SOCIAL GOSSIP

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 65, 28 September 1901, Page 10

SOCIAL GOSSIP

By Christabel

Dear Christabel — MRS TOLHURST'S house is a delightful one to be enteitained in, for the rooms are spacious and charming, the gardens beautiful, and the view of the harbour and hills alone is worth the climb A large number of guests attended the "At Home" on Wednesday. Ping-pong was played in "The Den," and all sorts of damty iefreshments served in the timing-room Mrs. Tolhurst wore a handsome black silk, Miss Mary Denniston a white skirt, and pretty white silk blouse, Miss Jupp, cornflower silk blouse and black skirt, and Mrs. T Young, a tan frock with wdiite appliques and turquoise vest and toque.

It was impossible to see all the guests, for there was so much space to wanderabout in, and so many cozy nooks and corners to sit and chat with friends Many went out into the gardens and admired the spring blossoms. Some of those present were Mrs. Seddon, in a black toque and costume, Miss Mary Seddon, in black and white, Lady Ward, in black, with a tinted lace fichu, Mrs. Tuckey, black gown and cape, and a bonnet with purple, Mrs Hatfield, blue and white foulard , Mrs Cook, black, with silk embroidery, Miss Rose, black tailor-made frock and picture hat Miss Haselden, pale-blue silk blouse and black skirt, and black chiffon toque Miss Raw son, caracul coatee, black frock, and chiffon toque Miss J. Campbell, white silk coat, blue skirt, and hat with white

Mrs. Samuel was in mignonette green, w1 th lace revers, Mrs. Josephs, in black and gold, Mrs. Kendall, black, and a black and white hat, Miss Stowe, in grey, and her sister in dark red , Mrs. Firth, royal blue, with turquoise toque Mrs. Ward, in black. Mrs. Allen wore black, with a grey-feathered hat, Mrs. Hemes, dark green, and a toque with nasturtiums Mrs. Handyside, pale-blue frieze, her blue toque having a crown of violets, Miss Handyside wearing nav> blue. Mrs. Miles was in sapphire-blue, with turquoise in her toque, Mrs. Greenwood, in a black fur coat, with lace revers, black frock, and black and white hat. Mis. Campbell, pink and white toque and navy-blue frock Miss Roy, in black and pale blue , Mrs. Simpson, dark frock and grey chiffon toque.

Miss Reid woie a pink fneze and black hat, Miss Bullock, navy-blue and chiffon toque, Mrs. Knight, pale blue , Miss Kane, giey, Mrs. Butt, black and white, and a black and white toque Miss Butt, a black frock, with white silk collar, and a black and white picturo hat. Mrs Riley was in navy, and woie a hat with pale blue, Miss Riley, in giey. Mrs. Mills woie black and white, Mrs. Luckie, black, with purple in her bonnet Mrs. Bustow, black. Mrs. McTavish, purple, Mrs Tweed, a \iolet dress and toque.

The most beautiful flowers were set everywhere about Mrs. Wilford's pretty rooms on Friday afternoon last, when she gave a large "At Home." On a cabinet, facing the door, wcie magnificent rhododendrons, a perfect blaze ot crimson and rose-colour, and great bow Is of cowslips and clusters of daffodils, exquisitely arranged, stood on eery table and she f Tea was served in the din-ing-room, where the table was dainty with spring flowers, and laden with the most delicious cakes and sweets Mrs. Wilford woie a charming blue muslin frock, and a large black picture hat, with feathers clasped by a wide buckle Miss McLean was in black, with white silk vest and collar, and a pretty chiffon toque of pale violet. -

Tho numbei of smart frocks wa.s much noted. Among the guest*, were Lady Stout, in a black and white foulard, and purple t-oquo , Lady Ward, in black, with a tinted lace fichu, and a becoming chiffon toque, Mrs Seddon, in a black tucked frock, lace drapery on bodice, and a black toque Miss Seddon in black and white, Mrs. Dyer black, with a, wide black picture hat Mrs Tolhurst wore a rich black silk, and a black bonnet, Miss Denniston brown, and a hat with pink Holmes's dress was black, and she woie fins and a black bonnet with purple. Mrs,.

