Morning Tea Party

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20110, 2 December 1939, Page 12

Morning Tea Party

A charmingly arranged tea party was given by Mrs. T. B. Pearson, Ormond road, in Le Grand Cafe, on Wednesday morning for her guest, Mrs. E. Haines, Auckland. An effective decorative scheme was artistically carried out. with sweetpeas in pastel tonings. The hostess was smart in a black tailored suit with white accents and a black and white straw hat. Mrs. Haines wore a grey tweed tailor-made with a pink satin blouse and a hat of grey straw relieved with touches of pink.

Ninety-fourth Birthday

Mrs. Sarah Heappey, New Plymouth, and earlier of Halcombe, celebrated her ninety-fourth birthday at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. B. Gardner, a few days ago. Mrs. Heappey was born in London and was married there in 1870 to Mr. William Heappey. Five years later they came to New Zealand in the sailing ship Waipa. which arrived at Wellington on April 1,187 G. They went on to Wanganui by boat and 'hen to Halcombe by •‘wagon over rough country with no road, railway or bridges. They lived in an unlined shack which they had bought from the Government,

Makaraka-Matawhero Garden Circle

The Makaraka-Matawhero Garden Circle held its monthly meeting at the hall instead of at the garden where it was originally intended to be held as' the weather did not seem too promising. Mrs. Livingston presided in the absence otf the convener, Mrs. Moore. Mrs. Perry brought seedlings, which were sold for the circle funds, and she also gave a very interesting talk of her experiences during the last war, and while on a visit to Germany. It was decided to hold a meeting in January as usual. Competitions were won as follows: — Vase of flowers.—Miss Jackson and Mrs. Wilcox, tie, 1; Mrs. Livingston, Misses O’Connell and Jackson, all equal, 3; Mrs. Parker, 6.

Farewell Party

On Wednesday night Mrs. W. J. Langlands entertained in a delightful manner at her home in Harris street for Miss Patsy Crawford, prior to her departure for Tauranga. Mah-jongg was arranged in the drawing-room, which was charmingly decorated with roses and Iceland poppies, and in the dining-room, whefe supper was served, sweet peas in delicate tonings beautified the table.

The hostess was wearing a smart model frock of black cloque accented with a crimson and black plaited belt. The guest of honour wore a black georgette redingote mounted on floral faille.

Among the guests were Mesdames L. C. Parker, D. B. Barry, R. G. Dobson, W. E. Maude, P. A. Pettit, T. A. N. Corson, and A. M. Welham; Misses L. Bain, R. Wauchop and J. Irvine.

Bride-Elect Entertained

On Wednesday Miss -K. Sherriff, whose marriage to Mr, C. K. Lowel West Southland, takes place this month, was the chief guest at a jolly 5 o’clock party given by Mrs. P. Pittar and Miss Jean Marshall at the riverside home of the former.

The weather was all that could be desired and refreshments and savouries were served at small tables picturesquely placed in the garden, which looked very attractive with its gay flower-beds and shady trees.

Mrs. Pittar was wearing an elegant frock of Cambridge blue georgette made with a rucked bodice accented with pearl clips. Miss Marshall chose a becoming frock of Parma violet French crepe printed in a floral design in cyclamen tonings. Miss SherrifT looked smart in a frock of navy blue embossed cloque caught at the neckline with gunmetal clips, a large white straw hat, and silver fox furs.

Pantry Party

Mah-jongg was enjoyed by the guests at the delightful “pantry” party given by Mrs. K. G. Ball at her home in Haronga road on Thursday afternoon for Miss Jean Wallis, whose marriage to Mr. Innes Scott will take placd* this month. Sweet peas were used with artistic effect in the decoration of the draw-ing-room, and in the. dining-room, where tea was served, golden ,gleam nasturtiums gave a note of colour to the table.

The gift parcels, containing all manner of useful articles for the pantry, were opened later by the bride-'o-be, assisted by one of her prospective bridesmaids, Miss Bunty Parker, and the two little flower girls, Josephine and Helen Ball. The hostess was .wearing an elegant frock of rust-coloured cloque with gold /trimmings, and Miss Wallis wore a smart frock of pastel-shaded floral crepe with navy blue accessories. Among the guests were Mesdames S. Smith, C. Horne, L. Anderson, J. W. Bain, R. Sloan, and B. Cowing; Misses B. Parker, McGee, and F. Owen.

Te Arai Valley W.D.F.U.

After a lapse of some time on account of the petrol restrictions, the Te Arai Valley branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers' Union resumed its activities at a wellattended meeting held on Thursday ■afternoon in the Reay Bridge School, which was effectively decorated for the occasion with great trails of rambler roses.

The president, Mrs. F. Parker, was in the chair.

A most interesting talk on the work of the division was given by the president of the Poverty Bay Provincial executive, Mrs. E. R. Black, Muriwai, who stressed the many ways in which <he executive could be of assistance to the small branches.

It was decided to go into recess for a short period and to hold the next meeting in February, 1940. Mrs. T. A. Field was appointed a vice-president, and Mrs. R. S. T. Sherratt, Manutuke, was elected to the committee.

