TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 51, 6 July 1928, Page 6

TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW

Comic Opera. A} USIU and mirth hold sway at the : Wellington Opera House, where nightly La Pompadour charms large audiences as she queens it In the picturesque gay court of that Louis of France in whose heart she reigned supreme, Originally hailing from Vienna, the opera has been adapted by brilliant Mr. Lonsdale and Mr. Harry Graham, and it. is outstanding in spectacular glamour and musie that enthrals. Gay and gladsome are the girls of the town on their first light-hearted appearance in crinolined draperies and. tiny hats of a beguiling coquetry; of a stately dignity the court scenes, where bewigged and powdered ladies of high degree walk in beauty, clad in rainbow-hued, voluminous petticoats; while the men, with their laces and graces, theix manners and mistresses, are leisurely and dignified in a more courtly age than ours, All the paraphernalia of that gay period is here, when beauty held sway, and royalty Jess decorous than in this year of grace. As wilful woman incarnate, Miss Beppie de Vries rose to the requirements of an exacting role with art and charm that were a revelation. Most attractive is her delicious accent, all the tricks of the trade are hers, and the gifts of cajolery possessed by the lovely Pompadour, as she trills her way into men’s hearts in a voice eapable of infinite modulation that incites and caresses by turn. In the part of the Comte d’Btrade, would-be lover of the king’s mistress, Mr. Frank Webster proves himself a2 mélodious’ gallant indeed, and not to be gainsaid, very handsome in court suit of rose-coloured satin, bedecked and bedizened in a fashion that suits him well. Seductively warbled into the pink and willing ear of his frail and bewildering Iady was the lovely "Madame Pompadour" in the second act, its passionate beauty surpassing anything heard for a long time in this particular genre. -_ -- Pr

_aAmusing to a degree 18 Al Htignant as 2a tavern poet; using yesonant voice with inimiatable talent for * burlisque with eminent success; while Miss Vera Spaull, as the dancing, glancing, attractive maid of the Pompadonr, played with natural vivacity that charmed, combined with aptitude for the nuances of low comedy and a gay gladsomeness that lost itself in the part. Miss Spaull’s was a delightful performance, and the whole production admirable in composition, colour and representation, From England. HE Rev. Mr. Hardy Johnson, newlyappointed vicar of All Saints’ Church, Dunedin, will arrive by the Rotorua abdut July 14, and-immediate-ly take up his new duties. Mr. Hardy Johnson is accompanied by Mrs, Johnson and a family of five. New Zealand Medico in Sydney. BY the Sydney boat, Dr. D’Ath leaves ’ for New South Wales, where his ability has been recognised by his appointment to a lucrative position. Dr. D’Ath will be greatly missed in Dunedin, which has been his headquarters for some years past, and where his attractive personality and musicianly attributes have found great appreciation. Our Stockings. [t is remarkably interesting to trace the history of the stocking through ‘@ period of, say, 20 years, In our grandmother’s day it was understood by thinking people that something was worn to keep the limbe warm, but yery little more was known. If by accident a glimpse was caught of an ankle it generally proved to be covered by nice warm wool or cotton. Since then, womanhood has come into her own and long skirts have gone in the Western world, simultaneously with the veil of the Turkish woman, almost as though both were significant gestures denoting the emancipation of woman. Women to-day is only half herself-the other half is her legs and feet. In other words, 50 per cent. of her appearance depends on how she is clad below the knees. Guumetal Shade. THE origin of gunmetal as a shade in England and U.S.A. is to-day rather interesting. It appears that the gunmetal weight hose looks like the sheerest black possible. But in America and England to-day 75 per eent, of fashionable women wear nothing but this very light weight sheer silk hosiery for both day and evening wear, They, unfortunately, will not stand rough wear, but women will wear them to be correct. It needs 2 much finery silk to make these gos-samer-like articles, and if they are handled carefully they will wear quite

well, They are worn at present by the ultra smart, and -by the spring it is anticipated that Mrs, and Miss New Zealand will add this extra refinement to her wardrobe. To meet the demand.of the people who cannot afford to run the risk of the fragile wear of the really sheered stockings, a kind of compromise will be provided ‘by what is called a semi-service weight, These have the advantage of being cheaper than the heavy-service weight and the sheer weight, combining the wearing qualities of the one with nearly the light appearance of the other-Mrs, Thomas, 2YA. Handkerchiefs. ; HERE was a day when no woman ‘would buy a handkerchief less than 15 inches square. That was 40 years ago. ‘The standard size for women’s handkerchiefs to-day is $4 inches, but they are often a good deal less. In the old days men’s handkerchiefs were 24 inches. Now 90 per cent. are no more than 18 inches.

"FAVOURITE NOVELS" COMPETITION MONTHLY PRIZES FOR WOMEN READERS To most women there is some book of especial attraction. It may be they find the story of enthralling interest, or perhaps the country in which the scenes.are laid holds peculiar fascination. Again, the literary style may have a unique appeal, or some picturesque period in a historical romance. a" For our Competition this month we invite readers to send the name of their "Favourite Novel," with the author’s name, and a short summary, nof exceeding 200 words, of the reason, or reasons, that it holds first place in the affections. A ‘brief and interesting paragraph should be aimed at, conveying as far as possible the charm the book holds for you. "The Radio Record" offers 2 prize of half-a-guinea for the best paragraph. The right is reserved to publish the whole or any part of any entry sufficiently original or striking (apart from the prizewinner) on payment of space rates. Entries must be written in ink, on one side of the paper only, and the name and address of the competitor should‘be written on the back of each entry. . The decision of the editor is final. A nom-de-plume may be used if desired. 3 Mase "Favourite Novels" competition closes July 20, and the result will be announced on the women’s page on uly 27. All entries to be addressed "Verity," C/o "Radio Record," Box 1032, Wellington. eee ee bee ae eee te 85a hs Oe Je elgg i ad ee tte ae aE ar: . a : -_ Sea ya Te et & te Se a ee ee ee es ed BE DT ee