Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 169, 26 September 1903, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel

THE Government House party to proceed to London bv the lonic, leaving Wellington November 12th, will consist of tiie Countess of Ranfurly Ladies Constance and Eileen Knox, Miss Costello, and the Hon. Charles Hill-Tlevor. Rumour hath it that, e'eir the Royal Arthur finishes her commission with the Australian Squadron, the marriage of two Melbourne girls v, ill take place — probably at Cup time. Australian girls seem to have a special charm for naval men. * * * Progressive euchre parties are being revived, now that dances are on the wane. On Wednesday last week, a very jolly party was given by Mrs. Kembei", at her residence, the Terrace, the prizes being won by Misses Miles and Macintosh and Messrs. Powr.all (a quaint coon pictuie) and A. Venue 1 (silver stud box). Mrs. Kember wore a handsome black gown Miss Kember, soft white muslin , Miss Pow mall, a handsome gown of black satin, covered with lovely sequin net. Others present were Mrs. Bristowe, Miss Cotter (Auckland 1 ). Misses Seed, Macintosh, Ledger, Ward Kane, Butt, Ewen. M. Blundell, Finch, A Hoggard, B Miles, Didsbury, Capt. Hughes. D.S.O, and Messrs Pownall, Ward, C. P. Skerrett, R. Robertson Didsbur" Holmes, Burnett, Venn ell. * * * Here is a new employment for women — and American idea, of course — dinner tasting. In a motor car, she is whirled from house to house, just bofore dinner, and, tasting her patron's food, advises iust the soup of flavoui that is needed to make the dash perfect. • * * Dr. Platts-Mills entertained several ladies at a very pleasant little luncheon on Monday. The table was delightfully arranged with anemones, in low silvei

boy. Is and daffodils in taller \ ases Di. Mills leceued m a pretty rose-pmk silk btause, lelieved with point d'cspnt neb and lace, and a black orepe^de-olune skirt Her sister (Miss I\ y Platts) w as wearing a veiy becoming blouse and dark skirt. Mis. Fitchet, Mis. F Dyer, Mre MacEwen, Mrs Holmwood, Miss Sken tt, and M.ss Tumei weie some of the guests Ihe day was beaut fully hue, and the Kelbume new was mucli admned * # * By the way, this subuib grows moie popular each week, and now, no soonei aie the piles in for a building than the house is booked. Each year will make it more attractue, for the gardens aie leally beginning to develop and many can boast a few spring blossoms. * +■ ■* Quite recently there was a mpsqueiade ball m an up-country tow 11. A pretty girl declares that she danced with a bottle of "fizz," somebody's "soap," a heathen Chinee, and finished up with a bottle of ' Kola nip." A propos of balLs, it is said that theie is eveiy likelihood of the stately mmuet being introduced once more into the everyday programme. Of course, only those who had previously practised w ould be able to dance, but all dances take some teaching, and what could be more delightful or restful than a brief interval of this pretty measure 9 Tis said that the men's dress would have to undergo ladies! changes, but possibly that will come also, for King Edwaid, according to English panel's, is most anxious to lenistate in general soviet - the picturesque satin knee-breeches and velvet coats which a,ie now de rigueur at any evening function he attends He has alw ays disliked the present style of men's evenins dress. There is/ no doubt about it, the Victorian bonnet has arrived to stay this time, and the question of the day is Shall we like it 3 Already it has been a feature at several weddings, and the opui ons expressed afterwards have generally been decidedly m favour of the "poke." A popular mode of trimming it m Australia is with the Alsaitian bow, the latest in millinery. Tt is a very long bow, wth a slim waisit, and very wide loops, and is effective. One probable development upon the revived Victoiian, millinery will be the simple coiffure, for the quamtness of a "poke" does not lend itself to elaborate hairchessme. An exchange says — '"The bouffant pompadour rolls are doomed. There have been incipient signs of a return to simplicity in hairdressina; for seme time. Portraits of smart. Americans or Parisians show the hair taken plainly back at the sides.

