SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1365, 16 February 1912, Page 9

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL.

A Palmerston Wedding. At All Snints' Church, Palmerston North, the marriage took plate on Wednesday of Miss ilelen Mary Monro, eldest, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 0. ,1. Monro, of Fitzherbert West, and Mr. John iiasil Uaisford. third son of Mr. Honry Uaisford, of Orini;!. The vicar, the Kev. H. G. Kosher, performed tile ceremony, the church having l>een beautifully decorated with musses of white flowers by the girl friends of the bride. Miss Monro, who was given away by her father, wore a beautiful frock of ivory charmeuse satin, the lace bodice being veiled with liiuon and edged with seed pearls, while wi<le panels of lace draped tho long train. She was attended by six bridesmaids. Miss Linila Monro, a younger sister of the bride, was the chief bridesmaid, and tho others were Miss Snow (Wnikourn), Miss Bluiulell (Dunedin), Miss Levett (Bulls), and tho Misses Sybil and Sylvia Abraham. Their frocks were of pale pink satin, with tunics of pale blue ninon, finished with black velvet empire bows, large black satin hats, trimmed with pale pink bows, veiled with pale Wire tulle. The' bride's bouquet was of white roses, sweet peas, and maiden-hair fern, and the bridesmaids' were of pink roses. Mr. C. Gai.'ford, brother of the bridegroom, was the best man, and the groomsmen were Messrs. R. P. Abraham, Matheson (Itangitikei), D. V,. Moore, and Wolssy Kain (Otago). The service was choral, the girls of the Craven School forming tin choir. The bridegroom's present to the bride- was a gold watch, and to tho bridesmaids ho gave pearl and turouoise pendants. Tho bride's present to the bridegroom was a travelling ruff. A reception was afterwards ht-ld at "Craig Lockhnrt," the home of the bride's parents, a large number of guests being present, many of them from Hawke's Buy. Mrs. Monro wore a handsome' gown of floral silk, veiled with black ninon, and black hat with white Lancer plumes. Her bouquet was of pink roses. Amonir the guests were:—Mrs. Herbert Gaisford (OrinsO- who wore ?axe blue ninon, and a black hat wreathed with pink hyacinths; Miss Gwladys Gaisfnrd, white muslin frock; Lady Hector (Wellington), black silk, veiled with ninon, and Hack and whit? bonnet; Miss Hector (Wellington), pale blue ninon, and black and white hat; Mrs. Hector (Petone), wedgwood blue shnntmirr, black hat; Mrs. Saxby (ITiitt), black shantung frock, a white scarf, and black hat; Mrs. R. ,T. linrton (Wniraram), white ninon de snie, nnd white hat with pink rn?es: . Miss Monro (New Plymouth), frock of oyster-grey charmeusp, veiled in ninon, ar«l grey hat. The liriilo's travelling costume was nf white cloth, with kilting of white ninon and real lace collar, a 'mall black vel-vc-t hat with pink nnd bliio ospreys, and a saxe-blus and black cloth coat.

Wedding at Cross Creek. A pretty wedding took place at Cross Crook on .Saturday, February 10, when Mr. Albert Hill, oC the New Zealand Railways and younsest son of tho lato Mr. W. I. Hill, of Woodville, was married to Miss Elizabeth A?nes Irene Stevenson, third daughter of Mr. Alex. Stevenson, of Cross Creek, and late of Mαngaweka. The Rev. Mr. Paste performed the ceremony. The bride, who was given n\vay by her father, wore a pretty frock .of cream shantung silk trimmed with insertion, and the usual veil and wreafh of orange blossoms. Miss Jean Stevenson (sister of the bride) and Miss Mabel M'Donald (niece of the bridegroom) attended her as bridesmaids, both wearing frocks of blue shantung silk, trimmed with insertion. Mr. H. E. Hill, brother of the bridegroom, was the best man, \ and Mr. Robert J. Stevenson (brother of the bride) groomsman. To the bride was given a gold pendant and chain, and to the bridesmaids gold brooches. The bride's gift to the bridegroom was a set of gold sleeve-links. Many presents were received, including one from the railway staff. Amid a chorus of detonator greetings and footings from the engines, the bride and bridegroom left for the north, where they will spend their honeymoon.

Children's Entertainment. On Wednesday evening, at "Kenilwortb," baf'oro an appreciative audience of gui'sU and friends, a bright and original ploy of five brief acts, bearing the title 'Trinco tioldontoes," was produced by four of the youthful guests at present staying in the house. The play was written by Miss Peck, who also designed and made the dresses, and the characters ware su/.aiired by Miss Wilkinson', Miss Muriel T'eck,- Mi;s Macdonald, and Miss Moe Leslie, who all acted admirably. Tho play was (as might bo guessed from the titlej a fairy story, telling of the adventures that befell a nrince who was taken away from his homo at birth, and a changing put in his place. Being a fairy story, he regains his princedom and the lovo _of a maiden as well, and all cnd« happily. Mr. Wilson was stage manager, one of (he .halls bring, converted into a temporary theatre. Miss Solomon was mistress of robes. Altogether, it was a rather clever entertainment.

