BRILLIANT FUNCTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 261, 2 October 1936, Page 11

BRILLIANT FUNCTION

AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE. Government House was tlic scene of a brilliant function, last night, when I'heir Excellencies the Governor-General and Viscountess Galway held a reception in honour of the Empire Chambers of Commerce Congress delegates. Several hundred guests were present, including the overseas and New Zealand delegates, members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, the Consular Corps, Trade Commissioners and members of the visiting air delegation. Government House was looking particularly attractive, the floral decorations being more beautiful than ever. In the drawing-room, where the guests were received, were bowls and vases of white lilies, deep pink azaleas, and tulips of every colour, with here and there a vase of white broom. In the main hall, the centre of attraction, in addition to the many beautiful oil paintings, was a stand of pots of vivid azaleas, delicately-tinted schizanthus and giant asparagus fern, the whole being dominated by the blooms of red and white striped hippeasthrums. Silver and crystal candelabra, placed at each end of the stand, added to its charm. In the various rooms opening off the hall were masses of white broom, deep purple irises and more azaleas, while on tables in the closed-in verandahs, which had been fitted up as comfortable lounges, were bowls of varicoloured ranunculi. The conservatory, with, its palms, its cinerarias,

azaleas* stretiitzia and beautiful cultivated birch attracted much attention.

The guests were announced by Major Earns and presented to Their Excellencies, who Siooi l at one end of the urawing-ioom. Behind Uiem stood \ lscount Eubank, president’ ot the Eederation 01 -Associated Chambers of Commerce, and Viscountess Ehbank; Mr C. J. B. Norwood, president of the Wellington chamber, and Mrs Norwood; lion. It. Semple and Mrs Semple, Hon. W. Nash and Mrs Nash, Hon. W. Lee Martin and Sirs Martin, and Sirs Arthur /"urvis. Her Excellency wore a trained irock of deep amethyst crinkle crepe, with circular shoulder ornaments of diamonds, and a girdle with diamond clasp. Her shoulder spray was of cyclamen, and she wore a diamond tiara and a necklace of large links of diamonds. Lady Elibank s striking trained frock was of vividly patterned floral ripple silk, and she wore a tiara of diamonds and pearls, a neck chain of diamonds and jade, and starshape earrings ftf diamonds. Sir* Norwood was in royal blue silverthreaded matalasso, with corsage spray of silver leaves. Sirs Semple’s dress was of black georgette with silver sequin trimmings. Sirs Nash was in black mariette with diamante clips, and Sirs Lee Slartin was in black velvet with shoulder spray of pink flowers. The ballroom and the hall presented a most vivid sight, for the frocking of the women present was exceptionally colourful. the present vogue for bright colours and bold floral designs being taken full advantage of.