SOCIAL GOSSIP

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 211, 16 July 1904, Page 8

SOCIAL GOSSIP

By Christabel.

THE conversazione arranged by the membeis of Parliament as a welcome to His Excellency the Governor and 1 Lady Plunket was. a verypleasant little function, and was greatly enjoyed. It was very much the same as the "farewell" to Lord Ranixily, only fortunately not so crowdted. Tl i. lobby and Legislative Council chamber had been elaborately decorated with palms, pot-plants, etc., and furnished with easy chairs and rugs. The guests were received by the Premier and Mis. Seddon upon entering the lobby. • « * Punctually at half-past eight the Governor and Lady Plunket arrived, accompanied! bv the Hon. Kathleen Plunket and Captain Braithwaite. They proceeded to the Legislative Council chamber, and there the presentation of members and their wives, took place. An enjoyable programme of music followed and afterwards there was sup-pc-i- served 1 in Bellamy's. Those who sang were afterwards presented to their Excellencies, who complimented them. Mrs. A. E. Donne, Miss Hyde, Miss Flanagan, Miss Moran, Muss Moloney, inrt Messrs. Balla.nce and E. J. Hill were the performers. Minifies band played in the lobby • • * Lady Plnnket wore a lovely gown of white 'satin, with an over-dress of silven embroidered net, having also a design of pale mauve irises. The corsaee was draped with mauve chiffon, a diamond tiara and necklet were worn, and a bouquet of spring flowers and maidemhfni was earned. The Horn. Kathleen Plunket was wearing maize-coloured soft satin, a graceful gown, with flounces of the same material edged with lace. Hpt bouquet was of crimson blossoms. Miss Airds pretty gown was of rosecoloured silk, much shirred.

Mis. Seddon woie black satin, with tran of cumson loses. Lady Russell wort d handsome gown or black corded silk , Mrs. Edwards, a beautiful dress of black chiffon ovei giey silk, the bodice draped with tulle, amongst which gleamed some lovely diamond omar mentis, Mrs. Dean, black satin, and scmif beaut ltul old lace. Miss Williams (England) wore eau-de-nile crepe. Mrs. Ci apman (Dunedin) was handsomely gowned in black duchesse satin, Mrs. Neil McLean, black satm, handsomely trimmed with jet and crimson roses, diamond pendant , Miss Linda McLean, soft white silk, pale blue chou. * * # Miss Rutherford wore a pietty white, silk. Mrs. Meadow ci oft, stylish cream satin. Mis Kember, m black satm. Mrs. Richardson woie black; Mrs. Eastern eld, black, relieved with chiffon and pink i oses , Mrs. Wilson, in black, Mrs. Field, m a lovely dress of black lace Mrs. Woods, black lace, and Honiton flounces . Mrs. Holmwood, black lace powii Miss HoJmwood, ci earn net and pale blue- Mrs. Tuckey, black silk Mrs.. Louis Blundell, black satin, and lovely lace . Mrs. J. Blundell, handsome black silk gown ; Mrs. Guinness, silver and black brocade , Miss Massey, cream silk sown , Mrs. Cooper, black silk and lace Miss May Cooper, black lace gown Mis. W. H. Barbel, black silk. Mrs. Kennedy MaodonaJd, silver and grey brocade, and lovely lace. * * * Miss Coates wore black, relieved with lace, Mrs. Filth, a gown of paleist blue silk voile, with clusters of pink roses on the corsage, and' in her hair. Mrs Giliuth wore black, and shaded i oses Mrs. Jeffcoat, a becoming crown of palest heliotrope silk. Mrs. A. E. Donne wore a gown of ivory orepe-de-cl.ine, with deep flounce much shirred, aid the corsage was cut round and filched with a wreath of tiny leaves Miss Flanaean wore pale green silk ao-rordeon-pleated, and wide folded belt of dark Teen velvet. Miss Amy Hyde wore ivory satm — a pretty dress — much scftened with chiffon flounces. The Sydney-street hall was attractively bright and pretty on Wednesday last week, when Mis. Wallis en tertairv er! a large number of guest© _at an "At Home" in honour of the visiting Synodsmen. The decorations from the Garrison Officers' Ball had been allowed to remain, and the rugs, easy chaiis, and prottv palms scattered about the room completed the r>rettv scene Tea was served in the side rooms.