A Farewell Tea. Airs. W. liartim, who leaves for linfrliind this week, was the guc.-r of honour at an afternoon tea given by Mrs. Illgar on Wednesday at her residence, "Fernside," Fratht'ivUm. Iliifortuuately tho weather was very wet and prevented full advantage being taken of the lovely grounds, but a nio.-t enjoyable afternoon was spent. The hostess received her guests in a very handsome white lace frock and Airs. Barton wore a black silk dress with beautiful white lace and a black toque. Amongst others present were: Airs. C. B. Bidwill, Mrs. J.'. Peam>, Airs. W. Jluine, Airs. G. Hume, Airs. 0. F'onwick, Mrs. Palmer, Airs. Cameron (Martinhorough), Airs. Head, Miss Jacobs, Aliss Farrow, Aliss >T. Cameron, Aliss (i. Cameron, Hiss Martin, Aliss Kebbell, and Mossrs. W. Barton, G. Hume, — Kebbell, G. Fcnwick. Concert at the Ohiro Home, An enjoyable concert, arranged by the ladies' branch of the Hibernian Society, assisted by a few friends, wa.s held at Iho Ohiro Homo on Wednesday evening. The following contributed to the programme: Misses L r . Simon, IC. .Tansen, 51. Al'Laughlin, A. Delaney, C. Marshall, M. Griffin, D. M'Grath, G. O'Flaherty, Al. Haiinin, Henerick, S. Simon, A. 'Gregory. The accompaniments were played by' Alisses V. Simon, IC. .Tansen, F. O'Flaherty, and Afr. t. J. Sl'Krlcan. Supper was served and the evening brought to an end with three hearty cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Truebridge. Three cheers were also given by (he inmates for (he visitors, after which "Auld. Lang Sync" was sung by all.

Work for Women. During the month (says the "Labour Journal") 8G workers applied for work, 75 of whom were suited, as follows: — Charwomen, 17; domestic workers, 21; waitresses, 10; seamstress 1; housemaids, 11; married couple, ]; cooks, 2; ladyhelps, 3; housekeepers, 3; matrons, 2; factory hands, •!. Of those suited, 47 came from tne North Island, IB from the South, and 12 from Great Britain. For the same period 213 applications have been received from employers. The summary for the month is:—Applications from workers—Charwomen, 21; domestic workers, 2G: waitresses, 10; seamstress, li housemaids, 12; married couple. 1; cooks. 2: lady-helps 3; pantrymnid. 1; housekeepers, 3; matrons. 2; factory hands, i; total, 80. Applications from employers—Charwomen, 44; domestic workers, 85; waitresses, 10; seamstress, 1; housemaids, 18: married couples, 5; cooks, 18; lady-hflps, 10: ldtchenmaid, 1; housekeepers. 6; matrons, 2; factory hands. 2; laundress. lj nurses, 6; parlourmaids, 4; total, 213.

An Early Pioneer. Another rarly pioneer has passed away in the person of Mrs. Enoch >Tonks, whoso death took place at (.he family residence, Webb Street, Wellington, on Wednesday, at the ago of 69 years. The deceased lady was born at Bury, Lancashire, and came out to New Zealand with her parents in the ship Sir liobert Peel, in which was a section of the Goth Regiment, under the late Colonel Gould. The family arrived in Auckland in December, 184(1, tho late Mrs. Tonks being then only four years old. Her father, the late Mr. EdSpencer, was in the 05th Regiment, find after landing they were ordered away with other troops to the Bay of. Islands, under the lato Sir George Grey, to tnke part in the Maori War. From there the family moved during the troublous times to Wellington, AVanganui, PHmmerton, and finally back to Wellington, where Mrs. Tonks remained throughout her life, except for twelve years spent in Otago. .Mrs. Tonks was the mother of fifteen children, ten of whom are still living ;five sons and five danglitersi. There are, besides, 34 grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. The deceased lady's mother still survives her, being in her 88th year. Mrs. Tonks. took an active part in philanthropic movements, especially in social work, taking part in the first.meeting of the Salvation Army rescue work for women. She was also specially active in helping to secure the franchise for women, and after the franchise was given was the first woman to 'nominate a candidate for Parliament in the person of Mr. 11. D. Bell. Mrs. Tonks was also active in connection with Hie AYomen's Christian Temperance Lnion, I.M.C.A. work, and was an active member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The funeral is to takn place on Saturday afternoon next at 2.30. The inlerment will be-at'the. Svdney Street cemeterv. ■ . . . -

The Opening ; of Parliament. For some inscrutable reason, too much for human solving, tho ceremonv of opening Parliament appears doomed'to be performed in wet weather, the wettest that can possibly befall it, and upon this occasion the usual rule held good. Showers, more or less heavy, were of common occurrence throughout the day, and everything felt anil looked excessively dreary and uninspiring. Although yesterday was really the formal opening of a session that will be the most important that has been held tor many years, there was none of tho usual pomp and ceremony that usually attends such a function. Privately, i'j; was impossible not to wonder how much hunting up of the records of past procedure had to be done before yesterday's order of events was finally ready to be, followed, so long ago is it since' Parliament has been opened by Commissioners. Ko band, no brilliant uniforms, no colour of any description added a note of warmth or life to the proceedings, members and visitors alike quietly disappearing out of the rain into their respective Houses, while outside was gathered on thfl wide drive a. small crowd of interested spectators watching expectantly for something—one wondered what.

