Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 142, 21 March 1903, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

THE dancing season, which has commenced unusually early, was opened on Friday last by Mrs. Fulton and Miss Warburton's charming dance, held in the Sydney-street schoolroom. The floor was in its best form, and the musac, by Mr. Fleming, excellent. The decorations were very artistic, and much time and trouble must have been spent on the tastefully-ar-ranged supper-tables, which were placed crosswise in the large gymnasium. Each table was arranged! with different flowers, and the shades on the electric lights above corresponded with the colours used. The. supper itself was delicious, and the ices and iced drinks most refreshing, although the night was, fortunately delightfully cool. • • • In the hall the decorations consisted mostly of flags and foliage. The mantlepieces everywhere were banked with greenery, relieved \uth tiger lilies and other showy flowers. The stage was particularly bright and cosy. A large red rug covered the floor, and easy chairs invited the weary to rest. Trails of ivy were gracefully festooned in front of the stage and about the walls. The card-room was in great request some of the guests preferring a quiet "rubber" to the wilder delights of dancing. Quite a number of coring girls paid their hostesses a compliment, and "came out" at this dance/ and a pretty group they made in gowns soft, billowy and white. ♦ » • The guests were received by Mrs. Fulton and Miss Warburton, the former w earing a handsome gown of black satin, with overdress of black d-esprit net. and lovely lace trimmed the bodice, which was relieved with mauve roses. Miss Warburton also wore black . draued with beautiful flounces of rose point. Mrs. Warburton wore a charming dress of

lose pink duchesse satin, tucked diagonally, and flounced, the corsage being re>heved with lace. Her daughter. Miss C Wai-burton (debutante), looked exceedingly nice in a lovely gown of ivory satin duchess with overdress of chiffon, edged with many frills, and she carried a shower bouquet. Miss Brenda Hacon made a charming debutante, in white satin and chiffon. • „ * Mies Muriel WaJdegrave (debutante) wore a very pretty and becoming orown of white silk entirely veiled with frilled cluffon, and finished at the waist with a long chiffon sash. Miss Grace Reilly looked fresh and pretty in white glace, softened with chiffon frills. Miss Amy Hoefffard and Miss George (also debutantes) both looked well in dresses o>f silk, relieved with chiffon and lace. Mrs. Kane wore a handsome dress of black and white. Miss Kane was in white satm. with bands of passementerie, and a lace bertha. Miss. M. Kane looked very nice m a gown of sky-blue orepe I-de-ohine, and a graceful fichu of lace. • • ■* Mrs. A. Warburton wore heliotrope brocade, and some beautiful amethysts, and Miss Violet Warburton looked dainty un white silk muslin. Mrs. Waldegr;avei wore black satin , Muss Waldegra.ve, a pretty dress of salk and chiffon. Mrs. T. G. Maicarthy had on a charming gown of Limerick lace, draped over rose pink chiffon and glace silk. The corsage was draped with lace caught wath a cluster of shaded roses. Mrs. Wylie looked nice in black satin, with a handsome deep lace collar. Mrs. Gilruth, also wore black satin, with an overdress of net, and a wreath of roses trimmed the corsage. Mrs. W. Kennedy's gown of black satin, w as trimmed with iet. • • • Mrs. Tolhurst was in black silk Miss Tolhuxst. in soft white silk. Mrs. Arthur Young wore ivory duchess. Miss M. Simpson looked well in pale pink. Mrs. Stafford's handsome grown was of black brocade, and jet. Miss Stafford was in cream satin — -ai lovely frock with rose design hand-painted, and draperies of Lace. Miss E. Stafford wore a pretty white silk dress*. Mrs. Simpson was in erev brocade. Mrs. Malcolm Ross wore black with iet bands, Miss Grant, a i>ale blue, drees, and touches of scarlet. Miss B. Milee wore pale blue creDe-de-chine. Miss Nelson looked exceedingly nice in pink. Mrs. Finch was wearing a beautiful dress of yellow brocade entirely draped with lovely lace, and Miss Finch wore a striking combination of shell pipk and crimson trails of pretty crimson roses being arranged from

