DIANA ABROAD

Evening Star, Issue 23352, 23 August 1939, Page 15

DIANA ABROAD

AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE A GARDEN PARTY IN THE RAIN We came down from Norfolk specially to attend the Royal Garden Party, which took place on July 20. The weather in the morning was far from promising, and by 3.30 many heavy showers had fallen. However, with some hundreds of others, we hied us to the Palace. By the time the long queue of cars had reached the gates, the weather had definitely decided to be very nasty indeed. Down the drive we hastened and took shelter in a little summer house to watch the guests go by. It was really pathetic to see them in their long, trailing garden party frocks, in many cases without* coats or umbrellas, and with the daintiest of shoes, hastening down the drive or over the sodden lawns to reach any shelter available. All fashions passed by—one lady wore a most inappropriate frock of white net, appliqued with a design in black velvet, trailing many inches on the ground, bare neck, and arms ilimsily covered by a net cape. Another lovely frock of white and silver lace with a white picture hat and white frilly sunshade was partly protected by a white cellophane coat. A lady wkose snowy locks rather proclaimed her age, wore a short white suit with a full length white cape, bordered in brown fox fur. Her jaunty toque of red geraniums was swathed in a floating veil. Could one imagine a less suitable costume for a rainy day ? Indian potentates in full _ Eastern costume were there, one prince displaying slightly bespattered white trousers beneath a gorgeous coat of black and gold brocade. His turban

of white muslin hung down in rather limp folds. A young girl in a charming fuschia patterned silk trailing gown and picture hat, swept across the lawns without protection of any sort, apparently unconscious of the falling j’ain. Trailing black lace frocks and picture hats, chiffons in all their summer loveliness looked very bedraggled after a sad halfhour. Many of the wiser among the guests had anticipated the weather, however, and arrived in short frocks and coats with chic hats and carrying smart London umbrellas. A special marquee had been arranged for the Royal party, the long tables imposingly set out with the gold plate and high vases_ of perfectly lovely pink carnations, Tsext came one for the Diplomatic Corps, and after that two enormous marquees for the general company. These were made of crimson and gold drapings, and the buffet tables had bowls of gorgeous mixed summer flowers down their entire length. At 4 p.m., as we stood with our eyes expectantly fixed on the Palace door, waiting for the Royal party to make its appearance, an official of the household walked! down the whole length of the marquees to announce: “ The garden party is cancelled for the day; all you can do is to have your tea and go home,” which we proceeded to do, tea. iced coffee, delicious sandwiches and cakes, followed by raspberries and cream, rapidly disappearing. Quito a homely touch was given by the household servants walking across the lawns carrying _ the gold plate, humbly swathed in kitchen towels. Our'next move was to the palace itself, where we strolled' about in the entrance and reception halls, with their gorgeous crimson carpets and! interesting portraits and statuary. Hero we met several Dnnedinitos—the Hon. Mr Justice Kennedy and Mrs Kennedy, the latter wearing a frock of hyacinth blue under a black coat, and chic black hat with pink and blue ostrich feathers on the crown; also Dr and Jfrs A. M. Begg, the latter wearing a becoming navy ensemble with hat to match; Mrs Blackmore, black ensemble, relieved with touches of fuchsia; Miss Blackmore, floral frock under a navy redingote, and navy hat; Miss Ashworth, Marina blue frock and fiimor length coat, with hat to tone. The King and Queen graciously appeared on the balcony for a few minutes and acknowledged the cheers of

the disappointed guests. The Queen wore her pastel tinted garden party frock, but had) removed her hat and looked lovely as she smiled at us all. Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, dressed for the party in pink frocks, were among those most disappointed by the cancellation. At the express wish of the King and Queen, the delicacies, fresh fruit, cream, etc., prepared for the 10,000 invited guests, were sent to London’s hospitals. They were packed immediately into boxes and sent off in huge lorries to all parts of the city. WOMEN'S INSTITUTES Roxburgh. Thirty-four members and friends were present at the monthly meeting of the Roxburgh Institute. Mrs Waters presided, and a special welcome was extended to Mrs Kelly, of Ettrick, and to Miss Anderson, of Lovell’s Flat. Mrs Kelly spoke about the display of the exhibition articles in conjunction with the W.D.F.U., and Miss Anderson spoke a few words about her own institute. Mrs Waters gave as a motto “ Little deeds are all like little seeds — they grow to flowers or to weeds.” Nominations were called for a delegate to attend the half-yearly meeting of Mid-Otago Federation at Lawrence in October, nominations to be in the secretary’s hands by August 30. The roll call was answered by each member naming a flower beginning with the same letter as her own surname.

Hostesses at afternoon tea were Mesdames Hammond, Harper, Hobbs, Flannery, and B. Jeffrey. The competition, “ jam tarts,” brought seven entries, and resulted as follows:—Mrs G. Kinaston 1, Mrs Waters 2, Mrs J. Pannett 3.

Ap amusing playette was given by Mrs M'Knight and Mrs Young. Mrs Sandes read an article on gardening which had been written by Mrs Donnelly, who was unfortunately not able to be present. This was ijery interesting, and contained much useful information about seasonal work specially suited to the district. Mrs G. Kinaston moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Donnelly and Mrs Sandes. Taieri.

The August meeting of the Taieri Institute -was held on Thursday last, Mrs Taylor presiding. The motto was, “ Life is to be fortified by many friendships,” and the roll call, “ A spring-cleaning hint.” Mrs Stewart continued the series of continuity talks with an interesting account of ‘ The Early History of Central Otago.’ A short programme opened with a song, ‘Ye Banks and Braes,’ by the Taieri Institute Choir, under the leadership of Mrs Cate. Mesdames Peterson and Andrews contributed two piano duets—‘ Galop Brilliante ’ and ‘ll Corricolo.’ A competition involving the names of institute members was taken part in by the members, Mrs Johnson being the winner. The hostesses were Mesdames Brugli. Cate, Peterson, Sproull, and Miss Smeljie.

Green Island. The Green Island Institute met on Tuesday last, Mrs Robinson presiding. The roll call was “Noise that annoys you most,” and the motto “ A cheery smile and how do you do may change the sky from grey to blue.” An interesting travel talk was given by Miss Johnson. The competition—a novelty—was won by Mrs Brown. The hostesses were Mesdames. Brown, M'Credy, Valpy, Shepherd, Thompson, and Toms.