SOCIAL GOSSIP

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 165, 29 August 1903, Page 10

SOCIAL GOSSIP

By Christabel.

FOR the last few weeks theie has been but one verdict about the weather in all parts of New Zealand—it lias been atrocious ' But now , as I write, t^e sun is condescending to shine brightly, and we hope that "spring is coming." The dainty fabrics which fill all the show windows ha\e so far not aroused much enthusiasm for who could admire even the sweetest of mushns with the temperature sornewheie near zero. But, with the first gleam of sunshine, all that will change, and the spring fashions will be discussed in earnest. * * * Muslin always holds a place of honour and will be as much worn as ever this season. Our dresses are to be "droopy" about the shoulders, and the sleeves as voluminous as possible. Shaped frills will be seen on muslin, and will be found particularly useful for a setting to smaller frills 01 flounces. One of the prettiest simple frocks I have seen was recently made in Sydney. It was of white washing silk and an original note was struck wth narrow box pleats which were carried down the skirt all round) for a Kh of one and a-half feet and then allowed to flow freely. The bodice was pleated into a plain cape yoke which fell over the shoulders in points. -. deep belt of folded silk was worn with this. # Spots appear to play an important part m the new material, and some of the black and white muslins are very smart. r * * Crash linens will be very popular in every shade from" the pretty, but "warm-looking," red to the coolest of greens. Linen frocks are not usually elaborate, but with a little washing Oriental embroidery they are distinctly

smart. Cf course, we shall have our extravagant notions, and will naturally prefer our linens hand-embroidered to those win eh are manufactured. And here the woman with the clever fingers may score above her fellows. When her linen fiock is completed, she may work a variety of French knots and tiny sprays on cuffs, neck-band, or front, and make her blouse as smart looking as if it had just come direct from gay Paree. It is these little finishes which mark a gown, and place it far above the commonnlace. All these ornamentations come in most usefully where there is a corner to be turned, or where it would be impossible to put a width of insertion without risk of making a clumsy effect. Mount Mellick embroidery modified would be the very thing for linen costumes

Miss Syines (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs. Arthur Duncan, for the golf tournament. Mrs. Buddie (Auckland) is staying with Mrs. W. Kennedy, and Mrs. Perry (Hawke's Bay) is at present the guest of Miss Coates. * * # Mrs. Balcombe-Brow n is making a,n excellent recovery from her serious illness, and it is hoped that in, ai week or two she will be quite convalescent. *■ + * Mr. and Mrs. Victor Waters have returned from their honeymoon tnp to Sydney, and are living at Northland. * * * The hockey tournament commences on Friday of this week, and the matches are being looked forward to with the greatest interest. One of the local schoolgirl olubs meb with quite a small adventure last Saturday. Whilst re-

turning from their battlefield,, at Day's Bay, ni the Duoo, a sln~> was sighted off the Heads, signalling for a tow, so, of course, the gallant captain and his hookey contingent went to the rescue, and did not arrive in town until nearly seven o'clock. * * At first, the girls thought it "great fun," and later they were quite sure of it, when the gallant skipper had afternoon tea prepared for their special behoof. There was a little difficulty about milk and sugar, but the "tow" no sooner heard of this want than the desired goods were sent across the tow rope, done up in a sack. The visiting girls are going to have a good time if only the weather keeps fine. The men's hockey club is to entertain them at a ball, and the local girls are arranging an afternoon-tea for one of the "off" days.

