Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 141, 14 March 1903, Page 6

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

TiE Belle of New York" attracted a veiy larpe audience, at the Theatre Rojal. The music and dressing of this operetta are prettier by far than the average, and the diolienes of Mr. Graham, as Ichabod Bronson are extremely funny, Miss Elsie Moore, as the "Belle," looks demure and pretty in her "lassie's" uniform and afterwards, as leader of the purity brigade', in a white satin frock, with gilt-ed^ed frills and knee^deep gaiters, and such a becoming big hat. This was chanared for the black spangled skirts of a ballet dancer. ♦ « • Miss Wallace looked as "pretty as a peach" m cream satin, beautifully made, ■with a rucked skirt and transDarent yoke and sleeves. Miss Lilian Digges, the dainty little girl, looked a perfect fairy as she stepped from the cake de^ corations, in a frock all white and silver. The chorus girls as usual, managed yards of superfluous lace and frill with grace, and some dancing was introduced. < * » In the audience were Mrs. T. G. Macarthy, wearing black, with a deelp lace collar Miss J Skerrett, in a pret- v tv and becoming gown Miss Acnes Scully in black, relieved with lace. Mrs. JeffcO'at w as wearing a handsome black gown, and lovely lace bertha; Mrs. W. Turnbull, a: pretty theatre blouse and black satin skirt. Miss Izard wore black draped with lace caught with a diamond buckle. Miss Daniels was in ivory silk, and Miss Abbot wore' white. Mrs. C. Izard was in black and white . Mis® Fitzherbert, m white silk : the Misses Fell in pretty white gowns. * * * The preparations for the largei Catholic Bazaar, to be held about Easter time, are nearing completion, and the stall-holders, who have been hard at

uoik for months, piomise tliat tins fete w ill be> one. of the prettiest' over seen in Wellington. The Navy will be re>piesented by some of the assistants, and their uniforms are to be most becommg and "fetching." A dance, in connection with the bazaar, is being ai-ranged for next Tuesday evening, and, as a, good committee is looking after the arrangements, it should be a great success. ♦ * * Invitations have been issued by Mrs. Fulton and Miss C Warburton for a dance, to be given in the. Sydney-street schoolroom, on Friday this week. Quite a number of girls intend to make their debut at this as it is much more fun to come out quite early in thei season. Miss Muriel Waldegrave, Miss Brenda Hacom, Miss George, and Miss Amy Hoggard will be amongst the debutantes. * * * The English cricketeis were entertained by several friends during thenshort, stay here, a,nd a small, but very enjoyable, dance was given for them on Thursday by Mrs. C. J. Johnston at Pipitea Pah. • ♦ • The decorations in the ballroom consisted of flowering shrubs and ferns. The verandah was used for sitting-out, and was cosily furnished with lounges and seats. A delicious champagne supper was arranged in the dining-room, and light refreshments, were in the smoking-room. The guests were, re^ ceived by Mrs. C J. Johnston, who wore an elegant gown of lemon brocade, with beautiful lace and diamonds and touches of orange velvet. * ♦ ♦ Misa Z. Johnston was in pale blue silk. Miss D. Johnston wore white glace silk. Miss Lucy Brandon made her debut, and looked exceedingly nice in a pretty white, net gown, over satin. She carried a lovely bouquet of white flowers. Other guests, were Mrs. H. Johnston, the Misses Higginson, Bell. Colendge, Haroourt, Brandon, Foote, Riddiford Fell Russell, Fitzgerald, Raw son, Joseph, and besides the English cricketers were Messrs. Duncan, Turrell, Menzies, Grace, Williams, Gore, Harcourt, and many others. • • • ""Welcome the coming speed the parting guest" — the cricketers' "rage" has quickly died away, for close, on their departure the Squadron, with its precious freight of gold-bedecked officers, has arrived in our harbour, and the ordinary Wellington man must expect to play second fiddle at the various functions for the next week or so.

