Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 17, 27 October 1900, Page 8

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

Dear Christabel — NOBODY will deny that the plot of " La Poupee " is impossible, and Launcelot must have been the densest of mortals not to discover that the doll was pretty Alesia. But, idiotic as it is, it is a very clever fooling, and the audience was with the actors from beginning to end. Indeed, in one of the few silences, a woman's voice was heard from the stalls in absolutely uncontrollable mirth, and it did one's heart good to hear the children laugh. They have no fears of stretching their mouths or shocking les convenances. Launcelot looked too charming in his grey and white snit ; May Beatty was marvellous as the Doll ; and Percy was at his best, and that is saying a great deal indeed. His model theatre was much admired. Only one thing was wanting — the fascinating little artist himself to point out its perfections, saying " All my work ! " * • # There was nothing very startling in the way of frocks in the circle. Two pretty sisters had on dainty glittering blouses under their kmgtheatre cloaks, one of which was grey trimmed with fur, and the other blue, with a long cape embroidered with white. Here and there one saw a bright silk blouse, but, as a rule, there was nothing remarkable. New frocks must wait for the Christchurch carnival, where, it is whispered, are to be seen all sorts of fascinating imported gowns. Let us hope Phoebus Apollo will be curious, too, to see the very latest from London or Paris. It would be too dismal if rain were to damp the gaieties, or a nor'-wester make havoc of muslins and millinery. * * * How sad it is to be a politician, at least a politician who takes his responsibilities seriously. Captain Russell, in order to " swot up," as the boys call it, the rights and wrongs of the purchase of the Manawatu Bailway, hurried up his dinner. But the Minister in charge went one better. He had no time for dinner at all, and had to satisfy hiiuseif with the reflection of what he was giving up for his country's sake ! This ought to be brought prominently before the public at the next elections. * # * If one can trust the glowing descriptions of Fiji it must be an island Paradise, and we would do well to transfer ourselves and our belongings there. Climate is ravishing, vegetation luxuriant, and fortunes to be made by a minimum of labour. " Tickle the earth with a hoe, and it will smile." According to Mr Russell, however, the inhabitants of Fiji suffer under the same political afflictions as we do, and federation with New Zealand is not likely to help them. The servant question, however, is more easily solved there, for coolies — the very name is delicious in tropic islands — are to be had for a very low wage. I had the honour of meeting a Hindoo c7ie/in Suva, the aroma of whose curry haunts my memory yet. He was not only useful, but he was most ornamental as well. With the orange and scarlet draperies about his slim bronze figure he was a perpetual feast of colour. • • • Parliament is over, and according to our professions or our proclivities, we offer thanks or express regret. It ended with a farce, an intentional farce, and it was astonishing what unexpected humour was possessed by some of the members, Mr Gilfedder, translating Mr Frasers Maori into English was most comical. He did not understand Maori, but that was a mere detail. An interpreter was called for by Mr Pirani — who was the Chairman of the mock Parliament — in order to translate Mr Twomey's " Italian" into something more comprehensible. The Councillor had no business at all in the Chamber, but on Saturday night the House got considerably mixed. The passages and doorways were crowded with all the officials in the buildings, the whole of the Hansard staff appeared in their little gallery, and, climax of all, Mr Jackson Palmer's laughing face was seen behind the Ministers' wives in that holiest of holies, the Peeresses's Gallery !

