SOCIAL GOSSIP

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 159, 18 July 1903, Page 10

SOCIAL GOSSIP

By Christabel.

THE originality displayed bv some hostesses in connection with their dmnei -table decorations is most remaikable. In fact, it would appear that more time is spent over the decorations than the arrangement ot the menu One of society's latest fads « the Z lection of dwarf plants, and at a recent London dinner the centiepiece consisted of a tiny P*"*"™*: with miniature plants arranged about S shelves in hhputian pots One advantage of this kind of table decoration if that it tvould enable you to see your vis-a-vis Miss Be-etham (Bianccpeth) is visitino- Wellington friends. *■ *■ ¥ Miss Flora Brandon is the guest of Mrs. Keiller, Bulls, Rangitikei Mr. and Mrs Nat. Kettle (Napiei) have been staving at the Royal Oak -r * ■* Mr Bert. Allan, lately of the Patent office,' a,nd son of the member for Port Chalmers, left this *eek for South Africa, where he intends to practise his profession of engineering. * * * The Garrison officers' ball came off on Friday last, and was a brilliant, although a rather crowded function, lne accommodation at the Sydney-street schoolroom is quite inadequate on such an occasion, and we all earnestly hope

that next year the Town Hall will be leady to leceive the guests of the ottceis The arrangements on Friday night were simply excellent. Mr. Fleming's orchestra supplied bnght and excellent music, the supper (cateiedby Mr. Godbei) was delicious and tempting and the decorations (the woik of a squad of the Permanent Artillery, guided by Lieut .-Col. Collins) came in for much favourable criticism. The walls of the usually bam-like hall were draped with flags and quantities of greenery, interspersed with effectively-arranged bayonets and swords, and the doorways also were beautifully draped. The colours of the battalion occupied a conspicuous position, forming an archway over the enmson-earpeted steps leading to the stage Behind were two '*e.ry handsome flags, reaching; from the ceiling to the ground Light lefreshments weio obtainable throughout the evenPunctually at 9 o'clock. His Excellency the Governor arrived, accompanied by the Countess of Ranfurly and Lady Constance Knox. Visoount Noithland, Major Alexander, Captain Campbell, and the Hon. H. C. Butler weie in attendance. The Heretaunga Mounted Rifles acted as escort and the Wellington Highland Rifles formed a guaid of honour at the entrance. *■ + + The Right Hon. the Premier and Miss Seddon, Commander Glossop and come of the offices of H.M.S. Lizard, in addition to several visiting English and Australian officers, weie amongst the guests. The following was the official set His Excellency the Governor amd Mrs. (Col.) Webb, Colonel Webb and the. Countess of Ranfurly, General Babington and Lady Constance Knox Commander Glossop and Mrs. Babington, Lieut. -Col. Collins and Mrs. J Duthie, Captain Campbell and Mrs. Henderson, Major Brandon and Mrs. (Col.) Collins, Captain Alexander and Mrs. A. de B. Brandon. • * * Lady Ranfuily's lovely gown was of black chiffon, exquisitely embroidered w ith sequins and appliques in the

