HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2041, 24 August 1906, Page 6

HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL .

(By Penelope.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 22. A IJAINTEItl J AINTEIt OF CHILDREN. Art, on the whole, in Wellington, sakes a very subordinate place in the rush of business and pleasure, uim we have, since Mr Nairn died and Miss Hodgkins left, few local artists. But a little collection of pictures in M'Gregor Wright's window has attracted a good deal of notice, and is rarely without its knot of admirers. They are by Miss Benuall, the pretty daughter of Captain Bendall. For some years she has drawn children, making a study of their airs and graces until she has caught in her art their chttrmiiig spontaneity and freshness. Isabies are her speciality, and quite a number figure in the exhibition, solemn, laughing, crying. Particularly delightful are two panels—"Spring" and "Winter." In one a row oi sweet-faced babies in quaint Dutch caps are set against a grey sky and leafless boughs ; in the other a Hush of apple blossom forms the background to some similar heads, very delicate in colour and drawing. Miss Bendall went for some time to Sydney and studied there, but, though great inducements were offered to her, a longing for New Zealand made her come back. BRIDGE AFTKJ?\OONS. The wretched weather we have been tuillering from lately has driven desperate Wellington women, who want to entertain and yet recognise the disadvantages of crowded "At Homes," into organising "Bridge Afternoons," asking enough guests for live or' six tables, and breaking the mental strain half-way by dainty refreshments and tea. Wellington women have got a name, not altogether deserved, for playing for money. A certain set does, but they can all'ord it, and after all they arc in the minority. Many women, and men too, have strong scruples against playing for money, and can enjoy bridge with only the expectation, if they win, of the glory of success. When a woman, who cannot atford to lose, plays Bridge, the situation for her wealthier opponents becomes difficult, and if a player, owing to excitement or disposition, losf's her temper, scenes may occur that are not suited to the drawing-room. At the Bridge afternoons that have been given of late, special tables have been reserved for those who do not play for money, and to tile winner of the highest number of points in this set a prize is given. Hiss Tolhurst had a Girls' Bridge Tournament last week, and four prizes were given, one of the successful girls being .Miss Morna Fell, whose engagement to Captain Erie Johnston, son of the Hon. C. •!. •Johnston, has just been announced. Miss Morna Fell is one of a trio of pretty girls, daughters of Mr (!. Fell, of Picton. They are all more than common tall, and most graceful, and Miss Morna has charming fair hair. Miss F.va Fell married Mr Russell Dymock lust year.