MRS ROLLESTON'S GARDEN PARTY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 272, 21 December 1914, Page 4

MRS ROLLESTON'S GARDEN PARTY.

[REFORM WORKERS ENTERTAINED. i On Saturday afternoon Mrs Rolleston ' (president of the.Christehnrck Women's Reform League) entertained the workers in the Reform cause during ,the recent election, the candidates who stood in that interest, and a number of other friends, at a-garden party at her residence in Rieearton Road. The keen easterly wind, while it detracted a little from the' enjoyment of the afternoon, was robbed of much of its force by the hedges and trees which surround 'the house, and it was only now and again, when-a blast of extra fierceness swept by, that its unpleasant influence was really felt. Mrs Rolleston, who received her guests at the front entrance, accompanied by her daughter, wore an elegant gown of mole-coloured supple satin, the trained skirt arranged with a bouffant tunic, finished with a drape of velvet in a slightly deeper shade. Over the bodice she wore a scarf of beautiful old lace, and her black hat was ornamented with lace wings. Miss Rolleston was gracefully frocked in dull blue brocaded crepe de chine, and hat in rather large effect, ornamented with roses. After an interval spent in wandering about the lawn and grounds, afternoon tea was served in the dining-room, the tables being beautifully decorated with pale-pink sweet peas. Strawberries and cream and cherries were served on a side verandah. A few short speeches were made before dispersal, Messrs H. D. Acland, J. J. Dougall, W. H. Triggs, and H. F. Toogood being amongst the speakers, in which the political situation was lightly touched upon, and Reform workers were advised not to be disappointed over the election results, but to go on working, and to hope for better luck next time. The example of the hostess, Mrs Rolleston, who had consistently supported the Reform platform for very many years without once wavering or slackening her energies in its cause, was cited by Mr Triggs as one to be followed and emulated.

Amongst those present were noticed: —Mrs A. Boyle, in a navy cloth costume, made with cavalier cape, closefitting black hat; Mrs O'Laughlin. wore pearl-grey nioir£, and a blaek hat; Mrs H. D. Acland, black satin de soie, the collar and sleeves showing narrow tracery of gold thread embroidery, small black hat in tricorne shape; Mrs

David Jones, ivory voile patterned in floral design, hat to harmonise; Mrs G. D. Maefarlane, pale grey silk and grey hat; Mrs H. P. Toogood chose a navy tailored costume and a cerise straw hat; Mrs Speight, sand-coloured silk coat and skirt, smart hat with touches i . of pink; Mrs Tanner, black and white striped silk, black hat; Miss Pryee, dainty white silk, white hat with pink and white camellias veiled in white tulle; Mrs Hennah, dark grey striped' coat and skirt, blue silk hat with large pink rose at side; Mrs W. D. Stewart, cigarbrown coat and skirt, hat in blue and brown shades; Mrs Finnis, deep moleeoloured eostume, over which she wore a short-cheeked coat, sma\l burnt-straw hat; Mrs M. Keane, white embroidered linen, hat in Japanese pink tagel; Mrs Brittan, tussore silk costume and black hat; Mrs Wilkins was in brown, and brown hat; Miss Phyllis Lawrence, dark navy costume, with facings of floral velvet, white hat; Mrs Norton, dull blue basqued coat and skirt, black hat with plumes; Mrs Tait, navy serge coat and skirt, burnt-straw hat with black tulle pom-poms; Mrs . Maxwell was in grey, with a black hat ornamented with plumes; Mrs. Seth-Smith wore a pale grey costume and a floral hat; Mrs J. J.. Dougall, grey tweed coat and skirt, and black hat; Miss Bell wore a pretty creme dress, and a creme hat; Mrs W. H. Triggs was in dove-grey satin cloth, with coatee of black lace, and black hat; Mrs Chas. Smith, ivory and black striped coat and skirt, and burnt straw hat; Mrs Way, smoke-grey frock and black hat with ostrich tips.