SOCIAL GOSSIP

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 160, 25 July 1903, Page 10

SOCIAL GOSSIP

By Christabel

ONE of the most populai balls— the Wellington College Old Boys' — came off last Wednesday, July 15th, in the Sydney-street schoolroom. The hall was very artistically decorated with the College colours and buntma; On the stage, baskets of terns, lycopodium, and lovely palms were arranged amongst the easy chairs. Ine "Old Boys" worthily upheld their reputation as hosts', for all the guests had a iolly time, and partners were plentiful ' The supper-table decorations, the work of the Misses G. and O. Kirkcaldie, were very much admired. A large basket, filled with foliage and tied with crimson bows, occupied the centre. The secretary (Mr. W. H. Denton) and his committee kept things going, and are to be congratulated upon the great success of their eleventh annual ball. Mr. Fleming supplied splendid music, and the cateung was done by Mr. Maw son. * * * The ehaperones «eie Mesdames Gilmer, J. Blundell, and Wills. Mrs. Gilmer was handsomely groaned in black satin with a long coat trimmed with fur. Mrs. Blundell was in a black broche gown. Mrs Wills also wore black. Mrs Firth wore a lovely gown of black brocade, pannelled with silver sequin net Miss F. Brandon was m white satin Miss MacGregor, amber glace, and Maltese lace. Mrs. Hamer, blue brocade, and lace, with touches of black velvet . Miss Osborne-Gibbs, pale pink silk , Miss Batha'm, a pretty white silk "own. Miss Alison (Auckland) looked well in blue silk, and Honiton lace. * * * Miss Pearson wore a handsome gown of ivory brocade, with frills of point d'esprit net and lovely lace. Miss L. Brown looked well in eau-de-nil silk, relieved with black velvet and

cieam lace. Miss M. Blown (debutante) woie an oxccochngly da nty gown ot white silk, the- sknt tucked to a, point, and finished with tiny frills, embroidered clufran draped the bodice, and formed long "angel" sleeves. Miss Sandeison was in blue silk and chitton Mass D Wix, pretty blue voile, Mies L. West, yellow silk, Miss Nora \Vt\st in white. Miss Gilmer a charming gown of b'ue bioche. Miss Spragg, a. lute satin Miss DeCastro, white tucked «=ilk Miss I Blundell, in black satin. Miss Mai shall black, Miss M. Marshall, white ■*■ - *■ Miss Sidcv woie pink silk Mi«& McGcwan, white and black Miss N. Curtis, white satin Miss Hoggard, white ticked silk, Miss Lockie white insertioiied silk. Miss — Lockie white net over satin. Miss D. Wiggins looked nice in pink tucked satin, and large \ehet chou. Miss Logan, damtv white cillv • Miss E. Parsons, red velvet, Miss W. Paisoas. white silk. Mw Grundy, white satin, and silver seciuins her sister wearing -white silk Miss G Richardson, a pretty ruchod silk gown Miss Stevenson, white broche , Miss Barron. black sequin net over satin. Miss K. Kirkcaldie was in a pretty pink gown: Miss O. Kixkciildie, black net over satin • Miss G. Kirkcaldie, orettv white net over satni ; Miss E. Williams, white gown, with flounces. Miss Hannah black broche and net. Miss J. Hannah, cieim broohe and net, Miss E/ichardj=ou pretty rose pink voile , Miss E. Richardson pale blue silk. * * * The marriage of Miss Alice (Elsie) I-lutohings, third daughter of Mr. Win. Hutchings, of Wellington, to Mi. Aithur Glemster Manji, youngest son of the late Captain Mann, of Auckland, took place at the residence of Mr W. A. Parton, brother-in-law of the bride, on Wednesday, July loth. The ceremony was performed by the Re, . Mr. Shrrer, the bride beiag given away by her brother. The sunoundm^s were extremely picturesque, the diawing-ro'Oin being tastefully decorated foi the occasion. The day was fine, though cold, and was a pleasant contrast, to the weather of the preceding days. The bride looked charming in a lovely gown of cream serge, trimmed with Oiiental lace, satm, and drops Her veil was beautifully embroidered, and she carried an exquisite shower bouquet of scai let berries and green foliage. The bridesmaid was Miss Maibel Hutchings, youngest sister of the

