Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 208, 25 June 1904, Page 8

Social Gossip

THIS has been an eventful week for the citizens of Wellington, who assembled right loyally to honour tine departing and welcome the arriving Governor. The programme of functions, having the Earl of Ranfurly as principal actor, commenced on Friday night, when' a very successful conversazione — the citizens' farewell — was arranged, and held at the Parliamentary buildings. Of course, we weieali well crushed, but that ordeal was philosophically accepted as part of the programme. * * * Amongst the many guests were Lady Ward, wearing a bllaok sequin net, over glace, finished with black velvet bands; Miss May Seddon, in pale green Roman satin and chiffon , Ma's. Bean, black satin Mrs. Mills, black satin; Mrs. T. K. Macdonald, grey and black brocade, with Spanish lace. Mrs. J. P. Firth wore a handsome gown of black silk crepe, with vandyked lace, and floral motifs 1 ; Mrs. Wilford. black crepe-de-chine, with cream lace, and turquoise-blue. Mrs. Robinson wore a pretty gown of blaak silk, relieved with dark red roses. Mrs. Webster was in cream lace, with touches of blue; Mrs. Coleridge, whit© satin gown, and chou of turquoise panne. • • • Mrs. A. E. Donne wore a lovely dress of turquoise silk and lace; Mrs. Glover-Eaton, black, relieved with silver sequins. Mrs. C. Richardson wore black; Miss G. Richardson, bronze velvet and fichu of lovely old lace , Mrs. Menteath, 'handsome gown of ivory silk, the triple skirt 'having a wide panel of pearl embroidery, and the corsage was also finished with the same embroidery ; Mrs. Walde^rave black Louisine silk, with deep Victorian yoke of finely-shirred net.

Mrs. T. Young wore blaok satm , Mrs. Robeit Loughnan, a blaok lace gown, with fichu of ivory lace, Miss Rose, a lovely gown of lvoiy glace, the skirt being much-tucked, and finished with a deep flounce of lace. The bodice had sleeves, and soft fichu of ohiffon. Miss Fell wore black and white; Miss M. Fell, white satin gown.; Miss Christine Smith, blaok orepe-de-ehine ; Miss Partridge, black lace, with sequin embroidery , Miss McLean, stylish blue brocade draped with lace; Miss Leslie (China), black silk gown, draped! with rich lace , Mrs. Millett, stylish black dress, and flounces of lovely la.cc. Mrs. Corrigan wore a pretty black gown, and theatre coat of cream silk. Mrs. Sievwn,o-ht was in black, and wore a long coat of grey. Mrs. Spragg also wore a pretty black gown and handsome brocade coat. * * * Wellington was early astir on Monday, and despite the muddy, slushy state of the city, the loyal citizens turned out in their thousands to witness the departun c of Lord Ranfurly. The scene at the head of the wharf was particularly picturesque and bright. A dais was erected, and gaily bedecked with bunting and greenery, and the buidings all round wore their holiday attire. This was where the crowd congregated. Lord Ranfurly arrived punctual lv at eleven, and was accompanied by Major Alexander. He was heartily cheered en route for the Hinemoa. * » • In the afternoon, there was the same picturesque scene, and a much greater crowd to welcome the new Governor and Lady Plunket, also more cheering both then and later on at the Parliamentary buildings, where the "swearing in" ceremony took place. Everyone's lmpresisiion seems to be that our new Governor is much younger than we anticipated, and he certainly made a good sbai t towards popularity. * * * Lady Plunket, too, despite the depressing circumstances of rain and cold, looked sweet and pretty. Her gown was of moleskin, very beautifully made, and with it she wore a muff to match, ■and a becoming white cloth hat, with chiffon choux., shaded from mauve to white. The Hon. Kathleen Plunket was gowned in pastel blue cloth, with white furs, and white felt hat, trimmed with a long ostrich feather and olusteis of violets I wonder how many of us could be capable 1 , of smiling graciously with the

