A COLONIAL POINT OF VIEW.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 152, 30 May 1903, Page 12

A COLONIAL POINT OF VIEW.

(By Arthur H. Adams, m "Black and White.")

I HAD ]ust introduced a friend of mine to a Man in the Strand. "You're an Englishman, aren't you p " said the Man in the Strand. "No, New Zealander," said my friend. "Well, isn't a colonial the same as in Englishman ?" ' I didn't say colonial , I said New Zealander," replied the tall, brown, sturdily-built son of the South. '0'" said the Man m the Strand blankly. He had never met that point of view before. But, then, he had not met many colonials. The New Zealander explained. ''You see," he said, "a colonial may be a man who lives in Jamaica, or Aden, or Singapore, or the Falkland Islands, or Vancouver, or Pietermaritzburg, or Woolloomooloo ; but a> New Zealand*** 1 lives in New Zealand. That's the difference. You may like to include under one title the members of a hundred different communities separated by thousands of miles from each other, and some of them occupying countries ten times the size of these little islands. You may call them all colonials, but, unless you want to hurt people's feelings — and you English are the most polite and tactful people on the face of the carth — you will take the trouble to remember that we aren't colonials — we're South Africans, and Canadian^, and Australians, a,nd New ZeaJanders. And e/very one of us is as proud of belonging to our country as a Scotchman is of having been born in NB., as you call thei place." Then we had a drink, and talked Imperialism. "But," said the Man in the Strand, "you're proud of belonging to England, aien't you ? " "Belonging'" The Maorilander's whole attitude expressed his surprise 'Belonging' We don't belong to anybod\ — but ourselves." I thought it necessary to intervene. I had been longer in England than he. "Merely a figurative expression," I said soothingly "You know the Coronation oath spoke of his Majesty's dominins beyond the seas. That's you You're one of our possessions you know." "Possessions'" The Maorilauder out down his erlass with a bang and abseatmindedlv lifted the cover from a n-lato of sandwiches. "What do they cov i:> r up the sandwiches like that for?" hp asked. "There aren't any flic* here." "To prevent you stealing them " "What? Do they make you pay for sandwiches at a nublic bar 9 " he asked "Sandw iches contain — or are said < n contain — meat," I said "and meatcosis money in this country " He cairefullv surrendered the sandwich that he had taken and eino-erlv replaced the lid. "What a curious country'" he said with a <*Wh. Then he turned to the Man in +he Strand "Where did you get that idea that we belong to you P" "Well England discovered you and colonised you " "No the Dutch discovered us. and we colonised ourselves " "Well we sent out thp convict" " Then I knew that thiues would broken I Dut mv hand on thp Npw Zealander's airm. "New Z^ala^d and Australia are so f ar away " I *airl "frit it is only natural that an Enelishmnn should confuse, the two. How could he be expected to know that no co'iivicts eveir came to New Zealand that New 7ealan,rl refused to accent them and that only a few ever landed in Australia a,nrl tha+ transportation wa« ea«v in thrive day Mv colonial was cootherl He nut 't down to the Fnqrlfshman's ignorance. "Anyway Ensrland sent out the col™ii=+i« " "Ypv, but who'<= there now 0 " retorted thp Nf»w Zeaiainrlpr Tho Man iri +Tip CJtrs.^rl -R-aic ir\TP tn. hi^ rsc p "Well we l*>nd you money." "So does a pawnbroker, but he does not, claim that he owns his clients jf we didn't pay up it might be a diffeient thing. If you went out to NewZealand, and told my people that they were a possession of anybody else, you would be laughed at. New Zealand ie for the New Zealanders. If there is one thing that we are convinced of, it is that our country belongs to nobody but ourselves." "But you're all members of the Empire !" The Maorilander's face lit un. "Ah ' that's a different thing," he said "We're all Imrjerialists, all r>roud of belon.oin.Q; to the Empire. It was for the Empire we fought, not for England. To us the idea of Empire the knowledge that we form an integral part of the Empire, is a very real thiner. _ I daresay we have a more vivid conception of the Imperialistic ideai out there than ainv of you here can imaqruie. Why you're all little Englanders compared with us'"

Then you are English, only you call yourselves New Zealanders 1 " 'No, we're Imperialists, not English. We're New Zealanders first and proud of it, amd members of the Erapne second. Just as you are English hist and Imperialists second." The Man m the Strand smhed. "Let's dunk to the Empire," he said ' Kia ora" said the New Zealandei, as we three touched glasses.

