Social Gossip.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 110, 9 August 1902, Page 12

Social Gossip.

By Christabel

TEE Messengei Bo>" fights Ins way manfully fiom London to Egypt each night before laige audiences The mu<ac is hneht and pretty, the dressing ditto, and Captain Kettle's — I mean Potts' — stepdancing is worth going to see Miss Conine Buttel wears a piett> foiled white muslin frock in the first act, and in the second changes her "uniform" foi a very becoming white silk gown Miss Pollard's dainty frock of white satin has a petticoat of pale-green silk frills, and a deep orange scarf, loosely knotted at the side is partly hidden by a gold-em-broidered zouave, also of green silk. + "*■ "^ In the audience I have noticed Mi. and Miss Coates, the lattei in blackMr, and Mrs. Wyhe, who was in black with lace bertha, Mrs. T. G. Macaithy in a long theatre coat, and pretty evening gown Miss Fitzsimmons woie a lovely black satin coat and lace collaaMrs." Travers and Miss Colendge both wore smart brocade coatees o^ ci then black gowns. Miss G Somerville in white. Miss Skerrett, in cream brocade and pink roses , Miss F. Brandon in black, with lace collai and blue ohou . Miss Scully, in a blue silk theatre blouse Miss Higginson woie black, relieved with lace Miss Seed looked very nice in black, and wore a lovely collar Miss Olive Raw son in white silk , Miss J. Skerrett, in cream brocade. Miss N. Skeirett looked charming in cream chiffon and lace. Miss Malcolm wore a handsome erev gown. Miss Butts was in white Miss Barnett, a pretty theatre blouse. * * +• Miss Estelle Beere has issued invitations for a juvenile dance to be held at the Sydney-street hall on Friday August 29th. + * * The latest conceit for hair-diessing is either of nbbon or tulle, threaded in and out of the hair, and tied in a large bow just below the eai. For debutantes, white tulle is used, and looks particularly simpLe and becoming. The easiest way to accomplish the threading process is to puiohase the largest bodkin obtainable and the threading will not be found very difficult. If the mesh of the net worn is sufficiently large, it can be done when the hair is finished The ends may be neatly tucked in, and the bow securely pinned on where requited. This little decoration is worth trying;, and is such a change from the laige chou tnat has been so long with v L

Miss Nellie Stewart will very soon be liere and we shall have the pleasuie of seeing "Sweet Nell of Old Drury." The flocking ls said to be magnificent, and there is plenty of scope for pretty dressing. The most remarkable portion of "Sweet Nell's" wardrobe seems to be her headgear. One "chapeau" that cause a sensation in keeping w lth its size, is quite a yard in diameter, and thereby hangs a tale, for Nell Gwvnne, so an authority says, fiist came under the notice of King Chailes in consequence of a hat of the circumference of a coachwheel " A \ei> "ice dance was given at Bulk on Jul> 22nd. It was arranged b\ ladies, who received great praise foi the successful anangementb As usual, the hall was tastefully decorated, aiul the stage ai ranged comfortably for sitting out The supper was damtilv set out on a multitude of tiny tables 01liamcntcl with flowers and brilliantly lighted. Among the hostesses I noticed Mis D G Riddiford, m white, with a giaduated flounce of lovely lace, and a enmson wieath. Mrs. Keiller. m hei wedding gown, draped with exquisite Brussels lace, which evei>one admired and, lam afraid, envied Mrs. W. C Birch wore a handsome white frock. Miss Keiller was also in white, and the Misses Wilson m becoming pink gowns . the Misses Dalrymple, m white Miss M. Wilhs, a very handsome pink biocade. -^ *- — The Misses Taylor weie in cream, and the Misses Ros.s were m white gowns. Miss Holmden wore pale green Mrs. Lovett, black satin, Miss Farquhar (Dunechn), a sweet dress, all white, with tiny frills and tucks. From Feilding came ' Mrs. N Norton. Mis. Morshead, in black Mis Revington Jones white satin. From Marton, I noticed Mrs. and Miss F.sam, the latter wearing a stylish white gown Mrs Domngton blue. Miss Tennent, Miss Y. Tennant, in gieen. Miss Cruick=hank, Miss Fullarton Smith, and Mi«* AI Smith, in white Mr. E. Keiller, a keen Rangitikei huntsman, had the misfortune to break his arm, just above the wrist, while out w ith the hounds on Juh 23rd This plucky rfder has the best wishes of many friends for a "quick mend." (Continued on page 13.)

