FEMININE REFLECTIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 194, 5 November 1927, Page 20 (Supplement)

FEMININE REFLECTIONS

CHURCH EAZAAR

AT NGATEA The women of the Anglican Church Guild, Ngatea, held a very successful bazaar on Wednesday in aid of the fund for building a church at Ngatea, and close on a hundred pounds was raised. The sale was opened by the Rev. W. W. Averill, who thanked all those who has assisted, particularly the members of the guild who had been sewing for many months. The stall-holders were as follow: Sweets, Mrs. Cotter and Miss U. Birkenhead; cakes and produce, Mrs. Vowles and Mrs. Waite; fancy goods, Mrs. McCarthy and Mrs. Williams; sewing, Mrs. Darlington and Mrs. Wade; refreshments, Mrs. Coppins,' Mrs. King and Mrs. Shaw. Mrs. Birkenhead’s competition stall was a centre of attraction, a profit of over £l6 being made. During the evening numerous competitions were organised and dancing was indulged in. WAIUKU GOLF CLUB FAREWELL FUNCTION A very pleasant afternoon was spent this week at the residence of Mrs. J. Forbes, when the women members of the Waiuku Golf Club gathered to bid farewell to Miss G. Kidd, who is shortly being married, and will be leaving the district. Two competitions were held, one of which was won by Mrs. J. Laurenson while Mrs. Harkness was successful in winning the other one. On behalf of the women golf members, Mrs. J. Forbes, in an appropriate speech, presented Miss Kidd with a silver bread board, as a mark of the appreciation in which she was held by her fellow golf members.

WOMEN WHO WILL NOT CHANGE THEIR METHODS THE MISTAKE OF CONSERVATIVE HOUSEKEEPING j Even in these days of labour-saving devices, when almost every household task can be performed with the very minimum of effort, there are women who are doing just as much work in their houses as their mothers did, and in exactly the same way. ! For some people, of course, the initial cost of electric washers, cleaners and cookers makes it impossible even to consider them, though they can lighten their day’s labour by using the hundred-and-one little cheap gadgets which every ironmonger’s shop shows in such variety. But there are thousands of women who could afford to run their homes with every possible electrical fitting, who refuse to do so from a deeply ingrained distrust of all modern domestic inventions. In fact, they are really living still in the 19th century, and, as far as they are concerned, all the inventions of the past few years simply do not exist. Too Traditional The people who are the most obstinate in their refusal to make any changes are generally the very houseproud women, who have brought every detail of housework to a fine art. They cannot believe that carpets can be kept clean without being rigorously swept and beaten, that floors can be polished unless someone goes down on their hands and knees and rubs them, or that furniture can look presentable without an immense amount of eblow grease. They usually have a stock of old recipes for furniture polish and such things, handed down from mother to daughter for generations, and patent soaps and polishes are anathema to them. They have found by long experience that by a vast expenditure of personal effort their houses can be kept looking spotless, and it does not seem possible to them that they can cut out the personal effort and still keej3 their houses clean. The woman who is responsible for the management of a house and the upbringing of a family owes it to both herself and her family to save herself useless drudgery wherever she can. There are so many things going on in the world which she will miss if she is entirely absorbed in all the petty details of housekeeping, and she will be a far better wife and mother if she has leisure to share in the interests of her husband and children. For many women the old days of slavery to a house have gone, and they will go for other women, too, if they will only realise the opportunities which science has put within their reach.

