THE WEEK IN WELLINGTON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9590, 6 September 1913, Page 7

THE WEEK IN WELLINGTON.

(By Mas Malcolm Ross.)

September 1. The engagement is announced of Mis Gladys Bateson, oldest daughter of Mr J. G. Bateson, England, to Captain H. II Ballon, of the« Indian Army liurina Com mission. Misw Bateson stayed some time ir Wellington, and was the niece of the lat> Mr C. Bateson, of Trenthatn. Mr and Mr: John Duncan, of Marlborough, have return ed from their trip to tl>o Islands and Byd ney. On Friday Dr. and Mrs lipgg am Miss Tennant left en route for Kngland. Miw Kathleen Henry i* oxpe-„<tcd fron England by Iho lonic. Colonel and Mis Goring, of Hawke's Bay, arrive by th< same bout. . Mrs Arthur Young, who ha: been in Australia, returned on Wednesday.

FROM THE GALLERY. Nothing very exciting has taken plac» this week, except the visit of the British Parliamentarians to the IIout*; on Fridn\ afternoon. That was the day of the luncli given by the Government to the men of th< parly. It was a very inspiring function, and line seeches were made and much enthusiasm displayed. When the House dii re-as&emble, the visitors listened to a statement by Mr Vernon Reed on smallpox in the Bay of Inlands, and left in the middk it for tea given by Mrs Massey in tin Cabinet room. When they came back Mi Parata was put up. with Hon Or. Poinart as interpreter, for their benefit, and tliej were interested in Ihe Maori oratory. Politically the week has been uneventful. I lie debate in the naval j>olicy being the most notable feature. OUR VISITORS.

Brief though their stay has been, the Parliamentary folk had time to make u deep impression on those who met them. liord Emuiott is clever and interesting, but Will Crooks was the man people wanted to see. and indeed he has a personality not to be overlooked. He is .short, thick set. black Warded, and speaks the purest Cockney. His companions like him much, and one o! them expressed regret that he had not hat an opportunity of addressing tho labour members, as his calm good sense and shrewd wisdom would have done good. Ho ha: quaint, natural wit, too. and made at th« lunch a most amusing speech. The weathei we gave the visitois was bad. and at Koto rua. too, they had rain all day. But they declared they were charmed with New Zealand. and some of them have resolved to return with more leisure; While the men of the party were at the Bellr my lunch. Mi's H. I). Bell entertained the women, he: Excellency Lady Liverpool being among the guests. Tho decorations of the table were unique, red and yellow Kowhai being used, and the menu cards being little wliares. while the name-cards were shaped like meres. The Hon. James Allen also gave a charming lunch—in honour of Lord and Lady Eminott, whom he mei at, Horn 6. At this. too. her Excellency was present. Lord and Lidv Einmott. as wol; as Lord Sheffield, Lord and Lady Carlilc and .Miss Cariile, and the Hon. Stuart Wort-ley, being guests at Government House.

THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE RECEPTION. Invitations for this were confined to Parliamentary people, officials, and representative citizens, and it was not a very large affair, but. like the other recent VieeIte.gal functions, very well arranged. Lady Liverpool looked charming in white (satin, draped with exquisite lace caught up with quaint rosettes of pink satin riblx»n. Oi course she wore her beautiful diamonds, and tile visitors, too, wore wonderful jewels! Lady Eminott. who is very handsome, with fine features, dark eyes, and lovely gre\ Imir. was in blue channelise, with draperies of wonderful La<*\ tho petticoat-showing being flounced with it. and she had a magnificent tiara r.<cklace of diamonds. Such smart frocks, line jewels, and beauti ful laces have not Ixvn wen before a Government Hoik*}. They were all charming. too,' nnd interesting and interested. Indeed if was a competition as to which of tho two—visitor or resident—should get the most information. A very stately ligure in his red silk robes and skull cap was tliat of Archbishop Redwood.

THE FOOTBALL MATCH. Thousand.-—the estimates varied from 6000 to 10,000 — turned out on Saturday to tho match between Wellington" arid Auckland. Badge* of blue and white and yellow and black were in huge request, und tlio excitement was intense. The Athletic Park was i sight worth feeing, with its massed crowds, and when the game was most thrilling (lie roar of voices was tremendous. It. was a great game. and. though Auckland won, Wellington had nothing ;o Iv ashamed of. Tho Prime Minister. Mrs and Miss Massey were present. and as Mr Massey walked along in front, of the packed ttand he was heartily cheered. The scene outside when the game was over was extraordinary, and the wonder was—what with motors, traps, and trams—a perfect chaos of them—there was no accident. Tho weather was glorious—indeed the sur. was alnu.st 100 warm at ono tin>' for comfort. TEA IX THE CABINET ROOM.

Mrs Massev was hostess on Friday, and entertained the British Parliamentarians. Tho guests were received in tho ante-room, and went on to the sanctum sanctorium itself—its business-like character all gone, and flowers, flowering plant*, and other accessories of a tea taking tho place of papers r.nd bills. Their Excellencies were present. Lrulv Liverpool wore brown char mouse, with black furs and a brown and black hat- with wavy plumes. Mrs Massey was in shot rose and mauve silk, and a black velvet bat with ros<* and feathers. Miss Massey wore a mushroom coloured whip cord and a brown hat with Bulgarian embroideries. The table was beautiful with daffodils, wattle, and red anemones. Goodbyes were said, for the visitors wore leaving that, evening, and many promises to meet, in London were made, and hospital invitations tendered. A BUSY WEEK.

There has been so much doing this week that. it. is difficult to write of all. The Garrison Ball was the best they have given for some years, and their Excellencies were present, for some time, and Lady LiverjKioi danced several dances.