SOCIAL GOSSIP

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 10, 8 September 1900, Page 8

SOCIAL GOSSIP

Dear Chkistabel — ME JOYNT, Eegistrar of the Victoria College, was the lecturer at Government House on Thursday of last week. His subject was " Mediaeval Europe," a most fascinating period, and the lecture was listened to with much interest "by the guests. The Middle Ages abound in romantic characters— names that are haloed with legend. One felt inclined, as Charlemagne, Alaric, Charles Martel and other mediaeval giants were mentioned by Mr Joynt, to put up one's hand— as is the wont in school— and beg to know more about these enthralling personages. A woman is charged with always asking " What was he like," and certainly, though it would have been impossible in the short time allowed, it would have been pleasant to have heard more about these great men. However, Mr. Joynt's lecture may give his hearers a yearning to find out more about the Middle Ages. It is just a menu of the good fare that awaits them if they study the subject. * * * The Countess of Ranfurly wore a soft black oversldrt embroidered with jet and white, and Lady Constance Knox had on a white frock. There were many black and white gowns, and one — a broad black and white striped silk, worn by a visitor from Hawke's Bay — was very effective. Another lovely gown was of palest silver grey brocade, with a delicate pattern of "black on it. A striking combination was a grey velours, with orange roses and bunches of black violets. A dainty rose-bud-dotted white brocade was made almost plain, and another frock, of white satin with a double skirt, just suited the stately wearor. Here or there a brilliant satin or silk, turquoise or rose-colour, shone out among the more sombre gowns, but the majority of the guests were in vhite or black. * * * A most delightful At Home was given by Mrs Milward on Friday last, in her pretty house in Talavera Terrace. A very large number of guests were present — the weather apparently clearing up for the occasion — but there was plenty of room, and what with the graphophone, a string band that played delightfully, delicious refreshments, and the usual flow of conversation, the afternoon passed very pleasantly. Quite a feature of the At Home was the show of exquisite spring flowers that were to be seen massed everywhere on shelves or tables — in every corner and nook. There were violets such as many of us have only seen in dreams, or in bonnets — great pale purple and white double blossoms, with long, sturdy stalks — and giant daffodils. These came from the Wairarapa, and not from windy "Wellington. * # * On the same evening as the Middle Ages were being discussed at Government House, the "Old Girls" of the High School gave their annual dance at the Sydney-street Schoolroom. The title is a misnomer, judging from the many pretty young damsels that made the dance such a success. The hall was decorated charmingly, the stage fitted up with comfortable lounges and chairs, the music delightful, and the supper as good as could be wished. Add to these virtues the pleasure of seeing all the girls up, and still a few men — disconsolate or philosophical — adorning the walls and doorways, and what could the most exacting wish further ? In fact, so good was the ball that the dancers did i?ot wish to go home when the time came. The extras were played by Miss Grant, Mr Gill, and Mr Moore. The committee are to be congratulated on the result of their arrangements. • # * White, as usual, was the prevailing wear, often varied by touches of colour or black velvet. Mrs L. Blundell had on black silk and white, and Mrs J. Blundell black and crimson, Miss K. Blundell's frock being of blue satin, and Miss J. Blundell's of a paler shade of the same. Mrs C. Tringham wore white brocade, Miss Barron yellow silk and chiffon, and Mrs Falke white silk with black velvet. Mrs Young had on pale blue and white