form of cream roses, over black satin. Lady Constance Knox wore a simple gown of white brocade, with a chiffon sash, her hair being worn high with a wreath of violets. Mrs. Babington was beautifully gowned in rich white satin, and chiffon. Mrs. Webb wore black silk, with net sleeves. Mis. Collins also wore black. Mrs. A. de B. Brandon's handsome gown was of cieam brocade, the corsage draped with lace. Mrs. J. Duthie's gown of lovely lace over blue silk, was much admired. Mrs. Henderson wore a handsome black gown, relieved with chiffon. Miss Coatee's beautiful gown, of black crepe-de-ohine, was elaborately trimmed with ivory guipure. Miss Logan was in grey figured silk. The Misses Webb were in white silk. Mis. Simeon, a striking gown of silver sequinned net over satin. Mrs. Batham was handsomely gowned in black. Mrs. J. Rose's lovely gown of lvoiy silk was draped with Maltese lace flounces Mrs. Tuckey wore aJI black , Mrs. M Ross, black, relieved wath green Mrs Bridge was in black. Miss Seddon won much admiration m a gown of white satin, with a cluster of lovely roses. The beauty of her hair was enhanced by a wreath of forgef>me-nots. Two of the Misses* Fell chose black satin, and Miss M. Fell was greatly admired in white, relieved with pink roses. * * * Miss 0. Gore's black gown was finished w ith a sash of blue silk. Miss L. Brandon wore a gown of fine white net over satin. Miss Thyra Beetham (Masterton) looked well in cream satin, with trails of lovely violet®. Miss Olive Rawson wore her "coming-out" gown of white silk. Miss N. Bathaan (debutante) looked extremely well in a handsome gown of white crepe-de-ohine, draped with lace, caught with lilies, of the valley, and she carried a bouquet of narcissi and maiden-hair. Miss Eileen Didsbury (debutante.) looked very dainty in a girlish and pretty gown of white merveilleux, with chiffon frills and sprays of white flowers. • * * Mrs. Moss wore a handsome white

gown. Mrs. J. King was in black satin, with berthe of duchesse lace. Mlss A. Brandon wore black, with pink roses. Miss Pearson's beautiful gown was of rich cream satin, with chiffon flounces. The Misses Richardson were m white nefc and roses. Miss Palmer-Clarke wore white silk ; Miss Taplm (Palmerston), a handsome blue gown. * + * Miss Harding was in pale yellow glace, and her sister wore a lovely lace gown. Miss Howard looked well in black. Miss May Blundell wore a most becoming pink dress, and a wreath of pink roses in her pretty hair. Miss K. Otterson wore a pretty blue silk, with lace insertions, Mrs. Bristowe, a black satin gown, Miss K. Fitzgerald, a pretty pink silk. Mrs. C. Tringham wore an extremely pretty gown. Miss Seed wore black — a! becoming gown — and Miss M. Seed's pretty dress was of rose pink erepe-de-cbme, over frills of silk. Miss O. Fitzgerald wore cream satin. Mrs. Henry had on w hite silk Mrs. Gilmer, a black satin gown. * * * Miss Harcourt was in cream brocade. Miss G. Harcourt wore a pretty silk gown. Mrs. W. Blundell had on her lovely wedding gown. Miss Miles wore pale blue silk. Miss Finch wore an uncommon and pretty gown of pale green silk, with borders of embroidery in a darker shade, and her sister wore pale blue crepe-de-chine, with bands of pink chine ribbon. Miss Thomas (Chnstchurch) wore a lovely white satin gown. Miss MacGregor looked well in white silk; Miss F. Mar chant, a pretty pink silk gown; Miss M. Marchant, in white. Miss K. Kirkcaldie was in pink silk. Miss 9," Eirkoaldie wore cream point d esprit net over silk. Miss Stevenson wore white silk. Miss Dot Brewer wore a dainty cream silk gown, and cluster of violets. * * ♦ Extras were well played by Miss Miles,, Miss Olive Gore, and Lieut Harton. Many of the local' corps were represented, and the gay uniforms mingling with the pretty gowns quite confirmed the opinion that the

