Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 61, 31 August 1901, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

Dear Christabel — ON Saturday afternoon, the Hon Mi Mills and Mrs. Mills entertained their friends at an "At Home " A large number of members, with their unes and daughters, were present, and, for the time, political diffeicnces were things of no moment, and the critics and the cntees— why not ciitees if bnbees, according to Mr. Napier is peimissible — buried the hatchet and chatted over the very excellent tea and good things piovided tor them bv, their hostess The table in the dining-room was beautifully decorated with white chiffon and posies or spnng flowers, and most of the guests leceived dainty button-hole bouquets. * * * Among those present were Sir Joseph Ward (Lady Ward being unfortunately indisposed), and the Premier, Mrs and Miss Setklon An impromptu concert was given during the afternoon Mrs. Bailhe playing charmingly, Messrs. Felduick, C'arncross, G. Russell fc>ir Joseph Waid, and the host contributing songs, and Mr Marks two humorous ,ecitations Mr. Mills, Mrs. Milfe, and her daughters spared no trouble to ensure their guests' enjoyment, and the entertainment was c\n extremely successful one. # Mrs Mills wore a black frock, with a knot of lace at the throat , Miss Mills, a, black and yellow brocade blouse and black skirt, and her sisters, pale pink and chiffon, crimson and white lace, white and black velvet blouses, with black skats Mrs.. Seddon had on a black dress, trimmed with silk, and a hat with silk bows, Miss Seddon, black, with a white silk sailor collar, and a picturesque chiffon hat. Mrs. Dyer also was dressed in black, and wore a white silk collar to her coat. Mrs. Heat on Rhodes' frock was of navy blue, with white appliques. Mrs. Stowe wore black and white, with purple in her bonnet Mis Ell had on a grey tailormade and a black hat , Mrs Jenkmson, black with a black and white feather boa, and a black hat Mrs Steward, a giev coat and skirt, and a black and white bonnet Mrs Tanner, a pale green toque, and a black frock , and Miss Allen (Port Chalmers), a white bea\ei hat, and a black and white dress Mrs Bail he wore a black and white cape ovei her black gown, and her bonnet was also black and white Miss Ciow woic a black frock, with a touch ol enmson , Mis. Guinness, a ti ailing black silk, short caracul coat, and a black toque Mis Fitchett's frock was of sin nun-pink cloth, and her hat tnmmed with pompadour übbon Mrs Baiclav woie a black gown, with white silk yoke and a white chiffon toque. Mis Chavtoi had on black, with a Maltese lace scaif, and a wide black hat Mis R Thompson had on black, with a long tan coat and a black toque Mrs Field wore a grev-gieen tailoi-made, a sealskin cape and a black toque Mrs Spraee had on a dark frock and a black hat Miss Spiagg wcanng black and sc arlet On Wednesday afternoon, Mis Fitdiett ga\e a tea for Madame Jansen and Miss C'oombei , and, like all entertainments wheie Mis Fitchett is hostess it was most enjoyable, the time to lea\e the pretty flow ei -scented rooms and the gay compam coming all too soon Madame Jansen is not in the least tiagic in private life, indeed, she bnms over with humour, while Miss Coomber, who to Wellington music-lov-ers will be always Marguente had forgotten hei gnef for Faust, and drank afternoon tea and chatted bnghtly just like am othei girl of nineteen Delicious tea and cakes were handed round, and the looms and conservatory were gay with spring flowers. *- * * Mis Fitchett wore a pretty tucked grey voile with pale pink trimmings Madame Jansen black. with a black mono coat and a black and white hat Miss C'oomber, a long putty-coloured t oat ovei her hlack gown, and a black toque Mrs Chavtor woie a lace boleio over her hlack frock Miss Chavtoi a blown die ' and io«;e-colour in hei hat Mis Mitford woie a dark coat and skat Mis Benjamin, black and white strapped gown, and a black