silk, Miss Grant ivory brocade and pearl embroidery, Mrs Knight white silk and black velvet, her sister (Miss Davey) also wearing white silk. Mis* Young wore crimson, and Mrs Fulton, Mrs E. Adams, and Miss Pownall all had on white silk gowns. Miss Barber's frock was of yellow silk, Miss Francis wore white silk, and Mi«s Stewart and Miss G an n away also white silk. Miss Hamilton, who (as late principal of the Girls' High School) acted as one of the chaperones, wore black satin and white lace. Patent medicines, their virtues and their vices, have been much discussed in the House this last week. Sometimes, Christabel, it happens that the subject of debate is incomprehensible to a mere woman, so involved and so perplexing are the points, but this particular topic is easy to understand, and gave rise to some amusing comments. Truly, as we look down on the members, we cannot help being struck by their need of one variety of patent medicine—" for outside application only." This was drawn attention to by one member who, probably, bad not begun to trellis-work his left-hand locks across the shining place in order to delude the world, poor soul, that he is not bald. It savours somewhat of the ostrich, this pathetic attempt to hide the obvious, and unabashed baldness seems preferable to this hirsute screen that deceives no one. Quite a number of gratuitous advertisements were given during the debate on patent medicines. The grateful proprietors probably will recognise the value of these, and forward complimentary cases of their goods to the members who praised them. If a proud mother sends a testimonial of the virtues of a patent food, together with a picture of her patent food baby, this is usually the result. A captious critic is anxious to know whether there is any remedy that will cure extreme political loquacity. According to some men who view patent medicines from the most pessimistic point of view, many of these, if persisted in, would cure it, permanently — and there would have to be a by-election I * # * The galleries have been crowded this past week, and, on the whole, the debates have been interesting. Most of the women who came the evening the Premier announced his "scientific adjustment" of the tariff, grew tired and left before he rose to speak, having listened to nothing except a very dull discussion on arbitration. It was a pity their patience did not last out a little longer, for the hour during which Mr Seddon spoke was by no means dreary, and the comments and interjections amusing and instructive. Men often wonder why women who have no connection with the House sit so frequently and so patiently in the Gallery. It is said one was asked why she chose to slumber there in an uncomfortable seat, with the electric glare in her eyes, instead of being at home in her easy chair. "It is dull," she admitted, " and the voices below sort of soothe you to sleep. But, you see, if there's a row " — and the light of battle gleamed in her weary eye— " I'm on the spot." At any rate, though women at times do slumber in the Gallery they don't sleep audibly, as do some of the members. We heard a Minister snoring the other night in the most aggressive manner. & V V The Ladies' Golf Tournamert at Christchurch was a thorough success. Miss Eattray is again champion, and well deserves to keep the cup that she has won three times in succession. The Eattrays are all good at games, more than one of the girls having distinguished themselves at golf and tennis. Charles Eattray, the one brother in a tolerably large family, is also a golfer, but it was as a footballer and a cricketer that he made a name for himself in the domain of sport in Dunedin. " Charlie " was one of the most popular of the old D.F.C., which might be called the parent of Eugby football in New Zealand. # * # Miss Bell, of whose skill in the hockey field we have recently had ample evidence, saved the credit of Wellington by carrying off the prize in the handicap match with an excellent score. Mrs Pearce, the champion of the Wellington Ladies' Club, also played well, and at one stage it was thought she would have a say in the championship. Miss Scott, the Dunedin player, did not seem to be quite in her best form. Of the Christchurch ladies, Mrs Wilder and Mrs Vernon maintained the reputation of their club. * » * On Saturday evening Dr Martin gave a dinner to fourteen of his bachelor friends, who, needless to say, thoroughly enjoyed themselves under the jovial doctor's hospitable roof. Each and all of the bachelors were up bright and early (Continued on Page 9.)

