Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 136, 7 February 1903, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

PEOPLE hare been talking "Slierlook Holmes" for the last week or two. In fact, Sherlock Holmes himself has been taken by some individuals quite seriously. Actually, onenipht at the Opera House, at that tense moment when Monarty gets hold of the revolver, a man's excited voice rane out from the stalls warning Sherlock Holmes to "Look out, Mister." More than once, too, I believe Mr. Cuyler Hastings, tihe clever actor of the part, has been asked to unravel mysteries by people who, having seen him act, feel sure he possesses many Scotland Yard-like qualities. ♦ * * At any rate, we aill thought he was quite justified in falling in love with Miss Alice Faulkner (Miss May Chevalier), so siweet and winsome she looked m her first gown of clinging white orepe de chine, and later in a pale grey voile, with lace insertions and collar. The play did not give much scope for a chiffon display, but a glittering robe of blaick jet was much admired. In the audience, I have noticed Mr. and Mrs. Myers, Mr. and Miss Tolhurst, Mr. and Mrs. Young, the Misses Skerretfb, the Misses Newall Mrs. Berry, Mrs. Fitchett, Mrsi. Wylie, the Misses Gilmer, the Misses Seddon, Heywood, Rowlands, Stafford, and many others. The Hon. F. and Mrs. Arkwright, with Miss Arkwright and her brother, leave heire about the 20th for Sydney, and from there they will travel Home by one of the North German Lloyd boats. This line is very popular. New Zealanders w ho 1 have travelled to Europe by this loute, speaks in the highest terms of the attention they received. Mrs. Baldwin went in one of the largest of the fleet, the Grosser Kurfurst, which is most luxuriously fitted up. The cuisine is said to be excellent also, and that is something to be considered when meals form an important part of each day's programme.

Mrs. Gilruth and her tv. o little children leave this month for a. visit to relaturns in England and Scotland. Miss Heywood also leaves shortly for a, visit to relatives' at Home. The Wajkaire'si "Sounds" excursion seems to have been particularly enjoyable this year. The various amusements were entered into' in a wholesouled manner, and the passengers were very sociable and jolly, and parted with regret when the trip was over. Walking tours are gaining favour down in the South Island — especially with ladies. Are our Southern sisters much more energetic than we, or axe there special inducements in the way of goold roads and scenery, I wonder? One rarely hears of walking parties, much less tours, here in Wellington. * ■/■ * Mrs. S. A. Rhodes has gone South for a trip. +- T * Mrs. Perry (Hawke's Bay), who was here for the races, has gone on to Christchiureh for a few weeks. • * * The Dean of Waiapu who is taking six months' well-earned holiday hor-es to leave in March, with Mrs. and Miss Hovell, for a visit to England. * * * Mr. Charles Le Cren, of Timaru, has many friends who will be pleased to hear of his engagement to Miss Daisy Roberts, of Ashburton. • * * Mrs. Cargill (Timaru), who has been visiting Mrs. Stedman, Napier, passed through Wellington this week, on her way South. Miss L. Bremner has returned from a short visit to Hawke's Bay where she was the guest of Mrs. Kight, Taradale. • • • The Misses Cowper (Wanganui), who have just returned from the "Sounds" trip, stayed a day or tw o in Wellington en route to their home. * * * Invitations have been issued by Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Barraud for the marriage of their daughter Ivy and Mr. Walter Blundell, which takes place on Wednesday February 18th, at St. Paul's Church. A reception will afterwards take place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W F. Barraud, on the Terrace . Mrs. Costello, who was the guest of Mrs. C. Truigham f or the races, has returned to Otaki. Mrs. Tringham's new house, Talavera Ten-ace (next door