The Bishop and Mrs. Walks received tben guests at the entrance to the hall. Mis. Wallifc wore a very lovely gown of black velvet, relieved with soft r>ih es of cieam lace. Hor bouquet of spring flowers was the gift of the visitin- clergy. Miss Williams was in eian-de-nil silk, much shirred, and a black hat. The Hon. Kathleen Plunket bad on a, navy blue gown, white furs, and black pjotuie hat. Mrs. Seddon was in black brocade, a black bonnet, anc 1 sable fuis. » ♦ • Mrs. Bean woie a black voile dress, pnd black hat . Mrs Dyer, brown cloth gown, and stylish hat, Miss Seddon, cream voile and black hat , Miss May Sheldon, white serge, and black hat , Mrs Firth handsome checked tweed gown, strapped with silver braid, sable furs, an black hat. Mrs. Ward 1 was in grey cloth Mrs. Kay, green cloth costume, black toque . Mrs. Stealey, long grey ooat, grey hat , Mrs. Balcombe Brown, darF costume, and bi ight red hat. Mrs. C. H. Mills wore a handsome blaok brocade, sealskin coat, and black hat , Miss 1 Mills, cream, voile gown, long cream cloth coat, and blaok picture ha.t. Mrs. David Nathan's pretty costume was of grey cloth, worn with a blaok picture ''at Mrs. Cox, blown cloth dress, and straw hat with berries. Mis. GloverEaton wore blaok, and a black and vHte hat , Mrs. Bailhe, black brocade , Miss Haroourt. pale blue cloth gown , Dr Platts-Mills, black gown, long fawn driving coat, and black hat. The Misses Fitzgerald, MacGregor, Seed, MacTajvish, Hennah, Newall, Harding, Ashcroft, Powles, Atkinson Dransfield, Partridge, and Martin were also amongst those present. * • » A very enjoyable children's plain and fa,ncy dress ball was held m St. Mark's Schoolroom, on Monday, July 4th. There were about one hundred present Amongst those in fancy costume weire Miss Amy Christie, as a Grecian lady . Miss Grace Nelson, "Belle of New York" , Miss Nina Fogleberg, Norwegian peasant; Miss Nellie Avery, fishwife ; Miss Dottie Griffiths, Gipsy ; Miss May France, Scotch lassie ■ Miss Alice Gi iffiths, Japanese lady ; Miss Dorothy Christie, Red Riding Hood; Miss Kitt^ Sorjer, Spring. * • • Among the young gentlemen present were- Master Stuart Nelson, as a oourtier -. Master Bolland, a prince of tthe eighteenth century ; Master Devard,

Robin Hood; Master Phillpot, jockey. Tlhere were also charaeteis representing a cricketer, negro, Highlander, and otheis too numerous to mention. * • • The Hon. Seymoui, Mrs., and Miss Thoi lie-George are staying at the Royal Oak. * • • Glancing through some English p.ipers, I noticed a paiagraph that will be read with some interest just now — ' The engagement has been announced of the Rev. the Hon. Benjamin J. Plunket, M.A., rector of Ardoyne, County Carlo w, son of the late Lord Plunket, Archbishop of Dublin, and Miss Dorothy Butler, daughter of Sir Thomas P. Butler, Bart., D.L., and Lady Butler, Tullow, County Carlow." The fiance is theiefore a brother of ooii Governor. * ■* * Miss Estelle Beere is to have the honour of teaching dancing and calisthenics to Lady Plunket's little children. * * * Some of the pi esentations made at a lecent court held by their Majesties were particularly interesting to Maorilanders, notably Mrs. G. P. Donnelly, of Cussoge, Hawke's Bay, who, it will be remembered, took a leading part in arranging the picturesque Rotorua Carnival on the occasion of the Duke of York's visit. Whilst in New Zealand, the Prince and Princess of Wales invited Mr. and Mis. Donnelly to be their guests if they ever went Home, and everyone is pleased that the inviltation has developed into an actual fact. * * ■* Mrs. Donnelly is genuinely liked — almost loved, in fact — by all her friends, and, being of the highest birth, has a gi eat deml of influence with the Maoris, who are her devoted 1 admirers 1 . The best of the native traits — hospitality, chaiicv and generosity — are very istronsly developed in her nature, and iy any New Zealanders have happy reooHlectioftis of "a few days at Cnssoge" with Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly and their daughter. * * » Another presentation full of interest to us was that of Mrs. William Madooks, wife of Major Madocks, and only daughter of Sir Walter Buller. Mrs. Madlocks was presented l on the occasion of her marriage, and looked very lovely in a eown of ivo'rv chiffon, embroidered in gold. The court train was* of ivory satin, lined with shirred chiffon, and finished 1 with huge "roses" of chiffon, with a centre of brilliants.

