Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 209, 2 July 1904, Page 8

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

WITH the attraction of a new Governor for the opening of Parliament this year, it was a pity that fair weather was not the rule of the day. The ai rangements conoerning admittance were in. much moi c perfect order than has been the case in former years, and all the undue waiting and crushing had been done away with. The ladies turned out bravely although the weather was so unpromising, but naturally the frooking was of a very sombre nature, to suit the elements. Several ladies were brave enough to venture out in light f rooks. One noticeable gown was made of cream serge, trimmed with broad cream Cluny lace insertion. Lady Plunket, hei three little girls, and the Hon. Kathleen Plunket were interested spectators of the opening ceremony * * * Naturally, Lady Plunket was the centre of attraction. She was becomingly diessed in a bright blue oloth costume, with silver applique on ouffr,. and deep shoulder collar, and with this costume was worn a white fui pelerine and muff and a neat toque of navy blue felt. A bouquet of spring flowers was presented to Lady Plunket by the Hon. J. Rigg, Chairman of Committees. Lady Plunket's three children looked very sweet in creaan frocks, and cream felt hats. The Hon Kathleen Plunket wore black canvas cloth, over glace, with black lace on yoke, a black picture hat, and white pelerine and muff. • * •» Mrs. Seddon wore a handsome black oloth dress, sealskin coat, and l black hat and her bouquet was of purple iiises. Lady Ward wore a blue cloth costume, with vest and facings of ivory satin, and a large black velvet picture hat. Mrs. Bean had on a navy blue

costume, trimmed with lace, and a black hat, Mis. Dyer, black costume, seal jacket, and black hat; Miss May Seddonj fawn skirt, cream serge jacket, and navy straw hat, Miss Ward, navy costume, and white felt hat tummed with green silk , Miss Fraser (Dunedin), navy blue costume, pretty pale blue hat with ciown of violets. • • • Mrs. C. H. Millis wore a black tailormade gown, fur jacket, and a black and white hat. Miss Mills, navy blue oo&tume, piped with white, and navy hat , Miss B. Mills, brown costume, piped with white, and brown hat. Mrs. S. A. Rhodes had on a black silik gown, jacket of black silk apphqued, and a black bonnet , Miss Rigg, black di e&&, black astrakan jacket, and fur toque ti inwned with yellow flowers. * # • Mrs. Walhs wore a violet frieze coat and skirt, and a small toque of Parma violets. Hei sister, Miss Williams, wore cream zibeline, strapped with brown, brown marabout stole, and picture hat with shaded brown feathers. Miss Coates wore a navy cloth costume, black toque , Mrs. Thorne-George, black gown, sealskin coat, and floral toque , Miss Zoe George, claret cloth costume, black hat, Mis. Firth, iron-grey gown, the short coat just revealing a silver giey belt, and with this some lovely stone-marten fuis were worn. • • * Mrs. Arthui Pearcewore blue fneze, and a pietty blue toque ; Mrs. Wilford, cigar-brown dress, sealskin, coat, and Victorian hat in pale green, wieathed with pink rosebuds, Mrs. Menteath, a gown of cream cloth, with wide bands of Cluny ]ace, and a pretty brown picture hat: Mrs. Ell, black costume, and black hat, Miss Thompson (Gore), gieen costume, green beaver hat. Mrs Arnold, black silk dress, black hat Mrs. Majoi , navy blue and green tailoimade, and black hat, Mis. Edwards, handsome cloth costume, sable cape, and black toque. Mrs. T. H. Hamer woi c a green costume, and a red felt hat , Mrs Runcie, green costume, black hat, Miss Runciei, giey plaid costume, trimmed -with white, white astrakan toque, Mrs. F. E. Baume, green costume, white felt toque Mis. Baume (senior), black costume, black bonnet, Mrs Ben Wilson, grey costume, black felt toque, trimmed with violets, Mrs. W. H. Field, grey costume, seal coat, and fui toque , Mrs Kennedy MacdonaJd, black costume fur jacket, and black bonnet. Miss Otterson, navy costume and led hat.

