Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 176, 14 November 1903, Page 8

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

THE members of the Wellington Club, famous for the excellence of their entertainments, surpassed all previous functions on the occasion of the farewell ball to Lady Ranfurly, on Wednesday last week. The decorations everywhere weie lovely, and excellent arrangements had been made for the accommodation of the large number of guests. The dining-room was, as usual, prepared for dancing. Large scarlet lilies and rhododendrons peeped out from banks of foliage on the mantelpieces. Supper was laid in the bilhaird-room— such a delicious supper, with everything in and out of season, including quantities of luscious early strawberries and cherries. * * +• The table was decorated solely with roses, and their scent was exquisite. Light refreshments, with ices, champagne, and coffee, were to be had in a marquee erected on the lawn, and a covered and carpeted path led to this. The floral decorations were quite a feature — such quantities of lovely flowers having been sent from the country. The programmes were extremely dainty, and were ornamented with two Maori mottoes. * * * The guests were received by the president, Dr. Collins, and Mrs. Collins, the latter being beautifully gowned n white chiffon, with overdress of ivory point lace. The corsage was finished with a c'uster of yellow roses, and lovely diamonds, and a bouquet of roses was earned. The Countess of Ranfurly was accompanied by His Excellency the Governor, Lady Constance Knox, and Lord Noithland. Major Alexan-

der and the Hons. Kill Trevoi and H. C. Butler were m attendance. * * * The Countess wore a particularly handsome gown of black satin, embroidered in jet, with long, graceful sleeves of chiffon and jet. Her jewels were emeralds and diamonds, and she was presented with a lovely bouquet of pink azaleas Lady Constance Knoix was wearing a becoming gown of ivory brocade, w ith panels of rose design in natural colours, and carried a lovely bouquet of roses, presented by the members. Muss Read was in the palest of pink chiffon, with jewelled bands. * * * Lady Russell was beautifully gowned in black satin and lace, Mrs. Duncan, black duchesse satin and jet , Mrs. Abbot (Wanganui), maize-coloured brocade, with beautiful lace, and black chiffon, Mrs. Perry (Hawke's Bay), in turquoise blue brocade ; Mrs. Crawford, in ivory brocade, with black. Mrs. T G. Macarthy wore a very lovely brocade gown, draped with lovely lace. Miss Fitzsimmons was wearing a paJe green silk, veiled with lace. Mrs. A. Duncan wore lemon brocade, and white lace , Mrs. Kenneth Duncan, heir pretty bridal gown. Mrs. W. Strung was also wearing her becoming bridal gown of ivory duchess and lace. * * * Mrs. A. Strang woie white ohiffon — a lovely gown — with Pans lace, Mrs. Riley, in black satin. Mrs. Bucholz wore white brocade, relieved with scarlet. Miss Coates wore black lace, over white, with black insertion, and diamond ornaments ; Mrs. W. Kennedy, in black satin and jet. Mrs. Ewen wore black satin, relieved with white , Mrs. Tolhurst, black satin and lace , Dr. Pla,tts-Mills, a lovely gown of amber, veiled with chiffon and lace, Mrs. Fulton, black satin and Irish lace . Mrs. Wilford, eau-de-nil silk, beautifully made. Miss Partridge wore a handsome gown of blue brocade and lace , Mrs. MacEwan, a handsome gown of yellow brocade, softened with laoe, and an. effective chou of turquoise silk Mrs. Fitchett, a pretty gown of black and m hite striped brocade, relieved w ith embroideiy and lace. * * * Miss Skerrett wore a gown of mauve brocade, with straps of galon. Miss J. Skerrett had on an ivory brocade gown, the corsage prettily arranged w ith lace and spia\s of banksia roses , MissChns-

tine Smith, a dainty gown of white d'esprit net, and a sash of ohine silk. Mass M. MacGregor wore white Roman satin, trimmed with lace. Miss Reid was in a charming gown of silk lawn, with effective spots of blaok velvet , Mass Waldegrave, in black net, and a cluster of pink roses , Miss M. Waldegrave, in a pretty white silk. Miss Finch wore lemon brocade, and a blue ohou. Miss Green (Timaru) was admired 1 in white chiffon , Miss A. Macintosh pale yellow silk , Miss I. Macintosh, pink brocade, Miss L. Ewen. 211 white crepe-de-ehme. * * * Miss Simpson wore a becoming white crape-de^chine gown, and Paris insertions. Miss Shepherd (Auckland) wore w hite pompadour silk ; Miss Palmer, white silk, and ecru lace, Miss Z. Johnston, oale blue orepe-de-ohine . Miss Earcmirfc, white satin duchesse Moss Grace Harcourt, in rose pink silk , Miss Ida Nelson, a dainty Wihrite gown, with sash of rose silk , Miss B. Milas, in blue satin. Miss G. Riley, in ivory crepe-de-chine ; Miss Abbot (Wanganui), blaok satin, with bolero and skirt edged with Paris lace. Dancing was kept up much later than usual in fact, after the last dance a merry party of young guests appropriately celebrated "Guy Faw kes" morning by pulling bon-bon crackers in the supperroom. *■<-*■ Mr. and Miss Harcourt went down for the Chi Ist church race week. * * *. Mrs. and Miss Beere are visiting Sydney and Melbourne, and will return 111 time for Mr. Oswald Beeire''s marriage with Miss Ethel Whittem, which is to take place 111 December. Mr. B^ere has puichased "Goldie's Brae," and a band of carpenters and paperhangers are busy getting the picturesque and prettily situated house ready. * * * Mis T G. Macarthy gave a very delightful tea oil Thursday afternoon. A band playmg 111 the conservatory w as a pleasant accompaniment to the bright chatter in the dining-room, where a very delicious tea, v. as laid. The table decorations consisted of exquisite deep yellow roses and their foliage. Mrs Ma,cairthy is a charming hostess, and invariably has some attractive ' surprise" 111 store for her guests. On this occasion it was someone very fascinating — the Egyptian orystal seer, of whom we