Firth had on black, with white silk collai, and a black toque Mis. Ward also won* a black frock and hat, and a giey o&tnch boa Mrs Staffoid. gown was of black, with puiple appliques and an accoi doon-pleated flounce, hoi toque being black chiffon, with violets

Mis Fulton woie blue voile, with noi\ guipuie, and a chiffon toque, with a lose ciown Miss Stafford's frock was of lvoiy seige, with cape-like laco collar, and her toque was black, with lvoiy guipuie Mis C Izard was in black Mrs Hemes, in daik gieen, and a black and white hat, Mrs. Rankin Blown, gicy, and a black hat, Mrs D Nathan, brown, with sable capo, and Mis W Nathan, black and white. Mrs Heaton Rhodes woie pink cloth, with a lace vest Mrs. Balcombe Brown, black, with white silk braided with black Mrs. Eastol field, black, and black and white toque Miss Gualtor, black, with white silk sadoi collar Mrs Luckie's gown was back, and her black bonnet had a touch of tuiquoise Mrs Field was in a giev tailor-made, and a chiffon toque and Mis Hodgkins, in black

Mrs Tweed woie a purple frock and toque Mrs Burns, black, and purple in her chiffon toque Mrs Collins was in black, with a picturesque black hat, and Mrs Pcaioe in black and white Mrs Mantell wore a tan coat over a dark frock, and a toque with roses, Miss Brandon, an Eton coat and skirt of purple, with a hat to match , Miss Higgmson, a brown Eton costume, with tiny gold buttons Mrs Parfitt's gown was crimson, with pink silk. Mrs Raw son wore a black frock, with a white silk collar, and a black toque Miss Myra Raw son, blue. Mrs Stott's frock w'a= of navy-blue, and her toque black Mis Biss'wore black and white, and a purple hat Mrs Crawford, a purple chess, and a black and white toque, Mrs Ha.olden, grey. Mrs Gore was in black and white, Miss Gore wearing a grey frock and a pink hat. Mis J Watson was in blue and Mrs Miles wore blue and white and a chiffon toque trimmer! with tinted fohago Mrs Buchanan wove a dark coat and skirt and a black toque

I.ton coats are übiquitous, and deserve their populantv. foi girls, especially, look very smart and trim in those useful little garments At the lecont teas, every third guest wore an Eton, (Continued on Page 11.)

and yet there was no monotony, for tho wearer worked out her individuality on tho decoration thereof. One of purple frieze, all strapped horizontally, and another of brown cloth, also with strappings, and tiny gold buttons, were distinctly smart.

Bishop sleeves —tho style we clung to for so long—have gone out of fashion. All sorts of fancy sleeves are seen on the new blouses. A pretty style is to finish off the sleeve three inches above tho wrist, slitting it up once or twice, and lining it neatly. From under it falls the bell-sleeve of tucked muslin or chiffon. It is best to have only a glimpse of the httle under-sleeve showing, if the gown be dark. A large mass of white below the upper sleeve is unbecoming. Tucks are seen on everything from parasols to petticoats. As yet we have not introduced them into stockings or shoes, but, prohably, it is only a question of time. The mere labour expended on some of the new blouses must be enormous. A lovely one, on view in a shop on the Quay, had not only fairyhke tucks running from shoulder to wrist, but was tucked across as well, forming quaint little squares.

The frying-pan hat—the flat disc of straw, with one side tilted up and secured by a huge paste buckle—requires a pretty face beneath it, and even then is not the most becoming of headgears. It is the mode, however, at Home, and that is sufficient reason for some to wear it. Its reign will probably be fleeting.

