Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 64, 21 September 1901, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

Miss McLean is in We lmgton at piesent, staying with Mrs. WiJford Mis Geoige McLean has leturned to Dunedin Mis Ka^tou and Miss Amy Ka.ston ha\e aimed f i om the South. V * * Mi>-s Jessie Campbell lias come ovei fium Melbourne to New Zealand to spend the. spring and summer months. She is staying just now at Mrs Stuait's • # * I)i. and Mrs Findlay left last Friday foi Napier, wheie they intend to stay some weeks. » » * The prettiest present an industrious and artistic girl can make a friend is a luncheon set of table-cloth and d'oyleys to match. Plain linen, bordered with a design in washing embroidery silks — these really resist the perils of the tub — could be chosen, or a hem-stitched patterned damask with the border worked Kither would be effective. More original still would be a design of fish or dragons These might be worked in gold, partly outline and partlv satin stitch Smaller dragons or fish would ornament the d'oyleys. The great advantage of linen over satin or crepe is that it washes, and the hostess, when she see*> a reckless guest wiping bis fingers on the dainty trifle, does not endure agonies of mental torture. (Continued on Page 11.)

Dear Christabel — IT is always an artistic treat to go to a Government House 'At Home The rooms are always delightfully arranged, but on Thursday they seemed more charming than usual, with the soft lights, dainty draperies, and wealth ot scented spmig flowers in every corner The tea-table, too, was gay with the golden b'ossoms in silver bowls, and the huge silver bowl presented to the Governor by the Duke of York formed the centre ornament. The Count-ess wore a trailing violet vehet gown with edgings and collar of velvet. The bodice opened over a drapery of exquisite lace, that fell to the foot of the skirt On the whole, the frocks worn by the guest* were sombre One pretty pink gown and hat lit up the general dull tone. Even the new spring hats were not in evidence * * * Mis. O'Connor's 'At Homes" are always memoiable for the delightful flowers that decorate eery corner and table in the rooms On Friday it was veritably a daffodil tea Exquisite clusters of these lovely blossoms were set everywhere, making masses of delicate colour and filling the air with their dainty perfume. The tea-table was a charming harmony in yellow, pale green, and purple. Tali daffodils were set in vases on an embioidered green silk tablecentre, and Iow r white dishes bordered the silk strip filled with yellow, white, and purple primroses. Most delicious refreshments were served in the diningroom. One of the rooms was given up to "ping-pong," Miss O'Connor's skilful plajung being much admired. Miss Jessie Campbell (from Melbourne) came with Miss Stuart, and was warmly welcomed bv her many friends. * # * Among the many guests were Lady Ward, in black, with a pretty black toque, Mrs. T. C. Williams, in a velvet coat and eimino fuis, and a giey and whito bonnet , Mis,s Hilda Williams, black caracul coat, with grey fur, and a picturesque black hat , Mrs. Newman, long grey coat, and a violet toque, Mrs Tumbull, pastel blue frock and black and white hat Mis. Crawford, black hat and \ lolet chess, Mrs. Tilly, black toque and diess Mrs Tolhurst woie black silk, and a black bonnet. Mrs Bailhe was in black and white Mis Fitchett, pink frieze, Mrs. Staffoid, a black coat and skirt, and toque Miss Stafford, dark led fiock and hat. Miss White, a puiple dress, Mrs. Gavin, black, with violet in her black toque * * * Mis Gdiuths hat was black, and her black Eton coat opened ovei a poppy-red vest. Mis. Quick wore black brocade, with a handsome lace scarf, and a bonnet with turquoise. Miss Quick had on giey Irish poplin, and a black hat with roses. Mrs Bairon was in gieen, with lace revers and voke Miss Ban on wore navy-blue, and a toque with rose-colour Miss Dransneld, black and white siik blouse, black skirt, and a black hat Mrs Macarthy's gown was ot puiplc, with noiy guipure, and her liat was black Mis Mill ward w a.s in black, with a wide featheied hat Mis Paxhtt woie ciimson, with a. yellow and black toque Mrs. Homes had on a gieen coat and skirt, and a black pictuie hat * • • Miss Marv Denniston wore a tan coat over hei black frock, and a