Miss Borlase's assemblies commence on Tuesday. April 14th. The chaperones are Lady Stout, Mrs. E. Raw son, Mis Rlund, Mrs. Collins, and Miss Coates. There is an excellent committee, and the dances promise to be very jolly and successful. * * * Miss Koch has issued invitations for her assemblies, w hich commence on April 14th. Mr. A. M. Stuart is vie secretary, and the dances, so much enjoyed last year, are being looked forw arcl to by many. A quiet, but extremely bright and pietty cenemiony was performed at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, on Tuesday last, when Mr. Vincent Meredith, for many yeais one of our popular footballers, and now landing waiter in H.M. Cus^toms Auckland, was married to Miss Hilda Staples, of Wellington. The bride entered the church on her father's aim, and looked very sweet and pretty in her travelling- gown — a dark blue tailor-made with vest of ivory satin and chiffon., and a large, becoming hat of chiffon, edged with black, a touch of colour being supplied with clusters of berries. She carried a lovely shower bouquet. * * * Two little nieces were her attendants and they wore picturesque frocks of biscuit silk, and poppy-red hats. They also carried bright red bouquets. Mr. A. Staples acted as< best man and his brother as groomsman. The wedding breakfast was served at the residence of tlie bridefe parents, and later Mr. and Mrs. Meredith left on their honeymoon. The bride's mother wore a black gown relieved with white, and earned a bouquet of pink flowers, and Miss Staples looked very nice in, pale green voile, with, wide lacei insertion, and a picture hat. Many lovely and valuable wedding presents were received by the bride and bridegroom. * * « So Dolores is really coming after all, and Wellington is looking forward to a real treat. No guinea seats, booked a,t midnight, or public receptions, but Dolores: will come quietly, as she did before, and win our hearts as she won the hearts of Melbourne and Sj'dney audiences with her sweet voice and equally sweet smile. At Sydney, when Dolores was farewelling, she sang her famous laughing song, and the audience, of over 3000 people, sprang to their feet, and just let themselves "go" as only Australian audiences can. The women w r aved their handkerchiefs, hats, anything they could grata, while the

men simply howled encore, and pounded the floor with their sticks and. umbrellas. It was a 'pouring wet night, and one irresponsible person siezed his damp "mac." and whirled it in the air. • • • At Melbourne — Melba's town, too — Dolores was re-called twenty times, and after the performance was only able to reach her carriage (so great was the crowd) by scattering the flowers of her bouquet right and left. Dolores is hoping to make her European debut at A 7 ienna, where, no doubt, she will be appreciated very much. The following clipping from the "Bulletin" will show what the musical Sydneyites think of the fair singer — "A music-excited crowd surrounded the soprano's carriage after she had left the hall, and cheiered and waved its panamas and billy-cocks at her, and the only reason that it did not take the horses out .and get into the shafts itself was that it was too numerous by a thousand." • ♦ • Miss Dorothy Willis (Rangitikei) left last week ow a visit to relations in England. Mrs. Menzies is at present staying with, Mrs. Willis, at Marion. • * • Mis. Warburton, a s.ster of Mis. Fulton, and her daughter (Miss Charlotte Warburton) have returned from England, where they have been for several years. • • • Boleros, kilted or tucked, still hold their own in the world of fashioni, and a pretty and n&\v idea has lately been introduced b" a new arrival from Sydney. All round the eollarless neck of the bolero coat are neat buttonholes, about three inches apart, and through these one can insert a pretty shade of uncrushable silk ribbon, allowing the frayed ends to fall straight to the waist. Sometimes a lace collar is vi orn over the ribbon, and the ends falling from below that aigain. The effect is very pretty, especially in a black voile gown with rose-coloured or pale green ribbon. A touch of the same shade should be introduced in the hat. • • • An extremely pretty dinner gown of black voile included in a recent bride's trousseau, had the ribbon idea carried out on the skirt. Black uncrushable ribbon was threaded m and out all round the hros, and finished om the left side with a large bow and ends. (Continued on page 13.)