and puffed, not too high, on, the top in front, while some wear the knot of hair ou the crow n, taken up quite smoothly and plainly from the neck. This mode is becoming to a w ell-shaped wellpoised head." * * * The Americans, v. ho are in the van of fashion, have decided that spring jackets are of medium length, with full blouse effect in front and are made w ithout collars — a much cooler effect for summer ,and one that shows to advantage the smart collar and tie of the blouse beneath. * * * Sydney society girls are becoming unea.sy. It is about their ehgibles who are all being snapped up by the fair charmers of the stage. One of their very nicest men was captured early this year, and now another popular and wealthy bachelor (Mr. L. Want) has woced and won Misa Grahame Newton, one of the prettiest and most fascinating of the Musical Comedy girls round heie last year. The wide, flowing, o>->en sleeves have brought bracelets into fashionable prominence once more. They hide all defects in that part of a woman's arm and w rist w hich is seldom as prett^ and well-formed as it ought to be. A neatly-turned w-rist is very beautiful, but how seldom, alas, do we see one. Miss Maiy Van Buren the popular American actress, now in Sydney, has the reputation of possessing wrists and ?nns of rare beauty. This charming a^tiess 'S an ardent disciple of the ' bob-tailed" skirt, and is often seen in a smartly-made, pleated costume, the skirt bcinflr cut to disclose well-fitting: booS Her waist is tightly belted with a leather band for be it known, l^rorp waists are going out with trailing skirts * * ♦ A pr°ttv little w edding toiok place at St. Mary of the Angels Bouloottstreet on Wednesday, the 26th August, when Miss Minnie O'Neill, eldest daughter of Mr. James O'Neill, Wellington, was married to Mr. Edward Johns, of Northland, Karon. Father Kimbell wap the officiating clergyman, and the bride was eriven away by her brother, Mr. J. O'Neill. She looked charming in a gown of silver prey clotb, trimmed with white silk and th& orthodox veil and oransre blossoms. She also carried a splendid shower bouquet The bridesmaids jre • Miss Maude O'Neill (sister), and Misses Mabel and Katie Wallace (cousms of the bride), each being dressed in cream silk. Mr. A. Johns acted as best man. A reception was afterwards held at the re-

sidence of the bride's parents. Thebridegroom's gifts to the bridesmaidswere pretty gold brooches. * * * The marriage of Miss Olara Cohen, younger daughter of the late Mr. S. Cohen, Wellington, and a member of the family who have distinguished, themselves in musical circles, with Mr. Roy Saumiders, Perth, Western Australia, was quietly celebrated on Wednesday, September 16th. Tha ceremony was performed at the Empire Hotel, by the Rev. H. Van Staveren, the large draw-ing-room having been beautifully decorated for tho occasion. Handsome palms were artistically arranged, and quantities of cia<ffodils and narcissi adorned the mantlepieces and tables. * * * The bride who wore a rich and lovely gown of white duchesse, entirely covered with chiffon, and draped with exquisite lace, entered the room on the arm of her eldest brother, Mr. Maurice Cohen, of Palmerston North, by whom she was given away. Under a beautiful veil of Brussels lace she wore a coronet of orange flowers, and carried a shower bouquet. Her figt from a brother (Mr. Louis Cohen), consisting of a very handsome diamond star, was also worn by the bride. * * * The two little bridesmaids, Misses Doras Herman and Ray Mandel, were very picturesquely attired in frocks of ivory moussehne-de-soie, over satin slips, with tiny wreaths of white roses in their hair, and carried bouquets. They also wore gold necklets, with turquoise and pearl pendants, which with the bouquets, were the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr. B. Bower was best man, and Mr. David Nathan groomsman. * *■ * At the conclusion of the ceremony, the wedding party and intimate friends were entertained b" Mrs. Cohen, the health of the bride and bridegroom being enthusiastically toasted. Mrs. Cohen, the bride's mother, wore a handsome gown of black brocade, relieved with some beautiful old black lace, and carried a bouquet of purple and white anemones. Miss Cohen wore a gown of black orepe-de-chine and lace, and a black Victorian hat trimmed with chifion and ostrich tips. Mrs. Maurice Cohen was beautifully gowned in champagne net, over a silk slip, with insertions of black lace, and a pretty black picture hat. * - * Later in the day, Mr. and Mrs. Saunders left on their honeymoon. The bride's going-away gown was a very becoming toilette of blue crepe-de-chine

