SOCIAL GATHERING.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2090, 31 January 1896, Page 2

SOCIAL GATHERING.

A very successful party was given in the Garrison Hall on Thursday evening by Mrs J. M'Bride to a number of her friends.

The hostess, (assisted by Miss M. M'Ewen) received her guests in the hall entrance. Half the large hall was curtained off, thus making it more compact. No end of time and trouble had evidently been spared in the way of decorations. Mirrors and pictures were hung round the walls, festooned with art muslins. Brackets with pretty little pink lamps upon them were very effective, while the artistic arrangements of ferns, flowers, and green branches, made the hall quite picturesque. Tables were conveniently arranged around with cards, draughts, etc., for the amusement of non-dancers. Miss M. M'Ewen and Mr J. Williams supplied excellent music alternately. Several songs were rendered by different guests during the evening. Mr G. Reid's song, " In old Madrid, ' was much appreciated aud later on he kindly contributed " Maid of Athens," very effectively. Messrs Robertson and Dagg's contributions werealso duly appreciated. Mr G. F. Gibb was out of voice, he said, and although every allowance would have been made for that the gentleman could not be penmsded to oblige the company. Mr Stennouse had prepared an essay upon the genealogy of '• Moses," but unfortunately business called him away early in the evening, thus depriving us of a very enjoyable item. Mr Gilmour after some hard pressing finally obliged us with an amusing (if rather mournful) ditty and we asked for "nothing more." Misses Robertson and Butler were both heard to advantage. Tbe latter young lady has a very sweet voice, but is evidently nervous. Miss Taylor, a young lady from Invercargill, proved quite «*n acquisition. She possesses a strong, clear, soprano voice of no mean order, and her rendering of the ever popular "Killarney" brought forth showers of applause, while her other song " The Old and New," suited her voice to perfection. Some stylish costumes were worn by the ladies, but as there were very few evening dresses, description is scarcely necessaiy. An excellent supper was partaken of at twelve o'clock. The table decorations were lovely. Pink art muslin was daintily arranged along the centre of the large table, forming diamonds, while mirrors were placed beneath the flower-stands, thus lendiug quite a brilliant effect. The great trouble taken by the amiable hostess in attending to the requirements of her guests called forth many complimentary comments and thanks. Of the catering itself I" cannot speak too highly, but Mrs M'Bride's ability in this line is too well known to admit of criticism. Still Ido think on this particular occasion she excelled herself. Quite a merry time of it was spent in doing justice to the good things. Dancing and different games were again vigorously indulged in until daylight, when the party very reluctantly broke up with that old favounte, " aold Lang Syne." All concluded that they had spent a most sociable and thoroughly enjoyable night's amusement and returned hearty thanks to their hostess for her efforts on their behalf.

Quit® a quantity of dainties were left ow and Mrs M'Bride kindly provided "high tea" in the hall on Friday afternoon to a number of children, who enjoyed the treat all the better from its being unexpected. —A Guest.