Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 175, 7 November 1903, Page 8

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

THESE is plenty to gossip about this week. The Parliamentary "At Home/ given in honour of the Countess of Ranfurly, by the members of the Legislature, last Saturday, was a brilliant success, and very much enjoyed by the several hundred guests. Lady Ranfurly's ready sympathy and charm, of manner have been quickly responded to by New Zealanders. Her friends are legion, and when leaving these islands, the Countess and her daughters take with tihem the kindest thoughts and best of good wishes from all Maorclanders. 'Tis gratifying to know that the years spent amongst us have been happy ones, and thaifc the regret at parting is not wholly ours. * * . *■ Great preparations had been made both inside and outside the Parliamentary Buildings. A very handsome archway blazing with golden broom, was erected at the entrance gate, and the grounds v»ere gay with bunting. The volunteer corps turned out en masse, and formed a/ guard of honour. The Garrison Band enlivened the: proceedings, and kept everyone happy until the arrival of the viceregal party at half-past four. The veterans also added interest to the occasion by their presence. * * * His Excellency the Governor and Lady Itanfurly were accompanied bv the Ladies Knox, Lord Northland, Major Alexander, and the aides. They were received by the Premier and Mrs. Seddon, the latter presenting each of the ladies with a beautiful bouquet. For the next hour, the Countess received the guests in the Legislative Council Chamber, which had been elaborately decorated with long mirrors, and artistically arranged with arum lilies. One thing, however, was not artistic, and rather spoilt the otherwise excellent

effect. Above the dais, draped loimd a handsome mirroi, were two pairs of white lace cuitaans — stiff and ugly! However being wlute, they formed a good background tor the interesting group on the dais. The Countess of Itanfurly was. wearing black crepe-de-clune — -a very becoming gown, with a lovely tinted lace yolte, and an exquisite cluster of her favounte crimson azaleas. Ker hat was black chip, large, and graceful. Lady Constance Knox wore violet cloth, the coat opening over a soft cream vest, and a hat to correspond, Little Lady Ealeen looked sweet m white silk and a large white hat. Afternoon tea was quite a feature of the entertainment, and was laid on long tables in Bellamy's. Every variety of sweets imaginable was provided, and the ices were delicious. The Garrison Band, stationed in. a corridor, played splendidly all the afternoon Altogether the Committee are to be congratulated. * # * Mrs. Seddon was beautifully gowned in black orepe with trellis of narrow black velvet, and tiny Paris lace motifs. It was one of the prettiest gowns worn. Miss Seddon, in champagne voile, relieved with lace. Miss May Seddon wore pale blue voile, and a large hat. Mrs. F. Dyer wore champagne-coloured voile and lace, and black ha.t. Lady Ward's gown was very much admired, and was of pale green canvas voile, ovetr glace, with incrustations of exquisite lace, and a stylish folded belt of chine silk ; her hat was wreathed with roses shading from pink to deep crimson. * * # Mrs. C. H. Mills wore a handsome black gown ; Miss Mills, stylish crash costume and black hat . Miss B. Mills, voile skirt and faw n coat, pretty hait ; Miss O. Mills, pale blue dress , Miss G. Mills cream silk dress. Mrs. Moss Davis (Auckland) wore a black crepe-, with draperies of lovely lace, caught on the bodice, where it formed a yoke, with sweet little jewelled pins, and her toque was also relieved with cream. The Misses Davis looked very nice in turquoise blue canvas, and blue chiffon hats. Mrs Wallis woie ivory voile, and a black hat with tips. * * * Mrs. H. C. Butler was in a cream cloth skirt, and silk blouse', Mrs. Quick, in a handsome black gown, Miss Quick, in cream voile, and a pretty hat Mrs Green (Timaiu) wore

