Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 111, 16 August 1902, Page 12

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

A DINNER was given by Hi& Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly on Friday last, when the rooms were tastefully decorated with palms and wattle. Lady Ranfurly was much admired, wearing a gown of black satin draped with exquisite lace and lier diamond and emerald tiara. Lady Constance wore a pretty white embroidered chiffon, over glace. Mrs A. E. Rhodes was handsomely gowned in black silk, with clusters of red roses. Miss Julius wore a pretty white sown of orepe-de-ohine, and chiffon sash tied at the side. ¥■ *■ * Lady Ward was gowned in black chiffon, with lovely insertions and medallions on the skirt, and a bodice of black amd white chiffon, with applique of pink roses. Lady Stout was in black satin, with long trails of nasturtiums. Lady Berkeley wore a handsome black and white brocade, with flounces of chiffon. Lady Millar wore a black silk gown Mrs. Edwards a beautiful gown of black and white embroidered chiffon over white glace, the bodice draped with lace, caught with diamond stars, and she also wore a necklace of diamonds * \ * Mrs. S. A. Rhodes was handsomely gowned in, blue silk, draped with lace, and wore lovely diamonds. Mrs. Sprott was in plum-coloured silk, with undersleeves of white chiffon. Mrs. Embling's black satin gown was relieved with sequin trimmings and diamonds. Mrs. W. Clifford also wore diamonds with a black silk gown. Miss Sprott wore white tucked silk. Mis® Edwards had on a becoming gown of white tucked chiffon with aocordeon-pleated sleeves, and a graceful skirt draped with Irish lace. Miss Mills wore a pretty blue silk gown and light lace. Miss Allen was in white silk and chiffon. The table looked very charmin^ with mauve irises arranged in specimen vases, and trails of lycopodium on delicate green silk. * * * The members' of the Wellington Club intend giving a coronation ball on Thursday, August 21st. * * * In some parts of Germany, it is said, the bank clerks are girls and those at the public counters, are chosen, not only for their smartness and business capacity, but for their pretty personal appearance. *■ * * The latest novelty for whihng away the time in a country house is known as- a "Face-book." Everyone who comes to stay is invited to draw a face in the album, however badly, and sign his full name underneath. The result is very amusing and the worst drawings often cause the greatest entertainment # ♦ * Two assemblies are to be oiven in Pahnerston North this season — one this month, and the other in Septembei Mr. Y. Baldwin is the secretary and, as there is a good ladies' committee the dances should be very successful • * * Miss Winnie Eliott has returned to Wellington after a very enjoyable visit to Gisborne and Auckland + *- ■* Mr. and Mrs. W. Clifford are visiting Wellington *. ♦ ♦ The hats and toques of the coming season are to surpass all others foi beauty and stWe. At the D.I.C. I have seen a number of models that can only be described as exquisite. A turban of sky-blue chiffon and crinoline straw has for trimming sprays of tiny crimson berries and dark green leaves To be fashionable, you must have "tails" of some description to your hat, and a variety of black shapes, trimmed with chiffon amd tips were finished with velvet ribbon falling in two ends to the waisrt. The effect is distinctly smart, if not pretty. • • * A charming hat was of crinoline straw, blue, swathed in silk of the same shade and draped with delicate white lace, a large bow of ribbon and lace with hanging ends giving a pretty finish Black and white effects are still popular, and some of the hats in this combination are decidedly chic. Sky-blue chiffon and bunches of violets trimmed another shape, and two lovely shades of pink glace on a white straw were

