Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 75, 7 December 1901, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

JANKT WALDORF, and hei plays, are ver> lefieshmg lust now to lovers of the legitimate " I formed one of a theatre party which went the ot hoi uight to see "The Lady of Lyons " Miss Waldorf is a clever young Ameiican, and deseives all the good things that have been said about hei As The Lady of Lyons" she earned her audience with her from rise to fall of the curtain, and Mr Norval Macgregor was equally successful as Claude MeJnotte "her lover We first saw Pauline in an Empire gown of crimson satin, with an exquisite point lace collar, a, "graimv" phain of pearls, and a crimson rose in her hair. In the third act her frock was of pale yellow corded silk, with lace jew'P'K and was very becoming In the last act of all, an Empire of the most delicate shell pink silk was worn rnsertioned, and I am not sure that this wa not the prettiest frock of all ♦ * * As Madame Deschapelles Miss St. John wore a gown of moss - green velvet, with a panel of silk and a lace collar. afterwards appearing in a claret - coloured velvet a pretty combination, with her wealth of v-hite hair A 'quaker-Hke,' but most becoming costume, was Widow Melnotte's—a black frock, with white muslin apron, and large mob cap She played the part of Melnotte's mother with much taste ♦ ¥■ ¥■ The men of course, were gorgeously attired While masquerading as Prince, Mr Norval Macgregor was resplendent in a Louis seize coat of pink brocade, breeches of gold-colouied silk, and a black three>-cornered hat and fob chaan studded with diamonds As general 111 the Grand Army he wore a uniform of royal blue, with white facings, a tri-coloured sash knotted round the waist, and a badge of red, white and blue on his hat I must not forget the dear old Colonel Damas, who charmed us all with his kind deeds and natuial acting The fencing scene between him and Claude Melnotte was very fine ♦ ♦ » Amongst tihe audience piesent, I ncticed Mr and Mrs Prouse, the lattei wearing a black lace gown Miss Skerrett, black, with transparent lace sleeves, a chou of turquoise blue, and an opera coat of black brocade. Mis~ Julia Skerrett wore a cream lace frock, with straps of jewelled insertion, their young .sister wearing white. Miss Bendall looked very pretty, weaung a whiti theatre blouse w ith a chou of turquoise blue satin Miss Heywood's sky-blue glace silk was. finished with a lace collar, and was most becoming Mi.s^ Theo Shapter's blouse was of blue silk Miss Tzard, black silk, with «i white chiffon fichu, Mrs Maermnity. in black Miss A Magirmvty, a pretty cream frock and white opera cape Mis> E Maginrutv, white, and a cape with ostrich foathpr trimming Miss Murdoch, white silk theatre blouse and black skirt her sister also in white w * » Mrs Amehus Smith has issued invitations for a large "At Home," on Friday. Decembei bth — a farewell for her daughter, who shortly leaves on a visit to relations m England Miss Pearson leaves for Sydney on Fndav of this week She will return to Wellington next February Miss J Greenfield (Vernon, Blenheim) is the guest of Miss Gdmer Wellington Terrace Congratulation® to Miss MeLe-an, the girls, and all who lielped to make the annual sports of the Girls' High School such a pronounced success The bright sunshine, waving bunting, Garrison Band, laughing,, mem- schoolgirls iuiinmg excitedly about and crowds of gaily-dressed visitors, all combined to make one of the prettiest gatherings ever seen vi Wellington. Truly, i J was the school's gala day. The sports ground had been marked off on the lower part, of the lawn, and from the grastsv terraces a large and enthusiastic crowd watched, with keen interest the different events. The races were well contested, present and "old" girls rallying in splendid

