Social Gossip.

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 184, 9 January 1904, Page 8

Social Gossip.

By Christabel.

DELIGHTFUL times tennis players have at championship meetings. Mr. Harry Parker, who comes back from Napier with the tan on his cheeks and the New Zealand championship, tells me so. There is a story about a garden party at Napier, and a subsequent champagne spread, given by the champion, to a few select friends at the Masonic. 'Tis whisnered that one of the convives took a bottle of champagne away, believing in the eye-ODen-m<r qualities of fizz on a train journey. When his friends bade him bring forth the gold-top, he knew not where he had laid it. Ah, but tennis is a fine game. It brings out the social qualities. At a subsequent festivity a speaker complimented Mr. Parker on having again won the blue ribbon ! * * * Miss Nunnelly. the ladies' champion, who has been so for nine times, unfortunately was far from well this year, although she again won at the Napier meeting. Miss Nunnelly, for the first time lost a set. Miss Powdrell, of Patea, winning. Mrs. Payne who pretends with a bright smile, that she is 56, doesn't like to be commiserated with. A Hawke's Bay paper one time, in refering to the fact that Mrs. Payne played in her stockings referred to her as the "game little lady who although 59 years of age," etc., and naturally the lady who is "game," but not 59 by perhaps 19 years, might well have been indignant. # At the Waipawa meeting the weather was wet, and the ladies bought socks to pull on over their tennis shoes. Miss Russell Duncan, of Napier, sprained her ankle, and had to retire. Dr. Perry immediately auctioned her socks, and any other lines of hose handy. Mr.

Parker became the proud possessor „f Miss Hannan's tennis socks for 2s bd. Mr. M. Fenvvick, who was playing brilliantly and winning the championship doubles "hands down," was hit in the eye by a volley from Mr. Goss, who didn't mean to win the said championship that way. Anyhow, he had to take it when it was otfeied. There is a story about an iron standard which produced a friendly dispute between Mr. Cecil (otherwise "Bill ) Adams and Mr. Vaile. who, with Miss Powdrell and Miss Gorrie respectively, were striving for the mixed doubles championship. The standard was supposed to be in the way, and "Bill decided that any ball that hit it and bounced back was a "let," and when a ball hit it and did not bounce back this gentleman didn't call it a "let " Hence an amusing episode. Garden parties, balls, etc. weie off at Waipawa because of the weather. A covered tennis tournament whiled the hours away, and made the trip pleasant. The Hawke's Bay Tennis Association gave a glorious garden party in Di. Caro's grounds, the genial medico having lent his lovely grounds for the purP° se - A gentleman from Auckland, who arrived in Napier at tournament time, asked for rooms at the Masonic, where the tennis people were staying. He was told his friends had engaged rooms for him elsewhere. The sight o f a rather pompous stranger trekking for "Mrs. Mary Cassidy's Railway Boarding House," with his belongings in Li newspaper parcel, is said to have caused much fun— to the practical jokers. The Court costumes of a lady were recently sold under an execution from the Sheriff of Hants. England for a dressmaker's bill. The sale took place at Chnstchurch England, but the auctioneer did not divulge the name of the owner of the goods, simply stating that there was no reserve on the apparel offered. Five shillings was the first bid for a black silk velvet evening dress which had cost seventy guineas, but eventually it went for four and a-half guineas. # A green velvet Princess gown, with expensive trimmings brought five and a-half guineas a green cloth bolero and skirt pleated with fancy galon and

black velvet ornaments, and a toque with wings and veil to match, was disposed of for four guineas. An evening gown in black crepe de chine and lace fetched three guineas, and a batiste tea gown> with glycine lining and chiffon, was sold for three and a-half guineas. Ostrich feathers, fur trimmings, a black beaver hat, etc., went for a few shillings each. In New Zealand no distress warrant can issue with regard to a person's necessary wearing apparel. I pi esume the above clothes were necessaiy - Have you ever been to Picton with a holiday crowd in one of the Union Company's steamers ? If you have not, then try it on my advice the very next time the opportunity offers and I reckon will owe me a' vote of thanks. I went by the Mararoa to Picton on New Year's Day and thoroughly enjoyed myself. But, it was w ith many misgivings I made the venture. In the first place, it was a very doubtful morning as to weather, and then the crowds that were surgme; down the wharf — family parties with kits and kids, and no end of spoony Jacks and Jills — made one think there would be an awful jam. * - -r But the clouds broke and cleared away, ejiving place to a glorious day. And then there was room for all in spite of the throng. lam told there were quite 1600. There was a brass band discoursing lively music, and the Mararoa behaved splendidly, making good time and nob frisking in her course. A regatta was going forward at Picton when we arrived, and me whole of the youth, beauty, and muscle o r Marlborough seemed to have assembled there for the event. Captain Edwin couldn't have turned out a finer day, even if King Dick had ordered him to sunnlv one on pain of his severe displeasure. And the meals on board were real nice. They were served up with a despatch and the crowds were handled with a skill, that were really admirable. And at eighteenpence a head— could anything be cheaper? It was good fun watching the lovesick couples — some of them sea-sick, too— on the trip back. Not that there was any jobble on to cause internal qualms. But, you know, some would be SJck even if they gazed upon a painted ocean. Perhaps, some of those that excited my mirth were putting it on iust to give their gallants a chance of showing their tenderness. There was one girl extended in a recum-

