Social Gossip.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 108, 26 July 1902, Page 12

Social Gossip.

By Christabel.

CLEAR, frost y days and bright sunshine are a ver\ welcome change aftei the weeks of depressing and destructive rain that we had to endure. The shops are "selling off" their furs and marking down their other winter stock in a manner that betokens spring is near— if not here. London letters tell us that delaine is an easy favourite for smart spring frocks, but not the dowdy antiquated delaane or other years. This is in the most becoming tints, and patterned with lovely floral groups and sprays. The simple linen frock is a thing of the past as even frocks are to be elaborately tucked not in those pretty fine tucks though— the new-comer is quite three inches wide, and correspondingly important. # * Blouses continue to be fastened down the back with tiny ornamental buttons, and trimmed with string insertions. * • • The Mask and Domino Ball, given by Mrs. Riddiford, at her residence, the Hutt on Thursday last, was a decided success, and was voted by all the guests to be one of the very j oiliest dances they had ever attended. A slight accident on the line going out caused mild excitement, and delayed the arrival pt the train for some time, but eventually the hospitable house was reached, and from then "all went merry as a marriage bell." The drawing-room and moming-room, with folding doors between, were arranged for dancing, and prettily decorated with flags and lvcopodium, a large Union Jack being draped over the piano. * * * Outside, a marquee was erected, and cosily furnished as a sitting-put room, and the verandah was used likewise. A delicious supner was laid out in the din-ing-room, and the table looked sweet with trails' of lycopodium and spring flowers arranged amongst the tempting dishes. The music was sunphed by Mr. Fleming. Powdered hair was worn by the ladies, who made a very bright and quaint picture with their red, white or blue dominos, and the men disguised tlhemselves with masks, all more or less comical and ugly. One's identity was kept a strict secret until just before supper-time, when, in the midst of a dance the signal was given, and off came the masks and dominoes, and everyone found out who was who. * * * Mrs. Riddiford wore a very beautiful black satin sown, with a panel of -jet sequins, and her hair was powdered Miss Riddiford looked extremely well in a lovely frock of white satin with exquisite insertion and chiffon flounces. Miss Frood wore a pretty white silk gown. The Hon. Mrs. Butler also wore a rich white silk and lace gown Miss Shapter'looked nice in black satin and ciffon. Miss F. Brandon was in white satin. Mrs. 0. Cooper wore a black satin dress Miss K. Humphrey, a pale green net. Miss MacTavish was much admired in a lovely white gown Miss Z Broad was in pale yellow satin Miss Jackson wore white. Miss Watorhouse also wore white. Miss Hewitt (Palmerston North) was in white satin. * *■ * Miss Y. Rawson wore pink silk. Miss Lee was in white . Miss Williams, white satin gown , Miss 0 Fitzgerald, a becoming gown of cream satin. Miss Z Johnston was in white satin and pale yellow chon Miss D Johnston, a pretty white muslin dress. The Misses Hislop wore white silk dresses, and Miss Higginson white satin Miss M. Rawson, a lovely frock of cream satin and gold lace- Miss Harcourt, white satin dress Miss Ida Coleridere wore a prettiv dress of silk and chiffon. Miss Olive Gore was also in white. * • ♦ Amongst the gentlemen present were • The Hon H C. Butler and Messrs Richmond, Wright, Tripe, Latham, Broad. Stowe, Willis, Bunny, Leckie, Jackson, Gorton, Rawson, Barnett, Beetham, Levin, Beere, George, Cox, Turrell, Gore Sloman, MacShane, Harcourt Sommerville, Rhind, Higginson, Ross Williams, Pearoe, Skerrett, Dalziel, and others. * * * Miss Hewitt (Palmerston North') has been staying with Mrs. C. J. Johnston. * • * Aliss Macassey (Dunedin) has been the guest of Mrs. W. Kennedy for a week or two.