The dancing season is drawing to a close, a little earlier than usual, perhaps, for balls have been more numeious than for many years past, and there are limits to the energies of even the most ardent lover ot dancing. It is dying hard though, for there ha\e been quite a number of jolly little dances just lately, and on Thursday last theie were two, and many weie the regrets that one could not be in two places at once. Mrs. Runcie's was a delightful little dance, the arrangements for the guests' enjoyment being most complete, and the pretty new house at Kelburne is very conveniently arranged for entertaining. The folding doors between the drawing and breakfast rooms v.ere thrown open, and the floors prepared for dancing, and a delicious supper was laid in the din-ing-room. # The table looked very pretty, Tilth quantities of violets in low vases intertwined with pale green gauze The mantlepieces in each room were arranged with lovely spring flowers and fohaee, and the balcony, commanding a splendid view of the harbour, was a happy hunting; ground for those sit-tmg-out. Mrs. Runcie received, in a handbome satin gown, relieved, with jet and lace. Miss Runcie's pretty black crepe-de-chine gown had one large oink rose on the corsage. Miss Horti Runcie looked well in white book muslin, made with many flounces, and a wide crimson bow at the back of the shoulders, with a folded belt the same shade. * * * Miss Macintosh wore a pretty yellow silk dress. Miss Simpson wore a becoming gown of eau-de-nil .silk and chiffon and heliotrope flowers. Miss E. Rawson was in paJe pink Roman satin, and Miss A. Rawson, a white muslin gown of forget-me-nots. Miss C. Smith looked well in black satin and lace , Miss Travers, a pretty black velvet gown , Miss Waldegrave, a soft white silk gown , Miss De Castro in white silk. The Misses Hislop also wore white silk , Miss Allen (Port Chalmers), white muslin, effectively tummed with black velvet, Miss A. Macnherson, m white insertioned silk Miss B. Mills wore a pretty pink silk. Miss G. Mills was in forget-me-not blue and lace * * Messrs. Gibbes, Rawson, Harbottle, Swanson, Leckie, Vaughan, Hjorrmg, Ward, Thompson, Johnson, Haselden, E. Reid, were also some of the guests. * ♦ * The final 'evening" of the Otaki Ping-pong- Club came off last Wednesday week, and was as keenly emjoyed as any previous one. Two matches weie played, and won by the local club, the prizes going to Mr. G. Whiten orn and Mr. Freeman. The hall was then cleared, and dancing and music occupied the rest of the nisht. Many visitors from the surrounding district were present, and supper was provided by the ladies of the club. * * • Among those present I noticed Mis. B. Brown, who looked well in black velvet Mr. Russell, gray, relieved with red, Mrs. Brierht, black; Mrs. Freeman, black Mrs. Kibblewhite, black and pink; "Miss Wilson, white dress. Miss Almao. white dress, and red roses . Miss Milner white ; Miss White-

hoin, yellow satin, Missi Nash, black silk, with Maltese lace collar. Miss Kibblewhite cream and pink delaine , Miss Anderson, green cashmere, with cieam lace, Miss Charley, black skirt and led blouse, and many others. Songs were given by Misses Kibblewlnte Anderson, Choiley, and Mi. Per m and Mr. G. Wlntehom. *■ * * So many pretty w eddmgs are shortly to eventuate that bridal garments are being much discussed. I have just received a description of a charming gow n worn by a Melbourne bride — 'The wedding gow n nas a lovely creation of ivory satin duchesse, the seams laced with silver cord over an underdress of kilted chiffon, which showed in pleats at the foo-t. The train, also of the satin, was attached cascade fashion to the left shoulder and right side of waist, the bebe bodice and the handkerchief sleeves were of lace, and the veil and orange blossom had been worn previously by the bride's sister. The bridesmaids' frocks were of pale blue crepe-de>-chine with lace pelerines and collars, and large picture hats with pale blue ribbon and pink roses, and they had black Empire sticks, with clusters of bridal roses." Dr. and Mrs. Fitchett are at present staying at the Hotel Cecil. They hope to be settled in their house on the Terrace early in September — at present tihe caipenters and paperhangers are in possession. * * ■* His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Ranfurly are giving a small dance for the visiting golfers on Friday night, and have also issued invitations for a reception on Saturday night, September sth. * ■* * The golfers have been favoured by the powers-that-be, for, so far, the

