Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 60, 24 August 1901, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

Dear Christ abel — BITTERLY cold was Saturday but that certain I v did not chill the enthusiasm of the great crowd that thionged the Athletic Park The grandstand, from across the ground, looked like a check of black and pink, with heie and there a dash of scarlet 01 bnlhant blue All lound the fence men and boys were pressed three or four deep, while the vantage points on the face of the c'iff were soon seized bv adventurous ones, and the top of the cliff thronged with a dense ciowd of onlookers. Many girls weie among those watching the match, and appeared to know as much of the game as their brothers. The New South Wales paleblue jerseys are most becoming, and, on the green gra«s, make the most up-to-date combination of colours. But our visitors must ha\o felt our weather, and longed for a dash of their own climate However, as one smaJl boy lemarked, "You bet they don't feel cold' We're makin' it jolly warm for them l " Very ready was the crowd to recognise good play on either side and the Australians were cheered lustily again and a^ain. One excited cabman, who hailed from New South Wa'es was barracking w iJdlv for the visitors, and longing, evidently, for someone to contradict him. The most interesting people in the crowd were the old men, who vv atched every movement of the players eager] v. and soemed to legain a little of their youth as they shouted wi'dly. One pat n arch yelled advice from the top of the cliff to the players It says a good deal for Wellington sport that such a huge crowd can be gathered together on such an inclement day •* •* * It is passing strange why women flock to hear the Financial Statement. Figures — arithmetical figures, at least -are never very attractive to the average female, and two hours and a half of them, even interspersed by nautical metaphor, was too much for most in the Ladies' Gallerr. They pensively rolled up their d'oyle\s 01 tablecloths, wrapped their c'oaks about them and left— nor cast one sorrowing glance behind. A few remained to the end, some of the few because the Premier's v oice- -it is marvellous what expression he can put into figures lulled them to gentle slumber -t - r Is there any reason why the anangements of the Ladies' Gallery should eau«.o every third poison to make a head-first entrance 5 Just within the door there is a step that is a trap for the unwary and ever so many women fall into the gallorv with an iiropiessih'e and most natural smieal Tt is onh to be exported that they should be looking, not at their feet, but at the members below ami hence lies riangoi. * * * A propos of the disci eet woman and the vagrant young person, I am told that, in some parts of Canada, the cur-tew-bell lings at nine o'clock and the voungstms aie to be seen scuttling away to then homes like rabbits to then holes The ai langeinont answers we'l thcie How it would wink heie is allot lie] mattei Mr. and Mis Holiest on aie in Wellington at present, staving at Aorangi Hou^e. Mr Rolleston has not been very well, but is feeling bettei alieadv for the change What do you think of a letuined trooper as a cook or a nu'rsemaxl J In the disc ussion on Mr. Barclay's Domestit Servants' Halt-holiday Bill as Mi Fi.shei called the measure- s—one5 — one member declaied that tlus^wa.s the resouice of the hdletless khalu w amors. If the laider were slioit of provisions, a tioopei-cook would be invaluable on a toi aging expedition, only lie might forget he was not on the tented field of war, and commandeer .voui neighbours tow Is to supply voui table Now that seivanhs are so scaicc and not getting any more plentiful it might be well to consider the question of leturaed troopers. Piepai ations ,ne alieadv being made for the Coronation next veai It is only at the coronation of a Queen, or a Queen-Consoit. that peeresses m.iv wear

their robot* and coronets. The length of their trains vanes according to their lank, a duchess's train being three yards long, a marchioness's two and a half, a countess's two yaids, a viscountev>'s one and a half, and a baroness's one v<ud Many of the roheis have been lovt or mislaid sincei they were la^t worn, and ordcis ha\e been given toi new ones. (Continued on Page 11.)