Mundane Musings

These Novelists! Marilyn has again developed literary tendencies. It appears that there is a vogue for literature at present in the Upper Fourth. Last term it was white mice, and the term before it was growing mustard and cress on flannel. Ido not know the cause of the present degeneracy, but doubtless a healthy reaction will set in toward silkworms in due course. The Upper Fourth, I gather from Marilyn, leans toward tradition in that it favours the story with a definite plot and a recognisable moral. It is cold toward the modern school of psychology, will have none of expressionism, and looks with disapproval on formlessness and introspection. Marilyn tells me that one of the Upper Fourth’s best sellers, so to speak, was Feggy Holland’s “Aunt Mabel’s Present,” though Joan Curtis’s “Cook’s Mistake” ran it pretty close in popularity. Marilyn herself has produced, or at any rate begun, several works: a short story entitled “A Merry Holiday,” a long novel of 2,000 words called “A Surprise in the Night,” and the first part of a trilogy about a family called Cathcart. At least, she was not quite sure whether to call them Cathcart or Mason. The oldest daughter’s name, Roberta, seemed to go better with Cathcart; but on the other hand the baby’s name was Betty, and there was a Betty Cathcart in the Lower Fourth who was a sneak, and had pimples. I suggested the baby’s name might be changed to something else —Gladys or Muriel—but Marilyn said those weren’t the sort of names babies had. I pointed out that some babies must have been called Gladys or Muriel, but Marilyn thought they must have been called just “Baby” to start with, and got Gladys or Muriel, quite suddenly, later. I asked Marilyn why she didn’t finish the trilogy, and she said, because she had started with it being Roberta’s birthday-party, and had somehow got it into the story of an enchanted rabbit on the second page, so she lost interest in trying to get it back to its original theme.

Marilyn informed me, not without hesitation, that there was one revolutionary writer in the Upper Fourth named Biddy Mulligan. I asked her what she could expect of a child named Biddy Mulligan, but Marilyn didn’t seem to think that was altogether an excuse.

Biddy Mulligan, it appeared, had written a dangerous and seditious work entitled “Stupid Miss Pinner.” Miss Pinner being their own form-mistress and one of the most unpopular teachers in the school. The first edition—fortunately of only one copy—was promptly suppressed for safety’s sake. It related a series of encounters with brilliant, devil-may-care pupils in which Miss Pinner was invariably worsted; the most daring scene being the one in which Miss Pinner’s petticoat fell off on the platform just as the school were singing “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” at the end-of-term gathering in hall. Marilyn admitted that, in spite of the suppression of “Stupid Miss Pinner,” there had been tremendous competition to recover and possess the first edition. “Let’s make up stories now,” said Marilyn.. “I feel like writing.” “Lucky child!” I said. “I wish I did.”

“The best way,” said Marilyn, “is to choose a title and then write the story about it.” “Excellent,” I said. “Well, what’s the title?” “Oh, you have to make up the title.” replied Marilyn. I didn’t quite see why; but I didn’t like to argue. “Well,” I said, “how about ‘The Magic Turnip’?” “It’s rather old-fashioned,” said Marilyn, critically; “to have something with ‘magic’ in it.” I felt too crestfallen to point out that it was rather original to have something with “turnip” in it. “I know,” I said, brightly, “ ‘Willie’s Kind Deed.’ How’s that?” “That’s all right,” said Marilyn. “Let’s begin now.” I never dreamt what stimulus the simple title of “Willie’s Kind Deed” would give to the imagination. As I wrote I became so increasingly interested in the psychology of Willie that I did not notice what Alarilyn was doing. “You read first,” said Marilyn. “Willie Jenkinson,” I began obediently, ‘ had a dog he loved very much, called Bruno. One day his aunt came to stay with them—Willie’s aunt, not Bruno s—and W illie didn’t like her very much, because she sniffed and her false teeth rattled. They were having dinner and Bruno was under the table, because Willie’s aunt had smacked him for burying her new kid gloves in the garden. So when Willie’s aunt turned to ! say something to Willie's mother 1 Willie took the meat off her plate and I gave it to Bruno.” There was a long silence. “I don’t think that was very kind.” said Marilyn. "Bruno thought it was,” I answered. “Now let’s hear yours.” Marilyn read, “Once there was a boy called Willie.” There was another long silence. “Go on,” I encouraged her. “That’s all I could think of,” said Marilyn. “Now make up another title.”

