Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 57, 3 August 1901, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

Dear Christabel — W«} have not had such a musical treat as M. Gerardy's paying for a long time — perhaps, never before. The little, slim boy — for he seemed no more— made his instrument utter the most marvellous of tones. It was a very feast of harmony, and the rows of motionless, listening faces, and the absolute silence in the Opera House, proved how the exquisite' music had thrilled Jus audience. Not more wonderful than his playing was the enthusiasm it evoked from what those outside Wellington consider the coolest and most critical of people. To hear the cheering repeated again and again, and the hurrahs that broke out at the end, bringing the young musician — hand on heart — to bow his acknowledgments was to experience a thrill which was a'most worth the entrance money. • • * One could have wished that the great little musician could have seen his way to bestow on his rapturous admirers one smile, but his face was strangely immobile, and his only outward sign of emotion was the emphatic shake of his luxuriant hair. He wears this artistically long, perhaps to emphasise the shake. Everything he played was charming, but "La Jeune Mere" was the selection whose simple sweetness touched most hearts. It was a picture in music, and the realism was increased by the sound of a childish voice, just as the closing notes died away, saying "Mother." It was a quaintly appropriate finish. • • • Miss Jeanne Ramsay, who assisted at the first two concerts, did not sing on Saturday evening. The Wellington Orchestral Society, under the conductorship of Mr. R. Parker, played very well indeed, "Elf-land," an item all too short, being exquisitely dainty. Mr. Phillip the pianiste, accompanies M. Jean Gerardy marvellously. • • • In the circle, which was full, was Miss Seddon, in black silk, with white lace berthe, with Mrs. Witheford, 'in black brocade. Sir Joseph Ward and Lady Ward were present, the latter in a jetted black frock, and a beautiful grey cloak, with pink linings. Mr. and Miss Coates brought a party, consisting of Mr Bullpr, Mrs. Greenwood in black and turquoise, with fur shoulder straps, and Mrs. Stott, in white elace w ith jetted net overskirt and white chiffon bodice. Miss Coates wore black brocade, with white vest and steel-em-broidered rpvers. Mrs. Nelson wore black and white brocade; Miss Nelson, a long led coat, with white fur. Mrs,. Dean was in black silk. Miss Williams wore a purple cloak, with grey fur, Miss Elfie, a long crimson brocade coat, with velvet revers, and Miss Una, w lute silk Mrs. Fitchett was dressed in black, with jet embroidery Mrs. Findlay in pink and jet, and Miss Stafford in white silk. • • » Mrs. Gavin wore black and white, Mrs. Dibley amber silk and black, MiivS White, ivory satin blouse, with point lace insertion, and black satin skirt. Mis. Hislop's gown was, of black brocade Miss Hislop, white, with turquoise. Miss Stowe had on a long, red, fur-trimmed coat , Miss Lingard, black and pale green, her sister being in paleblue and white Miss Haase wore a white lace blouse, and black skirt. Miss Louisson was in green silk, Mrs. Loughnan, black, Miss Fraser pale-blue and lace. Miss Kirkcaldie's opera coat was of bnght blue, edged with white fur. Mrs. Gcddis woie black silk • • • Sir Joseph and Lady W T ard entertained a number of friends on Saturday afternoon. The beautiful drawingroom was filled with people but Lady Ward is a graceful hostess, and the Postmaster-General is the most genial of hosts, i and things went gaily. Ministers forgot lands administration and the Estimates, and let themselves go Sir Joseph Ward himself sang "There bound to be a row," with intense feeling, and the Minister for Customs warbled, without the hindrance of an accompaniment, a well-known Irish ditty. There is any amount of musical talent on the Ministerial benches that comes out at convivial gatherings like

