SOCIAL GOSSIP.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 122, 1 November 1902, Page 10

SOCIAL GOSSIP.

By Christabel.

DISAPPOINTMENT was the order of the day on Saturday, for drizzling rain prevented the opening of the Thorndon Tennis Courts, and the ceremony of opening the Thorndon Bowling Club had also to be postponed. However, since then, the clerk of the weather has been making amends tor days like Monday make one think oi muslin frocks, strawberries and cream, and all the delights of summer. Already natty white gowns have made their appearance and look pretty and seasonable. Rosei-trinimed hats, with ohiffon and autumn foliage, are exceedingly popular, and, to a voting face, are very becoming;. Linen frocks as well as holland and piques are now made with a Russian pouched bodice, with one or two straps of the same material, and look very smart. The skirts are also bemg elan, borately strapped with statched bands or trimmed with lace insertions, and those who are clever at altering; will have but little difficulty in making last year's linens fashionable. The same shades are to be worn, green being espeoiallv popular. , • * On Thursday last, Mrs. W. Kennedy gave a very pleasant farewell afternoon tea for Miss Macassey, who has made many friends during her stay in Wellington. Ping-pong was played in the smokingroom music in the drawmg : room and a very delicious tea was laid in the din-ing-room. The table was prettily decorated with yellow flowers. Mrs. Fitohett and the Misses Miles and Stuart played or sang during; the afternoon Mrs. Kennedy received in a sown of blue voile, with insertions of ecru lace. Miss Maoassey looked very nice in cream voile, with touches of pink and a cream hat. • • • Lady Ward was handsomely gowned in black, and wore a pretty hat. Mrs. MacEwen wore cream seTge, and a straw hat, with a large velvet bow Mrs Fitchett wore a becoming grey voile dress, with tucks and insertion, and point d'esprit net. Miss Pearson looked nice in a smartly-tucked blouse of wedp-ewood blue glace, and a black voile skirt with accordeon frills. Mrs. Roberts (Melbourne) had on. a handsome black dress, with touches of white. Mrs. Chatfield wore a 1 black gown and hat. Mrs. Tolhurst was in black. Mrs. "Walters (Cartertor.) was in a pretty blue gown, and hat to match. * ♦ • Miss Logan (Dunedin) wore a soft white gown and pink sash , Miss L. Ewen, a white silk blouse, black skiit Miss Stuart, a most becoming gown of blue voile and lace. Miss N. Rose wore a smart check skirt, blue velvet coatee, and black hat. Mrs. Holmwood wore a stylish brown cloth, and hat to match. Miss Holmwood was an blue, and a becoming hat Miss Shannon, a dainty white silk blouse and blue tailor-made, burnt-straw hat with yellow daisies. Miss Skerrett was smartly gowned, and wore a pretty burnt-straw hat. Mrs. Field was in black; Mrs. Wilford, a black voile skirt, cream satin blouse, and picture hat. Miss Stafford looked very nice in a beautiful cream blouse, dark skirt, and becoming hat , Mrs. Eliott, in black. Mrs. Murison wore a pretty brown costume, and hat to match , Miss Finch, a pretty black dress, deep collar and black hat. Mrs. J. Trine wore a smart biscuit silk coat, with a black voile dress, and hat with pink roses. Miss Macassey, who has been visiting Wellington for several months, returned to Dunedin last week # • ♦ Dr. and Mrs. Findlay are expected back from their travels about November 6th » • ♦ • Folded belts are to *nve wav to ribbons tied at the back with a bow and short ends or finished with a large rosette. Velvet choux, especially black, will be worn with muslin gowns but these have two long ends of uneven length. ♦ • # There are not many women here who display their individuality in dress but it is said that those who identify themselves with one colour are far less ex•fcrava<orant, or rather, if they desire to do so. can dress on a much smaller al-

lowance tbaa they otherwise would do. Black, though smart, is expensive, and black and white is more becoming, and lends itself to endless variety. Mauve is the favourite colour of Her Majesty Queen Alexandra, who wears that shade night and day. Brown, grey, and violet are shades that lend themselves to this economical scheme, and the varying shades of each colour being worn will prevent monotony, while the saving in accessories. — hats petticoats, parasols, e^c. — would be considerable. Some women identify themselves with one particular jewel, while others constantly emphasise their individuality bv a favourite flower. Some brides are setting weary of the conventional wedding costume plus orange flowers and white-robed bridesmaids. Quite recently, in London, a number of innovations have appeared. A pretty Irish bride, as. a compliment to the land of her birth, wore a wreath of Shamrocks instead of the regulation orange blossom, and another lady s bridesmaids were gowned in black crepe-de-chine. ♦ ♦ * Amongst the summer novelties at the D.1.C., are the floral hat mounts composed of various flowers and fob age, which can be attached in a few minutes to any shape or straw. A trail of for-get-me-nots was very sweet, and a wreath of roses, with autumn foliage, would look charming on a burnt-straw shape. Country shoppers would find these "mounts" exactly what they re>quire. Some are made up with ribbon and chiffon ohoux. A new hat is the "Rustic," shaped like a Panama but which folds up into the smallest pos^ sable space, without damaging in the slightest. • • « Ultra-smart dressers in London are wearing shoes to match their frocks. The effect is not very pretty as a general rule, but red shoes, worn -with a white muslin frock, red parasol, etc.,