shoulder to hem on a pale pink dress. Her sister was in pale blue, with bands of blue passementerie. * • • Miss Stuart wore a handsome black dress wuth a deep laoe collar. Miss M. Stuart was in oream. Miss Simpson (Adelaide) wore an uncommon and most becoming dress — yellow silk formed the foundation, and over this was a white silk muslin, with tiny spots, strapped with bands of black velvet. Mrs. Dixon (wife of Lieut. Dixon, of H.M.S. Archer) wore black satin. Mrs. Moore (wife of the staff pay-master of H.M.S. Ringarooma) was also in black. Miss Skerrett had] on a pretty pale green silk and lace gown. Miss J. Skerrett looked very nice in cream brocade, trimmed with fringed silk and tassels, and Miss N. Skerrett wore a becoming whit© silk, with, lace and white flowers'. Miss 0. Fitzgerald was in cream satinMiss Flora Brandon, sky-blue creoe-de-chine, with pretty rucked skirt , Miss Higginson, in ivory duchess and lace. * • • A number of the officers from the visiting squadron were present , also the Hon. H. 0. Butler, and Messrs. Reid, Maoarthy, Wylie. Oooper, Atkinson. Tolhurst, Young 1 Kane, Ross, Tripe, Bramfil, Stafford, Dr. Cahill 1 , and many more. * • « Despite the uninviting weather, a. large number of guests drove out to "Polo" on Saturday last, where they were entertained at afternoon tea by the Misses Skerrett. An enjoyable game of polo was witnessed the following players taking part Lord Northland, Hon. Hill Trevor, Messrs. C. J. Skerretit, H. Johnston, A. Crawford Beotinet, Duncan, and Cooper. * * * Some of the guests were Mrs. A. Crawford, Mrs. C. Pearce, Mrs. Travers and the Misses Coleridge, Mrs. T. G. Maoarthv Mrs. and the Misses Stafford, Mies Simpson, Mrs. and Miss Kane Mr. and Mrs. R. Levin. Mrs. Fulton, and Mrs. E. and Miss Warburton. Several of the squadron officers and their wives also accepted the invitation and the afternoon was much enjoyed by everyone. * * * A number of pleasant little farewell teas have been given lately for Mrs. Gilruth, who, with her children, hopes to leave shortly on a visit to her relations in England and Scotland. On Friday afternoon, the Misses Martin Kennedy gave a. very enjoyable tea for her some of the guests being Mrs. Malcolm Ross,

the Misses O'Connor, Miss Simpson, Miss MaoGregor, Miss Ettie Maginnity, and Miss Heywood. * # « All the assistants at the Garrison Bazaar — at least, all those who had a .spairk of energy left after ten days of hard work — assembled at the Drllshed last Thursday night, and had a very jolly little dance. Mr. Fleming supplied the music, and the ladies provided a dainty little supper. * • • Miss Ethel Heywood is visiting friends in Sydney, and Miss Edith Bendall has gone to Napier for a few weeks. * • • Miss R. Stuart has returned from an enjoyable visit to New Plymouth. * * • Mrs. Perm (New Plymouth), who has been staying in Wellington, left for her home last week. * • • The regatta in connection with the crews of the men-of-war was held on Monday afternoon. A number of visitors were invited over to watch the various races. * * # Miss Ivy Platts (Inveroargill) is visiting her sister, Dr. Platts-Mills, of Kelburne. * * • Mr. and Mrs. Napier-Bell are staying in Wellington. Mr. Napier-Bell ha& not been at aJI well lately. * * • Dr. H. De Renzi's many friends, and also hisi patients, are delighted to hear that he has so far recovered from hi® Ion? illness that he is able to resume his practice. * • » Lady Ward and her daughter aire expected back in time to take part in the forthcoming Catholic Bazaar. * * * An Australian authority says that in the realm of the evening gown there will be some interesting developments. A certain shade between orange and apricot will be the "haute chic" of the season, and here again the dark woman scores. Chine silks, painted chiffons, crepe-de-chine and veilings of lisse will all be fashionable, so the smart woman has a wide range to choose from. The ruffled skirt and long pendant sleeve will figure largely in the styles. Lisse adorned with minute black pin spots is amongst the prettiest designs, and for debutantes fine light muslins, with a silk spot, are amongst the coming fabrics. Continued on page 11.)