this. Mr. Carroll especially has a fine voice, and is most entertaining. A Maori member gave, by speciaJ request, extremely amusing imitations of birds, and there was also a recitation by one of the guests. After an impromptu and excellent musical programme had been gone through, an adjournment was made to the large marquee, erected near the steps, where most delicious refreshments were set out. Altogether, the affair was a most successful one, and those invited enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Lady Ward wore a heliotrope foulard blouse, and a black satin skirt. » » « Here is a, new charity device — hailing from America — for drawing the re'uctant pennies out of people's pockets. American ladies when giving a birthday party, send with every invitation a small bag, w hich has to be taken back by each guest, not empty, but containing a number of cents, corresponding strictly with the number of years of the hostess's age. No one, apparently, thinks of evading this trifling tax, which causes much merriment to the cornpanv and provides the poor with a few much-valued comforts. Probably a woman who gives a birthday party has no occasion to mind her correct age being known. What a fearful struggle between truth and charity on the one hand, and a laudable wish to keep young on the other, would take place in some women's breasts' A variation of this, by which every guest should bring in her bag pennies for each year of her own age, might be suggested. How r ever, it is feared such out-of-the-way plans for "raising the wind" will never become popular. • • • Talking of charity naturally brings up the idea of bazaars. One member, at least, got quitei emphatic in the House last week on the subiect of raffles. He denounced them as a form of gambling, and alluded in scathing terms to "the bald-headed old roue that frequents Church bazaars'" The debate was on the abolition of the totalisator. and. though they talked till 10.30, the totalisator is still to the fore. • • • This past week in the House has been noted for its verbal duels, small arguments between members that end in nothing — perhaps, not even ill-feeling — but that contain all the possibilities of a scene. It seems as if these accusations and denial plus counter-accusa-tions, which are far from the point at issue, and which are painful to listen to and undignified for those who indulge in them, might be prevented if the presiding genius kept a tighter rein, and pulled up promptly a member who interrupted unduly. It will take the political woman a long time to learn to keep a calm front and the even tenor of her argument if she is pelted with sarcastic comments. That is one of the marvels of the Chamber to the feminine onlooker. A member may call another all sorts of epithets, provided the^ are in the Parliamentary vocabulary — and that is wide and elastic — and can charge him with all sorts of crime, and yet, immediately after, the accuser and accused are hob-nobbing over a snuff-box or dipping alternately into the same bag of sweets. Such magnamity is too wondeiful, but in Parliament it is necessary. Otherwise no one would be speaking to anyone.

Mr. Guinness, the member for Grey, asked the Premier if the Government would give assistance for the immigration of girls for servants, seeing that there is such a dearth of domestics? The Premier, however, did not see the necessity foi doing anvthmg in the matter, but he declared directly the news is wafted Home that New Zealand servants are to get a weekly half-holiday girls will come out leadily to the colony! Men say women are irrelevant, but politicians are far from shining examples in this lespect. The other evening, when the Lands for Settlement Amendment Act — what a mouthful — was, presumable the topic, an Auckland member was discoursing on pickled cucumbets — excellent things in their way. but not at all a propos to land administration. • ♦ * Those women who like to put their little mite on a race, for the sake of the excitement and amusement it gives, would have been interested in the discussion on the abolition of the totali&ator. Christchurch is apparently wheie its evils are felt most, and the Chnstchurch members were eloquent and denunciatory- But the majority of the House — who like a little flutter themscb es, probably — were against the reformers. Mr. Carroll declared that no man who was utterly bereft of sporting instinct was any good, and that a world full of peaceful men would be a most undesirable world. It might be peaceful, but it would be "verra dull," as the man said when he lost his scolding wife. ♦ • * Wellington is to hear soon two delightful Society entertainers, Mr. Parkvn and Mr. Biomley, who come from Home, and have a ready surprised and charmed Auckland audiences. Mr. Parkyn has a marvellous repertoire, and his Cornish recitations are calculated to make the hearts of any Tre, Pol, or Pen thrill with delight. He increases the realism of his character sketches by quick change® of costume. Mr. Bromley has a charming tenor voice, and his singing — especially of the songs of Lawrence Kellie, whom he is said to be like was a treat to his enthusiastic audience. He accompanies himself gracefully and easily, never looking at the piano. These two cYver entertainers will be worth listening to. • * * It is said that a Wellington boy, a son of a musician all too little known save in his own immediate circle, played before M. Gerardy on the 'cello, and the great musician was delighted with the youngster. He declared that he had "soul" in his playing, and that that was the one thing needful to become a great musician. Technique might be acquired, but soul was inborn. The boy 'cellist has reached his flood-tide that leads on to fortune, for in a year M. Gerardy is coming back, and will take him to Europe, and keep him under his own supervision, so deliehted is he with the promise the child displays. * * * Mr. and Mrs. Walter Nathan have gone to Australia for a month's trip. Mrs. Nathan has not been very well lately, and the change, it is hoped, will restore her to health. Yours tiulv Phillida.

