Social Gossip.

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 103, 21 June 1902, Page 10

Social Gossip.

By Christabel

SATURDAY was a red-letter day foi the proprietors of the New Zealand Times Company and staff Their splendid new building on the Quay ha*, been completed, and, to celebrate the fact, woik was suspended and all Saturday given up to lollification. The formal opening took place at noon, and, in the evening, at the invitation of the proprietors, a large number of guests were present at a social and dance, which were given to the employees of the establishment. The function was one of the brightest and most emovable ever held in Wellington. Mr. J. L. Kelly (editor of the "Times") opened the proceedings with a few appropriate remaiks, and a very good programme of son^s and recitations was then gone through The Misses Murphy, Simes, Bannister, and Messrs. Harry Smith, E. J. Hill, Mont. E Bannister and J D Siewnght assisted with songs and recitations Afterwards, there was no lack of varied amusement In one room progressive euchre was played with keen enjoyment, the prizes, which were very handsome, eventually being won by Miss Lily Brown (gold and amethyst bangle), Mr T. K. Macdonald (a silver mounted walking stick), the boobies falling to Mrs. T K. Macdonald and Master E Shoitt Pmg-pong amused others in another room, but the large job-printing room, beautifully decorated with vari-oolotired drapings, and cleared for dancing, tempted many to indulge in that delightful pastime The music, by King's orchestra, was very enlivening, and up-to-datp * * • In the ping-pong loom, Signoi Scherek's Italian Band (harp, violin, and 'cello) played delightfully. Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Bannister, with the active co-opeirataon of Messrs. W. A Giles, J. W Griffiths, W. P. McLachlan, W. H. Lambert, and A. Smart, were simply untiring in looking after their quests, and Messrs. Smart and Griffiths were energetic Ms.C. Quite a feature of the evening was the splendid champagne supper, Mr Godber being the caterer. Shortly before midnight the prizes were presented to the card-play-ers, and then the whole company sang "Auld Lang Syne," and said "ood-bye, eaoh hoping that the jolly re-union will be the first of many. * *■ * Amongst the guests I noticed Mrs. Bannister, wearing black with transparent sleeves and a cluster of red roses on the corsage. Miss Bannister also wore black. Miss Mabel Bannister was in white, with a blue sash. Mrs. Sievwnght wore a crimson silk blouse, Maltese lace, dark skirt , Mrs. T X Maodonald, a handsome gown of black and heliotrope brocade and steel passementerie, Mrs H Smith, a black satin gown, and lovely iet applique, Mrs. P J Nolan, a canary silk tucked blouse and black skirt , Mrs. Smart, a pretty white siJk gown. Mis. P. C. Freeth wore black , Mrs. Purvis, red silk blouse, black skirt. Mrs. Ashbolt was in black , Mrs Griffiths, a cense silk blouse and dark skirt , Mrs. Clarke, white silk blouse, black skirt , Mrs. Learner, white silk gown. Mrs. Holmwood wore a handsome black gown, with ivory lace. Miss Holmwood's uretty frock of tucked cieam satin was finished with touches of lace and crimson flowers. Miss Lambert wan becomingly gowned m black, with blue flowers. Miss Kelly wore a soft cream silk frock and point lace collar. Miss Fitzsimmons was wearing an extremely pretty tucked and uoseirtioned white mushn gown. Mrs. W. F. Shortt wore a handsome black silk gown with jet trimming. Mrs. J R. Gibbons, soft yellow silk blouse and black skirt. + + *■ Mrs. E. F. Allan wore a black surah gown. Miss Brown, a pretty silk blouse, dark skirt , Miss May Brown also wore a soft silk blouse and black voile skirt Mrs. Murdoch wore a blacq silk gown, Miss Bate. w 7 hite silk. Mrs. J. M. Clark wore black. Miss Murphy looked well in a cream brooaded gown. Miss Simes also wore oream, with effective crimson rose®. Mass Halpin had on a pale blue gown. Miss Gouday was in black silk , Miss Blanc, a pretty white silk dress ; Miss Smith, a dainty white net frock, over silk, and blue flowers