Mrs. J. F. Wright, who until lately, resided at Island Bay, leaves this week for England, via America. Mrs. Wright will be accompanied by lier younger son who will remain for several years at the Philadelphia Electrical Engineering College/. Miss F. Wright is still enjoympr her visit to her sister in Australia, a,nd will probably remain there until Mrs. Wrights return fiom England. Mr. Hugh Brandon, of the Bank of Australasia is a,t present relieving Mr. M. Smith, Mart on, Rangitikei * » The dance organised by a number of ladies, in connection with the Easter Baaaiar, came off last Tuesday, and was a pronounced success. The room was tastefully decorated with bunting amd bamboo, and the side-rooms were arranged for sitting-out. A recherche supper was served in an ante-room, and the table looked pretty with yellow flowers. Mmifie's band supplied the music which was all that could be desired, and just the right number were present, the room benr* filled, but not too crowded. The promoters, amongst, whom were Mrs. Harold Johnston and the Misses Skerrett, are to be congratulated upon the success. * * * Some lovely frocks were worn. I noticed Mrs. T. G. Macarthy, wearing a lovely ivory brocade, the corsage draped with duchess lace, in which nestled a duster of shamrocks. Mrs. Lan Duncan, wore a rich cream brocaded pawn. Mrs. H. Johnston wore the palest shade of pink, with a wide black sash. Mrs. A. G. Hunt wore cream, with Dale pink roses. Her sister, Miss Marks was much admired in, black satin, with net overdress, and some lovely lace on the corsage. The Misses Fell looked exceedingly nice in black. Miss Y. Rawson wore a> becoming blue silk gown, softened with lace. The Misses A. and E. Rawson were in white and pink. * * * Miss Hacon w*ore her very pretty "coming out" gown. Miss Higgmson was in cream satin, and lace , Miss A . Brandon, black with pink rose®, Miss F. Brandon, pale blue. Miss Lucy Brandon wore white silk, and chiffon. Miss Skerrett looked well in black, the corsage draped with soft folds of green and white silk. MissiJ. Skerrett wore a very handsome gown of old <?old silk, with quaint embroideries on the skirt, the corsage trimmed with straps of low flowers. Miss N. Skerrett wore a becoming soft, white gown, with sequin trimmings, and dark crimson roses. * * • Miss Miles was in pale blue, and Miss B. Miles looked well in pink. Miss 0. Fitzger aid's becoming dress was of blue silk, with bands of lace and insertion. Miss Hisiop wore white silk and net. Miss Joan Hisiop had on a soft blue silk. Mrs. Arthur Gore's gown was of rose-coloured salk and chiffon, softened with lovely lace. Mrs. Marchbank wore a gow n of striped silk draped with lace and velvet straps. Mrs. C. Howorth (Dunedin) wore a very pretty gown of black and whit© chiffon, relieved with lace. Mrs. Jeff coat wore black, with a lovely laoe collar. Miss Millie Stuart had on ai gown of blue silk. Miss Waldegrave was in white tucked chiffon and Miss Muriel Waldeera,ve wore her pretty "coming out" frock. * * ♦ Miss L. Biandon was in pale blue. Miss Barron wore black, Miss Stuart, in pale blue crepe-de-chine, with scailet flowers, Missi Nelson, m a pretty pmk silk dress , Mrs. Wyhe, a handsome black satin, relieved with lace, Miss Gore, in white, relieved with a turquoise sash Mrs. Malcolm Ross was in black satin. Miss Thorne-Georsre (Auckland) looked very nice in a black lace gown, with a blight green sash, and a wreath of green leaves in. her hat. Miss Y. Russell (Hawke's* Bay) wore a white dress, Miss Partridge, in black, draped with lace. Miss Haroourt wore a lovely dress of ivory satin and lace. Miss Cora Lee was admired in a graceful black dress and deep lace collar. Miss Rena Butt looked nice in blue. * * * Mrs. Gilruth w ore black satm and jet. Miss Scully looked exceedingly nice in black lace, two large shaded roses being worn in the front of the corsage, which was finished with a folded rose silk belt. Miss E. Magxnnity wore a handsome black dress, with touches of blue. Mrs. Ewan was in black. Miss Stafford wore all black Mrs. Arthur Young was wearing a beautiful gown of brocade and lace. Miss Simpson's becoming dress was of pale pink silk and lace. Mrs Walter Blundell wore a beautiful gown of ivory silk, with accordeon flounces of chiffon. Miss I. Blundell wore a very pretty pmk dress. The Misses Shannon were in blue silk gowns. fc A number of the officers of the Squadron were present, and Messrs. Rhind, Duncan, Tripe, Pearce, Wybe, Skerrett, Morrison. Ashcroft, Leckie, Sloman, Hunt, Higginson, George, Blundell,

