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Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 113, 3 August 1927, Page 4

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Mr. and Mrs. Ross Henderson, who for some time have been staying in Auckland, leave to-day on their return to Wellington. Mr. and Mrs. H. Bailey, of Wellington. are paying a visit to Auckland, and will later leave for a motor trip through the North Island. Miss Lorna Leatham, of Parnell, who has been in Australia for the past six months, returned to Auckland by the Niagara. Miss Fergus son, niece of Lady Alice Fergusson, left for the South by the Limited last evening. * # * Mrs. J. Prime went South by the Limited last evening. Mr. and Mrs. Bessett were among the passengers who left for the South by the Limited last evening. * * * Mr. and Mrs. G. Reid, from Christchurch, are at the Grand Hotel. * * * At the Central Hotel are Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Stubbs, of Palmerston North. Guests at the Grand Hotel include Mr. and Mrs. F. Greenhough, of Arapuni. * * * Mrs. and Miss Parlour, of Morrinsville, are staying at the Central Hotel. * * * Visitors from the South staying at the Grand Hotel include Mr. and Mrs. B. Ballin, of Christchurch. OLD-TIME DANCE SUCCESS AT AVONDALE The small town hall at Avondale was made the rendezvous for a pleasant Saturday evening’s entertainment, last week-end. Mr. J. C. Clendon’s popular old-time dance was the attraction. With Connon’s orchestra dispensing the music it was no surprise to see the hall till quickly.

AROHA LEAGUE Mrs. E. A. Smythe presided over a good attendance of members of the Aroha Ladies’ Progressive League, held at the residence of Mrs. Clark, Alexandra Avenue, Mount Albert. A letter was received from the Mount Albert Borough Council thanking the members for their kind offer to equip the basketball and tennis courts in Malvern Road domain. During the afternoon musical items were rendered by Miss D. Thomas and Mrs. Barclay. A very interesting address was given by Mrs. A. Kidd on the hospital auxiliWHAT IS FEMINISM? What is feminism? An interesting article in a recent number of the American weekly, “Equal Rights,” has much of importance to say upon this question which is to-day answered differently by almost any two persons to whom it is addressed. The inquiry originated with a woman of considerable experience, who yet declared vehemently, “I am opposed to feminism. Why? Because there is no more reason for women’s dominating than for man’s doing it. Women should have equal rights and opportunities with men. No more, no less.” The illusion of the dominant female seems to be affecting those who fear the predominant voting power of women if equal franchise should be granted now in England. “There are more women than men. What will happen when they all have a vote?” asks the timid deprecators of a feminism which they visualise as a demand, not for equal but for unequal rights. The illusion led the leader writer of “Equal Rights” to inquire into the accepted meaning of the word. It was found that the word feminism is far newer than the movement. In the eleventh edition of the “Encyclopaedia Britannica,” it does not appear at all; in the “New International Encylopaedia” it is described in an article several pages in length. In Webster’s “Collegiate Dictionary,” however, appears the brief definition which ought to satisfy both feminists and opponents of feminism. “Feminism —the theory, cult or practice of those who hold that the present laws, conventions and conditions of society, should admit of and further the free and full development of women; also the propaganda for securing such changes as will affect this.” Nothing about domination. “Women should have equal rights and opportunities with men. No more, no less.” WHY WOMEN SHINGLE A correspondent has discovered why women shingle. “Since motherhood,” says he, “will become unnecessary, when in a comparatively few years' time we have discovered the secret of immunity from death, other use of women must be made by nature. Thus gradually women are being made masculine. so that they may work side by side with men.” We are so glad to know. MODESTY! In Italy a “Modesty Dress Campaign” has been started, in which chosen beauties parade as mannequins in dresses which cover all parts of the body except the hands, feet and face. But Wisconsin has gone one better, for a law at present before the Assembly prohibits women from trying on dresses,- unless their shoulders are first covered by disinfected linen. Men, of course, are allowed to try on anything; or perhaps, in Wisconsin, they just buy their clothes without trying on, and trust to luck.