A large numbei ot p-uests were piesent at the Sydney-street Hall, on Tuesday evening la&t, when Miss Boilase's pupils had their annual "break-ing-up" dance. The guests weie accommodated with seats on the stage, w hilst the oupils performed several very pretty and clever dances. First ot all, the girls went through some exercises most gracefully, and then the musical march. A Japanese dance, in costume, was the "hit" of the evening, and had to be partly repeated. The quaint pose and steps were very pretty to watch. A Greek dance by the older girls was very well performed. The picturesque "cordiality" dance and a Highland schottishe, weie also successful items. * * * After the dancing, Lady Stout presented the prizes to the lucky winners, who were as follows — Private class (senior). Miss Vida JNation and Miss Erica Fell , waltzing and good conduct, Miss D. Holmes, Miss Jessie Gra- and Miss Rita Jacobson , holding frock, Miss M. Fell and Miss X Butler. Boys senior, Master Leonard Gray. Juniors (girls) Miss E. Jordan, Miss Janet Stout, Miss Ethe Talbot. Also Misses Mary and Mhel Symons (Mrs. Hudson's prize) Miss Kathleen CHrk (Miss Richmond s kindergarten) Miss Naomi Mantel, Miss Marjorie Kine, Miss D. Otterson, and Miss Linda Koch. Boys Master Allan Gee. G.H.S. Miss M. Nation and Miss Freda Martin, Miss A. Holmes and T. Crowther. Improvement Misses K. King and E. Holmes. Miss Borlase was the recipient of a very handsome gift from her pupils— a gold pendant watoh, suitably inscribed Lady Stout made the presentation on behalf "of the pupils, with a few appropriate and kindly sentences. A dainty supper was arranged in an anteroom the table being decorated with spring flowers. A few dances were ennoyed before the guests departed. Miss Borlase w ore a black satin gown . Lady Stout, a handsome black and white brocade, Mrs. W. Kennedy, black satin and iet, Mrs. Buddie (Auckland), a long theatre coat over a black gown, Mrs. Bucholz, a pretty cense blouse, and Ion? coat Miss M. Richmond, cream «>ilk and lovely lace , Mrs. King, in black satm a,nd net. * *■ * Miss Bendall wore a white satin sown Mrs. Cornford (Napier) pretty white 'silk gown. Mrs Kay wore black. Mrs Gee was also wearing black The Misses Raw son w oie w hite muslin, Miss 0. Rawson, white silk. Miss Fell, black, with blue embroidery , the Misses Turton, m black satin gowns. Miss Otterson. white silk blouse, dark skut , Miss Ecclesneld, black satin. * ~ * Mrs Cecil Cornford (Napier) is visiting her mothei (Mrs. Bendall). if- * * Miss Estelle Beere has issued invitations tor an exhibition of fancy dancing, at the Sydney-street Hall, on Monday. 7th September. Miss Beeres clever pupils dance so beautifully, even to the youngest baby, that it is no wonder their paients, as well as their teacher, feel very nroud of them. Last year a tiny girl of four summers, exquisitely f rocked, danced a Highland flmg most beautifully and four charming children were dehciously quaint in a ' cake walk." .» ♦ ♦ Miss Pearson's ' bal poudre," on Monday night, was a very great success, and all the guests had a thoroughly enjoy able time. There is nothing m the world more becoming than "powder and patches," and the girls looked extremely pretty and quaint. The Sydney-street Hall was tastefully decorated with pictures and miniature flags, and a most recherche supper was arranged in an, ante-room. The tables were decorated with exquisite spring flowers, most of which came from the Hutt. Mr. Fleming's band supplied the music, and extras were played by Miss Holt. * * ■* Miss Pearson woie a very becoming gown of ivoiv brocade, with deep flounces of point d-espnt net and lace. Her hair was beautifully dressed and pow dered. The chaperones w ere Mrs. Bothamlev, Mrs. Lamg, Mrs. R. Collins, Mrs. Bnen, and Mi's. Shirtcliffe. Mrs. Fitchett wore a very handsome gown of black satin, with cut steel nassementerie and roses, and hair pow dered, arranged with a tall aigrette. Mrs. Yon Haast wore an ivory brocade gown, with crimson velvet, straps and roses, and powdeied hair. * ■* * Mrs. Faulke was in pale blue silk Miss Mills w ore pink silk , Miss G. Mills, black satm. Miss Smith looked very well in black satm, with cut steel oombs in her powdered hair. Miss Meadows was in eau-de-ml silk and pink roses; Miss Roskruge, white chiffon and silk, with foreet^me-nots : Miss Roskruge, a pretty red silk gown. Miss Sanderson looked extremely nice in