The first of a series of "socials," given by the Fire Brigade, eventuated on Monday night at the Central Station. The Mayor and Councillors were the distinguished patrons, and the who'e was marked bv a freedom and camaiadine particularly charming. Much ingenuity and art had been used in the decoration of the hall, and if the "social" is an earnest of what the Brigade can do as entertainers, the success of their future efforts is assured. Musical talent was not lacking, and vocal and instrumental items, particularly wellchosen, were given with spirit. Mr. Fischer and his capable string band were icsponsible for the dance music, and the devotees of the terpsichorean art were full of praise for the seductive shams Mr. Pike ably presided as M.C.. while Miss Pike was all that cnuld be desired as an accompanist The Brigade demonstrated the remarkable rapidity with which it can turn out, and this — one of the most interesting items during the evening- -brought a pleasant evening to a close. * • » One of the most interesting and representative gatherings ever held to do honour to a statesman was hold in the ])iillshcd on Monday night last. Sir Joseph Ward has received no greater, and it is illustrative of the popular feeling The feeling is one of confidence in tho Government, a profound inspect for established custom, and a legard for progression That the occasion afforded Sir Joseph inspiration and help, those who heard his eloquently hopeful words cannot doubt. Although the man's a knight, the knight the toast of tho evening, he verified all the encomiums showered on him as an able, lucid, optimistic parliamentarian. Sir Joseph can sec no flaw in affairs at pro-

sent, and his worst enemy will allow that he is as capable of observing the trend of affairs as most men. • • • Altogether the banquet given to the distinguished knight is an honour that he received Lorn all classes of the community on tins occasion. The proceedings weie marked with a. wonderful unanimity and camaraderie, and has certainly assisted to raise the guest higher in tlie estimation of his friends and followers than any previous event has done. Felicitous speeches, a gaily decorated hall, the choicest of music, and a. menu beyond reproach, assisted in making the function one of the most pleasing of recent years. All the speeches were made in the happiest way, and when such orators a& Sir Maurice O'Rorke, Mr. Wilford, Hon. Col. Feldwick, and others have something to say that comes from the heart, be assured it is worth hearing. A pronounced optimism ran through the whole of the proceedings. When Sir Joseph himself rose to reply, he showed he was still a man And we look with renewed hope to see the energetic gentleman enlarge and increase a sphere of usefulness already conspicuous by its extent. ♦ • ♦ A very enjoyable dance was held at Worser Bay on Satuiday night, given by the kind invitation of the genial proprietois of Worser Bay (Mr. and Mrs. Hearn), to the girls of the Telephone Exchange. Despite the threatening w eathei , many were present, and spent a most enjoyable evening. * ♦ • Some of the dresses I noticed were Mis Hearn, in a handsome black satin, Mis. Mair, wearing black and white Miss Moir, tucked muslin, blouse and black skirt, Miss Queenie Cope, pretty white blouse, with rose-coloured ribbons and black skirt. Miss West looked well in a red velvet blouse, black skirt, Mips Young, pink, and her sister a nrettv grey frock • Miss Rodger, red silk blouse, and lace collar; Miss Fitzgerald, pretty figured silk blouse ; Miss Pettitt, red silk, with point lace collar, her Mster wearing pink. * ♦ * Amongst the gentlemen piesent were Messrs. Howard Reid, Blundell, Richards, Wilson, Hjoring, Smith Straclian, Mack" Hume, Brown, Henderson, and many others. • • • At the conclusion, three hearty cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Hearn and the ladies of the Telephone Exchange, thus terminating a very jolly and successful evening. The music, which was supplied by Mr. Fleming, was excellent. * • » A very pretty wedding, and one that aroused much local interest, was celebrated at the English Church, Rongo-te-a, on Wednesday, 24th July, when \')\sk\ eldest daughter of Mr. J. M. Greenaway, Glen Oroua, Rongotea. was married to Mr. Henry Hammond of Waitohi, Sandon. The church, which was crowded with guests and friends of tho bride, was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Miss Greenaway wore a very handsimo dress of white brocaded satin, trimmed with lace and pearl passementerie, and having a transparent yoke and sleeves, also the orthodox veil :>nd orange blossoms, and carried a shower bouquet, tho gift of Mrs. Davis, of Rongotea. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. L. H. Greenaway, and was attended by two bridesmaids — Miss May Hammond (sister of the bndegroom), and Misb Ruby (Dot) McKenzie, who were attired in pretty frocks of white silk, tucked and msertioned becoming black picture hats, and each wearing a gold brooch, the gift of the bridegroom. Sir. Jack Didsbury acted as best man, and Mr. S. Hammond as groomsman. After the wedding a reception was held at "Waitohi," where, during the afternoon, delicious refreshments were served, and tho health of the happy couple was toasted with musical honours. * • > Some of the guests pie&ent were — Mr.s. Hammond (mother of the bridegroom) who wore a black brocade dress, black and white bonnet, Mrs. A. Couit, black, with large black hat , Mrs. Herbert Hammond, heliotrope silk blouse, black skirt, black and heliotrope hat. Mrs. A. D. Scott wore white silk, white ostrich feather boa; Miss Murray, green, silk, trimmed with white, gieen and white hat. Mrs. T. McKenzie was wearing a blue Eton costume, with oriental silk vest, and black and white hat Mrs. Phillips, black satin dress, black and white hat, Mrs. Davis, bla<k meivielleux dress and black hat. Miss Davis wore a fawn tailor-made costume and sailor hat Mrs Richmond blue coat and skirt, sailor hat. Mrs. Penny, green costume, green hat with rod Mrs Brookey, shot silk blouse, black skirt, and pretty black hat Miss Cockburn, green dress and large black hat • • • During the afternoon Mr. and Mis. Hammond left for Christchurch, wheie the honeymoon is to be spent. The

