Social Gossip.

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 101, 7 June 1902, Page 10

Social Gossip.

; By Christabel.

THK Thoindon Tennis Ball was held last Fiida\ eiemng, in the Syd-ney-street Hall Flags and foliage were used to decorate the walls, and the stage looked yen pretty with easy chairs, palms, and pots of chrysanthemums. One usually expects a ciu&'h at -the Tennis Ball, but on thjs occasion tlfeie weiejust the right number dancing. The floor was in perfect condition, the music (Murufie's Band) excellent, and the supper simply splendid. Such a number of prett}' swras were worn, and the debutantes, in theii 'ail white" fiocks, weie girlish and sweet. Miss Elsie Ehott looked exceedingly pretty vi a frock of u hite net ovei glace sulk, frills of net edged with nariow satin ribbon were worn on the shghtlvtrained skirt, and a soft fichu diaped round the shoulders finished the simple bodice. Miss M. Marcbant's very becoming frock was also of w hite silk, with, a net o\erskirt, and many tiny flounces edged with satin nbbon, contmued on one side of the skat from hem to waist. The bodice was also made with frills and looked \ cry dainty Her bouquet was composed of white chrysant hem ums and maiden-hair fern. Miss Ida Willis wore a very pietty gown of white silk with tucked bodice and elbow sleeves finished w ith an ac-cordeon-pleated full. A lovely frock was worn bv Miss Olive Kember, who was much admired— a rich white silk, made with a semi-tramed skirt An ac-cordeon-pleated flounce was headed with ivory guipure. The bodice was- draped with lovely lace, caught with a spray of white flowers. Mrs Fulton was handsomely gowned in black. Mrs. Marchant ailso wore black. Mrs H. RaA\son's long blue brocade cape w r as worn over a, black gown. Mrs. Eliott's black gown was relieved with a touch of lace Mrs Batham wore a handsome black silk diess, with jet applique. Mrs Marchbanks was in black satin Mlss Partridge, in black and white Mrs. H. Gore, a lovely gown of white satin. Mrs. Pye-Smith looked very nice in white brocade. Mis. Bucholz wore a cream satin gown. Mrs. Ne&ve wore a white silk gown Mrs C Tringham was w earing a white brocaded silk, and a cluster of scarlet flowers. One of the prettiest frocks was Miss Simpson's, of soft pale green silk, with bands of ivory guipure. Miss G. Reid looked, extremely we-ll in a beautiful gown, of white silk, the skirt opening over an underskirt of lace, and a collar of Duchesee lace was draped on the bodice Miss Barron wore white silk, with an overdress of embroidered net. Miss Marchant wore a becoming black gown Miss F Marchant, white muslin over pale yellow Miss White (Hawke's Bay), a lovely white net and silk gown. ♦ *■ * Miss Edwin's pretty gown was of delicate shades of green and heliotrope. Miss J. Baorraud wore a very pretty black lace frock Miss Stafford w a& in white satin and chiffon. Miss 0. Gore had on a pretty blue gown, with folds of white chiffon on the botlice. Miss Tolhurst was in black silk. Miss K. Fitzgerald wore a very becoming blue gown, finished with lace and . pretty frills. Miss 0 Fitzgerald wore rose pink silk. Miss M. Blundeill was wearing a w lute silk gown with dark flowers. Miss Laishley's gown was of coronation led satin finished with a lace collar and jewelled aipphque Miss Brandon had on cream satin and lace . Miss Flo. Brandon, old rose silk and lace, Miss G Morrah, a black silk gown, with bertha of lovely Maltese lace » » » Miss- Burnett also wore black silk Miss Macintosh, a pretty blue fiock and large gold flowers. Miss Waldegrave looked very well in black, with a large blue chou. Miss Atkinson was also in a blaok gown Miss R. Butts wore pale pink silk , Miss Green law , a yellow satin gown and chiffon frills Miss Batham also wore a very pretty yellow gown. Miss. Logan, a becoming white silk and chiffon blouse, black satin skirt Miss- M. Logan, a white silk frock. Miss Hamerslev (Australia) looked very well in white. Miss Hickson wore pale blue ,and Miss H. Hickson, a pretty pink silk gown, with lace and trellised ribbon. Miss Runcie wore a handsome Honiton lace bertha, with a blaok frock.

