Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 120, 18 October 1902, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

THERE were many counter attractions on Saturday afternoon, but the Academy of Fine Arts was well patronised, though not at any tame too crowded for one to get an uninterruetpd view of the many pretty pictures and art subjects. The portrait of Miss M. BlundeU was a much-discussed picture, and found many admirers. There are more exhibits than upon any previous occasion , in fact, the room seemed scarcely large enough to exhibit the pictures advantageously. • • * Punctually at 3 o'clock, the Countess of Ranfurly arrived, attended by Captain Alexander, and was received bv the president (Dr. Fell). In a short speech, Lady Ranfurly declared the exhibition opened. Afternoon tea was provided for the visitors, and proved most refreshing after the wind-buffeting we had all received. The Countess was gowned in black silk voile, with string-coloured lace yoke, and insertions and medallions' of the same iaoe, and a deep pink chou ; a hat of pink crinoline straw, with black velvet and chiffon was becoming. » » • Sir Robert and Lady Stout were there, the latter m black and white brocade. Miss Loo-an looked nice in a Eretty blue costume, and picture at. Miss Holmes, who has lately returned to Wellington, was in black , Mrs. D. T. Stuart-, a dark gown. The Bishop of Wellington and Mrs. Wallis •were present, the latter wearing a dark Eton costume and black hat. Mrs. S. A. Rhodes was handsomely gowned in black with, a sable and silk ruffle and black toque. Mr®. Tripe and Miss Richardson were there, the former wearing a smart fawn coatee, and black skirt, pink hat. Mrs. A. Gore wore a beoomin"' bright red hat, fawn ooait, and dark skirt. Mrs. Fell was downed in brown strapped with glace. • • * Mrs. Hales wore a handsome coat and black skirt, with a smart hat. Miss Baker was in a black merveilleux blouse amd voile skirt. Mrs. Tuckey was "owned in black. Mrs. L. Blundell was also in black. Miss Blundell wore an Eton costume, with lace vest, and becoming hat with pink. Miss Newton wore a pretty grey gown. Mrs. Gill wore dark blue. Mrs. L. H B. Wilson was in black, and a black hat. Mrs Campbell looked stylish in a dark tailormade gown amd black hat. Miss McLeod wore a smart oostume, and burntstraw hat. Miss J. Richardson wore a tailor-made gown, lace collar, and nretty pink hat; Miss Kelly, a navy costume, and lhat to match , Miss Slater a pretty grey costume. • ♦ ♦ A pretty wedding was quietly celebrated on Saturday, October 11th, the occasion being the marriage of Miss Minnie A. Fordham, daughter of Mr W H. Fordham, to Mr. Oscar C. Cox, of Wellington. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. Paterson, at the residence of the bride's 1 father, Arling-ton-street. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a pretty tucked white muslin gown with lace and insertions, and the orthodox veil and orange blossoms She also carried a bouquet of ohoice white flowers. • • • Her attendants were Miss Alice Fordham and Miss Fleming, who wore soft white dresses of muslin and lace Their gifts from the bridegroom were gold pins, with ereenstone pendants Mr. T. Thurman (Tasmania) acted as best man, and Mr. A. E. Fordham as groomsman A reception was held m the afternoon, and the many handsome wedding gifts were dW>lnved and much admired. The bride's travelling <?own was of navy blue cloth and with it she wore a most becoming hat • * • Madame Melba has not disappointed her Australian natrons, who declaie (after hearing her voice 1 ) that she is better than her resputation which is saying a good deal after payine such high prices, too l The "Sydney Mail " describing her reappearance in her native country sarvs "Nature srave Melba a fine presence the free carriage of the bush girl, developed by are into the bearine; of the princess* and the nnce-''«*-,Ft of health "

