SOCIAL GOSSIP.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 127, 6 December 1902, Page 10

SOCIAL GOSSIP.

By Christabel.

AS usual, the weather was not at all favourable foi displaying to advantage the beauties of our new race gowns for Friday, November 21st, the openr day of the spring meeting of the Wellington Racing Club. The lawn was in good order but really one does need something to keep one's spirits up, especially when such small dividends were being paid, and the absence of the band, in addition to the gloomy weather, had a rather depressing effect on us. Another grievance is the afternoon tea — how we do miss it ' A delicious and nicely-served cup of tea makes one forget the losses, but alas, it is not to be had for love or money. * * ♦ Several members of the Opera Company attended and were beautifully gowned. I noticed Miss Elsie Moore, m a sweet frock of white silk much trimmed with lace insertion, and a Leghorn hat, with, masses of roses. Miss Brown wore black orepe-de-ohine over silk, ecru insertion, and a black picture hat with, tips. Miss Newton was also charmingly gowned. Miss Harcourt wore a cream gown, and a cream hat with touches of blue and pink. Mrs. Duncan wore a chine silk gown, with floral design, over which she wore a cosy-looking race coat of royal blue, faced with white satin, and a Tuscan straw hat, with pale blue bows and black velvet Mrs. W. Tumbull looked well in blue frieze, and a blue and preen straw hat with trimmings of the same shades *- * * Mrs H Johnston w ore a beautifullymade 01 earn, cloth gown, and trimmings of roses and coloured velvet, and she also wore a sniait coat to match hei gown, and a hat with rose-coloured velvet. Mrs Abbott was in navy voile, over silk, with lace insertions. — a handsome gown — and a toque composed of lace and tulle. Miss Abbott was beautifully gowned in the palest of silvergrey poplin, with lovely passementerie — the skirt was made with a deep flounce, and looked very ohae, and the bodice had a vest of beautiful lace , with this becoming costume she wore a picture hat. Mi's. Castle (England) wore a becoming gown of white silk over glace, with lace insertions and a r>retty hat. • * • Mrs Stafford looked handsome in black silk muslin with touches of heliotrope her tooue was black with suggestions of gold. Miss Stafford wore a pretty cream serrro, with Eton coat openino- over a vest of rich cream satin, beautifully hand-painted . her hat was a pretty confusion of shaded roses. Mrs. Pye-Smith was smartly gowned in eoru muslin, with black lace insertions, and hat to matoh. The Misses Fell were much admired in blue frocks, prettily trimmed with insertion and hats with pale pink roses. Mrs. Wylie wa* in cream with touches of blue, and a black hat. Mrs. Baxter looked graceful in black voile, and a smart hat. Mrs. 0. Izaird wore green linen, and a black hat with scarlet roses. Mrs. T. G Maoarthy wore a pretty grey dress, and black hat. • * + Miss Fitizsirnmons was in a becoming gown of rose silk voile, over silk, smartly trimmed with lace and insertion and wore a black picture hat. Miss Heywood looked exceedingly nice in black, with smart coatee, and a picture hat Miss E. O'Connor had on a'pretty blue gown., and hat with rose pink bows. Miss Kennedy's gown was pale preen, and she wore a large hat. Mrs. Arthur Duncan looked very well in a pale blue gown, and over it she wore a lovely coat of delicate fawn shade, and a hat much trimmed with lace and roses. Miss Johnston looked extremely nice in a grey voile gown, and trimmings of lace, with touches of pale blue . her hat was of pale blue and black velvet. Mrs. T. Dwan wore a smart costume, and large black hat. • • • Miss Reid lias returned from Palmerston North. • • • Have you noticed the latest— quite the latest — thine in summer costumes at Messrs. Kirkoaldie and Stains? Robes m delicate shades of pink, blue, and mauve beautifully embroidered in black The skirts are already made uo and are of exquisite cut, the shaped flounce being finished with a wide band of embroidery. They are smart in the