The annual ball of the Permanent Aitillery, held in the Choral Hall on Wednesday, July 16th, was a very great success, and much enjoyed b\ the large number of guests present. The hal 1 was very effectively decorated with bunting, foliage, and swords. Music was supplied by Mmifie's string band, and a splendid supper was catered by Mr. Godber. The secretary (Bombardier L. Hamilton) and his committee deserve great praise for the excellent arrangements. Amongst the officeis present were General Babington, Col. Messenger, Captains Lomax and Harcourt, Lieuts. Cooper, Cowles, and Gardiner. Dancing in the official set were General Babington and Miss Messenger, Col. Messenger and Miss Harcourt, Captain Campbell and Miss M. Messenger, Captain Lomax and Miss Fitzgerald, Captain Harcourt and Mrs. Richardson, Loeut. Pilkington and Mis<? Cowie Lieut. Butler and Mrs. Henry Surgeon-Capt. Henry and Mrs. Barclay. Messrs. Thompson, Sommerville, Junss and Ching aoted as masters of the ceremonies throughout the evening The dresses worn were very handsome, and, with the uniforms of the men made a gay scene. I noticed : Miss Messenger, in a brown silk velvet, and lovely lace Miss M. Messenger, a pink silk gown • Miss Cowie, white silk, beautifully trimmed with lace • Mrs. Henry, handsome black dress , Miss Harcourt, a handsome silk gown , Miss Fitzgerald, pretty white frock , Mrs. Richardson, a black silk gown , Miss Lawrence was in white satin ; Mis Mayo, white silk and lace Miss Shaw, white muslin , Miss Shotter, pretty yellow silk ; Mrs. Moore, handsome biack brocade, with sequin embroidery. • ♦ * Miss Gentles wore cream silk ; Miss Smith, a lovely blue satin gown and real lace ; Miss Cooper, whit© brocade gown Miss Beaumont, white silk ; Miss Mitchell, cream cashmere : Miss McArerin, white muslin ; Miss Charlton, blue silk ; Miss Mowatt, a grey dress , Mrs. Wade, white silk dress ; Miss Rogers, blue silk ; Mrs. Shepherd, white satin and lace gown ; Miss Mountjov, white net and chiffon frills • Miss Allan, white and amber silk frills , Miss Tester, white silk. Miss Young wore paJe pink satin. Miss C. Moore wore white silk and lace. Mis® Richardson, white silk. The Misses Parsonage also wore white. During the evening a telegram was read from Sir Joseph Ward, apologising for his absence. (Continued on page 13.)