The ball given by His Excellene\ the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, in honour of the King's Coronation took place on Wednesday, August 6th, and was a veiy brilliant function, a great numbei ot guests being present from all parts of New Zealand. The decorations, always) beautiful at Government House, were very much admired. In the large ballroom thei mantlepiece was a blaze of lovely yellow, masses of wattle being artistically arranged. In the smaller room, the same flower was largely used relieved with bowls of dark purple violet®. Beautiful palms made every nook and corner picturesque, and the long verandah, being enclosed and draped with flags, made an alcove off the ballroom, which was carpeted and beiautafully arranged with cosy chairs and lounges', with palms of every kind peeping from masses of wattle. The' stairs, from w Inch the scene below* looked very bright and animated, were decorated with huge pots of arum lilies. The upstairs corridors were a happy hunting ground for those wishing to indulge in a quiet tete-a-tete, and were charmingly arranged and decorated. Exquisite daffodils and many bowls of large violets adorned the maiitJepieces of Lady Ranfurly's boudoir, which was also used for sittingout. Ices, coffee, and sweets wei c served in the billiard-room, and supner was laid in the dining-room and conservators 7 , which was caipeted and draped with flags. The tables' looked lovely with palms and quantities: of narcissi in silver specimen vases. * ♦ * The music, supplied by Mr. E. J. King's band, was splendid, and the floor in perfect order. Punctually at halfpast nine, His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly entered the room, and immediately dancing commenced. Dancing in the official set were His Excellency the Governor and Lady Stout Sir Robert Stout and Lady Ranfurly, General Babrngton and Lady Ward, Mr. M. Jephson and Mrs. Grace, Captain Rich, R.N., and Mrs. Edwards, Captain Alexander and Mrs. A. E. G. Rlhodesi, Mr Rhodes and Miss Julius Hon. W. C. Walker and Mrs. McLean. * * * The Countess wore an exquisite trained gown of white duchess satin, brocaded m silver, the vandyked skirt falling over many tiny frills edged with silver sequins. Beautiful lace adorned the low corsage, and clusters of very large shaded crimson roses were effectively arranged. Lady Ranfurly also wore magnificent diamonds. Lady Constance Knox looked very sweet and pretty in a gown of white silk, the> skirt finished with frills of ruched chiffon, and the bodice of fine net. Lady Eileen was frocked in soft white silk, with insertion and lace. * * # Mrs. A. E. G. Rhodes wore a strikingly handsome gown of grey brocade, with wide bands of glittering silver arranged from neck to half-way down the skirt, and from there fell a deep flounce of chiffon. Miss Julius looked well in salmon pink silk, draped with lovely lace. Lady Ward was gowned m rich cream duohesse and lace. Lady Stout wore a most, becoming blue brocade gown, with lace and sequin trimmings. Mrs 1 . Grace wore black brocade, with lace and lovely diamonds. Mrs. Wallis wore a lace robe over yellow silk. Mrs. Edward's handsome dress was of beautiful black and white lace, over dnchesse satin, and finished with jewelled applique. * ♦ * Mrs. A. Russell (Palmerston) wore a trained cream brocade. Mrs. C. J. Johnston was in yellow brocade, and cream lace. Mrs. Hemes wore nale green satan, with violet straps and lace. Mrs. Clifford (Chnstchurch) w^as in nale green brocade, Mrs. Arthur Duncan, a becoming yellow brocade, with touches of lace and orange velvet. Mrs. Sprott wore phim-coloured silk and chiffon Mrs. Quick, a handsome black grown. Mrs Newman wore yellow satin and lace. Mrs. Turrell, a lovely trained gown of cream duchesse satin and lace. Mrs. Biss was in black satin and jet. Miss Coates wore black, with a beautifullyembroidered and jewelled overskirt. Mrs. J. Tripe wore a gown of r>ale green satin softened with lace and chiffon , Mrs. J. Duncan, a cream brocaded gown. Mrs. W. Johnston (Feildmg) wore a gown of shell pink ci epe-de-chine and diamonds. * » » Mrs. H. Gore was in rose pint silk Mrsi. Travers, tucked cream brocade and lace. Miss Williams wore white satin and lace, and Miss E. Williams a blue brocaded gown. Mrs. Ewen was in black : Mrs. Holroyd Beere, a grey brocade and lace, Mrs. Napier, a lovely gown of rose pink silk. Mrs. Tregear wore grey brocade and chiffon , Miss Tregear, a pretty cream brocade, red roses and chiffon frills. Mrs. W. Nathan was handsomely gowned in black satin and jetb applique. Miss G. Nathan (debutante) wore a graceful gown of cream merveilleux and lace. Miss Skerrett wore' cream brocade, with lace Miss Julia Skerrett, white, re-

