Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 140, 7 March 1903, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

QUITE a novelty m the w ay of evenings was given by Miss Crowther, of Thorndon Quay, lately, when each guest was supposed to represent in some way an important personage who witnessed the Coronation. Some of the ideas were capitally carried out. Misa Crowther represented "The Mikado", Mrs. Crowther, Lord Roberts (by having some shilling pieces on a card representing "bobs"). A picture of a stove was, of course, intended for "Kitchener." Lord Rosebery was represented by Miss Fancourt, with a rose and a berry , Miss Ronayne, as the Duchess of Serge, with a large samnle of serge , Mrs. Stealey, as the "National Anthem" , Miss V: Ronayne as ''Sir Gordon Spngg" , Mr McKenzie as "Barton (a lone; bar and 20cwt). There was a large number of guests, and, as a general rule, their fancies in the way of representation were very neat. A merry time was spent guessing the names, and a prize for correct guesses was won by Miss Grant. * * There is a buzz of excitement in the region of the Drillshed, where the Battalion is holding a most attractive bazaar. On Saturday at 3 p.m., the opening ceremony was performed by the Mayor, in the absence of His Excellency the Governor, who regretted that he was not able to be present. The Hon. C. H Mills was present : also, Archbishop Redwood, Majors Brandon, Moorhouse, and N. Smith, Adjutant Earcourt Captain Tuckey, and many other officers of the Battalion. Their uniforms added to the bright effect, and the Sixteenth Lancers— a squad of girls, led by Mrs. Simeon (their oaptain.)— gave a Pretty exhibition of lance exercises. Ihey wore striking; uniforms of scarlet tunics, with pale blue facings, white satin skirts, braided in gold, red forage caps, and carried lances with red and white

pennons. These ladies weie trained by Sergeants Simeon and Betliell, of the Kelburne Rifles, and their pietty uniroims (designed by Mrs. Simeon) were made by Messrs. Walsh and Co. Ine Lvnceis 'have given an exhibition each evening, and have pioved a great draw . The Garrison Band performed on Saturday me lit. • « • Directly the Mayor had declared the bazaar open, he was besieged bv a bevy ot youth and beauty entreating him to take raffle tickets. "Just one, Mr. Aitken these lovely silver brushes would be a handsome present for a lady'" Or "Haive a ticket in this fender , it would come m beautifully when you are furnishing'" And so they went on, both cabling and teasing our bachelor Mayor. However, he seemed to take it all right. ♦ * • You would hardly recognise the grim and ugly old Drillshed now, so completely has it been transformed. Greenery, bannerettes and flags galore completely cover the walls, and the barn-hke enclosure is a placa of beauty, if not exactly a joy for ever. A stage has been erected, and isi very tastefully decorateid with pot plants and ferns, above which is a lar-e tent. * * ♦ The stalls are most attractive. The idea of a eanm is happily suggested by each stall being arranged under a "pitched" tent, which is of course, decorated and draped with flags, etc. Conspicuous on the left is the D Battery stall (superintended over bv Mrs. Sefton Moorhouse). It is laden with many useful and pretty articles, and a fender, beautifully executed in polished bras® (the work of Sergeant Coombes), was greatly admired. The attendant® here wear smart uniforms, and little forage caps that are distinctly fetching. * • * Next to this- stall are the pot plants and flowers which make a pretty picture. The begonias in flower are lovely, and the Cycle Corps, who ha,ve charge of this, should reap a good harvest wath their tastefully-arranged buttonholes. The Highland Rifles' stall is appropriately decked with tartan, and the attendants wear tartan sashes across their shoulders. Mrs. C. D. Macintosh is superintending, and is assisted by an energetic band of lassies. The Submarine Miners 1 have made ai great success of their stall, and their assistants are most becomingly dressed in. sailor-iumpers and navy-blue skats. A fortune-teller has taken up her station beside this stall, a,i d is kept hard at

work by those anxious to hear their fate. The College Rifles' stall occupies the fai corner, and everywhere you look some .etty object meets the eye. I noticed some lovely repousse work. The bevy of pretty girls assisting wear white frocks and in their hair two large bows of ribbon, one black, the other gold — the College colours. Here also is one of the best "sidet-show s" — the picture callery, which is very cleverly arranged. The Post and Telegraph Rifles are on the right and quantities oi dainty things- are to be bought here. Quaint carvings and beautiful point lace work is side by side with sweetsmelling soaps, etc. At night tnis stall presents a striking appearance, being lighted with hundreds of red, white, and blue lights. The pretty costumes of the assistants represent Nelson, Moate, and Co.'s teas and "Defiance butter." * ♦ * A great show of dolls, dressed by the school children, is the chief feature of the Kelburne Rifles' stall, which has many choice amd attractive articles to tempt custom. On both Saturday afternoon and evening, the room was crowded, and good business was done by everyone. "Dickses' Music Tent" should not be missed, and Aunt Sally, the shooting gallery , and the skittle alley all found many devotees, and caused not a little fun. The refreshment. — or, perhaps, I should say, "Mess tent" — is very large and was patronised by a thirsty crowd, to whom the delicious tea or ices were most refreshing. * * * Amongst the many who were present I noticed Mrs A. de B. Brandon, wearing a dark costume, lace collar and black hat; Miss F. Brandon, in blue. Mrs. David Nathan, in a striking and pretty gown of grey cloth, with trimmings of white silk embroidery and her-ring-bone stitch, and a large black hat. Mrs Mills wore a handsome black gown , Miss 0. Mills in an embroidered white gown, and her sister was wearing a biscuit voile, with lovely lace insertion and collar; Mrs. TVegear in a tailor-made gown, and Miss Tregear was in skyblue voile, beautifully made, with chiffon vest and black velvet trellis strappings. m Mra. Tuokey was in black ; Miss Harcouxt a blue gown, and black hat ; Miss G. Harcourt, a dark cloth gown. Mrs. C. Cooper, Mrs. Bias, Mrs. Wroughton, the Misses Brandon, Miss B. FitzGerald. Miss Lee, Miss Partridge, Mrs. and Miss Hacon, Miss Jackson, Miss Bod-