black hat Miss Jessie Campbell was in a black Eton costume. Mrs Riley wore nav\blue, and a hat tummed with turquoise silk Mrs Loughnan, a purple frock, tan coat, and black and white hat Miss Brandon had on a pink frieze costume. Mis Arthui Pcvu'ce was in black and white. Miss Alice Johnston wore a black hock, with a gold-em-bioideied collai, and a black pictuic hat. Mis. Wickham was in puiple, with a white vest. Miss Duncan wore a tan coat over a red blouse and dark •skirt. Mrs Marchant's dance last Friday was a pronounced success A verv large number of guests weie united Mrs Mai chant was diessed in black silk, Mi'-s Mai chant looked extieineK well in black silk and jet, Miss Flome Marchant woie pink, and Miss Millie, white muslin and insertion

Spring sunshine and the bluest of skies made Miss Simpson's w edding-day an ideal one. The church was lanly full, and Di. Fjfte's fine music was much onioned bv those who were waiting for the bndal party The biido looked extiemely handsome in her soft cream satin, with its lace draperies. Her veil was, worn falling from the back of her head, and the white orange blossoms looked chaimmg in her dark hair This mode oi arranging the veil is the latest Formerly onlv Royal princesses walked up the church with their .eils thrown off their faces. The bndesmaids, in white silk and seige, made «in Attractive gioup, little Miss Ciuickshank, the tiniest of the attendants, being the subject of mam admiring looks. * * * Mis Simpson in hei lovely grev broca.de, with its diapeiy of Ma'tese lace, and her becoming grev toque, looked veiv well Mrs Young wore black silk, and a black and white bonnet Among the lady guests weic Mrs Tolhurst, in black tucked silk, and a black and white bonnet Mrs Denmston, in a red hat, white silk b'ouse, and black skirt Mrs Butt, black silk dress, with purple vest and purple and black toque Miss Butt, pretty blue muslm, and black chiffon hat Mrs Fulton, blue voile, with nOl \ lace, and a chiffon toque with a lose oown Mrs Stafford, a black gown, with lines of purple applique opening over a white vest, Miss Staffoid, cieam serge, with a deep ivory lace collar, and a toque wreathed with cherries « * * Miss Kffie Staffoid woie pale bluo frieze and a blue chiffon toque, Mrs Myers, grev voile costume, and toque with tuiquoisc crown, Mrs Fitchett, grev voile, with pnik, and pink and grev toque Miss Stuart, tucked fawn Kton coat and sknt Miss Jessie Campbell, tucked white glace coat, blue skirt, and black chiffon toque Miss Reid grev voile frock and chiffon toque Miss Gertie Reid, pink fneao, much-strapped with glace, and a black toque. Miss Bullock, pink and white iiock Mkss Hevwood. grev and fawn canvas chess, and a black toque Mis T Young, p.'le hi own frock, with tuiqucnse chiffon collai, vest, and toqueMrs. Miles loyal blue frock, with ivorv silk yoke, and' a toque with blue in it Mrs Cruickbhank. navv-blue dress and red toque. A charming innovation at a recent London wedding was the wearing, bv the bnde, of an Empire wreath of silvei leaves The gown of finely-tucked Mechlin net, embioidered lightly in brilliants and silvei, was made m Empire style, with the jewelled belt under the aims and it had a train of white satin sinnlailv embroideied. * • * The very la'i^t extia" in a woman's education at Home is 'Budge." Classes have been started, the course of twelve lessons costing two guineas, or a single lesion foui shillings. The m-strutUes-s is d Lwl.v who piling the game heiself for pleasuie, found herself an adept at it The thought oeeuiied that mans wohwh in touti might msh to leain the fashionable game, and some well-known tea-iooms weie tiansfoimed in the evenmo-s into a study wheie the mv stones of Budge" might be masteied with the help of the instructress Ignorance of Budge" is quite a senous fault in London Scxietv, and the names of guests otheiwise charming and desirable are crossed out if then know not the latest game A very quaint and useful piesent tor a baby is a creeping blanket. It should bo of strong flannel, as huge size as possible Indeed, a grey blanket makes a v erj good foundation for the work It should have different animals cut out of bright flannel laid on it and the edge worked lound with black worsted The blanket must be lined and the oomeis weighted to make it lie flat. Yours truly, Phillida '\ he seventh