Social Gossip King Dick at Home.... PEOPLE HE MET, AND WHAT HE SAID TO THEM. (Continued)

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 116, 20 September 1902, Page 12

Social Gossip King Dick at Home.... PEOPLE HE MET, AND WHAT HE SAID TO THEM. (Continued)

On July 28th, the Edinburgh University had a busy day, for it conferred LL.D. degrees on the Premiers. King Diok is a double LL.D. now, of course, and he made a speech on this occasion. He proposed the last toast on me list, "The Chairman, and the University Union." In doing so he said his position that day was rather a difficult one, and they would understand what ho meant if they looked at the clock. (Laughter.) He wished to draw then attention to this fact, which could not be gainsaid, that, though he was the last of the doctors admitted that day he was by no means the least. (Laughter and applause.) He was proud to know that m lespect to numbers New Zealand stood first of the colonies^ m sending its students to Edinburgh University. He spoke of 'auld reekie," and new reekie (Dunechn), said that New Zealand was the happiest land on earth and that unionism was a complete success. He was not. carrying in his waistcoat pocket the list of cases to come before the Conciliation Board we suppose, but that is neither here noi in Edinburgh. He remarked, however, armd cries of delight, that he' owed his position as Prime Minister to the women of New Zealand Sn Wilfrid Launer had told them that m Canada they did better than ther did m New Zealand — they marned their women. It was the first time he had heard and he was sure the ladies would not appreciate it, that women weie to be compulsorily married. If that w as the ideal and the aspiration of Canada, the pedestal upon which woman was placed, God forbid it should evei be so in New Zealand. (Applause.) He believed that Quebec was essentially French A larp-e number of Fiench people would be flocking to Quebec because in France the people there were not noted foi hawng large families (Lauerhter ) He was very proud to find that bv a change of climate and association and bv going to a British colony, French people had large families. (Laughter.) There was something in being under the British flag and the British Constitution after all. ♦ * * Of couise. while King Dick and the other celebrities were up that way, they had a look in at Glasgow, and they had to accept some more Scotch hospitality at the Exchange Hall. Sir Edmund Barton who said a few woids himself, remarked some things that are history now , and, glancing at Dick, opined that 'Mr Seddon might wish to say a few words but, on behalf of his colleagues who had no desire to say anything, he begged to thank them for the very cordial welcome the-> T had received m Scotland " Of course, after this, Mr. Seddon dare not volunteer, dare he? But the people would insist upon some New Zealand pearls, and so he reluctantly consented to speak approximately the 170.3 words that occurred to him on the moment. He dallied pleasantly over the qualities of Scotsmen, and got one or two little things home on to Sir Edmund Barton, but what lie wanted to say was something about the shipping trade. "They say," he said, "that our American cousins had barred oui manufactured goods, they had secured their coastwise tiade, and they had laroely subsi-

dised their steameis to cam their goods to our dominions beyond the seas. And they were prepared to go tuithei in that diiectioii leading to the control, as they had done with iron and steel, ot the railways. Thus, as business men, the^ would understand that there was a danger threatening this country, and if they could only awaken interest in the present position of things throughout, the nation they would see what was involved in all this." What the Scotsmen thought of tins having previously vainglonouslv believed themselves to be 'cute business men, is not known, but we expect it gave them food for thought It ga\ c the Glasgow "Herald" food for a leading article too. Don't you think it was a bit unnecessary for the "Heiald" editor to say — ' When the "smallness" of the colonies strikes us, we rather honour them for the dignity they impose upon their Governments than grudge the most insignificant Premier the right to as a Combes or a yon Bnlow. Nay when Mr. Seddqn lectures us, swears that our trade is about- to> be overwhelmed while we sleep, and then offeis us a pill against an earthquake, we do not 'even' him with the chairman of say the Aberdeenshire County Council, and ask when or how he qualified for the post of 'flapper' to the most expert commercial race under the sun. In the belief that their experience in this country has not been politically unfruitful to them, we express our obligation to the colonial Piemiers for what they have taught us, and so bid them a cordial faiewcll." « * * It is notoiious that Scotsmen cannot see a joke until it has had time to percolate Perhaps, the> belie\ c b\ now that Mr Seddon was, to bonow a vulgarism, "pulling their leg," and, even if he was not, they should be willing to accept advice when it is tendeied in so kmdlv a spirit. * * * What King Dick has been doing since Glasgow was favouied with his advice is only known bv cable. We know he has been to the Dublin Horse Show , and several banouets. We reioice that Mrs. Seddon to whom the English trip must have been so poor a holiday, recovered sufficiently to accompany the Premier on his triumphal march, and we are in hopes that the feting, the mci ry-making. the hard work, and the banquets thro^~h which the Premier has so gallantly fought, have not changed his views touching: the undoubted fact that this is "God's own country," and more to be desired than much of "Darkest Africa."