are much admired. A Wellington girl has just received from Home a pair of pretty red shoes, in oriental leather, and is just waiting for a smart occasion to exhibit their beauty. ♦ * * Writing of Melba, the "Sydney Mail" says — "To us, who sat below her, she appeaired a tall and commanding figure, with a grand stage presence, and a wonderfully gracious manner and smile. As she sang- she stood upright, and almost motionless, her head thrown a little back, and her eyes slightly veiled with their thick lashes. Her dress was a regal one. It was of net, embroidered, in golden lines, giving the appearance of rippling golden water. On each side of the front panel were simulated bunches of hanging golden grapes. The gown was out en orincesse, but the skirt formed ai pointed tunic which was outlined with a wide wreath of pink roses and foliage worked in silk. Beneath this, and to the foot of the long train hung a flounce of exquisite lace, mounted over frills of chiffon. She also wore her exquisite long rope of pearls, and a magnificent necklace of diamonds, and in her hair was placed a diamond comb There she stood, surrounded bv beautiful floral gifts." ■* * * At the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. E. H Dean, a large number of p-uests were nresent at a most enjoyable concert, given in the Sydney-street schoolroom on Thursdaiy evening last week. The object of the concert was to introduce to the music patrons of Wellington the talented sons of Mr. Thomas Trowell. The boys., who are twins, asre fifteen years of age. One, Master Thomas Trowell, who is a violoncellist, displayed wonderful talents, and. putting his soul into the music, played with exquisite expression. Included in the programme were many selections that were played by Jean Gerardy on his recent tour, and, so successful was the (Continued on page 11.)

young musician that the enthusiastic audience demanded his re-appearance on each occasion. • * » Master Garnet Trowel has devoted his tame to the violin, and astonished his listeners with his finished execution. Ke was also encored for each item. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Dean, who also played the piano part' in a triO with the Masters Trowell. Songs were sung by Miss Ethel Parsons and Mr. Douglas Jackson. Mr. Dean, at the conclusion of the concert, made an appropriate speech, and suggested that there were many in Wellington who would like to assist such boys to obtain further musical training. Until now, the Masters Trowell have been taught entirely by their father. Jean Gerardy while here, took a great interest in the boys, and strongly advised that they should be sent to Europe, which opinion is endorsed b-" all who heard them on Thursday. A. * # The stage was prettily decorated, and the hall quite filled with music-lovers, amongst whom I noticed Mr and Mrs. ToUiurst and Miss Tblhurst, Mrs. and Miss Medley. Mrs. and Mies Sprott, Miss Fan court, Mrs. and Miss T. F. Martin, Mrs. W R. E Brown, Mrs. G. Kemp, the Misses Miles, Stowe, Kennedy, and many others. • • * A very pleasant social evening was held at the Post and Telegraph Club Rooms, on Wednesday evening last week, those who organised the entertainment being the ladies of the accountants' branch — Misses Johnson, Smith, MacLeod Kenny, Birmiriiffham, Brock Asquith, O'Leary, and Warren. There were quite a hundred euests pre^ sent, and various amusements whUeid away a very iollv evening. Cards were played by the majority, pingpong, billiards and music were enjoyed by others, and a splendid phonograph went through a lengthy repertoire. • * * A very dao/nty supper was prettily laid out. the tables beang decorated with large bowls of pink rhododendrons. The wives of the officers of the Department assisted greatly with the supper and the members of the corps also rendered the ladies great assistance in many ways in their efforts to make the evening a success. During supper, the prizes won by the progressive euchre players were presented by Mr. A. C. Norris. Mrs. Roache won the ladies' first prize (presented by Mrs. Murray-Menzies, who was at one time connected with the accountants' branch), and the gentlemen's prize (presented by Mr. Ledger) was won by Mr Tyrrell. Miss Brock and Mr. Marshall carried off the "boobies." • * * Some of the guests were Mesdames Markman, Cornwall, Roache, and the Misses Jordan Zohrab. Stuart-Forbes, Compton, Murdoch, Bodmin O'Leary, Gamble, Glasgow Gray, Morris, Chegwidden, and Messrs. Gray, Ross, Walton, Cornwall Dudley, Smith, Reeves, Markmann Stuart- Forbes, Pearce, Roache, Marriner, and many others. » * • The engagement is announced of Miss Ada Hoadley, eldest daughter of Mr. C. B. Hoadley, auctioneer, of Napier to Mr. S. Nimmo, of Hawke's Bay. • * ♦ A wedding of interest to many takes place on November Bth, at St. Andrew's Church, when Mr Fred. Earle of the "Evening Post" staff, will be married to Miss E. Roulston. One of the prettiest dances of the season, which is now so near its close, was the plain and fancy dress ball given by Mrs. H. B. Mason, to her pupils, on Wednesday last, in her private ballroom, as the breakmg-up for the year of her classes. Mrs. Mason's efforts to make all present enjoy themselves were crowned with success, and the popularity of thisi well-known teacher of dancing was evidenced by the large number present. • » * The hall was most tastefully draped with art muslin of varied colours, sprays of flowers being interspersed among the drapings, and illuminated Chinese lanterns gave an enchanting effect to the whole scene, the room looking like fairyland. Iced drinks and other beverages were served throughout the evening, and an excellent supper was partaken of, the tables being laden with delicacies. A pretty effect was obtained bv the tables being profusely decked with vases of azaleas and irises. A jolly evening was brought to a close by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and three hearty cheers for Mrs. Mason, and three more for Miss Irene Mason. • • » Amonret the guests I noticed Miss Fitzmaunce, evening dress of white silk, trimmed with Valenciennes lace Miss Hancox cream cashmere, Honiton lace yoke; Miss Ada Harrison (Kumara), ruby satin, trimmed with black velvet and chiffon, transparent lace sleeves: Miss MacKinnon, white muslin ; Miss Mulhane, white bishon lawn frock, tucked, with insertion, pink

