SOCIAL GOSSIP

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 164, 22 August 1903, Page 10

SOCIAL GOSSIP

By Christabel.

ONE of the most enjoyable of this season's teas was that given by Mrs T. Ward last Friday, m honour" of Miss Alsie Gibbes, elder daughter of Sir Osborne and Lady Gibbes whose marriage with Mr. Aubrey Barclay comes off jW*^s' The guests, who were «arly aU PjJ, each brought with them a gift in the nhane of a kitchen utensil, for the bride e!e<*. These were arranged on the librS-y table, and later came m for much Tnendly criticism, and not a little admiration. The weather was atrocious, but we, in Wellington, have learnt to laugh at rain and wind so, in due course, everyone irived, and, as there was so much to entertain one. the, merry party stayed on and on, hurrying away at last only iust in time for dinner. A hattrimming competition caused endless fun and disclosed much unsuspected talent' No materials were allowed except brown wrapping paper (for the shapes) and coloured tissue paper (for the trimming), yet the most charming models were manufactured by skilful fingers, and the -judges had a hard task to decide which was best. Eventually, the prize was awarded to Miss Waldegrave, for her very coquettish "poke bonnet. * ♦ • Another competition, interesting and original, was "a trip round the world." Twenty objects, such as lace, native fans, a cloissonne vase, and various curios, were numbered and one wrote the country from which they came opposite the corresponding number on a paper provided. Miss Christine Smith won this, and received a pretty picture in an octagonal frame. Tea was charmina: laid in the dininsroom. The table-decorations consisted of exfuisite flowers, on. a centre of rose silk, and true lovers' knots

of pale green crepe-de-chme and violets adorned the corners. The cakes and sandwiches were delicious and so also were the home-made sweets, placed in tiny baskets in every nook and corner of this very attractive house. Spring flowers were in great profusion, making the rooms still more bright and pretty * * * Mis Ward received in the drawingroom/ Her gown of black crepe^ chine opened over the daintiest of lace vests on which there was a suggestion of pale green chiffon. Miss Ward wore a cream silk gown, and a chou or rose silk. Miss Csborne Gibbes looked very dainty in a white silk insertioned dress and blue chou. Miss H. Osborne-Gibbes also wore white silk. Mrs Murison was in brown, Mrs. Bucholz, a dark tador-made, with Oriental 'bands and lace motifs, and pretty red hat. Mrs. E. Coleridge wore a pretty russet-brown costume, and lace collar. Miss M. MacGregor wore a grey coat, straw toque, and dark skirt ' The Misses Macintosh wore black costumes . Miss C. Smith, grey coat and skirt, and pretty tam-o-shanter hat. » * * The Misses Eliott wore soft silk blouses, and dark skirts , Miss M. Blundell, in navy-blue, with a lace collar, Miss Butt, a dark costume, black hat Miss L. Ewen, black Eton gown, and picture hat Miss O. Kember. bright red silk blouse, voile skirt, and pretty hat. Miss Waldegrave was in grey, with Oriental embroidery , Miss M Waldegrave a pretty green costume, and felt hat. Miss Sylvia Wilson wore a pretty blue frieze gown, and felt hat. The Misses Hickson had on dark costumes ; Miss Wheeler, black tailormade costume, Miss Kane, in a white silk blouse, and pretty skirt; Miss Runcie, a smart brown pleated costume, and brown hat. Miss G. Riley wore a pretty gown, and black picture hat. « * * Mrs Runcie is entertaining a number of young people at a small dance on Thursday evening, at her new residence, Kelburne. *■ # * Mr Gaw, chief traffic manager of the Government railways, has so far recovered from his severe illness that he was able to undertake the iournev to Rotorua. Mrs. and Miss Gaw have accompanied him, and intend to remain there for several weeks. -* # * A dance, which is being looked foiward to with great pleasure and

