THE WEEK IN WELLINGTON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9625, 27 September 1911, Page 3

THE WEEK IN WELLINGTON.

(By Mrs. Malcolm Ross.) ABOUT PEOPLE. September 25, By . tho Rotorua., which arrived last week, Sir Charles and Lady Bowen and Miss Bowen, and Mr Heaton Rhodes, M.P., and Mrs Rhodes returned to New Zealand. Tho'Misses Ilannay also caino back from a visit to Australia, and Mirs E. Atack, after live months in Sydney and Melbourne. Miss Isabel Chaytor is a guest of Colonel and Mrs Chaytor, of Palmerston North. Mrs Balfour, 'of Hastings, is a guest of Mrs 11. M. Gore. Mr and Mrs C. N. Williams, and Mr and Mrs J. D, Ormond, of Haivke's Bay, and Mrs and Miss Adair, of Gisborno, have been visiting Wellington. Mrs W. R. Blow, of Rotorua, is spending a holiday here. Mrs 11. W. Stevenson, wifo of the English billiard player,, arrived hero by tlio Sydiv;y boat, en route for America. Mr anil Mrs Walter Strang, Mr and Mrs C'ockburnHood, and Mr and Mrs Harold Cooper wcro all in town last, weak for Miss Miles' wedding. Mr and Mrs Guy Newcombe, who formerly resided in Wellington, returned to New Zealand by the Rotorua. Mrs Mauvy, who has been, visiting her mother, Mrs Van Staveren, has returned to Nelson. Dr. and Mrs Alexander Wilson, who have been at Napier for the golf tournament, eamo to Wellington fur a few days last Mr and Mrs Logan —who were in Dunedin at, their soil's wedding—have gono back to Napier. Mrs' Vivian Donald, of .Lansbourne, has been j visiting her mother, Mrs C. H. Mills. THE PREMIER'S AT HOME. Every year Sir Josoph and Lady Ward —as well as other entertainments—give a Parliamentary reception, which is always one of the plousantcsfc functions of tne 6eason, for tho house ia charmingly suited for 6uch affairs. The, host and hostess spare no pains to look after their guests' 'enjoyment. Awarua House is still more convenient now, for, as a surprise to Sir Joseph, Lady Ward, whilo show« 6 away, had the billiard room, always too narrow, to bo enlarged, and a verandah built connecting it with the drawing-rpom—a plea'ssant means of circulation when there i? a crowd. However, Monday proved tho very worst of days, high wind, shoots of rain, and muddy streets, and many gueuts were obliged to stay away. But tho rooms were just pleasantly filled, and a delightful time was spent by those who braved the weather. The Premier—notwithstanding his strenuous political life—is always bright and genial in his own house, and Lady Ward is pleasant to talk to and charming to.look at. This afternoon her frock was designed after a fuchsia, all crimson satin veiled with blue ninon, ai.d flat panel' of beautiful lace falling, under tho ninon at the back, and the same lace showing on the bodice. Mrs Cyril Ward is very sweet looking, and wore a girlish frock of palest blno ninon over white silk, tho tunic bordered with white lace. Little Joe, the future baronet, was one of tho features of the afternoon, and was quite fascinating, making friends with everyone and full of childish chatter. Among tho many interesting things on view in the drawing-room was, in a cabinet, crowded with presentation -.plate, the splendid casket that held the silver and ivory axe that cut tho string tliatMaunehed our Dreadnought. It is a mosfc\exquisito piece of work, and Lady Ward prices it highly. By tho way, this same cabinet of silver was tho centro of an amusing hoax. One man present told a member, whoso first visit it was (o Awania House, to be sure and look at the Premier's magnificent tenuis trophies. "I didn't know Sir Joseph played tennis," said tho member, and the joker said ''Not much now, j but years ago he was one of tho chywipions." Later on, after ho bad admired i the splendid caskets and trophies that ; were, ho supposed, rewards for Sir Jo-s soph's tennis skill, he discovered lie had ,' been deceived. It is interesting to wafah' tho different, men forming into lullo' groups, political differences forgotten (.n ( this common ground. Thoro was Ihei Speaker, immaculate and genial, .Hon. j Minister for Agriculture talking to the! littlo boy in his white jersey and tiny knickers, Mr J. P. Luko answeringmary inquiries about his wife, who. has been ill, Mr and Mrs Fisher, the former a very boy in his appreciation of a' joke, Mr Cyril' and Mr Gladstone Ward, eager to make all feel at, home, Lady Findlay, very smart in a dark, bltio fivek and very line black furs, Mrs Roderick Mackenzie, who is always notably well gowned, in black velvet and white furs, Miss Buick, Mrs and Miss Dillon, Mis Tom Mackenzie and her daughters (•.•no tall tho other short), Mrs Hwc, Mrs Sidey, and these were some of tho ladies present. A string band on the staircase, a fpimaphono in tho billiard-room, a pianist,oin the drawing-room, made cheerful music, and most, delicious refreshments wcro provided. Ono missed only Miss Ward, who is expected back this week. WEDDJNG DANCES.