extreme. There is a suggestion of the East about these embroidered robes, and that is always fascinating. I also noticed, while passing through Messrs. Kirkoaldie and Stains, a wonderful assortment of pretty parasols. It is most unfortunate that even these accessories tell the tale of the seasons, for last year's sunshades are minus the perfect finish of this season's— tiny hairtucks, stitching, or even the modish straps are to be found on those of plain silk, but the sunshade of the year is quite unique, being of chine silk, with a lovely effect on blended colours. ♦ # • The advantage of this is obvious, for with pmk, heliotrope, blue and suggestions of green all softly combined and no colour decided, the parasol can be used with various costumes. Black and white, too, have become popular, and I noticed one that was very ohio in black and white chiffon. Stripe effects have been introduced, and a foundation of whit© silk was exquisitely embroidered with trails of pink roses and foliage. With a holland or linen frock, nothing looks prettier than the plain, coloured silk, and I noticed an endless variety of every shade, those in turquoise blue being especially sweet. The handles form an important item now-a-days, dainty imitation Dresden being quite a novelty. ♦ « ♦ Mr. and Mrs Allan Maguire, of Sussex Sauare, enterained a large number of guests at an at home on Wednesday afternoon, November 26th, the occasion beiv~ the celebration of their silver wedding. The guests were received at the entrance to the drawingroom and cordial were the good wishes and congratulations expressed to host and hostess. The house which is charmingly adapted for entertaining 1 was very beautifully decorated throughout with flowers, eacih room being an obiect les^ son m the art of blending the various ghades of one colour. * » * A golden tint prevailed in the draw-ing-room — roses, azaleas, and richlycoloured calceolarias being used with de^ lioate foliage. In the hall, large bowls of arum lilies and handsome palms stood out from the background of a crimson carpet, with great effect, and a vivid touch of red colour was lent by an artistic aramaement of great, Eastern popoies. In the dining-room, masses of that lovely large heliotrope, clematis, purple irises and shaded sweet-pea, with araceful trails of Ivcopodium, called forth much admiration. But one's stock of adiectives was entirely at a loss in the tea-room, where ir>'e-Dink flowers — carnations, roses, and i\ias. — were ir. the loveliest confus on. On the table they were arranged in tall vases, interlaced with wide bands of rose-coloured ribbon Conspicuous was the handsome wedding cake, surrounded with every description of sweet and delicious sandwiches. * • During the afternoon, Madame Carlton sang beautifully and before the eood-bves were s-aid, Mr Duthie M.H.R., and the Rev. J. Paferson both spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr. and Mrs. Maguire and wished them every happiness. Mrs. Ma°nire ww beautifully dressed in black embroidered chiffon over white p-lace the bodice beiner finished with lovely real lace collar and revers. Miss Maeuirp looked exceedingly nice in a bolero blouse of blue crepe-de-chi^e. with drooping sleeves trimmed with delicate lace insertions, and a black voile skirt. * * • Amongst those who were present to offer their congratulations were The Rev. James Paterson, Mrs. and Miss Paterson, the latter wearing a black gown, lace collar, and pink chou. Mr. Duthie was present with Mrs Duthie, who was gracefully gowned in white, with lace vest, and larere black hat. I also noticed Mr. T. W. McKenzie, one of the fathers of Wellington, and his two daughters. Mrs. Dawson wore black, relieved with a touch of lace, and a black and white bonnet. Mrs. Barron was handsomely downed in black and Miss Bi.rron wore a pink silk blouse, with a black hat and voile skirt. * * • Mrs. Hamilton Gilmet was in a gown of black silk with pretty chiffon cape, bands of jet applique, and a black bonnet. Miss Ma^innity wore a lovely grey China crepe dress and black picture hat, and Miss E. Maginmty looked well in cream. Mrs. Devme wore a black tailor-made gown, with stitched bands and a black hat. Mrs Lachman wore a pretty black gown, chiffon ruffle, and black toque. Mrs. Francis was in black voile, and becoming black toque. Mrs. J. Wilson wore a stylish brown cloth Russian gown, with lace vest, and a dainty blue hat. * * • Mrs. Hannah was handsomely dressed in grey silk voile with lace insertions, white ruffle, and laree hast The Misses Edith and J. Hannah wore white muslin and Jace frocks, and large black hats. Mrs vSchloss wore a nretty (Continued o?i page 11.)

