SOCIAL GOSSIP

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 161, 1 August 1903, Page 10

SOCIAL GOSSIP

By Christabel.

MISS BORLASE'S pupils gave a very jolly danoe, in the Syd-ney-street Schoolroom, last Satuiday evening the programme going from start to finish with great swing. The arrangements were vercomplete, and reflects much ciedit on the youthful organisers. Pretty decorations of greenery and flags brightened the room, and Mr. Fleming's music was, as usual, excellent. Supper was arranged m one of the ante-rooms The committee girls were The Misses Freda Martin Zoe Nation, P. Nicholls, Elsie Watson M. Knox, Y. Nation, D. Holmes, and E. Barnett. • * * Miss Borlase, Mrs. Rhind , Mrs. W. Mantell, Mrs. J. King, and Miss Baber were the chaperones. A feature of the evening was the introduction of the new oordiality (two-step) dance, now the rage in Australia. Both music and dance are very pretty and graceful, and no doubt the "two step" will have a season of popularity here. It was danced on Saturday by Miss Borlase's present pupils, and was loudly applauded. At ten o'clock the smallest of the guests went home, and the elder ones staved for another hour. # ♦ ■* There are few prettier sights than a juvenile dance, and especially now-a-days, when the tiniest baby can waltz like a fairy. "Sir Roerer" was greatly enjoyed by aJI the little folk, and was accompanied bv shrieks of merriment when a long "slide" ended in a "snill." Some of the guestsi were The Misses X., Fna, and Marjory Kui"- in the daintiest of white frocks; the Misses Doughty, also in pretty white muslin dresses ; Miss Doris Roskruge, wearing a pretty scarlet frock, with lace insertions _ Miss Alice Macpherson (Diinedin N in a soft and nretty silk dress ■ the Misses Nation, Watson, Rhind

Martin, Turton, Mantell, De Renzi, Haybittle, Miles, G. Brandon, Holmes, Knox, Barnett, Nicuolls, Hannah, Richardson and Mes&is. Rhind, Rawson, Richardson, Fulton, S. Seddon, Jeftcoat, Skelley, Bridge, Pye-Smith. * * * The fourth annual ball of the High School Old Girls' Association was held in the Sydney-street Schoolroom, on Fr day, July 24th, when, despite the wintry w eather, about one hundred and sixty guests were present. The arrangements could not have been better and the committee received many congi atulations upon their great success. The hall had been hung with pictures and lovely photographs, decorated with, trails of lycopodium and ivy. The ceiling was festooned with "ropes" of lvcopodium. and over the doorways flags and nikau palms were artistically arranged # * • The stage looked exceedingly pretty, w ith easy chairs, screens and ouantities of lovely palms, in large pots, draped with yellow silk. Yellow bebfcing the High School colour (yellow and black), was the dominant note m all the decorations. The ante-rooms weie beautifully furnished, and fires made things very cosy. The> Misses Hannah and Richardson were resmocnsible for the supper-table decorations, which were greatly admired. Three tall and quamtly-shaped baskets were filled with foliage, and scarlet berries, fastened with large butterfly bows of yellow silk. Irises, narcissi, and coloured lights were also effective. The supper was excellent — half savoury, ha'f sweet — and was catered by Mr. Godber. * •* * The music was provided by Mr. Fleming's orchestra, and added much ti the success of the dance. Partners weire plentiful, men being in the mar iority so "wall-flowers" w r ere an unknown quantity. The committee, who wore pretty badges of black and gold silk, were assisted by Messrs. Denton A. Mcc and S. Brown. Miss McLe?n (president of the Association) wore a ver< T nrettv black gown,, with I'aoe and clusters of pink roses. Miss Morrah woie a black satin gown, with berthc of lovely lace. Mrs. Batham woie a handsome black satin. Mrs Kirkcaldie also w r ore black, relieved with white lace. Miss _ Ecclesfield's black gown was relieved with lace. * * * Miss Sanderson (secretary) looked very well in black, relieved with Oriental embroidery and pink poppies.