OTAHUHU PLUNKET SOCIETY

FANCY DRESS BALL LOR THE CHILDREN The Otahuhu Public Hall was the scene of a gay and delightful children's fancy dress ball last evening, when the Otahuhu branch, of the Plunket Society held their annual function. Throngs of eagerly joyous children were present, and spent a most enjoyable time in the beautifully flowerdecked hall, dancing to the music provided by Mrs. Andrew's orchestra. Messrs. A. Murdoch, J. Gillies. J. MeIvor and H. Lovell acted as M.C.’s. and marshalled the children very successfully through the mazes of a grand parade and a splendid programme ol dances. At the commencement of the function, Mr. J. Gillies presented Nurse Ogden with an attache case, as a small token of the high esteem in which site is held by the mothers of the Plunket babies of Otahuhu. Nurse Ogden expressed her appreciation of the gift and the kindly spirit that prompted it. During the evening a couple of pleasing extras were played by Mrs. J. Gillies and Mr. A. Murdoch. The Sailors’ Hornpipe, danced by Daisy Pee, and Mavis Miller, pupils of Miss O'Leary was well received, and a country folk dance, by 12 pupils ot the Otahuhu Public School met with unanimous approval. A vocal quartette by Jean Paine, Beryl Paine. Neitie Cook and Fanny Philp, which was charmingly given, added to the even-

ing’s pleasure. Little Jean Fearnlev gave a spirite Spanish dance, and Dorothy Lee air Kathleen Reeves gave an cxhibitio: of the amusing golliwog dance.

The task of judging the fancy dresses was a hard one indeed, for the costumes were all outstandingly good. The judges were Mesdames Rhind. Hill, Holmden and Misses Moore and Banks, and they awarded the prizes as folGirls, under three, Lorna Studd, blue powder puff. Boys, under three, Aoei Hotliam, the Duke of York. Girls, under seven best fancy dress, Joyce Ldelsten, nurse; best original. Margaret Reia. ±>o> s. under seven, best fancy dress. Ross Jenkins, golliwog; most original, Douglas Waddell, wholemeal bread. Girls, seven, best fancy dress, Mollie Lippiatt, tire; most original, Jean Gardner, dojs, over seven, best fancy dress. Paul Richardson, Chinese clown; most original, Jack McManus, sundowner. Dancing for the children was continued till 10 p.m., when the adults took the floor. Prior to their departure the children in fancy dress were the recipients of a box of chocolates each. During the evening a dainty super was served in the supper room by a ladies committee. . , Among those present in fancy diess were: Jean Munro, ballet girl; Len Lee, rooster; Norman Dando. bell boy*. Hotham, Duke of York; Colleen Hotliam, the Duchess of York; Lily Dando, Lg\ ptian bride; Alan Arlington, Eastern slave. Trevor Maher, soldier s farm; Ben Dando, half boy, half girl; Lorna McMillan. safety first; Phyllis McMillan, red riding hood; Drummond Downej, Keel Indian; Yettie Pinkey, fisher