Miss Ada Crossley.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue XXXXV, 5 December 1903, Page 2

Miss Ada Crossley.

RECEPTION AT "OVERDALE.'*

A BRILLIANT SOCIAL FUNCTION.

It was a very happy thought which prompted the Mayor and Mayoress to tender a reception on Friday afternoon to the renowned Australian contralto, Miss Ada Crossley. Tlie function took the form of a garden party at Mr Cock's "beautiful residence, " Overdale," in VOgeltown. The weatiber in the forenoon was not very promising, but the ufternoon could hardly have been 'improved on. liath'ed in the warm sunshine, and refreshed by the heavy showers of the early morning, the lovely grounds at "Oveidale" looked at thefr best, aird visitors wlno saw the placo for the first time remarked ecstatically on their lieauties. Miss Crossley arrived about three o'clock, and was met by the host and hostess, aiird during the next hour there were guests constantly arriving. Very complete were the arrangements lor the entertainment bf the guests; the drawing-room reception being succeeded by afternoon tea served .on the verandah aind lawn. McKnight'i .string oand discoursed sweet music from the arbour, and all wont merry as a marriage bell. Miss Croseley wan the hearts 1 of air by lier pleawuint winning ntainner, and if anything could have aidded to the golden opinions formed in conversation, it was the readiness with which she responded to a roquest that sMb would sing for the entertainment of other guests, Placing her o>wn accompaniments, Miss Crossley sang with infinite sweetness an " Irish Lullaby" and then for the especial gratification of Mr Edmunds, an old friend, gave the first stanza of "Bun-s-hine amd Rain." Both items received the same exquisite treatment that would be given them at a grand concert, and were heartily applairdcd. During the afternoon Messrs Collis, Hanna and Bayne (Bartlett) secured photographs of the 'gathering, which consisted of about two hundred citiaons. The scene was ain animated one, tlie ladies' toilettes l>eing in many cases exquisite. Mr R. Cock, in a few wcll-choeen wonds, expressed, on behalf of the people of New Plymouth, their appreciation of the honour conferred by Miss Crossley in accepting the Invitation to the reception, and of the great pleasure ailoided those present in being permitted to meet the famous singer. Miss Crossley, he said, was a total stranger to Mm m the previous day, though, of course, she came from a neighbouring colony separated by only a few miles .of sea, but now he felt—und all those present felt—she was a close friend. He had to thank her for her presence and for her kindness in singing for them. After thanking those present for their acceptance of his invitation, Mr Cock called for three cheers for Miss Crossley. Needle** to say, these were forthcoming, and lustily indeed. Miss Crossley surprised tlf» other guests by mounting the chair »a Mr Cock concluded, and addressing all as friends, said, " I want to tell you how pleased I am that I have had this opportunity of meeting you all, amd how grateful I am to Mr and Mrs Cock for their great kindness. lam afraid my voice was a little lazy this afternoon, but I am pleased my efforts were acceptable to yoM. I have spent a vuiy pleasant afternoon, and again thank vou all." Loud applause followed, and then on the call of the Rev. Woolloy, three hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Cock were given. Farewell* then became the order, and Miss Crossley drove off to keep a further engagement to view the Recreation Grounds, waving until the carriage disappeared from view.

Mrs Cock must 'be congratulated o»i the success of the function, which went off with great eclat. Mm Edmunds and .Mrs Morgan and Miss Cock very materially assisted. We noticed, amongst others, the following dresses, but were unable to ot>» Win the names of the other Indie* present. For this we tender our u-jjolo-gies.

Miss Crossley wore a lovely creation of cream lace, uith pale l.luo chiffon hat, a 'beamtiful white leather stole, and a white accord son .vilted coat. She carried an exquisite shower boOquet presented by Miss "! V , el '' Mrs u - C <>ck was attired hj" k '4 rimmtxl with pink embitiidolfl ch,ni &n. and Mack hat wrth pink roses ; Mrs Donne, white blouse and black skirt, white trimmed hat lace coffee coat; Miss Cock, crank coat and skirt, chiffon hat with autumn leaves; Mrs E. M. SnnthhWWted.atin; Mrs pleated black. with pale Z'S ton toque ; Mrs black with wst ' «-5< p'Shat h ' Wack aiwi C| eum; Mrs Uatlwun, giyy, trimmed with |«co • .rS, w « k » l,k a Hawken, e!Zf ; .M^CoWn,'J Miss R. Hawken, white • Miss water, wihite silk • Mrs'fin? scarlet bonnet ; Miss Stanfoii) I* £ and white ; Mrs nr«Jl ' fk Oswin, v ® r ?" ; black and whit™' m 1 f V of)L ' ldnd . blue «ilk Miss P ' I-S "earn, wlth blat . k hat ; field, peach coloured muslin, hat to -natch; Mrs Cottier, black £££ trimmed with jet; Miss Hood Mack; Miss Nixon, g,"* l.hu'k M 0 ! 1 . 1 ' White: Mrs Wooliny! block ; M, s Buttle, black ; Mrs W Ambury, black and white ; Mrs A | Ambury, black ; Miss Ambury, whit® musim ; Miss Brown, black voile Miss Wa McAUum, white muslin ; Miss Holford, black skirt and pfnk silk Wouse ; Mrs Wood, heliotrope trimmed with cream, and black n|i> ture hat ; Mrs pale blue . with creain lace and black hat ; Mrs . , bl " ck l »« l white; Mrs Avery, bluck silk, bonnet trimmed with jet * Mrs c ook, black satin ; Mrs Biyth' black silk ami pale gi«een toqvic • Mis fiwt'h, black silk; Mrs Wrigiit! ■black and black lace cape ; Mrs , ?, ac . ; wilh "Iwk tmjTie trimiTod with blue ; Miss Trrl», pa i e Wue ; Miss Doitglos, jml 0 blue a j»d black iiicbure Irat ; Mrs O'Donnell pink silk blouse and black skirt '• SmfJ erc s;'., SMtith ' whKe V*V* ; Miss Smith, white muslin ; Miss Oeorjw. wihite silk ; Mrs Carthew, black silk • Miss !• raser, black. 1/urnt straw hat tnmmod with nasturtiums ; Miss Brusch, white muslin ; Miss Cook srey : Miss (iray, block skirt, 'IW sore gilk blouse.