Madame Melba is not particularly fond of » beaner interviewed, and often has a joke at the expense of the patient pressmen. One of the many stonesabout the queen of song tells how. on one occasion, she was asked the old old question, "And what, Madame, are your favourite roles?" And prompt and pat come the answer, "Swiss." Her gowns are said to be masterpieces of Wirth's, and at the first concert she wore one of the loveliest creations ever seen m Melbourne. It was of ivorytinted Mechlin lace, enriched with designs of gold sequins, the lines of the bodicei and sweeping tram being defined by pale pink embroidered roses, raised to give them a. natural appearance. The curves from the neck to the hem were unbroken by flounce or furbelow. Round her throat she wore a single string of large pearls, falling below her waist. Melba, by the way, is the fortunate possessor of a "famous" collection of jewels, which includes black pearls, so dear to the heart of collectors. Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Y. Lodder gave a most successful and enjoyable ball in the Sydney-street schoolroom on Friday evening last. The hall has seldom looked SO' pretty. Hung with flags and Chinese lanterns', and elaborately decorated with nikau and fan palms, the effect was most picturesque. The stace was cool and inviting, and it was in truth "under the siha.de of the palms" when sitting in the cosy seats there, for a lame umbrella palm occupied the centre, and various others were artistically arranged everywhere possible. The music was excellent, by Minifies orchestra, and a splendid sit-down champagne supper was laid in the evmnasium the two lone: tables beinc laden with the most delicious dishes and brightened with shaded lights # » « During supper, the toast of "The King" was proposed by Mr. Bannister, and later the health, of the host and hostess was drunk with musical honours. Mr. Bannister also proposed the latter toast in the course of an appropriate aaid eulogistic speech. The were received by Mr and Mrs. Lodder, the latter being much admired in a lovely gown of ivory duchess satin with deep flounces of Maltese lace, the bodice finished with the same lace and r>earl passementerie. Her youner daughter wore a dainty white insertioned silk dress. » » » I noticed amongst the guests Mr. and Mrs. Wylie, the latter in black satin with collar point d'esprit Miss Skerrett, a becoming gown of brocade, with panelsi of crimson velvet Miss Fitzsimmons, gown of embroideied chiffon, over cream merveilleux . Miss Putman, a pretty frock of delicate lace over blue. Mrs. Bannister was in M ick satin and jet. Mrs. Orr wore a handsome black brocade frown ; Miss M Bannister, white and blue Mrs. F. Wills, a handsome black gown Miss Y. Wills, a becoming yellow satin Miss P Wills, white silk. Mrs. Bethune looked well in white silk, with a suggestion of pink. (Continued on page 11 )

Mrs. Watt wore black. Mrs. O'Sulhvan was in black silk , Mrs. Manthed, in white silk. Mrs. Grady wore black. Mrs. Dawson ware heliotrope , Mrs. Rylaad, black, with jet passementerie— a lovely gown. Mrs. Dixon was m white. Mrs. Moore was in white satin, with aai overdress of lace , Mrs. Peters, a black satin skirt and bodice of pale yellow, draped with black chiffon. Miss Halpin looked well in black velvet, with a collar of Honiton lace. Miss Salmon was in black satm. The Misses E.ury were in pretty white silk frocks. Miss D. Mandsley was in white, and red flowers. # * Miss Seager looked nice in black satin, witii a collar of lovely lace. Miss Orr was wearing a pretty muslin dress, with coffee-coloured insertion and real lace. Miss C. Orr was in a dainty dress with wide insertions. Miss Barber wore a pretty white frock. The Misses Maginnity were admired in black satin gowns, with white lace berthas, and Miss Ettie wore a large eau-deniil flower. Miss Maudsley wore heliotrope muslin. Miss Grierson was in blue, Miss Dunlop, pale yellow satin. Miss Evans was in black ; her sisters wearing pretty white gowns. The Misses Clapham were in white silk. Miss Peter wore blue. The Misses Innes were in white, the Misses Falconer, white frocks, with frills of chiffon. Miss Tush tin was in black velvet, relieved with lace. Miss Watson looked handsome in black, with a trail of exquisite deep pink roses, Miss J. Ourtis, white frock, and red shoes. Miss Z. Spiller looked pretty in white satm and lace, with pink flowers. Miss Moore wore cream edlk ; Miss L. Mowatt, white satin and pale blue folded belt. Miss Halorow was in a pretty black satin gown , Miss Williams, white. • • • Some of the were Capt. Falconer, Messrs. Skerrett, Monson, Blundell, Brown, Boot, Lambert, Tustin, Stevenson, Wiggins, Mcc, Baradeux. Dodd, Dakiell, Bannister, A. Orr, and many others. * * * A good ping-pong player gives me the following notes on the game (<drls intending to play m the coming tournament might gain a wrinkle by them — The only serve allowed is an underhand one, and can be most effectively delivered at some little distance from the table. A lady who won the second prize in a hard-fought match at a recent tourna^ ment shot out a deadly serve from three or four yards back of the table. She held the ball very low — below the level of the table; thence it skimmed close over the net. and slid under the smooth surface at the other side with scarce any rise at all. It was an exceedingly hard serve to take — indeed, I think the lightning half-volley stroke which met it and picked it up from the table the instant it alighted was the only effectual fashion to deal with it. Of course, tihe aim should be to serve as low over the net as possible, and as swiftly. If you are content with dropping your balls over the net you will never attain proficiency. Still, it is wise to vary the serve, for even if you are able to pitch a swift and difficult one an. expert player will soon get the hand of it, and will easily return it after a bit. Therefore, bewilder your antagonist with variety, and when he is standing well back preparatory to takine the expected flyer, r>ut in a back-hainded out to fall short over the net. Take care also that you do not get into the way of dropping your serves on to one spot ; let them alierht sometimes to the right and sometimes to the left of your opponent, sometimes short, and sometimes 1 long and sliding. In

