FEMININE REFLECTIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 157, 23 September 1927, Page 5

FEMININE REFLECTIONS

Mundane Musings Telliing the Children

MISS MARGARET STODDART SAILING FOR AFRICA A BR! DE-ELECT Miss Margaret Stoddart, well-known in musical circles, sails on November 4 for South Africa, where her marriage to Mr. George Hill Stokes, of England, now of Johannesburg, will take place. The wedding will be held at Durban, and Miss Stoddart’s home will be in Johannesburg. Miss Stoddart is the granddaughter of General Thomas Stoddart. of the Indian Army, who came to New Zealand and settled at Katikati.

It is hard to know what to tell one’s children in these days, when the old people are convinced the world is going to the dogs, and the twilight is upon us, and the younger people are busy tearing the old order to pieces and laughing behind their hands at everything as it is, although they do not seem 1:o have much to put in the place of those things they are discarding so heartily. In any case, no one has much time to think anything over very seriously, for the voice of wisdom is drowned by the jazz drums and in every moment over, the voice of modern life is calling. It must be a comic world for beginners. Because the things we say have very little relation to the things we do. How few of us attend the splendid churches we have built. Our creeds are glorious ones, but we do not attempt to live up to them. Peace on earth, we say, but oppose any suggestion for decreasing the British Navy. All men are brothers, we say. But it does not distress us much to see our brothers begging in the streets. We can always comfort ourselves with the thought that, after all, they may be frauds. Meanwhile the children are looking out of the nursery window. Already they are saying, “Won’t it be fun to be grown up and free, and do as we like?” They have it all planned out. They are going to ask us one or two questions, for, of course, we know everything, and after we have told them they will go out into the glory of the morning to have fun. But what are we going to tell them? For they will find many contradictions. They will find us saying, “Whom God has joined, let no man put asunder,” and then putting them asunder at the rate of fifty a day!

I would tell my children that we live in times of change and that people are trying to alter things they have been quite satisfied with for generations, because they are not satisfied with them any more. It may be a good thing to change them, but it is a diilicult thing,, and it is a pity to throw away the idea you already have, until you are sure you have a better one. If you only get a worse one. then you are bound to be sorry.

So, I would tell my children, even in these free-thinking days I advise you to stick to the old ways. Polish them a little and bring them up to date, and they will serve very well. The conventions are no cruel joke invented to spite us. They are a protection for mankind against himself, perhaps the only enemy n the world who can harm him. very much.

People have splendid apd grand ideas, I would tell my children, but they cannot live up to them. Every day crowds in, and the splendid idea gets crowded out. That explains the contradictions you. see all about youtlie grand things people profess—the little, silly, mean things they do. The man who can live up to his own ideas, that one is a great man, and 1 would tell my children, “he may be any one of you, so it is worth while to go on trying.” Cut yourself a large slice of that interesting cake, the world, I would tell them. In very plain words, I would explain to them the jolly things there aro to do, so that they will believe mf when I warn them against thistles, For though experience may be the greatest of all teachers, it is also a preposterous waste of time. Eat your cake, I would say, but after that be a man, and do not cry because you cannot also have it. Play fair, and remember the other fellow wants a little fun as well, and, on the whole, you. will find the world a very liveable place. Duty is a maligned word; detested because to so many of us it means all the things we hate to have to do. I would tell my children not .o discard it from their scheme of things on that account. Because there comes a time when the voice of duty is the one stable thing left us in a quagmire of conflicting desires and impulses. Desires and impulses are unchangeable as the weather, so that to the meanest intellect it is obvious we eannot follow them all. Then the voice of duty is like, the man who stands on the ladder in the middle of the maze. He alorwe can tell us the way out, and withcuat him we might be lost for ever. So keep on terms, I would tell my children, with that tedious voice of duty. It may be a fine and coura.geous thing to walk by yourself, and discard the rules and conventions that help other people along the way. But I would point out to my children that a man who tries to get Through like like this must ever be compared to one who sets out to motor across the Sahara without map or convoy. The sun will go down, and he will certainly get lost among the vast sandy dunes that all look alike. When his petrol is finished, and he has drunk up the water out of his radiator, our further hopes for that man make but a gloomy picture. MANUREWA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LADIES’ GUILD AFTERNOON A very successful and enjoyable afternoon was held by the Alanurewa Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild on Tuesday afternoon in the Manurewa Town Hall. The function took the form of a coin or gift afternoon, the proceeds to go towards the church bazaar funds, which is to be held in November. Hostesses for the function were Mesdames McCallum and Seymour. The hall had been very prettily decorated with, cherry blossoms and spring flowers. A number of visitors were present from the Anglican and Methodist Church. The proceedings opened with the singing of a hymn and prayer, after which a pleasant musical programme was contributed by Mrs. Collins, Takanini, Mesdames Frost and Guthrie and Aliss Mattie Youngson, a musical monologue was given by Airs. Carroll and a recitation by Miss M. Youngson. During the afternoon various competitions were held, the winners being Mesdames Grant, Frost, Warring and Aliss Youngson. A very acceptable sum was received, also a good collection of useful gifts for sale at the forthcoming bazaar. A dainty afternoon tea was served, and the meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem.

GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY

THE YEAR’S WORK The annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the Girls’ Friendly Society was held last evening. Arclibisliop Averill, the patron, presided, and there was a large attendance. Airs. Averill, the president of the society, stated in her report that the lodge was now free from debt after 14 years, and it had been a wonderful year’s work. The satisfactory financial position was due mainly to the generosity of the late Sir Henry Brett, and of Lady Brett, to whom thanks were gratefully offered. A bequest had also been received from the late Mr. A. D. Lubecki, who had proved a good friend to the society. Valuable work had been done by Airs. W. Calder in the interests of the society. The question of rebuilding: the old portion of the lodge was referred to at the meeting, and if this is to be done, the work must be commenced at once, as the upkeep of the old portion of the lodge is becoming more costly every year. Renovations had already been undertaken with the object of making it more homelike. Thanks and gratitude were expressed to all the workers, and more particularly to Mrs. C. F. Bennett, acting diocesan secretary, and to Mrs. G. Coats, the lodge secretary. The report of the diocesan treasurer. Airs. C. F. Bennett, showed that there was a noticeable revival of interest in the society. New branches were being opened. The rally arranged by Airs. Milsom and Miss Averill had been a helping factor in bringing new interest. The lodge balance-sheet, which was read by Mrs. Coats, showed a credit balance of £ 400. In moving the adoption of the reports Canon Grant Cowen said that the society was anxious to establish a home centre for girls where they would live under the happiest auspices. It was also desired that girls travelling should find the lodge more than a mere boarding-house. The social afternoon on Sundays had done much in creating a spirit of friendship among the girls. In view of the presi : unemployment in the city the speaker suggested that a labour bureau should be opened in the society’s buildings for the purpose of bringing girls into touch with prospective employers. The Rev. J. Gordon Bell, said, in seconding the adoption, that the society should adapt itself to the needs of the girls, and in launching out on new activities they must be fully cognisant of the fact that the age was one where warmth of feeling and goodfellowship were looked for. Little attraction was held for the girls in a prescribed formula of what to do and what not to do. There were many outlets to be found in recreations and hobbies that would make an appeal to the girls, and among them he mentioned the drama. Many plays of sound education value could be found to-day, which could be enacted by them, and in spite of the adverse- criticism of the modern girl he was strongly of the opinion that she had many good points. Archbishop Averill, in commenting on the reports, expressed gratitude to those whose generosity had been the means of providing funds for the society in the way of bequests. Regarding the improvements which had been proposed, he thought every effort should be made in that direction, and that some arrangement might be made with the City Council on the subject of the leasehold of the ground. He was fully in agreement with the idea of original activities being instituted to attract the girls. This could very well be done while still holding to the ideals and privileges of membership based on definite principles of the purity of life. He had pleasure in stating that a labour bureau had been opened by the society to help in procuring employment. The following officers were elected: Dominion patroness, her Excellency La.dy Alice Fergusson; patron, the Primate of New Zealand; president, Mrs. Averill; life members, Alesdames Kinder, Maynard, Rattray, Streater, and Udy; vice-presidents, Mesdames Hudson, Tisdall and Miss Brown: hon. diocesan secretary and treasurer, Aliss Heywood; acting, Mrs. C. F. Bennett; hon. lodge treasurer, Mrs. George Coats; sick members’ department. Airs. Culpan and Miss Blades; elected members of council, Mesdames Brady, Bennett, Coats, Fricker, Hudson, Kissling, Milsom, Mac Murray, McFarland. Russell, Rogers, Simkin and Young, Alisses Brown and Thompson, and representative of Junior Committee. OTAHUHU ANGLICAN CHURCH SOCIAL AFTERNOON A very pleasant social afternoon was given by a committee of ladies of the Otahuhu Anglican Church, the proceeds of which are to go towards the funds for financing the forthcoming ba.zaar. The members of the committee were Mesdames Houston, Walters, Snadden, Misses Cave and F. Bradley and the function was held at the beautiful residence of Mrs. Walters. “Camp Farm,” Otahuhu. A charming musical programme was contributed during the afternoon by Airs. Cowper, Airs. W. Massey, Miss Moffat, Miss Bradley and little Joan Fernley, who delighted the guests with her very graceful dancing. A dainty afternoon tea was served bjr the members of the committee. During the afternoon a competition was held, Airs. French capturing the prize. Among the guests were Airs. Todd. Mrs. Alurdoch, Airs. Alassey, Airs. Hyland, Mrs. Walters, Airs. Snadden, Mrs. Cowper, Al.rs. Morrin, Airs. Muir, Airs. Gillies, Mrs. Short. Mrs.. Drake, Mrs. Laws. Mrs. Reyburn, Mrs. R. Wallace, Mrs. Fernley (2), Airs. Elliott, Airs. J. Wallace, Mrs. T. Lippiatt, Airs. Parsons. Airs. Currie, Mrs. North, Mrs. Flood, Mrs. Pinkey, Mrs. Everett, Airs. Hill, Mrs. Keevey, Airs. D. Burnside. Papatoetoe, Mrs. Alorgan. Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Humphries, Mrs. Houston, Mrs. Jenkins. Mrs. Alunro, Airs. Morley, Mrs. Stewart, Airs. Barrett, Aliss Tims, Miss McConochie, Aliss Carlson, Miss Moffat. Miss Wingate. Aliss Lippiatt, Aliss Bauerstock. Aliss Wallace.

80TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY MR. AND MRS. I. G. PARRY Mrs. I. G. Parry’s 80th birthday was celebrated at her residence on Monday evening, when about 45 relation! and friends were present. A verj pleasant evening was spent, the company being entertained by musica and vocal items, recitations, games anc dancing, and at midnight supper wa! served. Both Mr. and Mrs. Parry were bori in Wales and arrived in New Zealanc in 1879, settling at Ponsonby, when Mr. Parry engaged in house building In 1882 he took up land at Pukapuka Mahurangi, Rodney County, where with his wife and family, he lived foi over 40 years, always taking a keei interest in any forward movement ii the district. He was the promoter o the Glyn butter factory, which wa; built in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Parry now live a their home in Marsden Avenue, an< both enjoy the best of health. PAEROA LADIES’ HOCKEY CLUI The Paeroa Ladies’ Hockey Clu held a most successful dance this wee! There was a large attendance. Messrs M. Crosby and E. L. Shaw acted a; M.C.’s. A 500 competition create* considerable interest, and resulted a: follows r—Women’s prize, Mrs. Matko vich 1, Mrs. Lowry 2, Miss G. L>. Miller 3: men’s, L. Gibb 1, T. Radford 2 G. Tressidor 3. An excellent tonic for thin, lank ant oily hair is provided by putting a smal handful of common salt and the juic ;of half a lemon in the last rinsing i water when washing the hair.

Y FANCY DRESS DANCE A most successful fancy dress dance | was given by the members of the “Felix” Physical Culture Club on Tuesls day evening at Mount Roskill. »- The decorations were carried out in is the club’s colour!*, black and gold, and ( ’y the music was supplied by the “Frivol- J i- ity Five.” il The judges had great difficulty in j awarding the prizes, owing to the LS number of attractive and original costumes. The first ladies’ prize was < >n presented to Dolly Varden (Miss Kirk- i id ealdy), the second prize to "Felix” i *e (Miss J. Wilkinson); highly reeomg. mended, Folly (Miss C. Monk), House a. That Jack Built (Miss A. O’Shea). '< e, The gentlemen’s prize was awarded i >r to Spanish Dancer (Mr. W. Coyle). :n second prize to Black and White (Mr. in G. Belcher), and the children’s prizes 3f were given to Miss O. Smith (Scraps is of Silk) and Miss I. Coyle (Knitting Bag). it Among those present were Mesdames id F. Wilson, Cambie, W. Coyle, Belcher. Senior, R. Belcher, Wright, Peck, Beresford, Nash, Dale (Gipsy Fortune Teller), Chadderton, Misses B. Coyle 0 (Ruination), M. Greenland (Eat More D Fruit), M. Franklin CPierrette), O. Welch (Powder Puff), M. O’Shea (Confetti), G. Monk (Rumanian;. Kirkcaldie (Pierrette), M. Wright (Brasso), k- D. White (Japanese), R. Scarborough s * Garry, T. Molesworth. Gregory, is __

“ALCESTIS” CLEVER PERFORM AN CE BY GRAMMAR SCHOOL GIRLS A ve:-y entertaining and most successful performance of "Alcestis of Euripides'* was given by the pupils of the Auckland Girls’ Grammar School in the school hall last evening. The production was organised by Miss L. V. Bruce, to whom great credit is due for the manner in which the beauties of Professor Gilbert Murray’s translation were preserved. It was a difficult undertaking for both the organiser and the principal performers, and was admirably carried out. Miss Phoebe Norris's performance as I Admetus, King of Pherae, was excellent. Her rendering of the king’s remorse when he had allowed hit wife to die in his stead was very convinc- ! ing and realistic. The title role of Alcestis. wife of Admetus, as portrayed by Miss Mills was also a very creditable performance. Her acting was one of the outstanding features of the evening. Credit is also due to Miss Joan Roberts, whose appearance, as Pheres. father of Admetus, though short, was most convincing. Excellent work was done by the chorus, the leaders cf whom were Miss Ray Gurr, Miss Edna Reeve, and Miss Peggy Hintz. 'rite bombastic and blustering Hercules was vigorously portrayed by Miss Joan Walker. The performance of "Alcestis” will be repeated this evening, and also on Saturday, September 24. Before washing lace curtains, baste the edges together, having the material folded down the centre. Leave them this way until after they ire roned, then remove the basting-threads, and j the edges must be even.