Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume V, Issue 260, 24 June 1905, Page 8

Social Gossip

By Christabel

VERY disquieting was the rumour heard on Wednesday that Lady Plunket had been mjuied in a carriage accident, and we were all lelieved to learn that, although aLI the occupants of the vice-regal carriage ■were all more or less shaken, no serious consequences were anticipated. The Orangikaupapa-road, where the carriage slipped, is a particularly dangerous one at any time, and apparently, after all the ram we have had, the slips made it more so. This is the second rather serious carriage accident which has befallen Lady Plunket in New Zealand, for, shortly after thenarrival in Ohristchureh, whilst drawingup in front of the Agricultural Hall one evening, the horses took fright at the movement when the guard of honour saluted, and! bolted. * » » Fortunately in this case they were stopped before any damage was done, and their Excellencies were able to attend' the function. Strange that this accident should have occurred on the first anniversary of Lord and Lady Plunket's arrival in this city. We will hope that for tihe future their lucky star will be in the ascendant, and that accidents will be an unknown quantity. Pretty Winifredi Austin, here with the Hawtrey "Message from Mars" Company, is now doing a clever and bright "tu/n" on the Tivoli (Sydney) bill. Acting with her is Mr. Hawtrey. * # * A great many entries were received for the name of the "cookery book" which is being compiled for the Incurables' Home bazaar, and the suggestion chosen is 'TJkneadit, the book of tried recipes." The prize — half -a - guinea — has been forwarded to the

winner, Miss Dixon. The book will be most attractive, numbers oi splendid and original recipes having been sent to the compilers. The price will be one shilling, and, as only a limited number are being; printed, it will be weLl to order a oopy. ♦ * * The annual ball of the Star Boating Club comes off on Friday, and is being looked! forward to with much pleasure. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Phmket have accepted an invitation to be present. At the Druids' Hall, on Wednesday evening last, was inaugurated the fiirsJt social and dance of the new Ladies' Social Club, and a large numben of ladies and gentlemen assembled to do honour to the occasion . An energetic committee of ladies, headed' by the secretary (Mrs. Schoch), worked hard to make' tihe function a success, and,, judging by the encomiums passed by those present, succeeded m their endeavours. During the evennmg several vocal items and recitations, and a hornpipe (by a young lassie) were contributed, and thoroughly enjoyed ♦ * ♦ Councillor Carmiohael, on behalf of the ladies, gave a short resume of the origin of the club, which is strictly non-political and non-sectarian, and hoped that the movement, which he considered a good! one, would meet with the success it deserved. An excellent sit-down supper was partaken of at the interval, and Miss Hawthorne's oirchestra supplied the dance music in their usual capable manner. ¥■ * * The members of our local V.M.C.A. are to be congratulated on the forming of a youths' class, at a nomiiwal yearly subscription, in connection with the Association's gymnasium. A large ■number of fnemdls and parents of the lads attended 1 an open-night on Wednesday evening last, and quite an interesting programme of musical and athletac items were gone through, many of the visitors contributing songs and recitations. Refreshments were handed round during the evening, and' a very jolly time spent by all present. The idea of building up our lads by good, healthful exercises is an excellent one, and I wish the promote! s every success. ♦ # * It would not be possible for an "At Home" to pass off more successfully a,nd pleasantly than the reception given by Mr. J. C. Williamson for Mj*k Tittell Brune, the charming young American actress, who this week has been