bent position, with her head resting on her lover's lap, and whenever he stooped to ask her how she felt, which was pretty often, he tenderly kissed her. Another sat with her arm round her young man's neck, and his Chesterfield coat around her. A third reclined near the davits, with her Adonis stretched alongside. * # * But it was a very orderly and a verydecorous crowd all the same. The whole thin^ was managed very nicely, and the ship's comnany exerted themselves to ensure the comfort of the excursionists. One thing however, I couldn't understand. While lying at Picton wharf, a g( od many of the more timid passengeis — women, girls, and children, — went aboard about half-past 3, so as to get seats in good time prior to the departure at 4.30. But, at 4 o'clock they w ere all cleared off on to the wharf, and had to stand all the racket of the squeezing and scrunching to get on board again — and this, too, merely in order that their tickets might be collected at the gangway. Now, surely those tickets might just as easily, and without any fuss, have been collected on board ? Besides, some fifty people, in possession of the best seats on the upper deck, were not obliged to leave with the rest, and this show of partiality caused much talk amongst the rest. * * * Now that the holidays, with all their fatiguing enjoyments, are a thing of the past, we shall have ample time to save our energies, and our pence, for the next excitement in a woman's life, namely, the summer sales. What an endless vision of delightful bargains these words conjure up, and really if one sets out with a fore-knowledge of what one requires, some truly economical purchases can be made. But it is a difficult task for the girl with a limited purse to harden her heart against some of the "pretties" which she knows can be of no lasting or practical use. * # * Mrs. Gilruth and her small son returned by the Corinthic this week, after a delightful trip of nine months to England. While at Home. Mrs. Gilruth paid many visits amongst her relations, and was present in London at the wedding of Mrs. Frank Latham (nee Miss Dora Heywood) a well-known Wellington girl. * # * Mrs. Captain Johnston and the four Misses Johnston, of Guildford Terrace, purpose leaving in March on an extended visit to the Old Country.

Mrs. Kennedy Macdonald and Miss Vera Macdonald have returned to Wellington, after an absence of over a year on the other side of the world. Mrs. Macdonald has quite recovered from the serious indisposition which delayed her in Auckland after her arrival from England by the San Francisco mail boat. ■* * *■ Miss Muriel Knight, daughter of Dr. Knight, of Auckland, is on a visit to Mrs. Clark Johnson, of Clifton TerraceIf girls wish their soft silk blouses to retain their pristine freshness they should wash them themselves, using warm, soapy water with a dessert-spoon of methylated spirits, and iron them before they become quite dry. They will then have the soft sh.mmenng whiteness of their shop days. Mrs. and Miss Miles are expected to return here about the middle of the month. They had a delightful break in the outward journey by visiting India and Ceylon. * + Mrs. Higginson and her daughter should also be back again shortly. On their arrival in Sydney it was found that Mrs. Higginson's health would not permit her to finish the journey without having a rest. * * * Lady Augusta Orr-Ew.ng will have the sympathy of many New Zealanders 'n the sad loss^ she has sustained through the death of her husband. During her father's (Lord Glasgow) term of Governorship she was very popular, and made many friends in the colony. # * ■* The Anderson Dramatic Company aiv having a very successful season here. Miss Eugenie Due'pan dressed her part in "Her Second Time on Earth" very handsomely. In the opening act she w ore a handsome dress of pale blue brocade, the skirt opening over a petticoat of shell-pink silt, which was frilled to the waist with tiny chiffon frills. The overdress was trimmed with a striking design of leaves and flowers in raised black velvet. ♦ « * Miss Duggan had so many changes that it is difficult to describe many of them accurately. But, one of her cos^ -tumes which deserves mention, was the •exquisite tea-gown worn in the boudoir scene. It was of soft rose-pink satin, lined with the palest shade or eau-dc-nil. The collar and sleeves were finished with lovely lace. Amongst the audience I noticed Mrs. Willie Turnbull, who was wearing cream satin. Her sister from the Wairarapa was with her and she also wore a cream frock. Miss Izard's gown was of black satin, with sleeves and chemi-