any case, do not serve close up to the table, or allow your racquet to reach over the table during the serve. One evening last week a very jolly surprise dance was given at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Mcc, the Terrace. Strange to say, two large rooms were found prepared far dancing, and the self-invited guests were warmly welcomed. Mr. Fleming provided music, and dancing was kept up until after midnight. Supper was prettily laid out in the dining-room, the table being decorated with a handsome lamp softly shaded with yellow silk, and vases of yellow flowers. The house was beautifully arranged with cosy seats and lovel^ flowers and the guests enjoyed themselves. Mrs. Mcc wore a black satin gown, with jet passementerie. Miss Mcc looked nice m cream brocade, and Miss M. Mcc was admired in a gown of ivory satin and lace. * * * Some of the guests were: Miss Pownall, who wore a bright red gown, softened with a lace collar, the Misses Shannon, in becoming frocks ; Miss Wix, in pale blue, with a dainty overdress of lace • Miss E. Wix, blue silk. Miss Williamson (Auckland) looked pretty in heliotrope silk, and touches of pink. Miss: Marteili wore a gown of cream satin, witih smart sleeves of chiffon. Miss Weigal wore a pale blue dress. Miss J. Allen was in white silk • Miss F. Gilmer, a becoming black satin and lace collar. Miss L. Willis also wore a black satin, pretty lace collar, and blue ohou. Miss Richardson wore black ; Miss Hannah a gown of lovely lace over satin. , Miss J. Hannah, a becoming dress , Miss Brown, Miss Macdonald, Miss Devine, and Messrs. Robertson, Weybourne. Asihbolt, Henderson, Devine, Luokie, Smith, Johnson, Turnbull Williamson, Ward, and many others. * * • Here are two good breakfast or luncheon dishes which are easily made — Curry Balls are delicious and easily made. When there is any curry left over chop it finely and add the rice to it, blending it all with its sauce Form into balls 1 , flour well, dip in egg, and then in bread crumbs, and fry in boiline; fat. Hand chutney with the balls. Fish Cakes. — Put a good quantity of dripping into frying pan, and make it hot , then put into a bason lib. of mashed potatoes, half a teaspoonful of salt a little pepper, a dust of cayenne, and star in loz. of hot butter remove the skin and bones from the fish, flake it finely and stir it lierhtJy into the potatoes, mixing all well together , beat up an egg into the mixture to bind it together, but it must not be made too moist ; divide into small portions and shape them on a floured board into cakes an inch thick , egg and breadcrumb them, and serve garnished with fried parsley. (Continued on page 13.)