fascinating eveiyone with her acting in "L'Aiglon." The concert-room at the Town Hall was very cosily-arranged with easy chairs and rugs, conveniently grouped round' small tables, wheireoiii were landl very tempting sweets and cakes. Upon, arrival, the guests were announced by Mr. Harold Ashton. Mr. Williamsons popular representative. and were received by Miss Brunei, who was ever ready with a bright smile and extended! hand for each guest. Afternoon tea was seorved immediiately, and the many guests formed jolly little parties, and listened to the delightful programme of music and recitations wludh were a feature of the bright function. Those wno contributed were ■ Moss Amy Murphy, who sang very sweetly ; Mis<Pulsford. whose singing is always a treat ; and Messrs.. Carr, Sweeney Majerom, and' two splendid recitations by Mr. Roy Redgrave. * * * Miss Tittell Brune wore a gown of paile blue taffeta silk, almost coveied wuth heiavy eoru lace, and bordered wnth sable. A cape of champagne' soJk ■with the same lovely laoe and aocoideonrpileated dhiffon, fell from her shoulders. A pretty round hat was m tones to match the goiwn. Standnng with her were the Misses May and Ruby Seiddon. * * * Therei were a great many guests, and some lovely gowns. I noticed • Mrs. Herbert Rawson and the Misses' Rawson, Mrs. and the Misses Macintosh, Miss Skersrett Mrs. and Miss Fulton, Mrs. Jeffcoat, Mrs. and Miss Waldegrave, Mrs. T. G. Maoarthy, the Misses Harcoiurt, Mrs. Frank Dyer, Mrs. Tuckev, Mrs. H. Beauchamp, the Misses Halse, the Misses Kelly. Mrs. De Castro, Mrs. Bendall, Mrs. and Mk«s Blundell. * * Mrs. and Muss Ewam. Miss Christine Smith. Mrs. Hales, Dr. Platts-Mills, the Misses Brindley, Mrs. HohwrdBeere, Mrs. Wylie, Miss Simpson, Mis Walter Blundell, Mrs. Trinpham. Mis. and Miss Gilmer, Mrs. and Miss Haeon, Moss Rend, the Misses Stuart, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Gilruth, Miss Heywood, the Misses Stafford. Mrs. J. King, Mis® Partridge. Mrs. Larnaoh, Mrs. and the MKs<?s Mills, Mrs. and Miss Nathan. Mrs. and Miss Spragg, Mrs. Corngan. * * * Miss Fenwick (Dunedin) is the goesit of Mrs. Tringhani. * * * Miss O'Keefe, of Masteirton, k in Wellington just now, on a visit to ( Mrs Wylie.

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart-Menteath leave very shortly on a visit to England. Miss Loas Stuiart-Menteath is at present in London, vacating relations. # * * Mrs. and Miss Seddoin did not return, from Sydney last week, as the change is so much benenttang the health of both. They -were present at the opening of the State Parlament at Sydney,, on June 14th, and! also attended a luncheon given by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor and Lady Darley. At St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Westport, a pretty wedding took place on Tuesday, June 13th, between Mass Jean McKay, eldest daugh^ ter of Mr. G. McKay (and niece of thePremier, the Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon), and Mr. Rumbold, head master of the Mdllerton State Sohool. The bride, wno looked charming in. her travelling gown of blue, and large cream hat with ostrich feathers, and a lovely shower bouquet, was attended 1 by her two sisters as bridesmaids, while Mr. SpiHer acted as best man, and l the bride's brother as groomsman. * * ♦ Miss Mabel Powell has returned from Blenheim, where she was present at her brother's wedding, and was the guest of Mrs. Cheek. Mrs. E. C. Powell, Rothea"haim, Amuri, is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Barnett, Tua Marina, and will also spend a few days in Blenheim with Mrs. M. A. Cheek. • * * At St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, on Tuesday, Miss Lisa West, third daughter of Mr. L. G. West, of Palmerston North, was married to Mr. James Muir, of Wellington. The Rev. Isaac Jolly officiated. The bridle, whowas given away by her father, was attared in a tailor-made frock of cream oloth, with a cream picture hat. She was attended by Miss Yetta West, whowtore a pretty brown frock, and brown hat to ma/tch. Mr. Alex. Muir (brother of the bridegroom) acted 1 as best man. At the conclusion of the ceremony the "Wedding March" was played b> Mr. Sidford. Mr. and Mrs. Muir left by the mid-day express train, en route for the Wairarapa, where the honeymoon is to be spent. ♦ * * A Taradale correspondent writes : — The Defence Rifle Club's socdal and" dance was held on the 15th inst.. and passed off very successfully, there being a large attendance. Miss H. Stuart, of Napier, supplied the music, and the duties of M.C. were discharged 1 by Mr. J. Hollis. Mr. Tiroa was