Miss Biewei woie black silk, with M'quin net, Miss Dot Brewer, a becoming pink dress. The Masses Raw son wore vei.y pietty gowns. Miss PownaJl w as admned in. a becoming gown of nale .yellow sulk and cihiffon Miss GaifoitJi, black lace gown and cnm&on floweis. Mis* R. Stuart looked very nice in black, wrth a pretty net fichu and pink fkrweis. Miss Tregear's dainty pink muslin frock was most becoming. The Misses Ghatfield wore black frocks, relieved with white lace. .* * • Amongst the gentlemen present were Messrs. Gore, Peaiee, Sloman, Broad (secietary), Bucholz, Harcourt, Bell, Laishley, Harvey, Witliefoid, Arbour Tolhurst, Kember, Adams, Swan, Bramhl, Blundell, Tripe Balhairy, Mow bray, Holmes, Kennedy, Burnett, and Wheeler. On Thuisda.v ei ening last week a \eiy enjoyable dance w as given by Mis T. F. Martin, at her lesidenco, Wosleyroad. Eveiy thing was delightfully arlanged, and the guests w ero most attentively looked aft>r bv Mis Mai tan and her daughtei . • * •» The drawing-room was used foi dancing, and a i erv dehcic-us suppei was served in the dinmg-ioom. Mis. Martin received in a handsc-mc black <^i\k gown with jet passementerie. Miss Mai tan's lovely white silk gown w at, a London 'creation," and w a.s trimmed with ivory insertion Mi.ss Elsie MacTavish wore a becoming pale green silk dress. Miss Macintosh looked very nico in black satin Miss K. Sprott was in black silk. Miss Ida Coleridge had on a pretty blue silk gown, Muss ToJhurst, a becoming bright yellow dress, with scarlet poppies. Miss Elsie Macintosh wore white silk; Miss E. Barclay, hlac'- Mi.ss Skerrett, pale green brocade , Miss Fanoourt, a piotty pale pink gown. Miss Harcourt wore black. *■ * « Some gentlemen present v. ere Professors McLaren and Yon Zedhetz, and Mcssis. Jovnt, Cachemaille, Harcomt, Mason, Weddell, Wneht, Ba-clay and Tolhurst. ♦ * « The marriage of the populai comedian Mr. Stratton Strettle (Will) Peic^, of the Pollard Opera Company, to Miss Jessie Ramsay, of Dunedm, and sistea of Mrs. A E. Donne Wellington Mas celebrated at the residence of Mis. Wakefield-Holmes (sister of the bride) Dunedm, on Tuesday last week. After the ceremony, the entire Opeia Company were entertained at a sumptuous wedding breakfast, at the Excelsioi Hotel, the bnde and bndegioom bemcr present. Mr Tom Pollaid, in proposing their health, said many good things of the happy couple • * ». When he rose to respond, Mr. Peicy wa*. greeted with deafening cheers, and it was several minutes before he could utter one word Eventualiy, when the liuirah® subsided, Mr. Percy, in a \ oice choking with emotion, said 'Boys and girls members of the Pollard Opera Company, I thank you all from the bottom of mv heart for the manner in which you have drunk the health of my<elf and Mrs. Percy. This is the happiest time of mv life, and if you all feel as happy as I do at the present moment \o-u will be happy indeed. I hope, aoid know that the fnendly relations which ha\e aJwavs existed between us will be long continued, and now I will conclude. Thank you all a^aui very foi your kindly good wishes Good-bye I must catch the train, and trains do not w aat for newly-married couples " There was loud and piolonged cheering at the close of his happy little speech, and Mr. and Mis Percy then took their departure amid showers of nee and congratulations. As they left the hotel, the company saluted the happy pair with the Maori war cij, and sang, "Foi They are Jolly Good Fel lows." as the carriage drove off. Mi. and Mrs. Percy spent a bnef honeymoon at Milton, and leturned to Dunedm for the opening performance of "Floiodora" on the Friday following. Everyone will be glad to hear that Mi . Percy's engagement with the Pollard Opera Company has been renewed for a couple of veara (Continued on pnqe 11,)