heved with rose pink, and Miss 1 N Skerretti (debutante) wore a lovely frock of white duohesse satin and lace, with long sprays of lilies of the valley, prettily arranged on corsage and skirt, and she earned a shower bouquet of white' blossoms. •+ *- * Miss Somerville w ore white satin , Miss B. Huslop, white silk , Miss J Hislop, a becoming blue 1 gown and violets. Miss- Higgjnson was 1 in cream satin and insertion, Miss N. Wilson (Rangitikei), a pretty gown of rose' crepe-de-chine anid eoru insertions. Miss F. Brandon wore paJe yellow silk and lace, Mrs. Bucholz, black satin and a lace bertha , Mrs. Davy, a black brocade gown Miss Da,vy, a pretty white chiffon and bebe ribbon Mrs. Brown, a blue and white chine silk, beautifully made The Hon. Mrs. Butler wore a gown of paJe pink crepe^de-chine and chiffon. Miss Harcourt looked extremely well in black, relieved with white Miss G. Haireourt wore w r hite silk. Muss E. Joseph wore heir lovely coming out" dress. Miss Edwards wore an Empire gown of cream duchess satuiMiss E. Edwards, a lovely frook of chiffon amd salver; Miss 1 Ringwood, a gown of white satin, with flounces of exquisite lacei. Miss Flo. Brandon was in old rose silk and lace. Mrs. Butts wore black and white. Miss Butts, cream net, Mrs. MacEwen, a very handsome' yellow brocade. Mrs. Fitchetti wore a black lace and_ jet crown Mrs. A. Young had on a trained cream brocade dress . Mm. E. Burnes, cream duchetsse satin and chiffon , Miss Laishlev, *a gown of red satin and lace collar. Miss Beetham a lovely dress of lace over white satin. Mrs. J Strang was wearing eau-de-nil silk. Miss Gore wore white- satin. Miss Met a Burke (Napier) was in mnk. The Misses Coleridge wore blue , Miss Simpson, cream satin, and lace bolero Miss Sprott, white, and black chou , Miss Lee (Hutt), a pretty black gown Miss Cora Lee, an effective white muslin, with black edged frills , Miss Riddifoid, a liovely gown of cream puffed silk, and touches of orange' velvet Miss Frood white silk and pink roses. Mjss Newall wore white' silk. Mrs. Bannister wore black brocade , Miss E. Bannister (debutante), a lovely ?own of cieam brocade. » • # Muss Y. Macdonaid wore cream duchesse satin. Mrs. Field wore black, draped with white lace, Miss Reid, white satin and lace, Miss G. Reid, cream satin and chiffon frills Mrs. Runcie, handsome black statin , Miss Runeae, whate silk, with lace and chiffon. Mrs. "Wilford looked exceedingly well in pale blue and black , Miss Stafford, a gown of figured satin, and rose chiffon flowers'. Miss Ewen wore her white "coming-out" gown , Miss Tolhurst, a white satin dress, covered with sequin neit , Mrs. W. Kennedy, a black satin and jet gown. Many lovely gown® w^ere worn, but space forbids more description. * • • The cadet ball, held in Palmerston lately, was a pronounced success in every way. The guests wore fancy dress, tilie earlier part of the evening being devoted to children, and from ten o'clock till two a.m. the "grown-ups" took possession. The theatre, which was decorated with nikau palms and flags, looked exceedingly pretty. This ball was organised by Mrs. Wood (the mayoress) and a committee of ladies, consisting of Mesdames Schwartz, Whalley, Jack, Collingwood, and the Misses Rider Wood (2), and Whalley. •* * * A grand march opened the proceedings, and over a hundred children took part in it. During the evening fancy dances were charmingly executed by Misses R. Wood and Gwen Whalley (a gavotte), the Misses Wood (2), Walkley, and Whalley (skirt dance), Masters Thorburn and Lowe (sailor's hornpipe) Misses Wood Walkley, Whalley, and Messrs. Jolly Stubbs, Wood, and McPhenson (a graceful and pretty minuet, and bayonet exercises by Master Hunt were loudly cheered. The costumes worn by the children were very handsome, but. too numerous to describe.. The children were trained in their fancy dances by Mrs. Schwartz, and their clever performance reflects great credit on that lady. The 1 eighth annual At Home given under the auspices of St. Andrew's Lodge was held in the Druids' Hall, Taranaki-street, on Wednesday, 30th July. About a hundred and twenty guests 1 were present, and a most enjoyable evening was spent, the chief amusement being dancing. To Mr. R. Fletcher, the energetic secretary, the success of the evening was largely due, all the arrangements being in his hands. During the evening songsi were delightfully sune bv Miss Winifred Birch and Messrs. Bloxam, Palmer, Bannister, and Martin. <■ * * Amongst the ladies present were Mrs Fletcher, in black, relieved with