Mrs. W. Pharazyn issued invitations to a large number of guests for an afternoon tea on Saturday last, the x-casiom being the 100 th birthday of Mr. Pharazyn, senior. Visitors with congratulations and kind wishes were the order of the day, and a table was simply ladeni with telegrams, cables, and notes from all parts of the world. The house was decorated with beautiful flowers, and the tea-table was artistically arranged with heliotrope and white flowera on a satin centre. Conspicuous amongst the many dainty sweets was a large, iced birthday cake, beautifully ornamented. Mrs. Pharazyn, wearing a handsome black voile gown, black and white ruffle, and pretty bonnet, received her guests in the hall. Some of the guests were The Bishop and Mrs. Wallis, Lady Hector Sir Robert, and Lady Stou^ Lady Miller Mesdames Loughnan, Higgmson Izard, C. J. Johnston, Newman, Bell Brown Richmond, Travers Stowe, Brandon, Kemp, Fell, Leckie, Powle^ Baloombe Brown, and the Misses Halse, Dransfiekl. Greenwood, Holmes, MacTavisih, and many more. * • The polo season was opened on Saturday last, and those who were venturesome enough to face the strong gale ot wind, and drive to Miramar^ say the Sme was most exciting. The Misses Ikerrett dispensed delicious tea, which was much appreciated by everyone. ♦ Miss N. Skerrett has come down from Hawke's Bay for a few weeks. * * * A fashionable and exceedingly pretty wedding was celebrated at St. Paul s Pro-Cathedral on Wednesday, October 15th the occasion being the marriage of Mr. Harold H. R. Cooper, youngest son of the late G. S. Cooper Esq., formerly Under-Secretary for the colony, to Ethel, only daughter of Mr W. R. Haselden, Stipendiary Magistrate, lne popularity of the bride, who possesses a rangularlv gracious and pleasing manner was evinced by the great number of spectators, the church being crowded. The ceremony was performed by me Bishoro of Wellington, assisted b~ tine Rev. T H. Sprott. * ♦ * The bride entered the church on the arm of her father, by whom she was given away, and looked graceful and pretty in a lovely gown of ivory merveilleux, covered with chiffon, and again with an overdress of Limerick lace ; a deep flounce of accordeon-pleated affld ruohed chiffon edged the hem, and continaed round the train, which was iormed of the same graceful flounces, lne bodice, of ivory chiffon over merveillieux was finished with a transparent yoke and chou, and long, wide chiffon sleeves A tulle veil and the orthodox orange flowers were worn, and she carried a beautiful shower bouquet. ■* * * Her bridesmaids were . The Misses Elsie Riddiford, Oonah Fitzgerald, and three younger ones, the Misses Dyer and Riddiford, the two former wearing beautifully - made cream - rnsertioned muslin dresses, with bolero effect in lace, blue folded belts, and very becoming hats trimmed with flowers. lne three tiny maids were a perfect picture of white muslin, with blue sashes and large white hats, and they earned baskets of pale yellow primroses. * * * Mr Vivian. Riddiford acted as best man and Messrs. Tanored Cooper and Cecil Haselden were groomsmen. Mr Robert Parker (organist) played the "Wedding March" as the bridal pan-try left the church. The many beautiful frocks of the guests— there were nearly two hundred— made the ceremony bright aad pretty, and the church, being' lighted, enhanced the effect. A reception was held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Haselden, Molesworth-street, where a large number of guests were entertained. # The bride's mother received the guests at the entrance, and was beautifully gowned in grey brocade, draped with real lace, and a black toque. She carried a bouquet of pink flowers. Miss F. Webb-Bowen (Nelson) wore a becoming black voile, with short bolero, ecru insertions, and large black hat with tips. The afternoon tea was laid in the marquee erected on the lawn, and a handsome wedding cake stood on a smaller table. The health of the bride was proposed in a very neat speech by Dr. Collins, and responded to by the bridegroom. Mr. Foster Pratt proposed the health of the bridesmaids, and one of the groomsmen responded on their behalf. During the afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Cooper left on their honeymoon, the bride's going-awav costume being: of voile and lace. The presents received were very beautiful and numerous and conspicuous amongst them was the gift of the Law Society, consisting of a handsome silver salver and coffee service * • • Some of the guests were Mrs. Cooper (bridegroom's mother) wearing

a beautiful gown of black lace over red, and a black and white bonnet , Mrs. Pratt (Palmerston North), in a prett^ black and white eoru-iasertioned -own, black hat with bandeau of lace. Miss Cooper looked exceedingly nice in a pale-green voile gown, tucked, and made with a short bolero, opening over a vest of ivory satin and lace, and a black hat. Mrs. Barker was admired in a white tucked, silk gown, with lace insertions and a becoming pink hat , Mrs. Riddiford, in grey brocaded satin, and pretty toque. Mrs H. Rawson was gowned in black voile, with string-col-oured medal lions on the wide collar, and touches of pink in a black hat Miss Rawson, a pretty dress of pink and white muslin, and white hat with black velvet. • * * Mrs. R. M. Simpson was beautifully gowned in grey brocade, and a bonnet to match. Mrs. H. D. Bell was in black voile tucked, with deep lace collar, and a blue hat with lace bandeau. Mrs. R. A. Loughnan wore a charming gown of cream tucked voile, with tiny sfcraiD® of black velvet, finished with tiny gold buttons, a lace -"oke, and a black hat with cream lace bandeau. Mrs. Wylie also wore an exceedingly nretty gown of cream winsey with banded bolero ecru insertion, and lace vest folded turquoise belt, and a black hat with tips. Mrs. Miles wore black with a deep lac© collar, black and white hat. and deep pink flowers. The Misses Mlies wore pretty white sdlk frocks, and becoming hats, witfh black velvet and roses. • • # Miss Shatter was in brown cloth, strapped witih glace, and a hat to match. Miss Y. Rawson looked uretty in a white silk tucked dress, and burntstraw hat witlh roses and lace. Mrs. Samuel was in a cornflower blue