next morning, so the wines and cigars must have been of the best. Eeport sayeth that one of the young bachelors excelled himself as an after-dinner speaker. # # * The seventh annual ball of the Women's Social and Political League was held last Monday in the Sydney-street Schoolroom, and was very largely attended. The hall was prettily decorated with flags and drapeues of yellow and searlet — the colours of the League— and globes of the same two colours over the footlights made the sta^e, with its comfortable seats and foliage "plants, look very picturesque. The music was good, and the dancers entered into the programme with spirit— old and young footing it with a will. There were seemingly no wall flowers at all— a happy state of things, and one that betokened good management on the part of the council. The Premier, Mrs Seddon, and Miss Seddon arrived at 10.30 from the Opera House- A beautiful bouquet of yellow and crimson flowers was presented to Mrs Seddon, the Premier being decorated with a boutonmere of the same. # * Mrs Schoch wore yellow brocade with trellis-work of scarlet velvet ; Mrs Wmss black brocade with crimson veiled with lace- Mrs P. Hutson, black silk with tucked chiffon sleeves and red roses on the bodice, and Mrs Moore, white brocade with passementerie. Mrs Wilson had on an amber brocade with red poppies, Mrs Barr, heliotrope and violets, Mrs Barnes black moire, and Miss Barnes a cream frock. Mrs Kennedy Macdouald wore a black and crimson brocade, and Mrs Jenkinson pink brocade blouse and black silk skirt. Mrs Truman wore navy-blue Bilk, Miss Mountjoy pale blue, Mrs M'Lean black satin, Miss M'Lean white and red, and Miss Clisby cream. A dark slim girl in a soft black frock with some ]et about it, and a knot of red ribbon on the shoulder, looked very well. An emerald satin frock with folds of chiffon round the low bodice was very striking, and a heliotrope silk gown with touches of pink and some jewelled trimming was decidedly pretty. So was a white cashmere frock with transparent lace sleeves, worn by a fair-haired girl. * • * Apropos of the servant question, Mr Dooleys opinions are worth hearing, .tie claims to have discovered a soiution of the difficulty. He says :-" If ye wantto save throuble, I says, yell import ye er help. They'se a race iv people in Central Africa that'd be just r-right. They niver sleep, they can carry twice their weight on their backs, they have no friends, they wear no clothes, they can't read, they can't dance, and they don't dhrmk. Te fact is they're thoroughly one-dycated. If ye cud teach thim to cook an take care iv childer they'd be th' best servants in the wurruld." • • * In France the Government has established an order of washerwomen, giving to the most efficient medals and diplomas. The same thing might be done with servants, andmightresult in raisingthe standard of efficiency. The charwoman question is one that affects Parliament closely. The Premier might perhaps see his way to forming an order for that hard-working class with competitive examinations and public presentations. This would have a good result at general elections, and give plenty of opportunities for speeches. There are infinite possibilities in the proposal. * * * The latest thing in Wellington is to have one's picture taken by the lightning photographer. His studio is an example of the few "properties" necessary for " shadow-catching," and his method is as simple as his surroundings. You nx up" your hair at a glass in a wide, bare room, that has in the corner a curtain, behind which are heard short, stern orders The curtain lifts, the last subject comes out. and you enter. The operator is a young man, whose business is apparently so brisk that he has not had time to have his hair cut. You sit down, are taken in four different positions, one with a smile— this he insists on— and then you, as Mr Hannibal Williams says, '' pass out." It is the quickest on record, and there is a constant stream of people coming and going. The results are varied, but, for the money, are astonishing. Yours truly, Phillida.

The dance given by the College Old Boys in the Sydney-street Schoolroom on Tuesday was most enjoyable. Amongst the ladies present were the following:— Mrs Tregear, red silk; Mrs beddon, black silk? white cloak ; Mrs McDonald, black and gold brocade ; Mrs Blundell, black ; Mrs Gilmer, black silk, red cloak ; Mrs Van Syke, black satin and lace ; Mrs

Galbraith, white brocade ; Miss Koch, yellow satin ; Miss M. McGregor, white silk ; Miss Seddon, white and pink ; Miss M. Seddon, white; Miss Barron, yellow silk ; Misses Grant and Young, red silk; Miss E. Young, white; Miss Heywood, white net; Miss E. Heywood, white and pink ; Miss PetLitt, white and red ; Miss L. Pettitt, white (debutante), Miss Gihner, white silk ; Miss F. Gihner, black satin ; Miss McChatchie, black silk blue velvet : Miss Page, white silk ; Miss Bendall, white and pink; Miss McNeil, black and red; Miss Morecroft, yellow and violets ; Miss Ashbolt, black satin ; Miss L. Ashbolt, black and blue ; Miss Lockie, white ; Miss Lockie, pink ; Miss McDonald, white silk ; Miss Tregear, pink ; Miss Louisson, white and pink ; Miss I. Blundell, blue silk ; Miss Wills, cerise silk ; Miss Y. Wills, white muslin ; Miss Hannah, blue silk ; Miss J. Hannah, white silk; Miss Hennah, white silk; Miss Morshead, pink silk; Miss L. Morshead, white silk.