Mrs. R. Heaton Rhodes wore a brown dress, tummed with pale blue silk and cieam lace, pale blue ribbon toque with daisies for trimming, Mrs. A. R. Guinness, navy costume, trimmed with cream lace, and a blaxjk hat; Mrs. D. J. Nathan, brown costume, trimmed with red velvet white felt toque with violets as tnmming, Mrs. S. Spragg, brown costume and white felt hat , Miss Spragg, led costume, black felt hat. Mis. J. D. Gray, navy costume, piped with gieen, and green felt hat; Mi<A. A. Corrigan, black silk voile skirt, seal packet faced with white fur, and black hat, Mis. Sidey, green costume white felt hat, and white furs. • *■ + A very enjoyable tea was given by Mrs. J. D Sievwnght last Friday afternoon, at hei lesidence, the Terrace. Her sisters, Mrs. Berry and) Mies McCallum, from Canterbury, are* staying with her just now. Afternoon tea was airanged in. the dining-room, the table being laden with the daintiest of sweets and prettily decorated with rose silk, mirror centie, and pmk flowers and soft foliage. An exceedingly clever competition was arranged for the entertainment of the guests. A number of articles, each representing the title of some book, were placed on the study table, and the only clue given was the authoi 's name. - * * Many of the idea® were most ingenious. For instance, "The Light that Failed" was represented by a headless match. Mrs Corrigan tied with Mis. Geddis as winner of the competition, and received a pretty picture, Mrs. Geddis's prize being ai quaint silver bon-bon dislh Mrs. Sievwright received in the drawing-room, and wore a pretty cieam silk blouse, black satin skirt, and turquoise folded belt. Mrs. Berry's handsome blouse, of gold silk, was relieved with knots of velvet, and worn with a black skirt. Miss McCallum wore a white silk blouse, and black voile skirt. • • • Some of the guests were Mis. Knowles, wealing a black gown and hat- Mrs. C. Wilson, in gown of red cloth, red hat, and sable furs , Mrs. Bannister, black brocade, and black hat, Mrs. De Castro, in black costume and pretty cream toque with beaver trimming. Mrs. Tuokey woie black, with ai handsome coat ; Mrs. Chatfield, blue cloth costume, and stylish velvet hat with green plumes and chenille trimmings. • • • Mrs. Corrigan wore a light tweed costume, and bear furs. Mrs. Donne

was m navy blue voile, and pretty hat. Mrs. Fleming, black voile gown; Mrs. Hislop, stylish grey costume; Mrs. T. Young, navy blue gown, piped with white, and white felt hat ; Mrs. G. Leslie, black costume. Mre. Lyon, Mrs. Miller. Mrs. Barber, Mrs. McVilley, Mrs. McKay, and Miss Kelly were also amongst the guests. • * • The C'orinthic left Wellington last Thuisday afternoon, and received a most enthusiastic farewell. Even the popular Athenic never attracted so great a crowd. Both Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Newman, who were amongst the passengers, leceived quantities of exquisite flowers. Major Moore's many friends were also down to bid him good-bye. There were several farewell teas and luncheons for Dr and Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Newman, and a large "At Home" was given by Mrs. Pearce a few days before their departure. • • • Mel. B. Spurr, the very clever entertainer, is a Yorkshire man, and just occasionally, you know, when another Yorkshire lad happens to come along, the famous "burr" is quite pronounced. By the way, everyone has been curious to know what the "Mel. B." stands for, so here is the full name "Melancthon Burton Spurr." Not half so catchy as "Mel. 8.," is it? •• • • On "Wednesday last week, Mrs. Pearce gave a large "At Home," the guests of the day being Dr. and Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Newman, who left next day for England. Everywhere about the charming rooms were quantities of lovely violets. The tea table was also arranged with silver bowls of violets. Mrs. Pearce wore white cloth, with insertions of lace, and knots of black velvet. Mrs. Collins wore black canvas cloth, relieved with lace, and a large black hat. Mrs. Newman also wore a black gown, and black hat with tips. • • • Mrs. Wallis wore a pretty floral toque, and black gown. Mrs David Nathan wore a gown of cigar brown tweed, and effective collar of red and white cloth. Mrs. Tolhurst wore black , Mrs. Buchanan, bright blue cloth dress and! soft lace vest. Other guests were: Lady Ward Mesdames Brandon, Johnston, Elgar, Crawford, Wilford, Tilly, Harding, Fitzgerald, Abbot, Miles, Richmond, Edwin, and Misses Harcourt, Coleridge, Miles, O'Connor, Williams (England) Richmond, Johnston, Dransfield, and Tolhurst. There were also a large number of gentlemen present.