There are certain busybodies and lnis-chief-makeis who, either from spite or malice, take a strange delight in annoying their neighbours. Some of them are fond of sending to the papers anonymous accounts of bogus engagements. A case of the kind came under my notice this week. To the Lance came a type-written request to announce an alleged engagement, and appended were the signatures of the engaged couple. Of course, they were forged signatures. But it is not the practice of either the editor or myself to accept these anonymous favours without verification. Consequently, the alleged fiance was communicated with, and the imposture stood revealed at once. The authors of these silly or spiteiul hoaxes may just as well save themselves trouble and postage stamps, A little exposure might do some of them good, and they certainly won't be spared if they are caught. , # ♦ Canterbury people are planning all sorts of jolly functions for the entertainment of their naval visitors, who visit Christchurch when they leave here. A citizens' ball is to be one attraction, and promises to be a gorgeous affair. This is the first visit of Admiral Fanshawe to our colony, and everyone hopes that he will be favourably impressed. • • • Mrs. Carroll, Miss E. Best, and Miss E. Maginnity are amongst the passengers who leave for England by the Eimutaka next month. • • • Mrs. S. A. Rhodes, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Adams, Miss Holmes, and Mrs. and Miss Percy Smith are a few of the Wellingtonians who have lately visited Mount Codk. • • • Mrs. W. R. E. Brown gave a very pleasant afternoon tea on Thursday last. • • • The engagement has been announced of Mr. E. B. Moore, of Messrs. Pitt and Moore, solicitors, Nelson, to Miss Ruby Leslie, youngest daughter of Mr. John Leslie, Motueka. • . * The marriage of Dr. Robert N. Adams, only son of Mr. R. N. Adams, of Dunedm, and Miss Ella G. Leslie, eldest daughter of Mr. Leslie, of Motueka, was celebrated at Nelson on February 9th. • * • The engagement has been announced of Mr. Balharry, of Napier, to Miss Bennett, of Taradale, Hawke's Bay. » # • Lieutenant Russell, of the Northamptonshire Regiment, youngest son of Sir William Russell, Flaxmere, Hastings, is expected here on furlough this month. • • • The Misses Louisson (Christchurch) have returned to their home after an enjoyable few weeks in Wellington. « • • Mrs. Jeffco&t has returned from Sydney, and is staying at Mis® Malcolm's, the Terrace. • * * A quiet wedding was celebrated at the residence of the bride's parents, on. Tuesday last, when Miss Eva Burnett, second daughter of Mrs. Burnett, Gor-mg-street, i\as married to Mr. Alfred Bull, who has but lately arrived from Canada. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. S. Ogg, and the bride, wha was given away by her mother, looked very nice in her travelling costume. Miss Maud Burnett attended her as bridesmaid, and Mr. Frank Robleson, of the Tourist Department, acted as best man Dining the afternoon, the newly-wedded couple left on their honeymoon. Their future home will be in Canada. . -» •» The marriage of Miss Heti Cooper, daughter of the late Major Cooper, to Mr. Sutherland of Kanoi. was celebrated on Thursday, at the residence of Mrs. Roberts, Blenheim. The bride looked very charming in a handsome gown of ivory silk and the orthodox veil and orange blossoms. Her bridesmaids were Miss F Cooper (a sister) and Miss Bremner who wore white silk frocks and pretty gold brooches, the latter being the gifts of the bridegroom, who gave his bride a gold watch and chain. Mr. Moore acted as best man. The honeymoon is to be spent at the Southern lakes, and afterwards Mr. and Mis. Sutherland will settle in Auckland The bride's travelling gown was of dove-grey voile, and a pretty hat en suite • * * The Garrison Bazaar "struck camp" on Wednesday night, after a most successful campaign, lasting ten. days, in which time tlie fair assistants managed to empty our purses with remarkable rapidity leaving us with our hands full of raffle tickets, and a heart full of hope that we might, perhaps, get something for the lot. Pug dogs and pictures, bicycles, gigs, and phonographs —