The Chamber of the Legislative Council was the scene of the initial proceedings, Parlianient being formallv opened by the Commissioners, the speech being read by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Sir Charles Jiowen. There was not by any means a large gathering in the l'ress Gallery, which is, upon this occasion, thrown open to tho wives of members. On the floor of the House there were present Lady Ward, Mrs. R. M'Kenzie, and Miss Eileen Ward—a very small gathcrinc indeed.

While waiting for tho "trusty Commons" to make their appearance upon the floor the occupants of the gallery busily discussed the possibilities and probabilities of the future, the most fascinating • and fruitful topic of the hour just now. At the conclusion of the ceremonycolourless like everything else—the members of the Lower House returned to their Chamber, and visitors and others dike lost no time in doing likewise. Here one could not but be struck by the unusually large attendance, of members, all very alert looking whether old or new, and all with a curious quiet expectancy about them, that could not but ho felt. Most unusually full also was the Press Gallery, several of its occupants having to be' content with standing room —a visible token of the importance and interest attending impending events, if visible tokens are needed.

The business of swearing-in members was at once commenced with, croups of fours being railed up to the table to take tho oath. Naturally a great deal of interest wns taken in this procedure as. for the first time, tho heroes of some of the most exciting election contests, as well as of recent events, were visible. One also learnt for tho first time how many ways there are of going through the

perlnnnane-e—perfunctory at (ho best of _ times, out is inclined !o think. Sir Arihiir (iuinmv-.s was unanimously eletk-d Speaker of Hie House, and was conducted in (In! chair by his proposer (Mr. Llaiiun) and In- his" seconder (Mr. ■Myers), ami, after congratulatory i-noec.lK-s liiiil bi'Pii made, by Sir .loseph Ward, Air. Mnssoy, and .Mr. Isitl (Hie latter on behalf "I (he Independent member? of the llousn —a remark in explanation from him which brought forth a perfect roar of laughter from bulh sides of the Mouse), the. House adjourned.. This alternoon Ms Excellency will deliver the Governor's Spicch, with all the attendant; ceremonial which was absent Iroin yesterday's proceedings.

Mrs. Arthur Myers, of Auckland, accompanied by Hiss Kuby Coleman, nrriv-i-il trom Auckland by the Main Trunk train yesterday and arc staying at the Ifoyal Oak Hotel.

Mrs. Donald Donald, Masterlon, has received news of the death of her sister, Mrs. HJlditc); Rickards, after a brief illness, c.t Tregpunn, Preston Point. Freliiiuitle, whers sho hail been staving for Hij jißAt three months. Mre. itickards had l>soll living in England, but, on account of her health, had decided to try the warmer climate of Australia.

Mrs. Arthur Afyers and Aliss Coleman (Auckland) are staying at the Koyal Oak. Dr. and Airs. R. A. Andrew, who have been spending some time travelling in tho South Island, return to Wellington by the Maori on Sunday, and will again bo the guests of Mr. and Airs. G. li. Dall (Kelburne) till their departure on Thursday, by tho Tninui, for England. Miss Rose M'Donald, the ncwly-appoint-cd matron of the Napier Hospital, arrived in Napier from Dunedin on Wednesday, and has already entered upon her duties. Mr. Nosworthy, M.P., and Mrs. Xos■worthy have arrived in Wellington from the south, and. arc staying at Mis 3 Alaltolm's. On Monday tho death occurred of Mrs John Burton, who,, with her husband recently arrived in the Dominion from i.ngland, and took up her residence with Mr. and Mrs. Harding, , of "Siberia," Ashhurst. Mrs. Burton was Airs. Harding's only sister. Miss Gretchen Rutherford has returned to Jvekcrangu, after a brief visit to Wellington. Airs. F. Rutherford and her family, who _ have been spending several weeks at Day s Bay, have returned to town. Jfr. and Jfrs. Ernest Gear are staying at the Grand Hotel. Mrs. If. E. Fitzgerald, of Wellington, arrives by tke lonic from London on "February 20. ■ ' Jfrs. Power (Auckland) is at present staying with Miss Coates, Hobson Street. Mr. nnd Mrs. Samuel Pearson and their little son left Wellington last week on n visit to Vancouver, 'Frisco, etc. They will lie away for three months. Mr. and Miss Fowler, who have been staying at "Kenilworth" for two or three weeks, arc returning to Masterton to-day. Mrs. Tweed and her two daughters are staying with Mrs. W, Bidwill, "Rototawai." The engagement is announced of Miss Ethel Rose Williams, youngest daughter of Mr. S. S. Williams, Wellington, to Air. Albert li. Newlands, of Sydney, NewSouth Wales.