The Star Boating Club ball is being looked f orwai d to with the greatest interest. The committee intend that it shall be quite as successful as any of their previous balls, and they, you know, were quite famous I heai that the decorations ai c to be entirely different from anything we have yet seen, and, if the ideas suggested 1 are earned out, the effect should be lovely, as. well as unique 1 . The marquee is to be erected at the side of the hall, as it was for Miss Coates's ball last year, and furnished for sitting-out. One of the smaller rooms w ill probably be arranged for cards. • • • Miss Ida de Lautc-ur, foui th daughtef of Mr C. A. de Lautour, solicitor of Gisborne, and once upon atimeM.H.R. for Mount Ida (was it in compliment that the bride was named Ida?), has just been married to Mi . W D. Pittai , of Auckland. The budal dress was a beautiful trained gown of white silk, elaborately pin-tucked and trimmed with flounces of accord'eon-pleated ohiffon. The tuoked bodice was made with a deep yoke of embroidered chiffon, finished with a garland of orange blossoms. ♦ • « Miss Lvhe Coleman, MisiS Kathleen Akroyd (cousin), Miss Cecile de Laiutour (sister), and Miss Lorna de Lautour (niece) were the bridesmaids. They each received a dainty little gold w atdh , set with pearls and enamel as a gaft from the bridegroom, and his present to the bride was a gold monogram watch Mr R. de Lautour was best man, and Mr. T. Brewer, of We/11 ingtan, was groomsman. The harmv oair came south m the Zealandia for their honeymoon. * * * The bride'=; travelling costume was a tailor-made blue cloth, with rough white felt hat, trimmed with black ribbon velvet and quill. * * • The annual ball of the Civil Service Rifles was held at the Sydney-stieet schoohoom last Friday night, and was very much enjoyed by the guests present. Lieutenant Mabin was an energetic secretary, and all the arrangements were good. A veiy charming exhibition of sketches has attracted much attention this week. They are the work of Miss Edith Bendall, a young artist, who has made children her paiticular study. Quaint and altogether natuial aie the childish poses A wee baby girl, nursing her doll, is very sweet, but "Babes in the Wood" seems io be the favourite. The poi trait of a little niecei is excellent, and the likeness ha,s been "caught" also in the other sketches fi om life. The pictures altogethei make an exceedingly pretty collection, and have been much admired. * * ■* A cousin, now in England, telLs me she has just bought the sweetest frock, It is of sulphur-coloured point d'espi it mounted on pale blue silk. The overdress is gathered on the hips, and simply made, with a full "baby" bodice cut lound low on the shouldeis. It is the trimming that is so quaint. — wreaths of blue forget-me-nots joined with bows of blue satin ribbon head the deep flounce, which is caught up at intervals in "fan pleats," revealing the pretty blue silk frills beneath. The bodice is trimmed in a similar way, with forget-me-not wreaths and tiny bows of blue. The deep waist belt is also of blue. A fan of yellow gauze and sprays of forget-me-not, picked up for a mere nothing at "Liberty's," is an exact match and just gives a finishing touch

