The Settler and the Manuka.

That quotation from “Golden Wedding,” a poem which is a perfect epic of the country settler's life, a capital “dipping book,” takes one on to the sights, sounds and scents of the new country as they impressed the pioneer. How good this from Mr. Mulgan's description of the manuka, a plant which would be treasured and grown in gardens and parks if it were less common:

“Tent-life, the slab-side shack; camp-oven bread;
Tea-tree for firewood; shelter, even bed.
Easy to clear away, and how it burned!
And how it came up when your back
was turned!
Spoiling your paddock with a host of
spears
Cursed for, a pest in those lean
struggling years,
It grew, this homely root in alien soil,
Close to their hearts, this shrub of sun and toil,
This warm, wind-incensed pasture of
the hills,
White with pure starring. Save the
strange heart fills
With love of this, it will not love the
land.”

A Camden Town (North London) Debating Society has been wrestling with the old, old problem. To smoke or not to smoke? The question, although badly moth-eaten, still crops up periodically at debating societies. Voting was equal on this occasion—pro. and con. So the President (a medical student) gave his casting vote in favour of the weed—and the trade doubtless breathed again! “There's no harm in tobacco,” declared the President, “so long as you exercise common sense and avoid brands too rich in nicotine. It's poisonous stuff!” So it is. But since the introduction of toasted New Zealand tobacco, smokers in this country, at any rate, need not fear nicotine poisoning with its train of evils. The wonderful purity of the four well-known brands, Riverhead Gold, Navy Cut No. 3 (Bulldog), Cavendish, and Cut Plug 10 (Bullshead), is due to their all being toasted, which process also accounts for their exquisite flavour and beautiful bouquet. Finer tobacco is not to be had for love or money. And yet it is quite moderate in price.*

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sight as much as possible. Godets are unobtrusively inserted. Soft materials for summer frocks have a greater fullness, deep inset pleats, flounces, godets and accordeon pleatings being used.

Coats are loose or close fitting, long or short, plain or decorated with flat surface trimmings such as buttons. The three-quarter length swagger coat is popular with the ensemble or three-piece suit. The long coat is cut on slim lines with a fitting back and an easy-fitting front. Collars are of all kinds, but the scarf-collar is specially popular. Revers are in pairs or single. Sleeves are plainer. Every dress has a coat, cape, bolero or jacket to go with it.

Buttons form the most important trimming for suit or frock. Scarves appear in great variety; plaid taffetas are chic. Belts are important.

Hats have shallow crowns and brims of all widths. Does the shallow crown portend the return of the hat-pin? I think not. A thin elastic at the back saves the situation. Fascinating little caps and berets match smart scarves.

Among the accessories, notice the lovely silver and enamel hair-bands and bangles. Bangles are from one to two inches wide.