Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 196, 2 April 1904, Page 8

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

THE garden party held by the parishioners of Johnsonville, last Wednesday, was entirely successful. The day was beautifully fine, and Mr. J. Orrs lovely gardens, where the fete was held, were greatly admired by all the visitors. "To welcome the coming, and speed the parting guest" the gathering was arranged. Mr. Keith, the much-esteemed Presbyterian clergyman, who is leaving the district, was one of the guests of the day, and Mr. Aitken, who will in future look after the welfare of that parish, was the other. • • •» His Worship the Mayor was present, and made a short and appropriate speech. Many amusements were provided, one being a cricket match in costume, which was wonderfullly amusing. Songs and recitations were also contributed by Misses Sexton, Randall Hall, Moore, May, and Mr. Jones. The creditable sum of £20 was 1 realised at the work stall, and side shows. • ♦ • The engagement has been announced of Miss Lilian (Poppet) Wills, youngest daughter of Mr. Frank Wills, Muntai, to Mr. Bert Exley son of Mr. A. E. Exley, Wellington Woollen Company. • • • Mrs. Fulton entertained a number of guests at a "games" evening last week, and intends giving a large ball

on April 15th. in honour of hei daughter's (Miss Vera Fulton) "coming out." Quite a number of Wellington gals will make their debut on this occasion I hear. * • *■ Wellington has been exceedingly fortunate lately in. regaid to musical acquisitions. Quie recently, Mrs. GloverEaton, who is a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, London, has settled m our midst, and intends making her home here, the Engl sh climate having proved too tiymg for her youngest son, who has accompanied her to New Zealand and already has greatly benefited by the change. Mrs. Glover-Eaton was for fifteen years the solo teacher at the High Schools of Worcester and Kidderminster, England, and also for many years conductor of the vocal class at Victoria Institute, Worcester. Her choir of pi IT< ' for two years in sue cession, won the first rrlr rI c m * ne Madresfield Musical Competitions, which gained widespread fame in England, and were organised chiefly by Lady Mary Lygon (here with the Duchess of York), and Dr. Elgar, England's famous composer. Mis. Glover-Eaton proposes to form a part-ungm-? class, commencing in May, and no doubt a great many ladies will take advantage of this opportunity. The first concert will be looked forward to with much interest. » » * On Friday last, a very enjoyable k'tchen tea was given by the Misses Mcc for Miss Amy Pownall. who is shortly to be married to Mr. Oscar Kember. A very excellent collection of kitchen utensils accumulated in the drawing-room, and here also one could consult one's fate, for two wise maidens were kept busy" telling fortunes. A most delicious tea was laid in the din-ing-room, the table being lighted with a large red-shaded lamp, ard decorated with pot plants. Later, the "kitchen presents" formed the subject of a very interesting competition, the guests writing all they could remember on slips of paper. Miss Alice Sprang was the winner, and received a lovely Honiton lace handkerchief. Some excellent music was contributed by Mrs.