At the invitation of Messrs. Kirk•caldie and Stains many thousands of Wellingtonians visited their establishment on Friday evening, when there was a wonderful display of all the new •evening goods. The sight of so much loveliness, arranged with excellent taste was quite a revelation, and probably such an unique and attractive display has never before been seen in the colony. The whole building was brilliantly illuminated, and Minifies Band was stationed at the head of the stairs. * # ♦ Throughout, the evening a constant stieam of citizens passed to and fro, and the many complimentary opinions expressed must, have been, gratifying to those who had taken so much trouble in arranging the goodsi. The windows, brilliantly lighted, had been specially arranged with evening maiberials of the daintiest description, and life-size wax figures, beautifully draped, added much to the effect. The lac© window was especially admired, quantities of duchess, Point, and all the fashionable Irish laces m addition to the lac© robes so much in vogue being shown to prea+ advantage. * • • Crepe-de-chine and Homan satins, in delicate shades of green, relieved here and there with a robe of ivory silk, made another window a place of beauty, while in the silk department the mass of colour, exquisitely blended and harmonised, was almost bewildering. The ceiling in each department was entirely hidden by festoons of Japanese silks, red, gold white, purple, and every shade, in fact, being draped and interlooped, forming a splendid feast of colour. » * * The counters were laden with beautiful materials, the gauzes, in all delicate shades, being especially admired, and rich ivory brocades, glace silks, crepe-de-chine, etc., were everywhere in sweet confusion. Archways of silk, softened with lace and trailing flowers, met one at every turn, and a large one of old gold and white silk led to the stairs. On either side of the staircase were draped yards of that exquisite hand-painted velvet, such as we have often read about, and which will be largely used for panels m even l ing gowns, and for deep collars m smart walking costumes. Some of these velvets are embroidered in fine gold thread in addition to the handpainting, and although Eastern in appearance, are imported direct from Pans. * * * Here also w ere several chiffon gowns, also hand-painted — imagine the beauties of a black chiffon robe with a design of trailing w lid pink roses. lam afraid the wearer of that lovely frock would feel tempted to sit out all the dances rather than risk having it torn at a "crush,." In another department, lace formed the special attraction. In the centre a cascade of lace, in billowy folds., was arranged over a foundation of green silk, the arches of laoe were everyw here, and across the ceiling were festoons of exquisite lac© and silk. Here also were the graceful, wide cape collars and many lace-loving women were loth to move on to the blouse-room, where chiffon, silk, and lace blouses were fitted on to wax models, and made a brave show. * • The new coffee coats, which had just been opened up, found hosts of admirers ■ — especially those made entirely of white lace. A stylish one was in embroidered grass lawn. Evening gowns were also arranged here — white silkfa, beautifully lnsertioned, nets with finishing touches of bebe ribbon, and many fascinating novelties in black. Some of the spotted and fancy nets or gauzes are very lovely, and surely our balls this season should be prettier than ever if these materials are worn. A little corner of black and white silks — or rather white and black — received many admiring glances, and I noticed that some of the evening gowns were also finished w ith a suggestion of black velvet. * » • The mercery department, was not n the least deserted, and no doubt the male portion of the visitors were as deeply interested in thei excellent show of spotless linen and new ties as their wives were in the chiffons. The ties (latest novelties) were truly w onderful — not in our most daring hats even would we suggest the blends of colour to he seen in the up-to-date "Paris" tie There are many men who prefer, and will still wear, the quiet, navy blue r black and white, tie, but when you observe, something really startling in this way approaching you make a mental note — it's the latest fashion ' The millinery department was thronged throughout the evening, and for the benefit of our country cousins I'll noto a few of the prettiest models. Altogether Messrs Kirkcaldie and Stains are to be congratulated upon their atti active show of winter goods.