bhiei Mrs. Dimoek, in a cream silk blouse, black skirt , Mrs. Dement, wearing black silk. Miss Naughton also wore black silk , Miss McLean, in a charming white silk frock. Miss Panting wore a. white gown. Miss Birch had on a pretty black and w hite gown , Miss W. Birch, black, with a cluster of ceruse roses. Miss Scott wore cream. Mies L. Mack was also in a cream dress. Miss Cooper wore black Miss Tattle, heliotrope , Miss Hildreth white silk Muss France, white Mis® Evans, blue siaitin and cream lacei bertha. ■■ - * Also present were Messrs. Fletcher, Bannister (2) Mack, Kinniburg, Williamson, Palmer, Dimoek, Eastgate, Norwood, Robinson, and many others. *■ "t -* The, Wellington College Old Boys' Football Club intend giving a dance on the first of September, to entertain the visiting footballers from Christchurch . Last year tihe football dance was exceptionally jolly. Thei Zealandia Rifles hold their annual ball on Friday, August 25tih. The Kelburne Rifles are giving a return socaal to two of thear members, who haive lately arrived from Africa. •+<■■* The hftih annual ball of the Wellington Licensed VictuaUeirs' Association takesi place on Friday, August loth. A lairge and very enjoyable ball was given by St. Peter's Club on Friday last. The schoolroom had been prettily decorated, and the floor was m splendid, order. Music was provided by Mimfie's Band, and the catering was in the capable hands of Mr. G. Mawson. Mr. G. W. Morgan made a splendid secretory, and wag 1 assisted b" Messrs. Deslamdes, Billman, Giddings, Franklyn, Lawrence*, Millmgton, and Truscott. The duties of Msi.C. were undertaken by Messrs. A. J. Geary and A Truscott. The ohaperones were Mesdames Anderson and Wilberfoss. Many \ e<ry pretty gowns were worn. I notaced Airs. Pudney, in cream silk, w itih silver and pearl trimmings. Miss Greenfield was in white muslin, and silver trimmings. Miss Sinclair looked nice in cream, wnth pink velvet straps. Miss Glasson wore black velvet and twiner-coloured lace, her sister wore a cream dress and pink roses. Mis 6 Tabateaiu wore white muslin , Miss — ■ Tabateau red velvet. Miss Walker was in black, with pink roses. Mrs. Simeon wore a lovely gown of white s/atin, with, net frills 1 , and a pale blue chou. Miss T. Hislop was in pale blue broche. Miss Oharlton wore a pretty blue silk ; her sister was in white. Miss 1 Tester wore white, with touches of heliotrope. Miss Duff looked well in blue glace, with black velvet and silver. Miss Warner was m cream, relieved with red. Miss Churchward, cream siatin gown, and silver sequins. *• * * An interesting ceremony took place at the Girls' High School on Thursday last week when the flag presented to the school by the Eduoation Department w-as unfurled. The girls were drawn up round the flag-staff, and a guard of honour was formed by the Wellington College Cadets Lady Ranfurly, who hoisted the flag, was accompanied by the Hon. C. Hill Trevor, and was received by Mr. A. de B. Brandon. A tiny pupil, prettily f rooked in cream silk, presented Her Ladyship with an exquisite shower bouquet. ■*• * + Amongst those on the lawn were Lady Stout, in a caracul coat, violet gown, and pretty hat ; Mrs. Richmond, a handsome black brocade gown ; Mrs. A. Brandon, wearing a caracul coat, black skirt, and hat, Mrs. T. E. Donne, in a long faw m coat, dark skirt • Miss Bamett, a smart, tweed costume : Mrs. Fell, long black coat, black skirt and hait. Judge Cooper was there, and Sir Robert Stout, the Mayor, the Rev. Jas. Patterson, Mr. C. P. Powles, and many others. At the request of Lady Ranfurly, the girls were given a halfholiday. * * * The engagement has been announced of Mr. Guy Newcombe, of the Bank of New Zealand staff, Wellington, to Miss Conway, who, with her brother, has lately returned from England. * * * Miss Grant has returned from a trip to Otago. Mr. Cecil Haselden, who has been in a bank at Pate-a for some time, has been promoted to Wellington. + * * The Wellington Meat Export employees held their annual social in the Sydney-street schoolroom on Friday, August Ist. The arrangements were under the capable management of Mr. A. A. Moor© (secretary) and a large committee, who worked hard to make the evening a great success. There were about a hundred and forty nre-