interest, is the Wellington Football Club's first annual ball, which is to eventuate early in September. An excellent committee has been formed to make the necessary arrangements. The Sydney-street Hall has been engaged, and Mr. Fleming will supply the music. * * * The Wellington College Old Boys' Football Club is giving a ball for the visiting team of Wanganui Old Boys, on August 28th. As the Sydney-street Hall v, as not available , it is to be held at St. Peter's. Every year this ball is very much enjoyed, for these "Old Boys" know as well as anyone how a ball should be managed. Mr. S. Brown is the secretary. \ * * The pupils of Miss Baber and Miss Richmond's private school have issued invitations for a dance to be held in the Sydney-street Schoolroom, on Thursday, 20th. * ¥■ * Miss May Blundell entertained a number of her friends at a pleasant afternoon tea, on Wednesday of last week. The guests were chiefly grrls, but later one or two men arrived, one of whom delighted everyone with his clever singing. Advertisements and plays were the object of much attention, and another novel pastime was guessing the weight of a vase. Miss C Smith won the first prize, a handsome silver frame, and Miss Ewen the weight guessing. Miss Howard sang several pretty songs during the afternoon, and delicious tea was discussed in the dining-room. Amongst the many sweets on the table were some quaint and pretty bonbons, and tall vases of daffodils formed the decorations. * * * Mis. Blundell wore a black voile gown, and Miss May Blundell a white voile skirt, and white blouse with the tiniest of black spots. Mrs. Trineham was wearing a pretty green costume, and white felt hat with lovely roses. Mrs. P. Blundell wore brown, and a felt hat. Miss Howard' 9 costume was of black voile- Miss Simpson, in light brown, and a large hat; Miss Reid, a navy blue tailor-made gown, with a pretty scarf, and black picture hat. Miss Seed wore a blue cloth gown. Miss Christine Smith had on a black picture hat, and powder-blue cloth gown. Miss R. Butt wore a black costume , Miss Elsme Ward, a dove-grey gown. * * ♦ Miss M. MacGregor wore a pretty iron-grey frieze dress, and black picture hat , Miss Stuart, black costume, with

a touch of Parisian .blue silk ; Miss I. Nelson, grey costume, minever funs*; Miss B. Miles, silk blouse, dark skirt; Miss Waldegrave, pretty grey costume. Miss G. Riley was in brown. Miss Finoh also wore brown, and her sister a green cloth gown ; Miss A. Macintosh, pink hat, and black coat and .skirt. Miss M. Macintosh wore blue, and a blue felt hat. Miss S. Wilson was in pastel blue cloth and a pretty hat; Miss Martin Kennedy, black tailormade, red hat. Miss K. Blundell wore a black gown , Miss K. Nelson, a dark-brown dress. ♦ * • My Otaki correspondent sends* ? full account of the very successful concert, organised by Miss Kibblewhite, in aid of the Public Library and Reading-room funds. The Town Hall was simply packed from end to end, there being a record attendance. The stage had been very tastefully arranged to represent a drawing-room, flowers and greenery being much used. The Otaki Brass Band very kindly played several selections outside the hall before the concert. • • • Almost every item on the excellent programme was encored, so appreciative was the audience. The Otaki Orchestral Society, conducted by Mr. Woodmass, made a decided success of the overture, and later it played a second selection, which was promptly repeated in response to a well-deserved encore. This Society has only been in existence for a few weeks, and its members are to be congratulated upon their first appearance in public. * * Glees were well rendered by Mrs. Kibblewhite, the Misses Marsh, Whitehora, MoCleland Lee, Rey. Mr. McWilliam®, and Messrs. Whitehorn and Winchester. Mr. Moßain was very successful in his song, "The Last Man." Miss Pioot, a talented Wellington reciter, scored a big "hit" with "How Sawer Whitewashed His Fence." Another Wellington lady, Miss Marsh, also scored an emphatic encore with her song, "Oh, Listen to the Band," in costume. Mr. Medhurst, of Petone, was heard to great advantage in his two items, "The Clang of the Forge" and "Asleep in the Deep," having to pay the penalty of an encore for each song. The musical tableau "I Was Dreamins;," was much appreciated, the solo being taken by Miss Kibblewhite, who, in response to a decided encore, sang Tosti's "Good-bye " with great expression. "A May Morning" was a pleas-