to her mother's, Mrs. H. Blundell's), is almost finished, and they hope to move into it in a few weeks. * # * Mr. and Mrs. Ernes* Hadfield have taken a house in Rosina Terrace, off Wellington Terrace. * * * Invitations were issued by the members' of the Miramar Polo Club for an a>t home on Saturday last, when the match, between Wellington, and the f amous Orouas — always one of the most ©xoutang games of the season — was to be played. Wellington was represented by Mesisrs. C. Skerrett (captain), C. J. Crawford, L. Tnpp, and H. Johnston, and. Oroua by Messrs. Strang (3^ and Godfrey Pharaizyn. The latter team, playing with, excellent, combination, beat out men by 9 goals to 3. ■• ♦ * The guests, those who were not driving, were conveyed to Miraimar by the ferry boats Admiral amd Countess. Unfortunately the: weather, which had been cloudy, became worse, and, just as the game commended a heavy shower of raam made us seek shelter in the large tea tent which had been erected. Very few brave spiritsi faced the elements, and watched the game but the outing was, nevertheless, thoroughly enjoyed, and much fun and merriment accompanied tihe handing round of delicious hot tea. * ■*■ * The tables were ga,y with bright flowers, and laden with dishes of dainty cakes and sandwiches. The Misses Skerrett were assisted bv Miss Cooler and other ladies. It says much for the temper of our e;irlstbat, although their pretty frock® were being crushed under rain coats and not appearing to advantage, their faces were as bright and smiling as ever, and everywhere little groups) of friends gossipped cheerily. » * • Some lovely gowns were worn. Miss Skerrett was in pale green silk, with lace ruffle, and straps of black velvet. Mis® J. Skerrett wore a becoming: floral muslin, and deer) lace fichu, large white hat with plumes, and Missi N. Skerrett looked picturesque in figured muslin, with lace oollar, and pretty hat with pink floral trimmings ; Mrs. Strang. a handsome black gown, and picture hat. Miss Seddon looked well in black voile, lace collar, and lace>- trimmed hat. Miss May Seddon wore dark blue, and a blue and green hat. Miss Mandel wore black, deep lace collar, and black hat. * * * Mrs. H. C. Butler wore white pique, with wide bands of black velvet, and a white hat, Mrs. MacTavish, a nretty

voile gown, and toque to match: Mrs. Edwin, in black, relieved with, white. Miss liaise wore white. Mrs. H. Crawford had on a bright red hat with poppies, and a pretty gown ; Mrs. A. Crawfond, a pale blue gown. Mrs. Wroughton wore a sable coat, and grey cloth gown ; Miss A. Brandon, rose cloth dress, and hat to match. Miss Y. Rawson wore white silk and laoe. and a oaracul coat ; Mrs. Godfrey Pharazyn, a pretty grass lawn gown, and pink hat. * * * Miss Grace Harcourt wore a gown of red linen, with revers and vest of laoe, and a burnt-straw hat. Miss MaoTavish looked well in a muslin gown, and pretty light hat.. Mrs. Bucholz wore a lovely gown of orey silk voile, with laoe insertions, and a black hat. Miss Eliott also wore grey. Miss Elsie Eliott was in pale blue. Miss G. Reid was attired' in cornflower blue, and a hat with large blue and green bowsMrs. Tuckey, in black ; Mrs. Chatfield, in black and white ; Mrs. Gore, a handsome black gown, white ruffle and belt, and white bonnet. Miss O. Gore was .in white embroidered linen, and burnt,stra>w hat. Miss McLean was beautifully growned in ivory silk, with touches of black, and wore a large black hat. » * • Mrs. Fitohett wore a smart, tucked hollanid gown- Mrs. Fulton, in black, and a| black hat. Miss E. Stafford wore blue. Mrs. Malcolm Ross was in black, and a black hat ; Miss Hey wood, a stylish blue gown, and Miss E. Hey wood, a pretty white dress, and large hat. Mrs. Wylie was in a very stylish black voile gown, with lace ruffle, and large black hat. Mrs. Babington wore a white cloth gown, with long coat, and picture hat. Mrs. R. Butt was in a dark gown, and blaok hat. Miss M. Blundell wore a black picture hat and stylish gown. MissiO. Fitzgerald; wore a holland gown, faced with blue, and a white hat with roses; Mrs. Travers, in black, with lace collar, and blaok hat ; Miss Z. Johnston, in pale blue linen, and white straw hat , Miss D. Johnston, a muslin gown, and burnt straw hat. * * ■* Mrs. Holroyd Beere wore black, and a blaok bonnet , Miss Beere, a pretty gown of ivory insertioned silk. Miss Higginson's dress of grass laiwn, over pale blue, had insertions of ecru lace. Miss Izard wore white, with long coat, and a red hat. Mrs. A. Young wore a lovely voile gown. Miss Simpson wore a dark cloth gown, and hat to match. Miss Seed was in black, and black and white hat. Others present were : Lady (Continued on page 11.)

