WOMAN'S WORLD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 156, 8 December 1914, Page 6

WOMAN'S WORLD.

Wlmt is ii striking feature to all is the prevalence of black ami white in all the leading houses, whether it be in millinery, frocks, furs, tea gowns, blouses, etc., writes the London correspondent of the Sydney Telegraph.' Alas, it is a foregone conclusion in tins dreadful war time that black will predominate, but to the credit of Englishwomen, who are grieving silently for the loss of their nearest and dearest who have fallen in the front in defence' of their King and country, I must say that their mourning garb is so unostentatious that the most sensitive could not suffer from seeing it. Under a simple coat and skirt costume of black serge, or crepe do chine, one knows wives, mothers, and sisters' hearts are breaking with silent grief, but there is a bravery even in their attire that is inspiring. No loading of crepe; they are taking their share of Britain's anxiety with the spirit and true grit worthy of women of their nice. Jinny women, no doubt influenced by the anxious time and sad atmosphere around, are ordering black gowns; these with black velvet or felt or beaver hats, large and small, ami black furs, will be in general wear, I think, for the coming season. There is an occasional touch of white introduced, perhaps a white mount in the velvet hat of sailor persuasion, or close jaunty toipic, or folds of white silken net to relieve the sombre effect on a gown; or, again, the very popular fine white muslin'collar upstanding, which is so becoming. Even our furs are black or white, or a combination of the two. From time immemorial the French woman has been held up to the rest of the world as an arbiter' of elegance, and an example of good taste in dress. Slowly, but surely, her English and incidentally her Australian sisters have been following her example in the cultivation of daintiness and '"chic." It is in her home that the French women excels in daintiness of apparel. She never dreams of garbing herself in her walking dreis in the morning, hut wears a peignoir (morning gown) while occupying herself with household matters, and changes when it is time to go out to the promenade or shops. Then in the afternoon she wears the most delightful rest or tea gowns, the.latter usually matching or toning with the furniture of hangings in tile room. It is only lately, however, that the "peignoir" and rest gown have generally found favor in England. At one time a matinee jacket or anything of like pattern was used solely for bedroom or boudoir. But nowadays it is quite the mode to appear at breakfast in a dainty confection of the same type, and later at tea hour in an equally uowing affair, or, indeed, at any time of the day when rest and comfort is desired. In the hot weather especially a looselyfitting muslin gown is far cooler to wear about the house than more elaborate full dress.

The. women of Great. Britain (writes the London correspondent of the Australasian) have made a noble response to the Queen's appeal for ,100,000 pairs of socks and H00.0I;:) woollen belts . Lord Kitchener a si; eel that the belts and socks should be ready by November. At the present rat" the gift should be complete in a fortnight. The bells and socks are coming in bv thousands. Lord Rothschild sent !2,00(> pairs ef socks to Devonshire House within a few hours. The consignment was so bulk that it had to be store.! in the stables. Some ladies are providing for whole regiments. Lady Wantage has sent two belts and two pairs of socks for each man in the Perkshires; Lady Wolsclcy is providing for the Plues and the Royal Irish, which her father, the late Lord Wolselcy, commanded. . The Queen acknowledges the smallest gift, through her lady-in-wait-ing. If any Australian woman, is thinking of knitting socks or belts, let her bear in mind that our heroes at the front are not only "big-hearted, hut often have big bodies and big feet." The large sixes of belts and socks are most useful. It is not safe to ask a civilian husband or brother to show his foot or furnish his waist measurement. Many of the socks and belts are intended for the big-boned I men of Cumberland, or brawny Highlanders. Grey wool is the best, but any undyed wool will do. "Three-ply wheel- I ing'' is certainly most suitable, since the socks are to be worn in heavy marching boots. Amateurs are apt to make the heel too short. Lastly, those who can knit need not fear that they are making too many socks. During a campaign there is little time for darning. The "life" of the best sock is only too short. Winter in Northern France or Western Oernuuiy is hard in comparison with the English climate. And how it rains! People of means, desirous of adding a real luxury to the |;it of those who are lighting the. battle of Empire, could not do bet-I-ter than send a few light water-proof capes. Woollen scarves, warm vests, and warm gloves are also wanted, almost as much as the ever-welcome cigarettes, tobacco, and matches. It is utterly useless to laden an officer's kit with Mich things as candles, patent medicines, end I eroek"!".-. lb' is lighting in France at the

■pi-.-sent lime; not iu a country where people live in the dark, and never wash.

At'time.-, of course, the fighting men sleep in fee forward trendies, or on tee outpost line... In that ease, baggage waLruons are far in the. rear. 'At all other times, the ollVers are billeted, and the smallest French cottage will contain the necessities o f life. Let it always l.e remembered, that, in a long march, heavy equipment has to be thrown away. The most'welcome gifts are tilings that can be worn, and arc wanted every day.