knowledge that our prettiest hat was being hopelessly ruined' at the same time. This trying experience was Lady Plunket's, for at the time of landing, you know, it was pouring with rain at intervals, and one very heavy ■shower fell whilst the vice-regal party were beine welcomed in Post-office Square. The dais must have been very loosely constructed, for it leaked like a sieve at all the seams, and, being ooveied with red cloth, the rain dripped in vivid vermilion. ♦ ♦ ♦ Lady Plunket stood unsheltered beneath the dripping dais, and her dainty hat of white box cloth quickly became spotted with bright pink, "and altogether spoilt. Mrs. A. E. Donne, who stood in the rank behind, came to the rescue by proferring her parasol to Lady Plunket, who, no doubt, felt much relieved. # * * Quite a number of interesting little stones are going the rounds ai propos of incidents during the. reception. Foir instance, Lard and Lady Plunket left their carriage during the evening, and walked unnoticed) among the crowd on Lambton Quay, viewing the illuminations. They were gazing at tihe electric light display at the Government buildings, when a small boy — probably one of the cadets — suddenly became awaire of their identity, and 'immediately gave a loud "Hurrah! the Governor'" Lord Plunket at once raised his hat, gave his arm to Lady Plunket, and they disappeared in the gloom. * * # Another story. Perhaps you noticed the carriage with the four little Plunket girls in their broad-brimmed white hats, and the eldest one waving her hand' to the crowd. "Well, as they drove past the Post Office, quite close to the kerb-stone, a party of schoolgirls tripped by, and one of them extended the colonial salute, "Halloa!" to the Governor's children. The eldest girl promptly responded, and then asked, quite artlessly, "Ai-e you a Maori?" • • • Miss Joan Hislop is visiting her sister. Mrs. C. Cooper, Oforistchuiroh. • # • I suppose you have been to hear that clever entertainer, Mel. B. SpuiT. Everyone seems to have been to the Exchange Hall. On Wednesday night, I noted Mrs. Seddon, wearing a black brocade gown and vest of oream net and] lace ; Mirs. F. Dyer, in pretty white silk blouse and black skirt; Mrs. Bean, in

all black. Mrs. H. Crawfords gown was covered by a long theatre coat of ivory cloth. Mrs. Amelius Smith wore a blaok satin brocaded theatre jacket, and black gown. Mrs. C. Pearoe wore black satin, and a velvet wrap. Mrs. Vaudr&y Baldwin (Palmerston) was in black, with pal© blue chou ; Miss Dransfield, bJaok, and touches of pink ; Mrs. Fulton, in black, and her daughter in white orepe-de-ohme blouse, blaok skirt; Miss Fell, long coat of pastel blue cloth, edged with silver fox. • • • Miss Tatty Fraser (Dunedin) is at present on a visit to Wellington, and is the guest of Lady Ward at Awarua House. • ♦ • Mrs. Kane entertained a number of guests at a very jolly hearts party last week. The first prizes were won by Miss Olive Mills and Mr. Ballanoe, and the "booby" by Miss MacGregor and Mr Webb-Bo wen. The supper-table was decoirated with lovely flowers and shaded lights and later there was a "hearts hunting" competition, which was won by Miss M. Mackay and Captain Hughes. • • • Mrs. Kane wore black cr^e-de-ohine, relieved with Paris lace ; Miss Kane-, a pretty pint silk gown. Miss A. Kane wore yellow brocade. Miss N. Skerrett, who is staying with Mrs. Kane, wore white satin and lace. Mias Wright was in white and blaok. Mrs;. Fifcohetfc had_ on a lovely blouse of black lace, with a satin skirt. Mrs. Bucholz was wearing blaok satin, with lace, and knot of turquoise silk. Miss Partridge wore blaok, relieved with pale blue. • • • Mrs. Holmwood wore a very handsome blaok satin and' lace gown ; Mrs. T. Young, black, with lace berth©: Mites Tolhurst, white silk gown, with laceyoke ; Miss MacGregor, black satin, with some pretty laoe amd nasturtiums on the corsaige; Miss Madge MacGregor, blaok brocade and pink sash: Milss Kember, pale green aceordeon-pleated skirt, and satin bodice; Mrs;. Harrison., black satin gown,. • • • Miss Maokay wore white net, over silk ; Miss Holmwood, pale blue net, over white silk. Miss O. Mills had on black, with Dink roses; Miss G. Mills, white silk ; Miss Nelson, pink orepe-de>-dhinei and red roses ; Miss Seed, black satin gown ; Miss M. Seed, white i'nsertioned muslin.

