FEMININE REFLECTIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 160, 27 September 1927, Page 5

FEMININE REFLECTIONS

NATIONAL COUNCIL ADDRESS BY REV, W. MAWSON CHINESE MORALS AND MANNERS The Rev. W. Mawson gave a most interesting address last evening at the meeting of the Auckland branch of the National Council of Women, taking for his subject the question of Chinese immigration. The fact that the New Zealand Government was restricting Chinese women from entering the Dominion was a matter that afforded great concern where the country’s wellbeing was to be considered. said Mr. Mawson. Though the Chinese man in his own country married at an early age and was normally moral, there was always danger to the morality of the community when they were taken away from their own women-f.olk. The Chinaman came to New Zealand for the specific purpose of , making money and naturally, from a business point of view, they had to be careful of their reputations, a fact which Mr. Mawson declared did much to counteract any serious loosening of morals. Formerly they came with no fixed idea of settling here, but now in most cases they intended to make New Zealand their permanent home and were anxious to bring out their wives. They showed small tendency of making European marriages. Under these conditions tl\ere was need of caution, but in no way were the present conditions under which the Chinese lived in New Zealand to be regarded as a menace to the community. At present there were living in New Zealand 2,505 Chinese men over 20 years of age, and 131 married women; Chinese; from 20 to 29 years of age numbered 717. from 30 to 44 years of age 69, from 45 to 59 years of age 553. There were a.t least 2,000 Chinese men between 20 and 60 years of age in the Dominion who were unmarried or were living apart from their wives. “HELL” BALL AT OXFORD FLAMING DANCE FLOOR The Oxford University Dramatic Society literally created “Hell” in the town hall for their commemoration ball, says a London paper. Oxford always expects something unique from the O.U.D.S. in commemoration week, but it was unanimously agreed that this time they surpassed themselves. The 550 guests were met at the entrance to the town hall by a party of red-clothed “devils,” led by Mr. P. B. Moynihan, son of Sir Berkeley Moynihan, and were conducted into “Hell.” The town hall was transformed into a sinister cavern by a subtle arrangement of red and black curtains and deep-red light. Over the doorway was the motto, “All hope abandon ye who enter here.” Moving red lights, ingeniously reflected from the ceiling, made the floor look like a fiery river, and as the dancers, dressed in the costumes of all nations, took the floor, they seemed to be precipitated into the legendary hell-fire. Round the fiery floor was an intense, eerie blackness, and, but for the hilarious laughter of the dancers, the place might have been a- cave lit by black - red lanterns swung by unseen spirits. At one end of the hall a band was clustered round the “Gates of Heaven” shining brilliantly before a background of limpid blue sky. These gates, however, were never opened. None of the guests * knew of the setting that had been prepared. , THE MOTHERS’ LEAGUE BRANCH AT WAIMAUKU On the lines suggested by Lady Alice Ferguson, a branch of the Mothers’ League was formed yesterday at Waimauku, at a meeting of which the Rov. T. Partridge and Mrs. Partridge, of Helensville, were present. Tentative arrangements for a social afternoon to be held early in November were made. This is the first country branch of the league to be formed in the Dominion. and the interest evinced in its welfare at the inaugural meeting promises well for its success. WOMAN—DRUDGE, GODDESS OR PARTNER? “Girls are far more conscientious than boys,” said Canon W. R. Dawson, headmaster of Brighton College, speaking at Chiswick. “England,” he said, “is the only country in the world that knows the proper place for women. In France she is a plaything, in Germany a drudge, in America a goddess, and in England a partner.” THE QUERY CLUB At the last meeting of the Query Club the president, Miss Tapper, made a presentation to Miss Ruby Kddowes. who is leaving shortly to take up nursing in the New Plymouth Hospital Miss Eddowes has been an active worker for several years, and will be much missed by her fellow members.