ane At Home given by Mrs. C. J. Johnston ,on Monday last, was most enjoyable. Ping-pong was played by some of the guests and Miss E. Parsons sang delightfully during the afternoon. The tea-table was prettily arranged with spring flowers and maidenhair, and laden with all sorts of skeets. Mrs. Johnston wore a lovely grey frock, with beautiful lace. Miss Z. Johnston wore a pretty cream satin blouse, and dark skirt. Some of the guests were Hon. Mrs. Butler, Lady Russell, Mrs. Grace, Mrs. and Miss Higginson, Mrs. and Miss A. de B. Brandon, Mrs. and Miss His! op, Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Baldwin, Mrs. Harold Johnston, and the Misses Randall, Johnston, Fitzgerald, Williams, Barron, and Hewitt. * • • Mrs. W. Barton (Featherston) was in town for the races. * • * The marriage of Missi Maud Friend to Mr. Y. Baldwin, solicitor, of Palmerston North, is airaaiged to take place next month. * * * Mrs. Abbott (Wanganui) was in Wellington for the laces. * * * Sir Joseph and Lady Ward once more threw open the hospitable portals of Awarua House, and entertained half Wellington at a most enjoyable and successfully arranged At Home last Monday afternoon. The beautiful rooms were thronged with people, but so convenient is the house for entertaining, that despite the ~reat number of guests, they were not overcrowded, and one could wander round from group to group at one's own sweet will, and enjoy the delicious tea without the fear of its being capsized over one's best gown without a moment's notice. * * * Tea was served m the billiard and dining-rooms, and the tables looked a picture with the many pretty dishes and quantities of lovely spring flowers arranged thereon. A string band (King's), stationed somewhere near the hall, greatly enlivened the proceedings. Somehow, when the band plays it seems to be an invitation to talk, and, although one is chattering one's hardest and really could not say if the band was playing "Dolly Grey" or "Lohengrin," the guests can be enjoying the music all the same, and like it to be there. * * • There was also some splendid singing, to which everyone listened with all their might. Miss Eileen Ward's delightfully sweet contralto voice was a revelation to those of us who had not heard her sing before. It is a lovely voice, and quite filled the large diningroom. Miss E. Parsons sang charmingly, as she always does, and her songs were much enjoyed. Sir Joseph Ward and Mr. Hone Heke also sang capitlThe guests were received in the draw-ing-room by Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, the latter wearing a most becoming gown of blue grey voile, with ivory guipure insertions and soft cream front slashed with, black velvet bands, and she also wore a diamond and pearl necklace. Miss Eileen Ward wore the daintiest of cream frocks, with much lace and insertion. Miss Fraser was in cream silk also — a lovely dress, with accordeon-pleated flounce, transparent point lace yoke, and a turquoise chou. * * * Lady Constance Knox was there, in a becoming gown of vieux rose cloth, and black picture hat. Lady Stout wore black and white, and a caracul coat; Mrs. Walter Nathan, a sealskin coat, daxk skirt, and black hat. Miss Nathan was in purple, with ivory guipure, and Miss G. Nathan wore red, strapped smartly with black. Miss Williams wore a lovely costume of cream cloth, with chiffon vest and becoming blue hat with clusters of violets. Mrs. Rhodes was handsomely gowned in black silk, and wore sable furs; Mrs. Loughnan, brown costume, and pretty brown and violet halt. * • • Mrs. Gilruth was admired in a white cloth costume and velvet picture hat, with plumes. Miss Coates wore black, and a black and white chiffon boa; Mrs W. A. Logan, fawn costume, and white chiffon ruffle; Miss White (Hawke's Bay), a dark frock, trimmed with cream lace, and pretty white hat. Miss Newall wore dark blue, Miss A. Brandon, black costume, long red frieze coat, and black hat. Mrs. Quick wore a beautiful gown, of black satin, elaborately embroidered in jet and silver. Miss D. Quick wore a grey costume, and blue hat with poppies. * • • Mrs Walker was in dark grey, and black hat with tips. Miss Walker wore a sealskin coat, with a dark red gown, and picture hat: Mrs. Beauchamp, a stylish black eown, with heliotrope and white toque trimmed with autumn leaves . Mrs. Dyer, a pale green costume, and toque with pink roses. Mrs Leckie wore black brocade, and Irish lace fichu. Mrs. Napier (Auckland) looked well in a sealskin coat, dark skirt, and becoming hat : Mrs. Chat-