At a lovely wedding in Yorkshire not so long ago—that of the Marquis of Exeter and Miss Myra Orde-Powlett— the bridesmaids wore long trailing frocks of ivory-white Liberty satin, with overskirts 'of yellow chiffon, embroidered with trails of passion-flower. The hats were white, with forget-me-nots under the wide brims and strings of beautiful pearls, the gifts of the bride finished off the narrow laoe collars. Ihe effect must have been delightful if the girls were as dainty as their frocks, and the bride, to outshine her maids, must have been charming indeed. * * * Miss Bullock is a guest of Mis Nicholas Reid. , * * * Mrs Hatfield, who has i .covered from her long illness, went to Napier last Saturday. * * Mrs. Greenwood is again in town, awaiting the arrivaltf H.M.S. Mildura Miss Graham, from Dunedin, is staying with Mrs. W. Kennedy. # Miss Branson, from Dunedin is a guest of Miss Fraser's. # Mrs. Gerald Tolhurst and Miss To Ihurst arrived in Wellington last lhuisday. Mrs. Gerald Tolhurst intends to spend some time with Mrs Tolhurst. * * * The last of Miss Koch's dances was held last week, and Vas no exception to the rest in the way of enjoyment. These small dances seem to have been decidedly appreciated. Among those who were present were- Mrs Bathom, in black velvet, Mrs Tregear, in ye - low and black, and Miss Koch, in black silk and lace. Miss Tregear wore a pink blouse and black skirt , Miss Richardson, white silk and turquoisebluo vehet Miss Grant, scarlet.silk crepon, with red poppies, Miss Whitson white satin , Miss Runcie, a rosepink silk blouse, with white insertion, and black silk skirt Miss Hitchings, yellow silk Miss Laishley, white muslin Miss Knowles, black silk and white lace Miss Darling, black and cream insertion and Miss Blundell, pale-blue nun's veilinp*.

The hrst conceit of the two given by Mr Maughan Barnett and Herr Hoppe was on Monday, and a gTeat treat to those in the audience who were able fully to appreciate the merits of the various items. Theie were Philistines who long for a song or two to vary the programme, and who imagined the selections might have been curtailed with advantage. But everyone was charmed with the playing of Herr Hoppe and Mr. Barnett. It was delightful, and apparently the result of so little effort, that one forgot the years of practice that had led to such perfection Ihe absolute silence of the audience was in itself a compliment.

Among those piesent I noticed Mis Stowe, in a grey opeia coat Miss Stowe, in a red coat, with black tm, Miss Phaiazyn, in grey and pink Mrs Fitchett wore a long pink coat Miss Rawson, a pink and white frock Mrs Temple Perkins had on black with ivon guipure Miss Temple Perkins weanng pale blue Mrs Kmbhng had on a long grey cloak, with fur and embroidery , Miss Arkwnght, black, with white lace, Miss pink siilk Mrs. Miles, black, Miss Bertha Miles, scarlet silk blouse, and black skirt Miss Piouse wore white chiffon Mis. Riley, a grey coat, Mrs. Harrison, black.

Mrs. Ewan had on a pink brocade blouse and black skirt, Mrs. and Miss Nelson, red fui-tummed opera coats Miss Richmond woie a pink silk blouso and dark skirt, her sister wearing pale blue. Mrs. Handyside was m black, Miss Stafford in pink, and Miss Handyside in a purple blouse and black skirt. Miss Stuart wore a white cloak. Mrs. Tuckey was in black, Mrs. Jeffcoat, pale green, Mis. Ward, a gery operacoat , Miss Fraser, a blue cloak , Miss Branson, white. Miss Grant wore a paie green blouse, with crimson flowers and a brocade skirt. Miss Lingaid was in black velvet, with a lace fichu. Miss Ashcroft wore a pale blue' silk blouse, and black skirt. Mrs. Fell was in black. Mrs. Kennedy wore black, and Miss Graham a white silk blouse and black skirt. Yours truly,