Stout, Lady Ward and Miss Ward the Misses Coleridge, Chat field, Ram son, Turtom, Harding, Barron Fell, Myers, Medley, Maginmty, and same of the members of the Sherlock Holmes Company, Mrs. Stewart being especially admired, wearing a graceful black voile gown, and large hat, which, dipping in front, hid too much of a> charming face. # » • The engagement lias been announced of Miss Alice Maginmty second daughter of Mrs. John Magmnity, to Mr. Brendan Quirk, only son of the late William Quirk, Esq., Melbourne. Miss A. White (Dunedin) is the ~uest of her aunt Miss Holmes, Hawkestonestreet. Mrs. Godfrey Pharaavn is visiting "Wellington. Mr Pharazyn vas one oi the team in the match between Oroua and Wellington. • • • Mis Strang, Aw alum is also down for a, week or two. * * * Mr. and Mrs. Noel Barraud and Miss Bai-raud leave shortly on a trip to En<*land - Mrs. Norwood (Wanganui) is visiting her sister, Mrs. Bristow, Karon. *. * *■ Mrs. W. Kennedy has returned from an enjoyable visit to Masterton. -* * * Mrs. Field, who has been spending somei weeks at Titahi Bay, came into towrn last week. *. -i * The old familiar sound of the Terrace School bell is heard once more, for, on Wednesday last week, the formal opening of the new school took place, in the presence' of a large gathering. The old school was accidentally burnt just after its occupation by visiting volunteers, on June 24th, 1901, and since thoen the pupils and teachers have been severely handicapped through want of accommodation. The new school is conspicuously situated, and, from the outside, appears to be "all window." The rooms are beautifully large and lofty, and there are, in addition to the various cla6Si rooms, a kitchen, where the cookery classes aa ill be held, and a science room, fitted with necessary appliances. Truly, the headmaster (Mr. Geo. MacMorran) and his staff and pupils 1 may speak of their school with pride. • • • The prizes won the previous year were also presented on Wednesday by the Premier. The Minister for Education, and Mr. Hogben (Secretaire for Education) were present, and the Rev. H. Van Staveren presided. Mr. MacMonran, the headmaster, made a very happy little speech, and the loud applause with which he was greeted was evidence of his popularity amongst lias pupils. Some of the Australian visitors now touring New Zealand were entertained by the Cabinet Ministers, on Wednesdiay last. Sir F. and Lady Downer (Tasmania) were of the party. A drive to the Hutt, and lunch at the Bellevue Gardens, were greatly enjoyed, the day being beautifully fine. Others present were Lady Ward and Miss Eileen Ward, Mrs. Dyer, and the Misses Seddon and Mills. • • * A very enjoyable at home was given by Mrs. Eiohelbaum on. Tuesday last. The afternoon passed pleasantly, with music and friendly gossip. Our hostess wore a blouse of pale blue tucked silk, and a black voile skirt, and her sister wore a black and white blouse and pretty blue skirt. The tea-table was prettily decorated with flowers, and the home-made cakes were simply delicious. Assisting with the tea were Miss Francis, in a grass lawn cown ; Miss Merle, a pretty heliotrope muslin ; Miss Lydia Blundell, in, a graceful black voile dress, and hat with pink geraniums, and Miss Mabel Blundell. in a gown of pale green muslin, and hat with roses. * * Some of the guests were Mrs. T. G. Maoarthy, who was wearing a beautiful gown of grey silk voile, elaborately trimmed with tucks and lovely ecru mtsertions, and hat with pink roses , Mrs. Focke, in black , Mrs. D. Robertson, a grey gown, and black and white hat; Mrs. C. Tringham, a stylish gown of grass lawn, with embroidery of pale blue, and a blue chiffon, hat , Mrs. Macintosh, a handsome black gown and hat with tips. Mrs. Prouse wore a brown cost lme, and hat en suite , Miss Prouse, a pretty blue muslin, and floral hat, and Missi C. Prouse also wore a muslin dress. Mrs. Wylie looked well in black voile, with lace collar and black hat ; Mrs. George Ross, a pale green linen gown, Mrs. Holmwood. in black and white. Miss Laishley wore grey muslin and a large black hat. Mrs. Clark- Johnson, handsome black gown, and black toque. Mrs. Bristow