mill (Hutt), Captain E. Johnston, the Misses Z. and D. Johnston, Miss L. Bremner, and many others were present on the first day. * * * Mr. and Mrs. Kebbell, of "Te Hoe," Alfredton, and Mr. and Mrs. Tillev, of Blenheim, are passengers by the Mokoia to Sydney to-day (Friday). They catch the North G-erman steamer Bremen, leaving Sydney for England on the 14th inst. * * ♦ The Count and Countess de Courte (Auckland) arrived in Wellington last week, on a short visit. The Countess has almost recovered from her recent serious illness. * # * There was plenty of pretty dressing in "The Circus Girl," which ran all last week at the Theatre Royal. Miss Digges appears first in a pale pink frock, prettily made, and later in the sweetest dress of white crepe de chine, all ac-cordeon-pleated. Miss Musgrove also wears some pretty frocks, one being ruched deep down on the hips. Miss Wallace wears an exquisite gown of pale green brocade, with bands of ieiwelled embroidery and billowy accordeon frills of pale °rreien chiffon. The pretty sleeves" consisit of deep chiffon frills about a yard long, falling only from a jewelled band at the elbow. Later, her long theatre coat, of lemon brocade and chiffon, makes us wildly envious. * * * Miss Ettie Maginnity, who leaves Wellington on Saturday with the Williamson Opera; Company, will take with her the best wishes of all Wellingtonians, who will watch with interest the career of one of their most popular and pleasing amateurs 1 . Miss Maginnity has received hundreds of telegrams and letters from all over the colony, wishing her "Baa Ora," and, as sthe commences her new life fully equipped with health, voice, looks, and energy, her well-wishers may cc-xfidently expect to hear of her success in the profession she has chosen. The engagement is announced of Miss Taylor, of "Bardowie," to ' Mr. J. Stewart Richardson, of Raglan. Miss Taylor hasi lately been in Wellington, staying with her aunt, Miss Trevor Gould. • • • The engagement has been announced of Miss Nell MoVay, second daughter of Mrs. McVay, Napier Terrace, Napier, and Mr. Arthur Palairet, of the Union Bank staff, Napier, Hawke's Bay.

Mrs. A de B. Brandon ga\ c <i i,uewell tea for Mrs. Tilley on Fmlaj last. Mis. Collins also gave a most enjoyable afternoon tea last Meek, nnoi to hei departure for Mount Cook, wheie it is her intention to spend a short holiday. # * * Very great sympathy has been extended to Mr. Arthur (Traffic Supenntnedent) and his wife m the loss of thendaughter Nettie, who succumbed to an attack of rheumatic fever, on Fnday last. The circumstances were particularly sad, tor Miss Arthur was only twenty-two years of a.ge, a piett^, daint" girl, with a bright and hapny nature that won for her many friends. Miss Arthur was a victim to our vanable climate. She was out one day in a muslin dress when a Southern shower came up, and the chill she caught developed into rheumatic fever. • * * The marriage of Miss Staples and Mr. Y. Meredith, who was for so lone a popular Wellington football lepiesent active takes place on Tuesday next, and the bride-elect has been entertained at many farewell teas, as her future home wi be in Auckland. On Wednesday last the Misses Wills gave her a "kitchen te>a," which was much enjoyed. Each guest contributed some useful article to the collection, which was arranged on the dining-room table. After some most enjoyable music, amd delicious tea., the young hostesses invited their guest to unwrap the parcels, which she did to accompaniments of laughter. On Tuesday last week, Mrs. C. Fordham (Kelburne) gave a very jolly girls' tea for Miss Staples. Amongst the guests were • Miss Staples, Miss E. Maginnitv, the Misses Wills, Pettit, Mrs. Wood, Misses Ashbolt, Dixon, Mrs. Rudman, Misses Parson, Miss Pratt (Nelson), and others. ♦ * * Miss Violet Wills left this week on a lengthy visit to Mrs. Chase-Morns, Feilding. (Continued on page 13.)