field, a pretty giey costume, Glebe toque, Mrs. J. F. Martin, a dark purple cloth gown, Mrs. Millwaid, black, with pink ve9t, and pretty pink liat , Mrs. Kendall, black tailor-made. • * • Mrs. Waliis was gowned in black, and wore a black hat Mrs. Tuckey, black silk, and pretty bonnet, with tips and dark red roses Mrs. Wateis, black, and a bright scarlet hat , Mrs. J. Gray, black voile, muchly tucked, and pretty red hat with geraniums. Miss Otterson was in pink cloth. Mrs. Pye-Smith wore a handsome brown cloth gown, and hat to match. Miss Stowe had on a green cloth frock, lace collar, and black hat , Mrs. Hales, a dark costume, and pretty toque. Miss Somerville wore a smart blue Eton costume, and hat with red poppies. Mrs. (Captain) Walker wore a sealskin coat, and black hat with ostrich plumes. Mrs. (Justice) Cooper wore a black satin gown, handsomely tucked, and a white and black hat, Mrs. Abbott (Auckland), stylish black tailormade and black and cream toque Mrs. Spragg, black satin gown , Mrs. Martin, a becoming violet cloth dress, and large black hat, Mrs. T. G. Macarthy, a striking and pretty cream serge costume, strapped with crimson silk, and a crimson toque and caracul coatee ; Mrs. MacEwen, a black picture hat. Mrs. Malcolm Ross wore black ; Mrs. C. H. Mills, black brocade. Mrs. Rotheram, a violet gown, with black strappings, and bonnet to match. * • « Mrs. M. Myers had on a pretty black costume, and becoming close toque , Mrs. Kelly, a handsome black silk, Maltese lace tie, and pretty bonnet , Miss Kelly a black costume, and burntstraw hat , Mrs. Prouse, a brown tailormade gown ; Miss Dimant, a navy coat and skirt., and toque to match , Mrs. Leslie, stylish grey frieze gown, vest of cream mousselme^de-soie, and toque to match ; Mrs. Bannister, a handsome black brocade gown, and black toque , Mrs. Thompson, black skirt, beaver cape over a crimson silk blouse. Mrs. Fitohetfc wore a beautifully-made gown of purple oloth. and silver embroidery, and a pretty white felt hat with violets. Others present were Mr. and Mis. M. P. Cameron, Mesdames Anson. Balcombe Brown, Beere, Bothamley, R. Bannister, Devy, Dean, Ewen, Izard. Koch, Holm wood MacTavish, Pearce, Rose, Reid, Simpson, Sprang, Stowe Tregear, Tripe, Finch, Chatfield and many others. Mrs. Grace gave a most delightful little dance at her residence, Hawke-stone^-street, last Tuesday evening. Two rooms, with folding doors between, were used for dancing, and the floor was perfect. A most delicious supper was laid in the dining-room, the table looking lovely. Mrs. Grace received in a handsome gown of black brocade and lace. Amongst those present were Major and Mrs. Owen, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Johnston, the Misses Zoe and Doris Johnston, Miss F. Brandon, Miss Higginson, Miss Williams, Miss Harcourt, Miss K. Fitzgerald, and Messrs. Duncan, William, Turrell, Harcourt, Rhind, Pearce, and others. * * * The engagement has been announced of Miss Fidden Williams (granddaughter of Mrs. Robert Pharazyn) to Mr. Sid. Riddell, of Napier, Hawke's Bay. Another engagement lately announced is of Miss Pearl Scale, Hastings, to Mr. Charles Margoliouth, of Messrs. Munay, Roberts, and Co., Napier, Hawke's Bay. * # * A very pleasant and enjoyable "girls' tea" was given by tlie Misses Wills on Thursday last week. The rooms were beautifully decorated with red bush leaves, yellow daisies, and maidenhair fern. Delicious tea and. home-made oakes and sweets were laid in the din-ing-room, the table decorations being most artistic and pretty. The young hostesses looked charming in soft white muslin gowns. During the afternoon a very enjoyable programme of music was gone through, contributions being given by the Misses Mills, Mrs. Woolcott, the Misses Phoebe and Ethel Parsons, Miss Hislop, Mis® Ettie Maginnity, Mrs. C. Fordham, Mis® Blackey, and a recitation, "How the La Rue Stakes Were Lost," by Miss Rebe Richardson was very much enjoyed. * ♦ * Messrs. Norman and Bert KirkcaJdie arrived last week from their trip to England, having had a most enjoyable holiday. The Misses Olive and Grace Kirkcaldie went as far as Sydney to meet their brothers. * * * The weather could not possibly have been finer for the races on both Wednesday and Saturday. The air was balmy and spring-like, and no one had the slightest doubts about wearing their prettiest frocks. The stand and lawn were, consequently, filled with smartlydressed women, happy because no sus-picious-looking cloud threatened momentarily to break and ruin their pretty