bride's travelling dress was of violet cloth, tailor-made, with white satin and lace vest, and a becoming violet toque, with white tips. * • • The Wellington College Old Boys' Football Club have ii>ued invitations, tor a dance, to be held on Tuesday, August Gth. • • • On Friday last a very delightful euchre party and dance was given by Lady Gibbes, at her residence, in Bid-well-street. The house was decoiatcd with flags and foliage, and looked picturesque and pretty. Lady Gibbes wore black satin , Miss Gibbes, a crimson silk blouse, and black skirt Miss H Gibbes wore a pretty pink blouse and black skirt. * • • There were about fifty guests, amongst whom I noticed Miss Tregear, wearing a dainty white muslin and cerise sash , Mi*s Amehus Smith, in a heliotrope silk blouse, finished with black velvet, and a black skirt. Miss Girvan Runoie wore a very becoming dress of heliotrope silk, with velvet of a deeper shade. Miss Horti Runcie was in white muslin, with narrow turquoise ribbon : Miss Waldegrave, a tucked white silk blouse and black skirt • Miss Muriel Waldegrave, white silk frock, and turquoise-blue' sash , Miss Rina Butt, becoming white silk frock Miss Lulu Ewen, pale-green blouse and black skirt • Miss G. Riley. black velvet dre?s and bright blue sash ; Miss Hickson, pink blouse, black skirt; Miss Foster, pietty frock of white- net over nale green, threaded with ribbon ; Miss Macintosh, black satin, Avith lace sleeves. Miss Elliott wore black and red • Miss Elsie Elliott black velvet Miss Ledger (NeLson) pale green silk frock. Miss Elsme Ward wore a pretty black skirt. • • • Among the gentlemen present were Messrs. Gibbes. Watkins, Blundell, Wills. Smith. Rochefort, Pve-Smith, Simpson, Tripe, Bridge, and others. ♦ ♦ • The prizes presented for euchre we»e very pretty, the ladies 3 being a cut-gla?s and silver-mounted box, and the erentlemen's a mother-of-pearl and silver fruitknife.

When stormy wind and wintry blast. Affect mankind with hacking cough, They think consumption's come at last, 'Twill not be long before thpy'ie off. Some people go to mountain heights, And others where the skies are bluer ; But what will soon put them to rights, Is W. E. Woods' Grevt Peppermint Cure