a gown of violet canvas, relieved with a darker shade, and a toque en suite. Miss Green was admired, wearing a charming dress of ivory voile, with lace motifs, and pale green sash. Miss Harcouit wore a royal blue costume. Dr. Platts»-Mills. wore a black tailormade gown, with very handsome la,ce applique, and a pretty black hat. Mrs A. M. Smith was wearing black, relieved w ith Pans lace motifs, and a chiffon hat. *■ * * Miss Christine Smith wore a pretty white insertioned silk, and soft straw hat. Mrs. H. Johnston was m cream silk, with a coatee of lace, and a cream straw hat. Mrs. Stealey, in blue and white foulard and a burnt-straw hat , Mrs. T. Wilford, wearing a pretty canvas gown . Miss McLean, m bright blue voile, and a, hat of the same shade. Miss Paitndge wore nut brown cloth, relieved with lace, and a brown hat. Miss Sprang looked charming in, cream canvas cloth, and dainty blue hat. • # * The children have been having a merry time lately with birthday parties and fancy dress dances, and on Saturday Miss Holmes gave a delightful Hallowe'en party for Lady Eileen Knor It was most exciting. The boys, minus their collars, "ducked" for apples, in a bowl of water, and the girls had equal fun in obtaining them with a fork. The prize winners' were Lady Eileen Knox and Miss B. Wilford, and Masters Max Wilford and Wrigglesworth. Dumb Crambo and many other games were played, the thoughtful hostess having provided a whole boxful of fancy costumes to "dress up" in. A charming supper was thoroughly ennoyed e'er the little ones 1 said goodbye. * * * Miss Walhs sister of the Bishop, arrived by the Tluapehu, on a visit to Bishop and Mrs. Walhs. * * *■ Mrs. M. B. Hiorns, Mrs. and Miss Nellie Hiorns. and Mr. Charles Hiorns left Y/ellington on Saturday for Napier, wheie they will in the future reside. * * •» Mrs. T. C 4. Macarthy is giving a small "tea" on Thursday afternoon. - # YThere was quite a block in front of Messrs. Caterer and Careys show windows, at Cuba-street, on Wednesday, the leason being an original and very up-to-date display in honour of His Majesty the King's birthday. Long mirrors and flags formed an appropriate and effective background for the tab-

leau. Under an archway of white silk, entertwined with blue and red draperies, was a bust of the King, and a similar archway was erected over the Queen. * * * In the centre stood Britannia, in flowing draperies of white silk, and at her feet was the figure of a child, also wearing white, her hands holding ropes of red, white, and blue rib 1 on attached to a group of silver bells overhead. Cascades of delicate lace softened the mirrors, and the "Empire" was represented by a soldier in khaki, holding a rifle, and a sailor in correct uniform. Being made of wax they would not be much use "under fire " but here they did their duty nobly, and added to a picturesque and interesting group. * ♦ Miss Alyce Holroyd, the gifted young elocutionist, gave a very successful recital in the Sydney-street Schoolroom, on Monday night. Her graceful gestures, well modulated voice of rich quality, and careful expression, won very excellent opinions and the warmest of receptions. She returns from her sojourn in Sydney very much improved m eveiv way. There is nothing stagey, her gestures and facial expressions being delightfully easy. * * Each of her recitations was encored, "l^asca, perhaps., being most enjoyed. The exciting story of the race for life was given in a strong, forceful manner. Miss Holroyd w as assisted by a number of musical people, all being in excellent voice. Miss Phoebe Parson® sang splendidly, and Miss Hyde, a young singer, with a well-trained soprano voice, received an ovation for her pleasing efforts. Messrs. Ballance, Minifie and E. J. Hill also sang, and Miss Myrtle .Barber and Miss Minifie played the accompaniments. * * ■* The w hole recital was very enjoyable and deserved an overflowing house.' Miss Holrovd w ore a gown of ivorycorded silk, with roses on the corsage and in, her hair. Miss Parsons wore a black lace gown. Miss Hyde, a dainty cream silk and Miss Barber, pale blue silk, and cream coffee coat ; Miss Minifie, a soft white silk gown. * ♦ An interesting and extremely pretty wedding solemnised on Wednesday November 4th was the marriage of Mr.' Harold Lambert, accountant at the "New Zealand Times," eldest son of Mr VV. H. Lambeit, of Auckland, and Rose second daughter of Mr. Matthew Murdoch, of Wellington. The ceremony