annual social" of the Women' 1 . Social and Political League was held at the DiuicN' Hall on Monday night, September lbth, and was a brilliant success The hall was piettilv decoiated with the colouis of the League (red and yellow), and the walls weie diaped with flags The Amencan flag hung horn the centie of the loom and was diaped with black as a maik of soi low foi the death ot Piesulcnt MeKinlev Conspicuous was the Soc u-tv's bannei w ith the motto Advance w itli courage " ■* f * Amongst the guests weie Sn Joseph and Lad\ Waid Mis and the Misses Seddon, Hons MeGowan, Hall-Jones and Mi Geoige Fishei MH R Apologies were icceived horn the Piemiei the Hon Mi Walker and the Hon Mr Mills, who were unable to attend On her amval, Mrs Seddon who is patron ot the League, was piesented bv the soeiot an on behalf ot i he committee, with a beautiful shower bouquet

Musical items, were given by Mossis Oakley and Kerr. Dancing was kept up until an early hour, e\eiyone thoioiiglilv enjoying thomsehos Tho music w a,s supplied b\ Fiscliei's Band, <ind the catering wa& capably managed by Mi J. Godbei The Ms.C. weie Messrs Ahern, Boecker, Moore, and Barnes. All the arrangements had been made by the energetic secretary, Mrs. C. Moore, and the committee, who deserve e\eiy cieclit for the gieat success aclne\ ed * ♦ * Mis Soddon was wealing a handsome gown of black satin. Miss tteddon, black silk Ladv Waul, black silk and net dress Mrs Dyei , black, the bodice trimmed with handsome passementerie Mrs Tuckev was in black, Mis T K Macdonald, very handsome coloured bioche, Mrs Stevens, black silk, with gold Indian filigree tnmming Mrs Moore (secretaiv) wore a handsome dress of cream silk bioche, with pearl tnmming, Mis P Hutson, blark broehe and silver trimming Mrs. Weiss, black silk and mauve Mrs Ban black silk Mis Barnes, black and white silk Mis Caimichael, black broehe and silvoi and black silk poppies Mrs Freeman, figured silk. # • * Mrs. Ward wore black silk and jet Mrs. Rogers, cream silk, Mrs Hamilton, black poplin Miss Benge, pretty Tndian muslin. Miss Mowatt, white, silk, Miss Cements, pale lemon diess, Miss Murphy, black and sih er , Miss A. Murphy, pale blue Mrs. Ahern. pink dress, Mrs. Rex pink and black Mrs Wood, black and red, Miss Hurley, ciimson frock Mrs. Schoch, lemoncoloured gown. Miss Lawrence, white silk and silver trimmings Miss Ma-\o, white tucked silk Mis Benge, black silk. Mis Morton, black silk, with white. Mrs. Hamilton, pale pink silk, Mis* Hamilton cream gown Mis Fielder, grey silk Miss Fielder, paleblue chiffon' blouse, black silk skut Miss Allan white and yellow dress • # * Lad\ Ranhulv ga\ e a \eiv bnght and ctijcnable "At Home" at Government Houmj on Thuisday, 12th instant Tho looms weie beautitullv decorated with \ei \ hue fan-palms, nikaus, and quantities of yellow broom. Lcno'y spring floueis adorned the mantelpieces Tea was seived in the dining-room, tho table looked beautiful, spnng flowers aiianged m sih or bowls forming the decorations. The lo\ ely silver bowl presented to Lord Ranfui \ by H.R.H the Duke of Cornwall and Yoik was \oiy much admired Ladv Ranfurly roeened in a lovel,\ gown of purple \elvet, tiimined with sable, the bodice being draped with beautiful lace. The Ladies Constance and Kileen Knox wore black flocks with white lace yokes Vinongst those present weie Mis (Professor) Brown, in pale giov costume and a black hat . Mis. Chathekl, handsome- gown of black satin, with si I\ or embioidered vest, and a black hat Mis. Fancouit. black costume. Miss Fanoourt was m cieam, with hat to match Mis Goie, black coat and skirt, and bl.uk lace bonnet Mrs Kwen, daik gteen tailor-made and bla< k hat Mts Tolhuist woie black brocaded silk, and black and white bonnet A \ei> piett.> wedding, which cieated ,i great deal of interest, \va.s celebrated at St Peter's Chuich, on Tuesda\ , Septeinbei 17th. The bnde was Miss Theodora Evel,\ n Simpson oldest daughte.l of Mi R M Simpson, and the biidegioom Mr Arthui Young, eldest son or Mr Thos. Young, met chant, Wellington. The church was ciowded with spectators, and tho ceiemony was peitoimed bv the Rev W C Waters, \icai of St Petei's The bnde, who woie a very handsome diess of cieam satin, draped with lace ciepe (\v clime and floweis, was attended b\ six bndesin.uds—the Missels Maigaiet. Klsie and Rita Simpson (sisters ot the bride) Miss Young (sister of the bude.groom), Miss O Brewer, and Miss Kathleen Ciuicksliank # * * The tluee eldei bndesinaids woie (learn seige hton coats <nu\ skirts, l)lack clufion toques, with black tips and steel buckles the \oungoi sisteis weaiing t rocks ot cream silk with string(olomed insertion and hats to match, trimmed with black ve!