dresses. On the first day, His Excellency the Governor was present, with Lady Ranfurly and Lady Constance Knox, accompanied by Captain Alexander, the Hon. H. C. Butler, and the Hon Hill-Trevor. * * * The Countess was wearing a lovely costume of bright blue cloth, with a deep velvet collar, edged with sable, the vest and smaller collar composed of real lace, and a large black velvet hat trimmed with ostrich tips. Lady Constance Knox looked very pretty in a costume of opal green oloth, with touches of lace, sable toque trimmed with white, and furs to match. Miss Harcourt had on a smart blue costume, and picture hat draped with lace and roses , Hon. Mrs. Butler, crushed rose-colour skirt, caracul coat, and black hat with pink roses. * * * Lady Ward wore a sealskin coat, blaok skirt, and picture hat. Mrs. C. J. Johnston looked well in a rough gi-ey costume, strapmngs of blaok, sealskin jacket, and black toque. Mrs. E. Riddiford was wearing black, with sealskin jacket, ohinchilla fur collar, and muff to match. Mrs. Crawford was much admired in a scarlet frock, black strappings sealskin coat, and red straw hat with quills, Mrs. Abbott (Wanganui), a handsome gown of nutbrown cloth, with beautiful velvet coat of the same shade, made three-quarter length, with deep flounce of oloth, and handsomely trimmed with passementerie, the collar of white brocade embroidered in gold, and a toque of the same shade velvet had touches of duckegg blue, and the lovely muff was of gold embroidered brocade and lace. *■ * # Mrs. Baldwin wore a navy coat and skirt, and black hat ; Mrs. Arthur Duncan, a terra-cotta gown, white vest, and red hat. Miss Z. Johnston's gown was one of the prettiest on the lawn, and was 1 a soft blue shade of zibeline, fashioned, witth an Eton coat, piped all round, and the graceful skirt was finished in the same manner ; the vest was of silk and chiffon, and with this was worn a large black hat. Mrs. T. G. Macarthy looked exceedingly nice in a smart, gown of cream corduroy, with pipings of carnation red, toque of red velvet and silk, with black feather, and a grey coat. * * ♦ Mrs. Stafford had on a handsome black gown, seal iacket, and toque with roses; Miss Handyside (Taranaki) electric blue costume, and hat to match. Miss Simpson looked well in a navy costume, and black hat : Miss Stafford, a scarlet costume, and hat to match. Mrs. H. Johnston wore a cos-

tuine of black cloth, trimmed with fur, and scarlet-trimmed hat ; Mrs. Rawson, dark costume, sable coat, lace jabot, and smart hat. Miss Y. Rawson looked nice in a black gown, with violet trimmings, and large black and white hat; Miss Brandon, black costume, red frieze coat, and black hat; Mrs. Biss, navy costume, and black and white hat ; Mrs. Elgar, a very stylish dark gown, seal coat trimmed with chinchilla, and hat turned up on either aide, trimmed with green and black wings, and the brim draped with real lace. Miss Izard wore a scarlet skirt, dark coat, and black hat : Mrs. Bridge, dull red costume, trimmed with black, and a red hat. Mrs. Johnston (Hawke's Bay) wore a rich black gown, with cape, and a black bonnet. * * • Mrs. Harbroe had on a handsome dress of black satin, trimmed with jet and lace, and a large hat with feathers. Mrs. W. Turnbull wore a royal blue coat and skirt, white furs, and dark hat. Miss Higginsom had on a stylish electric blue dress, and a picture hat. Miss Riddiford was admired in all grey, with white furs 1 . Miss Babington wore a dark tailor-made costume. Mrs. C. lYingham looked nice in a red gown, sealskin coat, and becoming hat. Mrs. MaeEwem was wearing a handsome sealskin coat, brown skirt, and becoming hat with shaded yellow roses. Mrs. Fitchett also wore a sealskin coat, dark gown and pretty white felt hat, with lace and violets; Mrs. Pye-Smith, a stylish brown costume, and hat to match. Mrs. Abbott (Auckland) was in a black cloth gown. Miss Scully looked very nice in a blue and white costume. Miss Skerrett wore black ; Miss J. Skerrett, a bright blue gown, and becoming hat. Mrs. Caro wore a pretty dove-grey tailormade, with grey furs, and a white toque with one green and one pink rose effectively arranged. • • • Mrs. Wilford wore a pretty red silk blouse, and cloth skirt of the same shade, with a black picture hat. Mrs. G. Pearce had on a sealskin coat, dark skirt and blue felt hat. Mrs. Roberts (Nelson) wore all black, and a wide black hat. Miss Barnett looked well in a green costume. Miss Gough wore a dark skirt, sealskin coat : and pretty black hat with ostrich taps. Mrs. Simeon had on a handsome pale-blue, hand-painted silk blouse, with a black silk skirt, and a smart black picture ha.t, with the new tails of ribbon velvet to the waist. Miss Gilmer looked exceedingly nice in a black costume, pale blue vest, with lace frills, and a white felt hat.

(Continued on paqc 16.)