The monthly competition, “the best in my garden,” resulted: Mrs.- H. B. Livingston, 1- Mrs. T. A. Field, 2; Mrs. Hall, 3. The hostesses were Mesdames Wykes and Jacobs.

Miscellaneous Gift Party for Bride-Elect

Yesterday afternoon, Mrs. H. B. Drummond invited a large number of friends to a delightful “miscellaneous” gift tea at her home in Aberdeen road for Miss Josephine Sherratt, Ngatapa, whose marriage to Mr. Terry Fletcher will take place shortly. The weather was all that could be desired, and the guests wandered at will enjoying the rich summer beauty of the picturesque riverside garden. A cleverly arranged “horticultural” competition proved most diverting, jand the winner, Miss J. Scott, was rewarded with an attractive gift. Indoors the various sitting-rooms were gay with masses of lovely flowers. Large bowls of Christmas lilies and shaded lupins were used with artistic effect in the decoration of the hall, and mixed blooms gave a note of colour to the drawing-room. Tea was served in the dining-room, mixed dowers in blue, mauve, and cerise tonings beautifying 'the table. The wonderful array of parcels, containing all manner of pretty and useful gifts, was opened later by the bride-to-be, who thanked her friends very charmingly.

The hostess was wearing an elegant frock of black crepe de chine embroidered in white in a floral design. Miss Sherratt was very smart in a navy blue ensemble designed with a sho/t coat, and a small hat to match.

Her mother, Mrs. Randall Sherratt, wore silver fox furs with a' navy blue and white printed frock, a navy blue coat, and a Baku straw hat to match accented with a white ostrich plume. Among the guests were Mesdames W. Clark, F. B. Barker, J. Blair, W. Dods, J. W. Williams. Chas. Gray, J. Powell, Blake Mason (Hawke’s Bay), W. R. Barker, A. W. Murray, G. M. Dodgshun, E. R. Black, L. Miles, R. G. Hine, W. A. Caldwell, Y. Donald (Christchurch), P. D. Tombleson, W. \G. Sherratt, R. D. Dymock, E. Monck■on, D. S. Williams, S. Monck, H. Telford, N. H. Bull, G. W. Willock, F. E. Humphreys, G. Stock, J. M. Monckton, C. G. Holdsworth. J. C. N. Thomas. R. Scott,’ W. R. B. Willock, G. V. Smith, R. L. Maclean, K. Reed, H. B. Williams, P. F. Barker, R. G. Black. R. B. Scott (Christchurch), H. MeLemon, J. L. Bellerby, G. Kemp, C. Graham, C. L. Margoliouth, 11. G. Wellborne, F. Kahlenberg, B. Wallis, J. R. Beckett, P. Pittar, L. li. Perry. W. Oakden, L. Balfour, A. H. Russell. F. Mills, G. W. Kells, C. Fitzgerald. B. Fitzgerald, C. B. Burland, K. B. Garland, R. R. Bruce, D. B. Barry, S. D. Nathan, J. Plunket, J. W. Mclldowie, D. M. Mclldowie, 11. R. Williams (Invercargill), A. M. Scott, L Field, A. White, J. L. Graham, H. L. Primrose and S. Hi Dykes; Misses F. Black, M. Sherratt, E. Myhill, V. Dodd, E. and A. Thomas, Spooner. B. Willock, L. Williams, M'. Smith, R. Barry, H. Watkins, J. Scott, A. Gillingham, P. Oakden, J. McLernon, B. Kemp, J. Bellerby, D. Runciman, A. Gray, M. and M. Murphy, M. Fitzgerald, L. Miles, J. Marshall, L. Tullock, B. Blunt., and B. Murray.

Thanksgiving Dinner Party

Following the national custom of celebrating Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November, four American hostesses, Mesdames J. G. Stout, A. A. Weymouth, S. H. Dykes and W. S. Simpson, invited their compatriots in the Gisborne district to a delightful buffet dinner party at the riverside home of Mrs. Stout. Roses, carna'tions and sweep peas in pastel tonings filled the drawing-room with fragrance, and a bowl of sweet peas was used with artistic effect in the decoration of the dinner table in the diningroom.

Tennis Party For Bride-Elect

On Thursday afternoon Mrs. H. E. Cave entertained in a delightful manner at her home, Mangatuna station, for Miss K. Sherriff, whose marriage to Mr. C. K. Lowo, Bruce Bay, West Southland, will take place this mopth. The weather was kind and the picturesquely placed tennis court was the centre of attraction, the contested games being enjoyed by both players and spectators.

The tea table in the dining-room was artistically decorated with a shallow bowl of mixed flowers in pink and mauve tonings, and strawberries and cream and ices were served in the garden.

The hostess was wearing a smartlytailored frock of white shantung silk, and a becoming frock of cornflower blue linen was worn by the chief guest.

Successful Card Party

The popularity of the flag fivehundred parties sponsored by the Te Hapara Anglican Ladies’ Guild was demonstrated again on Wednesday night, when 11 tables were requisitioned at the Cook Street Hall.