equal! \ effective Laige clufton floweis in di shades will he largely worn diul a white toque ti mimed with those m black chiftou was much admned A sweet bonnet had foi a ciown a la\e.- of dark green moss, lound which la\ ro&e pink moss loses and touches ot olufton. Tiny bank si a loses are to be fashionable, and a, pink chiffon tooue wa>s studded with these pretty floweis. A feature ot many of the trimmed hats is a large raised ornament, studded with imitation coral or pearls These cabouolions are most handsome and effective. Lace and guipuie trimmings are stall greatly favouied and the tricom shaped hat promises to be v ery populai thus summei . •* - -r The new "sailor" is decidedly smait and infinitely more becoming than that of former seasons. The crown is neither high nor low . but the rim is slisrhtly inclined upwards, and edged with a narrow- black band. It is upturned at the back, of course, and finished with a lairge velvet bow. The art of flowermaking must have reached peifection so natural amd lovely are many of the new specimens. From Australia comes the latest coronation '"caitch." Have you heaid it ? It is so fashionable just now to rush at your friends witih one of these idiotic questions, breathlessly ask them, and of course, answ r er it yourself. No one else ever dreams of doing so. Tins is quite the most up-to-date "Why is King Edward? Because E.R." After you have told it — it is iust as well to laiugh. This is the latest mode of holding up the dress. Gather the fulness of the train in the left hand high up on the hip. but before fixing the hand in its plaoe pull a generous pleat up on the right side with the right hand. Now draw the left hand fulness tight, and the fold a,t the rip-ht will stay as it is, taking off the strained look at the back view, and preventing that troublesome dip of the edge of the skirt on the right side. The skirt thus held up looks well and keeps clean. It is a nlan particularly adapted to a dress worn with a Russian blouse or Eton coat. • » • The fashionable skirt is admirably catholic, for under this genus every conceivable style is admitted. The plain skirt, the flounced, the i>leated, the tucked, the skirt with a volant, take your choice. Canvas, voile, you may suit your figure, friezes', and taffets are all fashionable materials, but when all is sand and done zibeline reigns supreme. It does not do so' only in the pagesi of fashion papers and trade journals, but is truly adopted and worn bv the very smartest women. (Continued on yaqe 13.)

The engagement ha& been announced ot Miss Blanche Gertrude Mills, second daughter of the Hon. C. H. Mills, Wellington, to Mr. Vivian E. Donald, eldest son of Major Donald, Masterton, Wairarapa. Amongst those who have booked passages by the Gothic, wluoh leaves this week for England, is Miss May Lingard, who wIII join her father at Home, and pursue her artistic studies for a year or two. -* •+ * At the citizens' reception one could not fad to observe the kindlj' interest His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly took in everyone — even the humblest — of their guests. The tiniest of children were greeted with smiles, and Coronation Day will mark an epoch in their lives. From the fond mother, who afterwards remarked that the Countess "did like my baby," to the little maid who won a kiss from Her Ladyship, the day will be long remembered. All classes of the community took advantage of the open invitation, and the kind hospitality on this occasion will strengthen affectionate respeot felt bv all New Zealanders for our present Governor and Lady RanThe Choral Hall, on Thursday night, presented a gay appearance, on the occasion of the Ironmongers' Ball. About one hundred couples were present. The. hall was nicely decorated, and the music, by Mr. H. Fleming's quadrille band, was all that could be desired. Mr. G. F. Stone and the committee should feel highly pleased with the results, of their efforts. Mr. Godber provided the supper in his usual well-known style. Messrs. Hickey, Luke, and Truscott acted as Ms.C, assisted by the genial secretary, Mr. G. F. Stone *. * *■ Miss Wilkinson looked very pretty in whit© Japanese silk, trimmed with passementerie and crimson roses , Miss Leveetan, white silk and lace, and black ribbon velvet Miss Monoghan. black voile, lace sleeve®, and heliotrope flowers; Miss A. Midlane white silk, trimmed with spangled chiffon, Miss Midlane, white silk, and tucked bodice trimmed with sequins, Mrs. Midlane, black silk ; Miss Farmer, pink delaine, trimmed with pink ribbon , Mrs. Sim, black satin, with black lace sleeves, and cerise flowers at neck; Mrs. Raymond, black silk, turquoise rosette. * * * Miss Mitchell wore black silk, trimmed with point lace and red velvet rosette; Miss Webster, cream cashmere skirt, and very pretty bodice, trimmed with passementerie, Miss B. Drury, white silk tucked bodice, trimmed with lace aoid insertion , Miss Stevens, cream satin Miss Wilmot, white silk , Miss Kent, pink, with frilled skirt . Miss Lee, white cashmere, Mrs. Simeon, very handsome white spangled satin dress, bodice trimmed with pink roses : Miss Clark, white silk . Mrs Bonthorne, pale green, Miss Ethel Good, white muslin, chiffon trimmings. * * * Mrs;. Masters wore a slate-coloured dress, red poppies on the bodice , Mrs. Powell, cream silk; Miss Dunn, pale blue silk; Mrs. White, white silk, Mrs. Gibson, green velvet, bodice trimmed with Maltese lace; Mise Short, blue satin bodice and black silk skirt , Miss Armit, white silk . Miss Geoghan, black velvet, with black chiffon. Miss White made her debut in whit© satin, with chiffon trimmings ; Miss L. Clark, white silk Miss Walsh, white silk, blue 10sette. * * * Miss Mcßae had on a black silk dress, with lace sleeves . Miss Tasker, canary silk, red poppies. Miss Wighton, white silk, trimmed with black velvet ribbon Miss Monoghan, white silk, lace sleeves. Miss Franklin wore green silk, chiffon trimmings on skirt and bodice , Miss Dement, cream figured silk, lace yoke Miss Walker, white Japanese silk, chiffoni trimming, rose pink shoulder straps. Miss Lawson wore a white silk, frilled skirt., lace-trimmed bodice , Miss Bernasconi, blue cashmere, passementerie trimmings; Miss Legge, dark green velvet., "oint lace collar, turquoise blue rosette. # The first annual ball of the Violet Club was held in the Druids' Hall on Wednesday last week, and was a pionounced success The room and stage were prettily decorated with flags and greenery. Delightful music was supplied bv Miss Hawthorne's string band. The success of the evening wag) largely duei to the efforts of the energetic secretary (Mrs. Greig) Messrs. W Bork and E Carde acted a© Ms C * * * Amongst the many guests. I noticed Miss Bradford, m a handsome blue satin and Maltese lace Miss Whelan. pretty pink silk gown. Miss Berry was in white silk and violets Mis? Barlow, pink silk gown muchly tucked Miss Oompton was in whit© muslin Miss Harding, black silk and spanerled *iet Miss Smith w ore white silk Miss Davenport, a pretty cream cashmere