Williamson Allan, Bramfil, and many more. A Marton fneiid Elites — "Rangitikei people have been enjoying delightful weather lately, so garden parties ha,ve been the most popular form of dissapation. Mrs. Beckett ga,ve a most enjoyable one. Tennis was the order of the day, buti many guests preferred to stroll about the picturesque grounds, and admire the wonderful show of cactusdahlias, of which Mrs. Beckett is justly proud. Amongst the guests were Mrs. and. Miss A. Esiam, Mrs. Mcßetih. Miss Stedman, the Misses Deighton, Miss Ross, Mrs. NetherclifTe Mrs. Shannon, Miss Moßeth, Mrs. Domngton, Mrs. Rockel, Mrs. Chaney, and Mrs. R. Bryce. "Anotheir very pleasant ga.th.enng was Mrs. Moßeth's, garden, party, on the 13th. The pretty garden at 'Gravely' was looking its best, and w e played tennis and. ping-pong, and siat about enjoying the afternoon tea, mulben-ies, etc. A great many of the guests I have already mentioned as being present at Mrs. Becketts 1 were there, and, in addition-. I noticed Mrs. and Miss Iveson, Mrs. Walton, Mrs. Mowa.tt, Miss Price, Mr. and Mrs. Honeyman, Miss Maunder, Mrs. Tytheridge, Miss Frood, Miss Cruickshank, and Miss M. Smith. * * • "A nice little dance was initiated by some energetic spirits on the 6th, and proved a gerat success. It was given in Mr. Humphrey'si hall. Although the evening was rather sultry, the room was not overcrowded, and everyone enjoyed themselves." * * • From what I have seen of the forthcoming winter fashions, boleros will be still very much to the fore. This is indeed good news, I know, to amateur dressmakers, who find greater difficulty in fashioning winter garments than they do the summer ones. Nothing appears to be boned — nothing stiff and uncomfortable. We seem to have now reached an era when comfort is the first consideration, and it is to be hoped that Fashion will see fit to allow her followers to remain "pliable" in order to walk and lounge with ease. Boleros are very easy things to manage especially if fashioned of glace silk, which, with collars of velvet, will be very extensively worn. * * * Skirts present a variety which appears to be almost endless. You may have them tucked, strapped, flounced, kilted, and yoked. In fact, all manner of styles are now 7 seen and. you may exert, your own individual fancy in the matter of fashioning, provided always that the skirts "flare" exceedingly about the hem. All are much elaborated, and small buttons again begin to play an important part. Tiny gold buttons to ornament sleeves from shoulder to wrist, and buttons in sets of three fasten straps on bodices and skirts. As we are ever prone to exaggeration, we shall probably ere long, present the appearance, of the stage "coster." {Continued on page 13.)

The At Home, given on Wednesday afternoon, bv tLe Commander-in-chief, captain, and officers of the RoyaJ Arthur, was a, very smart function and wholly enjoyable. The guests weie conveyed across in the launch and boats of the neet, and were received bv the flag-heratenant. The decorations were very gay and bright. A large awning, composed entirely of flags, covered the deck and everywhere drapings of red and white relieved the sombre greyne&s of the \essel's new uniform. * * * The afternoon tea was arranged on several tables on the lower deck, and we enjoyed some delicious straw berries. Many beautiful dresses were worn', and they showed to great advantage the spotless decks tempting the wearers to allow them to trail gracefully at thedi ow n sweet w ill. * * * Mis. Rolleston was wearing a pretty gown of cream voile, with rosettes of black velvet, and a black picture hait. I noticed- Dr. and Mrs. Collins, the latter being beautifully gowned in heliotrope, a hat of the same shade. Mrs. H. Crawford was in cream cloth w ith lace vest, and a scarlet hat. Mrs. H. Raw-son was in black and white, the Misses Raw son, in. pretty light costumes. Miss Y. Rawson wore white, with a burnt -straw hat and roses. Miss Olive Raw sen wore a stylish blue tailormade. * * * The Hon. H. C. Butler and Mrs. Butler wore also present, the latter gowned m cieam voile, and a pretty hat. A visitor from Melbourne (Mrs. Fernley) wore an exquisite gown of black and white chiffon with appliques of lace, and a large black chip hat, trimmed with tw o lone; drcoping ostrich feathers Miss Abbot was in, cream cloth. Miss Hieginson also looked well in cream The Misses Fell looked extremely well m smart tailor-made gowns, one of blue zibeime and one dark green, and Miss M. Fell wore black and white tweed, piped with white. Miss. F Brandon was in rose cloth. Miss L. Brandon had on royal blue. * * * Miss Harcourt wore a cream cloth costume. Mrs. Amehus Smith was in a black cloth eown, and black hat with ostrich, tips. Mrs Finch, in black and white* the Misses Finch, in white and pretty hats Miss Skerrett was in pa.le green Miss J Skerrett, a lace robe, over heliotrope, and Miss N. Skerrett looked prett^ in ivory vode and a large hat. Mrs Edwin wore a handsome blue and white silk foulard Miss Edwxnwas m red. Miss A. Edwin in a muslin gown. Mrs. C. Howorth, a smart' electric blue costume, w ith lace vest. Miss Waldesrrave wore ivory voile Miss Muriel Waldeprrave, a pretty eieen costume, and lar^e hat. & • * * The last San Francisco mail brought the news of the death of Mr. E. Fitz-