The Government Hout>e ball, on. Thursday labt, was looked forward to with much pieasuie, and quite came up to expectations. The decorations weie very pretty and elaborate, conspicuous being tne exquisite blossoms of the poinsettia, which gleamed from ma&sefa of lovely foliage. The mantelpieces were banked with maiden-hair and fioweraig shrubs, and looked lovely, l'he conseivatorv was converted into a sup-per-room, and looked very attractive. The magnificent silver candelabra were very much admired, and further interest v.a« attached to them because of thear having at one time belonged to one oi the Napoleonfa. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Plunket received +he guests. * • • In the first set, His Excellency the Governor danced with Mrs Sed'doii, -the Right Hon. the Premiei with Lady Plunket, Sir Joseph Ward- with the Hon. Kathleen Plunket the Hon. C. H Mills with Lady Ward, General Babir~ton with Mrh Williams, Captain Eobinson with Mrs. Walks, Lieutenant Payne with Miss Williams (England), one 1 Captain Braithwaite with Mis. Wf-bb. # Lady Plunket wore a lovely gown, of white mousseline-de^soie, with gauermgs an^ ruched chiffon. At intervals there were insertions of lovely lace m scroll design. A deep belt was of shaded rose silk, and a diamond tiara and necklet completed the pretty toilette, mc Bor\. Kathleen Plunket wore a sown ot net with a painted design of roses. It was much shirred, and relieved 1 with cream lace. Miss Aird wore a sott cream lace gown. * * * Mrs Seddon woie her handsome purple velvet gown, relieved with ruffles of lovely laoe and diamonds. Lady Ward's gown was both uncommon and lovely, of sunray pleated chiffon, m palest blue, made with a three-flounced skirt. The bodice had a very deep cape or berthe of pale blue glace, much trimmed with a Russian cross-stitch embroidery im shades of pale pink and black and some ivory insertion was also effective. , Mrs. Wallis wore black velvet, and lovely lace, and her sister, Miss Williams was in ivory satin, and a berthe of Honiton lace. Mrs. Chapman (Dj"iedin) wore black duchess satin. Miss Chapman (debutante) wore a charming .snd girlish dress of ivory point d'esprit net. The skirt was made with three deep iiooinces and ra chines of net, and the bodice had a ti ellis of narrow satiin ribbon, soft chiffon frills, and clusters of tiny banksia roses. * • • Mrs. Miohie wore- grey brocade, with lace and diamonds , Mrs. Mantell, lvonry satin and crimson flowers. Mrs. BanHp Brown wore a charming dress oi ivory satin, and gold embroidery. Ma's. B 3th am wore black satin, and shaded ro«es Miss E. Williams, cream satin and chiffon. Mrs. H. Rawson. in white silk, and over-dress of lovely black lace. * * Miss McLean wore pale blue chiffon, lelieved with clusters of pink roses , Mrs. Martin, pale blue brocade and lace. Mrs. Elgar had on a handsome white satin gown, and touch of blue, Mis. Tweed in black velvet and lace Mrs. C. Richardson, black Louissme flounced skirt with sleeves and berthe of white chiffon embroidered with black. Mrs. F Leckie was admired in ivory duchesse satin with lovely lace, and tucked chiffon; Mrs- Findlay, white net, spangled with silver, and tiny rose medallions. The skirt was finished with knots of turquoise ohiffon. * * * Mrs. Fitchett wore a. lovely gown of black satin and net; Mrs. Thorne white brocade, corsage relieved with pink, and diamond ornaments, Mrs. Campbell black, with over-dress of sequin net : Miss Coates, gowned in black glace, relieved 1 with lovely lace, Mrs. Dyer, black duchess satin , Mrs>. Pandford Cox, white satin, dhiffon flouncesi, and pink roses on corsage , Mrs. Biss, white glace, and medallions of ivory lace; Miss Riddiford, skirt of very fine ivory lace, flounced from waist to hem, bodice of folded pale green satin, finished with draperies of delicate lace, and diamond buckles. * * * Miss Grace had on a lovely lace, gown, over white glace; Miss Fell, ivory Oriental satin, slightly gauged at waast, and finished with some love 1 '- old lace ; Miss W. Miles, in white; accordeonpleated ohiffon, over palest blue silk; Miss Stafford, cream lace dress, with crimson roses and foliage ; Miss E. Stafford, in pale blue net, over glace, with va.r.dvkes of fine ivory lace. Miss Alice Rawson wore erreen accordeonpleated silk. Miss E. Rawson was in white silk, accordeon-pleated, over pink, with lon^ sash, Miss Smith, pretty gown of ivory net and glace. Miss Willis wore cream silk, with frilled' skirt and exouisite lace » * ♦ Miss Harcourt wore white duchesse satin and deep-pointed belt of blue