The marriage of Major W. R. Madocks, D.5.0., grandson of Lord Napier, to Miss Laura Buller, only daughter of Sir Walter Buller, was very quietly celebrated at St. Peter'a Church, Eaton Square, London, on Wednesday, January 7th. In consequence of the recent death of the bridegroom's father only the immediate relatives wefe present at the ceremony, which was performed by the Rev. A. Hoste. * » • The bride, who was given away by her father, was unattended by the usual maids, and wore a simple costume, but all who know her will not need to be told that she made a very lovely bride. Her gown was of white embroidered cloth with collar and vest of lovely Irish lace, a spray of lilies of the valley was fastened with a diamond star, and she also wore a large white picture hat with ostrich tips. After a few days spent in London Major and Mrs. Madocks left for York. * • • The engagement has been announced of Miss Daniells, daughter of Mrs. Abbot, to Mr. Lomas, England. ■* * •+ Miss G. Reid is visiting her sister, Mrs. Arthur Green, of Timaru. * • • Miss Cooper has returned from a visit to fiiends in the South Island. * * * Mrs. Maurice Turnell is visiting Christchurch, and is the guest of her brother, Mr. H. Beswick. * • • Mr. and Mrs. Frank Perry, who have been visiting friends in the South Island, have returned to their home, " Crissoge," Hawke's Bay. * * * The engagement has been announced of Miss Edith Cooke, Hanmer, to Mr. John Cogan, chief officer of the s.s. SaiYuan.of the China Navigation Company. Miss Cooke's future home will probably be in Hong Kong. * * # Mrs. and Miss Edwards have returned from a short visit to Napier. * •+ * The Misses Guy (Dannevirke) are visiting friends in Wellington. * • • The spirit of adventure appears to be strongly developed in Hawke's Bay. Quite recently a party of enthusiastic chum 3 left to try and make their fortunes in the Argentine, and now two more Napier men are leaving New Zealand for fresh fields and pastures new — Messrs. Alan Saxby and Ross McLennon, who are both extremely popular, and carry with them the good wishes of all their friends.

Dr. and Mrs. Skerrnan (Marton) have been in town for a few days. * • ♦ Cricket is decidedly fashionable at present, so of course all Wellington went to the match on Wednesday, New Zealanders v. the Englishmen. A warm lovely day, tempered with a cool breeze, is not an opportunity to be missed, so our summer gowns — so rarely needed, alas ! — blossomed forth in all their beauty. Cricket to the average girl is a complicated affair that needs a lot of explaining to show the why and wherefor, and the player's " vocab," with its "yorkers," "leg-glides," and ". byes," is like so mitch Greek ; but, all the same, they enjoy a match as much as anyone. Chnstchurch people, and indeed all New Zealanders, feel \ery proud of Mr. Beese, who managed to hold his place at the wickets for four hours. • • • Miss Gilmer's lovely wedding gown, described in last week's issue, was made at Messrs. Kirkcaldie & Stains'. Miss Pearce, of that establishment, also made the charming frocks worn by the bridesmaids. • • • The hats have never been so lovely as they are now. This season's have for trimming delicately shaded leaves and birds — whole birds, generally in black, white or grey. One hat at Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains' that quickly sold was of black beaver with folds of soft black silk draped round the wide brim, and two white and black birds with outspread wings were fixed on the crown and a third was arranged at the back ; it was distinctly smart. Another most dressy hat was in sky blue felt, a crush shape with soft silk ribbon threading the brim and the ends tied m a loose bow at the back and a large rosette of the same shade slightly raised the brim in front ; a spray of velvet leaves, in the most delicate shades of heliotrope, rose and green, was the only other trimming. Blue and green were prettily blended in another model, the blue straw shape being swathed with a bandeau of moss green velvet, a cluster of pale green grapes and velvet leaves fell on the hair at the back and two pretty grey birds adorned the front. * # * White is to be much worn this year — provided the weather permits — and a white felt hat will be found a most useful possession. One that I liked greatly was m " picture shape," with large bunches of purple violets either side of the crown, in the front a white bird, and at the back a large black velvet bow — so very smart. A sage green straw hat had wreaths of heliotrope and shaded foliage, and an uncommon and becoming shape in blue straw, was fashioned in high rolls on

either side and very low at the back. Chiffon, tucked, lined the brim, and black silk ribbon was softly arranged round the crown, and finished in bows at the back. Birds were also on this shape, which was most effective. A fawn felt was wreathed in rose-pink lilies, and finished with bows and rosettes of pink silk ribbon and black velvet. * * * All the ribbons used are of the soft variety, and lace, foliage, and birds are the favourite trimming. One large black velvet picture hat was draped with black tulle, and caught with three large lovely black ostrich tips, and a white hat composed entirely of leavy lace had bands of black velvet and one long graceful ostrich feather, fastened with a pearl cabochon. A rose pink zibeline felt had shaded ivy geraniums and silk ribbon, and another felt in bright crimson was very striking, the trimming being of scarlet geraniums and lovely leaves. A grey soft felt was bound with white kid, and grey and white seagulls, with crimson velvet, formed the trimming. All are so lovely that as each is taken from its box it is voted even prettier than the one before, and you are firmly convinced that to get the prettiest you must buy the lot.