Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 58, 10 August 1901, Page 10

Social Go ssi p

By Christabel.

Dear Chbistabel — MRS. HENRY HALL gave an "afternoon tea" last week, and introduced the novelty— to Wellington — of a curio competition, a delightful change from the book teas and other entertainments of that ilk. The pretty, bright rooms were a pleasant haven from the dismal weather outside, and the tea-table, laden with dainty refreshments, had a table-centre of green and silver embroidery, and posies of w attle and violets. The hostess wore a pink silk blouse, with transparent lace yoke, and a grey skirt. * * * Great fun was caused by the article that won one of the first prizes— a crinoline, unearthed from the dark ages of fashion. This was brought by Mrs. T. Young, Miss Stafford securing the price for the most interesting exhibit with the first Australasian paper printed. All sorts of fascinating things were brought b> the guests. One girl arrived with a trap-door spider, another brought a piece of mummy-cloth, 3000 years old, while' a third showed a favour from Queen Alexandra's wedding-cake. The afternoon was most enjoyable and inteiesting # * * The next afternoon, Mrs. Stott gave an ' At Home" for Mrs. Greenwood, who left on Thursday for Auckland, to join her husband. The guests were asked to bring the most curious or mteresing thing each possessed, if portable, and the result was a quaint col'ection of articles ancient and modern, ranging in variety from a large model of a catamaran—carried by its dauntlessi owner to its destination — to a tooth two thousand years old, found when excavating on the site of Calvary. Beautiful old seals, an Italian antique copper tray a very ancient Indian bell, a queer iack-m-the-box snake carved by Kruger s son while in cantivitv, and the same crinoline that appoircd at the afternoon before, were among the curios. • • • An interesting exhibit was a veritable ''ugly " the green silk appendage fastened on to bonnets to protect our grandmothers 'complexions. The first prize, a prcttv silver and crystal, hairpin box, was won by Mrs. Fitchett, who brought a beaded needle-case, made by Nelsons mother, a curious Kaffir piano, brought bv Mrs Gilruth . gaming the second prize, a silver photo-frame. The teatable looked exquisite under the great yellow shaded light. Silver candelabra were set on an amber satm and chiffon table-centre, and little green vases, filled with loosely-arranged violets and daphne, were set about. The refreshments were delicious In the drawing100m there was music, Mrs. Greenwood, Mrs. Benjamin, and Mrs. Findlay contributing songs, and Mrs. Quick a pianoforte solo The afternoon passed all too quickly, so enjoyable was the entertainment. * « * The hostess wore a moire velours skirt and a lovely blouse of white corded silk, covered with sequins, and having touches of cherry-coloured velvet, and a fall of lace from the throat. Mrs. Greenwood had on a caracul coatee, with large lace-covered revers, a black frock, and a black feathered hat. Mrs. Kendall woie a black gown, with lace at the throat, and a pictuiesque black hat. Mrs. Findlay's gown was of sannhire blue, with ivory insertions, and her hat had a wreath of white loses round the crown, and touches of blue about it. Miss Cooper (Auckland) wore a black frock and ha.t A black Eton costume with a pale-blue vest, and a black feathered hat, was worn by Mrs. Gilruth. • • * Mrs Ewan had on a smart black tailormade, with stitched silk revers, and a black feathered toque, Miss Cholmondley (Christchurch), who is staying with her, wearing a black and white hat, a black skirt, and a gieen and white silk blouse. Mrs Quick wore black brorade, with a lace jabot, and a black bonnet, with turquoise panne. Mrs. Ross had on a purple toque, white silk bouse. and dark skirt. Mrs Embling wore black, Mrs Loughnan, black tailor-made, with a black and white hat with violets Mrs. Buchanan black Eton costume lace vest, and black toque and Miss Williams (Dunedin), grey velvet hat and black frock.