dress , Miss Hankins, white satin and noiete, Miss Wilkinson, white satm, with many cliiffon frill. Mrs. Greig looked well in pale blue silk and silver passementerie; Mrs. Moore, white bn> cade and silver. Miss E. Bradford wore white satin ; Miss Foster, a heliotrope gown ; Miss Carpenter, white silk, with frills, Miss Whelan. pale pink silk. Some of the gentlemen were Messrs. L. Hamilton, "H. Bennett, Evans, Godber, E. Carde, Furnace, James Taylor, Murphy, Compton, Saule E Liis, James, Carey, Hickson. * ♦ A very enjoyable dance was given by Mrs. H. B. Mason last Wednesday evening, to the pupils attending her Monday and Wednesday classes. The large number present testified to the popularity of this lady as a, teacher of dancing. A delightful supper was served, and the floor being perfect all present thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The music was provided by Mrs. Mason and Miss Irene Mason. * * * In my list, of guests at the Coronation BaJl, I 'omitted many noticeably pretty frocks. Others present were Mrs. Botihiamiiley , in a handsome black satin gown. Mrs. Blundell also wore a black brocade gown; Miss M. Blundell, cream duchess satin , Miss Estelle Beerei a most becoming gown of heliotrope satin, finished with, lace and chiffon ; Miss E. Eliott, a pretty frock of white silk and net frills. Miss Gualter was in nhite brocade. Mrs. Chatfield wore black brocade and lovely lace. ■* * * Dr. Platts-Mills wore a beautiful gown of white brocade, with flounces of lacei and bands of passementerie , Miss Fan court, a pretty gown of eau-de-nil silk. Miss X ember was in cream silk and chiffon. Mrs. Martin wore a handsome blue satin and lace gown , Miss Waldegrave, a pretty black frilled net., over satin. Miss Atkinson was in whitie brocade and lace. Mrs. A. E. Donne was handsomely gowned in black. Miss Seed wore a gown of tucked rosei pink silk, draped with lace, and Mass Mary Seed a. whitie satin and net gown. Mrs 1 . Henry was in a becoming pale blue gown. Miss Halse was gowned in black satin, with red flounces on the bodice; Miss K. Fitzgerald, a pretty pink "own . * * * Miss Winifred Birch left by the Zealandia on Thursday last for Gisborne, where, she has been engaged to sin<^ at the Orchestral Society's concert, on August 19th. * * * The annual railway dance is to be held in the Choral Hall on Friday, 22nd instant. The proceeds of the damce are to be devoted to the Veterans' Home, and it is expected that His Excellency the Governor will be present. * * * The Marist Old Boys' second annual ball, which is to be held in the Druids' Hall on Wednesday, 27th instant, promises to be a great success. The committee are paying considerable attention to details so that patrons may have an enjoyable evening.