On Tliuisd.n hist woo], i\!iv Mom .ill U,ue a \(i\ cniinciMc At Home toi hei guest Alls Ted Monah (Dunedin) Tea was soi\ed in the dining-room and the table> decoi at ions woie ot white (hi\ santhemums and aspaiagus toliagi Mis Mon-ah loeened m a black silk gown Miss .Moriah wore a led silk blouse and black sHit Miss Giace Moirali a white silk blouse and dark sknt Mis T. Moirali was weaiing a smait black gown, with transpaient l<if<" l and sloe\es Mis Wallis a handsome, black gown a,nd sealskin iac-kot Mis Tolhurst. black silk gow n Mis Kendall looked nice in gre\ fnoze Mi^s Hiaiitlon had on a black Eton costume and pink \ est # * Mi.ss Richniond woie giev and a gie\ to(|iie with lobes Mis Collins was m blatk ,\m\ white Mis Peaice a black tailoi-made, white \ est and black to<|iie Miss Fancouit a hi own tn<v,e costume and toque to match Mis Butts a black gown and white \ est Mis,s M Butts a smart pui-p!e fue/e govn and purple hat The Misses Hannax assisted with the tea. and woie piott\ silk blouses and dark skuts # • * The mainage of Miss Liddle to Mi W Kebbell. ot Alfiodtown, was (|Uietl\ tt'lebiated at St. Paul's Church on Tuesdax last week. The Rev T H. Sprott was the officiating clerg\ma:n The "bride wore a \erj becoming tailoimade gown ot na\y blue oloth and a grey Grebe" hat Her bridesmaid (Miss L Liddle) woie a cream ficxk and black hat. Aftci Hie ceremony the wedding pait\ diwc to the iosideute of the bi ides biothei wheietlie bicakfast w afi partaken of The honeymoon is being spert in Napier The bnde went away m a sealskin coat, hkut and becoming red hat # • • At tins time of the a ear entertainments commence in leal earnest and liappv indeed is the ho&te&'S who is able to lment some ougmal four) of aniu.senieiit for the fnends she desires to entcitam Whist is not quite the ta\ ov.rlte it was. and dancing has not n et ictumed to tlie height of popularity which is promised foi it in the near futuie At present most people aie more tliaji willing to spend an evening where Piogicssive Games" is the faie offered As might be gathered horn the name, various games are here pio\idod tor the guests' amusement, and progiess i& the oidei of the c\a\ --or rath ci- nisrht At a social I went to lately I found all so its of tablet, set out in the hall where nu ne hostess was welcoming her guests and almost immediately on arrnal we settled down to the scnous business of the gathering. The first table to which it was nn fate to be allotted was. I found, leserved foi Tiddlrwmks 'and I quickly set to work to poisuade aft. main counters as possible to enter the magic cup. I noted ra\ number bv means of pins stuck elegant h into a long stup of übbon proMded foi the puipose and passed on to the comei levoived foi pine-i>ong Heie I played m\ a.imi' and won as many as T could ot the piescnbocl t\\ent\ points, and passed on to the euchre table Aftei that se\eial tables each with a different game, were usitd One had also to fi<=h in bian-tubs and hsh-ponds The mat king means ot pmspio\ed fun as the various pla\ois (ould see at a elanre how each one was getting on The usual pi ize*. weie qn on at the close of the e\ening's ulaA and we came awa\ \>ith the comfoitina knowledge that we had spent a 1110*4 pleasant time * » * M^i^s Kdith Bendall has 1 etuiued fi olll Xapiei _ The engagement is announced o1 Mi^ Alice Belle (Oueenie) Tiaveis eldest daughtei of Mi ?lenr\ Tra\eis Clifton Terrace to Mr R Biaba/.on Moms of the Postal Department Wellington \lso the engagement of he-i sistei Miss Man Tracers, to Mi. K. V Bevan (Messrs Le\in and Co) Aoungost son of the Rev. J. Be^ an Birmingham Kn gland • • • Aiiot he u engagement lateX announced is that ot Miss I&obel Bendall daughtei of Captain Bendall, to Mr Riehaidf. * * * Mrs. W Kennedy, whose entertainments are always of the brightest and most enjoyable desenptaon, gave a smaJl tea last Friday, as a faieuell to Mrs and Miss Miles, who left on Satuida\ for a tup to Sydney The rooms as usual were piettilv decoiated with flo^eis, and golden brown chrvs>a.nthomums on an old gokl silk centre, foimed the table decorations. The excitement of the afternoon was a new— quite nen — game, or was it so very old that it had been forgotten for many years until, in turning the leaves of a scrapbook it was unearthed oncemoie 0 Amwav it was decidedly novel and amusing, challenging the smartness of e;eivOn aiuval a sheet of papei (on ■nhich was type-written a, number of

