SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 855, 29 June 1910, Page 3

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

Opening of Parliament. The oldest inhabitant, or his next of kin, was interested iu asserting yesterday that he had never in all his experience of A\ ellington, known such weather to greet the opening of Parliament. Oil other opening days there had been occasional showers, or wet mornings, that cleared into sunny afternoons, but never before such a steady, hopeless, desponding rain. It was .weather, too, that made impossible the usual gathering of many smartly-frocked women. Some very pretty frocks were worn, but there were comparatively few women at the ceremony. To add to the unusualness of the proceedings, events went backwards, and the Bwearing-in of members took place before, instead of after, the Governor s Speech. Those visitors who were anxious above all things to have a good view ot the official opening, secured scats in the Legislative Council gallery at an early hour, while only a very few risked missing that, by going to see the preliminary ceremony in tho Loyer House. The Speaker was sworn in first, and all alouo he declared his allegiance to King George V. It was the first time that name had been pronounced .by a member in the 2iew Zealand Parliament, and there was a solemnity in the way it was done. Then came the rest ot* the members in alphebetical batches of four, all of them declaring audibly that they "sincerely swore," the rest of the oath being lost in murmurs. Mr. Arthur Myers, not' yet officially announced a member of Parliament, had to wait for the officially-opened Parliament to hear his declaration an hour later. The only sign of mourning in the Lower Chamber was the black cloth with which the table was draped. In the Council Chamber was none at all. And tho swearing-in of councillors did not take place there, judging from the way the Attorney-General waved one councillor out, advising him hastily to "go and get sworn." There was an unusually large gathering of ladies on the floor of the. Council Chamber. Lady Ward was there in a graceful gown of black ninon, with sleeveless coat of transparent black, and- a black plumed hat, a bunch of violet's fiiving the.- only touch- of colour. Lady Beatrice Clark, who came with the viceregal party, wore a black dress, a widebrimmed'black hat, covered with plumes, and handsome fox furs. Mrs. Findlaj•wore- a. frock of heliotrope silk crepe, with black-plumed hat; Hiss Ward, coat and skirt of violet cloth, and blaclc beaver hat; Mrs. R. M'Kenzie, brown costume and furs, and black hat with white plumes; Miss Millar, blue coat and skirt; Mrs. Carroll,, black gown, with a sealskin coat and black toque; Mrs._ Ngata, navy blue costume, and dark" green hat; Mrs. Corliss, dark coat and diirt, and black hat with plumes. Three beautiful bosquets of violets, asparagus fern, and maidenhair tied with purple ribbon were presented by the Speaker of the Council, Sir Charles Bowen, to Lady Ward, Lady Beatrice Clark, and Mrs. I'indlay. His Excellency Lord Islington has an excellent voice and delivery and every word lie read could be heard. Probably Dot all of the audience on these occasions pay close attention to the legislative proposals which the Governor's Speech sets forth, but special interest attaches to f.ome of them, as for instance, to the statement that the Government intends to •establish a wireless telegraph service be-'-tween Australia, New Zealand, and certain of the South Sea Islands. How long •will it bo one wonders before a Governor's Speech will make proposals with regard to an air-ship. fleet for the Dominion? Intensely meloncholy were the proceedings that followed in tho Lower House when, after Sir Joseph Ward, the Speaker, and Mr. Massey had spoken feelingly of the death of the King, announcement"was made of the death of one member of the Legislature after another who had died during the recess. Mr. Baume, who was very popular with his fellow-members will be much missed this session. On the adjournment of tho House Lady "Ward entertained a number of people at afternoon tea in the Prime Minister's room, most of her guests being the wives of members or Councillors. Among those present were Mrs. and Miss M'Keiizic, Mrs. Findliyy, Mrs. Corliss, Mrs. Loughnan, Mrs. D. Nathan, Mrs. Jenkinson, Mrs. Nosworthy, Mrs. T. E. Taylor, Mrs. Salmond, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Poole, Mrs. D. Nathan, Mrs. and Miss Sinclair, Mrs. Duncan, Mrs. Te Tau, Mrs. D. J. Nathan, Mrs. J. M. Bell, Miss Beauchamp, and Mrs. F. M. B. Fisher. ■ Entertainment at St. John's. -•« In spite o£ tho weather, the entertainment given by Mrs. Sutcliffe, at St. lohn's Schoolroom, in aid of the ST.W.C.A., was attended by a good audimce, who enthusiastically enjoyed the eel lent programme given. RaTe 05 ' ler recitations, •ahe Death c-f Paul Dorabcy," "Qneou Kathleen's Defence," and a humorqus sketch, Jimmy Brown." Mr. Shorney gave a Shakesperian recitation and Robert Ingersoll's "Tomb of Napoleon." Miss Rapley's contributions were I Want to Fly," and, as an encore, "Lorraine Loree." Miss Belle Luke (?ave a humorous sketch, "Taking the Elevator," aad Miss Allan gave "Mrs. Brown at an Evening Party. "Tho'llcvenge" and Couan Doyle's "The Groom's Story" were recited by Mr. Gilbert. Miss Driscoll sang_ delightfully, "Mignon," the TVaiata Poi as an encore .and "A Russian Love Song." All the items were much enjoyed, and for acarly all encores were demanded.