Mibe Julia Moian was sealing black, with a lace colldi. Miss Wood (Palmereton North) nme a lovely gown of cieara satm, with a double flounce, the coisage finished with Maltese lace and blue flowers. Miss Ashbolt looked well in black satin, draped with lace Miss — Ashbolt wore blue, and violets, Miss Pettit, a smart pink silk blouse and black sknt. Her sistei also woio pink A lovely gown worn was of black lace with bands of enibroidened guipure. Another noticeable gown was worn by a tall dark lady. and was of black satin, with a pretty jewelled belt of turquoise blue I must mention that "the programmes piowded were of the prettiest description and form, dainty souvenns of a very pleasant evening. <■-'•'• The College Rifles celebrated then birthday by giving a large and most emoyable ball, at the Sydnev-stieet schoolroom, on Friday last It was leajly one of the prettiest dances, the decorations being unusually good—caipets covered the generally bare floois of the sittang-out rooms, and easy ohaars and graceful palms were everywhere arranged. Fires, too, burning brightly, prevented anyone from "doing a freeze." Quantities of flags were draped about the hall, and the men in their picturesque uniforms, did quite their share towaids adding coloui to the scene. I'm afraid, although, peihaps we should not draw comparisons, we one and all prefer the red coats to the khaki, especially in a ballroom Khaki looks so very business-like. The music (Minifies) was splendid, and so also \\ as the supper, served at little lound tables in the gymnasium, which had also been tastefully decorated for the occasion. The ca.tenngwas done by Mr. Mawson. Sergeant A. Mcc (secretary) was veiv energetic, and during the evening was mo^t attentive to all the guests, introducing strangers, and not allowing anyone to "sit out" when they would prefer to dance. Mesdames A. de B Brandon C. Hai-court-Turner, J. Purdy, and C. Heniy acted ac hostesses. * • * Mrs. A. de B. Brandon w ore' a beautiful gown of black jet, over satin. Miss Brandon's pretty gown was of pale yellow silk. Mrs. Harcourt-Turner woro black, with clusters of pink roses Mrs. Purdv. black, relieved with blue, and Mrs. Henry, a black and white gown, Miss Partridge, black, and long evening coat. Miss Hislop wore a pretty black gown. Miss Harcourt was in white silk Miss Butts, a black gown, relieved with pale green; Miss X Fitzsrerald, a pretty blue glace gown. Miss Collins woie w r hite silk. * * * Miss Gilmer's dainty gow n was of white net and ruohings of ribbon, over white satin, the bodice draped with duohesse lace. Miss Mcc woie a cream satin gown, with wide embroidered belt. Miss Macdonald wore black satin. Miss Mmvatt was in white, with pink flowers. Miiss Greenlaw looked well in black and turquoise blue , Miss Willis, a pretty white sdk gown. Miss Wix wore a gown of blue silk. Miss Ethel Wix looked pretty in pale blue with an overdress of fine lace Mi^s F Maichant wore pale yellow silk Miss, M. Marchant, a soft white gov.n Miss Elsie Eliott, a frilled white muslin frock. * # * Miss Salmon looked well in black, the corsage trimmed with wide bands of ivory guipure , Miss H. Gibbes, a pretty white silk frock. Miss Stuart wore black silk, with fichu of net and bebe ribbon Miss E Hannah w r oie a very handsome gown of cream brocade Miss Wills* was in pink , Miss Y. Wills, a pale blue gown. Miss Parsons also wore a pretty blue frock. Miss Mills wore cream brocade, and her sister a white satin dress. The Misses Ecclesfield wore pretty silk gowns. Miss Dodwel] was in a whit© tucked silk dress ; Miss Wilshire, black, with paJo blue Miss E. Ward, a figured <»ilk gown. (Continued on page 11.)

