Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 53, 6 July 1901, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

DEAR CHRIbTABEL — OF course even though comparisons are odious, that does not prevent people from drawing them, and it is amusing to listen to the various conclusions on the various receptions in the different towns. Dunedin was the most enthusiastic, the review at Christchurch the most interesting function, and so on. Poor Auckland and Wellington come off rather badly. But it must be lemembered that we were handicapped by the weather. It is very easy to be enthusiastic under blue skies, and on dry ground , it is much more difficult when one is standing in a puddle, or sitting on a sodden plank, and the rain from an umbrellar— not your own — is making its way down the back of your neck. Dunedin could put on its best clothes, and cheer wildly. Wellington had to take its walks abroad prepared for the worst. On the whole, we were extraordinarily enthusiastic, and loyal colds are quite the order of the day. * • ♦ There is nothing at all to smile at when a fire is threatening to reduce one's house to ashes, but, afterwards, many little humorous events are remembered. Some of the costumes at the Terrace School fire were extremely funny One lady was attired in a sealskin coat over a dressing-gown another in a white silk opera cloak and a morning skirt, while yet another had the presence of mind to save her best hat, perching it at a jaunty angle on her dishevelled locks One devoted wife rushed out with a bundle of her husband's photographs in one hand, and her comb, brush, and hairpins in the other. , ♦ * She was sure, she explained, she could find some handy doorstep on which to do up her hair. It says still more for her wifely devotion when she forgot her purse! A new reception gown was trailing its black satin and oet length on a garden path, until it was rescued by its owner. Altogether, the scene was chaos for a time. As usual, there is nothing but praise for the firemen and for Captain Hugo, who actually found time, m the thick of the contest, to speak a cheery word to a little weeping maiden. Mr. Moore, the seamen's missioner, too. was on the spot, and, as usual, helped in every way he could. * • * It seems a pity that the energy and the musical talents of the undergraduates should be thrown away on such an unappreciative audience as their ViceChancellor, professors, and such-like. In these interruptions of the diploma ceremony, they are following, presumably, the precedent of the older universities. There are, however, some customs more honoured m the breach than in the obseivance, and if the diplomas could be given without musical accompaniments, the graduates might organise an entertainment, and start the nucleus of a fund to endow a chair of music for the university. * * * Much sympathy has been expressed for the Duchess, leaving, as she did, her babies so many miles behind her. But, everything has been done to soften the hardship of the separation. In Her Royal Hiorhness's private cabin on board the Ophir there is said to be a phonograph, containing records of many of the childish sayings and last messages. Not only can the Duchess hear her children's voices, but, by turning the handle of a cinematograph she can see her children at play. * • • It is interesting to learn that the Duchess of York is a "good catch," in the cricket signification of the term. On leaving England, and driving through Portsmouth, she caught very deftly a bunch of violets a young lady threw at her and, raising it to her lips, "brought down" the crowd. She might have had some practice had she wished it at Rotorua, for some of the chiefs and high-born dames were so fired by loyalty that they pulled off their mats, ran to the front of the grandstand, and threw them up over the railing behind which sat the Royal party. There was a sumptuousness about the Maori generosity that was as uncommon as it was picturesque.

