MAID IN MAYFAIR

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 1, 2 January 1937, Page 3 (Supplement)

MAID IN MAYFAIR

Lairds Dance In Old Lace.

(From Our London L MOST of the important Scot's folk in London went to the Royal Caledonian Ball, which is always more of a traditional pageant than a dance. It is, perhaps, the one social occasion on which the men's dress is more important than the women's. While women wore ordinary evening gowns, to which many added the tartan scarf or sash, the men were in full tartan outfit, according to their clans, no smallest detail being omitted. The Lairds, in particular, were marked by their traditional lace ties, and helped to make the ball the brilliant and picturesque affair that it was. The Duchess of Atho'l led off with the reel of eight in the centre of the room, her partner being Lord Dunmore. Then followed the reel of four, and all the others, Miss Caroline Bowes-Lyon, a relative of Queen Elizabeth, taking part in the Cameron Highlanders' eightsome. The Hon. Elizabeth Elphingtone, another relative of the Queen, danced with the Atholl Highlanders. Political Cocktails. The cocktail habit seems to be invading what used to be regarded as the sacred precincts of the political salon. The days of those princely receptions at Londonderry House, Lansdowne House, and other mansions of the West End, appear to have fallen temporarily in abeyance, and it remains to be seen whether their glories will ever be revived. There will be several political gatherings this week to mark the reassembling of Parliament, but a distinctly modern note will be introduced. The familiar word "cocktails" figures at the bottom of the invitation cards, to the accompaniment, no doubt, of caviare and other delicacies. Old Parliamentarians will declare that Westminster traditions are going to the dogs. The more modern school will welcome the greater conviviality which cocktails invariably lend to" formal occasions of this kind. Even the Diplomatic Corps, which, with its brilliant uniforms, gives such a distinctive touch of colour to the opening scene in the House of Lords, is to be similarly entertained. Their meeting place will be at the salon of Madame Malbran, the much-travelled wife of the Argentine Ambassador, who has established herself as one of the most brilliant hostesses in London. Grannie's Ship. Miss Jean Elphinstone, whose marriage at St. Margaret's, Westminster, will be one of the outstanding events of the season, is naturally very anxious that her little cousins, the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, should act as her bridesmaids on the occasion. It is, however, a little doubtful whether this will be permitted. Apart from the fact that the Court will still bo in half-mourning, Queen Elizabeth is always most anxious that her children should not be "spoilt" by too much social gaiety. Even the visit of Princess Elizabeth to the Queen Mary was onlyarranged by the personal intercession of

THE COCKTAIL HABIT IN POLITICS.

idy Correspondent.) Queen Mary herself, for she could not resist the pleadings of her little granddaughter when she begged to be taken to Southampton to see "Grannie's ship," as both children have' nicknamed the great liner. Though it is by no means certain that the Royal princesses will be allowed to act as bridesmaids at the Klphinstone wedding, it is not unlikely that Queen Elizabeth may lend her town house to her niece for the wedding reception. The Empress' Hopes. Persistent rumours of the possible restoration of the Archduke Otto to the throne of Hungary are a reminder of the part his mother, the ex-Empress Zita, has played in bringing him up with this in view. Even in exile the exEmpress, a woman of much ambition, has retained her decisive and energetic character, and has always insisted upon her eldest son's imperial title being observed. Otto has been carefully trained by his mother in modern political methods, and, under her guidance, has become accustomed to the pomp and ceremony beloved of the Hapsburgs. Hungarian families of position and power, who would compose his court in the event of a restoration, are well known to him, his mother having invited them from time to time to visit her and her son in the small castle in Belgium to which they have retired. Season's Loveliest Debutante. The girl who has been described as 'the season's loveliest debutante"—Miss Rosamund Broughton—had a dance given for her recently. She is the daughter of Sir Delves and Lady Broughton, both well-known members of the smart racing set, and she has inherited not only her good looks, but a keen enthusiasm for racing, from her mother-. Lady Broughton has refused to allow her attractive daughter to be exploited by either photographers or charity organisers—as has, unfortunately, happened in the past with pretty debs.—with the result that Miss Broughton is as unspoiled and as charming as she is lovely. Such notable racing folk as Lady Carnarvon, Lady Elles.nere, Lady Roseoery, Lady Noreen Bass and Lady Edward Hay gave dinner parties for the dance, as did the Duchess of Rutland and the Marchioness of Tweeddale. Musical Introduction. The new German Ambassador in London, Herr von Ribbentrop, and his wife, made their first appearance in society at the opening of the Dresden State opera season at Covent Garden. Lord and Lady Londonderry, Lady Cunard, and the Duchess of Marlborough were among those who helped to entertain them in the intervals, and presented to them well-knowns both social and musical. Fran von Ribbentrop, who was wearing some attractive jewels, was obviously impressed by the brilliance of a Covent Garden first night. She is a rather pale, thoughtful woman, not quite so tall as her handsome husband, and rather shy in manner. She seemed most at home with Lady Mairi Stewart.