ing number by Mi. Rogers, of Palmerston Noith and a trio, "Ye Shepherds Tell Me," by Messrs. Whitehorn and Winchester, was much enjoyed. Mr. Byron Brown's rendering of "Ben Bolt" met with rounds of applause, and he responded with "Sally in Our Alley." A duet by Misses- Kibblewhite and Anderson was one of the finest efforts of the evening, and was heartily aiDplaudetl. * * * Miss McCleland's solo, "Swanee River," with an invisible chorus, met w ith a demand for more, and a graceful skirt-dance, by Miss Bunting, had also to be repeated Miss Bunting very kindly consented to fill a vacancy om the programme, owing to Miss Maash '(Wellington) having met with a slight accident, and being una,ble to dance. "Loved Lenore" was sweetly sung by Miss Anderson, of Sanson, whose voice is very sweet. The tuneful '"Goodnight, Beloved," by the company, brought the lengthy and excellent programme to a close. * ¥■ * The various accompaniments were tastefully played by Miss Kibblewhite and Mr. Whitehom. Mr. Byron Blown spoke a few appropriate woads at the conclusion of the concert, thanking the audience for their liberal patronage, and the visitors for the very great assistance, which was much appreciated. A hearty vote of thanks was passed for Miss Kibblewhite, through w hose energies the concert, had been so successfully managed. It is expected that fully £20 will be handed over to the fund. m. -c- ■*■ Amongst the audience were Mrs. Kibblewhito, in a pretty gown of black silk and jet. Miss Kibblewhite, pretty white silk, and lovely red cloak. Miss Anderson was in pale green nun's veiling, a«d white lace , Mrs Coventry, black lace Miss H. Whitehorn, jellow dress, with frills. Miss Picot, Mrs. Byron Brown, Miss Almao, Mrs. Cruickshank, and Mrs. Tringham (Wellington). Have you heaid, I wonder, of the new skirt which is creating quite a mild sensation at Home, according to the latest accounts p It is called the "Sunray" pleated skirt, and, being one of the graceful, trailing kind, is of course, for the most "dressy" occasions. A girl friend thus describes one that she saw whale at Home —'It was a race gown of the sweetest heliotrope imaginable. CYepe-de-chme was the material, and the sunray pleats tell from the waist to the hem in such graceful folds. At the w aist they w ere scarcely the quarter of an inch in width, widening out to almost three inches at the hem. The effect must be seen to be appreciated, for these skirts are just 'dreams.' As you will have guessed, they aie distinctly Parisian, and woe betide the amateur dressmaker who attempts to make one." * * * Tortoise brooches aie amongst the novelties of the moment. Two tortoises carried out m emeialds and chamonds are suspended by gold chains from a brooch 111 the shape of a diamond bar. * * * The latest American erase is a "farm dinner," given by a notoriety hunter. The large ball-room was made into an egg-shaped wooden shell, while the guests sat lound rustic tables, on pine-board seats. The dinner table was served bv waiters dressed in jumpers and overalls, with long leather boots on, and wearing large-brimmed stiaw hats. Sirav. was scattered over the floor, and as the diners ate, little pigs ran sctueaking among them, hens and cocks flew about, the lambs and dogs lay around the former eating grass, and the latter gnawing bones. Farm scenes were painted on the sides of the room, and dry hams and apples and corn were hung about The dinner was, m the language' of a leadang newspaper, ''a tremendous success." It is a pity such people have not to woik for their living. * * * Gold shoes for evening wear are nr.ictical as they look well with any gown But they are not for the women with big feet. # According to an exchange, about a ■dozen daughters of millionaires sang in the chorus of a comic opera, called "The Flying Dutchman," in Philadelphia, recently Admittance was only bv invitation and each of the millionaires' daughters had a solo of two hues. (Continued onjmge 13.)