Wilsoa, and Messrs. Carr, Ballance, and Dyke. Mrs. Mcc wore a black gown, relieved with white. The Misses Mcc wore pretty cream satin blouses ; deep lace collars, and grey voile skirts. Miss Pownali looked 1 exceedingly well in a graceful gown, of blaok voile, with deep shoulder yoke of net, and jvely lace; large black hat, turned up at one side, and trimmed with a long ostrich feather and chiffon. Mrs. Pownali wore black, and a black and white bonnet. Miss May Seddon wore champagnecoloured voile, and a large blue hat; Mrs. B. Wilson, m grey, and a black hat. Mrs. Eichelbaum wore pale blue voile, and insertion , Mrs. Pauling, in a brown costume , Mrs. Lester, veryhandsome blouse of ivory satin, with jewelled bands of lace, and black voile skirt. Her sister, Miss FrankeJ, wore a, lovely gown of black taffeta, and deep yoke of lace. • * * Miss Rebe Richardson, was in white voile, and a red hat , the Misses Gertie and Winn c Richardson, in cream voile frocks and green hats. Miss Ruby Young wore a very pretty dress of fawn voile, with shoulder scarf of silk a, shade darker, and a large hat;^ Miss Montgomene (Westport), in pink floral muslin Miss Mackay wore a beautiful dress of white lawn, much trimmed with lace and acoordeon-pleated chiffon, and black hat. Miss Lydia Shine'en was m grey voile, and a black hat ; Miss R. Holmwood, in ivory cloth. * * * M:ss Honey wore cream cloth, and her sister was in biscuit-coloured voile ; Miss Shannon, in pale green voile; M'ss K. Sannon, in cream; Miss M. Blundell, pale blue voile; Miss I. Blunr dell navy blue cloth, and lovely ostrich boa Miss Barnett wore a grey tailormade gown, and black hat; Miss Vera MacDona^, black voile gown, with cream ne, and lace yoke, long boa of white ostrich featheers. Miss Olive Kirkcaldie, Miss Grace Kirkcaldie, the Misses Wix, Miss E. Page, Miss War■eti, Miss Barber, Miss Chalmers, the M sses. Xockie, the Misses Myers, Miss

Hannah, and the Misses Webb were also amongst, the guests. • ♦ ♦ An Australian, bride, now honeymooning in New Zealand, tells 1 a tale, pathetic, but which easily might have been more so. Her husband is a New Zealander, and, man-like, "cut things close" in regard to the wedding-day, and timed himself to arrive just the necessary day or two before. Alas, for the lovers, the quarantine regulations werein force, and no amount of pleading would melt the hearts of the authorities. The bride was hastily communicated with, and visions of guests arriving and no groom, dreams of frocks wasted and no ceremony, made her decide that something must be done. ♦ • • A sudden, inspiration prompted her to invite the health authorities to the function, which she did, delivering the invitations personally, with her most bewitching smile and prettiest gown — it was a trousseau one, but had to be sacrificed. The stoney hearts of the medical men were melted, and the prisoner was released the night before the great day, and thereafter "all went merry as a marriage bell" should, much to the relief of everyone. * * * It occurs to me that the term "extravagant" is not applicable to our Wellington, girls. As a whole, they are neatly, not showily, gowned, and their frocks look as if they were well cared for. Also, ia a short stroll I noticed no less than, seven girls with Post Office savings books m their hands. Two of these were Brides, who, no doubt, are proving to their husbands- how domesticated and what excellent housekeepers they are. Reminds me of a cousin recently wedded, who remarked to his wife : "I don't quite see, Ella, how you manage with your housekeeping money. When I give you a lot, you spend a lot, but if I don't give you as much you manage equally well." "That's easily explained, she answered. "When, you five me a big cheque, I use it to pay the ebts I get into when you don't give me so much!" Thereupon, the husband pondered.