panne, Mieb G. Harcourt. white silk, am' pale yellow chatton on. the bodice , AJibs Flora. Brandon, pink silk crepe, .mdlace beithe, Miss (Jiceiy Higgiiison, pale green, ciepe-de-chme, and flounceb ol laoe and) wieath of rot>e& in her hair. Miss G. Reid woie eau-de-ml glace, the skirt made with French folds and long narrow panels of cream lace. The piettv bodice wa.s folded across with lace and cluster of scarlet geianiunxs, Miss S MacGiegoi, black satin, and accordeon-pleated chiffon , Miss Rena Butt, pale pink silk, and effective blue chiffon ohoux Miss Zoe ThorneGeorge wore a cieam lace gown, and belt of cherry chiffon. Miss Tolhuist, white silk and chiffon. The nrusic was provided by Minifies band. Lady Waid entertained a number of guests at a "Girls' tea," given last Fnrlav, in honoui of her visitoi , Miss Fraser (Dunediin). The afternoon was very much enjoyed. A fortune-teller v&t- in gieat demand, and songs were snne bv Miss Ward, Miss Frasei , Mrs. B M. Wilson Miss Flanagan, and Miss F, Hennah played a violin solo. Tea was laid in the dining-room, and the table looked lovely. Lady Ward recpived. wearing a gown of black silk voile, the blouse being made with a deep Victorian yoke of ivory-tinted lace. JVfiss Ward's blouse was of white silk, prettily made and woi n with a, blue cloth skirt. Miss Fi aser wore black voile with a blouse of black chiffon relieved with yoke of net, a,nd a very large turquoisei blue chou. • * * The Hon. Kathleen Plunket woie a gown of bright na,vy cloth, with vest of cream lace, and ermine stole, with a smart toque en suite. Miss R. WiLHams (England) wore a Russian costume of cream frieze, and a black hat. Mrs. Joffcoat wore dark green tai-tan, relieved with vest of heavy insertion, and coss scarf of pale green crepe-de.-c.hine, pretty toque of black astraehan and pale green panne. Mrs. Dyer was in a ver" dark brown cloth coat, fastened v ith tanv ornamental' buttons, brown marabout furs, and picture ha.t; Mrs. Cilruth, navy tailor-made, and toque of shaded rose mirodr velvet ; Mrs. Simuels, stylish black and white costume and cherry-coloured hat. Miss Coates had on a handsome dark green i,nd black frieze sown, long coat, and black hat , Miss Seddion. in ciream voile and a black hat; Miss May Seddon, fawn voile and large blue hat. • • • Miss Harcourt wore a pale blue frieze gown, and a picture hat , Miss Stafford, cream coat and skirt, a long coat with touches of black velvet, and a black and white hat; Miss Christine Smith, pretty cornflower fneze costume, and black '^at Miss Waldegiave, navy cloth di ess cream lace, and bright red hat. Miss O. Mills wore blue canvas cloth, and a blue beaver hat. Miss G. Mills had on a chocolate-brown frieze, relieved with white, and becoming hat. Miss Kanes gown was of cream cloth, and a pretty red hat of plaited straw. Miss Skerrett wore a red frieze gown, and a large white- hat , Miss Macdonald, pretty black velvet gown, large, Bait-topped hf.t of old rose velvet, and shadled feathers quilled with out steel. *■ * * His Excellency the Governor and Lady Plunket attended the performance of "A Gaiety Girl," at the Opera House, last week. The Hon. Kathleen Plunkc * Captain Braithwaite, Mi . Waterford, and General Babmgton were also of the vice-regal paity. The management had vety tastefully decorated attid draped the "box" with the colours chocolate and yellow, and a charming bouquet of wattle and bulbs, tied wirtth brow m and yellow chiffon, was ready for Lady Plunket, who wore black glace, relieved with podnt d'asprit net, and t-ails of "La France" roses. Her coat was a pale blue panne and hea,vy lace. • * * The Hon. Kathleen Plunket also wore .1 black gown and a long cream cloth theatre coat, with an effective spray of crimson flowers In the circle I noticed Mr. and Mrs. W. Levin, Mass Johnston and Miss Williams (England), Mrs. Lewis (Nelson), the Misses Miles and Messrs. Trimnell, Sclanders, and Lowrie, Miss Dransfield and her cousin. Mis® M. Dransfield (Melbourne), and Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Abbott. • • • The third annual ball of the Wellington Highland Rifles was held at the Druids' Hall on Friday last, and was a very picturesque, and successful function. Colour-Sergeant Mao Diamond and Sergeant Macdbrmld were energetac secretaries, and are to be congratulate cd. The music was supplied 1 by Platt's orchestra, and Mr. Mawson wast in charge of the supper arrangements. The hall was prettily decorated with ferns, bunting, etc., and conspicuous was a large banner bearing "Scotland for Ever." Pipers Harrison and Forbes provided music for the sohottisches. • • • Amongst the guests were Mrs. Macintosh, in a handsome black merveilleux gown, draped with Limerick lace ; Mrs. Simeon, in white aocordeon-pleiat-