Women Graduates' Supper. A very interesting function held last night was the second annual supper of the Wellington Women Graduates, which was given in the Women Students' Hostel by members of the Hostel Council. It was served in the diningroom which was beautifully decorated in gold and green, the colours of Victoria College, trails of lycopodium decorating tile ruom while the tables were done with lyuopudium .and yellow narcissi iu tall vases. About fifty were present, all being either members of the Hostel Council, or graduates. Besides the numerous representatives of various colleges of tho is'ew Zealand University there were present; graduates of the V unversitics of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Dundee, and Sydi'he president of the Hostel Council, Mrs. Wallis, presided and read apologies from Mrs. Gill, Miss M'Lean, M.A., Mrs. Evans, SLA., and Miss Uibbs, B.A. The toast of "The King" was proposed by Mrs. Salmond in the words of Lord Rosebery: "God bless the memory of King Edward, and God grant long life and prosperity to King George and Queen Mary." Mrs. Wallis proposed the toast of "The Students." Though graduates, they were, she said, still students always. They had made a great step onwards and now they were entering upon the great time of their lives, a time full of responsibilities, and of opportunities. They had now their chance to study deeply, and individually. There was nothing dull in a graduate's life, but much of special interest because- she had a certain specialised aim, and' had a definite line to follow out. There was nowadays a great doal of talk of university reform. These graduates were the products of the old system and it was for them to prove whether it were after all such a faulty one. Tho toast was druuk with musical honours.

Miss Reeve, responding on. behalf of "The Graduates," thanked Mrs. Wallis and those who had honoured the toasfc so cordially. She confessed that the downing of the fur-lined hood gave one a pleasant feeling. It was a satisfaction to have one's work recognised, but in that work there was pleasure as well as real hard slogging. It was pleasant to have a status recognised, though it might be merely a threshold to something further, and pleasant to be received into the fraternity of graduates. At this stage there was a certain sadness at severing one's connection with university life. Life at Victoria College meant more than could bo spoken of—all students realised that, and there was something in such a life that could be found' nowhere else, and the degree was valued for this too that it made one an essential part of the university and formed an everlasting tie, uniting one to the Alma Slater. Miss Holmes, who proposed the toast of the university, aud congratulated them on their achievements, said university life had not been possible in her day. She had never passed an examination in her life, and had never been asked to do so. She referred to a gracious presence that had been at their gathering in tbe previous year, one whose memory they held in the 'deepest honour—Mrs. Phken, who had graduated from a Scotch university, and who had been a friend to the women students of Victoria College. MissHolmes concluded by wishing all good fortune to the University of New Zealand. Miss Phoebe Myers, 8.A., responding, said the university was an institution with a past, nearly forty years old. In early days it had been a sort of disembodied tribunal, which was approached once a year.by would-be graduates with fear and trembling. In those days there was no feeling of affection for it, or of comradeship with fellow students, but now there was a feeling of firm friend--ship not only between students of each college, but between the four colleges themselves. Sho thought the Council of the Women Students' Hostel wis doing a very good work in helping to unite the body of women graduates. The university was of vital importance, and its influence would certainly be felt in the farthest parts of the Dominion. A vote of thanks to tho Principal of t*ie hostel, Mrs. Thornton, and to those who had helped to prepare for the supper was carried by acclamation. ■ Tho guests of the evening, the graduates of the year, were: Miss Butler, 8.A., Miss Hall, 8.A., Hiss Keeve, 8.A., Miss Christiansen, M.Sc, Miss F. Cook, 8.A., Miss Haddrell, 8.A., ami Miss