Miss K. Kukcaldie was in white, with bands of onmson velvet. Miss O. Kirkcaldie w ore cream net, with narrow bands of chine silk. Miss G. Kirkcaldie was in ivory net over satin. Miss R. Richardson was adimreid in cream satin and lace, with crimson roses on the corsage and m her hair. Miss G. Richardson wore ore am net and bebe ribbon, and a lovely spray of shaded roses. Miss Winder was in a pretty silk gown. Miss Spragg looked charming in black satin. ;e Misses Hannah both wore handsome white lace gowns. * * .* Miss N. Fleming wore white silk. A lovely gown was Miss Pearson's ivory brocade, finished with deep flounces of point d'esprit net, and another Sydney dress, much admired, was worn by Miss Alison, an Auckland visitor — ivory satin, with an overdress of beautifullyembroidered tulle, and a rosette of pale preen tulle was worn in her hair. Miss Y. Warburton wore a lovely gown of white merveilleux, with cluffon flounces. Miss Ecclesfield wore black satin, with white lace collar. Miss Pickmere was also in black , Mrs. Rudmian, handsome ivory silk. Miss E. Lockie wore a becoming dress of tulle over satin, Miss Mills, in pink silk. Miss E. Mills, black, and blue chou. * * * Mrs. B. M. Wilson wore rose pink silk. Miss Barron wore black satin, and lovely lace. Miss Chantry-Kairris was m a lovely gown of apricot satin, a,nd wore some handsome Jewels. Miss N. Curtis_ wore rose silk ; Miss West, old-gold silk ; her sister was in white. Miss F. Marchant was attired in black, with a pretty transparent yoke of jewelled net. Miss B. Stevenson wore a pretty white silk gown, and wreath of forgp.t-me-nots in her hair; Miss Wix, white silk and lace. Miss MJaibel Brown was in white silk ; the Misses Marshall, white silk gowns; Miss Drew, a lovely gown of silk and chiffon. The Misses Ashbolt wore pretty silk gowns ; Miss N. Lambert, a dainty muslin • Mis® Yon Dadelszen, white silk and lace ; Miss Meadows, Dretty eau-de-ml silk; Miss Grant, in black, with jewelled net; Miss White, a lovely ivory brocade gown. * * * Some of the gentlemen were Messrs. R. Bridge, Smythe, Rawson. Burnett, Cardale, Simmonds, James, Gibbs, Brodae, Leckie, Jacobs, Ward, Kirkcaldie, Brown Devino, Finch, Exlev, Johnson, Mcc 01 eland, Mabin, Williamson, Hull, Pye-Smith and Laing. Extras

were w ell played by Miss K. Kirkcaldie, Miss E. Richardson, and Mr. Gillespie. * * * The annual ball, to be given by the ex-pupils of St. Mary's Convent, has, owing to the death of the Pope, been postponed until Tuesday, August 11th. The Wellington Navals hold their annual bail on Friday, July 31st. The Druids' Hall, Taranaki-street, has been engaged, and the musio will be provided by Miss Hawthorn's string band. * * * The Mount Cook Old Boys' Association have issued invitations for a ball, to be held in St. Peter's Schoolroom on Friday, 31st July. * *■ * The Misses Rawson (cousins of the State Governor and Lady Rawson) who were over here for a few weeks last summer, left for their home in England by the Ventura. They say that no part of their visit was more interesting than the hurried scamper through New Zealand. * * ♦ Mrs. Wilson, and the Misses J. and Nancy Wilson (Bulls) were staying at the Royal Oak for a few days last week, having come down for the Cotillion Ball, at Government House. •* * Girls no longer round their shoulders and narrow their chests over their embroidery frames, or fain* from fright when a mouse scuttles across the floor or a spider falls from the ceiling. They play golf and hockey; they go in for deep breathing and 'muscle-stretching-they cycle fifty miles a day without turning a hair; they can drive a motor as well as the most expert of chauffeurs, anl their appetites are borrowed from the proverbial wolf. — "Black and White." * * * A very successful social was given by tht Johnsonville Amateur Dramatic Club, in the Oddfellows' Hall, Jothnsonville, on Wednesday, July 22nd. During the evening, Miss May (pianist) was presented with a Nellie Stewart gold bangle by the club. Songs were contributed by the Misses Orr and Evans and Mrs. Mackay. Dancing and cards were indulged in, and an excellent supper was provided by the ladies. * * * Mrs. Leonard Jones (Wanganui), whose engagement to Mr. Izett, of Palmerston North, has been lately announced, was in Wellington for a fewdays last week.