officeis' ball is the 'gayest" of the year. Ordinary civilians must be content with crumbs of graciousness on the occasions, happily for tihem rare when our soldier men appear in all the gorgeousness of their soailet coats and gold braidings. The duties of secretary were jointly and excellently carried out by Lieuts. Menzies and Tumbull, and masters of ceremonies by Lieuts. Menzies, Harton, and Tumbull, to whom much of the success is due. Captain Henderson acted as treasurer. * * ■* Miss Coates gave a very large and successful "afternoon tea" on Thursday last week, at her residence, Hobsonstreet. Beautiful pot-plants and floweis were arranged in every nook and corner, and the warm, shaded lights everywhere made the rooms bright and cosy. A string baaid played delightful music on the landing, and a most amusing poster competitaon gave our brains any amount of exercise. Such a collection of pretty and quaint advertisements were arranged m the hail and "den," but only those who have tried realise how hard it is to give the correct name to these generall- familiar pictures. Miss Morna Fell won the pnze (a cut-glass and silver scentbottle). Very delicious, tea was laid in the dining-room, the table decorations of scarlet berries with foliage, and scarlet satin ribbons, being very charming. * * • Miss Coates received her guests in the drawing-room, and was wearing a lovely gown of black crepe-de-chine, with bands of lovely wide lace on the skirt, and short bolero. Her niece, Miss Nelson, wore a pretty gown of soft white silk, with lac© insertions and flounces. Miss Howard, who is also visiting Miss Coates. wore a black gown and deep lace collar. During the afternoon, Miss Howard's singing was very much enjoyed, Tosti's '"Good-bye" being especially appreciated. * * * Mrs. Seddon wore a black voile gown, and hat with tips , Miss Seddon, a dark blue costume. Miss M. Seddon was in dark grey Mrs. Dyer, a seal coat, dark blue skirt. _ Lady Ward was handsomely gowned in zibelme, iron grey, trimmed with velvet. Miss Fraser wore a smart black gown, piped with white. Mrs. MacGregor wore black • Mrs. Stafford, a very becoming gown of zibeline finished with panne cloth. Miss Stafford wore a stylish green gown. Miss E. Stafford was in e;rey Mrs. Hales, a ewrn of black silk voile, and a handsome coat. Miss Skerrett wore a purple cloth gown and pretty hat of white felt, with black velvet bows. The Misses Fell wore stylish tailor-made gowns. Mrs. Baume (Auckland) had on a handsome black and white ~o\vn. Mrs. F. Baume looked well in a, pretty voile gown, Mrs,. Macintosh, in black. Miss Macintosh was wearing pink voile, a pretty gown ; and Miss J. Macintosh w ore a becoming cream cloth costume ; Mrs. Knox, in black. Mrs. A. Russell (Palmerston) wore a lovely black gown, and picture hat, Mrs. T. G. Macarthy, a very stylish blue frieze gown, finished with exquisite lace, and a picture hat. Mrs. Wylie wore a dark green costume, and sealskin ooat, with close-fitting hat • Mrs. Fitchett, a dark costume and handsome furs. * *• * Mrs. Duncan wore black , Mrs. W. Nathan, a tailor-made gown. Mrs. Robert Loughnan was go w Tied in cinnamon brown cloth, brown hat, and furs. Mrs MacTavish wore a pretty greiy gown , Mrs. E. Coleridge, a black gown, and sable furs, Mrs. Morrison, black gown Mrs. McArthur, in dark grey, with white facings and black and white hat. Miss Halse wore sage green cloth ; Miss Butt, black , Miss R. Butt, in blue frieze Mrs. H. C. Batler, Mrs. and Miss Ewen, Mrs. Fmdlay, Mrs. Stott, Mrs. and Miss Watson, Mrs. F. OB. Loughnan, Dr. Platts-Mills, Mrs. Fell, Mrs. and the Misses Waldegrave, Mrs. Riley, the Misses Nathan, Miss Simpson, Miss Reid, Mrs. Stuart, Mrs. Rotheram, Mrs. Malcolm Ross, Mrs. Rhind, Mrs. and Miss Joseph, Miss E Joseph, the Misses Harcourt, Mrs. and Miss Nelson, Mrs. and Miss Barron, Misses Edwin. Haidme. Sommerville Miles, Paitridge, the Hon. H. Butler, Captain J. Hughes, D.5.0., Messrs. Nelson, Harvey, Sommeivillp, weie also present. * * * Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Russell (Palmerston North) are at piesent in Wellington. # After several interesting and exciting games, Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Pearce were left to play off for the golf championship of the Miramar Club. Eventually. Mrs. Collins won, Mrs. Pearce retiring at the tenth hole, when Mrs. Collins was five up. The _ cold on Saturday was intense, and driving