Mrs. Theomin, from Dunedin, was in Wellington at the beginning of the week. She went South last Tuesday. * * * Mrs. T. Teschemakei is staying m Wellington at piescnt. * * * Miss Phillips, trom Auckland, is a guest of Mrs. Benjamin's. In the crowded dress oircle, to witness Lohengrin," were Miss Richmond, in bldck and white chiffon , Mis. Fitchett, in white silk Mrs. Simpson, in black brocade, Miss Simpson, in white with roses, and Miss M. Simpson, in scarlet Mrs. Tiingham (Pigeon Bush) wore black silk, and white lace. Miss Bendall white and turquoise blue, Mrs. King, black and white; Mrs. Harrison pink and black Mrs. Teschemaker, black and white. Mrs. N. Anderson grey, with sequins, Miss Edwin, black, with white lace fichu, and her sister white and crimson. Mrs. Da\id Nathan had on a grey opeia coat, over a black jetted frock. Miss Izaid, black, and a lace fichu Miss Hilda Williams, black cloak and grcv fur over a white frock . Miss Stafford pink silk, Miss E. Stafford, pale blue Miss White a white frock. Miss Haicourt wore black, with a lace hcliu Miss James, crimson and white Miss Handyside, white and turquoise blue. Mrs Stott had on white chiffon and jet and roses Mrs. Gilruth, blue, silk \ oat over a white silk frock; Mm Joffcoat black, with jet embroidery and a touch of blue, and Miss Scully, black, with roses. *• * * Mis Tringham, from Pigeon Bush, has been in town this week. * * * Miss Waldegrave is visiting Mrs. E. L. Baiton, of Hawera. Mrs. Hodgkins (Dunedin) is at present visiting her daughter (Mrs. Field), in Wellington. Mis. (Dr.) Skerman, Marton, is visiting Mrs. Anson, the Terrace, Wellington. Yours truly. Phillida. The Masonic Ball, which was held in the Druids' Hall, Taranaki-street, on Wednesday evening, August 14th, was a pronounced success, and was greatly enjoyed by the large number of guests present. The decorations were much admired nothing could have been more picturesque than the wide staircase leading up to the ball-room— embowered with tree-ferns and greenery, lighted with soft-tinted Japanese lanterns, it conjured up one's childish dreams of fairyland. The ballroom itself was festooned with many gaily-coloured flags, the stage being arranged with palms, and provided with card-tables, where those who preferred a quiet game of whist to a dance could enjoy themselves Excellent music was supplied by Mr. Fischer's orchestra, and, as the floor was in grand condition, nothing was wanting. A delicious and elaborate supper was provided by Mr Godber. The secretaiy (Mr. Fletcher) and the Committee are to be congratulated on the success of their annual ball. * * *■ So many pietty dresses were worn that it would be impossible to describe them all, a few I especially noticed wcie — Mrs. Fletcher, in a handsome gown of black silk, Mrs. Dement, in black, with sleeves of jewelled net, and a cluster of pmk roses. Mrs. Boeckor woie a pretty dress of heliotrope silk, the sknt opening over an underskirt of lace flounces, Mrs. Bedford, black satin. Mrs. Wilhams's dress of black lace over white satin was exceedingly dainty. Mrs. T Gray was wearing pale gieen, with stiaps of crimson roses, which flowers she also wore in her hair. Mrs King wore yellow brocade. Mrs. T. Carmichael was in black satin, the bodice being draped with jewelled net. Mrs. Wilson was also in black satin, with straps of passementerie. Mrs. McGregor Wright wore 1 soft pink silk, with a chiffon hchu and black bebe ribbon. Mis Butt looked well m black, with a spray of crimson loses Mrs. Nathan, black satin. Mrs. Lodder also wore black. One tall, dark girl was wearing a lovely dress of cream satin, with peatl passementerie and draped with flounces of lace. Another biunette looked most graceful in black, with a long '-oft chiffon fichu edged with white l,ur> Miss Caimichael was in white satin, the bodice being entirely draped with sequin net Mrs Godber woie black, tnmmed with jet Mrs Hill woie a. soft white muslin The Misses Langdon also wore white muslin Miss X Kdmeades (debutante) woie a \ery pretty dress of white silk and tulle Mrs Wardell wore black silk finished with cream lace Miss Bach was in a pretty black frock, trimmed with handsome gold applique Miss W Bach, a becoming dress of wlnte satin,