POOR ROTARIANS! Seven thousand Rotarians and their families having sailed in a fleet of liners from America and elsewhere to the Rotary International at Ostend, announced their intention afterwards of doing a little sightseeing. But they had better not go to Carlisle, in England, where the authorities for the Licensing Experiment have forbidden community singing in their public-houses, though solos are still permitted. “The more they sing together, the wickeder they’ll be.” ACCORDING TO ABILITY! America boasts a discriminating educational system which allows young citizens to specialise according to their abilities and taste. Chambersburg now reports the trial of a four-year-old boy, Tommy Ruby, for shooting his mother with a .22 calibre pistol because she would not let him play with matches. The Press telegram reports: “The lad answered the coroner’s questions without hesitation.” We congratulate America upon its latest infant prodigy. VICTORIA LEAGUE A CONCERT HELD For the purpose of equipping a Victoria League cot in the children’s hospital, a delightful concert was organised by members of the league, and held in St. Mark's Hall, Remuera, last evening. A playette, entitled “Such Is Fame,” was cleverly played by Dorothy Richardson, Louise Jourdain, Phyllis Mobberley, and Eileen Adkins. There followed a pleasing instrumental trio by the Misses Venables and Mr. Pawson. Miss Marjorie Fair contributed two charming songs, “Alas, Those Chimes” and “You in a Gondola.” Mr. Alan McElwain pleased the audience was “Some Humour.” Miss Nancy Hanna’s pleasant voice was heard to advantage in “The Last Rose of Summer” and “My Dear Heart.” Miss Louise Jourdain gave an interesting recitation, and a musical monologue was given in finished style by Mr. Hawking. A delightfully attractive number was an Early Victorian gavotte, performed by the Misses Rainger, Rathbone, Emanuel, and Heather, which was well contrasted by the modern dance which followed it, in which the Misses Cerruty, Moir. Tancred, Aickin, Shepherd. Prosser, Fenton, and Ballantyne took part. Miss Overton accompanied them on the piano, and Mr. Emanuel on the banjo. Other items were given by Miss Dorothy Richardson, an effective Eastern monologue and dance; the Rev. Jasper Calder, a recitation; Miss Nancy Hanna and the Misses Venables and Mrs. Pawson.

EARLY COLONIST DEAD MRS. MARGARET ASPIN On Saturday the death occurred in Auckland of Mrs. Margaret Aspin, one of the early colonists of New Zealand. Mrs. Aspin, who for some time had lived at Awhitu, was born in County Cork in 1845, and went to Australia about 1880. In Queensland she married, and soon afterwards came to New Zealand, where she had lived for 46 years. Mr. John Aspin, her husband, who predeceased her 18 years ago, fought in the Maori wars. Mrs. Aspin leaves a son and four daughters—Mr. M. J. Aspin, Graham’s Beach; Mrs. J. McPike Pollock, and Mrs. G. W. Short, Awhitu Central; Mrs. Garrett, Taihape; and Mrs. J. A. Short, Waipipi. There are 42 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. WOMEN IN COMMERCE Asked: “Are women driving men out of commerce, or are they failing to maintain the positions that they won in the war?” a Ministry of Labour official replied: “Women are just holding their own in commerce,” states an English correspondent, writing on June 15. “Soon after the war there was a sharp drop in the number of women employed in commerce, insurance, and so forth, due to the fact that men were returning for their jobs. This sharp decline soon ended, and by 1921 things were somewhat stable. From 1921 until 1923 there was a slight decline in the number of women employed in these callings, but since then that small falling-off has been made good and women are just about holding their own in the commercial field. In the stable years that have followed the war—after the last man had returned from the Forces for his job—there has been a decrease of 100,000 insured women workers in all trades, not including agriculture, domestic service, and out work, and an increase of 300,000 men.” When the mincing-machine is nc*t cutting well it is a good plan to run a small piece of sandsoap through it. This will sharpen and brighten the knives.