was performed at St. Andiew's Chuich, by the Rev. J. Gibson Smith, M.A., in the presence of a large congregation of guests. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a lo\ely sinned gown of white silk, draped with lace, and sprays of orange floweis, the embroidered veil being arranged o\er a wreath of orange blossoms, and she carried a shower bouquet. * * *■ The bridesmaids weie Misses MilJie Murdoch, Madge, Nest, and Clare Lambert, and they made a very charming group, gowned in sweet frocks of w lute silk, elaborately tucked, and trimmed with lace, with slightly-trained skirts, and white chiffon sashes. Their burntstraw Victorian bonnets were trimmed with rose silk and tulle, and tiny pink roses resting on and under the brim. Long chiffon scarves were caught with pretty nearl and gold brooches, which, with the bouquets, were the gift of the bridegroom The bouquets were of pink and white roses, m compliment to the bride. Mr Stanley Lambert was best man, and Mr H. Murdoch groomsman. * » * At the conclusion of the ceremony a large reception wis held bv Mrs. Murdoch, at the Sydney-sti eet Schoolroom, where nearl y two hundred guests sat down to the splendid w edding breakfast provided. * * * On Monday last Sir Joseph and Lady Ward entertained about eight hundred guests, at a garden party. There is no more delightful form of entertainment when, as on this occasion, all conditions are favourable. The weather was ideal, and our best chiffons were donned without the slightest fear of an inconsiderate raindrop falling to mar our pleasure. A large marquee was erected on one of the lawns, and in there a very delicious afternoon tea. wag prettily laid out, and handed round to the guests. A band, stationed, in front of the residence', played delightfully, and tow aids the evening a set of Lancers was formed, and danced with much enjoyment oil the laan. * * * The guests included Lady Eanfurly and Lady Eileen Knox, accompanied by Lord Northland, Major Alexander, and the Hon. H. C. Butler. A great many men were present, and, like all entertainments at Aw arua House, this garden party was thoroughly enjoyable. Our host and hostess, assisted by Miss Ward and her bi others, made everyone feel welcome, and httle "Awarua Pat" made friends galore. * * « The guests were received by Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, the latter being attired in a lovely gown of black canvas voile, with soft vest, and collar of cream lace and a hat of cornflower blue. Miss Ward wore a simple white mushn frock and becoming ha,t of w hite accordeon-pleated muslin,, edged with black. The Countess of Ranfurly's handsome gow n w as of roser-ooloured silk, with an overdress of exquisite lace, and a large black hat with ostrich tips. Lady Eileen Knox was in olive-green cloth, and a white felt hat. Mrs. Seddon wore a handsome black crepe gown, relieved with lace motifs. Miss Seddon had on a becoming gown of cream voile, and a black picture hat. Miss May Seddon wore cream muslin, prettily made, and a blue hat. * * • Mrs. Bean was m sapphire blue, Mrs. F. Dyer, a lovely gown of champagne canvas, relieved with lace. Mrs. Hall-Jones was in a tussore silk gown, and black hat. Mrs. C. H. Mills was handsomely gow ned in black voile, and a black hat. Mrs. Guinness wore a gown of royal blue, and a black hat. A very charming gown was worn by Mrs. Jeff coat, elaborately made of dove-grey voile, with a sunray-pleated skirt, and it was finished with lovely cream silk Russian embroidery, with this was worn a laige black hat. Mrs. Morison wore petunia cloth, iehe\ed with lace. Miss Coates had on a gown of black canvas, and a largo black hat. * * * Mrs. Robert Parker wore a dainty grey voile costume , Mrs. Eichelbaum, in blue, w lfch ecru lace , Mrs. Robertson, black costume, and handsome silk coatee, Mrs. Allen, blue costume, and smart black hat. Mrs. Weston wore black brocade, and a becoming cream hat, Mrs. Leslie, a gown of tuiquoise blue voile, and chiffon, with hat the same shade , Mrs. Corngan, stylish cream coat, and black voile gown. * * ■* Miss Christine Smith woie bright green linen, and a smart bLue and green hat. Mrs. Ewen wore black, Mrs. Bothamlev, in black silk voile, and pretty toque , Mrs. T. G. Macarthv, a pretty combination of ivoiy white and green. Miss Mills wore a gow n of biscuit crash cloth , Miss Olive Mills, a very becoming gown of ivory voile with insertions of Paris lace and effective touches of black velvet . Miss Grace Mills dainty biscuit-coloured gown and mettv hat, Mrs Wvhe, a stilish blue costume, and pretty hat;

Mis. Gray, a stylish pale blue linen costume. Mis. Flanagan woie black, Miss Flanagan a cream voile skirt and silk blouse and a large black picture hat. Miss Amy Muiphy woie lvoiy voile, and a becoming hat Mis Kelly, black silk gown, Victoria hat, with pink roses. Miss Spragg wore cream cloth, and a black hat, Mrs Hamer, stylish blue costume, and floial hat Mrs. Wilson w ore a pretty turquoise blue gown , Mrs Nolan, pink crash gown.. Miss Barber was very daintily gowned in white silk.