Mrs. Fulton gave a veiy pleasant farewell evening, on Tuesday last, for Mrs. Simpson, who leaves shortly for a visit to Fiji. Bridge and solo whist formed the chief amusement®, and a very enjoyable time was spent by the guests. Mrs. Fulton wore a handsome black broche gown, relieved with lace. Amongst the guests were Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, the Misses Simpson, Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Macarthy Mr. and Mrs. Stafford, the Misses Stafford, Mrs. Baxter, Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Ross, Mrs. Macintosh, and the Misses' Whyte and Haybittle. * * * The engagement has lately beeni announced of Miss Violefc Rawson, elder daughter of Dr. Rawson, to Mr. Kenneth Duncan, of Wellington. * » » There are rumours of a large bacihe Ilors ball, shortly to be held in Wellington. We will look forward to further developments with pleasure. * * • So far, we have heard nothing about the Star Club ball. Everyone sincerely hopes that that function, for many years quite the most-looked-forward-to of any in the season, is not a dream of the past. With such a large membership, a little enthusiasm should be all that is wanted to work up a ball equal to any of the famous ones of former years. I expect it's the Town HaJl question again that is the trouble. * • • "Little Lord Fauntleroy" has been attracting large audiences to the Opera House. On Wednesday I noticed . Mrs W. Tumbull, Mrs. and Miss Riddiford, Dr. and Mrs. Purdy, Mr. and Mrs. David Nathan, Mr. and Mrs. Caselberg, Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Maoarthy, the Misses Blundell, Haybittle, and many more. * * * Mrs. Grattan Grey (Melbourne) has been visiting Wellington, and is now staying with her daughter, Mrs. S. Stafford, at Khandallah. * * * A pretty wedding was recently celebrated, when Miss Elsa E. Blair was married to Mr. Ripley Jacomb. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. James Paterson, at the residence of the bride's parents. The bride, who was given away by her eldest brother, Mr. A. C. Blair, wore a becoming bridal gown of white silk, richly trimmed, and the usual veil of orange blossoms. Her attendants were Miss Mabel Blair (sister of the bride) and Miss Doris Scott who wore pretty crowns of creamsilk voile. Mr. F. Williams acted as best man, and Master Roy Blair (nephew of the bride) as groomsman. The honeymoon, is being spent in thei Manawatu district. * # ♦ An engagement is announced between Estella, second daughter of Mr. Ralph Levoi, J.P., of this city, and Ernest, eldest son of Mr. Sam Nathan, of "Wavertree," Lonsdale-street, Melbourne. * * * On Wednesday, May 31st, a marriage was solemnised between Mr. F. J. Read and Miss Minnie Benge, second daughter of E. Benge, Esq., Mumgaroa. The pretty ceremony took place at the residence of the bridegroom's parents, Sydney-street, Wellington, the Rev. Elliott officiating. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore i very becoming travelling costume — a tailor-made gown of navy blu_e olotih, and a pretty white felt hat with lighter blue ribbon. Her bridesmaid, Miss Mabel Benge, was 1 attired in a pretty cream silk dress, and white hat with pink roses. The bride's gift from the bridegroom was a gold necklet and pendant, and to the maid he gave a pearl and turquoise brooch. Many costly and handsome gifts were received by the bride and bridegroom. The honeymoon is being spent in the Manawatu district. * * • Great sympathy was expressed for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward w hen it became known that their son, Cyril, now a student at Lincoln College, had met with a painful accident. Through a fall fiom a building he injured a leg, but fortunately no bones were broken, and he will very soon be about again. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, who left immediately for Lincoln College are returning to Wellington on Saturday. * * * His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly have issued invitations for a ball at Government House, Auckland, on the Prince of Wales Birthday. Auckland girls are rejoicing in the fact that there are two British and an American man-o-war in port. * # * Miss Allman Marchant Lady Principal of the Girls' High School (Dunedin) has been spending the vacation in Wellington. r- * * The engagement is announced of Mi F. L. Barker (only son of Mr. Francis Barker, Winchester) to Miss ' Rita Wright (second daughter of Mr A. W. Wright, Craighead, Tima.ru).