Mrs. Jeffcoat had on a velvet coatee over a red skirt, and a red silk hat, with black feathers. Mrs. Kennedy wore navy-blue, and a black and white toque , Mrs. Riley, a dark-blue tailormade frock, and a black feathered hat , Mrs. Benjamin, a pale blue silk blouse, black skirt, and black toque, Miss Coates a black tailor-made gown, with revers of black and white panne, and a pale yellow straw toque, with black feathers. Mrs. Knox wore black, with a lace yoke , Miss Wilkie, dark brown, with velvet, Mrs. Stafford, a black costume, with black and white revers, and a black toque: Mrs. O'Connor, a black tailor-made, trimmed with, white and jet, and a black and white bonnet Mrs. Dyer, black, with white revers, and a black picture hat; Mrs,. T. Young;, a bright blue dress , and Miss Myra Raw - son, a blue frock and black hat. « • • Mrs. Rankin Brown returned to Wellington last week from Wanganui and Hawera. • • • Mr«. Greenwood left last Thursday for Auckland where H.M.S. Mildura is at present stationed. • * • Miss Nathan, of Hobson-street, gave a very jolly "At Home" last Thursday to a number of girl-friends. Good music, dainty refreshments, and the popular ping-pong made the afternoon pass very enjoyably. ♦ • * Mr. and Mrs. I. Gibbs, of Christchurch, stayed a few days in Wellington last week, o.n their way South. The bride was looking very handsome, in a beautiful sealskin coat, grey embroidered frock, and a picturesque black hat, with feathers and gold embroidery. * * * The person who can watch the performance of the "Farmer and the Monkey," at Dixs, with an unmoved countenance, must be in a bad way. It is extremely funny. Olive Lenton seems a huge favourite, and reaped a silver harvest on Saturday evening by her plaintive singing of "Only a Penny." The little lady is graceful and charming, and is absolutely at home on the stage. ♦ * ♦ The former Countess Russell must have had a keen perception of the value of feminine appearances with a British jury. She pleaded her wrones in a frock of chalk-grey, a curious tone of dead-white, with pale shadows. It was soft and trailing, and revealed coral pink linings. Silk straps ran down the skirt seams, and the sleeves of the tiny bolero, whose wide revers showed an Irish point lace vest over vivid cerise silk. Round her throat was a pearl necklace, and her hat was a mass of white curling feathers with grey violets under the brim. Unless a juror was blind, or absolutely unimpeachable, such a charming tout ensemble could not have failed to influence him. [Continued on Page 11.}

The very word madrigal is a harmony, and the examples Mr. Parker and his Society gave us on Monday evening were so charming that we longed for more — after an interval for refreshments and a rest. It is difficult to choose where all ua.s "-o good, but the three dances for pianoforte and small orchestra were delightful. So was Miss Put> nam's "Damon," a ditty sang so simply yet so sweetly that the singer only wanted a crook and a Corydon to be a \t>iy dainty Phillis. Mr. Douglas Jackson's voice is most sympathetic and melodious, and he can sing love-songs bewitchingly. Mr. Searle's solo was very effective, and was also much appreciated. • • • The madrigals and part-songs were quaintly melodious, especially "Matona," with its odd refrain. "Bold Turpin" was richly humorous, and even the singers were shaken out of their usual demure calm by the words and music, while titters could be heard throughout the audience. Wellington people ought to be grateful to Mr. Parker and his Society tor reviving such delightful music as are these old English melodies. The conductor of the Glee and Madrigal Society has the power, given to few, of expressing much m little, and is always happy in his httle introductions or explanations, such as hs. half-a-dozen sentences about old English music. • • • The Sydney -street Hall was full. It was bitterly cold, and most wore wraps. Among those present I noticed Mrs. Wallis in a black velvet and fur cloak ; Mrs. Somerville, in a grey cloak, with grey fur; Lady Berkeley, in crimson brocade, and a white opera-wrap, Miss Berkeley wearing a long strawberrycoloured coat, with grey fur. Miss Richmond wore a pink cloak, and her sister a green velvet coat, with pink linings. Miss Cholmondely had on a pink silk blouse, and dark skirt. Miss Halse a pink cloak, and her sister a white with silk appliques and fur. Miss Roy (New Plymouth) wore pale blue. Mrs. Elliott had on black brocade, Miss Elliott white, Mrs. Butt a crimson cloak, with black fur; Mrs. Haase, a velvet wrap, and Miss Haase, a palegreen silk blouse and black skirt. Miss Joan Parker had on a charming white frock, with lace sleeves and drapery. Miss Putnam wore a pale-blue silk ; Miss Pownall, black, with white insertion, and a great crimson rose in her bodice; Mrs. E. Izard, pale green silk, ,with white lace; and Mise Annie Page, a soft white frock. Yours truly. Phillida.

On Thursday, July 25th, the Wellington College Old Boys' Association held its ninth annual bail in the Sydneystreet schoolroom, and all who were present say it was one of the j oiliest dances given this year. This ball always is one of the successes of the season, as the "Old Boys" are capital hosts, and spare no trouble. On this occasion the committee worked untiringly the whole eveninn- and are to be congratulated upon the result of their efforts. ♦ • ♦ The orchestra, consisting of seven good musicians, played popular operatic airs excellently. A dainty and most inviting supper was served in the gymnasium, which was gaily decorated with flags. Refreshments were also served throughout the evening in one of the ante-rooms. The sitting-out rooms were cosily arranged, and decorated with wattle. The stage was also prettily arranged with palms and screens. The qhaperones present were Mrs. Seddon, wearing a handsome dress of black satin and jet; Mrs. Firth, heliotrope gown, with darker shade of velvet , and Mesdames Blundell, Webb, Tregear, Ward, Gilmer, and Wills. * • • Amongst the few whose frocks I especially noticed were Miss Tregear, who wore a handsome cream brocade, with cerise poppies; Miss Lydia Blundell, becoming blue satin, Miss Wills, very dainty white muslin, and her sister wore amber satin : Miss Seddon, black silk ; Miss May Seddon, soft white silk dress; Miss Shannon, handsome white satin, with corded circular flounce; Miss Butt, black, with a touch of crimson; Miss Webb, pretty black and white gown ; Miss May Palmer, black sdk and white chiffon , Miss Elliott, black, with blue rosette on the bodice : Miss McTavish, beautiful frock of white figured silk. Miss Ivy Barraud wore salmon pink velvet , Miss Hitchings (Napier), amber satin, with black satin underskirt. Others present were The Misses Brandon, McGregor, Bendall, McDonald, Gilmer, Willis, Morshead, Smith, Chatfield, etc. • • * A very pretty wedding was quietly celebrated at St. Paul's Church, Mul-grave-street, on Wednesday August 7th, at 2 o'clock, when Miss Emily Frances Wilson, second daughter of Mr. B. Wilson (Government Printing Office), was married to Mr. John F. Rockstrow, son of Dr. Rockstrow, of Palmerston, and late quartermas-ter-sergeant of the First Contingent.