questions ami places loi answeis) was handed to cafli Ruest who was ie(,uest((l to answei as m,in\ as possible Tlio o.niK is entitled The Fishes' Wedding and itcn question must be answei ed bv tin- no ot sonic Hughs',] fish- toi mst,uicv Whirh two fish got maniocl"" John Don and nn Cho\ c-, " \\ hat did John give Ann on liei wedding d,i\ -" Hci-img" What kmd of woman was Ann."" An old t, 1 / 1 ' 1 " Win k- wa<- tin 1 honoMnoon spent- 1 " In whales " And so on Some of the <i'isweis although not tlie one.in.il (>ll<'sweie deeidodlv clevel The winnei toi tlie most ronect answeis was Miss Row .amis, wlio received a piettv silvei bon-bon dis'n Mrs Kenii( d\ lecened in a turquoise blue silk blouse and blue ' oile skirt Mis Miles won a sir.ait coinflowei-blue sow n vi it.h string-coloured insertion Mis-, Miles a neat tailoi-made and pictuie hat. Miss, B Miles woic brown • * * Lad\ Waid was in black and a, smait hat with blue Miss Fiaser woie a black strapped sknt and blue silk blouse with a picture lint Lady Stout a black and white biocaded ffiran and tociue to match Mis MacKweu \ icux lose frieze TCton costume with \estof lovely crea.m lace and a becoming hat Miss Sow lands a daik frock and busht led hat Mis Beau-ch-amp a stvhsh gown of nays cloth Miss Coates* a black tailor-made, and black hat with tips Miss- Nelson also w oie a dark gow n ♦ * * Mis Staffoid was in black Mi^s X StafFoid wore white furs with aji I*l ton costume Mrs. Fitchett a becoming black silk \ oile and black hat Mrs Malcolm Ross alsov.nio a black g^wn Mis O Izard was in black and white, Mis TCwen a navy blue gown Mis. Butt a daik gown Mrs. John Barton wore black Miss Button (Napiei) a fawn tailoi-made Mrs Bnstowe a seiaJskin coat high led hat and dark skirt Mis. Lvoixs a fawn costume and hat to match Miss Mactkmald, a pictt\ silk blou<-e and dark skirt • ♦ • Two "WellmertO'ii guls were considered belles at a recent Timaiu ball They \^ p.) c ?>liss Mabel Mcc and Miss Ha-\ es, wlio aie Mating down South. Miss Mee's gomi was of white satm. with a wide band of lovely Maltese silver embroiders lound the hem, and the bodice was a^o tnnuned with that lovely mar tenaL Muss Haves' gown of blue sa.tin a,nd silver passementerie vas also much admired ♦ » • Imitations ha\e been i's ied bv His Kxcellencv the Goveinoi ?'id Lady Ea.nfiuh fora ball to behold m honour of the King's Coiomtion on Fiidw, June 27th * * * Cards ha\e also been i^siicJ foi a ieception to be held on Tupsdav evriii.ie Juh Ist * - * Miss B landon (Napiei) is the ouest o{ hci sister Mrs Finest Bi ana/on, Bi oudiam-street Wellington Miss Finch (Dune.an) is st^wns, \. itii h-iends m Wellington • » « A wedding ot much inteicvt to main Xewtown people w a.s celebic ted aT St Thomas' ('lunch New tow n on We dnesd<\\ 28th Ma\, when Miss I'\a Grace Lob'o wps mairied to Mr John James Bo\d eldest son of Mi J J Bo\ d the woll-known buildei of this c:tv The ceiemonv was pel foi mod bv the Rev W A. R Fitchett in the presence of a laici £c oathenng ot fi lends » ♦ • The biulesmaids weie the M.sses l-tliel and Lilian Lobb (sisteis of the bnde) and Miss S\mons Mi Bailex act<-d a,s best man Mi W Lobb was groomsman. In the afternoon pad evening a laige number of lebtivos and tuends weie enteitiined in the ( nnstablcvstreet Haill Mi and Mis Bo\d are spending tlu>n horeMnoon in the North Mis S Brown left this week toi a trip to the southern lakes • • » The tiaihng sknts have been left seveielv alone la(el\ aid doc tois iio longer discuss the lniurv done to the (\ts 1)\ (spotted veils brt still anothei and c(|ra!h M-iiou.'-, danger hangs o'ei us m the custom ot wealing celluloid combs as i head decoiation The Hospital" advocates the taking of stiopg ineasmcs to pi cm enit mfenoi qualities of celluloid being used for this pin pose as even the best of this material is lnghlv inflammable Badh manufactured celluloid will it is said, catch file at a tempeiatuie far below what is normal m a pioporlv prepared article Quito recently in London a lady was only sitting as close to the hre as one likes to on a chilh night when hci comb caught fiie, and she lost half her lovely hair which had been the admiration of her friends » * • Miss Daisy Belmoie, late of the Wilson Ba.nfttt Compare, who was mairied to Mr Sam Waxman, a wealth} sohoi-