toque, Lady Douglas, a dark tailormade, and ' a largo black toque with leathers, Mrs. Mathieson, a black and white capo over her black frock, and a black to(juo , Mrs Mi'es, a dark coat and sknt, and a turquoise and black toque Mrs Theoimin w'oie black, with a chiffon ruffle, Mrs. Hemes, black, and a black and gold toque, Mrs Fmdlav, a sealskin coat and a black fiock and hat. * * * Mis. O'Connor had on a black frock, velvet cape, and a bonnet with puip'e, Miss O'Connor wearing a dark grey coat and skirt, and a brown straw hat with roses. Mrs. Jeffcoat's gown was of led, with a tucked silk bodice, and her hat' was of crimson silk Mrs. Gilruth wore a black Eton coat and skirt, and a black and gold toque Mrs. Stott had on a navy-blue tailor-made, and wore a black toque and a orroy ostrich boa Miss Scully wore a black Eton coat and skirt, and a black and whito toque. Mrs Handvide had on a black frock, and a short velvet coatee, with wide black and white revers. Mrs. Farmer wore a violet velvet toque, and a. black frock , Mrs. Cook, a black dress and tomie, Miss Barnett, a dark coat and skirt, and a purple tooue. * * * Mrs Cook is at piesent in Wellington, and staving at the Royal Oak. * * * Mai or and Mrs Chavtor are in town, staving with Mrs Fitchett. * * • Miss Allen daughter of Mr E. G. Allen, M H.R for 1 Port Chalmers, is a guest of Mrs Waldegrave. * * * Miss Maud Harrington from Sydney, is at present staying with Mrs J Anderson. * * * Mrs Heaton Rhodes has returned from Sydney. (Contimieti mn Page 11 )

At the Opera House on Satuiday there weie vanous feminine laments over the dull monotony of male dress now-a-days, compaied with tlie gay tuppings of the days when Man tana danced and sang Certainly Don Cesar, in all the pink and white bravery of his w odding-costume, cut a gallant figure In the dress-circle weic Mis Napier, in black silk, Dr. Platts, in black, with laco and jet Mrs. Fitchett, in white silk and crystal embroidery , Miss Skcrrett, black' silk and jet, Miss Seddon, white satin and chiffon , and Mrs R. Thompson, a long, white cape over a black fiock Mrs. Chaytor had on a red opera cloak, Mrs Field wore a black biocade with lace sleeves, Mrs. Nathan, a black jetted fiock, with a long, grey coat Miss Holmwood, a grey voile, and a white opera wrap Miss Halse, a pink chiffon blouse, and black skirt, and her sister a pink opera cape, over a black frock. * * * Mrs Da\ey wore black, Mis. Witheis, a long red and black cape, over a black dress Miss Davey, white silk, Miss Whitson, white satin, and a tur-qnoise-blue cloak. Mrs A Buchanan had on white the Misses Williams also wearing white and white opera capes. Mrs. Harmon wore black, with lace sleeves, and Mr Riley, black silk and Trul \ , the pianola is a marvellous instrument, and brings high-class music within ie t ich of all who can afford to buy the invention If one can work a treadle mowing-machine, or a knifegnnding annaratus, and is possessed of fingers and thumbs and ordinary sight, Chopin's nocturnes and Bach's Fugues arc by the pianola made mere child s play. " Fortunately for our professionals the cost of the pianola is considerable. But, already sales have been made It comes as a boon to mankind Wearied and harassed business men can soothe away their cares with sweet harmonies produced by their own fingers. To the child of the next century music will be a pastime, not a duty, and tho weird strains of practising on the niano will no longer make the morninp hours hideous. There will be no need to learn music at all * * * A propos of music, Miss Medley and Herr Hoppe gave a pupils' concert on Saturday afternoon, the room above the Dresden Company's shop being quit* full Very pleasant was the concert, and much appreciated by the audience Two members of the Opera Company contributed songs, and were encored * * * Mrs. Mass Davis, from Auckland, is visiting Wellington just now. Yours tiuly, Phillida