bride. Her frock was of pale blue ciepe-de-chme, tzimmed with guipuie lace, and she wore a large picture hat. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a handsome opal ring, the bridesmaid receiving a gold scent ball. The best man was Mr. Charles Hunt. * * * After the ceremony a reception was held, and a large number of guests assembled to offer their oongraitulaitions to the bride and bridegroom. The bieakfast table was beautifully decorated, the handsome wedding-cake occupying the oentie. Several telegrams of congratulation were received, and the health of the happy couple was enthusiastically toasted. Mrs. Hutchings mother of the bride, was dressed in black merveilleux silk, trimmed with point lace. Mrs. W. A. Parton, sister of the bride, w ais similarly gowned. Miss Hutchmgs and Miss Dol Hutchmgs were dressed in cream silk, coffee coat, and point lace, and white silk respectively. * * * Some of the guests were Mesdames Malcolm Niocol Baumgart Franklin, Bell, Misses Firth, Smith, Wallis. Messrs. Shirer, Franklin, Gray, and Henderson. The presents were numerous and handsome. The honeymoon is being spent in Napior, and it is the intention of Mr. and Mrs. Mann to reside in Auckland. The bride's travelling; dress was of green frieze, with which she wore a picture hat. In the evening, ai large number of friends were entertained by the bride's parents, and a most enjoyable time was spent. * * * Mrs. Seddon entertained a number of the members' wives at a very enjoyable tea last Thursday afternoon. The rooms were prettily arranged with flowers, and afternoon tea was laid in the dining-room, the table decorations being especially pretty. A large silver bowl, with, a handsome palm, occupied the centre, and four smaller bowls held early narcissi. The centre-niece was of point lace. Every description of sweet and dainty sandwiches were handed round to the guests. Fortunetelling was a great attraction, and several very enioyable songs were contributed by Mrs. B. M. Wilson and the Misses Mills and Webb. * # * The guests were received in the drawing-room by Mrs. Seddon, who wore a handsome gown of black satin, with a collar of Irish point lace, and diamond ornaments. Miss Seddon looked well in a gown of ivory tucked

voile and lace. Miss May Seddon. wasm sky-blue voile, relieved with Paris lace insertions. Mrs. F. Dyer wore heliotrope canvas voile, amd crepe-de-chme blouse. Lady Ward had on a very smart tailor-made costume, the coat opening over a vest of soft lace a,nd net. Miss Fraser wore a pretty black and white gown. Lady Steward wore a brown costume, and pretty bonnet. * • * Mrs. C. H. Mills was handsomely gowned in black voile, trimmed with lace and appliques of sulk. Mrs. Guinness wore a black costume and hat. Mis,. A. E. G. Rhodes was wearing a very stylish blue costume, with Eastern embroidery, sealskin coat, and smart Toreador hat, Mrs. F. Banime, a pretty green costume, with Malteselace. Mrs. Field was in grey voile, smart coat, and grey furs. Mrs. Fidey looked exceedingly nice in a fawn silk voile gown, strapped with brown, and a toque to match. Mrs. Baillie wore a handsome black giown and mantle, and some lovely old lace; Mi?s Webb, black costume, and whitefelt hat * * * Mrs. Trask's black silk crown was relieved with red. Miss O. Mills wore a st\lish navy tailor-made, and red velvet picture hat. Miss A. Mills was also in blue with a Dretty burnt-straw tooue. Miss G. Mills wore a becoming; blue hat. with a fawn costume. Mis=. Alison looked well in russet-brown cloth, and pretty hat to match. Mrs. Herries wore navy blue frieze, strapped with silk, and a black picture hat. Mrs. Walker had on a dove-ecrey costume, and large hat. Mrs. HallJonesi wore a caracul coat, and black p-own, and a black hat with tips. Mrls. Hoea; was in a navy-blue eown, with ha,t to match • Mrs. Allen (Port Chalmers), black broche silk. * * * Mlss Hennah wore a dark blue skirt, soft silk blouse, and a black hat; Miss E. Hennah, cream cloth "'own and crepe-de-chine blouse ; Mrs. A. W. Rutherford (Mendip Hills), smart black costume, relieved with white- Miss Rutherford, grey costume, and white furs ; Miss Wood, pretty smoke^blue gown , Mrs. Hannen, blue gown ; Mrs. T. Jones, a dark cloth gown, pretty hat ; Mrs. Arnold, frieze costume, a,nd a smart toque. Mrs. Ell was in black. * * * Miss Kane gave a very jolly girls' tea on Friday last 1 , when an interesting and original competition, "The Marriage of the Operas," was introduced.