PRIVATE AUDIENCE WITH THE QUEEN MISS AILSA BURNS RETURNS Not only presented at Court, but granted ten minutes* private audience with the Queen of England at a garden party— It was no wonder that Miss AiTsa Burns, one of Auckland's younger set, was radiant when she returned from her half year’s tour abroad by the Mataroa yesterday afternoon. Queen Mary had shown her the signal honour of taking her aside at the fete. What she said could not be disclosed, of course. The Italian lakes, Rome at Eastertide, Switzerland, a motor tour through Scotland, Paris, London, all the delight of the Old World had been enjoyed by Miss Burns, and yet she seemed glad to see Auckland in the sunshine once again. (She did not realise how lucky she was to see it in the sunshine.) Most of the tour was made in the company of Miss Bullens, of Christchurch. Her father, Mr. Robert Burns, went out in a launch to meet the ship. LEAGUE OF PENWOMEN FIXTURES FOR OCTOBER For the month of October the following dates have been arranged by the League of New Zealand Pen women: Tuesday, 4th, 7.45 p.m.—Literary study, “The Brontes.” Friday, 7th, 3 p.m.—Lecture, Rev. Mawson, “Women Representatives at Honolulu Conference.” Tuesday, 11th, 7.45 p.m.—Dramatic section, original plays—“A Friend’s Friends,” by Mary Stuart Boyd; “The Flaw iin the Amber,” by Ethel Schmidt. Friday, 14th, 3 p.m.—lmpromptu speaking. Tuesday, 18th, 7.45 p.m.—Journalism section. Write up an actual interview with a friend who is interested in some special subject (about 500 words). Friday, 21st, 3 p.m.—Lecture, Mr. J. F. Montague, “Some Idle Thoughts of a Busy Mart.” Note. —Management committee to meet at 11 am. (third Friday). Tuesday, 25th, 7.45 p.m.—Art section; lecture by Mr. Proctor. Friday, 28 th, 3 p.m.—General meeting; business. Monday, 31st, 7.45 p.m.—Hallowe’en party. Members to come as “spooks,” fairies, witches, or goblins; single tickets, 2s, double (husband or best friend) 3s. Please Note.—The arts and crafts section of the League will hold an hibition of all kinds of art work, excepting sketches and paintings, on Frida.y, November 4, afternoon and evening. Articles to be on exhibition only. Orders may be taken. Regarding motto, please send in suggestions for mottos and emblems separately. WELLINGTON GIRL’S SUCCESS It will interest New Zealanders to hear that Miss Molly K. Plimmer, Wellington, has been awarded the Girls’ Scholarship of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, which means that she will have three terms’ free tuition and a double remove in the class, says the “Post.” Her marks averaged per cent.., and the judges at the examination were Kate Cutler, lon Swinley and Mary Barton. The contest was held at half-term for all first-term students, and the performance was a scene from “At Mrs. Beam’s,” in which Miss Plimmer played Miss Shoe. Added to this performance, each student had to do a sketch in gesture without “props” or scenery, to recite a few lines of Shakespeare without action (merely facial expression), to fence, do a Russian dance, and there was a voice-production test as well. Miss Plimmer also took part in two end-of-term play's, which were “The Younger Generation” and “Lady Frederick.” In the former Miss Plimmer was cast for the grandmother, and in act 3 of the latter she was chosen for the title part. Owing to the number of students in the class the principal characters are taken by a different student in each act. Do not put spoons that have been used for boiled eggs into hot water. They should be put into cold water for a few minutes and then rubbed with damp salt.