An exceptionally pretty wedding took place at St. Andrew's Church, Waipukurau, on March Bth, the celebrants being Miss Eleanor Cole Chappie and Dr. Zimpel. The church had been veiy beautifully decorated for the occasion, ferns being used, m conjunction with white flowers. The Rev. T. McDonald, brother-in-law of the bride, performed the ceremony, assisted by the Rev. E. K. Stowell, Waipawa. The bride, who was given away by her brother (Dr. Chappie, of Wellington), wore a very handsome gown of ivory duchess satin, the bodice and tram trimmed with ruchings of chiffon and lily of the valley. The orthodox veil and orange blossoms were worn, and the bride carried a shower bouquet. ♦ * » Her attendants were two little nieces, the Misses Mary McDonald and Jean Chappie. They wore pretty frocks of white silk, with lace and insertion, and large picture hats, and carried baskets of choice flowers and maiden-hair fern. Mr. J. Turnbull, Wellington, acted as best man. The wedding gifts were numerous and costly. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a diamond ring, and to each maid he gave a gold brooch. A reception was afterwards held in the hall adjoining the church, which was also decked with greenery. etc. • • • Amongst the guests I noticed The Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the latter wearing pale green silk, with over-dress of net ; Mrs. and Misses Harding, of Mount Vernon, the former dressed in a handsome black brocaded silk. Miss Harding irn blue voile, with white silk trimmings, and Mss May Harding in a green costume; Dr. and Mies Godfrey, the latter dressed in blue voile and cream lace trimmings ; Dr., Mrs. and Miss Todd, Waipawa, Mrs. Todd dressed in black satin, with white silk vest ; Mrs. Hunter, Burnside, Hawera, black costume , Dr. and Mrs. Sloan, Hawera, the latter dressed m grey voile and cream lace. » * • Miss Maunder, Westcote, Hawexa, wore a grey and black costume Dr. and Mrs. McGavin, the latter in a handsome brocade silk gown, with cream net vest; Dr. and Mrs. Chappie, the latter in a champagne silk blouse, and black brocade satin, skirt; Mrs. Feist, purple cloth and large black hat ; Mr. and Mrs. Downs, of Waipawa, the latter wearing cream voile. Mrs. Chappie, sen., wore black silk grenadine, with white silk vest covered with net. Mrs. McDonald, who received the guests, wore black brocaded silk, trimmed with old gold chiffon over white satin. The hapDy couple left by the evening train amid a shower of rice for the Southern lakes, where they intend spending the honeymoon. Tne . bride's travelling dress was a dark blue satin cloth and large black hat trimmed with ostrich feathers. * * * Miss Wilson (Rangitikei) has been staying with Mrs. Rhodes, the Grange, Wadestown. • * * Mrs. and Miss O'Hagan, who have been staying with Miss Coates, left this week for Sydney en route for England. • • * Mrs. Travers has returned from Dunedin. # ♦ • Dr. Platts-Mills left for the South last week, but not on a pleasure trip — unfortunately, a little nephew is very dangerously ill.

Mrs. Balcombe-Brown is v siting fi lends in the South Island. Colonel and Mrs. Baillie are at present ovei here on a short visit,and are staying with Mrs. Brown during their daughter's absence. * * * Mrs. W. Ferguson has also returned, after a pleasant visit to friends down South. * * # Mrs. A. E. Donne left for the South last week. * * • A revival quite worth referring: to, and also reminiscent of the 1830 fashions, is the "fall," or Victoria vpi] It is pinned on the hat or toque directly in front, and thrown right back. 'In that position it proves rarely becoming. The charm lies in the novelty of the arrangement, which lends a picturesque touch to the most ordinary chapeau, and softens the hard lines of turban or toque. We shall certainly alj be wearing Victorian "falls" ere long. * # rMrs. Fitch ett gave a delightful little luncheon party for Miss Nesbit, who leaves next month for England, and will shortly be married to Mr. Pike. Included among the guests were • Mrs. MacEwan, Mrs. Arthur Duncan, Misses Finch, Miss MaoGregor, Miss Miles, and Miss I. Nelson. * * * A marriage of very great interest to Rangitikei people took place on Wednesday, March 23rd, whem Dr. Frederick J. Watson, M.D., of Bulls, was married to Miss Ethel Margaret Keiller, third daughter of the late Mr. Edward Keiller, of Fernwood, Surrey, England. The ceremony was performed at St. Andrew's Church, Bulls, by the Rev. J. Isaacson. The church had been beautifully decorated by friends and the service was fully choral. As the bride entered the church on her brother's arm, the choir sang "The Voice that breathed o'er Eden." » • » The bride's gown was very lovely — ivory crepe-de-cihine, with soft frills of accordeon-pleated chiffon flounces, with yoke, and under sleeves of lattice work in chenille, studded with pearls, and the bodice was draped with Brussells lace. The full court train, was of white satm ; softened with chiffon, and her long girdle was embroidered in silver. The only ornament worn was an exquisite gold and pearl pendant — the bridegroom's gift. A large shower bouquet was carried, and the lovely veil was arranged over a coronet of blossoms. * * * The attendants were . Misses Marion and Sophia Watson (nieces of the bridegroom) in pretty frocks of white raousseline-de-^soie and lace, blue sashes, and rosettes, and the train bearers were two nephews of the bride, Masters Tony and Gerald Birch, who wore brown velvet suits, white silk blouses, lace collars and cuffs, and quaint three-corner-ed hats. All four carried shepherds' crooks, with yellow and white flowers and streamers of blue chiffon. Each maid received a gold "merry thought" brooch from the bridegroom, and the pages gold sleeve links. Mr. Hamish Wilson, Bulls, was best man. As the bridal party left the church, Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" was played.

