SOAP-BUBBLE PARTIES.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3808, 28 September 1883, Page 4

SOAP-BUBBLE PARTIES.

Amoiiff tlio newest fancies in fasliioimblo society arc "soiip-lmbblo parlies." 'I.'hny begun in New York, and, of conrso, miyn ;\. Washington correspondent, found n.wly imitutor.s tit tlio capitul. Lika eoiiiinoii parties unci germuns, tlify uft'onl mi opportunity for tlie distribution of jcit't.M, wliicli, unless conducted \vi(h yreatdi.'liciicy und yood taste, quickly dcyonenito into vulgar ostentation of wealth. At a recent

event of this peculiar kind the climax of the c renins' was reached before cloven o'clock, when a large china punch bowl filled with soapsuds was placed upon the centre-table of the rear parlor, the carpets having been prudently screened with linen, ostensibly for greater convenience in dancing. " Long nine " eighteen clay pipes were produced, and all tried to see who could blow the bia-o-est bubble. Three trials were granted" en eh person, but all whose bubbles burst were compelled to desist. There wore five judtres to estimate the size of the bubbles, 'mid to award the prizes, which were old Knickerbocker pipes, plaques, and other dainty souvenirs to the successful blowers. The fun was immense as rosy lips and perfumed moustaches tried their skill upon the " long nines." The exclinives of uppor-teudoin, to whom no diversion is in good style unless newely discovered by themselves- , , have dropped lawn tennis as altogether " too common," and given it the go-by with croquet and other games in which the "herd" indulge. Badminton is now the correct thing for h< firiiir <1? h< α-emc, as it is comparatively new in this country. It is played with battledore and shuttlecock, over a'net arranged as tennis. It is rather more of a ladies' game than tenuis proper, as it makes less demand upon the muscles, but depends chiefly upon the agility of the. players. The coaching and polo cliques are unanimous in adopting the new came.