black and white gown, and toque to raatoh. Mrs. A. E. Donne was beautifully gowned in blaok silk voile, witih lovely medallions of point d'Alencon. Mrs. Henderson was wearing a biscuitooloured voile. Mrs. Gibbons (Petone) looked extremely moe in a black and white gown, and toque to match. Miss McKenzie was in a black gown and black hat. Mrs. Wilson wore a black silk voile gown and black bonnet. Among others present were Mr. Hamilton GiLnier and his son (Dr Gilmer) Mr. Devine, and Mr. Bartlett * • * A marriage, which created much interest, was quietly celebrated at St John's Church, Dannevirke, on Wednesday, November 26th, when Mr. Frank G. H. Phillpotts of the "Wilderness," Komako, youngest son of the late Octavius Phillpotts, of ' The Wilderness," Mutley, Devon, was married to Miss Gertrude M. Pochards, second daughter of the late Charles Richards, Charlton Musgrove, Somerset. The wedding was an extremely pretty one, and was witnessed by many friends of the bride and bridegroom, who are both deservedly popular The bride was given away by Mr W. H. Hartgill, and wore a becoming travelling eown of dove erev voile, with lace insertions, and was attended bv tlhe Misses Nancy and Barbara Hartgill and Miss Mona Robinson, the latter being a niece of the bride. Mr Percy Phillpotts acted as best man. After the ceremony, which was performed by the Rev. E. Robertshawe, 8.A.. a reception was held ait the residence of Mr. and Mrs W. H. Hartgill, where the wedding breakfast was partaken of. Mr. and Mrs. Phillpotts, who were the recipients of fanv very valuable wedding tarts, left later in Me day for tlheir nrefcty home "The Wilderness," Komako carrying: with them the best wishes ot the numerous friends for their future happiness. # # A very pretty wedding was c-uietlv solemnized' at St. Andrew's Church Colyton, on November 26th, when Mr Alexander James Gibsone, second son ot Maior Gibsone, late 17th Lancers, of Pentland, N.8., and Leamington was married to Blanche Mary. fourth daughter of Mr. -John Lofts Hills, of Colyton. The Rev Innis-Jones was the officiating clergyman. The bride looked very nice in a pretty soft srown of white silk lustre, finished with satin, and a tulle veil was daintly arranged over a w reatn of orange blossoms. She earned a shower bouquet of cream roses and maiden-hair fern. » * * The bridesmaid was her sister, Miss E Hills who wore a pretty gown of blue muslm, with tucks and insertion, a white satin folded belt, and a picture hat with touches of blue. The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Gerald Thomas as best man. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Miss Wilkinson (cousin of the bride) played Mendelssohn s "Wedding March " and the bridal party and quests the latter bane confined to relatives, drove to the residence of Mr John Hills, "Poa Hiwi " a sumptuous wedding breakfast was served The table was very tastefully decorated with lovely roses and foliage. * * * The toast of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by the Rev- Inn*^ o ™^ and that of the bridesmaid by the best man. The bridegroom's gift to his bride was a handsome opal and diamond ring. A pretty omen, promising future happiness, occurred just as the bride and bridegroom knelt at the altar-the sun, which had hitherto been clouded, shone brightly into the church. * * * One of the prettiest and certainly one of the most interesting, weddings celebrated lately at the Newtown Presbyterian Church, was that of Miss Louisa Campbell, of Reef ton, who was married to Mr F. Godber, son of one of our most respected citizens. The ceremony took place on Monday, November 10th in the presence of many guests and friends. The Rev. W. Shirer was the officiating clergyman. The bride who was given away by Mr. Pollock, looked very sweet in a wedding gown ot soit white silk, with ecru insertions and onitfon. Her lovely veil was worn over a wreath of orange blossoms and she carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley. * ' • • The bridesmaids were Misses Annie and Eva Godber, who wore lovely dresses of cream grass lawn and lace, and pale blue silk sashes, gracefully caught up at the centre of the back, fell to the hem of the skirts. Their ha,te, of black chiffon, and pretty bouquets, finished most becoming costumes. Mr E. Redstone acted as best man, and Mr. Godber, junior (cousin) as groomsman. * * After the ceremony, a reception was held at Mr. Godber's residence, a great number of *mests being present to do honour to the happy couple. Toasts were numerous, and were responded to most heartily and sones and recitations were given bv some of the guests.. Mrs Godber, motheT of the bridegroom