Play was controlled by Mr. Fowler, and honours were annexed by Binder, Stevens, and R. and K. Smith. The prizes for the highest number of flags were secured by Mrs. Stevens and Mr. Hughes, and Mr. McIntyre emerged the winner of the travelling envelope competition. Another prize was awarded to Miss Thomas.

It was announced that a card party on the evening of December 13 would conclude the guild’s social activities for the year. A delicious supper was served informally by the members.

Visit To Memorial Home

The members of the musical section of tlie Gisborne Townswomen’s Guild journeyed to the Memorial Home on Thursday afternoon and presented a delightfully diversified programme, under the direction of Mrs. P. Barry, for the entertainment of the inmates.

Part-songs and choruses were greeted .with encouraging approval, and vocal duets and solos were charmingly rendered by Mesdames P. Barry, Baillie, Dennis, Darling, Lyndon, Sutcliffe, Douglas, Robb, Townson and Miss J. Foster.

The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Lentell, piano, and Mrs. G. Moore, violin.

Mrs. N. Hooper was heard to advantage in two elocutionary numbers, and an exhibition of tap dancing by Miss Peggy Pulis was another popular item.

Gifts were distributed by the visitors, who later were entertained at afternoon tea.

Slipcovers For Floors

Slip covers for floors will be introduced soon, according to Mr. William Pahlmann, the young New Yorker who deserves the credit —or blame — for many of the new ideas in current decorating. The slips will be of white or coloured canvas and some will be available with painted designs on them, he says. They will be lashed to the baseboards with rings and cords.

And here are some more innovations which Mr. Pahlmann forecasts:— Slate-topped coffee tables and slaie panels in cabinets. Leather-covered chests and cabinets. Chromium and brass pilasters or column effects ’for interiors. Glass and mirrors in interesting inlaid designs and in chevrons and bevelled stripes.' More murals in private homes.

Pantry Evening'

A jolly “pantry” party was given recently by Mrs. R. Davis and Miss Shirley .Davis at their home in Russell street for Miss Mary Christie prior to her marriage to Mr. E. Knox, Tokomaru Day. Dancing on the sun porch to accordion music contributed by Mr. J. T. Davis was enjoyed by a number of the guests, while others less energetically inclined played cards in the drawing-room, which was effectively decorated with seasonal blooms and coloured streamers.

A delicious supper was served informally, and later the bride-to-be, assisted by one of her prospective bridesmaids, Miss Shirley Davis, opened the numerous parcels. Suitable acknowledgement of the gifts and good wishes was made by Mr. Knox on behalf of his fiancee.

Mrs. Davis was wearing a smart frock Of navy blue sheer, and a pretty frock of floral cloque was worn by Miss Davis. Miss Christie chose a becoming moss green frock relieved with touches of lace.

Governor’s Daughter in Dance Recital

At a dance recital given in Wellington last week-end, items were given by the Hon. Isobel Monckton, daughter of Their Excellencies the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, and Viscountess Galway. The audience included Her Excellency, who takes a keen interest in her children’s dancing, and the Hons. Celia and Mary Monckton and the Hon. Simon Monck-ton-Arundel.

On arriving at the hall Lady Galway, who was wearing a beige wool suite with a floral blouse and a wide brown straw hat, was presented with a bouquet of carnations by a small girl, Zoe Sievwright.

The Hon. Isobel Monckton was seen in two solos —an operatic dance, for which she wore a white ballet frock with a pink band in her blonde hair, and a Polish mazurka, for which she chose a dark blue costume with a striped apron front. She also appeared as a dancer in a pas de trois and in two chorus items.

Mannequin Parade of Victorian Dresses

One of the most popular features arranged in connection with the women’s section at the Centennial Exhibition in Wellington was the reception given last week to pioneers and early settlers, this being preceded by a mannequin parade of fashions covering the period of Queen Victoria’s reign. The parade was held in the main assembly hall and was witnessed by a very large number of men and women, among whom were the special guests who later attended the reception. All present were welcomed by the Mayoress, Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop, who is president of the women’s section. Mrs. Hislop informed her audience that the idea was really Mrs. Knox Gilmer’s, the executive of the women’s section co-operating with the Early Settlers’ Association to produce the parade. Historical Frocks The mannequins were all wellknown Wellington girls and their frocks drew delighted exclamations from all present. These —which included ball dresses, street frocks and house frocks, not forgetting an early Victorian nightgown and nightcap—were all actual relics of bygone days, which had been loaned by women in various parts of New Zealand.

1 The girls had been carefully rehearsed in the art of walking and carried off their various dresses “to the manner born.” Particularly intriguing were the ball dresses, for they would be entirely suitable and would attract much favourable comment in any modern ballroom. Lockets, watches and other trinkets of our grandmothers’ days were also displayed to advantage. One particularly beautiful dress was a trained evening gown of gold and green shot brocade that had been worn at the first Government House Ball in Wellington. Another beautiful dress was of heliotrope satin with a top of Chantilly lace that had been worn by the late Mrs. R. J. Seddon at a State ball at Buckingham Palace on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s jubilee. The very chaste nightgown and nightcap, which caused much amusement, were 100 years old.