Nielsen, M.A.; while among others present were Miss Sinclair, 8.A., Mrs. Kerr, 8.A., Miss Hales, 8.A., Miss Newman, M.A., Miss Dall, M.A., Miss Hind,.M.A., Dr. Dunn, Miss G. Cook, 8.A., Dr. Platts-Mills, Dr. Edith Huntly, Miss Ward, 8.A., Miss Tennant, 8.A., Miss Nielsen, M.A., Miss ■Watson, M.A., Miss Birss, LL.A., Miss Ross.. 8.A., Miss Ecclesfield, M.A., Miss Kowlcy, M.A., and Miss Wilson, M.Sc. The members of the council present were Mrs. Wallis, Mrs. Salmond, Dr. Bennett, Miss Holme?, Mrs. Martin, and the Principal (Mrs. Thornton). Bazaar at Y.M.C.A. A very daintily-arranged and wellstocked bazaar was opened in the assembly halt of the Y.M.C.A. yesterday afternoon', oy Mrs. 31. A. Williams. Tho sto'li, which were set round the sides of tbe room, were very prettily draped, each with some separate design, and the goods displayed were very attractive. Various interesting and amusing side-shows wero arranged for the evening, when a musical and elocutionary programme was also provided. Miss Coote and Miss N. Allan recited, and the Wesley orchestra played. The stallholders were:—Plain goods stall, Mrs. I'ossettc .and Ilott; sweet stall, Miss liart; knick-knack stall, Mrs. J. Ilislon; flower stall, Mrs. Thompson; fancy goods, Mrs. Smith; doll stall, Miss Fossette. Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. M'Lean were in charge of the tea-room. Obituary, Tho many friends of Mr. George Gcdber, of 28 Pirie Street, will regret to hear of the death of his wife, which took place last evening. The deceased lady had been in indifferent health for some time past, but it was not until Saturday that the worst was anticipated. Mrs. Godber, who had spent the last fifty years in Wellington, was highly esteemed by a. large circle of friends, to whom her death will come as a p-eat shock. Sho leaves one daughter, Mrs. T. N. Gardiner, Pirie Street. The King's Funeral. The living pictures of the King's funeral now being shown in Wellington are well worth seeing, clear and distinct, and giving, as nothing else could do, an impression of that great pageant which took place such a short time ago. There are pictures of massed crowds in front of the Exchange, of street corners whore people wait to see the procession go by. "very man baring his head as slowly the draped coffin comes into view; the riderless horse is led past; King George and his suns walk slowly by; Queen Alexandra, a shadowy black figure, passes in the huge Stato coach, military bands and soldiers in glorious uniforms file past in stately solemnity, and after all is over the crowd disperses. At tho Rink. Rinking grows in popularity every day, and every clay new devotees come and rejoice In find themselves progressing rapidly from the stage when they can only clump with short, nervous steps to the' time when they can take their place almost fearlessly in the ring that races round the llonr. H is very interesting to walcii them, more fascinating even Hum to wati-h dancers, but it is not easy to look on and remain immune from t!ie fever. Last, year the rink w.-is open morning, afternoon, and evening, but this year it onlv opens in the morning lor learners, ! ami then only Iwtwera twulvo and one. At live in the afternoon the bund which has for hours been playing inspiriting music, stops, li.ilf the lights go out, nml the skaters leavu the learners once more in possession. It is in this hour, lmtween five rind six, that the private skating parties are given, and on those occasions the floor is reserved for their sole iim , . Now Ihe enthusiasts have invented the late-uiglit party, and already tcvut'ul ikatiai? parties' have beeu tiwu between

the hours of ten o'clock and midnight, | proving so successful that, no doubt, many more late parties will be given. Once a skntpr, always a skater it seems, for those who have not been to a rink for years declare that it takes them, a vory short time to get into tho swing of ConU und skirt* are, of course, the fiivouriic wear, and small lints, though large hats are, perhaps, even more becoming. None of them carry the mulT that appears so frcquontlv in skating pictures, because they want their bands free for riiK-rgencic-F. 