The Misses McKellsr, who aie leaving New Plymouth to leturn to Wellington, where they have many fnends, were entertained last week at a taiewell tea. * * * Mr. and Mrs. Woodioffe, who visited Wellington for the muter laces, have leturned to Chnstchuroh. Mr. and Mis. Wardrop have also returned home. * * * Miss Coates has issued invitations tor a ball on August 6th, and Mrs. Seddon is shortly giving a large "at home. * * * Mis. Sprott is giving an "at home" on Friday next. * *■ * Miss Zoe Thorne-George is the guest of Miss Coates. Miss Thome-George will join her sister in Wellington very slioitly, and lemam until the end of the session. ¥■ ~ The Misses Edwin ga\e a very successful " Geography Tea" last Friday afternoon. Although the weather was atrocious, and could not have been woise all the guests arrived, and spent the merriest of times in guessing "places" and mountains. Those who had left school lately had a great advantage, for it is marvellous how quickly one forgets. Miss Nelson was the clever winner. Very tempting cakes and sweets were served with the afternoon tea, which was prettily laid in the dining-room. Miss Edwin received in a pretty red and white foulard. Miss A. Edwin was in pale blue, relieved with lace. Some of the guests were • The Misses Logan, Harding. A. and E. Rawson, Seed, Kane, Butt, Finch, Brandon, Gore, Ewen, Skerrett, Joseph, Fitzgerald, Waldegrave, Simpson. Stuart, Howard. * * * An Otaki correspondent writes — "We are all looking forward _to the diawing-rooin concert, which is shortly to be held in aid of the library and reading-room funds. The programme is beini? arranged by Miss Kibblewhite, and promises to be a huge success. The local Orchestral Society is to make its first appearance on this occasion, and it is hoped that Messrs. Field and Hogg, Ms.H.R., will be present." * * * The Manakau folk held a ping-pong tournament last week, when a large number of visitors journeyed down from Otaki. A pleasant evening was

.spent, the winners being Miss Wilson, lach champion (who leceived a handsome go-Id biooch), and Mr. H. Fieeman. + - - An en or was made in the lepoit of the Old Boys' dance last week. The music was supplied by Mr. Mmifie's orchestia, and not by Mr. Fleming, as stated. Mr. Minifie was supported by six other musicians, with very satisfactory results, thei music being \eiy bright and up-to-date. * •» * The engagement has been announced of Mr. R. H. Wood, of Plymouth England, assistant engineer of H.M.S. Lizard, to Miss Shortt, daughter of Mr. W. F. Shortt, auctioneer, Wellington. » * * » The engagement is announced between Miss Dobson, of Christchurch, and Mr. Angus McKinnon, of Hawke's Bay. Miss Dobson has lately returned to Chiistchureh after a visit to Napiei. * * * An exchange says — One of the smartest dances of last week was notable for the introduction of a, newdance to Melbourne, the pretty "twostep." The American officers of the "Brooklyn" made an effort to teach it to their special girl friends, but it did not ' catch on" then. Sydney, more go-ahead, in such matters, has made a regular feature of it at this season's dances, and from there it has been introduced to Melbourne. At present society is busy learning the measuie, for last week it was danced soanew hat as a go-as-you-please. The Earl and Countess of Ranfuily have accepted the invitation of the Canterbury Jockey Club to be piesent at the Grand National meeting. Their Excellencies and suite w ill be the eruests of Mr. and Mis. A. E. G. Rhodes. *• *■ - His Excellency the Governor, Lady Ranfurlv. and suite, have also accepted the invitation to be present at the Christchurch Hunt Club ball, which w ill be given in Grand National wreck,w r eek, on Tuesday night, August 11th. (Continued on page 13.)