style, so many entering that many events were decided m heats. After noon tea was provided in the central hall. After the last race, the prizes were presented by Mrs. A. de B. Brandon, and the day was finished by three cheers for Miss McLean, who instituted the annual sports. I will describe a few of the pretty gowns that I noticed Miss McLeans blue voile was handsomely trimmed with cream applique and touches of black velvet , with it she wore a large, black ha 4 " with tips. Her sister wore a pink gown of the lovely now French shade, with applique trimming. Miss Ecclesfield w ore a biscuit-coloured muslin, and a pretty rose-bedecked hat , Miss Moi - rah, a oigar-brown dress, and black hat , Miss Davy, a white pique, and black hat Miss M. Wilson, navy blue , Miss Gellatley, a tussore silk gown and picture hat Mrs. Brandon wore a black tailor-made, with a vest of pink silk, a delicate lace collar, and black hat. ♦ * * Lady Stout had on a handsome- black and white gown, chiffon ruffle, and black toque Mrs Craw ford wore a violot gown, and black toque Mrs Bendall, black and white foulard, with an under skirt of black silk, chiffon ruffle, anrl black a,nd white bonnet. Mis Nathan mauve frock , Mrs. Young, black, with a smart tucked Eton Mrs. Fulton white piquo costume, and black hat Mrs. Gavin, handsome black dress, and hat to match , Mrs. Chatfield, purple gown Mrs J Blundell, a gown of black voile and Maltese lace Mrs. Hislop, black and white . Mrs Perkins back, with cream applique, and a black toque. • • • Mis. Tweed wore a stylish purple frieze with a heliotrope chiffon toque Miss Harcourt, royal bluei frieze, and large black hat , Mrs Walhs, dark, tailor-made gown, Mrs. C. Richardson, a black silk voile, and black hat with taps Miss Fras<?r had on navy blue, and a ha,t with turquoise silk , Miss Runcie>, white* costume, blue hat , Miss H. Runcie, muslin frock, and turquoiseblue hat Miss Haselden, neat blu<costume, straw hat, with roses Miss Richardson, a dark-blue tailor-made and black picture hat , Miss R. Rich ardson, a blue foulard, and a most becoming pink hat her sister wearing a pretty spotted muslin and hat with tnrquoise-blue. * « » Miss G. Morrah looked well in a blue muslin blouse black skirt, and chiffon toque , Miss N. Morrah, blue costume, white hat Miss Brandon, black, and a pink hat Miss A Brandon, grey skirt, black tucked Eton, and pmk hat Miss Nathan, a mauve frock, and pretty hat Miss Sybil Nathan dark cloth costume, and hat w ith forget-me-nots Mrs W C Fitzgerald, black gown, and large black hat . Miss Fitzgerald, black and white Mis-s Ecclesfield woie a tucked white silk frock, and white hat Miss E Kcolesfield, blue and white foulard Mrs Runcie, a dark-gieen tailor-made, and black hat , Mrs Ecclesfield, a handsome black silk Miss Peaison, white silk blouse, black skirt, and black toque Mi&s Edwin, fawn coat black skirt, and pink hat Miss A. Edwin, black skirt, green silk blouse, and black hat Miss O Raw son. a holland frock Miss O Goie a light fawn coat, dark ■skiit., and blue tocfue * " ■*■ * Miss Frasei woie black, with a black and pink hat Miss Chatfield, blacl: skirt and silk blouse Miss McKerrow a heliotrope muslin, and black hat , Miss fthott, white silk blouse and black skirt Miss E. Ehott white Eton costume Miss Barnett black gown, and toque to match Mi&s Batham, blaclcostume, and black hat Miss Grant black and red , Mrs B Wilson, Eton costume. and pretty red hat Miss Prouse cloth frock, with crimson satin, and lace' col bar hat with cherries . Mis^ C Prouse, cloth gown and pink revers, liat to match , Miss Richmond, grey voile, and a grey toque , Miss E. Rich mond. gre<v voile. Miss Kempthorne (Auckland) giev voile gown, and black hat • * * Miss X Kirkcaldie wore a blue tailoi made Miss. Newton, pretty grey frockwhite vest, and black hat The Missc-. Hislop looked well m silk blouses, dark skirts, aaid black chiffon toaues . Mr Woods, a very handsome, black gow n and black toque Mrs. J King, a dovegrev voile chiffon ruffle, and black toque Miss Edith Bendall looked very nice in grey with a becoming toque Miss M Fleming also wore a grey gown with a bolero of beautiful lace and a pretty hat M]ss Putnam, blue cloth Eton, black chiffon hat Auss Leah Van Staveren, white silk blouse Mack skirt, amd large picture hat Mrs Longtcm fawn coat, dark skirt. # * * Miss E Chatfield ha.s returned from a visit to her sister Mis Torlesse CDunedm) * • • Mrs Hubbard who has been visit inp, Wellington, has returned to her home at Nelson. (Continued on Page 11.)