looked well in a handsome gown of black figured broohe and jet, and a fichu of Spanash lac© fail ling to the hem of the dress. She woie a pretty bonnet od pale pink, and carried a, bouquet of pink roses. The presents were costly and numerous, and many telegrams were received, while a note from the Mayor (Mr. Aitken) regretted hie inability to be present. * * • Soon© of the guests were . Mrs. Redstone, in black brocade and cream bonnet , Mrs. Jenkins, heliotrope poplin, and hat to match , Mrs. Varooe, black silk Mrs. Godber, iun., black satin, and. a, pretty green hat with, pink roses , Mrs. E. Godber, black silk, and blue bonnet Mrs. Gardiner floral silk, and white hat , Mrs. Luke, black silk, and ,pink bonnet , Mrs. Waters, black relieved with lace . Mrs Dixon, black and white silk ; Mrs. Charlton, black, and real lace collar . Mrs. Hurrell, a pretty cream toque and black silk gown * # *■ Miss Campbell wore a pale blue costume , Miss Lmters, black skirt, cream silk blouse. Mrs. Bell, black silk, and lace, Mrs. C. J. Godber, heliotrope blouse, white hat , Miss McLean, grey voile, and black picture hat, Mrs. Moore pretty figured silk gown and pale blue silk toque. Others present were Miss Redstone, Miss Jenkins, Mrs. Rnsden, Mrs. Shirer, Miss Hawthorne, Mrs 1 . Paterson. Mrs. Oliver, Miss Birch (in soft white silk grown and pretty red haif), and others. The Rev Mr. Oliver and Rev. Mr. Shirer both eulogised the good qualities of the young couple * • • Tine Victoria College Students' Society held one of their pleasant euchre parties on Friday, November 21st. The arranaereiments were in the hands of Miss M. C. Ross and Mr. Raw don Beere, and erreat credit is due to them for the successful wav in which they carried out their duties. The ladies' prizes 1 were won b-* Misses Nell Batham, Fruhaiuf, and A. Batham, and the gent] emeu 'si by Messrs. F. de lai Mare, G. Y. Boe;le:, and Kins:, while the booby prizes fell to Miss Martin and Mr. W. London. The euchre was followed bv a most deherhitful dance at which some very pretty dresses were worn. Mrs. Bro^s n had on white brocade , Mrs. Hogben. black silk , Mrs. Batham, black brocade, Mrs. Adams, cream silk and chiffon , Miss Beere, black silk Miss McLean, black sdk skirt, pale blue silk blouse. Misses Batham, yellow silk Miss Wedde black satin , Miss Roberts, white silk, twine>-coloured lace , Miss M. Roberts, white silk blue chou . Miss Walters, pink silk , Miss Ross, cream silk, blue chou , Miss Fruhauf, white insertioned muslin, much tucked , Miss Heath, white muslin ; Miss Fleming;, cream figured silk , Miss Edwards, black silk skirt, cream chiffon blouse , Miss Tasker, cream silk, trimmed with twine-coloured lace and violets. * • • Among the gentlemen present were Messrs. Beere de la Mare. Ostler. Seddon, Graham Bogle, Loudon, Henderson, Maunsell Adams, Walters, Foley, Dixon. and Wilson

(Continued on page IS.)