showeis of lain made it anything but pleasant for the playeis. Mr. S. P. C. Macassey, or Dunedin, is paying a short visit to Wellington Mi. Macassey's engagement to Miss Fraser, now the guest of Lady Waid, was but lately announced. A very successful ping-pong tournament Mas held at Otaki on Wednesday last, with the object of assisting the library and reading-room funds. The game has made rapid strides in. Otaki, and some excellent play was witnessed. A very large number of competitors took part, and some "tough battles" worked the excitement of the onlookers up to fever heat. Eventually, Mr. E. Whitehorn v. as beaten by Mr. Hemy Raw in, the latter winning both the gentlemen's handicap and open challenge, m great form * * * Miss Kibblewhite once again pioved her superiority amongst the lady players, defeating Miss Wilson by a few points. Three players journeyed from Levin, Messrs. McKenzie, Harris, and Goldsmith, and showed good form. At the close of the tournament, Mrs. Freeman presented the pnze«, which had been donated by Meisdames Costello Kibblewhite, Miss Simms and Messrs. Kingdon and Perm. The

management of the tournament was in the hands of the Library Committee, and the handicaps were adjusted by Mr. Frank Perm. Supper, provided by the ladies v, as greatly enjoyed. It is expected a nice sum will be handed to the treasurer of the library fund. * * * Some of those present weie Mrs. Costello, wearing a black skirt, white silk blouse , Mrs. Freeman, all black , Mrs. Kibblewhite, black, w ith sequins ; Mis. Lemon, in black, Mrs. Perm, black and white , Miss Simms, <?rey and pink , Miss Wilson, white ; Miss Nobble, black , Miss McClement, black skirt, red silk blouse , Miss Kibblewhite, dark skirt, pink silk blouse, and Maltese lace collar. A concert is to be held shoitly in aid of the same funds. Several musical friends are expected from Wellington to> assist, and the newly-formed Otaki Orchestra will make its debut in public. * * * Mrs. Chatfield's afternoon tea., on Fuday, was greatly enjoyed by everyone who braved the elements, and Tourneyed out to Island Bay. The guests were conveyed in brakes, and greatly appreciated the delicious hot tea and tempting sweets which greets ed their arrival. The tea-table decorations A\ere uncommon, and extremely graceful. In the dining-room yellow

flowers were combined with loops of heliotrope silk, and in the second tearoom lovely violets in silver bowls were arranged among draperies of yellow ribbon. * * * Of course, there was a competition. No tea nov-a-days is complete without one. "Celebrities'' were objects of attention, and the prize was won by Mrs. Morrison. Miss Rebe Richardson recited several very clever recitations. The guests were received' by Mrs. Chatfield, who wore a gown of black crepe-de-chine, relieved with lace. The Misses Olive and M. Chatfield wore dressy white silk and lace blouses and black voile skirts. * * * Mrs. Seddon wore black, Lady Ward, a smart grey gown, and touch of green m her hat. Miss Fraser was ■smartly clad in black cloth, and a large picture hat. Mrs. MacGregoa* wore black , Miss MacGregor, a pretty silk blouse, and dark skirt; Miss M. MaoGregor, a tailor-made gown. Mrs. Dyer \\ ore a sealskin coat, over a dark gown ; Mrs. Gavin, in a handsome {Continued on page 13.)

