Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 195, 26 March 1904, Page 8

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

THE Colonial Museum, with all its dusty relics and gruesome fossils, is just about the last place one would expect as the theatre for a bright entertainment to take place. Nevertheless, on Thursday night last week a very pleasant conversazione was given there in connection with the Medical Ccngrtess. The guests were received by Dr. Collins (president of the Medical Association) and Mrs. Collins, at the entrance to the Museum. A crimson carpet had been laid in the oomdor, which -was also decoratd with palms and shrubs. • * * The Egyptian mummy, occupying its usual position, in no way affected the gaiety of the guests, and, as for skeletons, they weie everywhere. The library upstairs had been arranged as a concert hall, a very enjoyable programme being listened to with pleasure. Mrs. Glover Eaton, M ss Lloyd Hassell, Mr. E. J. Hill, and Mr. Roland Robertson contributed songs, and Dr. Carbur- being specially requested, gave a most amusing recitation. Light refreshments were served in the "Maori House," the table being artistically decorated with pink and white cosmeos. This was surely the most unique supperroom possible — we chatted and laughed surrounded by the most weird and terrifying carvings of Maori gods and other grim objects, * # * Mrs. Collins was wearing a lovely gown of black satin, with iridescent, wide bands on the skirt , the decolletage was finished with folds of chiffon, lace, and diamonds. Miss Holmes was in black satin. Mrs. Richmond wore all black Misses Richmond, black, relieved with point lace , Mrs. W. Hislop, in pale blue silk : Mrs. C. Cooper, black crepe-de-chine with handsome bands of

lace, and a pink chou. Dr. PlattsMiUs was gowned in black ; Dr. Edith Huntley, a silk dress, relieved with lace and black velvet. Di. I. Watson wore black, Mrs. W. A. Logan, in black, relieved with white. Mrs. Jeffcoat wore an exceedingly pretty gown of palest heliotrope chiffon and white chenille, Mrs. Edwards (Auckland), veiy handsome black satin gown, with lace and. diamonds , Mrs. Gilruth, in black silk. * » * Mrs. Harold Beauchamp was m black, with lovely ecru lace , Mrs. G. Kemp, w black satin, with deep collar Mrs Henry wore a pretty gown, of blue silk. Miss Kemp wore white , Mrs. Gilmer, in a cream silk gown , Mrs. Rankin Brown, m black satin , Mrs. Gow, a pretty silk gown ; Mrs. Tuckey, wearing black. Miss McLean wore pale blue crepe-de-chine , Mrs. Young, in pale blue silk, Mrs. Arthur Young, black satin and lace. Miss Hislop wore black. Miss Joan Hislop also wore a black gown, relieved with blue ; Miss L. Atkinson, soft white silk. Miss Waldegrave wore a pretty black lace dress, Misses Marchant, in light silk dresses. Mi<js Christine Smith wore black crepe^de-chine , Miss Edwards, a very uncommon and pretty fiock of bright red crepe-de-chine over silk, made with many soft flounces : Miss Heywood, cieam net, Miss Scully, pale blue and white silk, with flounces of lace. Miss Coates wore black ; Mrs. Kane, black satin , Miss Kane, pretty gown relieved with lace ; Miss E. Wright, white muslin, and black velvet; Miss May Seddon, wearing cream silk; Miss Harding, in eau-de-nil satin. Mrs. A. E. Kernot wore black, relieved with lace. • * * Miss Nell Rose, daughter of Captain and Mrs. Rose, who has been staying with friends and relations in New Zealand, left for England bv the Turakina last week. • * • Miss Christine Smith has returned from an enjoyable visit to Miss WebbBowen, at Nelson. * * # Our interest in sports is quite levived. Th last meeting was so very interesting that next Saturday's autumn athletic carnival should attract a record crowd te the Basin Reserve. The gymnastic displn^r will be one of many interesting events, and quite a fortune in gloves and chocolates has been wagered over the result of some events. A band will attend, and afternoon tea is to be dispensed in marquees on the lawn ; so me will be able to enio-^ it in comfort.