This quaint idea—voted, most sporting by all the fortunato guests—was carried into effect, by Mr and Mrs A. 11. Mills, whose eldest daughter, Miss Miles, was married quictlv tho next day to Mr W. liandysidc. is tho second private dance iccently that has been exquisitely and elaborately arranged, Mr end Mrs Leo. Bailor's being the first. On Wednesday Miss Miles, tho brido elect, looked very handsomo in a rich white sfctin, with panel oi Brussels laco on oiie side, the bodice nearly all of laco veiled with chiffon, and showing glimpses of gold embroideries. A largo gold roso lay on tho narrow, square train, and a white osprev was in the fair hair. Very lovely were some of tho , gowns worn, and _ it was remarked that to some of ibe visitors belonged the very emartost. Mrs Harold Cooper, of Palmerston North wore a striking rose chiffon, with real lace and gold embroideries, mid Mrs Walter Strang's lovely grey jewelled ninon, tho hair fillet of emerald—a vivid colour note—was much admired, The young couple made a very handsome pair, and are starting under the happiest auspices. Tho presents we're extraordinarily handsome, and among them wore cheques to tho value of £350. Their future homo will bo in Invcrcargill. Tho honeymoon is being 6pent in Rotorua.

THE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP INGGreat expectations are centred on this gathering, to which aro cxpectod nearly two hundred women. A hundred of these aro being put np at tho golf cottages—so elastic arc thqy, and so hospitable tho owners. Mr Shailor . Weston has lent his pretty cottage to Mrs Ted. Hoi'ton, of Auckland, and her band of seven golfers. A party of Ciiristchurch players havo been leiit a houso belonging to Mr Protise, and are bringing a n-aid with them. Mr Tolhurst has a houso party. Mrs Baleson has Mrs Ronalds ml Miss Acton-Adams from Ciiristchurch, and there is no one but has his house full. Tho visiting men's belongings ire to be put up in tho race club house at Trcntham, and will take their moals at tho golf house. There aro to bo various teas, but not much entertaining, as, of course, tho players will bo out of town. But there is a report of a dance to bo given by the men of tho Wellington --'olf Club on tho last night of tho meeting, before tho Saturday on which tho final;, will tab place. Apropos of tho links—which at present are looking very lovely—they aro haunted, at ono hole, by a Lold, bad magpie, who has grown so forward that tho timid maidens fear him. Ho flics attheir hate, especially with feathers and shining hat-pins, and liis antics M'C quite disconoerting. There is serious talk, about putting an end to tho life of this gay buccaneer before the championship mooting. 110 might alter the issue of events if he suddenly swooped down on a ball. THE ELECTIVE EXECUTIVE. This certainly lias been tho most interesting point of discussion during tho week in Parliament, and was introduced by Mr Massoy, who is of tho opinion, which is shared by tho Houso, that tho Council -wants) reforming. Now, though tho majority was really- of this belief, still tho Government men declared it was a catch .vote, and not the time to introduce it, and so on—and voted against it. Even some, and ono a Minister, v. ho had spoken in favour of it in bytjnn'o days, walked into tin opposite lobby to tho Loader of tho Opposition, It was an interesting discussion, and in it Mr Leonard

Isitt made his fijrst speech, very fluent, telling, but rather wanting in dignity, extremely loud, and accentuated by lusty thumps on tho desk.