The Rev. T. H. Sprott was the officiating clergyman. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a very handsome dress of white tucked silk, with silver passementerie, and a veil and spray of myrtle. The two bridesmaids, Miss Jennie Wilson (sister of the bride) and Miss Nellie Rockstrow (sister of the bridegroom), were attired in very dainty frocks of white silk. Miss Wilson's hat was pink, and Miss Rockstrow's yellow. Each wore gold bird brooches, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr. W. B Wilson (eldest brother of bnde) as groomsman. • * • Many valuable and handsome presents were received, amongst them being a set of carvers and a cruet, presented by the Defence Department, and a silver cake basket from the Premier and Mrs. Seddon. During the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Rockstrow left for Masterton, where the honeymoon, is to be spent, the bride vyeanng a fawn tailormade costume, with lace and gold applique, and a becoming cream straw hat, trimmed with yellow silk and roses. Mrs. Wilson, the bride's mother, wore black silk and jet, and a violet bonnet; Mrs. Brunton (eldest sister of the bride), heliotrope silk and hat en suite; Mrs. B. Wilson, rose silk blouse, black skirt , Mrs. W. Wilson, dark red costume and black hat. • » • The ladies have added yet another weapon to their armoury. This is not a device of dress to subjugate the male fancy, but a rifle. English ladies have recently become possessed of rifle ranges in many portions of England, and their colonial cousins in Australia are following suit. It seems that the ranges are to be exclusively feminine, but that invitations may be issued to brothers in arms to compete with their sisters and other brothers' sisters. Instruction is given in the clubs recently instituted in the handling of the weapons, although at present the instructors are mere men. Time only is needed to eradicate the male element. Already a ladies' club in the Midlands has sent a winning team into the field, and the men are looking to their laurels and their rifles to keep their marksmanship up to lady standard. • * • Shiffon choux, or tiny bows of tulle, are much favoured by theatre habitues. • ♦ ♦ Another very successful dance was given in the Karon Hall, on Tuesday last, July bUth. Despite the boisterous weather, there was a large attendance, and all present seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The hail was, as usual, prettily decorated, and a splendid supper was provided. The music was ably supplied by Mr. Fleming. • * • The dresses worn were \ery handsome. Mrs. Simpson wore black silk, Mrs. Macdonald, grey ; Mrs. ISinalibone, black crepe skirt, and rose silk blouse. Mrs. Henderson wore black, Mrs. Partridge, black silk skirt and orange silk blouse , Mrs. Bulkley, black silk , Miss Messenger, brown velvet, Miss N. Messenger, pretty cream frock, trimmed with blue, Miss Lancaster, black velvet, Miss P. Lancaster, charming dress of white silk and chiffon, Miss Henderson, cream satin, with blue. • • • Miss Edwards wore a pretty dress of cream silk ; Miss L. Edwards, white and mauve; Miss Cook, black gown Miss Bulkley, blue velvet, Miss Putnam, becoming white satan, Miss Partridge, black skirt and pink silk blouse , Mass Earle, white brocade ; Miss White, black broche. • • • Many opportunities are given to women to add charm to their persons and their wardrobe by the sales which do not go on for ever. The dancing season is at its height ,and economical designs are wanted. Soft fabrics are much in evidence for evening wear, "book" muslin being much favoured. When these materials are used, however, the lining must be of good silk, or the effect is lost. The gam in economy, therefore, is not great. Tucks are now the height of fashion. I noticed a sweet gown one evening last week of Point d'Esprit ivory net, mounted over a formation of ivory glace silk. The net was tucked with perpendicular tucks, to within a foot of the hem, and was then allowed to flow out into graceful folds. The edge was bordered with a narrow ruching of similar material. The whole effect was extremely charming- i Another mode muqh m favour at present is the skirt with a shaped flounce. Soft materials are also used for this design, the flounce being made separately. Upon this shaped piece many narrow frills of the same material are placed. The skirt hangs superbly at the hem, which flows about the feet. When brocade, satin, or silk is used, the shaped flounce should be tucked with narrow tucks or corded with piping cord. Tucked bodices should accompany these bkirts, and when nicely made aie very smart. A cordage outline of black ribbon velvet makes a suitable finish.