loi, of Melbourne, at tlio close of the to in , g.noa. \eij l.n'g.o At Home after ho mamage, which is thus de&cnbed Tho just-wedded I«dv entertained an niton eating coinpam with tea, a morsel of wedding cake, music, and talk, leceiwng m a much-tucked black gown, and a hea\ ll v-plumed liat " * • « Just no\i when oveivone is contemjilating a new ball-die^s, a few suggestions on the. impoitant subject of the sleeve may be appiopnate The latest tlung in evening sleeves is very pietty Tt is sot peifcctly plain into the arm hole and continues its tightness nearly tr the elbow , the matena? then being cut into rather long Vandykes, which ,no neatly hemmed then finished with lare 01 cthciw JH 1 decorated according to one's fancy The Vandykes ultimately fall ovei sevei a,l of the fullest frills lmasmablo, and the- sleeve*, become elbow ones The width of the fulls at the elbow attain to some feet so that when the arm lianprs by the side the frilly ends leach be*low the finger tips * «• * Ve-h ot bows, with jewelled centie^., and roses of chiffon, are to be seeu in every well-dressed, coiffure, but flowers aie hardly as popular as they promised to be Swathmgs of tulle are becoming finished A>t one side by a wide 10sette They are a \ery sociable lot in the district office, of the Land and Survey Department. When their late chief (Mr Marchaait) was promoted to be Sui- \ evotr-Goneial, he was tendered a veiy enjoyable dance at which a handsome pie.sciitat.ion. of plate was made. The success of the social' evening emboldened the officers to establish a Literal y and Social Club and on Saturday, on the top ffooi of the Government Insurance Buildings, where their rooms are locaifred. the inauguration of the club wa.s celebiated in a nost en lovable mannei » * • Shortly aftci 8 p.m., in the Land Boaid loom a. «iv ill hall with excellent acoustic properties, the president (Mr. John Stiauchon, C^ief Surveyor) made a few introductoi v remarks The gueste werei then entertained with a musical programme of more than ordinaav quality. The pei formers were Misses D. Gieville, A. P. Eanwell, Amy Murphy Snne, and Stevens (2^ and Mcssis S J Dyer, A H Bogle and C "R Archibald. At the conclusion of the concert an adjournment was made to the public room, where an excellent supper was provided in Mawson's best ■ k Ie It was appropriate for the suppei to be served in this room, as it is the place where thohunerv (for land) aie legularIv catered for » * + On letuimng to the concert hall, all the parapheniaha was found leadv foi the delight of those who enjoy proaressne euchre, and eleven tables were filled with aji enthusiastic complement of pla-seis Whilst the games weie pioceeding. <x i amble thiough the looms disclosed severaJ games of pr^g-pong, at which those not so keen on caids, wci c amusing themseh es Shorth befoio 1130, 'last game of euchie" was announced, and, at the finish, it was found that Miss Barraud and Mi. Neil Fleming were the winners Handsome pie&ents purchased from Mr Fiank Gradv, wcie haiided to the successful ones bv the president, and this brought to a, conclusion a social evening which piomisos well foi the success of the. club * # • There w as w lid excitement ri town for ,\n lioui oi two on Monda-\ after the rlaneing of bells and firm? of grins announced the lOAful news of peace Evei\ descnption of vehicle sported miniatuie Fnion Jacks streameis of

red, white, and blue fluttered from the coate of our loyal citizens, while groups of excited children carried flags and did a little celebrating on their own account. The D.I C. was also very enterprising, and e'er the booming of the guns had died away a "Patriotic" window, uith a. grat show of khaki and til-coloured ribbon, was attracting much at font ion • • • Pahiatua is not the only place that is suffering from the complaint of 'girls wanted." About eighty miles from Coolgardie, in Western Australia, a carpenter died, aaid his widow had offers of marriage from the doctor who attended the deceased, the undertaker, the clergyman who read the burial service the local apothecaiv custodian of the cemetery and about a score of mine manageis and mineis Apparently, spinster emigrants should do well in Western Australia. • * • Mr. and Mis Alfred Caro left for the South on Monday last week.