The "breaking-up" of Miss Borlase's assemblies was held in the Sydneystreet schoolroom, on Friday last, and was voted an extremely jolly dance by everyone present. The committee of young people who made all the arrangements received much .congratulation upon the success of the evening, and Mr. Arthur BMnd, upon whom devolved the arduous duties of secretary, was indefatigable in bis efforts to make everyone enjoy the dance. The room was taxed to the utmost, so large was the number of guests. * * * Flags and evergreens were tastefully used for decorating, and the stage and side rooms were arranged with easy chairs for sitting - out. The supper, catered by Mr. G. Mawson. was

served in the large; gymnasium, and red, white, and blue light® shed a pretty glow on the table®, vases of spring flowers standing amongst the dishes. Minifies band supplied excellent musio, and the floor was good, but rather slippery. The chaperones were ■ Lady Stout, Lady Gibbes, Mesdames Rhind, Robertson, Rawson, Batham, Fulton, Bridge, and others. « * * Some of the guests were : Miss Rawson, wearing a becoming blue silk gown. Miss A. Rawson wore a pretty gown of net over white satin. Miss Borlase had on a black satin dress, and lace , Miss Olive Rawson, a tucked white silk dress. Miss A. Macintosh looked nice in white silk, and a gold ohou. Miss J. Hislop was in white satin. Miss K. Fitzgerald wore blue silk ; Miss Molly Macintosh, white muslin frook , Miss Hickson, a very becoming orown Ol f black net and bebe ribbon over satin ; Miss Eliott, black satin and lace. Miss Elsie Eliott was much admired in pale green silk, prettily made, with many frills. * * * Miss E. Simpson wore a soft silk frock ; Miss R. Simpson, white dress. Miss Willis wore white silk ; Miss Vera Willis a dainty white insertioned frock. Miss Tregear wore pink muslin. Miss F. Marohant was in a very pretty trink silk dress; Miss K. Marohant, a muslin gown ; Miss Finch, a pretty cream lace gown Miss I. Finch, a white satin gown, and rosette of black chiffon. Miss 1 L. Logan was in white silk ; Miss Daisy Logaai pale blue frock. The Misses Gavin wore pretty white dresses; Miss Gwladys Brandon, a tucked white silk dress. * * * Miss Wilmot Borlase looked very nice in white muslin, and touches of blue. Miss G. Runcie wore' a figured silk gown. with orange velvet , Miss Horti Runcie a cream silk frilled dress. Miss Violet Warbiirton wore a pretty frock of white muslin, box-pleated over red satin, and threated with wide satin ribbon. Miss Holmes wore white silk and chiffon. Miss Dora Holmes also wore white silk. Miss Favie Arthur was in blue and white; Miss 0. Arthur, a white muslin dress. * ♦ « Miss Poppet Wills was in a pretty pink dress . Miss E. Gill, white muslin. Missi E. Tyreman wore pink and white. Mis® Cudden ( Christchurch) wore white. Miss W. Anderson (Wanganui) was in red • Miss Freda Martha white tucked muslin. Miss Annie Kennedy and Miss Elaine Simcox also wore white. Miss Brenda Hogan looked nice in (Continued on page 16.)

white and pale blue. Miss Hannah wane black and lovely Maltese lace , Miss Soanerrille, white silk. Miss — Hannah was in blue silk. Mi&s W. Miles wore black velvet , Miss Otterson, a becoming white silk gown. Miss LuluEwen wore black velvet. Miss T. Ldngard was in white muslin , Miss Devine, white muslin. * * # Some of the gentlemen were Messis Stout, Rhind, Devine, Bell, Fulton, Mowbray, McColl, Rawson. Nelson, Holm«e, Faulkner, Harvey, Spencei , Garde, Wills Johnson, Grace, Holmes, Pearce, Bridge, Wheeler, Pye-Smitli * • ♦ Mrs. Tyler, who has been on a visit to Wellington, returned to Napiei last Tuesday. * * * An open reception was given on Saturday afternoon by the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, in honour of the Coronation, and was attended bv many hundreds of citizens, and their wives sisters, daughters, cousins, and aunts

Pollards put on that tuneful, breezy, and clever opera "La Poupee," for two nights this week, and it filled the house. as it always does. Miss Karkeek, as the doll Alesia could hardly have infused moir© life into her wooden existence than she did. She is perfectly at home in the arduous part, and her occasional vocal contributions well up to the mark. The smart trio, in which she joins with Alf. Stevens and Harry Quealy, is one of the features of the opera, and was splendidly received. •* • -* Mr. C. Carter, as the novice, Lancelot, was as artistically silly as the nart demands. His solo, "Can this be love,' was the gem of the opera, and was treated almost faultlessly. Of course, the"To-morrow will be Friday," of Mr. O'Connor was a treat. Mr. Percy, as Hilarius', the doll-maker, compelled oachinatory comment frequently. There is no sadness where Willy is. Other Pollard ladies and gentlemen were the right people in their right places. As showing the general appreciation, one dress circle remark is worth quoting. " *La Poupee 3 knocks spots off 'The Messenger Boy ' ' " Alfred Hill is coming home' That is what all musical Wellington is talking about, and the New Zealand composer, when he lands in his own town, will probably feel that there is no place like rt. Mr. Alf. Hill, as a composer, as an all-round musician, and good fellow has become inimensely popular in Sydney during hiß xwidence there, and tomorrow (Saturd«y) a concert is to be given in Sydney to farewell the favourite of the peopte. The regret that has