Woods' Great Peppermint Cure, For Coughs and Colds never fails. Is 6d

Subsequently, a reception was held at 'Raumai," the picturesque residence of the bride's brother. Mrs. Cacciarßirch wore a lovely gown of white mousseline-de-soie, iriuch gauged, and relieved with lace motifs, and a black chiffon hat with tips . Mrs. E. Keiller also wore a gown of delicate white material, and a large pale blue straw hat. Amongst the guests were The Hon. Walter and Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. Geoffrey Potts, Mrs. Watson, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Birch, Mr., Mrs. Wilson, Misses Jean and Nancy Wilson, Colonel and Mrs. Gorton, Mrs. Sydney Johnston, Mr and Mrs. D. J. Riddiford, Mr., Mrs., and Miss Holmwood, Mrs. Godfrey Pharazyn, Mr. and Mrs. Bill, Dr. and Mrs. Skerman, Dr. and Mrs. Baldwin, Mrs. and Miss Willis, and Mr. and Mrs. Levett. • * * Mr. and Mrs. Watson afterwards left en route for the Hot Lakes. The bride's travelling gown was of russet cloth, beautifully made, with white velvet collar, and deep cuffs, on which were hand-painted sprays of nasturtiums. The short coat was lined with apricot silk and her hat of white astrakan had a crown of shaded nasturtiums. The exquisite wedding gown and also the travelling frock were designed by Madame Sara, of Wellington. • • • The amateur athletic sports, held on Saturday afternoon, were very largely attended, and provided an interesting afternoon's enjoyment. Jupp's Band played selections throughout the afternoon, and very nice tea was served in a marquee, and oa the lawn. The president (Mr. L. A. Trirjp) was present, also the Premier and Mrs. Seddon, Sir Josenh and Lady Ward, and Dr. and 1 Mrs. Newman, and at the conclusion of the sports Mrs. Newman presented the cup to the winners. • * * Mrs. Newman wore a blue cloth tailor-made gown, with short hip basque and jockey tabs, and a black hat. Mrs. Seddon wore black, with sable fur and black hat. Lady Ward's gown was of black voile, worn with a sealskin coat, and hat with green foliage. Miss Seddon wore a royal blue costume, with, bands of Oriental trimming, and blue hat. Miss May Seddon was in cham-pagne-coloured voile, and becoming blue straw hat. Mrs. and the Misses Mills were also amongst the spectators, and wore pretty voile dresses. Mrs. Bridge wore a grey tweed costume, and black hat. Mrs. Tuckey wore black and Mrs. Malcolmson, black, relieved with white; Mrs. Rowlands, in a dark tailor-made gown ; Miss W. Miles, grey coat, black frock, and pretty red' tam-o'-shanter hat. • • • Miss G. Harcourfc was in a pale pink gown, and very pretty straw hat, with rosettes of pink satin. Miss K. Fitzgerald wore white cloth, and a white straw hat. Miss Burnett was in a floral muslin, gown, and hat wreathed with lilies of the valley ; Miss Partridge, in black and white, black hat. Mrs. N L. Gurr (Dannevirke) wore a short fawn coat, dark skirt, and pretty hat; Mrs. Runcie, in a dark gown; Miss Runcie, in a graceful frock of blue taffeta, with rosettes of dark brown. silk ; Mrs. Simeon, in a beautiful gown of accordeon.pleated chiffon and lace, and large velvet hat; Miss Hoggard, in cream cloth ; Mrs. Rudman 2 in cream cloth, sable coat, and black picture hat. Miss Darling wore a pretty pale blue voile dress, with insertions of lace.