Twenty questions, wntten on a sheet of paper, were handed to each guest, and the. answer to each was the title of an opera. For instance ' What was the bride called from, the ciicumstances of her wedding p " — "A Runaway Girl." "What ship did they take for their wedding trip?"— "H. M.S. Pinafore." Miss I. Nelson won the prize, a silver-mounted scent-bottle. Tea and sweets were served in the dining - room, the table decorations being tall vases of pietty white chrysanthemums and foliage, while shaded leaves and tiny sweet baskets were scattered amongst the tempting cakes. Miss Kane received in a pretty gown of white and heliotrope silk delaine, with kilted bolero and lace. Mrs Kane w-ore a very pretty black gown, with flounces edged with white. Miss R. Stewart was in a tailor-made gown and picture hat , Miss Skerrett, a very stylish gown of violet cloth with insertions of soft ribbon. Miss N. Skerrett wore a cloth gown, and large hat with pink. Miss Finch wore a tailormade gown, and pretty hat. Miss MaoGregor was in brown, Miss M. MacGregor, a bright red gown. Miss I. Nelson wore a smoke-blue gown, and minever furs. Miss. Mills had on a pretty crush-strawbe'iry dress Miss O. Mills w ore a becoming russetbrow T n dress. Miss Partridge was in grey, with furs , Miss Thomas, biscuit voile, and flounces of lovely lace, and large hat. Miss Logan wore grey, Miss Flo. Brandon, zibeline gown, and hat with violets Miss G. Riley, pretty brown costume, and large hat. Miss B. Miles wore a blue costume, and w hite furs ; Miss Holmw ood a st\lish tailor-made gown, and picture hat Miss Y. Warburton was in brown. Miss O. Kember, a dark gown, smart coat, and black picture hat. The Misses Macintosh,, Wheeler, E. Joseph, S. and G. Nathan, H. Gibbes, and St afford were also present. * t * The usual monthly dance, held in Spiller's Hall last week, under the auspices of the Marist Old Boys' Association, was voted a decided success. Although the attendance was not as large as previous ones, still it Droved to be more enjoyable. The hall was nicely decorated, and the floor was perfect. Excellent music was provided bv Mr. S. Cimino, and refreshments were partaken of in an ante-room. Messrs. C Gamble and R. Sievers acted as Ms C. ■«■ — * A w eddmg of gi eat interest to New Zealanders was solemnised at the

Synagogue, Giey-street, Durban, South Afnca, on Thuisday, June 11th, when Mr. Ernest Lionel Harris, son of Mi Maunce Hams, of Christchuich, was man led to Miss Jeanie Francis Caselberg, daughtei of Mr. M. Caselberg-, ot Masteiton New Zealand. With but Oiie exception, the bridal party was composed of New Zealanders— rather unique in a town so far away from the la.nd of the Maon. The bride was pi yon away by her brother, Mr. J. Caselberg, and looked very sweet in a conn of lvorv voile, diaped with beautiful lace. She wore a tuLle veil over a wreath of oiange blossoms, and cairued a handsome shower bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom. it - -t Miss Kitty Caselberg attended her sister, and w ore a pretty gow n of white silk, with Pans lace, and a black picture hat. She also earned a charming bouquet of pink and w lute icses. Mr. Main ice Harris gave his son aw ay, and Mr Edw ard Harris, of Johannpsbuig, acted as best man. The canopy beareis were Messrs Gus Hairis, H. Manory, S. Jacobs, and Len. Caio. After the ceremony a recepticm was held ab the Marine Hotel, where the guests had an O'ppoatumty of congratulating the bride andbndegioom and dunking their health. The hotel lends itself specially to occasions of this sort being very luxunouslv arranged, with large vestibules furnished in Oriental style. A string band discoursed sweet strains during the afternoon. Mis Maurice Hams woie a handsome black voile gown, with white oistuch boa, and black hat. Mrs Joseph Caselberg was wearing a mignonette gree-i cloth coat and skirt, a,nd pretty hat en suite. Mrs. Pollak (sister of the bridegroom) was in, lose pink crepe-de-chine Mrs. Harman Reeves (Christ church) woie a grey voile gown. The wedding gifts were numerous and handsome, including many cheques Dunns the afternoon Mr aid Mrs. Lionel Harris left for Inohansa, and Pietermarrteburg, where the honeymoon will be spent The marriage of Mr. T R Fleming, inspector of schoo's, and Miss Marion' McClure-Smith. daughter of the late Mi. Hugh McClure-Smith, of Melbourne, was solemnised on Tuesday, July 21st. The ceremony was quiet' but very pretty, the bride being attended bv her sister. The honeymoon will be snent up the Blue Mountains after which Mr. and Mrs. T. Fleming will leturn to "Wellington.