Mr Pirani made a most amusing Chairman. Members complained bitterly that they did not see him at all, and that, if they did, they never knew when he was standing up. A candle-box for Mr Pirani to stand on was proposed. The fun grew fast and furious, and finally Mr Barclay, who had been dragged — literally — to the Bar ot the House for some imaginary misdemeanour, was seen, with the help of Mr A. D. Fraser, circling it amid the roars of the members. # * * A very piquant contrast to the uproarious fun of the mock Parliament must have been the solemn procession of the black-robed Speaker, preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms holding the mace, to Government House. The proceedings there seem shrouded in mystery to the ordinary person. It is rumoured that Colonel Fraser goes backward before Sir Maurice all the way. It was a remarkably muddy way, by the bye, on Saturday night. Very stately was the Speaker as he thanked the House for his unexpected increase in salary, and bade good-bye to the members. As they trooped past him, shaking hands and saying farewell, they looked like a lot of irresponsible boys going off for the holidays. # # • Why is it that the clerk of the weather is so unkind to the swimming tournaments ? The weather on Saturday was atrocious, but it made no difference, as Sir Eobert Stout said, to the competitors. Quite a number of little mermaidens swam in one race, a dark-haired lassie (who seemed as much at home in the water as on the land) winning. It was highly intei*esting watching the two men arranging the girls before the race. This process was about as easy as drilling a brood of chickens, and evoked sarcastic comment and any amount of gratis advicp from the onlookers. One man made a sensational dive from the roof of one of the cupolas. We watched him creep round the narrow parapet, poise himself, and plunge (amid cheers) into the water. It was fine, but unpleasant to watch. As one waded back from the baths, one came to the conclusion that sunshine is necessary to thoroughly enjoy a swimming tournament in. » • # Mrs Quick invited a number of guests on Thursday of last week to meet Mrs Percy Adams, of Nelson, who has been staying at Sanford. The afternoon was very pleasant, the rooms not overcrowded, the refreshments delicious, and the music excellent, Mrs. Adams' songs especially being a rare treat. As it was an utterly hopeless day, and the heavy rain forbade smart frocks, most of the ladies wore tailor-made gowns. Mrs Quick had on a handsome black brocade trimmed with jet, Miss Quick wearing a dainty silver grey lustre with white silk zouave, and a pink fringed silk scarf, and her sister a dark green frock with sleeves and front of striped lettuce-green silk, and a scarf of exquisite lace draped from the neck to the belt. Mrs Adams' lovely gown was of wedgewood blue voile with tucked silk yoke and lace appliques. The rooms were sweet with flowers, the tea-table being decorated charmingly with lilac and. Devoniensis roses. A. pleasant and rare feature was the number of men who were among the guests. * • • A vague rumour, discussed in horrified whispers over afternoon tea-cups, is gradually gaining shape. It is that it is possible that, should women be asked to Government House to meet the Duke and Duchess of York, full court dress may be de rigeur. This has caused some perturbation among those whose purses are not as long as their loyalty is keen, and who do not feel justified in spending a small fortune on a court train and ostrich feathers. No one seems absolutely certain whether or not this will be required. If the edict to this effect goes forth, it will have the result of preventing many a woman from accepting the Vice-Regal invitation. Nous Verrons. In the meantime, it is a question that our men-folk also ought to be interested in, as out of their pockets will come the price of the finery, without which we may not enter the presence of the Royal visitors. * # # There will be a considerable exodus from Wellington next week to attend the Christchurch gaieties. So crowded are the hotels that the managers it is said have been obliged to temporarily divorce married couples, and fit up dormitories for men on one side of the building and women on the other. The arrangement will be reminiscent of boarding-school days, only the fun will be absent. The delights of a pillow fight or sticky surrep. titious suppers cannot be indulged in when you have not been introduced to the other inmates of your dormitory. However, (Continued on Page 9.)

if it is a question between this arrangement, wandering homeless through the streets of Christchurch, or staying at home, there is little doubt which the average woman woul 1 choose. * * * A progressive euchre party was given by Mrs Prouse on Tuesday last. Quite a number of tables were filled with the guests, and, after an amusing contest, Madame Merz succeeded in winning the first prize, a charming reticule, embroidered in ribbon, worked by the hostess herself. Miss Kane won the booby prize, a pretty ivory and silver shoe-horn and button-hook, Herr Hoppe gaining the first gentleman's prize, a notebook, and Mr Somerville, for the lowest score, a bundle of cigars. The supper table was beautifully decorated with yellow roses and lilies of the valley. There was excellent music. It goes without saying that this was exceptionally good, and that every item was listened to with pleasure. Mr Prouse sang magnificently, and his daughters and Mr W. Prouse, Herr Hoppe, and Mr Tovvsey all contributing delightful music- Mrs Prouse wore black silk, with lace and jet, Miss Prouse pale blue and white lace sleeves, and her sister white muslin with pale pink bebe velvet ribbons. Yours truly, Phillida.

Mrs H. B. Mason closed her dancing season with a very successful plain and fancy dress ball at her private hall in Ghuznee-street on Friday the 19fch inst. The hall was very tastefully decorated with red, white and blue hangings, Eastern lanterns and evergreens, which reflected great credit on the committee, who worked hard, and were rewarded by the thorough enjoj'naent of all. About sixty couples were present, and the dresses, both plain and fancy, being very effective, added brilliancy to the scene. Mrs H. B. Mason impersonated a Student; Mrs Gyles, Turkish lady; Mrs Tanner, Lily of the Valley ; Miss Gyles, Scotch lassie; Miss Poate, Queen of Hearts; Miss Wilson, Portia; Miss E. Jolly, Colonial girl; Miss E. Clark, Ireland ; Miss L. Smith, Miss Millie Jolly, and Miss Quin, Canada; Miss Brill, Miss Spedding, and Miss McGee, Forget-me-not ; Miss Frost, red, white and blue ; Miss Colvet, Swiss peasant; Miss Bowman, the Geisha; Miss Simmons, winter; Miss Roberts, Evening Star ; Miss Macvicor, Aunt Tabitha ; Miss Naylor, Morning Star; Miss Green, Hearts are Trumps; Miss Hunwich, Eomp; Miss Armitage, Mantana ; Miss Compton, Summer ; Mr Compton, Turk ; Mr Macgregor, cyclist ; Mr Rosenburg, cyclist; Mr Armstrong, Nigger; Mr Love, Nigger; Mr Kitchen, yachtsman; Mr Rose, Robin Hood; Mr E. Barnes, valet. Dancing was kept up till an early hour in the morning. A flashlight photo was taken by Mr H. Brown (Willis-street) during the evening. Mr Bedell, Mr Buist, and Mr Anton made excellent M.C.'s, while Minifies string band provided first-class music. A very enjoyable supper was served in a large marquee in front of the hall. The ball closed with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne," and three hearty cheers were given for Mrs Mason.

New Zealand's warm and lovely clime Is not without its sudden changes, More noticed in the winter time When hail and snow fall on the ranges. The wind blows hard and biting cold, And finds our weakest paits for suie, And gives us coughs until we're told To take some Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. — Advt.