again to the trout with his cake walk*,, being loudly applauded. Duong the evening th-e prizes competed for jh the past season were presented to the winners a,s follow — Messrs Andeison, Raordern (2), Jarvis (3), <uid Walkei (2). The money puzes given by se\eial Taradale gentlemen weie' umi b\ Messrs. Cato, Anderson, Riordern, Jaivis, and Smith The prizes were presented' by Mr. R. Goulding. The gathering broke up about 2 am., "when we all went home in a cab." A veiy enjmable piogiec-s. \ c euclnv pait\ and 1 dance was given on Thui»da>, June loth, at the New Centuiy Hail Kent Ten ace, bv a committee of ladies combusting of Mesdamo McCin, Ousack, Scott Cooper, and M s-> Alo Intyre, and this ACiy prpular hall w.n-, taxed to its utmo-t cmac ty 1 regressive eucihie occupied 1 the hist, pait of the eveiu.ie- the prize winners being _Fir-t lady, Miss T Andeismi, handsome si her mounted brush and comb . Mrs Young, second, silvei photo frame , Mss Fulton, sealed prize, silver mounted speciman blasts, booby, silver mounted specimen glasses : booby, gentleman. Mr. Duff, silver mounted bedroom clock, second, Mi T Do-n-nellv silver mounted hat brush sealed prize' Mr Futter, salver neiio-1 cui^e , boabv, matoVbox (trick). Mr. Mack * * * During the evening, musical itemt> were contributed by Mrs. Mitchei , Mhsb Chapman, and Ma^srs. Giey, Hell, and Cording, and were, much appreciated Dancing, under the control of Mr F E Cooper (M C ) was indulged in until the. "wee ana' hoars," and very recherche refreshments were ladd out m the new room upstans * * * Mrs F E. Cooper wore cream silk, red roses, Mrs. MoGiri, black, pretty and pink roses; Mrs. Smith, black, pink beimc- Mr*. Ousack, black, with yellow roses, Mrs. Sooitt, black, Mist-, Mclntyre, cream, and pale blue. Mrs. Pearoe ware black, with pink roses, Ma&s Ouwack, black skirt, oream talk blouse, Miss Lett, white, Mrs Wilson, pretty fawn, mushn , the Misses Arnold, mcieam, the Mir^sei, Hutching^, in pink. s Mi as Fulton woie cream, Miss, Fauvel blue, Mrs. Berry, black and orange Mrs Donnelly, blue, trimmed •with aream sequins, Mrs Mitchell pretty blue sulk blouse, black silk skirt , Miss Palmer, ore am , Mrs. Morns, white siJk, Mrs. Mack, black Mrs Pollock, pretty white dress and pink roses: Mrs. Kilfoy, white silk, Mrs Miers, white silk . Mrs. C. Lett, white silk blouse, black skirt; Miss M. Smith, blue silk, led roses- Miss Geany, white silk; Mrs. Downes, pretty grey dVess , Mrs Richards, black and white and many others whose names, we could not ascertain * * * Much sympathy has gone forth to Mrs. Charles Tully in, her very sad double — the painfully sudden death of heu- husband. As Miss Kate Johnston, Mrs. Tully w» very popularly-known in Wellington, where 'her exceptional talents nn grouping, staging, and arranging tableaux and! entertainments were ever available when requested. Mrs. Tully was a daughter of the late Captain Johnston, and her mother and sisters are now on a visit to England. Mr. Tally's family is one of the bestknowm and most widely respected in the "Wairarapa, and, as he was one at the most popular members of the large family his loss will be much fellt throughtout the district. Mr. and Mrs Tully ,with their little daughter, were, only a week or two ago, in Wellington, on a shopping expedition, all, apparently, in the best of health and spirits. Many ot our dancing girls will remember Surgeon A. X. Lavertane, of H.M.S. Katoomba, who was here, L tibink, about a year. His marriage with Miss Ethel Gunn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gunn, "Como," St. Kilda, was very quietly celebrated at the Presbytery, Oamberwell. on June sth. The torade. who us tall, and very graceful was given away by her brother. A large garland Was rigged up on the Katoomba, between the masts, in honour of tlhe event, this being a naval custom when an officer is married. Dr and Mre. Lavertine will spend two months m Australia, and then proceed to England, where they will reside. * * * An interesting engagement announced! in Australia is that of Mr. Charlie Lempriere to Miss Dora Mitchell, sister of Madame Melba. There is also another sister, who is engaged to Mr. Harry Box. An Australian wnteir says- "There was no gainsaying the fact that the style of the Misses Mitchell was superior to that of their mare famous sister. They are smart dressers, good linguists., and possess excellent manners." ♦ * ♦ 'Tie said that the latest American idea is to appear at a danc© minus gloves. Two smart Americans recently introduced tlhe custom at Sydney, but it is not likely to be popular. Even the daintiest maid, with the prettiest hand, is likely to get hot in a ball-room

