Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume V, Issue 221, 24 September 1904, Page 8

Social Gossip

By Christabt ).

VERY entei taming and clever was the charming performance of "A Convent Gal," given by a coterie of clever school-gnis at St. Peter's schoolroom, on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Girls now-adays are nothing if not enterprising, and, what is of considerably greater importance, they are generally successful in their enterprises. To make their own costumes, pamt the scenery, adapt their own musical comedy, and write the necessary libretto, is not a small undertaking— in fact, the last would frighten even experienced managers. Yet, those versatile girls did all that with very great success. The entertainment — an invitation affair — was a medley, collected from various comedies, and the libretto was mostly original, and very amusing. It would be difficult to name any performer as "lead," so well did each one fill her part. Miss Edie Robertson scored heavily as' the maid, being encored again and again for several of her clever songs. She has a nice voice, and is a very promising singer She is a sister of Mr. Roland Robertson, who has won quite a local reputation for his comic songs. The "curio," Miss Elsie Watson, was responsible for a great deal of the fun, and also sang and acted very prettily in the duets, etc. # « * Miss Elsie Simpson was a very charming little singing girl, who was wooed bra stalwart youth (Miss Rita Simpson). Miss Irene Haybittle was splendid as the haughty and dignified Lady. and Miss Nola Haybittle simply revelled in the part of Jack, the iolly sailor boy, and sang her songs very sweetly winning several encores. Miss B. Miles, as the G-ipsv singer, was capital so also was Miss Mary Stuart as "Tarn," her make-up being splendid. Very

dainty was Miss E. Rawson, especially Li the second act, when her song, with chorus and match, won a double encoie. Miht> Greta Ewan'b peifoimance of the insect-loving old piofessor was lemarkably good, and she was clever with her "business," provoking many laughs. The Misses Joyce Fitzherbeit, Marjone Michie, and Hilda Miles also did well. Everyone taking pait did her best, and that best was well worth seeing. Miss Stuart greatly assisted the peiformers with her accompaniments and incidental music, and Mi. DidsJbuiy assisted in the stage-managmg. In the first act, the gnls wore very sweet costumes — shoit, pale blue linen frocks, white frilled muslin apions, and French caps. In the second choius they appeared in white cloth frocks, also short, with straps and bi aiding of pink and white Napoleon hats, bound with pink. Miss Rawson's diess was sweet, of white frilled muslin, large rosettes of pink satin ribbon on the skirts, and out-lining the yokes. Hei hm was of white chiffon, and she cained a staff with clusteis of pink and white flowers. A pretty -gown was of pale green voile, gracefully made with under sleeves of lace. Two becoming dresses were of pale blue voile, w ith gi aceful ostrich stoles, and 1 with one a crimson hat was very effective. Amongst the many guests who witnessed the performance, I noticed Mrs. H. Crawford, who woie black satin, accompanied by her young daughter, Mrs. Watson, wearing black; Mrs. Rawson, black silk and transparent yoke of chiffon ; Mrs. Wylie. black satin, and long coat ; Mrs. Bueholz, handsome opera coat, and black gown. Mrs. Bristowe woie black, and a lace bertha, Mrs. Robeitson, handsome black gown: Mrs. Ewan, black, relieved 1 with white , Mrs. Michie, wearing black satin, and long opera cloak ; Miss Elliot, pretty black dress Miss W. Miles wore cream silk; Miss Ewan, a becoming frock of crimson silk. * * * Miss "Webb wore a white silk di ess ; her sister, also in white , Miss Blundell long crimson coat, and white frock; Miss Borlase (Wanganui'i black satin. Miss F. Morecroft wore cream silk. Miss Ecclesfield was also in cream , Miss Estelle Beere, pretty gown of black crepe-de-chine the Misses Hickson. in black, relieved with white; Miss M. Seed, pretty lace

