Socila Gossip.

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 97, 10 May 1902, Page 10

Socila Gossip.

By Christabel.

MOST of \ou li.no b\ tins time, I expect, been initiated into the fascinating ait" of losing hearts." uluch is tl.c ftisliionablc ciato at pusont On Tluiisday la.st, 3liss Paitndge entertained a large . numtei of guests at a most enjoyable evening. Upon entenng the diawing-ioom one changed his 01 hei identity, and became a Romeo, Pauline, or some equally interesting charactei , and spent an anxious h\e minutes in finding the right partnei When e\ eryone was sorted " Progiessne Hearts" commenced, and a \erv exciting lound of twenty pannes was placed lesulting m a win fc r Maiy Jane" (Miss Spieer) and Jupitei" (Mr Fied Barclay), with Mr Bucholz and Miss D. Lingard as boobies " A most deljcious suppei was sei ed m the dining-room the table b^ing ven artistically at ranged with tall va>se& of chiysanthemums and tinted lea\ es After supper the pnzes weie piesented a silvei slioehoin being the ladies' first, and a silvei fiuit knife the gentlemen's. Aftei a little music and dancing the good-bye was said, everyone hawng spent a thoroughly enio^able e\ening Miss Partridge woie a black silk gown, with jet passementerie and tulle Miss Thomas looked extremely well in a pretty gown of white net and pink bebe ribbon. Amongst the guests were Mrs Batham, in black brocade Mis. Bueholz, who looked handsome in a gown of black satan, Miss Skerrett, who woie a becoming dress of blue, with panels of crimson velvet, and turquoise jewelleryMiss Quick woie black satin, and chiffon sleeves, Miss Atkinson, black and white. Miss Tregear looked pretty in black, with a white fichu. Miss Butt wore black, with straps of pale-green \ civet. Miss Marchant looked very well in nch, plum-coloured satin. Miss F. Marchant woie a pale pink gown Miss Lingard, a becoming gown of palegieen silk, with lvon insertions. Miss M. Lingard was m black, and Miss D. Lingard was admned in black, with a dainty fichu. r- * ■» Miss Macintosh woie a becoming blouse of canary silk and a black satin skirt. Miss Ehott was in red, draped with black lace, Miss Elsie Ehott, a white frilled muslin. Miss L. Brandon a pink silk frock. Miss Harding was in black satin. Miss Nell Batham also wore pink. Miss Newall had on a pretty soft pink silk gown Miss R. Stuart, a white silk blouse and black skirt, Miss Kane, a piettv black gown, relieved with rose Miss Miles looked ■well m black satin, with a chou of tuiquoise blue. Miss Gaiforth (Chustchurch), a black gown, with bunches of white mo lets , Miss Spieer, a pretty coided silk blouse and black feknt One lovely frock of white brocade was diaped with lace. • * « Lace of all sorts and kinds continues to be beloved of the wise — in fact, it is a supreme necessity in the way of trimming. lam sure the lovely lace collars, so much worn, have been a perfect boon, for a deep cape collar of good lace is sufficient to convert a dress that m other re&pects might be perfectly plam, into an elegant costume of the latest style A pretty \Velhngton giil has been wearing a bright red gown, finished with a cape of handsome lace, and the effect was charming A hat trimmed with folds of bright red silk finished the toilette Another frock which has been admired was of heliotrope voile, simply made, and tucked with a wide lace collar, fastened with a chou of purple velvet. « « * The various colleges have 'broken up" for the term holidays, and all sorts of fun is being arranged by the young people. At the Girls' Sigh School, on Fridav the girls of the ' unper fourth" entertained the rest of the school at ajri afternoon tea, which was greatly enjoyed. A committee of girls arranged an enjoyable musical programme and during tea some excellent music was played by Miss Francis Arthur. Later on, dancing was indulged in, and the time sped merrily. « * * Hats this winter are more rolling in shape than they were in the summer — the flare of the brim being more t>renounoed. The trimming still remains flat and wide. Toques and smaller hats have sharply flaring wide brims, and on the stiffer felt shapes a rosette

