BACK FROM GENEVA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 215, 30 November 1927, Page 4

BACK FROM GENEVA

MRS. H. W. NORTHCROFT RETURNS STRANGE QUESTIONS ASKED “Is it true that copies of Sir Truby King’s ‘The Expectant Mother,’ and ‘Baby’s First Year* are given to every newly married couple in New Zealand?” This was one of the amazing questions Mrs. H. W. 2sortlicroft was asked during her recent visit to Geneva. “I told them I didn’t think it was true, but I have made a note of it,” said Mrs. Northcroft yesterday when she returned to Auckland on the Ulimaroa. Mrs, Northcroft represented New Zealand at a meeting of the executive and Standing Committees of the International Council of Women at Geneva. Two hundred delegates from all parts of the world were present and she found it most interesting to meet and exchange ideas with them. One of the incidents which will live longest in Mrs. Northcroft’s memory was the dinner given by the conference. This was attended by 14 men and several members of the Secretariat of the League of Nations. Sir Austen Chamberlain spoke and impressed Mrs. Northcroft with his line delivery. One of the finest speakeers, said Mrs. Northcroft, was Lame Rachel Crowdy, a member of the Secretariat. “I said afterwards that if she were sent round the world on a lecturing tour she would do more good than the League of Nations itself,” said Mrs. Northcroft. “She was a brilliant speaker and told us of the humanitarian work of the League.” Mrs. Northcroft also met Lady Aberdeen, who charmed everyone with her tact and appreciation. The meetings of the conference lasted for 10 days. Health and childwelfare were two of the principal subjects which were discussed. Mrs. Northcroft said that the ignorance of some of the overseas people regarding New Zealand and Australia was rather appalling. One woman said to her: “It seems to me that you people want to travel.” “I told her,” said Mrs. Northcroft, “that it was the ambition of every colonial to travel and to see as much of the Empire as possible.” Mrs. Northcroft is looking remarkably well after her trip abroad. She was met at the Ulimaroa by her daughter, Dr. Hilda Northcroft. A PINK SHOWER FOR BRIDE-TO-BE A charming little afternoon function, taking the form of a pink shower of gifts, was given in honour of Miss Lena Abernethy, whose marriage takes place shortly, by Miss Doris Nutsford, of Parnell. During the afternoon compe- ! titions were enjoyed, Miss Abernethy j being the winner of one. A dainty tea , was served, after which the many j ‘Pink Presents” were opened. Those present were: Mrs. Abernethy, Mrs. [Buchan, Mrs. Chamberlain, Miss Con'Creamer, Miss Lena Abernethy, | Miss Alva Payne, Miss Margery Mc- ■ Coll, Miss Bonne Payne, Miss Greta Heron, Miss Gladys Williams, Miss Margery Ely. A most comfortable cushion can be improvised by placing a folded shawl, rug or woollen scarf in a slip of cretonne or casement cloth. A cushion of this sort not only adds to your comfort while travelling, but solves the problem of transport for your warm wraps. Afternoon tea has found a champion in the famous medical man,•Sir Thomas Horder, who said recently that “there appears to be a definite physiological necessity” about it which most women require for their nervous system.