sette of finely-tucked lvoiy net. Miss Skeirett had on a mauve bilk diess, and her sister woie cream brocade, the bodice finished with tiny rosebuds, and the trellised sleeves were cutely made of the same flowers. Miss Smith was weaung white ciepe-de-chine, with a soft sash of, turquoise chiffon. Miss Olive Rawson looked very well m a irock of Paris point d'esprit, the front of the bodice being finr ished with turquoise velvet. She also wore a most becoming theatre coat. It was of deep rose silk accordeon-pleat-ed, with a deep pointed collar and bell sleeves, which were both edged with a handsome lace. The hem of the coat had a thick ruching of its own material. * * • Dunne their stay in Napier the tennis players were entertained at a very picturesque and bright fete. It was held in the evening, which, fortunately, was mild and warm. Dr. Carols lovely gardens, beautifully laid-out, were brilliantly illuminated for the occasion with hundreds of coloured fairy lamps, and from tree to tree lon<r lines of quaint and pretty Chinese lanterns were hung. There was no electric light, so the wardens were entirely lit with coloured lights and lanterns, and the effect was very charming. A good band was stationed on the lawn, and it was not long eire lancers were formed. * * * The guests wandered everywhere, and admired the pretty and ornamental native palms, etc. In one corner, naildriving competitions, for boxes of chocolates caused very great excitement, and furthe- on "Aunt Sally" proved as gieat an attraction. A phonograph provided amusement for many, and others ventured to guess the weight of a young lamb. In a large marquee, a committee of ladies were kept very busy arranging the supper, which was simply delicious, and was handed round to the guests sitting in the garden. The whole thing went off ver- well indeed. * ♦ • Miss Nunnelly wore her very handsome belt composed entirely of gold medals won by her at various tournaments. Even this belt has not used them all up I believe. Her record of success has been a long one. There are rumours abroad that we shall not have the pleasure of witnessing her excellent play at future tournaments, <~s this clever' lady has fallen a victim to the fascinations of golf and in, future will try and win renown on the links instead of the courts. Authorities say that both games cannot be played with success, so it would indeed be good-bye to tennis. * * < Miss Powdrell, the young Patea player, who, I believe, won the only set Miss Nunnellv has lost to a New Zea-

land lady, is a popular -Wer, and very plucky. She is slight, tall, and wiry m apueaiance. Unfortunately, she is at a great disadvantage as far as practice :s concerned, but many hold the opinion that she is a coming champion. * • • Mi. and Mrs. Ernest Brabazon are staying in Napier for a few weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Noble-Campbell have settled in Dannevirke. Miss Floss Morecroft, Mrs. Campbells sister, is staying w ith them. * * * Mrs. Cecil Comford who has been MSiting her mother, Mrs. Bendall, has returned to Napier. * * * Mi. Melhsh, of the s.s. Toioa, who has many friends all over New Zealand, intends leaving for England very shortly. A sister of Mr. Melhsh, who now resides in London, owns and manages the delightful "Cottage Tea Rooms" so wellknown to all colonials. These rooms are most quaint and beautifully furnished, and are patronised by all the fashionable Londoners. * # * I am glad to note that Dame Fashion this hot weather is making some com-mon-sense changes. Fine muslins, filmy under-wear, lace-worked hose and thin-soled shoes are not now the vogue they used to be. How many headaches I wonder have been caused on hot summer afternoons by the wearing of tulle and chiffon hats, especially when the hair is worn low on the nape of the neck. ■? * * The short skirt in walking dresses is now the accepted fact amongst the smart set who are supposed to lead the fashion. Nothing looks more trim than a skirt just clear of the ground. The most generally becoming are those arranged with a, close-fitting yoke to well below the waist, from which a number of fine kiltings spread to the feet. The stitched-down pleats have given nlace to those that are allowed to flow of their own free will. These are much more graceful, and if the kilting is thoroughly well done they never lose their outline. With fine serge skirts of this description shirt blouses are most generally worn. They are cool and comfortable, especially when made in fine French floral batistes in pale colouring. Often these are worked with a white floral embroidery. Of a more economical description are the linens, both flaked and plain. They are durable, and need a very simple trimming, such as a grouo of fine tucks, and perhaps a transparent insertion of drawn work formed of the linen itself. * * * I understand that quite the latest ideas m blouses are the white variety. Fine French lawn or clear muslin, combined with piivtucks and a little lace insertion or embroidery, makes some of the very smartest. A good stand-by blouse is made of plisse Oriental satin. This runs> into money, because it has to be provided with a handsome collar or fichu of lace. The deep Victorian collar, with points coming well down over the shoulder and again on the fronts, so that they almost reach the waist belt, has a picturesque look.

Messrs. Macdonald, Wilson, and Go., auctioneers, set out very fully by advertisement elsewhere the advantages to be gained by buying land at MiramaiNoith, "the pearl of the suburbs." Fifty-two sections, a portion of the celebrated estate will be auctioned on Wednesday, 20th January, 1904, at 2.30 o'clock p.m. Some of the advantages of purchasing may be sets out shortly The ever-increasing value of sections, the rapidity with which building is now going on, the almost immed'ate connecton of Miramar with the city by electric tram, the healthy situation, the close proximity to the new recreation ground, and the easy terms of purchase.