The engagement has been announced in Southern papers of Miss Lily Pagot to Mr. Maunce Powei , son of the late Major Power, of Power.scourt, County Cork <• * * The marriage of Major Cra.wshaw to Miss Fiew, of Oamaru, is arranged for June 24th. The engagement is announced of Miss Topsy Moir (Styx) to Mr C Kiver. • • • Mrs. W Barton (Wairarapa), who is paving a »ouird of visits in Canterbury has been the guesi of Mr and Mi s A E. G. Rliodes. at Te Koraha. • '* The Port Nicholson Yacht Club ba,ll, which takes place this evening (Fiiday), promises to be a great success. It is to be held in the Choral Hail, and His Excellency the Governor has signified his intention to be present » • • Miss May Beatby has been well received in Melbourne, and wears pretty frocks in the "Thirty Thieves." First, a pink sa/tin, made to the knees, and frothing into lace and flower petals, with a black band on the bodice. And her second one is of sparkling white silk, with circles of tinsel embroidery. Her pretty brown hair is up-to-dately dressed, and a Romney curl dangles archly on the left shoulder The engagement is announced of Miss Olga Yon Stunner (Auckland), sister of Mr. D N Yon Stunner. of Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, to Mr. P. F. Kenderdine, of Auckland. • • • Invitations are out for a childien's dance, to be given by Mrs. Warburton. • • • In spite of the dreadful weather raging on Friday afternoon, the At Home given bv Mrs. Tolhurst, at her residence, in Grant-road, was a very great success. The verandah was enclosed, and the w hole home so thoroughly cosy an.d bright that once inside, the weather was entirely forgotten. Pingpong was played in "the den," and King's band was, stationed in the hall. Delicious tea was served in the diningroom on two tables prettily arranged with pink ivy geranium. • • • Mrs. Tolhurst received in a beautiful gown of black silk, trimmed with lovely lace. Miss Tolhurst wore a most becoming red silk tucked blouse, and skirt of the same coloured cloth Mrs. T. Young, a beautiful gown of brown and blue brocade. Assisting with the tea were Miss Gertrude Ross, in a pretty bright ' lue silk blouse, and Miss Rena Butt, in a cream satin blouse, black skirt, and black picture hat. Miss M. Simpson also wore a cream satin blouse, black skirt, and large black hat, and loked very charming. Lady Stout was in a black and whit© brocade gown and heliotrope bonnet Mrs C. Pearce wore- a sealskin coat, black skirt, and black hat Mrs. Beauchamp looked very stylish in a pretty toque and sealskin coat, black skirt. Miss Dyer was in black, with a large black hat." Mr*. Todds gown of brown cloth with medallions of whit© silk, embroidered in gold thread, was much admired. Hon. Mrs. Butler wore a handsome long black coat, and appliques of heliotrope outlined with braid, and a black and heliotrope toque. Dr. PlattsMills wore a smart green tailor-made, and close-fitting toque. Mrs. O'Connor looked handsome in black and white and floral toque. Mrs Stott wore a pretty heliotrope gown; Mrs. Martin, a sealskin ccat, black skiit and black hat. Mrs. Stuart Menteath was admired in a black tailor-made and pretty blue hat with autumn leaves. Mrs. Malcolm Rossi wore black, and a black hat. • • • Mrs. MacEwen looked handsome in a sealskin coat, brown skirt, and pretty red hat. Mrs. Grace was admired in a dark tailor-made, ostrich boa, and black hat. Miss Heywood looked charming in a caracul coat, black voile skirt and heliotrope hat. Miss Ethel Heywood was in a becoming grey costume, with white furs and a grey hat , Mrs. Edwards, a handsome gown and sable furs Mrs Stafford wore black, and a black toque, the Misses Staiford, smart cloth costumes. Miss Laishlev w r as admired in purple frieze, and hat to match. Mrs. W. Kennedy was wearing a blue gown and black toque. Mrs. J. C. Martin, a dark blue gown. # Miss Stuart was in a grey tucked gown and picture hat. Miss G. Reid, a pale grey frieze, lace collar, and black hat. Mrs. Embhng was m black. Mrs Fulton wore a dark gown • Mrs. Baxter, black voile, and a scarlet hat Others present were The Misses Skerrett, the Misses Harding, Miss Brandon, Miss Higginson, Mrs. Tweed Mrs. F. Loughnan Mrs Hacon, Mrs Kember Miss Partridgp and many morp