WHANGAREI PARTIES Mesdames Peat, Fallow, Johnstone, and Staples were the hostesses at a most enjoyable bridge party in the Ritz on Thursday evening. The floral decorations were beautiful, large bowls of Iceland poppies, stocks, and wallflowers being arranged on tables in the centre of the room. There were 12 tables, and the prizewinners were Mrs. H. Crane, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Rout, and Mrs. Boult. A very dainty sup- I per was served after the play finished. ! it being close on midnight before the j guests left for their homes. A very enjoyable party, promoted by Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Naughton in honour of their son Norman, was held in the parochial hall on Monday evening. About 65 guests were present, and a happy time was spent in games and dancing. The music was supplied by Mrs. McLennan, and Mr. C. Woods acted as M.C. The hall was tastefully decorated, and streamers and confetti added to the effect of the gaiety. During the dainty supper, which was provided by Mrs. Naughton, several toasts were honoured Mr. R. Hill, on behalf of the visitors, in a neat speech thanked the hosts for a most pleasant and enjoyable evening. Mrs. A. D. Jack and Miss Brough tonCarr acted as hostesses at a jolly little party on Saturday evening, when the members of the cast of “Mrs. Gorringe’s Necklace” entertained a few friends. Progressive bridge, music, and dancing made the evening pass very pleasantly, the bridges prizes being won by Miss M. Broughton-Carr and Mr. C. Dent. Among those present were: Mesdames Jack, Crosby, Laurenson, and Neale, Misses Brady, Broughton-Carr (2), Crane, Cullen (2), Higginson, Matheson. Hosking, Lundon, and Weir:, Messrs. Beveridge, Dent, Gillespie, Grove, Hewin, Higginson, Crosby. Hansen, McDonald, Laurenson, Neale Morgan, Retford, and Macken. The High School girls and their teachers gave the St. Cuthbert visitors a glorious time last Saturday evening, when a dance was held at the girls’ hostel. A dainty supper was served, and everyone enjoyed the evening, in spite of the rain. On Sunday afternoon the visitors were taken round and shown some of the local beauty spots. * * * On Monday night the literary. circle of the Women’s Club held an open night, the last of the literary series for the season, when a. very interesting and instructive talk was given by Mr. F. W. Reed on the history of the historical novel. SURPRISE PARTY On Thursday evening the members of the Y.W.C.A. Home Nursing Class paid a surprise visit to the home of Mrs. G. H. Hill, Graham Street. Mrs. Hill, who takes a great interest in St. John Ambulance work, was an enthu - siastic' member of a nursing division in Dunedin for some years, and now has been helping the Y.W.C.A. first aid and home nursing classes in Whangarei in a very practical way right through their course. The surprise party was planned by the class to show appreciation of Mrs. Hill’s presence and help, and upon arrival j she was presented with a large l*ou- | quet of flowers. The evening passed very merrily with all kinds of fun, games, and impromptu items, speeches and musical honours being of course part of the programme. Everyone felt care-free and gay, for last Monday the nursing examination had been held, with Dr. Ward as examiner in the oral and practical work. The candidates are now awaiting results. ANGLICAN DANCE A distinct triumph' fittingly culminating in & mosts successful series, marked the final dance held in Gardner’s Hall on Thursday evening of the Armstrong Avenue Anglican Church. The door takin; 3/constituted a record for any dance he.J in the hall, and 160 couples danced on a perfect floor to the music provided by an orchestra consisting of Messrs. A. Smyth (piano), D. Mason (violin), A. Leatherby (cornet). B. Leather by (trombone), and W. Calder (drums). Noveilty streamers, hats, balloons, cicades, and photo trumpets were distributed lavishly, and when these decorations, specially reserved for the linal occasion, were flaunted, a scene of indescribable picturesqueness was presented. Mr. H. Haynes capably carried out the duties of M.C. The ladies supper and decoration committees are to be congratulated upon tlieir splendid efforts, and much of the success of the series is due to the Rev. J. Rich, xvho spared no effort as secretary to perfect all arrangements. HOCKEY CLUB FUNCTION Although following so close upon the attraction in Garner’s Hall on the previous evening, the final dance promoted by the Old Girls’ Hockey Club in the Parochial Hall on Thursday xvas successful from every viewpoint. About 35 couples took part in the dancing, the music for which was provided by Messrs. A. Smyth (piano) and D. Mason (violin). Extras were played by Misses A. Mackay and E. Le Ruez, and Mr. S. B, Dunn. Members of the club provided the supper, and also carried out the work of decorating the hall. Mr. C. E. Collins acted as announcing M.C. FRANKLIN PLUNKET SOCIETY A well-attended meeting of Pokeno women interested in the formation of a branch of the Franklin Plunket Society was held last week. The president and the secretary of the Pukekohe branch, Mesdames H. H. D. Wily and F. Perkins, and Mesdames Lewis and Dur.rant. of the Tuakau branch, explained the aims and objects of the society. Those present decided to form a branch and Mrs. J. Dean was elected president, Mesdames McDonald and Pope vice-presidents, and Mrs. McDonald secretary. CIVIC LEAGUE A meeting of the Civic League will be held in the Priscilla Tea Rooms this evening at 7.30 o’clock, when an address will be given by Mr. Tunks.

DANCING AND POLITICS JUNIOR REFORM LEAGUE On behalf of the Junior Reform and Constitutional League, Mrs. C. Earle was “at home” to a number of young people at the Kelburn Kiosk in Wellington on Saturday, when all had a very enjoyable evening’s dancing. The league, newly formed, aims to interest the younger generation in political

matters, so that, as the Prime Minister told those present, there will be trained men and women to carry on the business of Government. Mr. McGtiie, the founder of the movement here, explained that they hoped to have branches in each electorate. This gathering: was to promote a branch for the suburbs, and they would have picnics, tennis tour- | naments, and other social gatherings, but always half an hour would be devoted to talks on political matters. The Prime Minister and the Hon. R. A. Wright both spoke, and the gather- j ing also had an address from Sir ' Henry Cowan, a member of the British House of Commons. The speeches are reported elsewhere Mr. Ellis thanked the speakers and Mr. Lewis, of the Wellington Ease League, invited all to meet on Tuesday evening and formally inaugurate the Suburbs branch. For the rest of the evening there was dancing to the strains of an excellent orchestra, and all had a very happy and delightful time. Supper was served at one side of the wide veranda, the other side being reserved for sitting out. while the central hall was used for dancing. Mrs. Earle, who wore a dress of black satin with deep panels of silver lace, received her guests at the entrance to the hall, and throughout the evening spared no pains to see that all thoroughly enjoyed themselves She was assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Darling, the latter wearing black, with a vividly embroidered Spanish shawl. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Mrs. Coates, who wore pink, lightly spangled in silver with deep black fringe on the black skirt, and a coat of metal brocade. Mrs. R. A. Wright wore dark red crepe de chine with touches of beige. Lady and Miss Cowan were present with Sir Henry Cowan, the former in black, with lines of silver trimming, and a deeply fringed shawl, and Miss Cowan in black, with spreading em-