with black velvet and applique shoulder straps. Miss — Carmichael wore a frock of soft cream silk, flounced, and the bodice was prettily tiimmed with clusters of violets. A very pretty black frock was worn by Miss Campbell — the overskirt was of tulle, embioideied with sequins. Miss Page wore a dainty white muslin, with fichu and shaded poppies. Miss Knight looked well in heliotrope silk. One nretty gown was embroidered with gold sequins, and anothei was, finished with a large jewelled butterfly. * * * A \ cry enjoyable dance was held in the Foresters' Hall, Feilding, last week, the occasion being the "long night" of Miss Long's dancing classes. Daoicing was indulged in till two o'clock. Some of those present were Mesdames Sherwell, Hill, Ward, Jones, Woollams, Giesen, the Misses McArthur, Shear, Peat, Beattie, and Messrs. Wishard, Myers, McGovern, Prior, and many others. * * * The "long night" m connection with Miss Borlase's Juvenile Assemblies was held on Saturday last, and was a very enjoyable dance. Amongst those present were Miss Borlase, wearing black, Miss O. Raw son, pretty white chifton blouse, black skirt , Miss Lucy Brandon, pale pink silk frock, Miss Riley , Miss Ledger (Nelson), black, with scarlet poppies. Miss Butt was also m black ; Miss Marchant, heliotrope dress , Miss W. Richardson, white silk Miss M. Runice, pretty blue frock Miss M Waldegrave, white silk, Miss Watson, soft pink silk frock , Miss E. Simpson, white tucked silk. Miss E Richardson, white muslin. Miss Farmer, pietty wliite frock Miss Ruby Seddon, white silk, with bright blue sash. Miss Haybittle also wore w lute A very pretty wedding was celebrat--ed at tot. Thomas's Church, JNewtown, on Wednesday, August 14tli, when iviiss Jennie Cutler, omy daughtei of iYir. Jii. 1. Cutler, JNewtown, was married to iur. George Sullivan, late corporal 01 the iitth Contingent, son of Mr. 'I. feullivan, ot Wanganui. 'Ihe bride, who was given away by her father, wore a becoming dress of silver giey lustre, trimmed with white satin ana velvet ribbon, a white feit hat ti mimed with silk and ostrich feathers, and earned a lovely bouquet. She also wore a pretty gold brooch, the gift of the bridegioom Ihe bridesmaid (Miss Edie Whootton) was attired in cream, with hat to match, and carried a bouquet. Her gift from the bridegroom was a gold band ring, nicely engraved. Mi. George Somerville acted as best man, and the Rev. Otlio Fitzgeiald was the officiating clergyman. After the ceiemony a leception was heid at the residence of the bride's mother, which was attended by the othciatmg clergyman and a large number of guests. The presents were veiy numerous, and included a handsome marble clock, presented bv the officers of the General Post Office to Mr. Sullivan, and a beautifully-engraved silver teapot and cheese dish from his fellow - boarders of Dixon-street. The bnde received a silver butter-cooler, a set of silver and cut-glass salad bowls, and many other gifts. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan afterwards left by the 4 p m. train for the Manawatu district, where the honeymoon is to be spent. ■* •>- The marriage of Miss Elizabeth (Linda) Miller, third daughter of Mr. J. P. Miller, Nelson, with Mr. W. H. Chittey, of the Government Railway Traffic Department, took place at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral on August 14th. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. T. H. Spiott. The bride who was given away by her bi other (Mi. Andrew Miller), looked charming in her gown of iiorj r silk and chiffon lace, the trained skirt finished with tiny tucks. The tucked corsage had transparent sleeves of chiffon, and her veil was caught to the hair with oiange blossoms and a diamond star, and she cairied a shower bouquet. The bridesmaids were Miss Chittey (sister of the bridegroom) and Miss Eileen Moiton (niece of the bride), both being dressed m soft white muslin, the toimer wearing a pink silk hat, with loses, and a bouquet of pink flovveis, the latter a white hat, with ostrich tips and a basket of lovely white flowers and feins. Mr. J. A Martin acted as best man. After the ceremony, the bridal party diove to the residence of Mr C R. Moiton (biothcr-in-law of the bnde), Onental Bay where a leception was held. The hone\moon is being spent in tho North, and the newly mamed pair left en route later in the afternoon the bride going away in a coat and skirt of light navy cloth, with \est of cieam merv and gold embroidery and a hat of pale grey, with a large bird and ospieys. The presents to both bride and bridegroom weie numeious and handsome, among them being a silver breakfast '•enicc and a pair of bil\ei salt cellais fiom the lailwav officers in Wellington.