An interesting wedding took place at St. Andrew's Church, Wellington, on Wednesday, March 10th, when Miss Margaret Molntosh, daughter of Mrs. L). G Mclntosh, 62, Ingestre-street, was married to Mr. Alexander Leslie, a well-known resident of Waikanae. The bride who was given away by her brother, Mr. W. Mclntosh, was attended by Miss E. Shadbolt and the Misses North (2) and Stevens (2). The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Gibson Smith, and Mr. G. W. S. Bell acted a. best man. A reception was held after the wedding and later Mr. and Mrs. Leslie left for Dunedin, where the honeymoon is being spent. * * # Mr. Marcus Marks has been having the. "very best of good times" in London, and is just now visiting relations in Scotland. And Ireland is to follow. One of Mr. Marks's landladies used to insist, in a fine Irish brogue, that she knew his ancestors — the O'Maxes of Galway she called them — and a foine ould Omsh family they were. He is expected back in Wellington early in June. • • # Miss Belle Napier, well-known and exceedingly popular throughout New Zealand as Miss Belle Hitchings, daughtti of the late Dr. Hitchings, Napier, has come back to the colony, just for a few weeks. At present she is staying with her sister, Mrs. Edgar at Napier, and last Tuesday night gave her first recital in her native town. Her reception was enthusiastic, and her peiformance delighted everyone. • • • The ladies of Napier, on Friday afternoon gave a very large welcome tea, at the Kiai Ora Rooms, to Miss Hitchings, and during the afternoon the guest of honour recited "The Bells of Is," and ' The Story of Priest Philemon." Her gown was of champagne-coloured cloth, trimmed with blue chiffon rosettes, and a straw hat, with long plumes shading from champagne shade to. palest blue, was also worn. Miss Belle Napier will give two recitals in the Sydney-street schoolroom, and no doubt there will be crowded houses Her engagements necessitate her leaving for England in May and will prevent another visit to New Zealand for many years. Mrs. Edgar (Napier) will accompany her sister during her New Zealand tour. They will be the guests of Mrs. W. Bidwell, Featherston, during race week (at Easter). * * * The visitinc members of the Medical Congress and their wives were, on, Friday afternoon, entertained at the

Bellevue Gardens, by the local medicos. A special train oonveyed the guests tothe Hutt, and there busses were waiting, so _in a very short time we reached Hie gardens. A band (Jupp's) played on the lawn, and ere long some of themore energetic ones enjoyed a danoe on the green. Very tempting tea was seived in the dining-room and on the verandah. Drs. Purdy and Carbury (Stratford) entertained everyone witn their clever recitations, and! the afternoon passed quickly. Many of the visitors admired the well-kept and pretty gardens immensely. This spot is really an ideal place for a garden party. * » • Mrs. Collins wore a gown of palest heliotrope, and a pretty toque torn atch. Lady Ward was in a gown of pale blue voile, relieved with lace and velvet large black hat with tips. Mrs. Fitchett wore a pretty blue costume, and a black hat , Mrs. H. Gilmer, in black, with pretty brown hat, Mrs. Jeffooat, graceful costume of grey crepe-de-chine, and a picture hat. Mrs. Mills wore black Miss Mills, white silk and a black hat; Miss Grace Mills, a lovely gown of pale blue lnsertioned sik. * ♦ * Mrs. Savage (Auckland) was weaiing a charming gown of black voile, much trimmed with Paris lace, and a large black hat with ostrich feathers. Mrs. Tolhurst was in black ; Mrs. Edwards, a veiv handsome gown of grey orepe-d&-chme and lace, and a toque of shaded red roses, Mrs. Pollen, black silk voile, leheved with lace. Mrs. McKenzie. in white silk gown, and pretty hat. Mrs. C Cooper wore grey voile, and large hat Mrs Tuckey, in black, with handsome three-quarter coat and black bonnet. * • • Mrs. Wilford wore a sage-green frock , Mrs. Wilson (Palmerston North), in blue voile, and black hat; Mrs. Moore (Napier), black voile, relieved with white. Mrs. Fell wore black and white, Mrs. Henry, pretty blue and white costume. Mrs. Hales wore a handsome gown of black brocade, and a pretty hat.. Mrs. MacGregor wore black silk, and a black and white tulle bonnet , Miss MacGgregor, in a blue costume and white hat; Miss Sybil MacGregor, pretty costume of pale green linen. Mrs. Gilruth wore black, relieved with lace; Miss Edwards in pretty blue silk, with insertions of embroidery, and stylish bat ; Miss Scully, champagne-coloured gown, and becomin& hat. Misses Richmond. Stafford. Miles, Butt. Harding, Kane, Davy, Baker, Quick, and others were also amongst the many guests.