Tho Peimancnt Artillery Ball was held in the bjdney-street Schoolroom, on Wednesday night, August 21st. The whole of the proceedings were of an interesting and social character, and the success an evidence of the energy and tact of the committee. Bombadier Weybourne, the organising secretary, to be complimented on the able discharge of his duties, he, and his Committee working hard to make it the ■-ucee&s it undoubtedly was The deeolations woie highly effective, nothing ha\ ing been removed since the previous night when the room had been used for tho Garrison Ball. The catering under the expert hands of Mr. Godber, was in his best style, and the 01 cheat ra, undei Mi King provided the requisite music. Among the distinguished guests woie tho Right Hon the Minister of Defence and Mrs Seddon, the Commandant of Ihe Foices, Commander Duncan, and Lieutenant-Colonel Collins * * * Mis. Seddon woie black satin Miss Seddon, black satin, trimmed with sequins, while Miss May Seddon was dainty in white silk and chiffon Miss Lillian Coombei, of Musgrove's Opera Company, attned in a magnificent white brocaded satin, with black velvet trimming, was especially charming Miss Gentles appeared in white silk Mrs McMillan, in black with white facing, and Miss McMillan in a black and blue costume. Among the gentlemen present were Captain Hughes, DS O , Messrs Henderson and Carr, with numerous others * • • One of the most enjoyable dances of the season was the eleventh annual ball of the combined wholesale ironmonger of the city which was held in the Syd-ney-street Schoolroom on Fndas August 23rd About ninety couples were present, and all say that the ball w a.s the "lolhost of the year" Kverything was we'l done. The decorations, arranged by the Economic, were very tasteful, and consisted of bunting, palms and Chinese lanterns, the stage and anterooms being all furnished and cosily airnnged as drawing-rooms. The supper, piovided bv Mr Godber was most elaborate, and the music, by Mimnc's

Orchestra, left nothing to be des>nod. Mr. C. M. Luke, jun , made an excellent secietars' and Messrs. R. Raymond, J. Biodie, and C Hickcy acted as Ms.C. * + < Many vorv handsome di esses «i»ic worn by the ladies, amongst which I noticed Mrs. Raymond, in black ,silk and jet , Mis Canmrhael, wearing black satin, the bodice diaped with silvei ,sc(iinn. tulle, Mrs. Bouthoino, white silk and spangles Mrs Drake was in black satin. Miss Caimichael woie a soft white silk Miss I) C'aimichaeJ, pale blue, Miss Winder, white satm diess, Miss Firth, pretty satin fiock. Miss Duff wore black satin, and Miss L Duff pale blue silk. Miss K. White was in white, silk, with spangled trimming. Mi«s Parry also wore white silk Miss McGregors blue silk frock had an ovorskirt of cream lace, Miss Hugo, white muslin Miss Godbei had on a very handsome black vehet dress. Miss E. Godber was in blue satin. Miss Birch woie black, with silver Miss N. Birch, white figured brocade Miss Law-on, white silk Miss Murray was in amber satin. Miss Suter wore a white satin diess, Miss Urwin, a pietty fancy muslin , Miss Daly, black satin , Miss Walker, cream dress. Miss Welch (Taita) w a.s in cream, with blue trimmings Miss Farmer, white. Miss Lewer, pink brocade Miss Dunlop's dress was of amber silk. Miss Wilkinson, black silk and spangles Miss Williams (Auckland) red silk brocade, Miss Hughes (Auckland), soft white silk Miss Ross woie black and pink Miss Wiltshore, black silk , Miss Haines (Takaka), white tucked silk , Miss Drury, blue, with w hite trimmings , Miss Thornton, white silk diess, Miss L. Thornton, also in white. Miss Ritchy wore black, Miss Jessop, pale blue, Miss Benzoin pink diess, Miss Franklin, white, the Misses Drake, pietty white silk dresses, Miss Coucher, pink Miss O'Bnen, white