girl; Avalon McMillan. Jackie Coogan; Diana Baildon, rosebud; Cassie McMillan, Indian squaw; Audrey Waddell, rosebud; Sheila Murdoch. Dutch girl; Douglas Waddell, wholemeal bread; Alathea Stewart, Highland lassie; Tesmond Baker, fluffy doll; Joyce Patterson, bathing girl; Rose Flood, bridegroom; Zela Boniface, maize cob; Norma Walters, surf girl; Jack Flood, Indian; Mollie Lip piatt, fire; June McLaren, Hawaiian girl; Molly Todd, hula girl; Doris Speed, tin soldier; Myrtle Shepherd, gipsy; Je. Clements, rainbow; Peggy Todd. Hawaiian; Jack McDell, golliwog; P. Todd. Mrs. Golliwogg; Mary Wallace, folly; Daisy Greenwood, daisy; Marjorie Todd. Pierrette; Walter Coop, chef; Trevor Taylor, pierrot; Minnie Taylor, pierrette; Ruth Sheffield, carnival; Olga Coop, SUN Newspaper; Margaret Reeves, Prince Charles; Irene Irielangton, gipsy; Ena Searchfield, cross-word puzzle; Beryl Searchfield, superstition; Phyllis Petrie, tin soldier; Russell Harris, punga; Beryl Paine, peasant; Phyllis Johnson, gipsy; Jack Niall, Jack of Hearts; Ruby Maher, Queen Elizabeth: Moreen Searby, coin of the realm; Kathleen McMillan, picnicking; Jackie Maher, Tom Mix; June Greenwood, folly; Zena White, big orange drink; Phyllis Miller, sailor girl; Ernest Neild, tabby cat; Enid Neild, blue powder puff; lima Neild, mauve powder puff; Meryle Edwards, Dutch girl; Peggy Richardson, spot light; Paul Richardson, Chinese clown; Joyce Edelsten, nurse; Miriam Evans, Italian organ grinder; Joan Evans, little elf; Molly McCarthy, Spanish girl; Ina Ratcliff, little Miss Muffit; Myrtle Roe, Irish lassie; Fay Cutler, Dutch girl; Robin Clark, fire; Marjorie Moore, Christmas tree; Dorothy Unsworth, pierrette; Muriel Unsworth, British goods; Joan Morgan, danger signal; Jean Gardner, green pea; Cassie Cook, jockey; Brian McMavis, Canadian fur trapper; Jack AleMavis, sundowner; Gwen Jones, dominoes; Raymond Jones, clown; Gerald Craft, sailor; Peggy Lovell, fuschia girl; Teddy Johnson, court gentleman; Des Gillies Tommy Tiptoe; Ken Gillies, jazz man’; Joan Fearnley, Spanish dancer: Joe Fearniey, folly girl; Joy McAnultv, lady of the 18th century; Billie Baxter, gentleman of the 18th century; Guv Fearnlev returned soldier’s farm; Nancy Halton.' Queen of Hearts; Jean Runciman. pink pterrette; Norma Pee, Brown Bros, and fl T^. eS T^ C^OC °i ltes U Violet Pee - Champion flour; Daisy Pee, Butterfly tea; Evelyn Ranges; Valerie Dawson, lettuce salad, Margaret Reid, Hawaiian girl' Qurd°n Nicholl, miner; Olive Russell, pansv lan Reid Roman slave: Betty McCullough hula girl; Daphne Taylor, blue bird- ivy Leshe carnival bells; Doreen Kent- ! Johnston, pink fairy; Dorothv Robson 1 Snin St f P le J’ Walters, sundowner ; Rov i McDell, tin soldier; Douglas Walters SS e: R Boniface, Queen of Hearts' ! Elsie Boniface, Little 80-Peep- Hn rri«s Leslie, jolly pumpkin; Sad& Pierrette. ~ x>erry * •