trimmed with black lace, and her Victorian hat was of black chip straw , trimmed with chiffon. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders left for thenfuture home in Perth, by the Moeraki last Saturday, carrying with them the good wishes of many friends. Amongst the many gifts received were several beautiful rings, the gift of the bridegroom. Miss Cohen's wedding gown, which was greatly admired, was made at Messrs. KirkcaJdie and Stains' establishment. * * * Mrs. and Miss Hacon have letuined fiom a lorn* vist to Auckland, wheie they have been the guests of Sn Logan and Lady Campbell. * * • Miss Ledger (Nelson) is visiting friends m Wellington. * ♦ * Mrs Bull (Napier) has been visiting Wellington for a week or two. * * * Lady Constance Knox visited Ramgitikei. and was present at the Marton races last week. * * I have quite a budget of weddings this week. One ot the prettiest celevbrated in Wellington for ages was tihat of Miss Alice Osborne-Gibbes, elder daughter of Sir Edward OsborneGibbes, Bart., and Mr. Aubrey Barclay, youngest son of Capta'n de Berte Barclay, of the Hutt. St. Paul's Cathedral was filled with guests and friends, whilst the ceremony was being performed by the Rev. T. H. Sprott, The young bride, who entered the church on her father's arm, looked very winsome and sweet in a lovely gown of white brocade, elaborately trimmed with tucked chiffon and beautiful lace flounces, caught with sprays of orange blossom. The skirt was niched, and finished with a long train, which was also softened with simeas lace. A wreath of orange blossoms was worn under 1 the beoomingly-arraingeii veil, and beautiful flowers composed the shower bouquet. The only jewels worn were garnets, a necklace of those pretty gems having been presented by the bridegroom . The bridesmaids were her sister (Miss H. Osborne-Gibbes), and a cousin (Miss Ehott), who wore pretty gowns of ivory canvas voile and lace, and black picture hats and they carried pretty bouquets of yellow daffodils and narcissi, wluch, with tiny blue enamelled gold w atches w ere the gift of the bndegioom. The best man was Mr. Fred Baiclav, and the groomsman Mr. Phil Osborne-Gibbes. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a large reception was held by the bride's parents, at their res dence, Bidwellstreet The house was beautifully arranged, and decorated with quantities of flowers. Between the dining .md drawing-rooms the folding doors w ere opened, and a large' wedding bell of white blossoms suspended, under which the bride and bridegroom stood to receive the congratulations of their many friends. In the dining-room, the decorations were also on a very elaborate scale, the table decorations being specially skilful. Wide bands of satin ribbon were festooned from the chandelier m the centre of the table to the corners. A basket of beautiful trailing clematis was suspended in the centre, just over the handsome weddingcake. * * # Lady Osborne-Gibbes received in a gown of black brocade, relieved with white, and a bonnet trimmed with violets and chiffon. Mrs Barclay wore a gown of black brocade, and a black bonnet, relieved with white. Mrs. Huntley Ehott wore a black gown, and pretty cream bonnet. Others present were Mrs. J. Munson Mrs. Bucholz, the Misses Hickson, Mrs and Miss Kane. Mrs. and Miss Wa,rd, Mrs. and the Misses Macintosh, Mrs. Amelius and Miss Smith, Mrs Sprott, Mrs. Coleridge, Mrs. Marchant, Mrs. H. Raw son, Miss Bridge, Mrs. D. T Stuart, the Misses Tregear, Waldegrave, Brewer, Butt, and many more. * * * The bride's going-away costume was a very becoming gow n of pale mnk canvas, with bands of handsome galon. and a green straw hat. wreathed with roses. In the evenine, a very jolly dance was given by Lady Gibbes. Some of the guests were The Misses Kember, Foster, Ward Waldegrave, Hickson. Macintosh. Kane,, Rawson, Runcie, Rileiv, and Didsbury and Messrs. Robertson, Bridge. Wheeler, Holmes, Burns, Burnett Didsbury, Wolters, Rhmd, and Haselden. * * • Mr. and Mrs. A. Scobie Mackenzie have returned from their honeymoon trip to the Southern lakes, having experienced delightful weather while away. * ■* * The concert arranged bv the "Old Girls" of the Wellington High School comes off on Monday, 28th September. Amongst those assisting are Mrs. Wil-

soix, Misses Syme, Rebe R'chaiclson, E Paasons, Irene Morns (Heir Hoppe's oleiver child-pupil), Miss Estedle Beeres pupils, Mr. R. Paiker, Mr^Harnson's senior pupils, and Messis "WebbBow en, Dyke, and Cair. (Continued owpacje 13 )