silk, Miss Lees, sky blue dress, Miss Biown, white mervielle v ix. * * * Miss Alice McPherson, daughter of Dr McPherson, Dunedin, and Miss Ivy Allan are visiting Mrs. Waldegrave, Pipitea-street. * * * A very pretty and inteiesting wedding was celebrated at the Jewish Synagogue on Wednesday, August 21st. The occasion was the marriage of Miss Laura Jackson, thud daughter of Mr Isaac Jackson, to Mi. William Hams, of Melbourne. The bride, who was given away by hei mother, woie a dress of ivory white duchess satin, richly trimmed with lace and orange blossoms, the train being carried by Miss Vez-a A slier (niece of the bride) and Miss Beiyl Jacobs, who were both dressed m cream silk flocks, with large pictuie hats. Miss C'elia Jackson was chief bridesmaid, and was piettily attired in silk. * * * The bndegroom's presents to the bnde were a diamond brooch and a half-hoop diamond ring, and the bndesmaids each leceived a gold bangle. The Rev. Van Staveren conducted the ceiemony, and Mr. Asher acted as best man During the afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Hams left for Auckland, wheic the honeymoon is to be spent The bride's going-aw ay diess was a Fiench gic\ tailor-made, and a piettv gioy clufion toque. The presents received by the happy couple were costly and numeious. * * * A Luge and enthusiastic audience witnessed the pcrfoimanee of the Fl\mg Dutchman"' on Monday night I noticed Mrs. T. (' Williams, wealing back and a black biocade opeia capo Miss Williams, a lo\ely opera coat of black and red brocade, Miss 10 Williams, in white. Mrs J Tripe woie back satin, and a long fawn coat Miss G Richardson woie a pietty white fiock Mis Crawford was wearing black, with black lace sleeves, Mis Fitchett, black satin, Mrs Fanner, a piettv white tucked silk diess Mis J M Gedchs, black. * * • Miss Quick's black diess had elbow sleeves of gauze Mrs. Sprott woie Maltese lace with her black dress. Miss Spiott's opera coat had wide le\ers of blue The Misses Hauling weio in black dresses, Miss Edwin, becoming dark costume. Miss A. Edwin, black, with transparent sleeves Mrs Malcolm Ross was wearing a long white opera coat with her black diess Miss Kdith Bondall's piettv theatie blouse was of tucked blue silk Mis Wood's black fiock had tianspaiont yoke and sleeves Mis Easterheld was in black and white, Mrs Brown, pretty black clnfton blouse satin skirt Miss Hislop, pretty silk bouse, black satin skut Miss Klhott, black and white die^s Miss Elliott, black, with red Miss Elsip Elliott, black vohot fiock Miss Hickson, pink silk blouse black sknt On Tuesday (Vice-Regal night) there was anothei large audience, and "Cai-

men" was staged for the second time, this season. The Governor was present, with Lady Ranfuily, who wore a beautiful die&s of white lace. A large fold of black velvet was worn on the bodice, and tho sleeves weie strapped with beautiful applique. Lady Constance Knox was wearing a faucet fiock of white satin, with chiffon tichu and bell sleeves, with, lace falling over the hands. Others piesent were Mrs. Spiott, in black silk, with Maltese lace, Miss Sprott wearing pink and a long coat. Mis David Nathan wore a dress of black chiffon, and a lovely grey embroidered coat, Mrs. Dixon, black mervielleux, Miss Nancy Wilson (Rangitikei) cream satin, with a long opeia coat of giov satin. Mrs. Crawford wore a black lace dre&s. Miss Laishley was in black, with steel trimmings. Miss Allen was also in black. Miss Zita Broad, white silk, Miss Nathan, black, her sisters wearing white frocks; Mrs. Bucoltz, black satin, draped with lace, Miss Best (Auckland), pink silk blouse, black sknt, Miss Quick, black, w ith chiffon and jet, and a white satin opeia cape. * * * Some of the gentlemen present weie — Messrs. Coates, Harcourt, Pearce, Le\in, Broad Paisley, Robertson, Tripe, Coleridge, Nathan, Wi'son (Rangitikei), Hanson, and many others.