Miss TattelJ Brune, in conventional walking drees, sitting m her cosy room, is a fai cry from L'Aiglon, but quite as fascinating. Her greeting was, kindly and warm — still more bo was the welcome ol her two little diogis. "Yet.,' lauo-hed their owner, "I love them both — the pexmeraman because he is a be«iuty and little Jack — well, because he isn't, pei haps. I take them both eveiywheie with me. They are so good even night at the theatre they wait m the wmgs, and seem to know exactly what is going on all the time. Yeis, I love all dogs, large and small. I had once a beautiful St. Bernard, but, of ooui -e had to leave him behind. This morning the dogs and I had a long; walk before breakfast!" "But when do you rest?" I ventured ' W.ell, I do sleep soundly, and late very often. I must, yo<u know, whilst playing those heavy parts, but to-day I could not. The fiesh moaning called, and so I went out. A two-hours' ramble, then my shower, and breakfast. Afterwards I studied. Yes, I must always study, and just now there aie no rehearsals. This afternooiii I have so much enjoyed. What dlo you think we have been doing? Diving deep into some splendid books of Napoleon's life up at the General Assembly Library. It was so interesting to me and have you seen there the exquisite illustrated 'Omar Ehyam'?" * * • On the little table was a copy of "Maori Folk Lore" (Tregeai). "Tell me, are you studying our country?" "Yes, indeed," was the enthusiastic reply. "Everywhere Igo I must learn — and lose nothing. These legends fascmate me, and I am looking forward so much to a promised excursion. We are to visit a Maori pah somewhere, and see the natives dance. I know all about Maggie the Guide, but fear the wondteiful sights must wart until next time. Yes, I really dk> hope to come back. Wellington audiences, perhaps, are not so demonstrative as the- Australian, but they do appreciate. Oh, my, if they only knew how much I like them, for one thing already. In my dynn"' seen© each night there was not a movememt, not a wrap or cap put on, until after the curtain had fallen. It is difficult to die, you know— Like L'Aiglon — but the audiences axe so goodL If they only knew what it means to me to feel they are sympathetic ; then I can give my ail I. * * • ' Yes, my very heart and soul is m my work, but best work is impossible unless there is that feeling that tells me those in front are with me. I know at once. My favouaite part? Well, L'Aiglon, the poor, misunderstood child, is very dear, and Theodora too appeals strongily, but perhaps it is not so easy to 'reach' my audience in that. You see, in 'Mrs. Tanqueray' and 'Oamille' the setting is quite modern, and' therefore appeals to aji audience more quickly. My recreations p Well, when I can I swim and ridle. In Australia I did much of both. All work and no play, you know, does not do. Here, I have been to the 1 Rank several times. Ice skating is better, but the rollers am jolly too. And now I will rest for a little. Can't spare much tame, for Juliet takes long to dress, so I must he early at the theatre." * * * Fascination — that indefinable, subtle "something" — is certainly possessed by Miss Tittell Brune, who charms all with whom she speaks. Her dlarikbrown hair, coiled low, largei eyes full of expression, and well-marked brows. — these you. notice at a glance, and the little smale which has a charm all its own. But, it is her voace that fascinates. The low, soft tones, so musical and unbkei others, which ause and fall in inflections so pleasing while she tells you with enthusaasm of her work. The youngest of three sisters — all devoted to one another — the two elder, when independence) was necessary, chose the stage for a profession, thus paving the way for this clever actress, who has won success and faitune at an age when many are still ohmbing the ladder of success rung by rung. * • * American she as in her independence love of her countrywomen, and just an occasional and not unpleasang "Oh, my'" Like Bernhardt, her schooldays were spent in a convent, but each vacation the three sisters and 1 their mother spent abroad, and thus they learnt muoh of miany countries and their people. Nine months were spent in England, and "I learnt to love the English homes" said Mobs Brune, "the quiet, hospitable, and cheery families. I admire and' love the English women, and! since I have been here people have been so kind too. See," pointing to a heap of calling cards, "how can I thank them all ? It would take weeks to return their calls, but I would like to." * * • No wonder the Australians were loth to part with Miss Brune. At the parting scene m Australia, there was overwhelming enthusiasm. Flowers in tremendous quantities, and cries on every side for 'Taula" and "Tittell

Brune." It was only when she had with nraoh emotion reminded them "It is only good-bye — not faj-ewell '" that they allowed her to go out of sight.

Tins was actually overheard on Saturday night, at "L'Aiglon" . "This sort, o' reminds me, Jack, of the 'Pirates o' Penzanoe' — no, I mean that 'ere comic opera what d'ye call it— Tambour Major.' " Flambeau's dress really is reminiscent of the Tambour Maior.