HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2082, 17 May 1907, Page 4

HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

By "Penelope.” Wellington AN EVENTFUL LIFE.

A vory interesting personality has last wook boon taken away, after a life of eighty years abounding in many straugo experiences. Mrs. Rhatigan was n soldier’s daughter and a soldier’s wifo, though lior nuii'ried life only lasted throe years.. bho was a daughter of Captain 1 aul oi the Gsth, a rogimont many colonials will romoinbor. As a bal '.irl, slio wont, with lior parents ai , ho rogimont to the West Indios, i :id on the roturn journoy, tho ship wan attackod by pirates, and her father grontly distinguished liimsolf in tho encounter Next camo Venezuela, and t'horo tho unhealthy elimato decimated tho soldiors. Tho womon died, moro than half boing out oh, and so many orphans were loft that Mrs. Paul, who was called the Mother of tho Regiment, took charge of thorn until they wore sent) homo to tho Duko ot York’s School. Tho Buko sont her special commendation lor her devotion ill his despatches. A groat tidal wavo and hurricano at Burbndoos was tho next oxperienco of tho little dnughtor of tho regiment. I‘rom tlio tropics tho men wore ordered oft, at a fow hours’ notico, to Canada, to suppross tho rebellion of tho Froncli Canadians under Papanoau. from sweltering boat to the dopths of a Canadian winter was a trying change, and tlioro was no time to got warm clothes, but on tho voyage warm garments wore mndo irom material providod by tho pursor. Iho iogimont travelled for throe weeks through Lower Canada on tho frozen St. Lawronco River, ami Mrs. Rliatigan recalls tlio journey on sledges, two moil to a sledgo, ns a pleasant ono. At night tlio troops wore billoted among the inhabitants, who being mostly rebels, did not rolisli tlio enforced hospitality, but wore forced to submit. Tho Maori war brought Captain Paul, his family and tlio rocriinent to Now Zealand, and there m 1848, Miss Paul mamocl Captain Rhatigan. Tho honeymoon and first part of tlioir marirod life was spent at a fortifiod pa at Pahautantu m a rnnpo wliaro built for thorn by Colonel Russell of the 58th. Tho latter, with Major Turner, formed the road into Wellington. Once a week despatches and letters used to bo sent into Wellington under armed escort. Colonel Russell, and his men had many hardships and much difficulty m making tho road, but he was a splendid engineer and organiser. His son is Sir William Russell. The latter years of Mrs. Rhatigan’s- life were spent quietly in Wellington whore slio had many friends who loved to listen to tales of bygone days. Sho was keenly. interested in current a flairs to tho end. Major Paul, Mrs. Rhatigan s brother, acted as General Cameron s aide all through the Maori war, and Major Turner, her brother-m-law, was also noted for his distinguished services in tho same campaign.

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. Mr. Massey passed through Wellington on his way from his successful Cheviot meeting. He, in common with many others, is not at all certain of winning the Taranaki seat lor the Opposition. It is a case of “Two’s company, three’s none. Mr. Malone may slip in between Opposition and Government candidates,especially as he is the best speaker of the three men. At any rate, it seems an extraordinary fact that the Government is not able to select a man who will support them in their own policy measure, The Land Bill.

NEW MORNING PAPER. The premises of the. new morning paper are rising in Plimmer’s Steps up to this time a most unsavory thoroughfare leading from Boulcott Street to Lambton Quay. The machinery is on the water and a manager appointed and before long, Wellington will have its choice of morning papers. The question of editor is not yet settled. It is possible a man may be got out of New Zealand.

SOCIAL NOTES. Miss Johnston, sister of tlio Hon. Clias. Johnston, has already given soveral entertainments this year, but her dance last week excelled all former functions. In her large house in Fitzlierbert Terrace slio has a ballrooom, which was converted into a tent of foliage, with half-hidden red, white, and bluo electric lamps peering through, wreathed with garlands of the seed-vessels of tho clematis. Tho supper-rooms and hall up-stairs wore, by flower-wroatlied trellised screens and trials of greenery, made into a sorios of little bowers, with small tables set for four in each. It was altogether a most original and charming arrangement. The dance was mainly given for tlio officers of the squadron, who turned up in great force and spirits, and had a delightful time. The hostess wore palo-blue satin with flounces of Brussels point and very fine diamonds. A large tea was given by Mrs. Chatfield at the Kelburno Kiosk last Friday. The Kiosk is now under her management, Miss Gibson-Smitli giving it up after tho sad death of her elder sister. It was charming in their hands, and now has been taken over by Mrs. Cliivers, who as Miss Mary Driver, made such a success of lior ' Dunedin tea-rooms. Everything on Friday was beautifully served and cooked,, and did credit -to tho new management. A band played during the afternoon. In these days of inefficient servants or none at all, these large teas given thus are much in vogue, and save considerable trouble and anxiety.

By tho Sydney boat last week left Miss Wark, who has been staying some months in New Zealand, as guest of Mrs. Moore, Dunedin, and Mrs. Kinsey, Christchurch, and Mr. Miles with his son, Leslie, and Miss Bertha Miles. The latter intends to pay a long visit to Perth, Western Australia. Town has been full of country visitors for the squadron gaieties, but these have mostly gone back. Miss Knight, from Sydney, is a guest of Mrs. Prendergast Knight. Mrs. Seddon and her two daughters left for Christchurch last week. Mrs. Gilruth with her children has returned from her Southern visits. Mr. Stoll is still in Auckland, much the bettor for the change. Miss Grace Riley goes up to stay a week with her on Thursday. Miss Gladys Somerville who has not been well has gone to stay with Mrs. Lionel Abraham in Palmerston North. Those who remember Major Mooro, the genial artillery officer who sang Irish—his native—ballads so charmingly, will be interested to know he has married a pretty Canadian wife and is living in London. WINTER HATS.

There is infinite variety in these in shape, size, and decoration, and apparently one is allowed to wear almost anything, except the black picture hat we all loved so much in other seasons. There is not one of the lattor jn the shop windows, though of picture hats in pale felt and beavers, and velvets, there are many, and vastly becoming they are. Those large felt plateaux may bo twisted up in any quaint becoming 'injojdto—though to be really ahead of (tjhe fashion they should bo lifted in front -and droop behind —and very often are only trimmed with some great roses and foliage, or a wreath of smaller flowers, tulle being used for the bandeau. A tricorne shape is quaint and becoming, and sometimes they are wired into the mushroom, though the new mushroom has a large full crown that [almost hid'es the brim. Vcivet is largely used for hats, and a valuation of the old Beefeater type is fashionable, with drooping feathers on the left side, clasped with a largo buckle. The feathers are curious this season. Some are like great tassels, very full at the tip and delicately shaded. Another wonderful plume I saw yesterday of great length and a lovely pale blue tint, had one sido curled under and the other over, with a curious effect. It formed the only trimming in a chestnut-brown velvet hat with full crown and slightly gathered narrow brim.- The very small pork-pie toques are* not worn, though small Straws, turban and torpedo shape, aro much used for morning wear. Tartan straw is extremely effective used in these knock-about hats, though with it the trimming must be chosen judiciously._ But strange colors are allied in this season’s milli'ii'ery. A girl’s hat the other day, of champagne straw, was wreathed with heliotrope and crimson roses, twisted with bright brown velvet ribbou, of which long loops fell down behind. The pretty face beneath it redeemed tlio hat for its ugliness, hut it was a daring experiment.