FRILLS FADS FOIBLES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 179, 19 October 1927, Page 5

FRILLS FADS FOIBLES

Mundane Musings

Other People’s Holidays

“After all,” said Lucia, “there’s no place like this for the holidays.” She emerged from the depths of her deck-chair to light her cigarette, then sank cosily back into my recent purchase of inexpensive garden cushions. I was looking vaguely at the distant marsh, visible through the pea-sticks up which my peas have not yet climbed, and George was pretending to look at picture-postcards of the Lake District I had succeeded in forcing on him, taking advantage of his reduced postprandial powers of resistance. “We were awfully lucky in getting fixed up, too,” continued. Lucia. “The Lawrances knew of a farmhouse just outside Mudville, so they and Robert and I decided to make up a party and go together. They turned out to be delightful people at the farmhouse, the courteous, hospitable type of Mudville countryfolk. You know how you seem to get two distinct races in Mudville, one, the small, dark, primitive people, probably descended from native stock; the other ” “What we liked about the Lake District,” I said, “was the delightful scenery and the mountainous character of the mountains. I copied out a little list of the heights of the various groups, knowing you’d be interested. Here they are. And he went off into a fit of mountain statistics.

“Of course,” said George, drowsily—he was holding a coloured view of some crag or pass, and his eyes were closed—“ltalian cooking’s all very well, and the things they did with macaroni would alone make any people’s reputation as a nation of inventors. But I can’t help thinking a race that voluntarily eats oranges for breakfast lacks something that makes for true greatness. Probably the well-known imperial stuff of our great character is the result of generations of egg-and-bacon eaters. Eggs make for stiffness, resistance and solidarity. In some of the places we went to in the Italian Tyrol, when we went Home last year, enlightened hotel-keepers who had heard of the British Empire, had provided for

this particular national need. But in the smaller, out-lying districts, especially up near the Austrian border ” “And the bathing was excellent,” continued Lucia’s voice, dreaming from among the cushions. “The only thing is, you have to be pretty careful and only bathe from the safe bathing beaches, as the rocks and the currents are a bit treacherous. Often the most deliglitful-looking coves are the least safe to bathe from. But surf-bathing’s the thing; you have no idea what a sheer delight surf-bathing is till you’ve tried it. You just lie in the water and let the waves tumble you over, and the sand’s all warm where the sun’s been on it. Robert and I and the Lawrences used to go down to the beach every morning after breakfast, and spend the whole time there till lunch, just lazing about on the sand and bathing m the surf. There was a rather charming young couple, too. staying at the farmhouse, who used to come down to the beach with us during the last week of our stay. The girl was exactly tike a Harrison Fisher drawing, and I don’t think they’d been married very long. Their name was Jefferson-Porter. lie used to call her Foggy, but I believe her real name was Ethel.”

“You might think,” I said, “from the photographs, the lakes were larger than they actually are. As a matter of fact, I was rather surprised, when I saw them, to find they were comparatively small. I suppose Derwentwater’s one of the most beautiful, though Ullswater, runs it pretty close. Some of the walks round Derwentwater would be hard to beat. There’s one, up to a place tailed Castle Head, which gives you such a wonderful view over the lake and the mountains, it would take your breath away if the act of ascending it had not already done so. Castle Head is particularly interesting, too, from the fact that it is all that is left of a volcano, to the eruptions of which, the guidebook says, the formation of the Lake District is primarily traced. Sometimes, on a clear day ”

“Speaking generally,” said George, “the Italian Tyrol is not unlike Alpine Switzerland, and the formation of the country is, I should say, very similar. The roads are excellent for motor traffic. Right up among the mountains we would find large, heavily-loaded lorries navigating the hairpin-bends with complete sang-froid. The most delightful place we struck was Madonna di Campiglio; where we spent a night on the way to Bolzano. You ought to go there one day, K. By the way.

where are you going for your holidays this year?” i turned my back on George—l have no patience with a person who can’t listen with decent politeness to the interesting things I am telling him—and spoke to Lucia. “I suppose you and Robert will be wanting a bit of a change, too, Lucia. Have you thought of trying Mudville?”