with a, single wide quill is quite sufficient tnmmnig The back wew of a hat now-a-days is the most important the hont seems to adjust itself nat in ail - lv, but a gieat deal depends on the putting on On and off hats look womloitulh chhVient. Much depends on the style of handiessing, wise buyers see then hat on the seliei's head as well av on then own Black bonnets, with a touch of white 01 mau\e aie moie becoming than othei kinds foi the eldeilv lach * * * Mrs W Tuinbull's piett\ new residence m Tinakon-road, was greatly adn.necl b\ a laige numbei of fncnds, who weie entertained at an afteinoontea on Frula\ last No frail t cou'cl be found with any of the anangements, which weie \ oted perfect Aftoinoontoa iub daintily served m the dinmgroom and beautiful flowois weieererv-w-heie Mis. Turnbull, who is a channing hostess, looked i er\ nice in a go>\ n of black and white silk, and a foldod belt of turquoise blue * * * Mrs Duncan woie a black coat and skirt and pretU bonnet Mis Baldwin a dark blue tailor-made and white toque Mis H. Craw fold looked handsome 111 a led gown and hat Mrs. A. de B. Brandon woie a black gown and hat. Mis. O'C'onnoi was in a bla-k tailor-made with a \ est of white biocade finished with gold buttons and^ a black and white bonnet Miss H Williams, a pale blue yoile gown, and black hat. Miss F Biandon a pretty gown of heliotrope -\oile, and black hat with tips Miss Higermson looked well m blown. Miss Johnston woie black Miss D Johnston had on a becoming dress of rose yoile and pretty black hat Miss Fitzgerald woie a, tailoi-made gown and .smart black hat Miss Z Johnston was in blue with a black toque 1 * * * A jolly ping-pong evening wa& giyen bv Mrs". MacTawsh on Fndav evening last. A foursome tournament was arranged, and was lesponsible foi much excitement. Those "looking on ' en]oved the games equally as mdch as the players The winners who played s-pleiididlv, were Miss Iso Fitzheibeit and Mr Herbert Fitzheibert and the runners-up Miss A Fitzherbert and Mi . F. Leckie. The prices were a silver and out-glass bottle (ladies) and a silver photograph frame (gentlemen). A very delicious supper was seived upstairs the table being beautifully-ar-ranged with flowers, and aftei supper dancing was indulged in foi an hour or two. • * * Mrs. MacTavish looked handsome in a gown of black and white. Miss MacTavish wore a prettv white muslin gown, and her guest, Miss Violet Twigg (Napier), looked well in black velvet with a lace collar. Miss E. Riddiford wore black satin. Miss Haselden was admired in a gown of black lace Miss Macintosh, black satin, with pale blue. Miss Fitzgerald was in a pretty white silk Miss O Fitzgerald looked nice in white frilled muslin. Miss M. Fell was dainty in muslin Miss V. Rawson appeared to great advantage in a white silk insertioned blouse and black satin skirt. Miss Higginson wore black Miss Broad, a pink silk blouse and black skirt. Miss Joan Hislop looked well m white • * • Amongst the gentlemen were Messrs Coleridge Gore, MacShane, Fell. Jacobs, Sommerville. Leckie, Burnett, Sloman, and Fit/herbert. ♦ ♦ * Miss T Beetham stayed foi a few days in Wellington last week, but has returned to the Waiiaiapa. * * * Miss B. Fitzgeiald lsuphom Chustchurch, and is spending her holidays at home. The members of the Stai Boating Club have invited their friends to he piesent at a conversazione on Fndav next, when the prizes won are to be presented. (Continued on put/e 11 )

Miss 31. Johnston's populai conceit took place at the Exchange Hall on Fndaj night last, and was deserving ot nioie hbeial support. A veiy nice piograinme was presented. It opened with a' pianoforte solo by Miss Johnston, followed b> The King's Minstrel," which was capitally sung by Mr. G. B. Nicholls. In the second half, Mr. NicholLs was equally successful w ith My Lite for Thee." Miss Johnston sang with great expiession 'Alia Stella Confidents," and Mr. King played the violin obhgato to it vcrv sympathcticalMadame Mullei contributed two chamung little songs, 'Little Swallows" and What Joys" (Petiella). Mr. Bryant scored a great success with Doieeu," and Mi. King was loudlv encoied for his Mohn solo Fantaisie Pa&toiel." Miss Randell, who was in splendid voice, sang "Ave Maria" and 'Idle Words," the violin obhgato of the first item being played by Mi. King. Miss Paul played the accompaniments in very good style, and also contributed a pianoforte solo. • * • The guests of the agents of the Shaw , Savill, and Albion Company spent a most en lovable afternoon on the Athenic," last Thursday. Captain Kempson recened at the gangway, and busied himself in looking after everyone. Afternoon tea was served on the long tables m the saloons, and partaken of to the music of the Garrison Band. After tea, theie was a general tour of the ship, no corner being unexplored, and the lucky passengers who have booked passages 'by the Athenic were much envied. * * * Amongst those present were Bishop and Mrs. Walhs, the latter in black Sir Joseph and Ladv Ward, who looked well in black, with furs and a blue hat. With Lady Ward was Miss Fraser (Dunedin). in a pretty blue cloth gown Mr. and Mrs. Tolhurst, and Miss Tolhurst dressed in a gown of crimson cloth. Miss Higginson wore a pretty brown costume, and black hat. Miss Flora Brandon was in a blue frock and black hat , Mr. and Mrs. A. Pearce the latter m a becoming tailor-made . Mr. and Mrs. Miles, and Miss Miles, who wore a smart blue coat and skiit. * * * Miss Handyside w-as m black . Miss O'Connor, a 'pretty brown costume Mrs. Derrv, a black coat and skirt. Miss Scully was smartly dressed in black and white. Miss E. Hevwood looked very nice in a blue gown and black hat. Mrs. Malcolm Ross was gow ned in black. Miss N. Newall w ore brown Miss Kirkcaldie, a becoming black costume, and hat with tips -.ir and Mrs. Macintosh, and Miss Macintosh, who wore a verv pretty ereen frock. Miss Young had on fawn , Miss R. Young, a, black coat and skirt. « * * Mr. G. H. Chandler has leturned to town looking much better for his trip up the Wanganui nvei * * * A Wellington girl, now in London, writes me that quite the newest thing in skirts is the accordeon pleating all the way round She has just invested in a gown of pastel blue alpaca, with the skirt made this way— a, neat bolero and waistband of the same and a "front" of cream lace, and some inspired touches of black lace and ribbon The accessories weie a big black hat of lace and chiffon, and a black narasol, with insertions of black lace. • * * Mrs. O'Connoi's chrysanthemum tea, on Tuesday last, was, as all her entoitamments'are, a great success, and verv much enjoyed by the large number of guests present. The rooms were as usual, decorated with exquisite flow ere, and the splendid show of fine chrysanthemums in the garden attracted many outside. Dehciousi tea was sen ed m two rooms the tables- bein£ laden with sweets, and a, perfect feast of beaut v as far as the decorations were concerned. ♦ * * Cosmeas, on a crimson satin centre, looked delicate and lovely, and the chrysanthemums arranged with tinted loa\es on a centie of old gold silk, were most effective Mrs. O'Connor was gowned in black cloth, with a cream satin \est. Miss O'Connor wore a pretty silk gown, and Miss E. O'Connor a frock of old rose frieze. Some of the guests were Lady Ward, Mesdames Turrell, Johnston, Brandon Harding, Medlev, Young, Didsbun , etc - A hockey match was played on Fudav last between the Aorangi Club and a visiting team from Miss Fraser's School, Palmeiston North. The visitors arrived bv the morning tram and were met by the captain and girls of the Aorangi Club, and driven, to Messrs. Kirkoaldie and Stains, where lunch was provided. Afterwards, the teams drove to the Athletic Park, the smart fouihorse brake, laden with bright and pretty girls, wearing their club's colours, causing many a head to turn en route. t The game, which resulted in a victory for the visitors, was very exciting.