had all heard such wonderful accounts. 'Tis said one maiden saw a race run — winning horse being No. 4. Promptly acting on the tip, she backd the fourth horse in the Oup, and it proved to be Canteen. Lucky girl. The experiences of the guests that afternoon were very varied, but all saw a marvellous ''something" when gazing into the magic crystal, and were intensely interested m all they heard and saw. * * * Mrs. Macarthy received in very becoming ivory spotted voile gown, with graceful cape collar, threaded with an emerald green scarf, and a pretty white hat w ith ostrich tips. Lady Ward was wearing pale blue, relieved with lace , Mis. Moss Davis, a handsome cloth gown, and white vest. Mrs. Robert Loughnan wore a cream silk blouse and voile skirt , Mrs. Pollen, in a very graceful gown of voile ; Mrs. Derry, in ivory cloth, and a pretty hat ; Miss Skerrett, in vioJet cloth, amd velvet straps. Miss J. Skerrett wore turquoise frieze, and a becoming hat. Mrs Findlay. the Misses Seddon, Mrs Amehus Smith, Miss Smith, Mrs. Fulton, Mrs. Macintosh, Misses Macintosh, Misses Moss Davis, Miss Butt, Mrs. Stott, Mrs. Henry Hall, Mrs. Kane, and Miss Stafford ' w ere a few of the guests. * * • Miss Woodbine-Johnston (Gisborne) is visiting friends in Wellington. * * * Mrs. Percy Hulme (Blenheim) is on a short visit to Wellington. * » # Miss Ena Stuart has returned to Wellington. Miss Millie Stuart, leaves about the middle of this month for South Africa where it is her intention to eater for training as a nurse in one of the military hospitals at Kimberiey. * * * A wedding of much interest to a large circle of friends was solemnised at the house of the bridegroom on Trafalgar Day, 21st October. The contracting parties were Mr. James Lewis, jun., son of Mr. James Lewis, of Greytown North, and Miss Jessie Cameha Swain, daughter of Mr. Richard Swain, of Wingfield-street, Wellington. The bride was damtilv costumed in white silk, trimmed with chiffon, and wore a becoming white hat. She was attended by Miss Laura Swain and Miss Nellie Lewis, and was given away by Mr. H. B. D. Swain. The young couple received many useful presents.