Mr and Mis. T. M Wilford arrived h\ the Wainmoo last Wednesday, having thoioughlv enjoyed their holiday. Mr Wilford's health is gieatly improved , in fact he ha* come back looking the picture of health. Mr., Mrs , and Miss Prouse aie at piese.it m London, where they williemain for a short time e'er utJimng to New Zealand * * * Ihe last night of Miss Borlase's very pleasant assemblies came off on Tuesday and, like all the previous ones, was gieatly enjoyed A few more quests weie invited and dancmg was prolonged for an hour or t\\ o Mr Fleming supplied the music as usual, and extras were played by Miss Smith and Miss Baker. These little dances have been so lolly that, we shall look forward to t.hem with pleasure next season. * * * Miss Borlase wore black silk Mrs. E. Raw son. Mrs. Bridge, and Mrs Rhind were the chaperones Miss M. MacGregor was m b'.ack, with white face, Miss Waldegrave pretty white gown her sister also in white, Miss Alison (Auckland), We pink silk , Miss C Smith, white msertioned silk, and blue sash Miss Willis, white, with red rosos Miss E. Rawson, white silk, and blue chou . Miss A. Rawson, in cream. * • * Miss Simpson wore an extremely graceful gown of mousselme-de-soie effectively trimmed Avith black ribbon Mi«s Bendall. dainty white muslin, with red chou and ends. Miss E. WaTd wore a soft white silk gown. The Misses Macintosh wore cream silk gowns, ihe Misses Finch, Ehott. Ewen Prouse, Nelson Blundell, Miles, Marcha-nt, Hoo-o-ard, MiDs Riley Macohexson, Allen, Captain Hughes D.S.O Dr. Putnam, and Messrs. Nelson, Bridge, George Jacobs, Moffat (Nelson), WebbBowen. Mcßeth Rawson, Gibbes, Fus«ell Maunsell. Salonger and Rhmd were also some of those present. •* * ' As a little recreation after the arduous duties, many of the Cabinet Ministers and members of the House of Representatives spent Monday evening at Fun on the Bristol," and there l-s no doubt that they enjoyed themselves ;f smiling faces count for anything, financial debates and troublesome bills were entirely forgotten whilst "Widow OBrien" went through her varied experiences. Sit Joseph and Lady Ward were amongst the laige audience Some pretty dances were introduced a "cake walk" being especially good, and several of the dresses worn were much admired. A red satm, studded with newels, and embroidered was veiy becoming, so also was a dainty white muslin, prettily made with a fichu which was worn by Miss Barlow . Miss Alison, who shoitly returns to Auckland, is at present the guest of Miyb Nora Curtis who on Wednesday last, gave a very pleasant te.a for her visitor Some interesting competitions w ere arranged the prize-winners receiving pietty silver trinkets. Tea was haTided round in the breakfast-room, the table bem^ decorated with lovely daffodils and frisias. Miss Curtis wore a gown of rose mnlor velvet, with transparent yoke, finished with lace motifs. Miss Alison's gown was of white chiffom, beautifully embroidered with coloured silk, and finished with lace Mis Hill wore a. pietty smoke-blue silk poplin, and a hat diaped with white chiffon. Mrs. Hanlon was in grey, with a pale pink hat Mrs. H. Oswin woie cream cloth, and a, black picture hat. Mrs Gill woie navy blue, with a lace collar and dark hat. Miss M. Seddon wore a gieen &traw hat with birds, and a tweed costume, Muss G. Mills! biscuit voile gown, long coat, and blue felt hat , Miss Wills, in a dark cloth gown,. Miss Y. Wills wore blue, Mit,s Staple" a trrcv blue costume and smart black and white hat Miss Pratt, in cream cloth, and a black hat, Mrs. Ma-tthews, m a pretty tailor-made. Mrs. Leio-hton also wore a tailor-made gown, and black hat Miss D Wiggins was in brown, with a pretty lightTed hat. During the afternoon songs were nicely sung by Mrs. Gill and the Misses Wills and Staple * * + The Dean of Waiapu, Mrs Miss, and Mr. R. Hovell. intend leaving England for New Zealand on August 13. They will return to Napier about the middle of October. * * * Stock collars are very much the TOffue at present, and, judging from the large numbers being opened up with the new spring goods, they w ill be still more popular in the spring and summer. The lace capes have not seen their last day. for they will be a feature of this season's muslin and linen frocks Delaine is going to be worn

a great deal, and Messis. KirkcaJdie and Stains are opening up some charming blouses in this matenal *■ •* * One, of the pale biscuit delaine, had a design of violets m their natural colour, and was trimmed with ecru lace A pretty blouse was if pink muslin, with insertions of valenciennes, and another of rucked sky-blue crepe-de-chine and love!'" insertion was very fascinating. * * * The 'sailor" of the year is the 'Breton straw, v wide bum turning up and low crown. The brim is edged with a border of different colour, and a scarf is loosely twisted lound the crown, and knotted at the left side. These ''sailors" are fashioned m all colours, some of the Drettiest being m burntstraw, with a border of navy blue. * * •» On Tuesday. 11th August, at Invercargill, Mr. William Handyside was mairied to Miss Rowley, eldest daughter of the late John C. Rowley. Mr and Mrs. Handyside are at present m the North Island, where they propose spending their honeymoon. Mrs. Marchant entertained a number of guests at a very enjoyable little dance last Friday. Mrs. E. Riddiford gave a small dance at her residence last Tuesday, several guests going out from town. Madame Hansom, who won quite a name for her pretty evening gowns and smart walking costumes, has returned to Wellington having accepted the direction of the dressmaking department at Te Aro House Madam's patrons will be glad that she has armed just in time *-~ design their new spun" 1 gowns. In a lecent competition, open to every house in Australasia, a costume made by Madame Hansom gained a place of distinction, and was most highly commended by the judges.

The great expansion in the asbestos tiade initiated in Wellington by that enterprising business man, Mr C A. Graham, led him to form the United Asbestos Australasian Agency, Limited of w Inch he is now general manager. It 19 less than eight years ago tihat Mr. Graham came to the colony to push the sale of asbestos, and already the company has branches in Auckland, Chnstchurch, and Dunedin. The manifold uses to which the pioduct may be put is evidenced by the necessity for the floating of the company, which is always extending its successful operations. Mr. James Speed, the well-known tobacconist and yacht in"- enthusiast has a unique show in his window at present He has fitted it with a speciallymade zinc w ater-tank in w hich float graceful models of Sir Thomas Lipton's ■'Shamrock III," the American flier "Reliance." and the "America" of 1853. Miniature gun-boats, and other shipping, give the display an air of reality, and the whole is tastefully backed by the interlaced colours of the Empire and the Stars and Stripes of the States. This novelty has attracted much attention and orovoked some argument as to the sailing qualities of the two entrants for the "Cup."