YOUNG PEOPLE’S CLUB

JOURNAL EVENING The monthly meeting- of St. Georg~’« Senior Young People’s Club was held i n , th * Parlsh Hall on Thursday, and took the novel form of a “Journal” evening. .. Journal, which was compiled on the lines of the daily newspaper, was composed of contributions by club members. , ,T h ? various divisions of the paper afforded abundant opportunity for both serious and humorous prose and poetry, while many topical pars met with the great applause of the audience. During the evening, the vicar, the Rev. Percy C. Davis, on behalf of the club, made a presentation to Mr. Norman Leonard, a club member, who is leaving shortly for England. IT’S A GOOD IDEA— Always to warm treacle before mixmg it into puddings, cakes, etc. It lighter ,etter and makes the mixture For the ironer to make it a rule : always to iron away from herself tllQ unironed portion nearest to her. In this way many creases are av oided. To use an ordinary colander if there is no steamer available for steaming | vegetables, etc. I When cutting a number of rashers | from a piece of bacon to strip off the rind in one piece. To polish lacquered trays, etc., with a little sour milk. To turn a wet umbrella upside down to drain. When ironing for any length of time, to stand on a soft, thick rug; this prevents the feet becoming as tired as they otherwise would.

BELTS, BAGS AND BRIGHTNESS

By POPPY BACON. A word or two about accessories cannot come amiss at this time of the year. After all is said and done, what is smartness nowadays but the simplest and choicest of frocks worn in conjunction with the most carefully chosen accessories. Twenty years ago women complained that it was difficult to dress. In those far-away days individuality was, unfortunately, expressed in the most original gown that one could prevail upon one’s dressmaker to turn out. But what of the task of the woman of to-day, when one has to choose the same frock as is worn by every other person, and then turn it into something which is “different" and smart? That is where accessories are invaluable. Of course, to be beyond suspicion, it is necessary in purchasing belt- and handbag, to have a different pair for every suit, although the clever woman may effect economies without anybody being any the wiser, by the care with which she dresses herself in the same shade. For formal occasions there are some lovely designs carried out in soft leathers. Suede and Kid At the moment there is a marked preference for bags carried out in bands of varying tones of the same colour. This can be varied by the effective employment of suede and kid together. Belts to match are worn wide or narrow as best becomes one’s proportions, and the almost finicky love of unison is emphasised by a similar clasp to the bag, and buckle to the belt. By the eccentric, belts of diamante silver links, pearls or embroidery are favoured, when a glittering decoration on the bag is considered match enough. It should be remarked in passing that although one hears much about bags as voluminous as suitcases, they are certainly not intended for afternoon use. If the sac bag is chosen, it is as well to see that it lies flatly, the fullness being taken into a yoke. Sports clothes need sports bags and belts. In this sphere it is impossible to come to an end of all the innovations. I think that pettersham is still the most popular material, bright stripes being an attractive finish to natural coloured sports suits. In a great many instances, leather is entirely dispensed with; that is to say, the heavier leathers. Stockinette Lining There is a fad for tremendous sac bags of the thinnest kid, lined with stockinette, and with them go identical belts, in which the two materials are joined together by the most attractive stitchery. Felt is also counted as one of the brightest ideas in a very representative collection. I have seen bags

and belts in the gayest colours, unlined and finished with clasps and buckles of beautiful jewels set in gold or silver. Indeed, there are few things guaranteed a success this season more surely than the unconventional mixing of the exotic and the simple. Last of all, we come to fur and reptile sets. Novelties in fur, almost before they are used on clothes, are pressed into service in the role of accessories. I have seen the most attractive bag and belt of tinted cowskin. It was dyed a lovely pinky shade, and the belt was finished with a gold initialled buckle. This new craze for dying furs and skins has a great deal to commend it. It is really new, it is common, and, what is likely to appeal to many women, it is expensive beyond more; than rash contemplation. TASTY TIT-BITS SUMMER SANDWICHES By ROSAMUND. It is not easy to set variety in. the sandwiches one prepares for a picnic; but here are some recipes whicA will provide tasty meals for the day 'aiut-of-doors. For a delicious sandwich takje— The yoke of one hard-boiled egg. Two ounces of grated cheese. Five ounces of cooked lentils. Half an ounce of butter. Seasoning to taste. One dessertspoonful of rj^ilk. Place the butter in a small saucepan, mash the lentils an<A add them to the butter. Mash the egg, and add this and grated cheese to t'&e lentils, seasoning to taste. Next, add the milk, and beat the mixture together. Heat over a slow fire, stirring all the time until the mixture is Ideated throughout. When cold, spread -upon brown bread and butter. A Fruit Sandwich One tablespoonful of cooked prunes. Two tablespoon*fxils of chopped figs. Two tablespoorrfjuls of chopped dates. Chop up the fruits well together, and then spread, rnpon brown bread and butter. Egg and Cheese Sandwich Three hard—“boiled eggs. Three ounc/es of grated cheese. One tables'poonful of grated parsley. Seasoning to taste. Mash the of the eggs, and chop up the whites very finely. Mix together, adding the cheese and parsley, then season to taste. Spread thickly upon white bread and butter. Tomatoes for Tea Two h/ard-boiled eggs. Two ljiedium-sized tomatoe*.

One teaspoonful of finely-chopped parsley. Seasoning to taste. Mash the yolks of the eggs thoroughly, remove the skin from the tomatoes and crush down the pulp, mix it with the yolk of the eggs, and add the parsley and season to taste. Beat all well together. Spread upon brown bread and butter, and then sprinkle with the whites of the eggs, which have beeai previously chopped quite fine. The “Traveller’s Joy” One tablespoonful of finely-grated chocolate. Oiie dessertspoonful of butter. Mix the chocolate and butter well together, and then spread upon brown bread. If wished, the quantity of butter can be increased.