The seamen MSiting our ports will lose one of then kindest friends when Lad.y Ran£url;\ leaves New Zealand. Hoi' interest has often, been substantially proved by the delightful entertainments arranged for their benefit, Even this week, with all .the busy preparations for departure, Lady Ranfurly entertained the men of the "lonic a.t a dinner. This had been arranged tor some time ago, but, owing to the delay in the boat getting here, could not come off before. As usual, the household went to great trouble to make the •entertainment a success. * * * The ballroom was converted into a dining-room, two long table® running the. wliole length, and these were occupied by the workers of the "lonic, who thoroughly enjoyed the excellent dinner provided. The tables were beautifully decorated with flowers, and, in addition to the staff of servants, the "house party and several friends assisted In attending to the men's wants. * * * \t ten o'clock, a musical programme was commenced. Mrs. Ernest Donne sang brilliantly, being in splendid voice. She was the only vocalist, and the audience could not have enough of her singIng; Her six songs were all delightful, and the sailors applauded vociferously at each pause. Mrs. Malcolm Ross recited several times, her story or the '•Black Baby" amusing the audience greatly. Mr. J. M. Clark also recited. Miss Grace Kennedy played a violin ■solo, and Miss Pnngle the accompaniments. t It was quite 12 o'clock before the programme was concluded. His Excellency the Governor was present, and added greatly to the enjoyment by his appropriate and pleasant speeches. Mr. Moore the Missioner, was chairman, and, on leaving, the men. heartily cheered the Countess for her grea. kindness. # Miss Clifford and Miss B. Greenfield {Blenheim) came over for the Club ball. 'Arizona" was quite a change to the ordinary play. At least, it was my very first visit to the wild West, and the novelty was a treat. One was struck with the easy and natural way the players dropped into their places, and appeared at home in their characters. Muss Van Buren is charming, and quite as pretty as her pictures, which is not always the case now-a-days, and she has been wearing some very sweet frocks. Evidently she did not relyou back-block dressmakers, even, in Arizona for a dinner gown of rose pink satin, veiled in white point lace, was lovely, and a red linen was equally becoming. Miss Eva Dennison, as Benita, was so attractive that we were not a bit surprised at her conquest. She looked most picturesque in her riding habit of tan cloth, with a loosely-knot-ted scarf on the hips. * * * Mr. Frawley changed his uniform for the picturesque dress of the "cowboy, which was most becoming. It was surprising how a pretty girl like Miss Christine Hill could make herself as unattractive as "Maw " but her excellent acting was convincing, and provided most of the fun. The company is a most attractive one, and well deserves crowded houses. * * ■* The cry for good servants is always to be heard about Christmas-tame, and this year it is worse than ever. One wonders how and when thus serious trouble will end. A man recently applied for the position of "general in answer to an advertisement. He undertook to do most of the household duties, and guessed he'd be fairly comfortable on the good w ages offered , knew a little about cooking too— had been a camp cook at one time The advertiser, though much tempted, did not experiment. The disappointed man left, scanning the columns of "wantecls," while the woman wondered if she had "missed a treasure" — probably not. * *■ It is said that Sydney girls are rushmg the hospitals. Recently, theie were over two hundred apphcataons for tihe position of probationer at a salary of £12 per annum 1 Two popular Wellington society girls are seriously thinking of adopting the profession, or at least "trying it" for a year. Very tew who "try" nursing, and are found nt, ever give it up, for the work is essentially women's work, and they love it. Miss Edith Ringwood, who has many friends in New Zealand, is at present at Charm f Cross Hospital. Although the work there is especially hard, and the hours long, she is most enthusiastic, and has been veiy successful in several examinations. * * * Messrs. George and Kersley have just completed their new millinery department which, with several other poitions of the establishment, have been o-reatly improved and enlarged. Ihe

improvement in this case is veiy welcome, more light and space being given, and one can choose a hat with comfort, knowing it will look exactly the saano shade outside. Messrs. George and Kersley aie showing some very pretty and smait hats, at very reasonable prices., and hats for young girls, so hard to suit, are a special feature * • * Captain and Mrs. Rose have just furnished a delightful flat, and intend remaining in London for at least the next seven years, during which time their address will be 148, Oakwood Court, Melbury-road, Kensington West, London" * Mr. Norman Gurr, one of the latest victims of the fashionable, but dangerous, complaint, appendicitis, has almost lecovered, and has been staying with Mjs. Guir at Wajpukarau, Hattke's Bay. * *■ *■ Tlw 'Citizens' Committee, have arranged for the presentation of the illuminated address and sketches of New Zealand, to Lady Ranfurly, on the morning of her ' departure, Saturday, November 14th.

Messrs. Willoughby and Geach ai'e bringing "Mistakes Will Happen." to Wellington, and the said mistakes will commence to happen on Monday. The company is a particularly strong one, and it is said that, much money has been spent on realism m the matter of properties. Christchurch welcomed the company by crowding the theatre every night of the season. "Mistakes compels one long laugh. * * * Miss Alyce Holroyd, who* is a certificated teacher, now instructs pupils in elocution, voice production, and the diamatic art. Her studio is at Fletcher's Buildings, corner of Willisstreet and Lambton Quay. t * Messrs. Gordon and Gotch, the wide-ly-known publishers, have sent us a beautifully-printed booklet, celebrating the jubilee of the firm's establishment. •'A Retrospect" goes back mctorially to the time when the streets in the great Australian cities, where the firm now has palatial buildings, were humble pioneers of present magnificence. The firm literally dots the world with the evidence of its progress, for in the fifty years it has thrown out its branches until they embrace the British capitals of the earth. * * * The concert to be given by the South Wellington Choral Society, on the 23rd instant, in St. Mark's Schoohoom, Sussex Square, should meet with hearty support. The programme, which is, of necessity, miscellaneous, will include vocal items by Madame Mueller, a soprano well-know n in this city , violin items by Herr Max Hoppe , and part songs, glees, and quartettes for male voices. "Seguidilla " a Spanish dance, composed by Chas. Vincent, Mus. Doc. Oxon , w ith' an accompaniment of castanets, triangles, and tambourines, is an item by the chorus worth mention The celebrated 'Bridal Chorus," from 'Lohengrin," and Shakespeare's lovely poem, "To Sylvia," set to music by Schubert, are also to be rendered. The Society's orchestra, of thirty performers, will give operatic selections. Mr. Arthur J. Wicks, the conductor of the Society, will play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream," by Mendelssohn-Liszt, o/L^the piano Mark Hambourg delighted Wellington with the same piece when he was heie recently. The membership of the Society is now 102, and if the concert is as gieat a success as the practices, the public is .surei of a good evening's enjoyment.