Ed chiffon. Miss Smith wore pole, blue silk, Mrs. Wilson, pink silk, and lovely ovei -dress of white ohifFon and Eastern embroideuy. Miss Mor&e woie heliotrope oiepe-dei-chine, and' Miss G. Morse a dainty white muslin dress ; Miss Youmans, in pale blue silk, with panel of hand-painted pink roses. Miss Tresize u as in white silk. * * * Mi. and Mis. D. A. Taylor entertained a number of guests at a very enjoyable euchie party, at their residence, Ellice-street, on Wednesday last. During the evening songs were sung by Misses Tayloi and Macdonald and Messrs. Taylor, Coffey, Elecie, and Hooker. Mrs. Taylor leceived hei guests, and was 1 v\ earing a gown of blaok mousselinei-dei-soie. Her sisteir (Miss Macdonald) woie blaok silk, relieved with pink , Miss Taylor, stylish dress of -blue voile and lace, Mrs. Coffey, pretty heliotrope silk, finely tuoked and trimmed with lace , Miss Western, a gown of crepe-det-chine , Mrs. Domcaster, blaok satin, Miss Pieston (New Plymouth), blue silk. * • • The New Zealand Royal Artillery held then annual ball at the Sydneystreet schoolroom on Tuesday, 12th mst. There was a very large attendance a/nd dancing was keipt menily going until the wee sma' hoors. The music (Miss Hawthorne's band) was excellent, and the supper arrangements were ill charo-e of Mr. Godber. The decorations in bot>h t\he hall and supper-room were very elaborate and pietty, consisting of bunting, mirroirs greenery, and shields of bayonets and swords. The stage was very effectively done with lovely ferntrees and Bombardier Wevbourne tihe secretary, was assisted 1 bv Gunners Dwver Spence, Sweeney, and Just and, as the result of their efforts, the ball was one of the most successful ever given by the Artillery. * * * Mi s. Hume was present, wearing black erepei-de-chine, and sequin em,. hroideny. Mrs. Gilmer's gown was of black silk, with overdress of lovely lace. Mrs. Richardson wore a handsome blaok silk drees, draped with Brussels lace. Captain Johnson., R.A., Captain Hume, R.A., Master-Gunner Richaidson, R.A., Captain Cooirtney (D Battery), Lieut. Duncan (Ohristchuroh), Dr. Gdlmer, and 1 representatives from each corps' of the garrison were present. * * * St. Ronans Church, Muntai, was on Monday last, the scene of an exceptionally interesting and pretty wedding, when Miss Amy Shortt, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Shortt., so; wellknown in Wellington, was married to Lieutenant-Engineer R. H. Wood, of H.M.S. Boomerang, now attached to the Australian Squadron. The oeremon-" was performed bv the Rev. J. D. Russell, of Pet one, in the presence of ai large gathering of friends. ■* * # The decorations of the ohuroh were quite a feature, being unique and most appropriate. About the altar was diaped the Union Jack, and above, suspended by led, white, and blue ribbons, was a large floral anchor, and under that a large true-lovers' knot of white ribbon. On one side were the bride's initials, thiough which was a silver dagger. On the other side were the initials of the bridegroom . The decorations were arranged by girl friends of the bride, who is exceedingly popular. * * * The bridegroom wore his naval uniform, and the bride, who was given away by her father, wore her travelling gown of navy blue cloth. The Russian cdat was faced with grey cloth, strapped with white, and finished with tiny ornamental buttons. With this was worn a handsome ostrich feather stole and large white hat with ribbon rosettes and an exquisite long feather shaded from old gold to white. The hat-pins were made of naval buttons. A shower bouquet was carried. The bride's gift from the bridegroom was a lovely ring set with opal- and diamonds. Milss Steele attended the bride, and wore a light blue dresis, relieved 1 with white and a large' black velvet picture hat. Mr. Montague Bannister acted as best man. * * • Subsequently, the bride's parents held a reception at Day's Bay Pavilion, which was very prettily decorated with greenery and bunting in honour of the occasion. The guests were all conveyed across the bay in a special boat, w'haoh also displayed bunting. In the pa,viilioin the guests were received' by Mr. and Mrs. Shortt. Afternoon teta was then enjoyed, the room being furnished witlh many little tables laden with sweets. Great credit is due to the Company for the first-class mariner in which the catering was carried out. * * * There were a few toasts. That of "The Bride" was proposed by the Rev. J. D. Russell, and responded to by the bridegroom. Mr. Wills proposed 1 the health of the bride's pa-rents, to which Mr. Shortt replied. The Rev. Van Staveiren also made a short speech. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Wood drove to the Lower Hutt. They leave on Saturday week