The small dance, introducing the cotillion, given on "Wednesday, 22nd, by His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Kanfurly, m honour of Lord Northland's coming of age, was a brilliant success. Interest was of course centred in the cotillion, w Inch was one of the prettiest sights possible. The pioturesque and quaint figures caused much fun. Some wejre not quite unknown to us, and others entirely new. First came the "driving" figure, which was prettiest of all. Lady Constance Knox, wearing a lovely gown of ivory satin, with ttirnmmgs of silveT galon, drove the first team of four gentlemen. Lord Ranfurly's staff, who were guided with sky-blue nbbom reins, to match their collars and facings of blue silk. Lady Constance also carried a whip with streamers of blue. * * * Many of the figures were very amusing especially so when the winners oi a "hassock race" were rewarded with first choice of partners. Once the ladies were requested to write to the gentlemen inviting them to dance with them, and in another figure they had the privilege of deciding, by means of a looking-glass, with whom they would waltz. Sad disappointment fell to the lot of some would-be partners, who retired with very woe-begone expressions. In another figure, the partners were decided by means of corresponding rosettes of coloured ribbon. Most of the ladies taking part m the cotillion wore lovely white gowns, and, as there were' a number of uniforms worn by the officers, the choice was a wise one. * * • The decorations were elaborate and lovely, being supervised, as usual, by Lady Ranfurly herself. The fireplaces were banked with maiden-hair fern, from the centre of which appeared beautiful fiWanng. plants and in every nook and corner hamdsome palms found a resting place. The corridors were also beautified with spring flowers and palms. Lady Banfuriv was handsomely gowned in peacock Tilue satin with a full overdress of chiffon and lovely lace. Mr. and Mrs. A Boyle Mrs. and Miss FemwicV. and Miss Maud Williams wer-e staying at Government House. * * * Mrs. Boyle wore a very lovely sown of ivory lace, with frills of accordeonpleated chiffon and a larere cluster of roses. Miss "Williams was in white

satin, with folds of velvet. Miss Fenwick also woie white. An alarm of hre caused a little consternation cluruig the evening, but so qiuokh was the danger overcome that it was &ootn forgotten. Miss Clifford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Clifford, made her debut w earing a lovely gow n of white chiffon. Ovher guests weie Mrs BaJbmgton, wearing a lovely gown of ivory brocade and chiffon . Mrs. H. Butler, Mrs. S. Cox, wearing rich white satin and laoe, Mr. and Mrs. Woodroffe (Christchurch), Mr. and Mrs C Pearce, Dr. and Mrs. ColLns, the Misses Jean and Nancy Wilson (Bulls), Miss Beetham, Miss Cooper, Miss 0 Gore Miss F. Brandon, Mrs E. Hadfield. Miss K. Fitzgerald, Miss O Fitzgerald. Misses Hai-court, Misses Skerrett Misses Johnston, Miss Simpson, Miss O. Reid. Misses Fell, Miss Riddiford. Misses V and 0. Raw son, Miss ■R/icha<rdsoTi Misses Seddon, Miss A. Rawson, Miss E. Raw son. * * j - Mrs. J. D. Ritchie gave a most enjoyable tea last Tuesday afternoon, in honour of Miss Lily Pateirson (daughter of the Rev. James Paterson), who, with her mother, shortly leaves on a lengthy visit to Auckland. A pleasant surprise 1 was in store for the guest of the day, for during the afternoon Miss Bairron, on behalf of Miss Patersons maxw personal friends, presented her with a. gold and pearl necklet and pearl pendant, accompanied by a beautifully illuminated address.. Mrs. Ritchie, in a few appropriate words, introduced Mis« Birron. who then read the address which was simply worded, expressi""the high esteem in which Mi«s P»^ m'«on was held bv those who lmpw h°" The ree ; nient feelingly r^spon r Wl \w\-\\ sincere thanks, and the Rev. J. Pater«=O" al^o re f urned thanks on his daughter's behalf. * * * Afternoon tea was handed round to the guests, and the rest of the afternoon Quickly passed with pleasant gossip. Mrs. Ritchie received in a pretty yellow silk and chiffon gown, and black satin skirt. Her cousin (Miss McKerrow), who assisted her, had on a pale blue silk blouse, black silk skirt. Miss Patorson wore a pretty violet, costume, aiicl toque en suite. Mrs. Paterson was w earing a handsome black satin gow n and pretty black bonnet w ith pmk flowers. Mrs. C. Morpeth was