pmk niched silk, and her hair was beautifully aiianged. Miss Holt woie pale blue silk, the Misses Foster, w lute silk , Miss Wills, blaok satan , Miss P. Wills, pretty v.hite gown, Miss West, pale yellow silk, Miss N. AVest, white msertioned silk. ■jt- ■» * The Misses Webb wore white silk. Miss D. Pye^Smith wore a dainty white gown, Miss L. Lee, also in white. A very pretty white silk Empire gown was worn by Mass Patience Oram, who made her debut. Miss Grant was in black satin, Miss Nathan, white silk. Miss G. Nathan was in black, Mrs. Z. Nathan, a<- quaint pompadour gown. Miss E. Lingard was in ivory silk. Miss Laing and the Misses Collins also wore white silk. Miss Hilda Naithan wore a pretty blue velvet dress, and lovely lace collar. Miss W. Nathan was in white silk , Misses Shntcliffe, white silk dresses, Miss M. Bnen, white dress, pale blue sa&h. * * * The Misses Foster wore white muslin dresses. Miss Allport, white the Misses Putnam, very pretty silk gownis , Miss C. Prouse, white and blue, silk sash, Miss D. Wrx, blue crepe-de-chine. Miss Clarke had on white silk Messrs. J. Laing and P Nathan were the secretaries. Other gentlemen present were Messrs. Myers, Yon Haast, Mirams, McKemzie, Bothamley, Blow , Ward, Pope Weybourne, Wheeler (Sydney), Morpeth, Exley, Johnson, Eversletigh, Lyon, Putnam, Holmes, Milhngton, and Prouse. ■* * A very enjoyable evening was spent at the Foresters' Hall on Tuesday, the 18th instant, the occasion being the second social of the season in connection with the Scottish Thistle Club. The hall was tastefully and appropriately decorated with artistic designs (the work of Mr. Logan) and presented a very picturesque scene. During the evening the following items were contributed to an appreciative audience : — Songs by Misses McMillan and Murray and Mr Gardner and a Highland Fling by Miss Ruby France, who later on in the evening, by special request, repeated the dance with Mr. Frost. Dancing was kept up till 2 a.m., and the Committee are to be heartily congiatulated on their success. M.C.'s were Messrs. Frost and Forles. The catering by Mr. 0. Johnson was all that could be desired. * - * A most enjoyable dance, given by the teachers and pupils of the Pipitea Private School, was held in the Thorndon Hall last Thursday night. The hall was tastefully decorated with the school colours (green and yellow). Miss Baber received in a pretty black silk gown, trimmed with jet and chiffon. Miss Bradwell wore a handsome black crepe de chine, trimmed with lace Miss Newall pmk satin, and Miss Broad coffee-coloured net over white satin. * * * Among the guests were Mis. Macintosh, in black satin, Mrs. M. Jiichmond, in black, Mls. Stocker, black , Miss McTavish wore a pretty white satm, Miss Moya Fitzgerald white silk, Miss Elliot white net trimmed with baby ribbon, Miss Macintosh black, Miss Holmes white, Miss Y. Willis white with red bow, Miss Harcourt yellow satin, Miss Heath white silk, Miss Walteis white silk and red flowers, Miss Tregear a pretty blue and white muslin. The Misses Diddams wore white, Miss King and Miss Simcox looked well in white and pale blue ribbons. Miss Falla white and blue. Miss E. Martin also wore white ; Miss T. Nathan, pmk frock. * *■ ♦ Some of the otheis were : — Misses Brown, Stocker, Lingard, Rhind, Tweed, Gaw, Gannaway, Biandon, Cooke, Messrs. Bridge, Didsbury, Harcouit, Mirams, Jacobs, Tripe, Lee, Wolteis, Smythe, Beere, Barton, Butts, Laing, Watson, Fell, Cardale, Rhind, Holmes, Hale, Martin, Stock, Mitchell. Extras were played by Misses Broad, Diddams, and Falla. A very pietty and mteiesting wedding was celebrated at St. John's Church on Wednesday, August 19th, when Miss Evangelme Gaulter, youngest daughter of Mrs. Gaulter, Wellington, and formerly of Dunedin, was married to Mr. Alexander Scobie Mackenzie, son of the late Mr. Scobie Mackenzie, of Dunedin. The ceremony was tht first performed in Wellington by the Rev. Dr. Gibb, who, strange to say, succeeded the bride's father as minister of the First Church, Dunedin. * * * The bride was given away bv her uncle Mr. B. H. Burns, of Christchurch, and was attended by Miss Mary Mackenzie (sister of the bridegroom), Miss K. McLean (daughter of the Hon. G. McLean) and the Misses Burns (cousins of the bride). Mr Vivian Rickliford acted as 1 best man. The bridal gown was of rich ivory duehesse