'it may bo only n little touch that will save one from a fall or enable one to recover her balance; the hand is too useful to be hampered in any way. The long hatpin is a danger not. only to those the wearer passes, but to herself, and one finds an English writer earnestly warning women against its use. Announcement is made of the engagement of Miss K. Hoggard, youngest daughter of Mr. Tom Hoggard, Oriental Bay, to Mr. Basil Donuc, youngest son of 'Mr. T. K. Donne. Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bunny, of Masterton, are visiting Auckland. Mrs. Walter Johnston gave a skating party at the rink yesterday. Mrs. G. F. C. Campbell is visiting friends in Hawke's Bay. Captain and Mrs. Bendall axe visiting friends ait Napier. Mr. Nosworthy, M.P. for Ashburton, and Sirs. Noswovthy, are staj-ing at Miss Malcolm's for the session. Mr. and Mrs. Sidey, from Dunedin, are staying at Mrs. Canner's, Caulfield House. Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Taylor have taken Captain Bendall's house, in Wesley Crescent, for the session. Miss Denniston, from Peel Forest, is coming to Wellington at tho end of tho week. The southerly weather is accountable for most of the lung and bronchial troubles which people are subject to at this time of the year. There is nothing better to guard against pulmonary complaints than Shaw's Lung Tonic, which briaks up cold and checks coughing. Hold in Bottles at Is. each, and procurable only from Frank Shaw, Family Chemist, Medical Hall, Manners Street, ana the Cecil Buildings, Lambton Quay. Ladies' Costumes are made at the English Tailoring Rooms, 52 Willis Street. Those who have been gowned by Mr. W. S. Bedford, continually advertise him. -Advt. Tho men of the Hatless Brigade are still to be seen here and there. Some have flowing locks, and some are very scant of hair. They look conspicuous and queer, of course, but -they have the satisfaction of knowing that to go hatless is a good thing for the hair—so long as they don't get it wet too often. There is a much easier way of keeping your hair or curing baldness. John Strange Winter's marvellous Hair Food is all that its namo implies. It feeds tho hair's roots, clears the head of dandruff, establishes healthy, natural conditions, and so ensures luxuriant and permanent growth. This is an advertisement. A simple statement of fact, none the less. In bottlee of all good dealers in toilet requisites, 3s. Gd.; or post free, direct from ,lohn Strange Winter Co., Wellington. 3s. 9d.—Advt. Indian Art Depot, Panama Street.— Choico display Evening Scarves and Embroidered Blouses. DELIGHTFUL SHAMPOOS. In one's own home are easily obtained by using Hendy's Celebrated Juleptia Shampoo Powders. Ono powder will give a most delightful shampoo, and will thoroughly cleanse the scalp and leave the hair beautifully soft and glossy. They are exquisitely perfumed, and will promote a luxurious and healthy growth of hair. Splendid for children and , adults. Sold in packets, 3d. each, 5 for Is. Obtainable at Kirkcaldie and Stains, Drapers, Wellington. Try them.—Advt. 1 We shall be glad if you will allow us to draw attention to the Two Stpcples Hosiery and Underwear which, we believe, is not so well known in Wellington as it should be, though it is very popular in other parts of the Dominion. Two Steeples, Limited, were the first firm to introduce and establish unshrinkable wool underwear, and, in order to induce the public to take it up and to prove their contention, they guaranteed to replace any woollen garment that might shrink. As soon as this finish became recognised and popular, other makes of course followed their lead, with the result that too often the guarantee is given with goods that, even if they do not shrink, cannot possibly wear well; but it is well known that "Two Steeples" products not only do not shrink, , but also give every satisfaction in wear. Another product of this company is their Pure Cotton Air Fabric, in which we are confident of doing a large trade as eoon as its good qualities are known. Though it is made entirely of cotton, tho value of the weave renders it hygienic and comfortable. There is free access to tho air, and the fabric never gives that cold, clammy feel that the ordinary weaves of cotton give when damp with perspiration. It wears well, is exceedingly comfortable, and tho price is within the means of all. AVe aro the sule agents in Wellington, and the Two Steeples products, which we guarantee to be unshrinkable, can be obtained only at Te Aro House, in Cuba Street and Dixon Street. •