The marriage of Mr. John. Tait, Wellington, to Miss Elsie Jessop, daughter of Mr. Richard Jessop, will be celebrated at St. Peter's Church, on Wednesday, September 24th. * # * Mrs. De Castro gave at pleasant little Afternoon. Tea on Tuesday last, in honour of her guest, Mrs. T. Hamer, who has lately returned from England. The house looked bright and nretty with, flowers, and delicious tea was handed round b-<- Miss De Castro and the Misses McKellar Wix. Mrs. De Castro received in a pretty lanvender silk blouse and black skirt. Amongst the guests were Mesdames Donne, J. Holmes, MaoEwen, Curnow (Stratford), Campbell, Thompson, and others. • * * Captain Worster and the officers of the s.s. Wakanui gave a delightful little dance' m the Sydney-street schoolroom, on Tuesday evening. The room looked pretty draped with llags, and the stage was decked with spring flowersi and gorse blossom, and provided with easy chairs. In the supper-room the walls were gay with bunting, and the mantlepiece looked charming with red and white camelias, on a dark-green background. The table was laden with most delicious, savoury, and sweet dishes brightened by spring flowers and oamelias. The music was provided by Mr. Fleming and the catering was under Mr. Godber's management. • • • The guests were received by the commander and the officers, who, throughout the evening, were indefatigable in looking after their guests. Mr. Barnes acted as secretary, and is to be congratulated upon the successful arrangements. Dancing was kept up until 1.30 p.m., extras being played by the Misses Stuart and Miles. Amongst the guests were Mrs. Miles wearing a handsome black satin coat, with ivory laoe applique, over a black gown. Mrs. Malcolmsen wore black satin and lace. Mrs 1 . Holmwood also wore black. Mrs. Ohatfield had on a black lace gown, relieved with pink roses. Miss Chatfield also wore black with touches of blue. • * * Miss O. Chatfield was in white duchess and pink folded waist band. Miss M. Chatfield looked nice in black, relieved with white lace. Miss Halse wore black, and Miss E. Halse, a pretty white silk gown, with flounced skirt. Miss W. Miles wore a handsome white satin and lace gown with red flowers ; Miss Rawson a peach-coloured silk gown, relieved with lace. Miss E. Rawson was in a white silk. Miss M. McGreeror was admired in white satin and ~ink roses. Miss R. Stuart wore an extremely pretty gown of pale blue crepe^-de-chine , beautifully tucked and finished with tiny accordeon-nleated flounces. Mies Simpson wore a very becoming white satin dress. • * • Miss I. Barraud was in black lace, over satin — a pretty frock. Miss L. Brown wore a dainty white frilled silk dress, with lace and pearl passementerie. Miss Kirkcaldie was in white and pink brocaded silk. Miss G. Kirkcaldie wore cream silk. Mrs. Munro looked extremely nice in black with effective band® of sky-blue velvet. Miss Munro wore a becoming soft yellow silk, and her sister a pretty heliotrope 1 and lace frock. Miss Stuart wore a lovely black tucked chiffon dress, and a large pink rose. Miss M. Stuart also looked well in black. Miss M. Brown wore a becoming black satin, with lace bertha and a cluster of pink flowers. Miss M. Blundell wore white insertioned silk. Miss E. Blundell was in black with lace collar. Miss Holmwood looked pretty in cream satin and crimson roses. Miss Jamieson (Christchurch) wore a black lace gown: Miss Hickson a pretty black net and bebe ribbon frock, over satin. • • • Some of the gentlemen were • Capt. Hughes, D.5.0., and Messrs. Leokie, Turrei Tripe, Stuart Bramfil Holmwood, Brown Blundell, Barraud, and many others. • • • The engagement has been, announced of Miss M. Chatfield, youngest daughter of Mr. W. C. Ohatfield, Island Bay, and Mr. Nye. second officer of the s.s. Wakanui. # Another engagement just announced is that of Miss L. Swainson, cousin of Miss Swainson, Fitzherbert Terrace, to Mr. A. Hadfield. son of Dr. Hadfield, late Primate of New Zealand. • * * Miss Y. Twigg (Petone) has been staying with Miss Y. Rawson, and is now the guest of Miss MacTavish, Fitzherbert Terrace. • » • The Mount Cook Old Boys' Association intend holding their annual ball on Friday, September 26th. This ball was . very largely attended last year, and was , a pronounced success in every way. Mr. , Langdon and the committee are deter- ; mined that this year's function shall be ; equally enjoyable. i