Among those present were Mrs. Lucas, who wore a black poplin skirt, with velvet Eton and blouse of heliotrope silk, toque ot black &iik and violets , Mis*, Lucas, strapped costume of dove-colour-ed cloth, red velvet toque, with lovely white ostrich tips, bouquet of red and white flowers Miss Randall, black brocaded &knt, gold-coloured siik blouse with black trimmings, black and gold toque , Mrs. A. Miller, black Eton costume, with revers and front of pale blue silk, covered with point lace, hat of black and white straw, with silk and feather trimmings Mrs. C Chittey, navy coat and skirt, black and white toque , Miss Alice Berry, Eton costume, with gold braid and buttons, pale green hat, with silk trimmings Miss Bartlett, black skirt, pretty pink silk blouse, and toque to match. * ■* * Mrs. Reminington wore a black coat and skirt, black hat, with black feathers and steel buckle, Miss Robinson, black skirt, blouse of cream silk with bolero of guipure lace, black hat, with silk trimmings , Miss Reid, blouse of check silk, black skirt, hat of pernwinklo blue, with full lining of white clnff on , Mis. Madge, black costume and toque, Miss Hutchens, hlack skirt, pink silk blouse, picture hat of black feathers Mrs. Morton, purple cloth coat and skirt with collar of tucked black glace silk, toque of black straw, trimmed with feathers and violets, bouquet of yellow narcissi and violets , Mrs Berry black coat and skirt, black «ilk toque Mrs. Lissington, spring costume of cream, hat to match. Others present were Misses Walks, Payne, Carpenter, Finucane, Hornby, Rose, Mesdames Cotter and Moms, Messrs. F. Chittey, Baker, Cotter, Holmes, Lessington, Remington, Morris, Berry, Miller, Martin, and many others. Tho first of the two Marton Assemblies to be given this season came off on Friday, August 16th. There was a new departure, in the shape of a committee mamly composed of ladies, the male element being merely represented by the two hard-working sercetanes, Messrs. Bisho™ and Mowatt Sad to say, the gentlemen were a'so rather in a minority at the dance, which, except for this untoward circumstance, was all that could be desired. The floor and music were both glorious, and the suppor most lavish. For the music we were much indebted to Mr. S. Gibbons, the pianist who rose from a sick bed for the purpose of playing in the orchestra. The Drill Hall was beautifully decorated with flags, nikaus, and hanging laniDS, perhaps a little too heavily shaded, as the dim light was a wee bit depressing There were not so many visitors as usual from Wanganui, but I noticed Mrs. Lennie Jones, in a handsome black satin, trimmed with sequin embroidery, and Miss Cow per, also in black. From Feilding came Mrs Revington Jones, in white satm, Mrs. Pickering, maize silk, with rows of ribbon velvet Mis. Morshead wore her bridal frock ot trained white satin. White dresses, by the way, preponderated, and a little coloui now and then was quite a leliet. From Bulls we had Mrs. Homeden m black satin handsomely trimmed with irridescent embroidery. Miss Homeden, in pink. Miss Wilson was wearing cream brocade, with shoulder straps ot violets Miss Bennett, cream brocho gown, Miss Dalrymple, pretty pink frock v Among others I observed Miss Esam, in an elaborate dress of buttercup brocade with shiricd bodice, trimmed with steel. Miss Tennant, white Mrs Fitzherbert a pretty gown ot screy silk with grey chiffon, steel passementerie and a cluster of crimson roses. Miss Kennedy wore cream net Mrs. Mowatt, green silk edged with pale pink satin . Mr<* Rhodes (HunterviUe), h'ne biocade Miss Ross, white Miss R Ross, pink satin Mis. Strombc-rn white broche with angel sleeves ot uluto lace Mrs. Wilde, white satin lewellc-d trimming Mrs. Bryce black satin eown. with white lace sleeves. Miss Mcßoth wore white silk with rosottes of bebe ribbon. Miss Miller was in a white .satin dress. *• * One ot the prettiest dresses was worn b\ Miss Mill\ Fry It was ot white brocade «uid seemed to be tucked entirely. Her sister (Miss May Fry) also woie an exteremly pretty frock of paJe pink Indian silk, relieved by a little black velvet The Misses Awdry looked well in white dresses Miss Fullerton-Smith won> pink Miss Ciuickshank black Mis^s MeAitluir (Feilding), yellow silk. Vn uncommon funk was, Miss Keillei s, ot hce'le coloui ed net, over silk the same colour „ * * Mis Beckett (Mai ton) has issued 111Mtations foi a juvenile dance, and the \oungsters ,11c looking foiward to it 111 gieat glee I)i Skn man's many f 1 iends will be dohghtcd to hear that lie is expected to ;un\r home about the end of Septcmhei.