satin, with tianspaient yoke and sleeves of embroidered, chifton. The court train of satin was trimmed with lovely Brusselis point, which belonged to the bride's grandmother. A wreath of oiange blossoms and a tulle veil w ere fastened \\ ith a pearl and diamond spray, the gift of the bridegroom, as was also her lovely bouquet of white loses and water lilies. The bridesmaids' dresses were of white voile, daintily trimmed with ohiffon and lace applique. Their large pale-blue picture hats were trimmed with blue chiffon, and strings which were fastened with a chou. They earned exquisite shower bouquets of violets and anemones. The bridegroom's gifts to them were pearl crescent brooches with a turquoise star in the centre. Mr. Maughan Barnett officiated at the organ playing Mendelssohn's "Bridal March" as the w edding party left the church. After the ceremony a large reception was held at Mrs Gua.lter's residence, the 1 Terrace. * * * The bride's .nother woie a very hand&ome gown of black silk, richly trimmed with Honiton point and black \elvet, and a pretty black and white bonnet. Mrs. Burns (Chi istchurch) w ore a handsome white voile trimmed with black velvet and lace, and a blue toque, with ostrich taps , Mrs. J. Reid Eldersley, exquisite combination of blue and pink, and ai black hat. Mrs. Elmslie (sister of the bnde) wore a dainty blue costume, and picturesque red hat. Mrs. Wilford, who had just arrived from England, looked charming in her travelling dress . Mrs. Karold Johnston, red frieze, and large white hat. Mrs. Hassell looked w ell in blue and toque to match , Mi-s. Maughan Barnett, m navy blue voile, richly trimmed with cream silk , Mrs. Watson, cream silk sown, and Maltese lace , Mrs Willis, black gown and handsome lace cape Mrs. M. Myers, grey and blue voile, large picture hat , Mis. C. Pearce, navy blue gown, sealskin coat ; Miss Holmes blue gown and hat : Miss McLean, a grey voile gown, and pink hat 1 Mrs. Fraser, white voile dress, and red hat , Miss Willis, pretty blue sown, and large picture hat. Miss Watson, white silk dress, large w r hite picture hat. Amongst the gentlemen wei c Messrs H. D Bell. Myers, E. Bell, W. Elmshe, Watson, Gualter, Pearce, Fraser, Ha.ssell. The honeymoon, is being spent at the Southern lakes, and Mr. and lire. Mackenzie left amidst showers of rice and rose petals. The bride looked very sweet m her "going away" gown of white tucked voile, with encrustations of lace and embroidery. Many handsome and costly gifts w ere leceived. * * * Mr and Mrs Sidney Hall gave a most on^able euchre party at their residence Boulcott-street last Friday evening. The hostess received in a piett^ gown of black crepe-de-chine, and Miss Lilian West, who assisted in entertaining,, wore pale yellow silk. The prize winners were Mrs E. Donne, (a card-case and puree combined), and Mr. Grady, a silver match-box. Mrs. Leighton was in blue satin and lace ; Mrs Cleland, in black silk and Brusselis net. Mrs. Lachman wore a handsome gown, with steel passementerie Mis. Kmvig, black velvet. Mis. Bruce wore a handsome black silk dress and jet , Misses Barber, very piettv evening gowns. Miss N. Baron, black satin stfirt, blue silk blouse , Mis. Ernest Donne, creani silk blouse, black skirt , Miss Wiggins, pretty nink silk gown, the M sses Hannah, white gowns. Other guests were, Mesdames Schlows, Meadowcroft, Giundy, Grady, L\on, T. Gradv, Matthews, Misses. Vv v est Grundy, Dr. Herbert, Messrs. Donne, Campbell, Meadowcroft, Fostei Gillespie, Wiggins, Cleland, Kinvlo Matthews, Pratt, Lvon, and Leighton. The marriage of Miss N. Parsons and Mi . Roe (Feilding) was quietly ceJebrated at St. Paul's Church on Wednesday, August 19th, and a noticeable featuie of it was the singing contributed b-s the members of the bride's family. The vocalist® numbered no less than nine all of the talented Parsons family At the wedding breakfast, the Rev. T. H Sprott in proposing the health of the newly-married couple, referred to this fact, and said that in all his experience he had never known the like, and lie doubted whether, in all New Zealand the same thing could be said — that all the sinsi ig was furnished by the one family. Mr. Parker kindly gave his services at the fine organ, of the church. * * * A ball is beino- given for the visiting hockey eirls on Thursday next, bv some of the Wellington bachelors, who have thoughtfully relieved the local girls of that responsibility. On Wednesday