\et ribbon. Miss Cruickshank also wore cream silk, with a black \el vet hat The bndegioom was attended b\ his biotheis Messrs ( ampboll and Me\ Young At the conclusion of the eoioinom tho 'Wedding March" was played b\ the oiganist Di Kingston F\ffe A icception was atteiwaids held at the residence of the biule's paients "Naso\ a Willisstioot Mr and Mis Aithui Young left dining the afternoon foi Auckland, en route foi \ustiaha wheie the\ will spend a tew months * ¥■ * The maiiiage of Miss .Mabel Reid \oungei daughtei of Mi .lohn Reid Thoinhill," Bolton-stiect, to Mi James I>iadlo\ met.iphvsic mn Wellington was (elebi.ited at the Terrace Congiegation-

al Church, on Wednesday, September 11th, the Rev. T. Reed Glasson officiating. The bride was given away bv her father, and wore a pretty soft silk chess, daintily tinnined with chiffon, and the usual \eil and orange blossoms, also a handsome gold necklet and pendant, the gift of the biidegroom The bridesmaids, Miss Agnes Reid (sister of the bride), Miss Rachel Bradley (sister of the bridegroom), the Misses Edith Scott and Connie Glasson wore pretty flocks of white delaine, trimmed with lace, silk, and bebe ribbon The budegioom's gift to the two elder bndesmaids weie gold necklets and pendants, and to the two little gir's gold lucky-bone biooehes. Mr George Kennedy acted as best man, and Mr Bert Reid as groomsman. The churrh was prettilv decorated for the occasion, and the service was fully choral. \fr. Cyrd Towsey played the "Wedding March" mo«t effectively • » ♦ * Aftei the ceiemony, a reception was held at the residence of the bride's parents, and the young coup'e left by the afternoon train foi the Manawatu district, where the honeymoon is to be spent The bride's travelling dress was a pale grey Eton costume with white surah vest and hat en suite The presents received were numerous and handsome, showing the popularity of both bride and bridegroom * * * At St. James's Church, Adelaide-road, on Thursday, September 11th, the marriage was celebrated of Miss Marion Isabell Sidey, daughter of Mr. Francis Sidey, to Mr Frederick K. Burnell, of Manawatu. The church was crowded to witness the ceremony, which was fully choral, and was performed by the Rev W. Shirer, brother-in-law of the bnde The bride who was given aw av bv her father, wore a beautiful diess of nch cream satin, tummed w ith tucked crepe de chine, and pearl trimming, and the orthodox veil and orange blossoms. * * * The six bridesmaids weie Miss Sidey, the Misses B and R. Sidey (sisters of the bride), who wore pretty white silk irocks, trimmed with chiffon, chiffon hata and white tips, and three tmv maids, the Misses Shner, Mutei, and Clark, who looked very dainty m long white silk frocks with wieaths of flowers and veils. They carried pretty baskets of white blossoms The bridegroom's presents to the bride were a brooch and a pearl pendant, and to the bridesmaids he ga^ e gold a.nd pearl brooches. Mr. K. Burnell acted as best man. * * * Duung the service hymns weie sung, and at the conclusion the ' Wedding Ma-ich" was played by Miss Billman. A reception was atterw ards held in the schoolroom, about 100 guests being present. During the afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. F. Buinell left for Wanganui, where the honeymoon is to be spent, up the nver. The bride's gomg-aw ay dress was a blue Kton costume, with tucked featin vest and silk point lace ie\ers, and a white and gold hat. Amongst the numerous and costly presents weie an exquisite diamond and emerald ring and a cheque from the bride's parents, a handsome silver salad bowl tiom the Mayor of Wellington, and a dog-cait, hoise, and harness. * * * At the leteption, Mis. F. Sidey (mother ol the bride) was weanng a handsome black silk dress, with black sequin trimming, and a toque to match Mrs K. Burnell (mother of the biidegroom) wore handsome black brocade and a black bonnet , Mrs. Shirei, white silk, trimmed with yellow , Mrs Muter, blue costume, and black pictuie