The Wellington Girls' High School will be' giving a concert m the Central Hall on Saturday, September 27th. The programme is a very good one, and no doubt the pretty songs and dances will be thoroughly enioved bv the audience. Mr. T. W. Kirk has most generously given his valuable tame and siklll to rearranging and classifying the contents of the school museum, and it is towards refitting this that the proceeds of the concert, a.re' in part to be devoted. « * ♦ On Wednesday evening last week, a merry party of guests "surprised" Mrs. John Holmes Oriental Bay. Ifc was a genuine surprise, and when the visitors assembled at the front door, and sang "For he is a jolly good fellow," it was the first intimation that anything unusual was taking place. A gracious and hearty welcome soon made everyone feel at home, and the necessary paraphernalia for "progressive hearts" being provided by the surprisens, the game was soon monopolising everyone's attention. Great fun was caused bv the tables bem~ named, "broken hearts." of course falling to the. "boobies' " lot * * * The hostesses were Mesdames Rotheram and Meadows, and while the rest of the company "progressed," they arranged the daintiest of suppers in the din-ing-room. The table looked very pretrty with spring flowers and ferns. The prize winners were • Miss Brenda yon Dadelzen who received a> cut-glass and silver scent bottle, and Mr. Rex Bridere, who was presented with a silver-mount-ed match-box. The "booby" prizes were distributed with much ceremony and laughter. Miss Macintosh was the winner of the ladies' and Mr. Baradeux the crentlleman's. * * * Some of the guests were Mrs. Holmes, wearing a black merveilleux gown. Miss Holmes was in black velvet, relieved with lace. Mrs. Rotherham wore black ; Mrs. Meadows, a red silk blouse, black satin skirt. Miss Ryan looked well in a black dress with pale blue velvet vandkyes Miss Gibbes. eau-de-nil silk • Miss De Castro, white silk. Miss Leggatt (Nelson wore a pretty black dress. Miss Macintosh (Blenheim) was in white silk ; Miss yon Dadelzen, pink silk blouse black skirt , Miss M. Brown a becoming pale blue silk blouse- Miss Mackay, white silk. Some of the gentlemen were . Messrs. Baradeux, Bell Bridge, Brewer, Anderson, Holmes, Gibbes, Thompson, and Pye-Smith. * * * Mrs. Grace entertained a number of friends at a most enjoyable At Home on Thursday afternoon last. * ♦ * Miss Winifred Birch, who has been visiting Gisborne, returned last week with the excursionists in the Tutanaked. * • * The pretty "poster" frock worn by Miss Bee Honor, in the photograph, published on page 25 of this issue, was of turquoise blue silk, and trimmed with pictorial vegetable and flower seed packets 1 and autumnal tinted leaves and roses. A. Simmonds and Co. is printed in gold letters across the bands in front, and a lovely bouquet of cyclamen, marguerites and Natal creeper was carried. The necklace is of melon seeds. The costume was strikingly pretty and well carried out.

Owing to the advent of much young blood into the district survey office, the officers of the Department have been taking steps to create a feeling of goodfellowship between the district office and the head office. Not content with a ping-pong match, they must needs come into still closer touch with each other. Here the push and go of the younger oliicers came into force; they obtained a half-holiday on Wednesday to play a football match. The team of the district office turned out in full force, carrying with them a banner on which was written the much coveted letters D.S.O. This latter somewhat flurried their opponents, and it was some time before they recovered from the shock. In the first spell the team of the district 1 office, playing with the wind, had slightly the advantage but, notwithstanding some brilliant dashes and furious charges., were unable to score. In the second spell, the D.S.O.'s came away with a splendid rush, and, from i a scrum on the line the forwards put ' SO' much energy into their play, that they shoved themselves right over the dead-ball line before they could ground the ball. This was their last effort, and for the rest of the game they acted on the defensive. Only once did the head office break away, and the district full-back put in ] the best play of the day by grassing his j man splendidly, and beating him for the t ball. Time was called without either ' side scoring. Mr. McCardle gave every s satisfaction as referee. For the head office, Murray, McGowan, Lewis, and Park showed the best form, as did Reid Mao-chant and "Dummie" Girdlestone for the district office

Tlie. thirteenth, annual demonstration of the Wellington Eight Hours' Union is to be held on Labour Day, Wednesday, Bth October. The local unions aie making large preparations to ensure that the trades display in the procession shall beat all previous displays. There is a fine programme of sports to be held in the Basinißeserve, admission to which will be a shilling. The ticket gives the holder a chance in the art union always associated with the demonstration. Inquiries or application for ticket® should be mad© to the secretary, Mr. D. McKenzie Box 402 P. 0., Wellington. One of the chief musical events of the year is to take place at the Opera House on Thursday next (2oth instant), when the citizens of Wellington welcome Mr. Alf. Hill, "their own" musician. All the musical societies of the city, together with all the musical people of note, are to help to make the welcome worthy of the returning wanderer. His Excellency the Governor will be present, and the Countess of Ranfurly, if her health permits, will also patronise the concert. The tuneful cantata, "Hinemoa,," Mr. Alf. Hill's own nroduction, will be given, and the composer himself will conduct.

Sherlock Holmes was what we term A specialist in crime ; His methods surely must confirm Him greatest of all time. And though our object's not the same, Our method's just as sure, To kill bad coughs is our great aim, With Woods' Gri-at Peppermint Core.