Another, -pretty \\ eddnig, that took place at> St. James's Cliuroh, Wellingtom South, ooi Wednesday, November 19th, was that of Mr. Sydney A. Wilton, who was married, to Mass Christina J. Wallace, eldest daughter of Mr. Robert Wallace, of the firm of Messrs. Stewart and Co., Courteniay Place. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a beautiful white silk gown (the gift of her uncle), handsomely tucked, and trimmed with chiffon, caught with sprays of orange blossoms. She wore a long tulle veil, and carried a shower bouquet of white blossoms. • » » Her bridesmaids were. Her sister (Mass C. Wallace), Miss Wilton (sister of the bridegroom), Miss Foster, and two little dots, Pearl and Ruby Arnold (nieces of the bridegroom), who as ore dainty whitle silk dresses, prettily trimmed, with tuoks and! insertion, white chiffon hats, and carried Avhite bouquets relieved with pink. The gifts from the bridegroom were gold brooches, and to the bride he a diamond and opal brooch. Mr. W. Wilson acted as best maai, and the groomsmen w ere Messrs. Wilton, and F. Alpe. * • • After tha ceremony, which was performed by the Rev. W. Shirer ,a reception was held at the Victoria Hall . Ade-laide-road, and in the evening another reception was held to celebrate, the silver wedding of the bride's parent®. The honeymoon is being spent in the North. The bride's travelling gown was of navy blue cloth, with pink vest, and preitttv hat to match. The happy couple were -bhe recipients of many valuable gifts ♦ • * Mrs. Wallace wore a very handsome black mervedlleux gown, trimmed with jet and white satin, and a black toque witih cream roses. Mrs. G. Wilton (mother of the bridegroom) wore a, beautiful black silk, and a black hat. Among the guests were : Mrs. Mack, in Wack satin ; Mrs. P. Brown, black brocade and sequin trimmings 1 ; Mrs. Bowe, in black and white; Mrs. Lamberg, a grey costume ; Mrs. Shirer, black broche and chiffon toque; Mrs. Hun tea-, in black. Mrs. Adams, black, Mrs. ArnoH pretty white muslin, Miss Lowe, pink silk blouse, black skirt: Mrs. E. Wilton, black ; Mrs. J. Boyd, in oreaan Miss Collett, white muslin, and pretty hat; Mias Muir (Blenheim), cream broche, white hat; Miss Maguire crush, strawberry gown, and hat to match, ; Miss Boyd, white muslin dress : Miss Collins, white; Mrs. G. E. Wilton black : Mrs. E. G. Wilton, black, and others. • • • A very pretty wedding: was celebrated at tihe Wesley an Church, Moleswortihsfcreet, on Wednesday, November 19th, when Miss Kate Banks, youngest daughter of Mr. H. Banks, Wellington, was married to Mr. Herbert E. Le Grove, eldest son of Mr. E. J. Le Grove, of Wellington!. The bride was given aw a,v by her father, and looked exceeding v nice mi a white silk gown beautifully

trimmed with silk, lace, and chiffon. She wore a lovely hand-embroidered veil over a wealth of orange blossoms, and carried a shower bouquet of choice flowers, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were the Misses Lottae Banks, Ada Johns (nieces of the bride), and Bertha Taft, who wore dainty white insertioned muslm frooks, eilk sashes, and picture hats. Miss Standidge, chief bridesmaid, looked very nice in a gown of steel grey muslin and a black chiffon hat with red oarna|bions. Each maid carried a bouquet or basket of flowers. The bridegroom's gifts to tlbe younger maids w ere silver watches. a-Hjd- to Miss Standidge a handsome gold bangle, with tiurouoise and pearls. The Reiv. J. K. Elhott officiated. Mr. E. Banks acted as best man, and the groomsmen were Messrs. N. G. .Jeffries and Percy Le Grove. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the ''Wedding March" was played by Mr. H. Fleming ,and the guests returned to the residence of the bride's parents, where afternoon tea wan served. The toast of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by the Rev. J. Elliott and responded to by the groom. The presents received were both choice and numerous. During the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. H. Le Grove left on their honeymoon. The bride's going-away dress was of black cloth, witih white figured 1 silk vest and collar, straw-col-oured lace, and a, hat of white chiffon, with tips and turquoise blue ribbon. Mr. and Mrs. Banks held an at home in the evening, in honour of the occasion. ■* • » Miss Rogers is the guest of her sister, Mrs. J. Duthie, until after Christmas. • # • Lady Ward and Miss Ward are visiting the Bluff and Invercargill. • • • Mrs. Robert Pharazyn (Napier) and Mrs. Stedman have been in town for a week or two. « « • Miss Coates has returned from a short visit to Auckland. « • * Mrs. F. Jones (Wanganui) has spent a few days in town. • • * The annual sports of the Girls' High School came off on Friday last week. The weather was threatening, but that fact did not prevent a very large number of guests accepting the invitation to be present. So thoroughly enjoyable were these sports last season that the keenest interest was taken in the programme arranged for Friday by both the girls and their friends. A band played very bright and inspiriting music, and the grounds were looking their very best. • * • The various events were got off with remarkable promptitude — in fact the 1 girls beat any competitors I have ever seen in