The stall-holders of the Maoriland Bazaar ought to feel much pleased at the result of their efforts. The affair went off without a hitch — at least, as far as the outside public were concerned—and the articles sold were generally well worth their price, another point of difference between this and other bazaars. As for the raffles — well, the many that lost money had to be content with the gambling thrill of excitement, and the one who gained was eminently satisfied with her shilling'sworth. # It is an extraordinary tiring how superstitious even this hard-headed, unsentimental age is. Odd numbers still have their attraction in a raffle, and a "lucky" person is much sought after as a sort of "mascotte." Speaking from the gloomy view of one who never yet won anything in a raffle, the chances of winning anything seem in inverse proportion to the desire you have to gain it. Otherwise, why do gay young bachelors get the most beautiful dolls, and the most delectable of cakes fall to those who must eschew such dainties? • • * A good many women would give something to have a peep at the Duchess's jewel-box. There has been much controversy as to which were the most beautiful, her pearls or diamonds but the general opinion is the latter. There certainly is something marvellously fine in a flashing coronet and a diamond necklace. At the afternoon reception the Duchess wore a long diamond chain, the gems increasing in size, and on her black frock it looked exquisite. • • • A propos of jewels, I was shown, the other day, the sleeve-links presented by their Royal Highnesses to Mr. Donne, the head' of the Tourist Department, and the man to whom much of the success of the Royal progress is due. lfte links are of the loveliest workmanship, the tiny crown in pearls and the Royal initials being seen under a curved race of rock-crystal. Even the brooches the Duchess gave to Sophia and Maggie, the Whakarewarewa guides, were exquisite works of art, dainty circles in crimson enamel and gold, with again the crown and initials. • • ♦ Miss Webb-Bowen has been staying with Mrs. Amehus Smith. * * * Mrs. James Hislop, who has been stopping for a month or two in Wellington, left for her home in Dunedin this week. On Thursday morning of last week she gave an enjoyable morning tea a form of dissipation that is delightful on these frosty clear mornings when one's appetite is as keen as the air, and a clear fire and a cozy room most acceptable. Among those present were Mrs. and Miss McKerrow, Miss Elspie McLean (from Dunedin), Lady Ward, Mrs. Waldegrave, Miss Chrissie Smith, Miss Hey wood, Mrs McEwan, and Miss Webb-Bowen. ♦ ♦ ♦ Mrs. Hisloo also gave a very enjoyable afternoon tea on Friday to a number of guests. Delicious cakes and tea were served, and several of those invited played and sang. * » * Mrs. McEwen leaves this week for a visit to her husband's relations, in Canada. She is to spend some time with Mrs. Ruddick.

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The Roman Empire, nigh foigotten, Once exeicised a mighty sway, But like some buildings old and rotten, Was left to crumble and decay. The human body needs attention, In ordei to long life absure, For coughs and colds we've but to mention W. E. Woods' Great Peppermint Cuke.

The Committee which arranged the University dance, which was given in honour of those who received their degrees on "Capping Day," Wednesday 26th, are to be congratulated upon, the successful result of their energy, for a jollier dance has never been held in the High School. Minifie supplied good music, and everyone had a most enjoyable time. * • • Amongst those present were — Professor and Mrs. Brown, the latter wearing a very handsome frock of black jewelled net: Professor and Mrs. Easterfield (whose dress of cream brocade was relieved with clusters of Neapolitan violets) ; Mrs. Longton, in cream silk , Mrs. Dewes (Hawke's Bay), in pink, with straps of black velvet. Miss Van Staveren was in white silk ; Miss Edwards, black satin, prettily draped with white lace, Miss Waldegrave, white embroidered muslin ; Miss Brandon, white satin. * • • Miss Foster wore