UNWELCOME HOME TRUTHS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 77, 22 June 1927, Page 5

UNWELCOME HOME TRUTHS

PHOTOGRAPHS-TO-DAY AND YESTERDAY By SHIRLEY COOKE Rumaging through a drawer the other day, I came across a carefully preserved assortment of old photographs. There was Aunt Sophia in a dog collar affair; how could any woman look human in such a thing? One of my uncles was clasping his knees in a deadly grip; his effort was painfully apparent in his set face. And then there were portraits galore of myself. Such a touching collection of dismal relics. Since we discard them so speedily why not put them out of their misery forever. Somebody else might find them, and then what a false impression they would have. First of all, I picked up a heavily varnished cabinet. How inartistic and gross the old photographers were about their work. I must have been about four months old. Clothed in flounce upon flounce of stiffly goffered lace, I was poised unwillingly on my stomach, flat on a cold mahogany table. Doubtless, by some unfair means, the photographer had managed to coax an insincere smile to my face. Sweet Seventeen The one I like best was taken when I was seventeen. Chiefly, it consists of a large picture hat in the days when indistinct photography first came into being. As far as I could see, I looked very happy and quite contented with my lot. That, was the last one before I had my hair off. After that step I obviqusly rather fancied myself, for there are all sorts and conditions of photographs. I noted that somebody had kindly toned down the imperial strightness of my nose with a lead pencil, and that another had been considerably terminated at the chin. Why did I wear my hair between a shingle and a bob, and how could I have supported a little bit of tulle round my shoulders? Naturally, it was responsible for my foolish, fatuous face, that time. Oh, dear, if I could have those very portraits taken again, how much more splendid they should be! Antiquated Fashions It is so depressing to look at clothes which are not old-fashioned enough to have the slightest allure. An irritating swansdown trimmed jumper, shaped skirts, bodices that unashamedly tucked in, natural waists! It makes me shudder to think that they were waited for with as much excitement as I waited for the lovely thing that has been standing on the mantlepiece since the end of last month. In a very little while it will be thrown on one side for something newer. It will join the poor, unwanted, inelegant locked-up collection. • Should Ibe wise if I forestalled my derision by flinging it after those others? After all the length of it’s lifetime will not be considerable. Already I disapprove of it so much that I am beginning to feel that I must visit the photographer again.

• Feminine caprice is typically illustrated in our daytime versus our evening clothes. By day we wear the trimmest and neatest ensembles that modern fashion can devise; by night we reveal in what can only be called a chic raggedness! And to give still further Point to our traditional contrariness, the one type of toilette borrows some characteristic feature of the other. Thus a very “raggedy” chiffon frock, haunting the ultra-modish uneven hem effect, has a neat suede belt by way of ceinture finish, while the severely simple little jumper suit displays a chiffon flower in the coat lapel.

A CHINESE PARTY An interesting party was held in the Anglican Mission Hall when the Chinese. ladies of Wellington and suburbs assembled with their friends to entertain Mrs. D. Wong, the lady missionary connected with the Chinese Mission, who intends to leave shortly on a visit to Sydney, Melbourne and Hong- Kong. Mesdames Chin Tong and Ngan Sui received the guests. The Chinese Consul, Student Consul, the Rev. and Mrs. Mackenzie, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, and several of the Chinese merchants were present. Mrs. L. Leong presided, and said how much they owed to their chief guest, who was loved and highly esteemed by all. Musical items were given by Misses Pederson, C. Ting, E. and A. Wong Tong, Chung Tack, Yee Hop and G. Gee, and parlour games were also indulged In. Short speeches were given by Messrs Wong Tong, Chin Ting, Ah Leong, Ngan Gay Chong, and Soo Tin Wong. The speakers briefly spoke of Mrs. Wong’s devoted and self-sacrific-ing work, and the splendid service she had rendered to the Chinese community for many years, and all wished her a pleasant and delightful holiday. Mrs. William Soo, on behalf of the Chinese women, thanked Mrs. Wong for her sympathy and help. She then presented her with a cheque and three handsome presents, and also with one from Mrs. K. H. Li. Mr. H. Jackson responded for Mrs. Wong, and thanked the Chinese ladies for their kindness in arranging the gathering and for their goodness and courtesy to her during her many years of sendee, and asked them to accept her grateful thanks for their handsome presents. The function closed with the Doxology and prayer by the Rev. Mr. Mackenzie.