semt, everyone thoroughly enjoying the evening. Messrs. MoFadgean, Webster, Harrap, and Morris acted as Ms.O., and were most energetic. A splendid supper was catered by Mr. Jas. Godber ,and the music was supplied by Messrs. E. J. King and son. * ■* * Many pretty dresses were worn by the ladies, amongst whom were • Miss E. Rob&on, in, cream satin ; Miss M. Robson, in soft white silk; Miss G. Robson, in a blue silk blouse, and dark skirt, Miss Scott, pale blue frock; Miss M. Harrap, a pretty white muslin. Miss E. Harrap also wore white muslin, and blue sash. Misses A. and B. Vincent looked nice in muslin dresses, and yellow sashes. Mrs. T. CLapbam wore black. Mrs. F. Laws wore heliotrope; Mrs. Vogel, black silk; Mrs. Dingwell, a white dress and yellow trimming. Miss Gibson was in white , Miss Pettit, pale blue muslin • Mrs. Oarrick, salmon pink. *■ - *■ Miss Borlase's breaking-up dance, to be given to-night in the Sydney-street schoolroom promises to be most successful. * -i * The Wellington Tennis Club ball comes off on Tuesday next, and a large number of acceptances have been received. ■*• ■+ Mrs. H. Cramond has left for a visit to her mother, Mrs. Howard, in Auckland. Mr®. R. H. Abbott has returned to Auckland. During her visit to Wellington she was the guest of Mrs. PyeSmith. * a. Mrs. J. D. Foleys second annual plain and fancy dress ball was held on the 30th July, at the Choral Hall, and proved a huge success. The stage was tastefully decorated with flags and ferns, the music also being excellently supplied by Miss Hawthorne's string band. The catering, by the Trocadero, was also first-class. Amongst those present, we noticed the following in fancy dress : Miss Book, Mornino- Miss E. Book, Queen of Roses; Mrs. Corneal, masherese; Miss Reed, Spanish dancing girl : Miss Carr, Ireland , Miss Staples, Irish girl; Miss S. Staples, night; Miss M. Staples, Union Jack • Miss Richards, Gipsy; Miss E. Ashby Rose Queen; Mrs Northwood, Queen of Hearts; Miss Barr Cherry Ripe; Miss Cunningham, Lady Imperial; Miss Cunningham, baby. * * * Miss Vioasovitch looked well as Our JNavy; Miss Cross, dancing girl- Miss Willison Scotch lass; Miss Loyd Scotch lass, Miss Rolland, dancing girl; Misis N. Atkinson, tambourine girl; Miss Foley, Indian squaw: Miss Barr Folly; Miss Johnson, Roses; Miss Fitzsimmons, Scotch lass; Miss C Brown, Night ; Miss L. Lointon, Ronro •' Miss Gunning, Queen Alexandra • Miss Lewis., Monte Carlo. *■ * # _ The following were tastefuly attired in evening dress; Mrs. Foley, Misses Ashdown, Wemyss, Archer, Thomson Short, Bowie, Knox, Hodges, Wyatt, Hilbert, Fisk, Hook, Jordan . Short Brown, C. Brown, E. Brown," Graney Wakeford, Wilfin, Marshall, Lilyardt, Marslem, Oair, Harrington, and others. * * * The gentlemen represented themselves in some very funny and up-to-date fancy costumes. The following attended to the duties of the floor and greatly helped towards the success of the evening Messrs. C. Hamilton, G. Hallam, A. Edwards, and Boock, secretary. * • « Mrs. Jacob Joseph gave a very charming At Home at her residence, Hobsonsifcreeiti, last Thursday afternoon. Quantities of spring flowers were arranged in tihe various room®, and large masses of mimosa scented tihe rooms with their fragrance. Afternoon tea was laid in the dining-room, and the table decoratSjonsi were very lovely. On a centre of lace, over gold satin, were arranged silver vases of narcissi, insertioned with trailing foliage, and lighted by crimsonshaded candles. The table was laden wiitlh tihe most) recherche dainties imaginable, all of which were made in the house. * ♦ • A prettier or brighter At Home has never been given in Wellington, and a Bavarian band, stationed in the conservatory, played up-to-date and pretty music during: the afternoon. A novelty in games was introduced, entitled "The Flower Wedding." On arrival, each guest was presented with a pencil and a folded paper, containing a number of questions to be answered by the names of flowem "Which two flowers were married?" "Jonquil and Polyanthus." "What was the bride's gown ?" "Gorse" (gaiuze), and many more eoually smart amd clever. The winner for the oreatest number of correct guesses was Mrs. Collins, who received a very handsome silver and cut glass scent bottle. (Continued on page 16.)