Another engagement which has been lately announced is that of Miss Mabel Tilly, daughter of the late Capt. Tilly, oi Remuera, Auckland, to Capt. Prosser, of the Pakeha. Miss Tilly is to be married m a month's time, after which she is to proceed to England. •* * ♦ The Leinster Lodge is giving a social evening next week, the catering being under the able management of Mr. Mawson. * * * A very pleasant dance was 1 given by the Karori Tennis Club, at Karori, on Thursday last, to bid "bon voyage" to Miss Whyte. who is leaving: for Home bv the Gothic. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Henderson! very kindly placed their pretty house at the disposal of the club, and a most enjoyable time was spent. The guests were received in, the draw-ing-room, which was beautifully desecrated with white and red flowers. The verandah was closed in and hung with flags and evergreens, Chinese lanterns being; placed here and there, which lent a charming effect. The garden, too, looked very pretty, with fairy lamps suspended from the trees. Dancing was indulged in until a late hour, in the pretty ballroom, with it® crimson walls. * * • The chaperones were- Mrs. Gavin, who wore black broche, relieved with white ; Mrs. Henderson in black satin ; and Mrs. Bulkley, also in black, with pretty lace collar. Miss Whyte wore pale pink glace, with bolero of ecru lace; Miss Henderson in white silk, with black velvet The Misses Putnam had on soft white silk frocks • Miss Bulklev, blue broohe ; Missi C. Bulkley, white frock; Miss Edwards, cream satin, and net overskirt • the Misses Gavin. in pretty frilled muslins. * * # Among the gentlemen were Messrs. Jacobs. Williamson, Holmwood, Putnam Douglas Davies, Hendeirson, and many others. Mr. Fleming supplied the dance music, which was excellent. * * • The College Rifles' ball, to be held to-night (Friday), promises to be a great success. Mr. Fleming's orchestra supplies the music, and Mr. Maiwson ;s managing the catering. * • • Glancing round the millinery department at Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains' it struck me that the hats this season are particularly bright and gay, probably because Dame Fashion approves of the darker materials for gowns. White felts have a number of staunch admirers, and a pretty white crush felt was trimmed with cherry ribbons and shaded ivy geraniums, and finished with a black velvet bow. Another white flop shape had a bandeau and bows of purple velvet, and bunches of parma violets edged the brim. A touch of mandarin yellow is very fashionable this year. A plateau model was very effectively carried out in that shade and rich brown velvet ; a lace bandeau toned down the colours, and autumn foliage was the only trimming. * * * Another hat introducing this shade was of grey zibehne, a very stylish model, with yellow velvet folds, and silk and velvet roses the same shade ; lace is also used. A graceful drape and spray of roses sweep at the back. A little heliotrope shape v, as very dainty, made almost entirely of chiffon and tulle, wreathed with dwarf convolvuli and sprays of maiden hair fern. \ " Toreador " in navy blue and green chenille, with navy and green plumage — large wings and a rosette of the same colours — was very stylish. A large hat of cherry straw, wreathed with geraniums, was slightly tipped at one side, and under the brim nestled a pretty grey bird. A sable brim formed a rich finish to a scarlet velvet crown — in Toreador shape — finished simply with a black and red rosette, and a black and red straw, black under the brim and red abo\e, was very striking with red silk bows and bunches of black grapes and foliage. Two popular shapes this season are the " Turban " and the " Toreador." The Turban is an extremely smart and serviceable style. One model in olive green velvet had tabs of sable round the brim, and was finished at the back with a spray of autumn foliage and a large gieen bow. A "dressy " hat was of reseda green silk, with beefeater crown ; mousseline de soie, also finely drawn, lined the brim, and a bandeau of fine white lace was prettily draped round the brim, being caught here and there and at the back with bunches of cherries. ■* * * A brown fancy straw had knots of brown velvet and wreaths of pink shaded pelargoniums, and a French model in white panne, with black and white chiffon, had for trimming tiny arum lilies and foliage laid flat on the crown. A dainty

hat was of white felt, tabbed with silver fox fur, caught with tiny steel buttons, and a charming hat of pale green straw was trimmed with bunches of violets and knots of velvet the same shade. A violet velvet and sable hat, with clusters of violets also, was very rich looking and pretty. ♦ ♦ • But, pretty as all these gay hats were, the ever popular black picture hat is still more popular. Quite double the number of all-black hats are sold. It is hard to believe that some of these " Frenchy" hats are the work of local milliners. One —Gainsborough shape, in black velvet with ostrich plumes caught with a bucklewas lovely, and a close-fitting hat with sequin crown had both black and white ostrich tips. A pretty model was in black felt, lined with folded chiffon, had a chenille scarf arranged as a bandeau, the fridged ends falling gracefully on the hair, two ostrich tips and a black velvet bow completed the trimming. • ♦ • A large picture hat, " The Gardener's Daughter " was in black chip with a wide brim, two long beautifully curled ostrich feathers were arranged from the front drooped prettily to the back and a third feather was placed under the brim. Every fashionable shape and many charming models are to be found there, but they must be seen to be really appreciated. There is also a great show of lovely flowers in this department —great pink roses and lovely trails of foliage.

The box-plan fo<r the season of Mr. Harry Rickards' New Tivoli Vaudeville Company, commencing on, Monday evening next,, at the Opera House, opened at the Dresden Piano Ware^ house, on Thursday morning, where a large number of seats have already been secured for the opening performance. Special interest attaches to the appearance of M. Jacques Inaudi, who, according to accounts, holds the enviable position of the most prominent lightning calculator in the world. A little cough will take you off When you the least expect it, If you don't try to make it fly, But happen to neglect it. For coughs increase, and never cease, When once their footing's sure, Yet at the start they all depart With Woods' Great Peppebmint Cube.