A marriage of much social interest was recently celebrated at St. Ealda, Melbourne, the bridegroom being Mr. Melville Lou^sson, son* of Mr. C Louissou, Christchurch, who was mamed to Miss Beryl Benjamin, seventh daughtei of Mr. and Mrs Benjamin, "Waimea," Melburne. The ceremony was performed by Dr. Williams, at the xe&idence of the bride's paients, at seven o'clock in the evening, the American custom of late weddings being adopted. The bride woie a very lovely gown of duchess satin and Limerick lace, and carried a very large and beautiful bouquet o c orchids aad azaleas. A diamond star held the veil in place * * • The three pjetty bridesmaids were Miss Louisson (Chnstchuich), Miss S. Maiks, and Miss ?. Harris, who wore evening gowns of ivo - crepe-de-chine, and carried Empire staffs with clusters o' Lt France" roses and pmk chiffon stj earners. The bridesmaids also wore wreaths of lilies of the valley in then hair. Two little nieces acted as trainbearers, and wore accord eon-plea ted frocks, and suspended in. front were baskets of p ile pink rcscs. The bridesmaids each received a "Nellie Stewart" bangle. Mr. McCrae Peaoocke (Christchurch) acted as best man, and Mi. Lesl c L. Benjamin as groomsman. After the ceremony, the wedding suppei was, served m large marquees erected on the lawn. The bride's travelling gown was a stylish pale<-blue tweed tailor-made worm with a w hite beaver hat. Mr. and Mrs Melville Louisson will reside in Wellington. • • # A wedd-ng which excited a good deal of attention at Greytown North was that of Mr. Day d Lewis, and Mis. M. A. Andrews, which took place on the 6th instant. The bride was gowned in French grey vole, and was attended by three little bndesma ds Misses Gertrude Shaw and Mary and Florne Lewis, who wore white muslin frocks and sashes. Mr. J. Harncon was best man, and the bride was g.ven away by the bridegroom's father (Mr. J. Lewis), the well-known hairdresser and tobacconist, of Greytown. A great many handsome and useful presents were received, and the bridegroom's gifts to the maids were gold brooches. • * • Everyone knows how much the sailorb in port enjoy the concerts arranged for them, and a more appreciative audience could not be found the world over, for sailors, of all men, know good music when they hear it. A concert of unusual excellence was given, at the Sailors' Rest last Monday night, and was a great success. Miss Lloyd Hassell was vociferously encored for each item rend- * cred as also were Miss Harbroe and Mrs Louis Schatz. Miss Alyce Holroyd gave a clever recitation, which was encored, and dances were performed by Misses C. Gibbes and McKeowen. Mr. Sawtell's "impersonations" were amusing, and Miss Maloney contributed a piano solo, in addition to playing the accompaniments. • • • The large audience of seamen thoroughly appreciated the kindness of the performers, who must, in turn, have been repaid by the knowledge of the pleasure given to these wanderers. It would surprise many, who know nothing of the work amongst seamen, to see the large numbers 1 of sailors of every nationality who avail themselves of the oriviIfges of the "Rest." 'Frisco mail day is a busy one for the superintendent all the men being anxious for their letters, and here, in the "Rest," paper and ink being provided, they write their answers in comfort. • • • St. Mark's Church, Wellington, was the scene of a very pretty marriage on Wednesday afternoon, March 23rd,