BENEVOLENT FUND DANCE AVONDALE ODDFELLOWS’ EFFORT There are some ardent workers among the members of Laurel Kebekah Lodge, No. 39, Avondale, and when they set out to achieve some goal they invariably succeed. About a fortnight ago they held a dance with a view to filling the benevolent fund gold bin. They were successful both from an entertainment and financial standpoint. Spurred on by that effort they ventured a grand plain and fancy dress social in the Avondale Town Hall on Monday. This time, however, the function was highly successful from the view of those who participated, but the object of still strengthening the benevolent fund failed, expenses only being met. Prizes for best fancy costumes were awarded to Miss Heron, THE SUN, and Mr. Clements, “Punch,” The bright music of Oliver’s (Waterview) orchestra, combined with Mr. Willoughby’s efforts as M.C., to say nothing of the dainty supper, were factors in the pleasant evening’s entertainment. “GIFT DAY” NAVY LEAGUE RELIEF A PRACTICAL SCHEME The despatch every year of a consignment of warm clothing to the dependants of British seamen who fought in the war is one of the very practical works carried out by the Navy League. To carry this out again the league is holding a “Gift Bay” to-day, when donations will be received and the articles all ready on hand displayed at the Navy League’s rooms, Simich's Buildings, Customs Street East. A large number of gifts have already been received and these will lie sent to the Navy League for distribution on Nelson Bay, October 21, which marks the beginning of the English winter. One condition imposed on donors is that every article must be made of New Zealand wool, this very practical arrangement incidentally helping to foster “trade within the Empire.’’ Afternoon tea will be served and all interested are invited to attend.

PAPATOETOE ORPHAN HOME 67TH ANNUAL REPORT A year of progress was shown by the 67th annual report of the Papatoetoe Church of England Orphan Home. Finances were in a satisfactory state. A profit on the year’s working was shown by the farm controlled by the home, and it had supplied the home with produce valued at £384. Donations and subscriptions received during the year amounted to £6lO. The income from investments paid for the care of about 33 children. On March 31 there were 71 children in the home. Where maintenance fees were paid, what was received was in no case the full cost of a child’s upkeep. This year no canvass was made, especially on behalf’ of the home. The installation of electric lighting had resulted in considerable saving. Repairs and maintenance of buildings were still big items of expense, stated the report- During the coming year special attention will be required for painting and renewal of plumbing work. The older dormitory blocks are in need of internal renovation. and the farm buildings need considerable repairs. Appreciation of the work of the matron, Miss A. Hooker, and her staff, was expressed by the board, and the resignation of the secretary, the late Mr. Richard Marsack, after three years’ service, was regretted. Religious instruction was still under the care of the chaplain, Rev. P. C. Davies. Special thanks was accorded Dr. Valintine and also Dr. Talbot and Dr. McDougall. The headmaster of the Papatoetoe School reported very favourably on children of the home who attended his school. In January a three weeks’ holiday was spent at Mr Yates’s farm at Waiau. During the year many concerts and entertainments had been given by visitors, and the Rev. P. S- Small field had given monthly lantern evenings. EMPLOYEES ENTERTAINED Representatives of many gramophone dealers and wholesale firms were present at the rooms of the Farmers’ Trading Co., Ltd., last evening, when Mr. S. PI olden Howie entertained his staff. Dancing, interspersed with competitions and a sketch, “The First Prize,” presented by the staff, occupied the evening. Prizes for staff efficiency tests were awarded as follow: Memory test, special prizes, Mrs. Rawlinson, Miss Shaw; first prize, Miss Abernethy; second prize, Miss Kenyon; third prize, Miss Boyce; “Lightray” recording theory test, Miss Boyce 1, Miss Warren 2; window-dressing competition. Quay Street and Queen Street branches l, Newton branch 2. Appreciation of the services of Mr. Hodges as judge of the window-dress-ing competition was expresesd by Mr. Howie. He spoke with regret of the impending departure of Mr. Lewis, of E. J. Hyams, Ltd., who is about to leave for Sydney. Mr. Hodges and Mr. Lewis were the recipients of suitable presentations. Mr. Hipkins, on behalf of the staff, ; thanked Mr. Howie for his hospitality.