SOCIETY

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 229, 31 January 1885, Page 14

SOCIETY

We gladly receive communications tinder this head. Senders' names are not d'loulged.

The dance at the Managapiko was a success. About thirty ladies were present, but it was difficult to decide to whom the honour of belle belonged. However, Miss E. S. was entitled to the first place, and the Misses D. S. and A. looked charming. The much-reviled tall hat has, despite its unaisthetic contour, been the means of saving more than one life, and had Pyrrhus lived in these days, his hat might have saved him from the tile which cut short Ins conquests. Lord Alington had a most marvellous escape recently, lie had just left his town house — Alington House, South Audley-street— and was entering ({rosvernor-squn.ro, when, owing to the high wind that was blowing, a chimney-stack fell over into the street. Hearing the rattling above. Lord Alington moved aside, but was immediately struck by the falling chimney. His hat was completely flattened, and almost cut in two, but his lordship escaped absolutely unharmed, save for the shock to the nervous system. A very enjoyable dance was given at the residence of Mr A. McKenzie on Tuesday evening, 2()t.h instant, being ;i farewell party to bis son, Mr John McKenzie, who return's South to his duties after a short stay at home. Dancing was commenced about 9 p.m., and was kept up with great spirit until an early hour. Mr and Mrs McKenzie and their family did all in their power to contribute to the enjoyment of their guests, and were very successful. Amongst the dresses the following were most noticeable : Mrs Kenzio, black find cardinal ; Miss McGregor, black satin, trimmed with cardinal ; Miss Bella McGregor, white lustre pale pink sash ; Miss Bella McKenzie, black velvet, with lace trimmings ; Miss Howie, black satin ; Miss MeKae, white muslin, pale blue trimmings ; Miss McLeod, pale pink satin. It is ahvays difficult to distinguish the belle at a Heads' dance, but it ■was thought that on this occasion the honour belonged to Miss Bella McKenzie. If we can believe a Yankee paper, a new gaiety has been invented in America, and is rapidly becoming popular in the highest circles. It is called the "squatee." The guests are invited in the usual way, as to some ordinary entertainment, but the word "squatting" appended to the note indicates the nature of the festivities. At about nine o'clock the chairs, sofas, and stools — in the most rigorously fashionable sets, even the rugs — are removed, and all go into session on the floor upon their own resources. In the interest of grace and comfort, a good deal of latitude is allowed in the disposal of the limbs ; but in determining whether a position assumed by any merry-maker is a fair squat, recourse is had to the rules of those wrestlingmatches in which to constitute a fall both shoulders must be in contact with the floor — the rule being, of course, adapted to the circumstances of the occasion. In order to facilitate a decision in the case of the gentlemen, their coat-skirts are previously pinned together in front of the body ; the ladies merely give their word. Of course, the above must be '-a goak." The Oneliunga Quadrille Assembly celebrated the opening of a new season by a ball on Friday, 2:3 rd instant, in the 1.0. G.T. Hall, about 50 couples being present. Dancing* commenced about nine o'clock, and -was kept irp until nearly o a.m. next morning. The music supplied by Mr Meredith (piano) and Mr Kelsall (violin) was all that could be desired by even the most fastidious. Amongst those present we noticed several guests from the neighbouring districts, Otahuhu and Mangare. Where all were charming it would be invidious to make a choice, so the question of belle must remain unsolved. The following were some of the most noticeable dresses : Mrs O'Keefe, maroon satoeu merino ; Miss Greenwood, white and pink; Miss Kyle, black; Miss Clarke (Otaliuhu), black ; Miss Vercoo, black velvet and cardinal (a very handsome costume) ; Miss Bulcraig, black velvet ; Miss Healoy, white- and maroon ; Miss Evelcigh, cream - coloured dress, silver jewellery ; ' Miss Parford, cream-col oured dress ; Miss Bray, white and cardinal ; Miss Gardiner, white and blue ; Miss B. Gardiner, white and. black ; Miss C. Lloyd, pink and black ; Miss Murdoch, cream and maroon ; Miss M. Bray, croain and cardinal; Miss

Heron, cream and black ; Misses Cox, dark maroon; Miss H. Shaldrick, cream and blue ; Miss Shaldrick, blue and white, lace trimmings; Miss M. A. Bulcraig, dark green; Miss Galway, dark green; Miss Hunter, pompadour ; Miss E. Hunter, pompadour.

AUCKLAND STREET DIIE.SSES. Miss Wilson : Brown costume, with fedora of coffee lace : white lace post-boy hat. ' l J Miss Davis: "White Llama dress, trimmed with lace ; Henri hat, with marguerites and lace. Miss Airey : Fawn carmelite dress ; white straw hat, trimmed with muslin, lace, and flowers. Mrs Keep : Stylish blue and red-spotted costume ; cream post-boy hat, with feathers to match. Miss McKenzie Fraser : White dress ; white straw hat, trimmed with silk and feathers. Miss Flora McDonald : Brown - checked gingham dress; princess bonnet, trimmed with blue silk. Mrs D. G. McDonnell : Fawn - coloured dress; black brocade mantle: prune velvet granny bonnet, with fawn tips. Mrs W. Hyde (nee Miss McArthur) : Very pretty cream costume, trimmed with lace ; cream post-boy hat, with feathers to match. Mrs John Chambers : IN avy blue sateen dress, with embroidery to match ; black broche mantle ; white straw bonnet, trimmed with lace. Mrs Ilayland : Handsome black silk dress ; black Spanish lace mantle ; coffee - straw bonnet, trimmed with brown velvet, coffee lace, and feathers.