LADIES' COLUMN. Girls' Gossip.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 98, 22 October 1904, Page 11

LADIES' COLUMN. Girls' Gossip.

[Contributions to this column addressed "Priscilla" will be welcomed. They should be concise, and must be signed with the writer's full name and address, not for publication, but as" a guarantee of authenticity.] ftlr Dear Kezia — * The long-looked-for fete is now a thing of the past, and though the weather might have been kindilier — the wind was somewhat aggressive and the temperature iather too chilly for the dainty linen frocks and muslins-rthe entertainment was bright and interesting, and abounded in attractions for every type of individual. The buried treasure and the Haunted Chamber proved lucratively fascinating. There is immense humour to be found in watching a handsomely-dressed portly matron digging with, a toy spade and dogged determination for her five minutes, hindered by the pernicious advice of the polite managers of the competition. The occupation, though arduous, is thrilling, and n. bit of shell or an old tin makes wild excitement in expectant breasts. One venturous and sanguine soul splashed ten ■.shillings on fifty minutes' toil, and if he got nothing else he gained healthy exercise. Whiie I wnte there has been no sign of the dead cat. but it shows the consideration of the managing director of the fete that it was decided to wait till Monday before killing and burying it, so that it might be quite fresh. ! About the Haunted House opinions differed, and judging from the squeals that issued from the mysterious cavity, tiose who experienced its delights' were unable to stifle their emotions. The hats "created" by the men, the cost being seven and sixpence, occasioned much interest, and the manner in which the blue tilk scarf was draped on the prize hat was immensely admired. The prize in the other division was won by Mrs. Cenci, who sent an exceedingly stylish, and well-made hat of rough black straw, the large up-turned brim lined with tucked white chiffon and banded with black guipure, one black plume falling over the brim. A large and life-like cow, impressive though perhaps mal-apropos, was an additional attraction to the hat tent, and delighted the children when the moo was turned on. Ifever before have such delicious sweets been sold in such dainty boxes, all tones of soft bines, and naturally they met with eager purchasers. Among the uniforms worn by the helpers the pale blue linens were decidedly the most charming, especially against the leafy background and the white tents. Lady Plunket wore on the first day a delicate ivory voile with lines of open-work in pale brown silk. A picturesque wide hat with brown tulle scarf and ties was worn with this costume. On Tuesday Lady Plunket had on a blue canvas frock with silk embroideries and a smart v/ide-brimmed blue hat and white furs. The Hon. Kathleen Plunket's frock on Monday was of white cloth, delicately embroidered in white and pale blue, and on Tuesday she wore a rich blue cloth, the smart little coatee, opening over a blue and white lace vest, having lines of white braid on the seams. The plays by the Vice-Regal Company were most successful, and mucli enjoyed by the onlookers. They went with such spirit, and the situations were so quaint and so charming, that they won enthusiastic appreciation. The two sisters who decorated the first play wore dainty ioft white frocks and summer hats, one hat of the Victorian persuasion with tulle strings proving exceedingly becoming to the fair -haired wearer. The Hon. Miss Plunket made an irresponsibly delightful Irish housemaid — with a broom, a brogue, and a black smudge on her cheek — and kept the audience in a simmer of mirth with her vivacious acting. > As for Mr. Wutei field, he was, except for his inches, absolutely unrecognisable, and made a capital old man, crusty an.d captious., Wellington will look forward with extreme pleasure to possible future performances by the Vice-Kegnl Company. The stage was picturesquely arranged and raised from the floor, flowering pot-plants being arranged along the front. Captain Hughes, who is invaluable when such a project is in train, disposed of the clever souvenir programmes for ready shillings. He is a very magician in beguiling this same coin from people's pockets for a raffle, whether the object be a cow or a diamond ring. A bright little play—" The Mousetrap " — fomed part of an entertainment given by Mrs. Fulton as a finale to her pleasant Monday evenings. A small concert, jn whioh Miss Fulton, Miss Hoggard, Mr. Webb-Bowen and Mr. Rowley Robertson made pleasant music, and Miss Warburton danced most exquisitely, was followed by the play, the characters in which were taken by Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Ross, Miss Tolhurst, Miss Fulton, Miss Stafford, and Miss Aviee Edwin. This was succeeded by a dance, which, proved so enjoyable that it was nearly 3 o'clock before a halt was called. Mrs. Fulton, the hostess, wore a handsome gown of ivory brocade, the bodice diaped with lace and having touches of pale blue. Miss Fulton's pretty pink muslin frock wa3 much trimmed with lace. The same evening a dance was given at Mrs. Riddiford's at the Hutt, as a. farewell to Lieut, and Mrs. Lindsay, who leave shortly for Home. On the very worst daj of last week, Miss Lydia- Biundell's 'marriage with M-. Smith was celebrated. But the storm without did not prevent the wedding being pretty, nor the many guests from enjoying the hospitality of Mrs Blundell. The bride's gown was of beautiful ivory chiffon duchesse, trimmed with fine lace. Her two bridesmaids, Miss Vera ] Macdonald and Miss Holmwood, looked charming in cream voile, with yokes of | tinted lace, high silk belts, and pretty blue hats. The bride's mother wore a graceful black voile frock. The presents were many and handsome, and at the reception afterwards bright speeches were made, Mr. Kennedy Macdonald, in his usual happy style, proposing the bride's health. Several other weddings happen in the near future. Quite a. number of Wellington folk, who have been travelling, will be back shortly. Among them are Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kennedy, and their daughters, Mr. and Mrs. John Duncan and their party, and Mi. Robt. Turnbull, and Mr. Skenett. Mrs Michib. who has been occupying Mrs. Martin Kennedy's house during her absence, has issued cards for an " At Home " for Friday of this week. At this season of the year, furniture and curtains are apt to look worn out, and happy is the housewife who can redecorate her rooms. I heard of a delighttul dining-room lately carried out in yellow and brown— a very safe combination of tints, and one with which most flowers and all foliage harmonise. The carpet was golden brown, the walls the same tone, varying to cream and primrose in the frieze ceiling. The fumed oak chairs were upholstered with brown leather, and the bionze curtains weie banded across their centre with a wide embroidery, having a little turquoise blue in the creams and golds and browns. Imagine the charms of .1 copper coal scuttle or a brass table in such a room, and I how exquisite a great mass of scarlet dahlias would look on the bronze cloth \ table-cover [

The high-ci owned hat — of which there was a notable example among the trimmed millinery at the fete — is most picturesque when correctly trimmed and worn above the face that suits its peculiar style. A girl with a. dainty colour and soft brown hair was a triumphant pioneer of this latest mode in black. The plumes on her hat stood upright beside the crown, and the long strings, tied on one side, were chiffon. It is certainly a style that ought not to be adopted without good and sufficient reasons, for one can picture the decided disadvantages of such headgear in Wellington. Quite a number of girls are busy making embellishments for their summer frocks. One linen gown in the process of embroidery was most elaborate and effective, the front breadth, of skirt and blouse, and the sleeves being all ornamented with needlework and lines of drawn thread work. — I am, etc., PRISCILLA.