A large audience enjoyed the Liedeit^iel Concert, on Friday last. Be:ng a ladies' evening the room was almost oitnely filled with members of the fair sex amongst whom I noticed Mis C Peaice, Mis. Sprott, Mis. E. Colendse * Mrs. and Miss Johnston, Mis. and Miss Holmwood, Miss Lucy Biandon, Miss G. Harcourt, Mi«s B Fitzeerald Miss Mcc, Misses Ashbo't. Mis Meadows, and the Misses Brown." (Continued on page 13.)

The Sjdnej-stieet Sehoohoom was a paiticulaily bnght and attractn c spot on Monday evening, for the Victoria College Hockey, Football, and Tennis Clubs weie entei taming their friends at the second annual ball. A new note Mas struck in the decorations, large tree-ferns being arranged with excellent effect, at either end of the stage. From the centre of the room, across the ceiling, were long festoons of trailing lycopodium, and nikau palms were artistically ananged about the walls, w Inch weie fuither adorned with pictures and trails of ivy leaves. The stage and ante-rooms were very comfortably arranged with easy chairs, etc., and the supper-room was draped with flags and ferns. Minifies band supplied the music, and splendid extras were played by Mrs. Butt Miss Putnam, and Mr. Gillespie. The supper was delicious, and the table had been very artistically decorated. The chaperones were Mrs. Butt, who woie a handsome gown of black lace, o\er white silk, Mis. Batham, also in black . Mrs. Beere, handsome black and white gown, and lovely lace. Mrs. Ross, in a gown of point d'esprit net, over a delicate shade of green. Miss Skerrett was handsomely gowned in cream brocade, with jewelled net panels, Miss N. Skerrett, a becoming and pretty gown of striped silk and lace. Miss Estelle Beere wore a prett-" black gow n , Miss Prouse, in w hate silk, with clusters of crimson flowers. Miss Batham in pale pink satin. Miss N. Batham wore her pretty coming-out gown, Miss Ewen, in black. A strikingly pretty gown was worn by Miss CholmondeJey (Chnstchurch) — bright red silk, with insertions of fine black lace arranged on the skirt and corsage. •jfr "* * Miss Butt woie cream, Miss May Blundell, a very darntv gown of white silk and tasseled trimming. Miss Macintosh was in white silk. Miss Finch w ore blue crepe-de-chine . Miss J. Finch, a pale pink gown, the Misses Wedde, in white silk. Miss T. Nelson, in white also, with a pale green sash. Miss MacGreoror wore black silk , the Misses Waldegrave, very pretty white net and silk gowns. Miss Allen (Port Chalmers) was in black, with a lace collar, and Miss Macpherson (Dunedin) wore a becoming white insertioned frock , Miss F. Wolters, very -retty dress of white silk and accordeon-pleat-ed chiffon . * * * Miss Runcie wore black voile, prettily made, with a, flounced skirt. Miss Fisher was in eau-de^nil silk, with straps of pink roses becomingly arranged on the shoulders. Miss 1 Holt wore black, relieved with lace; Miss D. Wix, in white silk and lace Miss Stevenson, in white silk and violets. Miss Roberts looked well in eau-de-nil silk and chiffon. Miss Sprang w-ore black satin and lace. Miss Fleming, a pretty silk gown , Miss Winder, in white silk. The committee were very prominent throughout the evening and are to be congratulated upon the success of the ball. Messrs. G. E. Prouse and R. Beere acted as joint secretaries. * # • A pretty wedding was quietly celebrated, at half-past twelve, on Saturday morning July 18th, when Miss Ada Curtis, fourth daughter of Mr. J. J. Curtis, was married to Mr. Victor Waters, of Messrs. Levin and Co. The bride was beautifully gowned in white silk, with a long tulle veil, cauerht with oranee flowers, and a lovely bouquet, and looked most graceful as she entered the church, followed' by her five bridesmaids, the Misses Nora and Ina Curtis, and Miss Waters, who wore pretty pink voile gowns and oicture hats, and two smaller maids, the Misses Miriam Oswm and Jessie Hill, who wore pretty frocks of pale green velvet, and hats to match. * *■ * The bride was gi\en away by her father, and the ceremony was performed by the Rev. T. H. Sprott. The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Williamson acted as groomsman. After the ceremony, the bndal party and a few guests w ere entertained at luncheon. Later in the day, Mr. and Mrs. Waters left for Sydney, where the honeymoon will be spent. 1 * * * Mrs. A Pearce gave a large and most successful curio" tea, at her pretty residence, Hobson-street, on Fndav la&t. Each guest brought with them their most prized treasure in the wav of a curiosity, and when all these were arranged on a table, the task of choosing the most beautiful or unique was a very difficult one. Rare corns and scraps of lovely china. "Boxer" rings many hundreds of yearsi old, were jumbled together with valuable autographs, South Sea- Island curios, and various other things. A very pleasant time was spent looking at everything, and the guests then voted for the exhibit of most interest. Mrs. Fitzherbert and Mrs. David Nathan were