gown, Miss Osbome-Gibbes, m silk blouse, blaok satin skirt, Mit>s T. Lingard, soft silk diest>, the Misses Louisson, Mrs. and the Misses Bairon, and the Misses Somerville. Mifos Alice Macpherson, who has been the guest of Mis. Waldegrave, letuined last Monday to Dunedin. Miss Christine Smith left foi Dunedin at the same time, and will be the guest of Dr. and Mrs. Macpherson. Lady Plunket has accepted an invitation to visit Sir William and Lady Russell, at their home, Flaxmeie, Hastings, quite early m October, and will be piesent at the Hawke's Bay races. Mast probably the Hon. Kathleen Plunket and Captain Biaithwaite, A.D.C., will accompany Her Excellency. Lady Plunket also proposes to visit Austialia foi the Melbourne Cup, leaving here about October 27th. Immediately after the session, Sn William and Lady Russell, accompanied by their daughters, leave for England. The Garden Fete oiganised by Lady Plunket m aid of the funds for the Veteians' Home promises to be a great attraction. How amusing will be the hunt foi the hidden treasuie. Imagine us all aimed with hat-pins, or any convenient weapon, "plodding" hopefully fo»- the hidden gold. Clever brains are devising many side-shows for the Ozi Boz Boz which will take place in the grounds of Government House, w hich His Excellency and Lady Plunket have kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee. The ballroom will probably be conveited pro tern into a theatre, as theatricals are to form part of the progi amme. * * * His Excellency the Governor and Lady Plunket were present at the opening of the Petone Flower Show, on Wednesday. September 4th. They were accompanied by the Hon. Kathleen Plunket and Captain Braithwaite, A.D.C Lady Plunket wore a graceful gown of grey cloth, with a small toque of white chiffon. The show was a very good one, and many of the exhibits aroused feelings of envy, especially the out flowers and 1 pot plants. The Drill shed was crowded, many of the visitors going out from town. * * * Mrs C Waldegrave, Palmerston North is on a short visit to Wellington.

Miss Kelly is entertaining a number of friends at an "At Home" on Thursday afternoon. It is to be a "kitchen tea" for Miss Helen Moran, who us shortly to be married. * * * From Dannevn ke comes an account of a very jolly party given to her young friends by Miss Elaine Gurr, daughter o f Mr. and Mis. Norman Gurr. The invitations, enclosed in which were the piogrammes, gave promise of a novel and merry entertainment, so the function was looked forwaid to with very great pleasure by all the little ones. The Oddfellows' Hall, in which the danoe was held, had been very tastefully decorated with greenery and bunting. The supper-table was simply lovely, with quantities of exquisite bulbs and violets, and every possible variety of damty dishes, sweets, and fruit whilst the pretty, old-fashioned bon-bons, with caps, etc., made glad the hearts of the youngsters. * * # After supper, the little ones thoroughly enjoyed a "Hearts' party." Tiny red hearts had been hidden in every nook and corner, and the guests hunted in pairs, the boys giving all the hearts they found to their little partners. For this little Miss Hunter was the winner. Later in the evening, nail-driving competitions between teams caused much excitement, and was finally won by Master Robertshawe's team. Then there was some pretty fancy dancing by Misses Eileen Irvine, D. and Y. Burmester, and P. Beckett, which we all enjoyed very much. * * * After all the fun, "Auld Lang Syne" was sung, and three cheers given for the little hostess and Mr. and Mrs Gurr. Then, very tired but happy the children went off to their homes. It certainly was one of the prettiest and happiest sights we have seen in Dannevirke, and the " grown-ups " invited to assist enjoyed themselves quite as thoroughly as did the babies. * * * Two engagements have been announced this week. One is that of Miss Fa vie Arthur, second daughter of Thos. Arthur. Esq., traffic superintendent of New Zealand, Railways, Wellington, to Dr. Herbert Ziele, late of Philadelphia, United States, and 1 the other is- that of Miss Ettie Tester, of Wellington to Mr. Ernest Williams, of Auckland. The latter marriage will take place early next year.