afternoon the visitors will be entertained at afternoon tea at therßellevue Gardens, an outing which should be much enjoyed. L At the D.I.C. ball, on , Wednesday last week, some very iovely frocks were worn. Especially noticeable (were: Miss Wilson (Roman lady), who looked very mice in a dress of pale^pink and satin, with gold girdle and gold trimmings. Mrs. Simeon, as "The Belle of Mew York." wore a lovely dress of yellow and white satm, with a handsome bonnet of chiffon and yellow roses, and exquisite ostrich plumes, and looked the character to perfection. Mrs. McDonald looked very striking as the Duchess of Devonshire, in a very handsome "own of old rose satm, lovely Gainsborough hat, with plumes, and powdered hair and patches.

At a typewriting carnival, that took place at Dunedin recently, the committee appointed to investigate the claims of the Bar-Lock Typewriter and the Hammond Typewriter, unanimously arrived at the conclusion that the BarLock is superior to the Hammond. An exhibition followed, in which the BarLock operator was called upon to write for twelve minutes against three other operators writing in four-minute spells. The aggregate put up by the three on Smith-Premier machines was 74 lines, or 1184 words, against the Bar-Lock operator's 97 lines, or 15G0 words. * * * In the next event, the Bar-Lock operator was required to address 50 envelopes against 25 each by two other operators. Smith-Premier operators were first bv one and a-half envelopes, but one of the operators finished three envelopes in advance of her colleague, which made the number practically five. In the third erent the Bar-Look operator was handicapped to do two page® of strange matter against one pa.ge each by any other two operators. This he succeeded in doing, the result being a dead heat, eight operators contesting.