Phillida

The Misses Mills gave a very enjoyablo progressive euchre party on Thursday night. The hrst prize for ladies (consisting of a beautiful framed engraving) was won by Miss K. West, and the fust pnze for the gentlemen (a pair of hair brushes in a leather case) by Mr. Kilgour. Music and dancing followed, and everyone was sorry when it was time to say good-bye to their kind hostesses. Mrs. and the Misses Mills were indefatigable m their attention to their guests Amongst the latter were Miss Herman, in black, Miss Seddon, black and white, Miss Spragg, soft w lute silk , Miss Tregear, white muslin , Mies D. Heywood, black satin skirt and blue blouse, Miss L. Ashbolt, black satin dress, with lace bolero

Miss Barron wore yellow silk Miss X Richardson, pretty black satin, Miss Crowe (Dunedin), yellow satin, trimmed with lace, Miss G. Richardson, black silk, Miss Webb, white silk, trimmed with chiffon , Miss L. Blundell, black skirt and rose-pink blouse. Mrs Mills received in black satin, and the Misses Mills all wore black satm skirts and pretty-colouied blouses. The following gentlemen were present Messrs Reeves, Reid, Francis, Hughes, Ashbolt, Wilson, Harbottle, Hjornng, Blundell, Collins, Jacobs, Kilgour, and Ward. In the absence of Mr. Mills, whose Parliamentary duties prevented his being present, Captain J. Hughes piesented the puzes in a very neat speech.

A pretty ceremony took place when the New Zealand flag, presented by the Government to the Carnarvon School, was hoisted before a large number of interested spectators. Mr. Rockel, chairman of the SchooL Committee, made a very appropriate speech, and short addresses were also given by Messrs. Harper, Robinson, Penny, R B and T. Mackenzie. Amidst loud cheers the flag was then hoisted by Master Roy Mackenzie, dux of the school. The "National Anthem" was sung, and tho proceedings closed with three cheeis for tho popular schoolmistiess (Miss Goodland).

On Tucsda\, September 3rd, a most delightful dance was given h\ Mr and Mrs. D. Scott, at their residence, "Willow Bank," Rangitikei, the occasion being the coming of age of Mr Wilson Scott A splendid sunoer was served in the breakfast-room, and dancing was kept up until the small houis of the morning, and ended with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." Dining supper, one of the guests made a veiy smart little speech, wishing Mr. Wilson Scott all success

Mrs Scott received the guests, and was weanng a handsome gown of claiet silk. Miss Scott wore white Miss M. Scott, pale blue silk, and Miss P. Scott, a pretty pink silk dress. Amongst the guests were Miss Higgle (Wanganui) in a stylish black silk, with lace sleeves, her sister weanng pink, Miss Ste\ens, black and white , Miss McDonald, black volvet Miss X Fraser, white, with soft fichu, Miss E Fraser, white muslin with red Miss N. Fraser, white muslin, Miss M. Mackenzie, pale blue silk, with chiffon fichu Miss Dot Mackenzie, white, with yellow silk sa_h Miss N Mackenzie, white silk and chiffon Amongst the gentlemen present were Messrs. Mackenzie (3), Goodall, Hair Mooie, Scott (2), Hammond, and Acourt. Extras were played by the Misses Fraser, Mackenzie, Scott, and Messrs A Fraser and Colin Mackenzie (violins). "Willow Bank" is an ideal place for a dance, its pietty and wellI aid-out grounds and little summeihouses proving very attractive. * * *

Many of the most charming things in spring wear are to be seen in the windows and show-rooms of Te Aro House Quite a feast of dainty colouring is drawing ladies to the well-known house Such a diversity of delightful hats and toques has rarely been seen before, and during my interesting wander through To Aro House last week I found it hard to teai myself and mv two young lady fi lends aw-iv fiom the enchantment You will notice some \eiv artistic models pictuied m another portion ot this numbei, but the whole of the Fu__ LamE would si.meh suffice to do the spring delights of Te Aro House justice