Quite a numbei of visitois were in town foi the conceits last week, amongst them Mn>. Wilson and her daughters, from Bulls, Mis. Cowper, Mr. and Mrs. Irvine and Miss Knight, from Dannevirke. Mrs. Vavasoui, Dr. and Mis. Anderson, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Edwards and Misses Rutherford from Blenheim, Mr. and Mre. Birch, and Mrs. D. Tennent, from Marton. Mis. Giace gave a delightful little dan* last Friday, at her residence, Hawkestone^treet. The arrangeme its were of course peifect, as the house is i charming one tor entei taming. Mrs. Grace wore black crepe-de-chine Miss Grace, a very pietty gown of palest green ct epe. Some of the guests weie Mrs and Mr,. Harold Johnston Mi and Mrs. W. Campbell, Mr and Mis. Wright, Mi. and Mrs. W. Johnston. Mr and Mrs Coleridge Mi. and Mrs. C. Pearce, Mi. and Miss Hai court, Miss Higgmson, Miss Joan Hislop, Miss Inghs and Miss M. Johnston (Hankes BaV> Miss Morna Fell, Mi<* W.nldeerave Miss Doris Johnston, Miss Russell Miss Tolhurst, Miss A. Raw-son, and Messrs. A. Cooper. Higgmson, G. Williams, and G. Johnston. * * " Misses Stevenson and Allen, who went Home by the White Stai linei , ' K^" c > had a thoroughly enjoyable trip. Their fellow-passenger were a very jolly party, and paities of various lands gave inteie*t to each day Mis* Stevenson, in the chaiacter of Wight, won the prize tor the prettiest fancy dress, and both she and Miss Allen scored in many competitions. Whilst at Melbourne they, with Miss Lyne daughter of Sir William Lyne, of the Fedeial Ministry went out to Kew to see the famous mausoleum erected by a wealthy doctor in honour of his wire. * * * At the Feildmg Wesleyan Church, on Wednesday Mr. G H. Mends, eldest son ot Mr.'G. Mends, of Palmerston North ,was married to Miss Ida Mary Haybittle, eldest daughter of Mr. R. JH Haybittle. The happy couple left by the evening tram for New Plymouth. * * * Blenheim was the destination foi a great many Welhngtomans who winged their flight at the end of last week. The pretty little town was simply overflowing with visitors because of the Exhibition. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Plunket, accompanied by the Hon Kathleen Plunket. Mr. Waterfield] and the aides, went across the Stra-t. During their stay in Marlborough, the Government House party were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Vavasour. Mrs. Vavasour is a metfe of Archbishop Redlwood. * * * Other visitors to the Exhibition were : The Hon. C H. Mills, Mrs. Mills, and the Misses Mills, the Misses Seddon, and Dr. and Mrs. Findlay At the opening ceremony. Lady Plunket wore a graceful black gown, and small toque. After an enjoyable cruise in the Sounds, the vice-regal party returned home on Tuesday last. + * * A marriage of mteiest to Wellington people took place at St. Paul's, Christchurch, on Wednesday, September 14th, when Mr. Alexander Gray of Messrs. Gray and Jackson, solicitors, Wellington, was married to Miss Mary Nelson. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dr. Elmslie, and Mr. and Mrs. Gray axe now spending their honeymoon in Australia.

The Hiawatha Musical Society gave their first concert in the Sydney-fctreet schoolroom on Wednesday night, and pleased! a large audience with their undoubted bkill. An excellent orchestra, which, however, sometimes rather marred the vooahsm by ite robustness, has been gathered together. The choir is enthusiastic and strong. Of the part songs, "A Spring Song" and "Good-night, Beloved" pleased greatly, and others were given with great spirit. • * * Miss Amy Hyde sang: Gounod's Seienade with cultured ease and great attention to technique, receiving an encore and Mr. E.. Duff, who possesses a voice of fine volume, gave "The Bedouin's Love Song." Mr. Duff, who is a favourite singer at social gatherings, is a pupil of Madame CopeDowsing, upon whose careful training he reflects much credit. His chief fault, if he has any. is that he gauges inaecuratelv the size of the singing hall. He could with ease "fill" the largest building in Wellington. He received a decided encore. • * * The "Lustspiel" overture, by the orchestra — a rather ambitious piece, by the way, for a newly-organised society — was successfully given. A pleasing feature was a batch of Wagner melodies, tastefully contributed' by the cornets and trombones. Mr. J. Parker's cornet solo was an excellent item. The newly-formed Society have every reason to congratulate themselves on the success of, their first concert, and in hay-

ing for their conductoi Mi. J. Oake&. The successful leader of the oiche^tia, Mr. F. Woodward, and the accompanist, Mi. D A. King, also peifoimed thenduties with satisfaction to all concerned.

A very important auction t>ale of city residential properties and building sections in the Thorndon poition of the city is that announced in our columns by Messrs. Macdonald, Wilson, and Co., who, it will be seen, have been instructed bv the Tiustees in the estate of the lat-e Hon. A. de B. Biandon, to submit to auction on the 6th October the whole of the properties comprising Family lesidence, containing twenty rooms, with grounds of half-an-acre ; two residences, containing nine 100 ms and eight rooms respectively, with grounds of a quartel -acre each, and two building sections, all of which are situate in Hobson-street. Situated in Thoradon Quay are two residences, and three vacant building sections. A valuable block of land of ten acres and residence, situate at Pahautanui, and fronting, the Ponrua harbour, is also included. Full details arid lithographic plans can be had on application.