white silk ; Miss Butt, pretty frock of white muslin, Miss Beere, blue silk dress; Miss Ross, white silk , Mis 3 Cope, maize silk, and black velvet; Miss Gretchen Cope, white muslin ; Miss Smith, sky-blue silk blouse, black satin skirt; the Misses Logan, dainty frocks of white tucked silk , Miss Griffiths, becoming frock of old gold silk, with black chiffon. The Misses Roberts were in white. Many other pretty frocks were worn, but, as the room was a little bit crowded, they did not show to advantage. * * • Amongst the gentlemen present were the Professors of the University, Dr. Logan, and Messrs. Gawith, Richter, Devine, Sladden, Simpson, Pye-Smith, Beere, Atkinson, Longton, Fleming, Logan, and Lee. • • • Miss Borlase's assembly, on Friday, June 28th, was another jolly dance, about sixty euests being present, but, aa T was unable to be there, I cannot describe the frocks worn. The next assembly is to be held on Friday, July sth. • • « The dance organised by a committee of ladies and gentlemen, and held on Thursday evening, June 27th, in the Masonic Hall, proved a great success, and was much enjoyed by all present. An excellent supper was provided by Mr. G. Mawson, and Miss Hawthorne supplied the dance music. # • ♦ Amongst the ladies present I noticed Mrs. Maysmore, wearing black brocade ; Mrs. Harton, also in black; Mrs. Knowles, pale green silk blouse, black satin skirt; Miss Suisted (Westport), pretty frock of white silk, frilled and trimmed with pearl applique. Miss Darling wore a black satin dress. Mrs. Bryce (Rangitikei) was also wearing black satin, relieved with beautiful lace. Miss Palmer-Clark's frock, of petunia silk, with straps of black velvet, was much admired, and Miss M. PalmerClark wore maize silk and violets. Miss Maysmore looked well in black satin. Miss Ida Maysmore (debutante) was wearing a dainty frock of soft white mu«lin, slightly trained, and finished with straps of satin. * • » An extremely pretty frock of black jewelled net was worn by Miss Harton. Miss Howard wore white silk ; Miss Webb, yellow satin ; Miss Stevenson, a black silk frock , Miss Welch, pink lustre and ruby velvet: Miss J. Welch, cream. The Misses Banks were in white muslin. Miss Salmon was wearing cream silk, with a black velvet rosette. Miss Petrie's pretty dress was of white silk and insertion. The Misses Johnson and Howard also wore white silk frocks. Miss Henderson was m pink, and Miss Best (Auckland) white silk frock, with transparent lace sleeves. * ♦ • Some of the gentlemen present were Messrs. Russell, Evett, Harton, Kettle, Darling, Foster, Howard, Pownall, Smith, Marriner, Stevenson, Maysmore, Rudman, Henderson, Curtis Baradeux, Falkner, Cameron, Stavely, Ward, and many others. • » ♦ Miss Webb-Bowen, who has been visiting Mrs. Amelius Smith, has returned to Nelson. • • • Miss Kate Best, a well-known and popular soprano, of Auckland, has come to reside in Wellington, which is only a fair exchange for Miss Mount, who so often delighted a Wellington audience with her sweet singing, and who has lately gone to live in the Northern city. ♦ * * There lias been a general exodus of visitors during; the last few days. Trains, crowded with passengers, have been steaming out of town, leaving us rather lonely, very flat, and not altogether sorry that the wonderful visit is a thing of the past. Amusing incidents were the order of the day when country folks were much "en evidence." One old man, Ti\ho might have been a bushfaller wa.s heard to remark "that he had seen the Duke of York three times,