anything and everything — weie to be bought if you had the money to buy. The lucky w inner of a gig for 2s is to be congratulated . l'kewise the ounei of an up-to-date bicycle for Is, or a sixtyguinea piano for the entrance- money. * * * The Maori haJia formed pait of Wednesday's programme, and the graceful lance drill by the ladies was performed for the last time, and loudly applauded. It requires not a little skill to wield those lances with ease and grace., and the "lGth Lanceis" deserve ail the pretty things that have been said of them. General Babington was extremely pleased w ith the w hole performance and w armly congratulated "Captain" Simeon, their leader. * * * The .long-service (16 years) medals were presented to several members of the D Battery , also the prizes won at the sports at Seatoun. During the week a most interesting exhibition of bridge building was given by the Engineers, who astonished everyone with their clever work. The balottmg for the smartest assistant was very keen, and no wonder, with so many charming candidates. One of the most interesting "side-shows" was the telegraphists' room, where a staff of telegraph operators were kept very busy sending telegrams direct from the sounder on to the. typewriter (a New Century machine). One could send quite a long message, of twenty words, to any one in. the room for the small sum of 3d. And everyone was so delighted with the rapid and smooth-working and beautifully clear print of the New Century, which must be the king of type-writing machines. * ♦ • The attendance on the last night was larger than ever, and there is no doubt if the committee had decided to keep on until Saturday that the public wonld ha.ye been just as keen. I congratulate the Battalion and their lady friends upon the success of the bazaar, and hope they have made the required amount of money. * * * It is said that, the Durbar lias had a decided effect on London fashions for there is a great demand for the new aigrettes, and a vogue for huge diamonds and other gems, the latter being especially marked in Pans, but the large stones seen hanging from chains worn round the neck, and dropping from the ears, cannot be genuine. The "Nabob" aigrettes stand upright, and are placed right in front of a toque. * * * The number of Australians who annally run over to- New Zealand for a breath of cool air is tremendously on the increase, and, thanks to the excellent arrangements of the Tourist Department, they go back with glowing accounts of a jolly holiday. One visitor, writing to "Punch," thus describes the famous Waimaargu geyser, and the incident that occurred when Mr. Crick, the Minister for Lands, visited Rotorua — "Has Mr. Crick immortalised the great Waimangu geyser (in New Zealand), or did the Waimangu nearly immortalise Mr. Crick by rudely throwing d boulder at him ? This is an open question. The Waimangu is not the kind of natural phenomenon to be trifled with. It is a baby in age — about two years old — but a giant in force. Your correspondent had the luck to see it in working order .and the special good fortune to be out of the line of fire. The force of the upheaval has torn a chasm in the thermal country near Lake Rotomahana that is nearly an acre in extent. * ♦ • "With a roar and a rush, Waamangu makes the earth tremble. There us a noise like a clap of thunder. Them a dense volume of black mud, stones, and boilme: water shoots ur>, till it is supoosed to reach some five six, or eight hundred feet according; to the force of the upheaval Into all this excitement there recently stepped — much too near — the Minister of Lands. The Waamangu threw a boulder at him, which fell at his feet, and probably cured Mr. Click of going too close to geysers " * • * Miss Violet Mount has been appointed soprano soloast at St. Patrick's Church, Sydney. * * * The annual dinner of the Wellington Fire Brigade was held on Wednesday last many of thei leading citizens being their guests. Mr. Mawson was the caterer. * * * Amongst the passengers who arrived by the New Plymouth express on Tuesday night were the wives of half-a-dozen of the naval officers now visitme: this port with the squadron Mrs. Rolleston. wife of Commander J. P Rolleston of H.M. Archer, Mrs. Lewin, Mrs Dixon (also of the Archer), Mrs. Moore (wife of the paymaster of the Rinearooms), and her sister Mi«s Simpson Mrs Road, whose husband is Surgeon M. L. B Road of H.M Phoebe and Mrs. Jacobs, wife of the Karrakatta's chief engineer, are all in Wellington at present.