wore a pretty white mushn gown, and black hat, 'Mrs. Derry, white silk gown, and white hat with pink carnaitions, Mrs. E. Anderson-, in a black gown , Mrs. Wilberfoss, Mis. Harris, Miss Myers, and many other were also present. St. Petei's Church was. the scene of a very pretty wedding on Monday, February 2nd, when the marriage was solemnised of Miss Amy Compton, youngest daughter of Mr. Andrew Compton, Wellington, and Mr. J. B. Vailance, late subaltern of the Eighth Contingent. Many friends witnessed the ceremony, w hich was performed by the Rev. Mr. Maudatverty. The brute, who was «nyen away by her father, w ore' a. becoming gown oif biscuit voile, strapped with silk of the same shade, and trimmed with lovely lace insertions. A hat of cream chiffon, with bows of oriental satin ribbon, and a shower bouquet of choice flowers-, completed the toilette. ♦ • * Her bridesmaid (Miss Compton) looked well in a gow n of cream, serge, strapped with glace, and a large black picture hat. Mr. Weymouth Blakely acted as best man, and Mr. A. Compton, jun., a& groomsman. After the ceremony a reception was held at Spiller's 1 Hall and later in the day the bride and bridegroom left for Waikanae. where the honeymoon w ill be spent. On Friday, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Vailance leave by the Mokoia, for Sydney, and oatoh the Omrah, for England, where they will spend some months visiting the former's relations. * * * The bride's travelling gown was of navy blue tafteta, strapped with silk, and a black picture' hat. Very many wedding gifts were* received, amongst them being j a handsome brooch from the employees of Mr. Andrew Compton. Mrs. Compton, the bridei's mother, wore a gown of blue and white' floral muslin , cream ruffle and black and cream hat with tips and pink roses, and carried a bouquet of pink sweet peas. Miss Ida Barlow wore pale grey silk and touches of scarlet, with a black picture hat. (Continued on page 13.)

A chatty letter from a Dunedin friend who visited the Sounds on the Waikare's last trip tells me that the list of passengers included tourists from England, India, Australia, Germany, America, Ireland, and almost every town in New Zealand. A successful regatta was held at George's Sound and much excitement was caused by the ladies' race— 6 crews entering. The final heat was won by a New Zealand crew and Miss Edwin of Wellington was stroke. An English crew came second and Wanganui (with Miss E. Cowper stroke) third. In the evening a fancy dress ball was given. Several very successful concerts were arranged and picnics to the waterfalls, etc. Altogether the trip was voted, to use an Americanism, '• perfectly lovely." • * * Mr. C. N. WorsJey, the well-kno.wn artist, and his wife " did " the Sounds trip, so we may expect to see some more of ins charming pictuies of New Zealand scenery. • • • Mr. and Mis. Beauchamp, with their family, left last week ior Europe. The Misses Beauchamp will remain in England until their education is completed, their aunt, Miss Dyer, remaining with them. « • • A very pretty wedding was celebrated on Monday afternoon at St. Peter's Church, the contracting parties being Mr. H. L. Godber, youngest son of Mr. C. Godber. of Wellington, and Miss A. D. Lmton, second daughter of Mr. Thos. Linton, also of this city. The bride was given away by her father, and looked charming in a gown of cream brocaded silk, trimmed with lovely lace caught with orange blossoms. She carried a shower bouquet of white roses and maiden hair fern. Her bridesmaids were the Misses Maggie, Mary, and Lily Linton, sisters of the bride, and Miss Ruth Howe, who wore pretty gowns of cream silk, with pale green sashes. They each wore gold brooches (the gift of the bridegroom), and carried bouquets of pink and white flowers. Mr. G. S. Bolland acted as best man. and Messrs. A. J. Patrick and J. Auld as groomsmen. Mrs. Linton, the bride's mother, woie a handsome gown of black silk, with lace and sequin trimming. The bridegroom's mother was also attired in black silk. • • • A reception was afterwards held at Melbourne House, where a large number of friends assembled. Toasts were proposed ; the first toast, of coui se, being " The Bride and Bridegroom," proposed by Mr. Auld and responded to by the bridegroom. Then followed those of the bridesmaids and the parents.