when Miss Ada Tiso, daughtei of Mi. and Mrs. Tiso, Austm-street , was marned to Mr. Maiximillian Juriss. rnstrucloi of physical culture to the N.Z. Royal Artillery, and son. of Mr. Junss, Chnstchuich. The bride wore a very becoming dress of cieam satin, handsomel- trimmed with lace, and hei embroidered veil was worn over a pietty wreath of oiange blossoms A shower bouquet was car,ed. * # * Her attendants were her sisters, Misses, Y. M., and D Tiso, and Miss Whale, all of whom wore veiy pretty gowns of cream voile, with flounces edged with bebe ribbon, and white hats. They each carried a beautiful bouquet. The ceremony was performed bv the Rev. J. J. CofFey, m the presence of a large congregation of friends Mr R Woods was best man, and Messrs. Wills, Iv. Hitchmgs and H. Ffrost were gioomsmen. Aftei the ceiemony a number of guests were entertained at the residence of Mr. H. Juriss, the bndegroom's brother, in Webb-street, and in the evening a very enjoyable social was given at the Druids' Hall in. honour of the occasion. Many veryhandsome presents were received, amongst them being a dinner service from the members of the NZ. Royal Artillery. » * * Mr. F. J. Kirby , senior sub-editor of the "New Zealand Times," was, on Wednesday last, married to Miss Alice L. Nicholas, second daughter of the late Mr. E. 0. N cholas, Niue Island, and sister-in-law of Mr. J. Cowan, of the Tourist Department, at whose residence the ceremony took place. The bride wore an exceedingly pretty gown of cream voile, with flounces of lovely point lace , her tulle veil was arranged over a wreath of orange flowers, and a very handsome bouquet of white flowers was carried. * •«■ * Hei yijuns; bndesmaids were Miss liene Ka'oy (sister of the bridegroom) and Miss Flo&sie Nicholas (sister of the bride). They wore dresses of soft chine silk, and carried lovely bouquets of gold and purple floweis The cere>mony w. s performed bv the Rev. J. R Glasson, and Mr. Emil Schwabe acted a» best man. A few intimate friends in addition to the relatives witnessed the ceremony, and remamed for afternoon tea. Amongst numerous wedding presents was a valuable marble time-niece presented to Mr. Kirbv as a mark of esteem by his confreres and the staffs of the "New Zealand Times." "New Zealand Ma-1," and of the jobbing and various departments. The honeymoon is being spent in the South Island. * * * An interesting engagement has been announced this week — Miss Ethel Parsons, fifth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Parsons, Wellington, to Mr. George Greenwood, of Middlesex, England, who is now living: at Perth, West Australia. Mrs. and Miss Rees George (England), who have been visiting in New Zealand for several months, have decided to remain here for at least a year longer, and have taken Mr. and Mrs. Robert Loughnan's charming little house in Tinakori-road for that time. Mrs. Rees-George is a sister of Mrs. O'Connor, and her daughter is a clever musician. Mr and Mrs Loughnan are gin^ - up housekeepin- for a year and will reside at Mrs. Canning's, Sydney-street. Quite a number of people contemplate givme up their houses for the session, and having a good "rest." * ♦ • Sir Joseph and Lady Ward entertained a number of guests at a very delightful dinner and theatre party on Wednesday night. After dinner the performance of "The Assassin" was' witnessed at the Opera House. Mr. Rob-

mson, commercial editor of the Melbourne "Age," and Mrs. Robinson,, who aie visiting Wellington, were included in the guests. Lady Ward wore lovely gown of black satin, relieved with jet . Mrs Robinson also wore black — a silk gown, beautifully trimmed with ivoiy guipure lace. Mrs. Robert Loughnan was wearing a very pretty gown of black crepe-de-chine, softened. with lace. Her sister (Mrs. Webb) wore a soft silk gown of exquisite deep rose colour, the decollates finished with accordeon-pleated chiffon. Mrs. Fitcliett was m white brocade and lace. Mrs Findlay's lovely gown of sapr>h.re blue silk, was finished 1 with lace and diamonds. Miss Seddo 1 wore a ~own of palest pink, and ani opera coat of grey. Miss P'tt wore black crepe-de^-ohme, ana a cluster of "La France" roses. * • » Here is a morsel of news from that well-informed Adelaide paper, the "Critic" — "Mis. Lusk, wife of the late W. B. Lusk, Clerk of Petty Sessions, Sydney, is on a visit to Adelaide. It is her intention to settle finally in New Zealand."