Miss E. Did&buiy gave a \ery enio-\-able buthday pai ty on Thuisday lawst w eek. Various amusements were provided for the young guests, and the animal guessing competition was gieat hni. The prize toi most correct guesses was won by Miss Even Amongst the guests were Miss. Vera Willis, Misfe K. Simpson, Mis>s M. Bairaud, Misfe D. WiJson, Miss Y. Fulton and Miss M Macintosh Miss Gwen. Flanagan, only daughter of Mr F. W. Flanagan, Chief Diauehte,maa, of the Survey Department, is working very hard at her musical studies in Melbourne. Not only that, but her glorious contra.lt© voice ha? already attracted the admiring notice- of tho virtuosi. Do A'ou know that she was offered an engagement as contralto singer in the Amy Castles Concert Company w hich recently toured the colony and that Herr Soherek was most anxious to secure her? But Gwen's teachei s were strongly averse to such a break m her studies, and Maud Dalrvmple was taken on instead. « • • Miss Flanagan has now been four and arhaJf months at. Professor Marshall Hall's ConsoTvatorium. The Professor instructs her personally in what' is technically known a& interp relation, and Madame Wiedeirmann ''the wife of the Austrian Consul for Australia) teaches her vocal production and technique. Thi9 lady teaches for pur© love of her art. as her husband has an income of £8000 a yeai, and there is no necessity, therefore, to apply her time in that wa,y. Miss Flanagan is also learning French, German, and ItaJian, and lAt ending on operatic class, both her teachers thinking her voice is eminently fitted to shine in. opera. Mrs. Flanagan remains with her daughter till her course of study is over. Mrs. Neave. who, with her children, has bean spending some months with her mother, Mrs Logan, left last Saturday for her home in South Africa ?■ -+ -«■ Before leaving, Mrs. Neave was entertained at a number of farewell teas. One of the most enjoyable was given by Mrs. Chaople, at her 1 evidence, Willis-street , on Thursday afternoon last. Tea was 1 prettily arranged in the dining-room, the 1 flowers used for decoration being cosmeas. Mrs. Chappie's three young daughters, charmingly f rocked in soft silk dresses, handed round the sweets, assisted by the Misses Logan, Hannay, and New all A programme of music of unusual excellence was enjoyed, Messrs. Maughan Bamett, Cyril Towsev, and Madame Carl torn assisting. Mrs. Chappie received in .i handsome gown of black figured siil:. Mrs. Chappie, senior, was also gowned in black brocade. Mis. Neave wore a bla,ck and red cloth fown, and black to<|Ue . Lady Stout, a lovely black and white gown , Mrs. Henry Hall, a fawn coat, dark skirt, and red hat Mrs Haanmerslev (Western Australia), a black gown , Mrs. Hammerslev a navy costume, and white hat, Mrs W. Turnbull, a pretty gown, and hat with turquoise. Mrs. Malcolm Ross wore black; Mrs. Locking, a handsome black silk gown. Mrs. J. K. Logan was m black, and black and white bonnet. Mrs. Wylie wore mauve. Miss Logan had on a black tailor-made gown, and silk vest . Mrs. Faulke, a dark tailorma.de. Mrs. Hannay, black. ♦ • • Another charming At Home was given for Mrs. Neave by Mrs. Hales Oriental Bay, on Friday last. Quite a feature were the exquisite spring: flowers — jonquils and narcissi — arranged on the dainty tear-table. Everyone was in raptures with the "heralds of spring." A large number of guests were present, and the afternoon passed pleasantly with chat and eniorable music. Songs were delightfully sung bv Mrs. Wyhe and Mrs. Norman Hales. Many of the guests could stay but a short time, having another tea engagement to fulfil at. the other end of Wellington — Mrs. Tolhurst's large At Home being held the same day. * -f- * Mrs. Hales received in a pretty blouse of eau de nil silk and lace, and a black satin skirt. Lady Stout was in black and. white brocade, and violet toque Mrs Neave., a red and black gown, and black close toque , Mrs. Stafford, a sealskin, dark skirt and black hat Mrs Henry Hall, a dark brown costume and led hat. Mrs. Finch wore black, and Miss Finch navy blue. Mrs. W Logan looked nice in a fawn gown, and hat to match : Mrs. and Miss Morrin (Auckland}, in dark costumes- Mis Embhne, black voile, and hat with tips . Mrs. Wvlie, black and mauve hat. dark gown. Mrs. T. G. Macarthv wore a lovely gown of old lose cloth with cream lace front and hat to match Mrs Hammprslev v. as in black silk Mrs Youne: also wore black silk. AsMetin" with the tea were Miss Logan, in a sown of old lose cloth with Russian blouse and hat to match Miss

NewaJl, who looked well in grey and Miss Young, in grey also, with a black hat. • • • On Wednesday last week a metty woddmg took place at St Mark's diuich, Sussex Sijuaie, the nuptial pair being Mr. ¥111, James Gaudin, son of Mr. W. J Gaudin, coal merchant, Gliuznee>-st.reeit, and Olive. second daughter of Mr. Banks Wilhs-stieet. The ceremony wa« conducted bv the R-ev R. C'offey, assisted bv the Rev. E Wymi-Bond. The bnde looked winsome in a fown of white silk trimmed with, lace a,nd insertion and the- usual veil and oranee blossoms She was given awavbr her father * « • The bndesmaids were Miss C. Banks (sisteir of the bade) Miss Daisy Gaudin (sastier of the bndegroom), and Miss Grace Gaudin. all three being attired in pretty white silk pomns, the two former wearing black toques, with touches of pink and the third maid a large w hite hat. The bride and bridesmaids all cairied lovely shower bouquets of ro6es and chrysanthemums Mr C. E. Dowland actedt as best man. * * * After the* ceremony, a reception was held at Godber's, where the usual toasts were honoured. Mr. and Mrs. Gaudin left by the 5.30 Manawatu train en route for Wangajiui, where the honeymoon, is being spent. _ The bride's travelling dress wa? of terra-cotta cloth, and toque to match. The bridegroom's present to the bride was ai bicycle, and to the maids he gave gold heart locket 9 and a, brooch. • • • The presents received were numerous and costly and include a silver entre dish and toast rack, from St. Mark's Sundaiy-sohool teachers, of which Mr. Mr. Gaudin is secretary, and a silver coffee pot from the Church Lads' Brigade In. the eve'tiine;, a very enjoyable party was eiven by Mr. and Mrs. Banks, in Sipiller's Hall. Dancing, ping-none: etc., occupied the time, and a very pleasant evening was spent.