Mr. Godber being a popular member of the Corporation staff, received three handsome gitts from his fellow clerks. Also, amongst many valuable gifts, a handsome marble clock from the members of the Rovers Football Club. The honeymoon is being spent on the West Coast. During the afternoon musical items were rendered by Miss Linton and Messrs. Auld, Flowers, and Bray. • • • Great interest is being taken in tihe Garden, Fete, in aid of the Veterans' Home, which comes off on Wednesday next. The College grounds are admirably situated for am entertainment of this description, being sheltered and central. All that is needed to make the fete a, pionounced success is fine weather. Large entries are expected in the cake competitions, foi which prizes are bei»ng given by various ladies. The ha t-t rimming competition — for men only — should be- very amusiner, and brothers who criticise their sisters' efforts should embrace the o-p-poirtuirty, and show how "it ought to be done." ♦ •* * The living posters alone promise to be w orth going fa,r to see, and the musical ride, on decorated, bicycles, will be another attractive s ght, while all those who have not vet tasted the delights of a motor ride w ill have an opportunity of doing so there. Of course, there will be ai tea tent, and vaa-ious side shows to be visited, so' an af tea-noon Avill scarce; be long enough to* exhaust all thei amusements. The entertainment is novel, and the caiuse is good, so a record crowd is only to be expected. * » » Everyone w ho can bake a cake should enter tor the competition. There is no entrance' fee, and the cakes are to be sold afterwards in, aid of the fund. One is, therefore', enabled to assist! the cause, and have a chance for one of tine pretty prizes offered, for very littlte trouble. Captain Hughes, D.5.0., who has so successfully managed several of these fetes, is thei energetic secretary. # • * Francois Villon, as played by Mr. Cuyler Hastings, is a fascinating character, even more so than "Sherlock Holmes," and the romantic story of his adventures in "If I Were Kine" has been followed with, the deepest interest, by crowded a,udiences. The scenery, too, is so lovely — a prettier setting for a love story could not. be found than the ' Rose Garden." Mr. Hastings changes hisi doublet and hose of dark brown, in which he first appears, for a beautiful dress of white jewelled brocade, but has suit of armoiur, worn in the last act, wa's most, effective. • • • Miss Chevalier won all our hearts w ith

her graceful aotang and pretty poseß. Her first gown is a combination of brown and orange, and is changed for an Empire: diress of pale green, and white brocade, laced down, either side, over white chiffon, and trimmed with wide bands of scintillating embroidery ; long eh iff mi ends, reaching to t'hie ground, fell from the pretty sleevete. Her third gown is of white brocade, bordered with silver. A silver girdle is w orn round the waist, and her lovely haar isi threaded with pearls. • • • Amongst the crowded audience were . Lady Ward, who was wearing a black gown, with beautiful lace and spray of roses, and pale grey coat. Miss Ward was in w hite , the Misses Skerrett, in pretty evening gowns Mrs. Collins, in a handsome theatre coat of black &a,tiini, over a cream gown, and her little daughter wearing white silk. Mrs. H. Crawford had on black, relieved with pink. Dr. and Mrs. Martin, the latter m a pretty black grown with ecru lace , Mrs. C. Cooper in a black gow n, with velvet, straps, and wide insertion. Miss Hislop also wore black, with deep lace bertha,. Miss Joan Hislop wore white lace. Mr. and Mns. Arthur Young, the latter wearing a lovely lace' bertha, over ai black "-own!, and ai cluster of pink roses, and blue folded belt. • • • Mrs. Maurice Tun-ell's handsome a\ hite satm theatre cape was worn over a black gown. Mrs. Lan Duncan was in black and white. Mrs. E. Rawson wore black, draped with lace. The Misses E. and A. Ra,wson looked well in white gowns. Mis® Rdddiford and Miss Shapter both wore black, relieved with lace. Miss Tolhurst was in whitie satin , Miss Morrah, a, white silk blouse, black skirt. Miss G. Morrah wore a lace fichu, with a velvet gown. Milss MacGregor's black dress was relieved with pink flowers. Miss M. MacGregor wore red and black, and Miss S. MacGregor a pretty black lace grown. Miss. Luckie wore a handsome black coait, with lace collar. • • • Mrs. Vennell wore black. Mrs. Norwood (Wanganui) wore a pink theatre blouse, with bandsi of black velvet, Mrs. Bnstow, a becoming black gown. The Misses Maginnity were in white, relieved with blue, Mrs. Hansom, a. cream brocaded gown, with Maltese lace' bertha. Mr.s Malcolmson wore a pretty theatre blouse. Mrs. Wilson wore black, and Miss Ostler, a pretty evening, gown. Mrs. C. Tringham wore a handsome blouse, andi black satm skirt. Mrs. A. Nelson, wore ai \ery pretty black lace gown; Miss Nelson, a becoming blue chiffon blouse, and black satin skirt. Mrs. T. G. Macar-

thy wore a very smart theatre coat of figured brocade, and lace, over ai prebby gown. The Misses Violet and 1 O. ftaivrson were im white sdlk.