Some of the gentlemen piesent were, Major Moore, Capt. Hughes, and Messrs Bullen, Den install, Webb-Bowen, Tnpe, Da,Wll, Bucholz, Harvey, T. Young, Harbottle, and Dr. Fitchett. * * * Muss Leslie (China) is on, a visat lust now to her bi other and sister, Mr. and Mr&. Walter Leslie, of Wellington. • • • An innovation m the way of evening entertainments has just been inaugurated by Captain and Mrs,. Hutson The guests' were invited to witness a chaim5g little comedy, -Not Such a Fool as S Looks" (H. J. Byron). The several characters were excellently sustained bv friends calling themselves the Kowhai Dramatic Club. The piece was exceptionally well staged, and earned out m every detail. Miss C - B. Younaans (Mrs Mould), Miss Carter (Mrs. Merton), and Mr D. McK. Gillies (as Sir Simon Simple) made great "hits" in their resUotive parts. After the performance &aa enjoyable little d^ice The whole evening kwas greatly enjoyed by the many guests present, who voted it infinitely more fun than the "competation evenings" so much the fashion lusbnovr. The host and hostess were muoh complimented. # # That was a very nice birthday surprise which Mrs. Seddon received thas week. A deputation, of gentlemen, headed by the Hon. T K. Macdonald, waited upon Mrs. Seddon, at her residence, on Wednesday, at noon, and asked' her acceptance of a birthday mat in the form of a very handsome upright grand piano, suitably inscribed in silver. The instrument was purchased from the Wellington Piano Oompamy, Lunated' and was one of the best models made) by Chaillen and Son. • * • A very ioll- little dance was held in Ponsonby 'Hall last Wednesday night. Some of "those' present were Mesdames A Dixon and A. Reid, who acted as chaperones, Misses Wylie White. Bohan Churchward, Morley Staples Millinirton. Franklyn, Gibb, Evans, and Messrs'. A. Reid*, Moore, Hendferean, Pearce Wvlie. Churchward Tmeev, Johnson and McLachlan. The dance •music was excellent, being supplied by Mr. E. King's orchestra. • » * A very pretty wedding took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Randerson, Homeleigh, Laurestonr street, on Wednesday, June 15th, when their daughter, Miss Alice Winifred Randerson, was married to Mr -Henry John Lowe, of Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co The bride was given away by her father, and wore a becoming cream silk costume riohJv trimmed with insertions of lace, transparent Victorian yoke of lace and oollair and deep cuffs of the same material. A white felt picture hat. with ostrich tips, chiffoni, and satin ribbon, was worn, and an exquisite bouquet of white flowers and maiden-hair fern was carried. • * « The bridesmaids were: Miss Flossie Randerson (a cousin) and Miss Clara Rowe (the bridegroom's cousin), who were very daintily attired in white silk with white felt hats trimmed with scarlet berries and green leaves. Mr. Ernest Herron was beet man, and Mr. ReginaJd Randerson groomsman. The ceremony was performed' by the Rev. H. L. Bla^ mires. • * • The honeymoon is being spent at a seaside resort. The bride's travelling gown was of nan cloth, faced with cream cloth, and hat to correspond. Some beautiful gifts were received, notably a piaaio from the bride's father, cutlery from the firm of Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co., handsome cruet from Mr. J. F. Miills, and silver tea-pot amd silver cake-basket from the choir and trustees of the Wesley Church respectively. Other gifts were a handsome auto-harp, marble, clock, cheques, etc. • • # Dr. and Mrs. Collins will be passengers for England by the Corinth io, which leaves Wellington this week Mrs. Newman and her son also travel Home by that boat. They have Lord Ranfurly amd Major Alexander as fellow passengers.