PLUNKET BABY CARNIVAL

AT TE AWAMUTU The Executive Committee of the Plunket baby carnival met on Saturday evening, when delegates from the Candidates’ Committee were welcomed to their places on the central committee. Mr. F. Quin presided, and there were also present:—Messrs. A. E. Patterson, S. A. Empson, C. A. Finch, J. G. Wynyard (treasurer), T. W. Gee (delegate from Baker-Xeilson committee). R. Laurie (Locke-Williams i committee), W. Whitton (Alangapiko- i Paterangi), Murphy (Kihikihi), W. ; Cavanagh (Hairini-Puahue), and Mrs. J 11. A. Swarbrick (secretary). Nominations were accepted and | colours allotted as follow: —For Te j Awamutu: Nita Williams and Donald Locke, royal blue: Margaret Nielson j and Jack Baker, red. Hairini-Puahue: ! Betty Hastie and Martin Skerman, pink and lavender. Mangapiko-Pate-rangi: Lorraine Signal and Desmond Whitton, green and white. Pokuru-Te Kawa: Elwyn Crawford and Laurence Gane, pale blue and primrose. Kihikihi: Kathleen Fitzpatrick and Stanley James, royal blue and gold.

It was reported that as a result of the pushball tournament the sum of £l4 9s had been netted. It was decided to thank the Waipa Rugby Union for its efforts on behalf of the Plunket Society.

MORRINSVILLE CROQUET CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Morrinsville Croquet Club was held on "Wednesday last. The report and balance sheet was favourably commented on, and the committee was congratulated on the year’s operations. The following officers were elected: Patron, Mr. G. Howie persident, Mrs. G. Howie; secretary (re-elected), Mrs. P. J. Cooper; vice-presidents, Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Hawkens; committee, Alesdames Branch, Donald, Reid, Buckan; tea lady, Mrs. Buckan; match committee. Mesdames Philpot. McLeod, Hawkins.

COROMANDEL GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM

The Coromandel girls’ basketball team visited Thames on Saturday and played a match with the Thames Club. The game ended in a draw, each side scoring 16 points. The Coromandel scorers were Misses Denize, Myers, and Evans, and for Thames the pointsgetters were Misses Richards and Turn3r. Miss Rule had charge of the game. In the evening the visitors were entertained at a social and dance at which about 100 guests attended. The dance music was played by Mr. Watkins, and Mr. H.. Marshall officiated as M.C.

GREENHITHE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

The October meeting of the Greenhithe Women's Institute was held last Thursday, when the afternoon’s programme took the form of a competition of original essays on “How 1 should like to spend a week’s holiday.” Many excellent contributions were read, which proved both instructive and enjoyable. On the previous evening Dr. J. R. Closs gave a lecture in the local hall, his subject being “The mind of the growing child.” The lecturer dealt ably with his subject, which was I greatly appreciated, and at the close ! answered many questions from inquii- ! ers in the audience. The lecture was j given under the auspices of the I Women’s Institute.

TAUMARUNUI DOINGS

The Taumarunui Presbyterian ! Church Choir met last week to farewell two more old members, in the persons of Mrs. Peters and Miss M. McCallum. both of whom have gone to the South Island. The gathering, which took place at the residence of the choirmaster. Mr. W. Thompson, was fully attended by members of the choir and was a jolly little gathering tinged only with regret at the imminent departure of two of the faithful band. The Re v . J. McCaw, on behalf of Lite gathering, presented Mrs. Peters with a beautiful suede hand-bag, and Miss McCallum with a handsome photo frame as emblems of the esteem in which they were held. The hostess, Mrs. Thompson, with the assistance of a number of ladies, dispensed a delicious supper, and several of those present contributed vocal and instrumental items. The function terminated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Miss Doris Bailey was the guest at a social evening arranged by a number of her friends, on the eve of her marriage. The event took place at the Theatre Royal annexe, and there was a large number of guests present. Mr. D. Calderwood acted as M.C., and dancing was indulged in to music contributed by members of the party. Miss Bailey received a very generous offering of gifts, Mr. E. Mather responding on her behalf. During the evening Miss Hughes and Miss E. Hughes, Miss Grice, Miss Edwards and Miss Ward contributed items.