As usual, the Wellington College Old Boys scored a big success with their annual ball, which was held at the Syd-ney-street schoolroom, on Thursday last, June 23rd. The ballroom was artistically decorated with long mirrors amd bunting, the Old Boys' banner occupying a conspicuous position, over the stage. The ante-rooms all looked cosy and bright, being furnished with rug., and easy chairs. Palms, bamboo, and comfortable chairs made the stage an attractive resort for those not dancing An excellent suppei was supplied 1 by Mr. Godber, and the music (Mr. Fleming) was perfect. The chaperones were Masdames Gilmer, Hales, Wills, Fnth Kane, Blundell. Pilcher, Seed, and Mee. Mrs. Fnth was handsomely gowned in black brocade, with berthe of Maltese lace. Mrs Gilmer wore black satin, and Paris lace, Mrs. Blundell, black brocade a,nd lace Mrs. Hales, handsome black silk gown, and sequin net Mrs. Pilchei , black satin, relieved with white; Mrs. Kane, very pretty black silk and lace gown. Mis. Wills wore black brocade. Mrs. Mcc also wore black. The extra waltzes were played bv Misses Kirkcaldie, Richardson, Wills, and M Brown. • ■* » Amongst the pretty frocks worn w ere Miss N. Skerrett's black lace gown, worn over silk, and panelled with lovely cream laces Miss Peaison, in ivory brocade, and net , Miss Sanderson in black, prettily-made, and 1 softened with lace. Miss MacGregor's black gown was lelieved with turquonse blue. Misb Barnett's gown was lovely blue silk, ac-cordeon-pleated, with insertions of Pants lace, the Misses Seed, black net gowns, over satin. Miss Vera Macdonald wore a quaintly pietty dress of flowened brocade, with tiny chiffon frills. Miss Brown had on a gow n of eau-de-ml silk with effective knots of black velvet and soft lace. Miss May Brow m wore a dress of soft blue silk, much shiried, and trimmed w ith medallions of cci u lace. * * » Miss Spragg w-oie black silk relieved with chiffon , Miss Violet "Wills, pale pink gown Miss Kirkcaldie's very pretty gown was of canary crepe-de-chine, with tiny flounces. ' Miss 0. Kirkcaldie woie white glace, and an overdress of net; Miss G. Kirkcaldie, pale pink silk, with dainty shoulderstraps of pink roses Miss Parsons, pale blue satin, and black velvet. The Misses Winnie and Ethel Pareons wore soft w'hite_ silk and lace- Miss L. Lockie, white silk, and mauve sash , Miss Clark, loose black corded silk; Miss Isaacs, white satin, effectively trimmed with red velvet ; the Misses Richardson, pretty net gowns over white satin , Miss Kenny (Auckland), white tucked silk, Miss Gibson (Patea), black net. • ♦ * Some of the gentlemen weie Ca-pt Hughes, D.5.0., Messrs. Firth, A. de B. Brandon Denton, Tripe Pavitt, Morton. Hollis, McKenzie, Wiggins McLean, Stevenson, Webb, Blundell, and Smith. • * * The committee and secretary (Mr. S. S. Brown) are to be congratulated upon the success attained. The supper-table decorations, which weie much admired, were arranged by the Misses Kirk- ' caldie, who, I believe, undertake this pleasant responsibility on each occasion of the Old Boys' ball". • • • M'ss Grace who has been visiting Sn William and Lady Russell at Flaxmere. Hawke's Bay, has letuined to Wellington

Amongst the many visitors in town last week were Mr. Justice and Mrs. Williams, and Mr. Justice and Mrs. Edwaids, Mn. Thorne-George and Miss Zoe George, and Mrs. Heaton Rhodes. * • « In place of wedding-cake in Holland, "w cdding-sw eets" are handed round to the guests by children. The sweets aic served in baskets, beautifully decoi ated with flowers. * * » Musica,l people had a very good time during the Hodges conceat season. The w eather was very cold and unpleasant, but on each occasion, the' Sydney-street ball was crowded. On Tuesday night, Mrs. Hamilton Hodges wore an Empire gown of ivory satin, draped with delicate laoe, and a lovely bouquet was presented to her. Mrs. Queree's gown, of eau-de-ml satin, was very pretty, the skut being flounced with Mechlin lace, finished with silvei sequins. Similar lace and clusters of roses finished the corsage. * * * In the audience were Mrs. Edward Richardson, wearing a black brocade theatre coat, relieved with lovely laoe; Mrs Rankin Brown, wearing a blaci net amd sequin, dinner dress. Mrs. Dean wore grey silk, and her young daughter a soft pink frook. Mrs. Scott was wealing black and white; Miss Loughnan, a tuiquoise canvascloth theatre jacket- — the wide collar edged with white' fox — over her evening gown. * » » Mrs. Gould was in claret-coloured sulk dinnei gown, and long black coat; Mi's. Cachemaille, a pretty gown of black ci epe-der-chine. Miss Famny Parkeu wore a pretty silk blouse, and dark skirt , Miss S. MacGregor, pale blouse of Louisine silk, draped with silk, and a long red coat Mrs. O. Richardson wore ovei her black gown a long black satin theatre coa.t relieved with lace motifs. Mrs. Harry Parker had on a long coat of vieux rose cloth, ovor a lace gown , Misses Quick, in black lace gowns, and turquoise silk belts Mrs. Bright, black satin. Mrs. Butt wore black; Miss R. Butt, mauve silk diess. Mrs. Henry wore a black lace gown Mrs. and Miss Beere, Mrs. MacAithur, Miss Lucy Atkinson, Miss Swainson were also there.