the pnze-wnmeis, the foimer with a wondeiiul old wnting-desk, and the laitter with a valuable .stone Delicious tea was laid in the dining-room, the table being piettily ananged with daphne and narcissi, on an old-gold satin centre. * ■+ * Mrs. Pearce leceived in an ivory satin blouse, and graceful black satm skirt. Amongst the guests were Lady Constance Knox, Mesdames Sprott, Herries, Nathan, Crawford, C. Pearce, Joseph, Barron, Newman, Duncan, Edwin, Denmston, Medley, Fitzgerald. Purdy, Turrell, Tweed, and the Misses Gore, Brandon, Edwin, Joseph, Riddiford, Dransfield, and Fitzherbert * * • A most enjoyable dance was given by a committee of ladies and gentlemen of the Carterton district, last Friday. The hall was very tastefully decorated with ferns and bunting. Musio (Mr. Stole's band) and floor were both excellent, and about one hundred and fifty guests were present from the sunound'ng districts, and also from Wellington. The hosts and hostesses were indefatigable* in their efforts> to ensure the guests' enjoyment, and should be very gratified at the success of the ball. The duties of secretary were admirably performed by Mr. T. E. Maunsell, to w-hom a special word of praise is due. The supper was very delicious and the table* artistically decorated with spring flowers. * * *■ Amongst the ladies present were Mrs. Johnston, wearing black silk , Mrs. Wolters. also wearing black silk, relieved with jet. Mrs. Chennels wore black brocade ; Mrs. Cormack, black satm gown , Mrs. W. P. James, in a black brocade gown; Mrs. Blythe, in pale pink satin. Miss G. Cameron also wore a pretty pink gown. Miss Wolters (debutante) wore a charming gown of white silk, with deep flounces of accordeon-pleated chiffon, and a wreath of white roses in her hair. Miss Bey also made her debut, wearing a very girlish and becoming gown of ■white silk and chiffon Miss Monckton's soft white silk was finished w ith a cluster of violets Miss D. Monckton wasi in pale °reen silk, with appliques of moss green and lace. Miss M. Fleming (Wellington) woiei a soft pink silk, Miss N. Fleming pretty white silk. Miss J. Meredith w ore black velvet , Miss L. Meredith, in rose silk. Miss F. Mathews, in ivory satin , Misses Bunny, in white silk gowns , Mrs. W. Bndson, in pale piak. Mrs. R C. Fowler was weaimg black silk, trimmed with red, Mrs. Alfred Raw son, in white silk , Miss Tullv, white figured silk, Miss M. Maunsell, in black, with yellow flowers; Miss Tate, black with red flowers. Miss Payton wore white, Mrs. Duncan, red and white brocade ; Miss Livingstone, black net, over white, with touches of rose velvet, Mrs. Moss, in white; Mrs. Macdonald, in black and green. Mrs. Caselberg wore black satin and lace. Miss Cawte wore old-gold satin, and turquoise blue. Miss Petrie had on a cerise silk gown • Miss Douerlas (Dunedin), in a green and white muslin gown. * # * Some of the gentlemen w ere Dr. Johnston, Dr. Bey, Dr. A. Hosking, and Dr. Simmonds, Messrs. W. Perry, Chennells. Mononeff, Beetham, James, Wolters, Dodd, Holmes, Logan. Swan, Blundell, Munro, Dransfield, Hutton, Moss Fowler, Robinson, Matthews, Watkins, Prendeville, Bunny, Wood. * * * Miss Christine Smith returned to Wellington by the Moeraki last Thursday, after a delightful visit to her relations in England. + yMr. Knox Gilmer, one of the most popular of the Wellington College Old Boys, a prominent member of the Old Boys' Association, and of the Old Boys' Cncket and Football Clubs, is leaving to-morrow for the Old Country and America to finish off his dental studies having iust passed the dental examination lecently held in Wellington. Mr. Gilmer carries with him the best wishes of his fellow "old boys," who entertained him last Saturday evening During the evening, the chairman Mr W. E Bethune, presented Mr. Gilmer. on behalf of the "old boys " with a useful travelling bag, and in the course of his speech referred to Mr. Gilmer's many good qualities, and assured him that he would be greatly missed. Mr. Gilmer in his reply", thanked the "old boys'' for their kindness to him, and uiged them to stick closely together and to try and place the cncket and football clubs at the top of the tree.