YOUR HAIR TROUBLES

HELPFUL ADVICE There is no reason why, because you a£e shingled, bingled or Eton cropped, your hair should not still be your crown of glory. It is not the length of your hair that makes its loveliness. It is the wave, the texture, the silky softness and the glossy beauty of it. You want to keep your head superclean, your hair well brushed, highly polished, abundant and really healthy. I so often see heads of hair so dry-look-ing that I instantly say “dandruff,” says Lady Neish in an English paper. I see other heads so' greasy that words fail me and I only feel sympathy. Now let us attend to the dandruff; first you must wash your hair —then give it a warm oil bath. I do not believe anyone quite knows what causes dandruff, but it is a horrible worry to any girl, more especially, of course, if she is dark. Dandruff is said by doctors to be a disorder of the subcutaneous gland, but as I do not know what subcutaneous glands are—and I do not suppose you do —this will not help very much. If you would like to try a remedy of your own, mix two drachms of salt of tartar to a pint of tepid water and dab the skin with it—but I greatly prefer the warm olive oil. For greasy hair I think the best remedy is a very little alcohol rubbed occasionally into the roots. I have a very special secret (make a note here and say “comb upwards.”) For Grey Hair Another complaint was recently made; “My hair is going grey and I am only 27.” How often do I have this hair worry sent to me! All sorts of things turn your hair grey; worry, a sedentary life, not enough movement of the scalp, a lack of iron in the system. In many cases a little paraffin lotion (any chemist will make you one) will stop this trouble if taken in time. An oil bath once a month is also useful. Do you move the scalp every day, really move it; nourish it, brush your hair and use the right sort of shampoo ? Lastly, have you ever tried a sage tea bath? It is a remedy beloved of Frenchmen. You literally make a tea of sage leaves and bathe and bathe your hair with this. It is not only a very mild and harmless stain, but it | is in some ways very beneficial to the hair. You will, of course, not use this if you have that deliciously fair, almost silver, fair hair. Do you air your hair? Do you part it and comb it and fluff it out, sit in the sun and generally get the air to i it? No, not after being waved, but j the day before you have ic done?

KISSES FOR GOOD FASHION’S SAKE CROSS-STITCH IN GOLD AND COLOURS FOR HATS A hat trimmed with kisses is among the new notions, but this is not so amorous as would at first appear. The kisses that adorn this hat are a simple cross-stitch design in gold, silver and platinum, or coloured silk threads on soft felt. The modern vogue for cross-stitch is spreading to nearly all our garments. as well as to our table linen. Designs copied from old samplers are embroidered on bib-shaped fronts, on collars and cuffs, pockets, the edges of waistcoats and jumpers, or the end 3 of those narrow ties that are knotted loosely round the neck. Other designs copied from Russian embroideries adorn hatbands or waistcoats. Processions of strange animals and birds meander in cross-stitch round the edges of skirts and jumpers. The Chinese are doing exquisitely fine cross-stitch work on sheer linen and drawn thread table sets. These represent landscapes and villages in lovely colouring and stitches as tiny as those on old tapestries. LENDING BOOKS WITHOUT QUARRELS As everybody knows who possesses a small library of interesting books, one is continually asked: “Do lend me this, I’ve been longing to read it." It is difficult to make excuse for refusing to comply, though one is too regretfully aware of the careless indifference and forgetfulness so many people seem to display when it comes !to a matter of returning borrowed volumes. But if the possessor of well-stocked library shelves would adopt a personal book plate, and stick this on the inner cover of each of their books, there would never be any question of owner- : ship of a book. The mere opening of it, revealing the book plate, would be a reproach and memory-reviver to the casual borrower. Simplest of all is a stick-label on which one’s full name and address are inscribed in copperplate or illuminated lettering within an ornamental ; border.