The room was beautifully decorated with wattle and palms, and most delicious afternoon tea was served in the dining-room and conservatory. A large number of children were present with their parents at the reception, and were duly announced and received by the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, with their usual gracious courtesy. Minifies string band played delightfully throughout the afternoon. * *■ * The Countess was exquisitely attired in a gown of rose pink silk, with aai overdress of point lace, and ouaint puffed sileeves of silk and lace. Mrs. A. E. Rhodes and Miss Julms were present, and assisted in entertaining the guests, the former wearing a grey costume, and Miss Juhus a blue tailormade gown. Some of the gue&ts were Lady ,\Faxd. in a stylish blue grey costume 1 , with trimmings of blue and white foulard , Lady Stout, in black and white with a caracul coat. Mrs. S. A. Rhodes was handsomely gowned in

been, universally expressed on the "other side" at his severance from the parent State ha® been very striking and cordial. Already, a very strong committee, comprising the Mayor and many other "solid" citizens are making arrangements to give him a public welcome. The meeting to be held at the Council Chambers to-day (Friday), at 4.30, is for the purpose of forming a committee to arrange the matter. Shorthand is now essential to all occupying clerical positions. Those who would adopt the art of phonography, but cannot spare the extra time required for thorough tuition in Pitman's, would do well to inquire about "Gregs Light Line" system ,a system used used throughout America, and one in which a high speed may be gained in the shortest of time. With careful study and practice, a speed up to sixty words a minute may be written after a course of four to six weeks' tuition . To those who are employed during the day, Miss Carr, whose advertisement appears elsewhere, announces that both these systems are taught at her evening class. As shorthand and typewriting are now looked upon as one of the best introductions for a position, young people should not fail to become acquainted with this art., and, as Pitman's system is taught from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., no person should allow this opportunity to pass if they wish to keep pace with their fellowofficers. Messrs. W. H. P. Barber, Robert Mc" Kenzie, and W G. Tustin announce by advertisements in this issue their intentions of contesting the Newtown electorate at the forthcoming general election.

dark grey cloth. * * * Mra. Tol'hurst wore black , Miss Tolhurst, a bright red gown, and black picture hat. Mrs. Edwards wore a beautiful gown of black Irish poplin, embroidered in silk, with sable furs, and a black hat. Miss Edwards wore a becoming coßtume of brown cloth, with silk of tlhe same shade, and a black hat. Miss E. Edwards wore a black tucked glace coatee, and a picture hat and voile skirt. Mrs. Maokay (Auckland) was admired in a delicaite grey figured crepe de chine, and a light, lace-trim-med hat. Miss Eileen Ward wore ai blaok coat amd skirt, with large white saitin collar, and a black hat. •<•*-"■ Miss Frood wore a blue gown, and smart blaok hat. Mrs. Sprott was wearing black , Miss Sprott also wore a dark gown. Miss Skerrett wore a brown cloth and pladd gown. Miss J. Skerrett. wag in rose pink frieze ; Miss N. Skeirreitt, a mauve Russian costume. Mrs. Brown wore 1 a stylish blue tailor-

made. Miss Babington had ou a black and white costume. Mm. Gow was in black, and a black and white hat. Mrs. W. Nathan wore a handsome black gown ; Miss Finch, a blue tailor-made. Mrs. Wallis wore violet frieze and hat. Mr. Riuncie wore a slate-grey costume ; Miss R/uncie, a black velvet and fur. * * * Mrs. Arkwright was in black ; Miss Arkwright, a bright blue frieze gown. Miss Claudia Douglas was in bright red. Mrs. Gilruth wore black, and a black and white hat; Miss Bingwood. a grey tailor-made gown, and black picture hat Miss Flo Brandon, a blue gown and red hat. The Misses Edwin wore dark costumes, and pretty hats; Mrs 1 . Jacob Joseph, a dark purple dress. Miss Joseph wore red, strapped with black. Miss Agnes Scully wore black with a lace collar, and smart hat. Miss Dyer was smartly gowned. * > « Mrs. Mathieson (Pahiatua) and her little daughter are on a visit to Welington.