that respect — being always ready when the bell went. Dark blue gymnasium costumes were worn, and nothing could look nicer. An enjoyable item was the exhibition of various exercises by a number of Mr. Harrisons pupils. Just as the last race was over the rain set in and a hurried adjournment to the central hall introduced one to a band of energetic maidens who were dispensing tea — delicious and hot — and dainty sweets. * • Tli© hall was prettily decorated with flowers and foliage, and, whilst waiting until the prizes were presented, various musical items were enjoyed. Miss MoLean, xrii&i her usual graoiousness, welcomed each guest, and was. with her staff, indefatigable in the endeavour to make this year's gathering as enjoyable as the last. Miss Morraih, who managed the events was greatly assisted by Mr. Martin Luckie and several other gentlemen. Miss Eoclesfiel'd and Miss Batham had to work energetically in the tea-room, which was thronged with a thirsty crowd. The prizes were presented by Mrs. A. de B. Brandon, the winners at the sfummeir swimming sports receiving theirs also. At tihe conclusion, three cheers were eriven for Mrs. Brandon, and also for Miss McLean. • • • The value of these sports for the girls cannot be over-rated, for it makes them so interested in t!he outdoor games that, for the time, examinations are entirely forgotten, and they learn toi play as thoroughly as they work. The Hisrh School is making quite' a name for its number of clever scholars, and a happier, healthier, or brighter lot of girls could not be found m New Zealand, and Miss McLean is to be congratulated upon the introduction of "Sport® Day," wihieh will do much to make school dlavs what they should be— the happiest of a lifetime.

Ex-pupils of St.. Francis Xavier's Scliools, and their friends, will givei one of the. coinoeirtsi for which they have gained such an excellent reputation tonight (Friday), at the Sydney-street schoolroom. An excellent amd varied programme htas been arranged.

Eugen Samdow the great atihlete and exponent of physical culture, is to make has first appearance before a Wellington audience cm Monday, at tihe Opera House. There is no need to introduce the mdghty man of muscle. His reputation is world-wide, and the system 1 of which he is tihe splendid result has been of incalculable benefit to mam generally. Everywhere Sandow has been received with wild enthusiasm, and in his trail he has sown seed that will have its fruit in the improved physical conditdooi of the classes and the masses. It is quite unnecessary to say that a full house nuajy be expected. The house will not hold all those who expect to> get into it. Mr. Harry Rickards surrounds the leading star with no mediocre performers. Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Drew aire famous in legitimate comedy, and Mark Anthony has a reputation as a monologue entertainer. That delightful coneertinaplajyer, Professor Maccanm. has created a sensation wherever he has performeid, and Miss Riay Jones' is a cultured vocalist. Little Fanny Powers is also on the bill, and is a welcome addition. The graceful .finish given to a gentleman's coat by the initroduotion, of the "rolling lapel' has led people to imagine that the wearera obtain their clothes from London West End tailors. Mr, David Milligan (whose advertisement is set out elsewhere) tells us tlhat three out of four of his most stylish patrons order their coats to be made with the,"rolling lapel," and he believes tlhat the new style will become "all the rage" in the Empire City, as it has done in the Empire's metropolis. People in quest of choice sites for suburban homes will do well to consult Mr. W. F. Shortt (auctioneer), on- take a stroll over that portion of Miramar which has been acquired by tihe Wafbte Peninsula Land Company before making up itheir minds. It is tihe nearest part of Miramar to Kilbirnie, and stretches down towards Lyail Bay, witfa its Bplendid ocean beach. This fin© block is now being cut un into building sites, ranging from, a quafrter of an acre to over one acre in area, and will be auctioned by Mr. Shortt. at an early date, on easy terms.