Miss Herse\ Wauchope whose engagement to Mr Jack R. Studholme, of Canterbury', was not long ago announced, is a cousin and namesake of Lady Hope tou u • * * So faa.- we have heard but little about our new Commandant and nothing at all about hi® wife. In fact , mam wei c beginning to wonder whethei a Mrs Commandant really existed, so I hasten to assure you that there realh is such an one. and not many years* ago as Miss Lawson, she Mas a popular member of Svdne-^ 'Sassietv '" • • * The fashion of Hearing jewellen is becoming popular with men So says a London authority How docs it strike you 9 Jewellei> and men do not seem a happy combination to me- least, not in that way Imagine a w 11st of massive proportions encircled h} a Nellie Stewart" bangle, studded with tuiquoises and pearls, or a, wide expanse of shirt-front relieved with a 'dream ot a necklet and a. sapphire pendant, or this perhaps might appear in Social Gossip" Mr. Robinson looked perfectly lovely m the family diamonds, the tiara testing gracefully on a fair wig' But joking apart, the fad is realh onjowne; a vast amount of popularity » • * At a recent, wedding m smart Society two of the groomsmen wore massu c bracelts enriched with gems, and a guest was ob^eived to be wearing a necklet set with precious stones uiidei his four-inch collar 1 Most uncomfortable I should think. I find a linen collar alone tries my temper at any time but if I knew it was hiding a beautiful' necklace' Most of these wearers of feminine gewgaws are, needless to say the yen voting men, who, m the absence of their elders and betters in Afrioa have tried to take Society b\ ptorm 'this year. Next season, when the evening weddings, which ultra-smart folk wish to introduce*, are- an accomplished fact, tl^ will furnish excellent opoortunities foi the laush display ot masculine lewete • ♦ * Miss H Hickson is a lsitmg tnends at Palmerston. Miss Ehott who ha^ been staying there ha.s returned to Wellington • • Miss Daisy Bendall is the guest ot Mrs Cornford, Napier, Hawkes Baj where she will staj until after Christmas. Mrs Huntle\ ttkott who has been paying a short visit to Wellington ha*, returned to Chnotehurch • * * A most successful sale ot w ork was given by the- pupils of the Fitzherbert Terrace School on Saturday afternoon and evening Very attractive were the stalls, with a thousand and one useful and pretty articles arranged thereon The waxworks, arranged by Miss R Richardson, and in which the characters were taken by the pupils, proved a great "draw." Miss K. Beauchamp as Mrs. Jarley, was most successful Altogether a' very substantial sum was realised, and a pleasant time was spent by the patrons • * •* Sydney is now giving Pmg-Pong" parties, with a little variety, to renew the interest. On arrival the guests are invited to draw a slip of paper from a hat, ladies from one, gentlemen from another— they then discover that tor the evening they are to be one of Shakespeare's characters, and the gentleman who draws Benedict must discover his Beatrice before he can challenge Romeo and Juliet to a Ping-Pong match. Woe betide those who do not know their Shakespeare, and hide away in a corner trusting to luck that thear partner will be "left over," and can then be claimed without difficulty. These Shakespeare parties are great fun, and most popular The men have been heard to remark that they learned more about Shakespeare m one night than ever in their lives bef(>re - Mrs. and Miss Blair leave for England in March, to witness the excitement m June. They have booked their passages by the Gothic. • • • Miss C. Newall is spending a few weeks at Hawke's Bay s • • Mr. and Mrs. S. Brown left for Napiei on Monday last. They intend staving there a few weeks • * * Mr. and Mrs. Pynsent leave for England early in the new year, accompanied by their httle grand-daughters. • * The Misses Morecroft (Napier) are visiting Miss Borlase (Wanganui). Tt is the intention of the Misses Morecroft to open tea-rooms in the town they are visiting, and all who remember how charmingly these popular girls dispensed afternoon tea, and most delicious home-made cakes at their pretty rooms in Napier, will look forward to a visit to thedr new rooms.

Tlie engagement us «uinoiuice<l of Miss Guladvs, Somerville eldest daughter of the late Mr Sonu-i ville, ot the Bank of New Zealand Wellington to Mr. Neshitt of SvdncM Mr Nesbitt came over to New Zealand to superintend the fitting up of the We,stmghouse brakes on the New Zealand railways. The wedding will take place early in the year, and a tnp to England will follow The mnnia°;e ol Mi<-s A Edwin to Mr. Arbor is ananged foi Fpbnian next. Mis D Nathan muht be added to the list of foitunate WelJingtoniaais who will short h leave foi England Dr Mis and Miss Grace armed in Wellington last Thursday, Novemhoi 28th, having had <i \en delightful tup ♦ * * It is much to Ix legietted that tin-sens-ible and not unbecoming mode of fastening the skirt at one side should have been mercilessh doomed almost before it had caught on." As our brothers would sa-s It had no show " but it is the case foi no less an authont\

than our •local Wirth," Mr. Nodine. has haid so. Beware then, you fortvma.be ones who are soon to desert Wellington for London — see that ail your skirts are fastened at the back, or you will be promptly dubbed ''old fashioned " ♦ » ♦ The puzes won by the pupils of St. Patrick's College at their annual sports gathering, were distributed at the College on Sunday afternoon. A goodly ( ompaiiy was present by invitation. Lady Ward, in the absence of Sir Joseph Wawl. presented the prizes, and the recipients came in for a good share of acclamation. The prizes, too made .1 21 and .show , and the display, to use a < ollccjUiahsm made the unsuccessful competitor's' teeth water During the presentation the ( ollege ouhestra discoursed some pretty music. Mr T Trow ell conducted, and Rev N. Moloiiej presided at the piano. At the conclusion of the prize presentation, the Reotoi (Rev A Keogh) thanked Lady Waul for having presented the prizes and, on her behalf, Dr Cahill replied in .1 few w ell-cho&en words. At the invitation of the Rector the party partook of afternoon tea in the' reception rooms.