but was very disappointed that he had not caught a glimpse of the Duke of Cornwall," and a "domestic" was equally amusing when she said "that the Duchess looked 'fine,' and the Duke 'very grand' riding alongside the carriage." » • • « Funny incidents, too, occurred farther North, and two Wellington men, who were thoroughly enjoying a dip in a hot spring at Wairakei, will not soon forget their feelings when they overheard a fellow-bather say, "By Jove, this is fine, I haven't had a hot bath for eleven years." One glance at the man (whom they had not before noticed) convinced them that the remark was trup, and their exit from the bath was hurried, if not dignified. * * * One of the fashionable modistes in Wellington tells me that the firm by which she is employed have got word that in London gold trimmings and buttons are so fearfully overdone that a complete revulsion has set in, and now silver is being used in preference. Silver braiding is used on all the most fashionable costumes, and oxidised silver buttons are considered very chic. This is a hint to the local haut ton that they will highly appreciate, now that they will have to go slow for a while with their depleted purses. • • • It is always difficult to find something new and smart in the way of a collar, but a dainty idea is the tulle swathe, ending in a large choux under the left ear. Tulle is most softening to the face. Chiffon or ribbon is also used in this way ; satin ribbon looks the best. * • * The tight-fitting skirt of to-day will not allow lovely woman to possess such a useful appendage as a pocket. Now, what are we to do? I have noticed some people retire to a secluded corner, and there turn up their skirts to get at the pocket in the petticoat beneath. But this is a barbarous idea. There is no help for it, we must carry one of those little hand-bags whose shapes, sizes, and styles are so numerous. That is all very well for the afternoon toilette, but what about evening dress? No pocket of any kind is possible. There is scope for invention here. I have just been shown a lovely design for a half-mourning toilette. The skirt was finished round the hem with three perfectly flat tucks, each one about two inches wide. These formed a kind of flounce, above which there were fine strappings of cloth finely stitched. The upper part of the skirt was perfectly plain and tight-fitting, and at the waist there was a broad Empire belt of dark violet panne. The bodice, which was of pale lilac silk in blouse form, was strapped with stitched cloth, and worn under a bolero coat of lilac cloth, trimmed also with strapped stitching, finished with revers and a sailor collar of dark violet panne, covered with real Irish point lace. It makes a r&allv elegant design for a fair woman. A delightful party was given by Mrs. T. H. Hamer, at her residence, Wellington Terrace, last Friday evening. The rooms were artistically decorated, in blue and yellow, and some fifty or sixty ladies and gentlemen took part in the dancing. Amongst the most notable dresses were the following • — Mrs. Hamer, yellow silk and buttercups; Mrs. Seddon, black silk; Mrs. Bean, cream silk ; Mrs. Dyer, black satin ; Mrs. Kennedy, black satin and red flowers; Mrs. Donne, black silk and lace; Miss Fairchild, blue satin; Miss Young, red silk and Maltese lace Miss Ruby Young, cream silk and blue sash ; Miss Pettit, black silk and pink flowers; Miss McDonald, cream silk: Miss Tregear, white muslin , Miss Hyde, white silk; Miss Hay, white silk. The gentlemen present included Messrs. Branfill, Sutcliffe, Tripe (2), Reid (2), Holmes, Gilmer, Dodd, Kennedy, Fairchild, and Swift. The Rangitikei Hunt Club held their annual ball at Marton, on Friday, June 28th. The success of this ball, the most popular of each season, is always certain, but this year it proved more successful than ever, and visitors coming from far and wide declare that as hosts the Rangitikei huntsmen are not to be beaten. The room was beautifully decorated with flags, ferns, etc., and the floor perfect until late in the evening, when the drip, drip from the roof completely spoilt it. The music was splendid, and the supper, catered by Mr. S. Gibbons, of the White Hart Hotel, all that could be desired. • • • Three members of the Hunt Clvb — Messrs. Fitzherbert, Aldworth, and GaJpin — who have lately returned from Africa, were present, and were warmly welcomed by their friends. Amongst the guests present I noticed : Mrs. Riddiford, in black, with a very pretty bolero of steel- Mrs. H. H. Marshall, black satin , Mrs. W. C. Birch, a beautiful dress of black moire; Mr. and Mrs. Jamieson (South Island), the latter wearing a very striking frock of green, with black luco overskirt , Mrs.