A novel tea is being given to Miss Hislop by heir girl friends. Each guest is to present the bride-elect with a kitchen utensil. I remember one of these teas some time ago, and the gifts were inscribed with some suitable and happy motto or inscription. For instance, an oil-can bore the following, "May the path of life run smoothly. " His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Ranfurly leave by the Warrimoo for the South en route to Tasmania. They will be accompanied Ly Captain Alexander. After a visit to their Mildura estate, it is their intention to return to Timaru, where some of the summer will be spent. * * * Mrs. W. Turnbull has returned from Dunedin. * ♦ • Mrs. Beswick, who has been on a visit to Mrs. M. Turrell, Wellington, has returned to Ohristohurch. * * * Miss Chrisfcabel Wells, the promising young Ohristchurch musician, passed through Wellington last week, en route to Germany where she will continue her musical studies. Miss Wells was accompanied by her mother, who will re-

silk blouse, ecru insertions, and skirt of the same shade, and hat with roses. Mrs. Walter Nathan wore a dark tailormade, with wide lace collar, and a red velvet toque. Miss S. Nathan, wasm white silk, with long bell sleeves. Mrs. Waldegrave wore a navy tailor-made dress, and lovely lace collar and black hait. Miss Waldgerave was in a pretty white silk-insertioned dress, and smart blue hat' with violets. * • » Miss Skerrett was stylishly gowned in a striped green silk dress, with lace effectively arranged on the bodice, and a hat with autumn leaves. Mrs. Stafford was handsomely gowned in black voile and a pretty black and gold toque. Miss K. Fitzgerald looked nice in grey, and a pretty hat. Dr. PlattsMills was beautifully gowned in black, the coatee of silk finished with chiffon frills and a wide collar of satin and lace, and a pretty pink hat and ends. Mr®. Beauohamp was wearing ivory silk and lace, with a black velvet, folded belt, and a becoming nink hat. Miss Cora Lee looked graceful in grey voile with ecru lace, and a bright red hat. Mrs. Tuokey wore a handsome black mantle and black voile skirt; Mrs. A. Crawford, electric blue coat and skirt. Mrs. C. Pearce was in cream cloth, and a black hat; Miss Coates, violet costume, ruffle hat to match. Mrs. Collins was in grey brocade and a black hat. Mrs. Fitzgerald wore a black striped voile • Mrs. Rotheram, a handsome black satin, and a bLack toque with touches of blue- Mrs. Gavin in black, and grey bonnet. * * ♦ Miss Hasel den's wedding gown, which was mudh admired, was made at Messrs Kirkcaldie and Stains' establishment.

turn after a brief stay an the Continent. * » * Mrs. T. G. Macarthy, and her sister (Miss Fitzsunmons), leave shortly on a visit to Australia. « • • Mrs. Castle, wife of Lieutenant Castlei, of H.M.S. Royal Arthur, is the guest of Mrs. Amelius Smith, "Blandford," Wellington. * • * The marriage of Mies Conway and Mr. Guy Newoombe was quietly celebrated at St. Paul's Cathedral, on Wednesday, October Btk. * * * Mis,? Keeling (Palmerston North) is visiting Mrs. Eliott, Wellington. The promoters of the Maori Girls' College have a strong champion in the Countess of Ranfurly, who, upon many occasions, has shown her sympathy with the cause. The Maori Fete, held in Government House grounds on Wednesday last, was but another proof of her interest in the work. The unique and appropriate entertainment was looked forward to with great pleasure by many, and it was disappointing that the west-