A very pretty marriage, lately celebrated in Wellington, was that of Mr. Samuel W. J. McKee, youngest son of the late Mr. W. J. McKee, schoolmaster, New Plymouth, and Miss Maude Edith Giles," fifth daughter of Mr. Joseph Giles, of tne firm of Messrs. Aitken and Wilson, Wellington. The ceremony was solemnised at St. James s Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. W. Shirer, m the presence of many guests and friends. The bride, who was given away bv her father looked very charming, 'in a costume of silver grey voile, with white satin trimmings. The gown was made with a train, and prettily relieved with insertion. The tulle veil was arrange d over a spray ot orange flowers. * * * Her attendants were the Misses Louise and Lily Giles (sisters, of the bnde), who were attired un dainty white silk blouses, clotlh skirts, and large white toques, trimmed with pink silk. Mr. John Sinclair acted: as best man, and Mr. George De Mut'h as groomsman. After the ceremony, a laige number of guests were entertained at the wedding breakfast. The table looked exceedingl- preitty with floral decorations and a handsome threetier wedding cake. The bride's mother (Mrs Giles 1 ) wore a black diess, relieved with red and a black toque. The many beautiful gifts received weie much admired. The honeymoon, is being spent in Waneanui and the bride's travelling gown was of lavender cloth, with black velvet ribbon, and a large chiffon to<iue, with sprays of black velvet pansies Lady Russell gave a very delightful afternoon tea. at Miss Partridge's, Golder's Hill, on Tuesday afternoon, a feature beinc the exquisite floiweis, which had been sent down from Flaxmere. Sir Wm Russell's Hawke's Bay home. The drawing-room was decorated almost entirely w ith violets, white and purple, and their fragrance was delicious. On the tea-tables in the dining-room were quantities of primroses. The tables looked very charming, and were laden with the daintiest of sweets. * " * * Lady Russell leceived in a handsome black silk gown, lelieved witih lace. Miss Marjory Russell wore a pretty green costume, fashioned wu- a short coatee. Assisting with the tea were Miss Partridge, who wore a dark skiit. handsome blouse, and lace coat Miss Shephard, wearing a becoming costume of bright blue voile, mu»h ruehed. Some of th^i guests were Mrs. and Miss Seddon Lady Steward, Mrs. C. J. Johnston, Miss Johnston Mrs. A. Duncan, Mrs. Holroyd Beere and Miss Estelle Beere, Mrs. F. OB. Loughnan, Mrs. Fell Mrs. C. Izard. Mrs. Tweed, Mrs. and the Misses Quick, Mrs Walks, Mrs. Sprott, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. and Miss Medley, Mrs Hall-Jones, Mrs F. Baume, Miss Izard, Miss Harcourt, Miss Olive Raw son, the Misses Harding - A very large, number of guests of all denominations were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. F. Cohen, at an 'At Home," at their residence, Willis-stieet, on Tuesday, the occasion being the celebration of the Jewish New Year's Day. The house was beautifully decorated throughout with lovely pot plants, flowers, etc., and the tea-table was particularly pretty with daffodils and primroses, on a green and gold centre. * * * Mrs. Cohen received wearing a handsome black brocade gown , Miss Cohen, a pretty white silk dress. Amongst the many guests were Mrs. I. Levi, Mrs. Goldstein, Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Isaacs, Miss Isaacs, Mrs. H. Levi, Mrs. Bannister, Misses Stella Levoi. J. Cohen, Leah Cohen, Citron Zachariah. In the evening, a number of young people were entertained, and the time passed pleasantly with music and daneMr. and Mrs. Robert Bannister have issued invitations for an "At Home " in the Sydney-street Schoolroom, on Monday, October oth. It is in celebration of their silver wedding. * * * A return dance is being gn en to the Misses Koch, by those who ha\o enjoyed their pleasant assemblies for the past few years. The dance will also be a farewell for the Misses Koch do not intend holding the assemblies next year. An energetic committee are making all arrangements, and this danee — quite the last of the season — should be very successful. It is to be held in the Sydney-street Hall. Mr. Fleming's orchestra will supply the music. Last Wednesday evening, Mr. W. H Smith, manager of Te Aro House, who has just returned from a visit to the Old Country, entertained the Te Aro House employees and a large number of personal friends at St. Mark's schoolroom. Sussex Square. The room was prettily decorated for the occasion, the