hezbert Vaughan, second son of Mr. Edward Vaughan, Barton Grange, Taunton, and brother of Mi. L. C. Vaughan, of Wellington. Both brotheis left last year on a \isit to England, the former taking his wife and children, and when about to embark on the homeward voyage Mr Herbert Ya.up;han was laid up with influenza, to which he succumbed. Mr. Vaughan, who was only thirty-four years* of age, was very well and popularly known throughout the Ramgitikei and Wanganui districts where, for many years, he was a keen polo player. Mr. L. C. Vaughan left for New Zealand by the P. and O Victoria, and is expected to arrive in Wellington next Wednesday. * * * The marriage of Mr. Richard B. Morris, chief clerk at the Post Office Savings Bank and Miss Queenie Travers, eldest daughter of Mr. Henry Travers, and granddaughter of Mr. W. T. L. Travers, of the Hutt, was quietly celebrated on Tuesday last, at the residence of the bride's parents., Clifton Terrace. The ceremony was performed in the drawing-room, which had been beautifully decorated with, flowers and palms for the occasion. The Rev. J. R. Elliott was tike officiating clergyman, and the bride was given aw ay by her father. The Misses Eva and Mary Travers attended their sister, and the w edding party made a charming group as they stood in the drawing-room. * # * The bridal gov n was of cream silk, exquisitely made, with accordeon flounces, and, of course was worn with a veil and orange blossoms. The bridesmaids w ere arrayed in dainty gowns of white muslin and lace. Mr. C Richaidson was the best man. After the ceremony, an adjournment was made to the dining-room, where afternoon tea was served, the table being tastefully arranged w ith choice w lute flow ers, and the health of the bnde and bridegroom was proposed. * * » Mrs. Henry Tiaveis woie a black gown, Mrs W. Travers, a pretty white silk diess Miss Coleridge was in pale blue cloth, and Miss Ida Colendge, a gown of rose cloth. The guests were only the near relatives of the bride. The honeymoon is to be spent in Australia., and the bride's gomg-aw ay costume was of gobelin blue hopsack, made with a long Louis coat, cream lace \est, and she wore a large black hat with ostrich tips

The death of Major-General the Hon. Sir Geo. S. Whitmore. at Napier, on Monday last, leaves another vacant seat in the Legislative Council, a,nd snaps one more link with the colony's Stirling early history. Sir George served has adopted country both in. the field and the forum. • He ivas ' ovr only General"

for very many years after the withdrawal of the Imperial troops, and w hen the blast of war no longer soundfid in our eai's after Te Kooti and Titokow aru had ceased to vex our frontier settlements, Colonel Whitmore, as Minister of Defence' in thei Grey Mrmstrv, put our volunteer forces into shipshape order. » ♦ # He entered the Legislative Council m 1863, and up till a few years ago took a leading part in rt.s proceedings. His hearing was not acute, and many a time lti happened in the Council that the Speaker (Sir Wm. Fitzherbert), Sir Frederick Whitaker (Attorney-Gene-ra]), Dr. Pollem. and Sir Geo. Whitmore (all rather hard of hearing) would get tangled up m misapprehending .some point of order that suddenly airosei and would drift out into cross currents with rather amusing results. * * • Sir George had a staccato style of delivery, due probably to the care with m hach he cdiose his words, and the impromptu character of his speeches. But, his matter was usually good. In the streets of Wellington, during session time, his daipper little figure with a billycock ha.t on his head, and a grimy w ooden pipe in his mouth, i\ as a familiar Slight He put on no "side," and in company was a capital raconteur. Peace to his ashes!