAIRFAX

SOLDIERS HONOURED BY RESIDENTS

A social evening was held recently in the Fairfax Hall to honour Privates Cull, Watkinson and Butcher, who were returning to camp. There was a large attendance. Private Butcher is the third son of Mrs Murdoch to enlist, the first two having gone away with the 2nd Echelon.

In the absence of the chairman, Mr Rankin, Mr Fleck presided. He introduced the guests of the evening, and in a few remarks complimented them on the steps they had taken. Mr Stalker presented Private Cull with a wristlet watch and Privates Watkinson and Butcher with a safety razor each.

WEDDING

BLACKMORE—SMITH The wedding took place at Morton Mains Presbyterian Church recently of Olive Isabel, only daughter of Mr and Mrs F. J. Smith, Morton Mains, and Thomas Alexander, eldest son of Mr and Mrs H. J. Blackmore, Morton Mains. The Rev. N. F. Sansom performed the ceremony and Mr J. C. Edie played tire organ. The church was decorated with chrysanthemums, narcissi, winter roses and hyacinths. ■ . ... The bride,' who was given away by her father, wore a trained gown of ivory satin damask taffetas cut on princess lines. Miss Jean Taylor and Miss Belle Blackmore, sister of the bridegroom were bridesmaids. They wore floral frocks of gold and cyclamen shades cut on princess lines. Mr John Blackmore, brother of the bridegroom was best man and Mr Ivan Smith, brother of the bride was groomsman.

Miss E. Sheat sang during the signing of the register and Mr A. McFadyen and the Rev. Sansom sapg solos at the wedding breakfast. The reception was held at the Morton Mains Public Hall, where the guests were received by the mothers of the bride and bridegroom. , Mr and Mrs T. A. Blackmore will reside at Clover Downs Grange, Morton Mains.

Before her marriage the bride was entertained at a handkerchief afternoon by Mrs M. D. McNally, at a social evening and presentation by residents of the district and also received a presentation from the Morton Mains Basketball Club.

PROFESSOR STRONG RESIGNS

DEAN OF HOME SCIENCE SCHOOL

Tributes to the work of Professor A. G. Strong (Dean of the Home Science Faculty) were paid at the meeting of the University Council when a letter conveying her resignation from the University staff was received. The Chancellor (Mr W. J. Morrell) said the resignation would be received with the deepest regret. Professor Strong’s appointment as a lecturer in household arts in the first instance had marked an epoch in the University, and it quickly became apparent that they had a remarkable personality on the staff. Later as Dean of the Home Science School for 20 years she had proved a skilled and able teacher, a great organizer, and the possessor of unusual qualities of initiative and the power to impress others. Five years after her assumption of the deanship she started that valuable organization the Association of Country Education, and in the city the Home Economics Association. Professor Strong was a person of great energy and resource, a good citizen of the community and of the Dominion, and well worthy of the honour that was done her when the King conferred a decoration upon her. The resignation was accepted with regret, and with the heartiest wishes for Professor Strong’s continued health vigour and happiness. Mr J. Robertson also referred to the enthusiasm and wholehearted devotion of Professor Strong to her work, which she had spread throughout the whole country. The fruits of her labours were to be discovered in many quarters, and would cause her to be gratefully remembered.

Mr L. Deans Ritchie said that from her first appearance in the University Professor Strong had displayed not only energy and initiative, but a great love of her work and the Home Science School—an affection that was reflected in the great loyalty of the alumni of the school.

OLD-TIME DANCE AT DIPTON

The Dipton hall was gaily decorated with spring flowers, greenery and streamers recently when the basketball club held a successful old-time dance. Items were given between dances by Mrs W. Mayer, Miss Rose Toole, Miss G. Craig and Miss K. Mayer. Miss J. Wood was accompanist. A lucky spot waltz was won by Miss Wood and Mr G. Leith, and the Monte Carlo winners were Mrs J. N. Colyer and her partner. Mr W. Mcßae was master of ceremonies. Music for the dance was supplied by Mr R. Hazlett and extras were played by Misses K. Shand and J. Wood and Mr G. Leith.

FAREWELL FUNCTION AT HOLLYFORD

A farewell social and dance, arranged by the women of Henderson’s Flat, Hollyford, was held recently in honour of seven of the local men who are shortly going into camp. Mrs A. Brotherston made a presentation to the guests of honour from local women. Several items were given, and the dance music was supplied by the local children’s novelty band.

PATRIOTIC MEETING AT WOODLANDS

Mrs A. McKee presided over a good attendance at a meeting of the Woodlands Women’s Patriotic Society held in the public hall. A motion of sympathy was passed with Mrs Henderson in her recent bereavement. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr R. F. Walker for offering to bake the Christmas cakes for the soldiers and also to Mr H. Waddell for soldering the tins. The meetings will be held only 'once a month during the summer. The next meeting will be held on October 10. Gifts were brought for Christmas parcels to be sent to local soldiers overseas. Knitted garments were also handed in.

COUNTRY NEWS

GORE Mrs W. Fleetwood-Marridt, of Christchurch, is the guest of her aunt, Mrs J. Gardiner, William street. Mrs E. Sawers, of Auckland, who has been the guest of Mrs J. M. Boyne, Devon street, has returned north. Mrs F. C. Wylie, Elizabeth street, will leave at the week-end to spend a holiday at Wanganui. Sister Edith Earl, formerly of Gore, has obtained leave from the Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, and has joined the nursing staff of the Royal Australian Air Force Hospital, Laverton, Melbourne. Mr and Mrs F. Wallis, jun., Albany street, accompanied by Mrs F. Wallis, sen., Crewe street, left during last week to visit Dunedin, Timaru and Christchurch.

Mrs S. D. Hay, Thomas street, will have Gore at the week-end to Spend a holiday in Taranaki. Last week Mr and Mrs H. A. Price

eave a farewell 5 o’clock party in honour of Mr R. B. Bannerman, who has left Gore to rejoin the Royal New Zealand Air Force at Wigram. . Mrs McFarlane, of Dunedin, is the suest of Mrs R. Fisher, Devon street. Miss N. Cameron, William street, spent the week-end at Dunedin. . Miss Mollie Fisher, Devon street, is visiting Auckland, where she is the guest of Mrs Branden Innes, St. Helliers Bay. ' ' i Mrs A. E. Boult, of Oturehua, was a visitor to Gore last week.;