supper-table looking particularly striking with its masses ot beautifully -arranged spring blooms. Duiiiig the evening various, items weie contributed by Misses Marshall and McLean, Mis McEwan, and Messrs. McEwan, Rising, Foisytli, Marks, Parsons, and Barber. Dancing was kept up till 'the wee sma' 'oors," the ' Cakewalk Lancers" causing great amusement. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, as host and hostess, were indefatigable in attending to their guests, and had their leward m knowing that all present spent a thoioughly enjoyable and jolly evening. Of the ladies piesent Mis. Smith wore a handsome black silk, guipure trimming, Mrs. Atack, black brocade, Mrs. Tayloi black broche Mrs Sawyers, blaok silk. Mrs. Ken-lake., black silk. Mrs. Mackay, black, Mrs. Gill, black, Mrs. Sievw right, blaok, Mrs. Kohn, black and pink Mrs. McEwan, heliotrope, Mis. Ingram, black, Mrs. Bentley, black Mrs Stockley Jones, black and heliotrope, Madame Hanson white. Mrs. Rouse, cream, Miss McKeegan, pink satin Miss Taylor, white, Miss Dunn, pale blue. * * * Miss Williams w ore white Miss Chrystal, black, Miss Green, cieam Miss Bedford, white, Miss Macket, white and black. Miss Marshall, pink, Miss Edgar, white, Miss Lauchlin white. Miss Young, white Miss Hall, white, Miss Wright, pink. Miss Irons, white Miss Peters white Miss Mitchell, white, Miss Hull, black Miss Blonquest, cieain , Miss Reid, cream, Miss Clarice Smith, white silk, ecru trimming, Misses Ethel and Aileen Atack, cream , Miss Kerslake, cream. •s* * * It is quite impossible, when doing one's everyday shopping, to thoroughly realise the beauties of tihe various new materials massed m ever}' direction, therefore many women, and not a few men, interested in pretty things were very pleased to accept the invitation of Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains, on Thursday and Fnda-" evenings last week, when the whole of then- valuable stock was elaborately arranged and shown to the greatest advantage. The various departments were brilliantly illuminated, and so atti actively arrangeed that thousands of visitois wandered through and admned. Pride of place must be given to the millinery department, for here the decorations were beautiful. The ceiling was canopied with festoons of pretty flowers and nbbons, while baskets of roses, carnations, and foliage were suspended at intervals, and the floral arches were lovely. The millinery itself won many admiring exclamations. Especially pretty weie the new Victorian hats. One in biscuit straw, wreathed w ith tiny pink roses, had a bandeau of turquoise blue satin ribbon, and was much coveted. Another stylo of hat that will be much worn is the "flop" or river chapeau of book muslin. Some of them aie bewitching. The blouse- room was another great attraction, and all the latest creations were shown to great advantage. Here, too, were tfhe new sunshades, which, by the way, are very inexpensive . A favourite one was of ivory silk, with a deep trailing border o f shaded crimson poppies. Others, less elaborate had tasteful border designs of blended colours, and those of tussoae silk are sure to be in great demand * * + At every turn throughout the* establishment handsome arches of silk, artistically draped, met the eye. At the foot of the 1 stairs, one was composed of pink silk and gold. The stairw ay was very cleverly decorated in a haimony of blue and white. From opened parasols, suspended in mid air, festoons of lace and insertion were hung, many miles of lace being brought into lequisation. •* * * On entering at the main door, a huge cascade of lace, falling over a foundation of something green, arrested one's attention, foi it was extremely pretty, and piled up on the counters, in every direction, A\ere the pick of this season's novelties — spotted chiffons, embroidered grass lawns, delicate delaines, and all the pretty etceteras. Lace collars, stocks, and dainty handkerchiefs also jjrovided an excellent excuse for the "blocks" that every now and again occurred. * ■* j Every w here the ceiling was completely liidden by an elaborate scheme of decoration, quantities of silk being festooned. The gayest colours were daringly blended and the electric lamps showed every tint up well. Upstairs, a great longing filled! our hearts' when we saw the fascinating underskirts which are more elaborate than ever, and the beautiful lingerie that quite surpasses anything; that lias been shown in Wellington before.

The glace underskirts are flounced and tucked, and some of the prettiest were trimmed with narrow bands of black lace and insertion. The combination of rose pink or pale green silk, and the black lace, is perfect. There was a very pretty table devoted 1 to babies' belongings, and posed in groups were the wax baby figures, looking most natural, except for their being wide^-awalte at such late' hours. •* * * There was a great vaxietv of bonnets and hats, and pretty coats, frocks and dainty pinafores. In the tea-room, w Inch was also illuminated for the occasion, the floral decorations were charming. These displays afford one an excellent opportunity for seeing all the pretty things, and the way in which they are attended by valued patrons, as well as the general public, shows that they are appreciated. An excellent band discoursed brightly from a decorated platform erected in the Manchester department, which was bright and gay with flags and muslins, which completely closed it in overhead, forming a large marquee.