these, which has been so summer-like, could not have lasted for one more day, but, despajte the dull greynesß that prevailed, the grounds presented an animated and. decidedly picturesque appearance. Maoris were much in evidence, and farmed grotesque groups. Native men, olad in the most up-to-date fashion, with frock coat and tall hat, added, as a finishine touch, handsome feather mats, Maori women dressed like their European sisters, still carried the piccaninnies in a large shawl slung round tiheir shoulders. But, quaintest of all was tlhe burly warrior who was Maori all the way up — mats, bare shoul ders>, and mere — tall one reached his head, where a tall hat reposed at a most ludicrous angle. * * » A large number of natives came from Wairarapa, Otaki, and Porirua, to dance and many who have not before had an opportunity of seeing tihe graceful poi dances marvelled at the wonderful time kept by the girls, every mo triion beamc in oerfeot unison. A group of tiny girls were trained and led by a daughter of Mr. Tame Parata, M.H.R., who looked very handsome wearing a bright scarlet blouse and white skirt, over which hung a feather mat of the richest colouring, and composed of the feathers from many birds. She cerried a fine greenstone mere. The children wore flax mats over white frocks, bands of stained flax and feathers in their hair, and sandals of plaited flax. «• * • The Tinirau oirls, who also gave a graceful poi dance and haka, wore white frocks and scarlet sashes across their shoulders. A haka by the Porirua warriors was very amusing, the leader being particularly energetic. The dances took place on a raised platform, built for the purpose and could be seen from all parts of the lawn. The Otaki Maori Brass Band added much to the success of the entertainment, and their music was greatly enjoyed. The girls danced to the music of an aocordeon and violin. Delicious afternoon tea was served in the ballroom for a small charge. Altogether, tihe entertainment was a great success, and it is expected quite £100 will be handed over to the funds. IBs Excellency the Governor, in a short openina; address welcomed the natives, and said he felt sure they would feel grata fied at having assisted in doing good for their race. At tihe conclusion of the programme all the Maoris assisting were entertained at tea. * * * The Coumtess of Ranfurly wore a gown of coronation red, with the long mantle of the same shade, falling to the ground, having a wide turn back collar, and hanging sleeves, and a black picture hat. With her usual graciousness Lady Ranfurly went from group to group, stopping her and there to admire a child, and having a sweet smile and happy word for all. After the last dance, the poi dancers filed past His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Ranfurly and laid their ooi balls at the lather's feet. ' * * Laidv Constance Knox wore a pretty light coat, voile skirt, and white straw hat, with shaded pink bows. Miss Babington wore a large black hat and dark gown, and lace collar. Lady Stout had on a black and white gown. Miss Logan wore a pretty blue gown and hat; Miss Holmes, wearing black; Mrs. Elder, in a blue voile skirt, threequarter coat, and pretty hat ; Mrs. Tolhurst, wearing black : Dr. Platts-Mills, handsomely exwned in black, and arose pink hat; Mrs. T. Young, in a cream cloth costume, and white hat; Miss Tolhurst in cream voile, with black velvet and a wh,ite straw hat with tins ; Mrs. Tringham, a pretty pink muslin, wtih white insertions, and a picture hat. * * • Miss N. Davy was becomingly dressed in a white silk blouse, dark skirt, and hat with red. Mrs. E. Trevor Gould looked well in navy blue, with lace collar, and hat with turquoise blue. Miss G. Morrah wore a dark tailormade gown, and a black hat. Mrs. Balcombe Brown was in a brick red dress and hat to match. Mrs. J. Rose looked handsome in a gown of royal blue zibeline, with triple skirt, strapped with glace of tihe same shade. Mrs. Amelius Smith wore a black tailormade gown, and close-fitting, toque. Mrs. Castle was gracefully gowned in ivory silk, with tucks and insertion, and a picture hat. Mrs. Walker wore a royal blue Russian gown, and red hat. Miss J. Skerrett wore a pretty light gown and Miss N. Skerrett a fawn paletot over a cloth gown of the same shade and a becoming hat. Miss W. Birch wore a pretty pink figured muslin and white hat.

There will be an entire change of programme at Dixs to-morrow (Saturday) night, when the Harvey Boys will appear in a new boxing act, entitled "That was me." Mr. Frank Clark will introduce his great comedy sketch, "On the Tiles," in which the whole company will take part.