in navy blue , Mrs. J. Dutlue, pale blue hieze, and becoming b)rown hat. Miss M. MacGregor wore iron grey uiocii, with chiffon, vest, and biack hait. Mis. Ban on was in a dark grey tc(jioi-ma<le, and black toque , Miss Ban on, a stylish gown ot green doth, and a black picture hat , Mrs. Lachman, ii smart grey costume, and hat with fui , Miss Adams (Blenheim), berooming pale grey costume , Miss Cameron (.Kaiwarra), navy costume piped with wince, and a black chiffon hat. Miss B Cameron was in old-rose cloth, with black and white ha,t. The Misses Hannah looked well m black , Miss Campbell, m navy blue. Mrs. Mowatt \\Qro black, Miss Mowatt, light grey costume , the Misses Young, Lockie, Paul, Duncan Steele, Wilson, Church, were also present. * * -« Once more "sale time" has arrived, and the bargain lovers are- very much abroad. Messrs. KJrkcaJdie and Stains are offering some very tempting silk blouse remnants at much reduced pi ices and I also noticed a number of splendid skirt lengths m tweed, scree, and cloths. In the summer a ski(rt of lose cloth is often worn with white s.i]Jc blouses, and there wijrc severaJ pieces of cloth this shade amongst the bargains. Laces and insertions are wonderfully cheap. Linen torchons are being sold at half-a-c)row n a dozen. The made-up blouses are worthy of attention being American cut, and of the best French flannel. * » * On Tuesday last the Misses Martin Kennedy entertained a large number of their friends at one of the ,i oiliest teas given this season Their pirefctv Tiomo is an ideal one for entertaining, aad uowers from the large garden were arranged everywhere. The tea-table looked lovely with quantities of jonouils and violets in silver vases, and the sweets provided were of the daintiest description. Several vorv amusing; competitions caused plenty of fun. "Pinniiw the tail on the donkey" was won hv Miss Nathan. Miss Kane was the successful winner of "plays and and Mrs. Ross's guess came nearest to the number cf sweets in a bo+tle. A siring band played brierht n »id nretH r music, and the time simply fl ew so T)]easa<ntlv while these girl hostoses entertained their guests. * * * Mies Kennedy received ixi a very r>ieUv «moke-blue voile gown, with

trimmings of lace. Miss Agnes Kennedy looked very nice in a pink and green mushn, finished with, laoe. Some of the guests were. Mrs. C. Tringham, who wore a very smart green costume, with silk embroidery, ana a very pretty blown hau; Miss MacGregor, in f* white voile gown, and black picture hait; Mifcs Madge MacGregor, wearing a grey tailor-made. Miss Christine 1 Smith looked extremely well in a smart cornflower blue gown, with long basque, and large felt hat, with cornfloweirs. Miss Kane had on a dark coat, and skirt, and hat with blue; Miss M. Seddon, tailor-made gown, hat with g)reen velvet ; Miss Ewen, dark gown, large black hat with white. ♦ # # Miss Butt wore a tweed coat, black voile skirt, and large hat. Miss Seed was admired in an iron-grey costume, aud picture hat, with ostrich tips; Miss Simpson, becoming brown cloth •"own, and large brown hat; Miss A. Macintosh, dark costume, hat with •>lue. Miss M. Blundell wore a very pretty green gown, and black picture hat. The Misses Stafford were in Ke;ht cloih gowns, and pretty felt halts. The Misses Harding were in cloth Eton p"owns ; Miss Joseph, a dark gown, relieved with white, and black hat. Miss G Reid had on a tailor-made gown, and hat with green bows. Miss M. Ptuart wore grey.