Mis. Fitchett, « al s*f Miss ' Partgown was rene / ; w afiolps o f emerald the Miss l s B fees iamer, some of the oruests. One of the prettielt and w* jopular ™* din % OT * r J±? on Tuesday, wood was the maxnage ° charterSi o f July L*' I^^iss Eto Ouxtis. eldMasterton to y»™ H B C^rt is , eat daughter of J**-,^ of the Inglewood The POP^y thelarge youns ooapte was proved J? uainta number of friends anu -^ b tenan who gathered at the rr^ y wattii gift of the bridegroom. Her bridesmaids* were The Misses neroiiu riirt : s w ho wore dainty eldest, and pins with amethyst peno^ Plymouth, assisted by the nev. Webster. t ». At the conclusion of the ceremony, the smeste drove to the residence of Mr Sd Mrs. Curtis, where afternoon £■£? enjoyed and the usual toa«to were honoured. Later tiie Se and bridegroom left by train for Ha* era, ***** SSSHSLe X beL e ME^on The A of friends . accompanied them to the station, to wish them bon vovaie" The bride's travelling dress IZ a 'becoming costume of silver erey with facings of ivhite satin, and I hat of beaver to match was tommed with velvets and rosebuds. Many valuable presents were received, and numbers of congratulatory telegrams from all over New Zealand, including one from the Right Hon. the Premier. * * * The Cotillion Ball, for which invitations have been issued by the Countess of Ranforly is being looked forward to with

very great pleasure, and not a little curiosity. Very few of us have ever danced, or even seen, a cotillion, and as it is necessary that those leading the various pretty figures should be a little familiar with them, several girls have been invited to Government House to practise. * ♦ * Miss A. Cholmondeley (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs. Ewe'n, the. Terrace. * * * The Post and Telegraph Eifle Volunteers held a most successful ball in the Sydney Street Schoolroom on Monday, July 13th. The hall was most elaborately decorated with bright flags and foliage, while stais composed of bayonets and other warlike weapons reminded one that it was a military ball. The uniforms worn by the hosts and many of the guests went a great way towards making the scene brilliant, and some lovely gowns were worn by the ladies. The arrangements were all excellent, and under the management of Captain Morris, Lieutenant Harton, Esson, Quarter-master Sergeant Carmine, Col. -Sergeant Roache, Sergeants Chegwidden, Combs, Corporal Collins, Hull (hon. sec,), and Parker, Lance-Corporals Gamble and Harris, and Privates Alexander, Beasly, and Clinkard. Mr. Mawson supervised the catering, which gave every satisfaction, and the music by Mr. Fleming's orchestra was perfect. r * * * The Sydney Street Hall was again the scene of great festivity on Tuesday evening, when the members of the Royal N.Z. Artillery held their sixth annual ball. Once more the hall was completely transformed with beautiful decorations, and the stage prettily arranged, by those who preferred to watch the dancing. A very large number of guests attended, and the ball was the best ever given by this corps. Bombadier Weybourne was a very hard working secretary, and was greatly assisted by Gunners Spence, Taylor, Sweeney, Milne, Dwyer, Moses, and Driver Sommerville. Miss Hawthorne's string band supplied splendid music. Mr. Mawson had charge of the supper arrangements. * * * The engagement is announced of Miss Madge Rhodes, only child of Mr. J. B. Rhodes, of Springhill, Hawke's Bay, and Mr. Keith Cotterill, second son of the late Mr. G. R. Cotterill, Crown Prosecutor, Napier. * * * Another engagement just announced is that of Miss G. Bunny, eldest daughter of Mrs. Bunny, Colhngwood Street, Nelson, to Mr. Walter Colt, of Western Australia. * * * The Upper Hutt was quite en fete last Friday evening, the occasion being the fourth annual Railway Employees' Social held at Daltons Hall. The room was tastefully decorated with flags and greenery, while engine lamps provided unique and effective illumination. The floor was crowded with dancers from all parts of the district, and excellent music was supplied by three musicians (Mr. E. J. King's orchestra), each selection being

bright and up-to-date. In the intervals of dancing songs were contributed by Mrs. Cudby and Messrs. Macdonald, Fraser, and Smyfche. An apology for his absence was read from Sir Joseph Ward, Minister of Eailways. During the evening Mr. Harry Wright, the new stationmaster, was introduced to the guests present, and the proceedings were kept up with great spirit until the small hours of the morning, when " Auld Lang Syne" was sung. The managing committee are to be congratulated upon the success of the social.