chou, Miss M. Johnson, white brocaded silk relieved with black velvet and chifton, Miss Macarthy, white spotted muslin ; Miss Hester Johnson, daintily-made spotted muslin, relieved with pink. * • * Mrs. Major wore a black merveilleux evening bodice, black sequin trimming, black figured silk skirt , Mrs. Gyles, Eastern lady Miss Howard, Romp , Mass Edith 'Howard, Mantana , Miss L. Howard, Fairy , Miss Driver, Coronation , Miss Henrietta Blanc, Watteau Shepherdess quilted pink satin bodice and skirt, pompadour paniers Miss Obvia Blanc, Shamrocks , Miss Mary Corr, Carmen , Miss Reed, dainty white silk frown, silk lace insertion, steel passementerie , Miss Biggs, striped muslin, satin trimming , Miss Smart, Japanese silk. * • # Miss Duck wore a cream satin evening; bodice, pearl trimming, black voile skirt Miss May Duck, Gipsy Queen Miss Smith, nale blue frock, white lace yoke , Miss Florence Fitchefct, handsome ivory silk, tucked, Valenciennes lace insecrtioin, pearl trimming, ivory satin chou , Miss A. Jolly, white muslin . Miss Scanlon, Gipsy : Miss M. Scanlon, white dress, lemon silk sash and chou , Miss Ghezzie, Zingara . Miss Major, white cashmere, tnmmed with white satin and lace, transparent lace sleeves , Miss TJrquhart, blue cashmere trimmed with statin of the same colour and cream lace. * * # Miss Ireland wore mousseline delaine, point lace collar, Miss Cooper white silk, frilled, and trimmed with stringcoloured lace • Miss Black, blue nun's veiling, lace and bebe ribbon , Miss Simmonds, whit© pongee silk, prettily trimmed with nearls , Miss H. Simmonds, black and white muslin lace trimming, Miss Goslinp-, Gin^ — a well-earned-put character, Miss Hugo, soft white silk, and valenciennes lace Miss S. Everett, white silk, silk lace insertion Miss Basoand, white silk and steel passementerie Miss Everett, white silk blo-use. tucked, heliotrope skirt Miss Laurenson, white figured mushn Miss Smith white muslin , Miss Irene Mason , Masootte, blue satin dress, oriental sash, and kerchief on hair • Mrs Mason, black figured silk. * * * Mr. Porteous was dressed as a Dervish : Mr. Broughton, Australian Boundary Rider , Mr. Gye, King's Valet , Mr Wiltshire, Military Uniform Mr. Richardson, Irish Gentleman, Mr. Macginnity, Coster; Mr. G. Robinson Naval Officer , Mr. Johnson, Krae's Own . Mr. Ferguson Highland Chief Mr. Young, Ping-pong. Mr. Walkei, Military Uniform ; Lieutenant Sandle, Messrs. Talbot, Cate, Green, Colbert, Kitto, Jones Ryan, Brown, McPhail, Westwood, Young, Gosling, Rose, Stunner, Morris, Harris, Bell, Lane, Sullivan, and others. (Continued on page 13 )