Wellington's Mayoress— Hostess to the Duke of Gloucester

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 30, 1 February 1935, Page 50

Wellington's Mayoress— Hostess to the Duke of Gloucester

AN you picture a dinner party in a quiet old-world house set in a garC den of fine English trees? Can you picture the guests moving across rare Persian carpets into the mellow glow shed by slender Nell Gwyn candles on the dining table. Through another door are exquisite French screens, Dres-

den, rare china, oil paintings and ring velvet, oblong cushions to tone with the damson purple carpet. On a rosewood cabinet is a vase of purple hydrangeas, and from the curtained window through the trees on the lawn is a stretch of misty hills and a harbour. — , "This house has atmosphere," think the guests as they arrive. No, this picture is not of Hngland, but of New Zealand. It is the home of Wellington’s popular Mayor, and the hostess is his wife, young:and lovely Mrs. T. GC. A. Hislop, who has brown eyes, wavy hair and a charming complexion, "Yes, I do’ all my decorations, arranging the flowers, and tables," said Mrs. Hislop to a "Radio Record" representative who called on her in Salamanca Road the other day. "I like to have everything just right and prefer to do it myself. My husband and I love parties. After the serious and strenuous business of the day it is a wonderful relaxation to entertain and be entertained by charming people, As mayor and mayoress we meet such a number of ‘interesting people." Mention was made of the success with which Mrs. Hislop acted as hostess to the Duke of Gloucester during his visit, and Mrs. Hislop laughed gaily. "Oh! but he was such a dear! I had often read of how charming the Royal Family was, but I had no idea any of them could be quite so charming or so human, We were up in Rotorua when he visted there." Mr, and Mrs. Hislop have a hardcourt at the side of their home where they play tennis all the year round. "One of the reasons I took up sport is because it is the easiest and finest way to keep healthy," said Mrs. Hislop, "I am very fond of an outdoor life, and wish that I had more time to spend outside, and my husband and I have just returned from a holiday at Okere Falls, a few miles from Rotorua. It is a great place for fishing and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly." ‘ Mrs, Hislop, like her husband, who is president of the -Wellington Aero Club, takes a keen interest in aviation and has flown to Christchurch several times,

Wellington’s mayoress, apart from her official duties, takes a genuine interest in charitable works. She says that she often wonders why more women, whose time is theiy own, do not offer their services to help those in -less fortunate circumstances. Mrs, Hislop has visions of turning the Girls’ Unemployment Bureau in Wakefield Street into. a proper training centre for girls and women. "Unfortunately, it is true that the majority of girls who are unemployed are not fit for accepting household positions. They need training," said Mrs. Hislop. ‘ "There is also another problem, that of women getting on in years, who have, through various causes, lost everything. Their cases are pathetic as they try to cover up their poverty and present a smiling fage to the world. Their gloves and stockings are always neatly darned. A few receive a pension. But for the most part, their plight is pitiable, and I am hoping to get a grant from the Government to help them, These . Women could and would be very willing and grateful to be trained and placed in household positions as their natures would appeal to many who need household help. "Sensible people no longer look upon housework as menial employment. In England, there are big training centres where unemployed girls and women are taught the science of housework. I meet many overseas visitors and get first-hand information concerning these training centres. As far as possible, Ltry to carry out the same methods in the Unemployed Girls’ Bureau. I believe there are also schools for training houséboys. I have been trying out a young boy who is, in his own line, just as successful as a girl. They can ‘be just as efficient and courteous as girls, and often more willing and they are certainly stronger. Efficiency is the biggest’ factor because: harmony depends on that, and if a person’s life is to be successful, the home must be harmonious." ; The voice of Mrs. Hislop is familiar to many readers, as she has broadcast on several occasions at public functions. "We are going to get a big wireless very soon as we want to hear Hngland, and keep in touch with the world in general, and wireless, books and travel are such marvellous means of educating and broadening one’s outlook." "Any plans for travel? Yes, my husband and I are hoping to go for a trip overseas in the future,"