R. Fitzherbert, a black sequinned net. Mrs. A. Fitzherbert was also in black. Miss Esam's black frock was trimmed with steel, and had sleeves of lace. Mrs. Taverner was in pale green brocade, Miss Tanner (Hawke's Bay), a lovely dress of pale blue brocade; Miss Ross, white silk; Miss R. Ross, blue velvet. Miss Kennedy wore blue broche. Miss Flora Brandon (Wellington) was in maize silk, prettily tucked. Miss Tennant wore green silk, finished with black velvet. Miss Nancy Wilson wore a sweet frock of flowered silk, with tiny rosebuds. Miss Keiller's pale blue silk had an underskirt made with tiny flounces of ecru muslin. Miss McKenzi© wore blue. • * « A large number of interested on-look-ers witnessed the "Point-to-Point" next day. The weather was fine, but cruelly cold, so smart frocks were completely hidden by warm wraps. Mrs. W. C. Birch was wearing a lovely long fawn coat, with much fur; Miss N. Wilson, a smart dark gray habit, with scarlet collar. The wins were very popular: — Mr. Hamish Wilson (heavy weights), Mr. Brown (light weights), and Mr. McLean the farmers' race. The prizes were: A large gong, a small gong, and a clock. * * * A pretty wedding was celebrated at St. Mark's Church, Sussex Square, on Wednesday, June 26th, when Miss Lilian Moore was married to Mr. Ernest E. Beckway. The Rev. E. T. Wynne Bond was the officiating clergyman, and the ceremony was witnessed by a large number of guests. The bride, who was given away by Mr. Charles Hollis, wore a very handsome dress of white brocaded satin, trimmed with silk embroidered chiffon, and sprays of orange blossoms. She also wore the orthodox veil, and carried a beautiful shower bouquet. • • * The bridesmaids, eight in number, were prettily attired, the Misses Winnifred, Mabel and Rose (sisters of the bride) wore dainty frocks of white Parisian lawn insertioned, and soft fichus of muslin. The Misses Evelyn and Violet Moore were dressed in pretty white muslins, finished with frills and sashes of chiffon, becoming chiffon hats, and carried bouquets; while the two youngest maids, the Misses Maud and Doris Hollis, looked most picturesque in their frocks of white silk and chiffon. They wore large leghorn hats, and carried crooks. Mr. Ernest P. Andrews was best man, and Mr. H. W. Andrews acted as groomsman. As the wedding part 3' left the church the "Wedding March" was played by Mr. Lawrence Watkins, Mus. Bac. * * # At the conclusion of the ceremony a great number of guests were entertained at the residence of the bride's mother, where the wedding breakfast was served. In the evening also a reception was held, and greatly enjoyed. The bridegroom's present to the bride was a handsome gold brooch. The bridesmaids also received brooches as gifts from, the bridegroom. The presents received by the happy couple were numerous and costly, and included a marble clock from Messrs Andrews and Manthel, the firm with which the bridegroom is connected. During the afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Beckway left for the Hutt Valley, where the honeymoon is to be spent. The bride's travelling dress was of blue cloth, trimmed with white satin and passementerie and hat en suite. * # * A charming wedding of much interest to numerous friends was solemnised at St. Andrew's Church on June sth, be" tween Mr. Arthur Andrews, of Wellington, and Miss Nelly Neal, second daughter of Mr. J. Neal, of New Plymouth. The Rev. Mr. Hogg performed the ceremony. The bride, who was tastefully dressed in light grey, with cream satin insertion, carried a beautiful bouquet of pure white blossoms. Veiled, and with the usual wreath of orange blossoms, the bride looked particularly dainty. She wore a handsome gold brooch, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr. P. G. Talbot gave the bride away. ♦ • • The bridesmaids were Miss Talbot and Miss Ethel Talbot, and were dressed in white muslin with Valenciennes lace and canary silk sashes, white felt hats, trimmed with white silk and tips, and wore gold brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom ; they also carried bouquets. Mr. C. Desmond acted as best man. After the ceremony the party proceeded to the residence of Mr. Talbot. on Thorndon Quay, where the wedding breakfast was served, and the health of the happy couple was toasted with musical honours. In the evening a large party of friends gathered, and a pleasant time was spent, songs being contributed bv Mesdames Talbot and Haldane, Misses Robinson and Cowan, and Messrs. Robinson, Freeman, Bell, Ritson, D. Andrews, Cowan, and D. Skinner. Miss Talbot, assisted bv Mr. Martin, presided at the piano. A large number of costly and useful presents were received by the happy couple.