The Palnieiston gnls placed splendidly tlnoughout, adid, after the match, dro\e straight to the station. Amongst the onlookers weie Miss Francis Fiasei (who chapeioned the girls down). Lady Hectoi, Mesdaines Em en, Simpson, Butt, Higgmson, Stuait, and tlie Misses Reid, Higginson, Brandon, Kwen, Bul,t, Simpson, Stuart, Hector and others. In the PaJmerston team were Miss Maijone Russell (captain) and the Misses E. and N. AbraJiam, Jo>ce, Fitzheibert, C. and T. Porter, Annie Dalrymple, Nina Riddiford, Klsie Tripe, L. Haiding, and Hene Johnston. Mi. Hjoinng acted as umpiip Mr. and Mrs. Wickham have gone to S^\ dne'v foi a visit. * • * Mr. Role\" Robeitson, of Messis. Johnston and Co., lias been moved to Wanganui. and will be gieatlv missed in social circles in Wellington. Possessed of a good voice, and the power of mimici\ in a, remaikable degree, he was a host in himself, and naturally in great demand for smoke concerts, musical evenings, etc., and a great favourite w ith all his friends. Sir Joseph and Ladv Ward have returned from Dunedin. Miss Fraser (Dunedin) accompanied them. * * * Mis. Farmer and her daughtei left foi Hawke's Bay last week, and intend spending a week or two there. Immediately on their return they will leave on a visit to England. * • * Mr. and Mrs. Duncan and Mis. and Miss Bell left on Satuida\ last for England. * • • Mr. A Palmei Owens, who left Wellington some months ago forAfnca. has been most successful, and has now a good appointment as chief clerk at the Burgher Camp East London, and intends remaining in Africa for at least some years. ■* # * St. Patnck's Hall, m Boulcott-stieert, presented a very animated scene of jollification on Monday evening last, the occasion being a conversazione m eelebiation of the opening of the Literary and Debating Society of the Marist Old Boys' Association. The interior of the hall was- bnlhantlv transformed Drapmgs, Chinese lanterns, and pot plants were arranged to the best advantage, and lent a bright and gay aspect to the pioceedmgs. * * * Various parloui games weie the centres of amusement and en-jovment. Ping-pong was the chief attraction, and some really interesting games were plaved by the deft of hand at this indoor pastime. Billiards and numerous other games were also in full swing. Items of vocal music w ere rendered during the intervals of the evening. Misses M. Lawless and M. Twohill, and Messrs. C. Gamble, J. Flanagan, R. Sievers and A. Eller contributed to the programme. At the conclusion of the conversazione, the floor was cleared for dancing, and under the brilliancy of the overhead lights the scene was one of perfect onlovment. Miss J Gallagher and Mr. D Kenny plaved the musical accomr>ai,iments _^_^_^^____