HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1821, 30 July 1906, Page 4

HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

THE STAB BOATING CLUB BALL. I»"‘t! "it* (By I'KNur.ui'H.) WollinjAon, July ‘24.

This is always a delightful affair, and this year tho committoo oxcolled itself. It was held in the eoneort room of the Town Hall, which, though smaller, has an infinitely hotter floor than the main room. Lycopodium was hung in garlands across the ceiling, and a great bell of golden gorse swung from tho contro. The supper was set on tables in tho wide corridor, and the staircase, draped in rod bai/.e, was beautfful with foliago. Tho Governor and Lady Plunket, the non. Kathleen, and Capt. Braithwaito, wore present, Lady Plunket in black .lace and chiffon over white silk, and diamond ornamonis, and her sister-in-law in a white empire frock or chiffon, tho high-waisted bodico garlanded with tiny roses. On Tuesday the Old Boys of St. Patrick’s College gave their aunual dance in tho Sydney street Hall. It was elaborately decorated, tho whole 6upper-room being drapod in manycolored art muslin with charming effect, and the stage framed in blue and white, the colors of the college. Quite a number of the girls wore velvet frocks. The most striking dress in the room was a scarlet chiffon velvet, with a bertho of lace, a large red wing being worn in the hair. A soft pink velvet, with lace petticoat over which the overdress opened, and a pale blue, with fringes of pearl ombroidory, were both charming gowns. Of course chiffon velvet is wonderfully beautiful, and much lighter than it looks, but it is hardly a suitable material for a young girl. Every second evening skirt this season is absolutely plain and made to set out importantly by means of frills, muslin, and even wire inserted in tho hem. tho hems aro wadded ’slightly to give the thick rich look desired. A debutante who came out at the Star Club Ball—Miss Jones, daughtor of the managdr of the Huddart Parker line —wore a simple white silk dress with chiffon tucker and white roses, and in her pretty hair was a white rose and an ivory comb. Mr BULLEN, A LIT HOE AND

LECIUKER

Some of you have by this tirno listened delightedly to Mr Bullen’s experiences and relloctions He is a fascinating lecturer, and sandwiches humor and pathos so skilfully as to intensify both. That a stroot Arab—as he described himself as a boy—with no advantages and no education, should raise himself to such an eminence as he has done is a proof of the power of pluck and perseverance. His language is iiuent and choice—very rarely he betrays a want of university training—and ho has a happy knack of mimicry that makes his stories irresistibly comic. Those who have met him have been charmed with his simple frank manner and enthusiastic appreciation of all he sees. Fortunately, Pelorus Jack, whom Mr Bullen was intensely anxious to interview, came nobly to the scratch, and did all New Zealand could have expected of him. Mr Bullen was much fascinated by him. Apropos of men who go down to the sea in ships, there is a story that is attracting a good deal of attention just now. When I say that from cover to cover there is not a woman in the tale, and yet it is so enthralling that it is difficult to lay down, it must be admitted that the author, Mr Edward Noble, is extremely clever. “ The Edge of Circumstance ” concerns the erratic doings of a ship that, full of labor saving patents and undermanned, puts out to sea, her unreliable machinery under the charge of Mr Orabbit, the most wonderfully drawn Scotch engineer.

SOCIAL DOING 3.

Miss Skerrott gave a very large At Home last Friday, and Mrs JohnDutcaD, who has not loDg come back from Sydney, has issued invitations for a reception on Tuesday. Mrs Vavasour, from Blenheim, and Mrs Carncross, from Taranaki, are visiting Wellington. Mrs Toilesse and her two children from Hastings are staying with Mrs Chatheld at Island Bay. Mrs Fitchett has returned from Masterton, and Miss Ewen from Napier. Miss Pitt—who has been suffering from rheumatism—is a good deal bettor. Miss Barnicoat, of Wanganui, has been a guest of Mrs Riddiford, and M'ss Stead, from Christchurch, hca been staying with Mrs lan Duncan. Last Saturday His Excellency (he Governor was installed as Chief Savage in our Savage Club. Tho entertainment went oil excellently, Lord Plun ket himself—who tells a humorous story delightfully—adding considerably to the enjoyment. Much sympathy is felt here for Mr Percy Bullor, who arrived Homo very fortunatoly, in time to be with his father some time before Sir Walter’s death. Mr Bullor himself is much better in health.