At the last meeting of the Taumarunui Hospital Board a .etter was received from the matron, Miss M. O'Connor, expressing warm appreciation of the work being done for the hospital patients by the ladies of the recently-formed Sunshine League. The league distributes comforts, Mowers, etc., and weekly visits are made t>> the hospital by members. The letter concluded:, "l congratulate the ladies of the Sunshine League on’ their endeavours, which have already been appreciated, and have proved so great a success.”. The board resolved to extend its thanks to the league.

Add a little glycerine to boot-polish; it makes the polish brighter, and the shine lasts longer; also, it helps to keep shoes soft.

WHANGAREI PARTIES

A very enjoyable party in honour of the coming of age of Miss Barbara , Watts was held at the residence of Mrs. A. Mears, Kanika Road, on Wed- j nesday evening. Games and musical i itmes passed the time pleasantly, and ! after a bounteous supper, a large cake ; was cut, and a toast to guest of! the evening was honoured. AI is s Watts was the recipient of many handsome j birthday gifts. The Kensington Croquet Club held another of its enjoyable evenings in the Parochial Hall on Friday. American bridge was played at 11 tables, the prize-winners being Mesdames Burns, Carter, Good and Reynolds. The game of 500 occupied seven tables, the prizes ; going to Miss Hilford and Mr. Stringer. * * * On Friday evening a concert party visited Titoki and gave a most successful entertainment in aid of the funds of the Y.W.C.A. Although the weather I was inclement, the Titoki Hall was packed, and the gratifying sum of -CIS 5s was raised for the institution. Musical, instrumental and dramatic J items made a most interesting programme, which was much appreciated by the audience. Vocal items by Mrs. J. Neale were particularly popular. Mrs. G. Woolley acted as accompanist. At the close of the programme. Mr. K. Higginson outlined the aims of the association, and Mr. Purvis thanked the visitors for their most enjoyable entertainment. The evening concluded with a dance.

The Literary Circle of the Women’s j Club gave an “at home” in the club i rooms on Friday afternoon, which was | thoroughly enjoyed by the large num- i ber who attended. A reading entitled “The Lady Interviewer” by Herbert ■ Swears, was given by Mrs. Harman Smith and Airs. Benjamin, after which a dainty afternoon tea was handed round. Then the annual meeting was held, when three members of the circle retired and three new members were duly elected for the coming season. * * * On Wednesday evening a large number gathered at the Otaka Road residence of Air. and Airs. R. Y. Kernohan. who moved the following day to a new home in Grey Street. Games and dancing were the order of the evening, and after supper had been handed round, Air. A. J. Alurdoch, on behalf of friends living in the western area of the town, presented Airs. Kernohan with a beautiful handbag, and Air Kernohan with a pipe smoker’s outfit. Midnight had elapsed ere the happy gathering broke up with tlie singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Air. and Airs. Kernohan had been resident in Otaika Road for the past 25 years. St. Alary’s Guild held a very successful bridge evening in the Parochial I-lall on Alonday, the prizes going to Mrs. Reynolds and Air. Grove. On Saturday evening a young folks dance was held at “Wolverdene,” Kamo Road. About 50 couples thoroughly enjoyed themselves dancing on a lively floor to gramophone records, or the excellent music later supplied by Air. and Mrs. Geo. Woolley, and Mr. Thedore Tresize. A delicious supper was handed round, and after singing “Auld Lang Syne.” the company dispersed at midnight.