for Sydney, and 1 shortly proceed to England. A wire was leceived from the Mayor, who is also president of the Navy League, regretting his inability to be present. * • • Mrs. Shortt woie a handsomei gown of black silk, and stylish bonnet, relieved with white silk lace, and her shower bouquet was of white and heliotrope flowers, caught with knots of heliotrope chiffon and ribbon. As the steamer returned to the wharf with tjhe guests three cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Shortt. * * * Amongst the many guests we're Mrs. Sydney Shoitt, who wore a navy blue gown, and a black hat; Mrs. Herbert Shoitt, pretty dress of petunia cloth, and black hat. Both carried lovely shower bouquets. Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Milligan, Mrs. McKeowen, Mrs. Grady, Miss Van Staveren, Mr®. Lachman, Mrs. Sahloss, Mrs. S. Brown, Mrs. Bannister, Mrs. Wills, Mrs. Kennedy Maodonald, Miss Vera Macdonald, the Misses Wills, Miss Mountfort, the Misses Tabuteau. Mrs. Exley, Mrs. Harbroe, Mrs. Savage, Mrs. Grant, Mrs. and Miss Holro'vd, and Messrs. Grundy. Van Staveren, Wills. J. Blunde.ll, Remington. Tustin, and others. * * j Mrs. Meadowcroft entertained a large number of guests at her pretty residence, Mount-street, on Wednesday afternoon. The afternoon tea was a "nick-nack" one, given in honour of Miss Grundy, whose marriage takes place very shortly. The 'hostess re>ceived 1 in a stylish black velvet gown, with sunray pleated white chiffon, yoke and sleeves, and dainty cream lace ooffee iacket. Her little daughter wore a soft cream silk gown, with yellow sash 1 . Delicious and dainty tea was laid in the' dining-room, the table being prettily decorated with tall candelabra *" j Z^ €s filkd . ™ th feathery wattle and yellow narcissi, on a very "handsome hand-pamted silk table centre. * * • A prize, presented by the hostess for the most onoinal and quaant nick-nack brought, was won by "Mrs. Millar — a lovely handkerchief box, full of chocolates. Several ladies contributed songs and music, Mrs. Donne singing dlenghtfully. Among those present were • Mesdames Grundy, Honey Mcc, Donne;, Hamer, Woods, De Castro, Wilson Williams. Lindsay, Hall, Wardell, and Misses Grundy (2), Mcc, Barber, Richardson, Honey, and De Castro. * * • Miss Birney Stevenson, of Wellington, and Miss Grace Allen, of Piotiom, left by the Monowai en route to England. It is_ their intention to stay a short time in Australia and' Souitih Africa, and then a round of visits to re>lations in England, Scotland, and Ireland will be made. Before her departure Miss Stevenson, who is an energetic member of the Hi?h School Old Girls' Association, was entertained! by that Committee. The function took the^ form of an afternoon tea at Carroll's rooms, and was very enjoyable.