hat Mrs. A Clark grey Eton costume, and cioam toque Mrs. Jensen, gieen and white dress Mis. McDonald black satin gown, and scailet and black toque, Mrs S. Blown black hguied silk, and black and white to( * ue The Misses Blown wore dainty blue costumes, and picture hats Mrs G. Claik was in black and white silk, toque to match Miss Clark, na\ v-blue Kton costume stiapped silk Miss A Claik, blue costume, honiton lace colJai, white pictuie hat. Miss Fiancis, giey tiock, trimmed with white si k Mrs T Tile her. bLaek silk, and toque en suite Mis C Tatuin, black bengahne, black and pink toque. Mrs R Pope black and white silk check Mis Anderson, grey silk and scarlet. Miss Andeison, blue silk blouse, honiton lace /ouave Miss Middlemiss, pretty ci earn silk Mis Bailey, fawn costume, b'ack toque Mis Stew ait had on a black tailoimade costume, dm\ fawn hat, with scailet geiamums Miss Muua\ bl u-k silk Miss Noble-Campbell, daik-blue silk and black hat Mis H Tavlor, black and white, black toque Miss Tavloi white silk, white pictuie hat Miss Bevan maine costume Miss Redwaid. hehotiope hock, Mi^s Wilson, piuple costume Mis Francis, black and while silk dicss Mis. Wai drop, black tailoi-

made, Miss Davidson, blue costume, satin revers, and pretty turquoise toque, Mrs. Skel'y, blue and white silk , Mrs. Hueston, black and white check , Mrs. Pearson, pale blue trimmed with white silk and b ack bebe ribbon, white picture hat, Mrs. A. D. Thomson, black silk dress. Miss E. Wilson, very pietty blue costume and large pink hat. * • • The skirts are to be worn longer than last vear, and may claim a shaped flounce eithei tucked or strapped with silk or tat in, or else covered with other frills This is a very becoming mode, as just now the great thing is to obtain a good "swirl" at the hem. It is, therofoie, as well to cut the shaped flounce as wide at the foot as possible, a,s it then makes its own folds. As I said before, this is the best, pattern to use for making cambrics, as they are too heavy to gather or fold. Some novel ideas might be carried out in the way of stranmngs, so it behoves you all who possess any original schemes to carry them to practical account, and see what attractive results may be accomplished. * * * Dame Fashion has e'ectcd that we are to be gowned this season in the airiest of fabrics, from which I gather that muslins will be extensively patronised. I have already heard it whispered that the Liberty muslins have found favour here, and that several well-known persons have ordered frocks of this description. There is a great probability of these beincr oven more popular than they were last summer, and are most picturesque with many little frills, tuckings, and insertion. Ribbon velvet on the edges of the frills are also to be one of the features of the year, and I can in my mind's eye see most alluring effects gained bv the combining of flowered muslms with the ever popular ribbon ve'vct. This addition, however, is now "laid on" instead of inserted, being one of the latest whims of Madame la Mode. * * * I see a revival of the collar and tie on summer gow ns. True, it is that the collar is a meie trifle an inch wide, but it is made of tluck guipure mounted into a band, and fixed on to the neckband of the diess, and the tie is more of a "stock" than a scarf, twisted twice round the neck, and well tied in a bow. It suits women with long throats, otherw lse it thickens the neck below the chin — for those there are bodices with no coilarbands at all . lace finishes off the bodice at the throat, and you either wear a collar of pearls (if one has them) or a wasp of lace or a bead necklace. Indeed, beads are so firmly fixed in the affections of women just now that it is hard to say t\ here the craze will end. I see a great tendency to hand embroidery on the smartest gowns, just a blossom here and there, worked finely in hlo-floss, with the shadings accurately earned out, over a touch of gold thread, tinv spangle and the narrow crinkled ribbon You use them on the collar and on the bell-shaped slee\es tone upon tout I',1 ', avoiding violent contrasts, shades of heliotrope on its own colour contrasted with white, pink on pink, .iiul so on. Main- girls thus embroider the sa.iloi coll.us on their linen gowns. Pearsall's hlo-floss, and the mallona for loughoi woik ,110 the host silks to choose.