Social Gossip

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 125, 22 November 1902, Page 10

Social Gossip

By Christabel.

POLITICS are the all-absorbing topic of conversation, and we discuss the. respective merits of our special candidates .and champion then cause, over our afternoon tea. American girls do this with good effect, and much advantage, for, I am told, it is quite a recognised profession now, and when tine eleotions are coming off, the most successful lady canvassers are simply rushed by the candidates, and can command a good sum of money if their man get® in. One pretty and tactful eirl is said to equal any two men at the work. • * * Mrs. Hales gave a very charming and enjoyable at home on Wednesday last week, in the form of a "kitchen tea, for Miss Daisy Bendall, who was married tins week. Each guest arrived ■with a mysterious paper parcel, and presented it to the bride elect, who, amid much fun and laughter, unwrapped nt. Such a splendid collection was displayed on the morning-room table — everything from a sausage-machine to an egg-whisk, was there, and a cookerybook into the bargain. Flowers are always assOCiated with Mrs. Hades' ait home, and. it was pleasant, indeed to wander round the garden and admire the exnuisite rose® that were in bloom. The tea-table was also a picture, with lovely flowers arranged in tall specimen vases, and the cakes and sweets were simply delicious. The Misses Bsndall, Newail, and Hey wood assisted Mass Baker with the tea. Du "PS the afternoon, songs were sunc bv Miss L. Koch and Mr. Norman Hales, while Mrs. Malcolm Ross recited. Mrs. Hales received in a smart "own of blue and white foulard, with ivory lace and. effective strappings of narrow black velvet. Miss Baker wore black, with a lace yoke. Miss Daisy Bendall looked very 'pretty in a, lovely frock of grass lawn beautifully made with wide tucks, and a deep lace collar. Lady Wan-d was beautifully gowned in nale blue voile, with ecru insertion, and a black hat and ruffle. Lady Stout wore black and white, and a black chiffon ruffle. Mrs. Findlay wore a royal blue Eton costume cream lace vest, and a black hat. Mrs. Stafford wore a black tailor-made gown, and a black hat. ♦ ♦ * Mrs. Simpson had on a handsome black coat, with wide collar, and a black skirt and hat. Mrs. T. G. Macarthy was charmingly gowned in ivory embroidered ohiffon, over glace, and a black picture hat. Mrs. Wickham's wedgewood blue and white silk was trimmed with beautiful string-coloured insertion, and she wore a large picture hat of biscuit straw, with ohiffon and ostrich feather. Miss Heywood looked extremely well in a gown of dove grey, with pretty lace insertions, and a becoming Marquis© hat in soft heliotrope shades. ' Miss E. Hey wood wore a nretty black and white frock, with lace collar, and a large black hat , Miss Fancourt., pretty light costume Miss Skerrett was in bright blue and a picture hat , Miss Scully, stylish black and white foulard, with ivory lace and a black hat. Mrs. MacEwen wore a cream canvas 1 voile gown, pretty hat Mrs. Butt, black, relieved with heliotrope , Miss But + a dark Eton costume. Mrs. C. Tnn>c-ham was in a very nretty pink and white muslin, with lace insertions, and rose-trimmed hat. Mrs Malcolm Ross was in black and a black hat Mrs. Bendall was handsomely gowned in black relieved with white Miss Bendall wore a charm ins blue and white gown Miss E Bendall wore all white. * * ♦ Mrs J. King had on a blue silk foulard, and a black hat. Miss Dyer looked well in pale green voile, and a smart hat Miss Macintosh, a dark Eton costume, and black, hat. Miss Ewen. a pretty rose-coloured frieze dress, and hat to match Miss L. Brandon was in black and white, and a black hat with tips Miss Newail wore a soft white silk Miss N. Newail a wedgewood blue gown , Miss Loo-an in black. Miss L. Lo^an wore grey voile. Miss Fairohild was in a white silk blouse, over pink black skirt, and picture hat Miss Brewer w ore a pretty violet <*own Mrs Ward had on black relieved with white Mrs Knox, black, with violet and black toque Mrs Walker was

handsomely gowned in black, with, glaoe tucked coat, and a pretty hat. The Misses Koch wore dark tailor-made gowns, pretty black hate, Miss M. Blundell, dark costume white straw hat, with black velvet. The aainual sports of the Wellington College, which were held last Friday week, were most successful, and attracted a large' number of onlookers. The day was fine, if breezy, and many ladies were tempted to wear their new summer gowns. bo the scene was pretty and gay. One missed everywhere, and all the tune the familiar and striking figures of Mr. and Mrs. Firth, who, are still away on their travels and Last year, too, one took almost more interest in a distinguished visitor— General Sir Hector Macdonald — who was present, than m the sports On this occasion, however, we got almost as excited as the little boys who barracked tthew chums in a most en>couragine; manner, and the races were most successful, more than one tame record being established. Delicious tea was served in th© gymnasium, and a band plaived somewhere or otheor" on the around enlivening the proceedings greativ . The Old Boys' race was if possible, funnier than ever. ♦ » * Mrs. Ward was beautifully gowned in grey vode, with a double skirt, edged with wide insertion. I noticed amongst the many guests Sir Robert and Lady Stout, Mr. and Mrs. A. Dei B. Brandon, Mrs. and Miss Seddon, Colonel and Miss Newall, Mesdames Wickham, Nathan, Bridge, Batham, Prouse, and the Misses Fell, Eliotfc Prouse Rawson, Pearson, Williamson Batham, Nathan, Macintosh, Haroourt. Burnett, Hacon, Miles, Tregear Brandon, Drummond, Brown, Ecclesfield, and many more. * * * The members of the Golf Club invited their friends to witness a cricket match between the club and a team from the Opera Company on Thursday. The golf men won the match, after an enjoyable game An impromptu match between the ladies of the company was very pretty to watch, and afternoon tea was served m the pavilion. * » * Some of those present were Miss L. Digges, m black and white, Miss R. Musgrove, wearing a smajrt Eton gown. Miss Blanche Wallace was handsome m grey. Miss E. Moore wore ourple voile, with triple-flounced skirt, and hat to match Miss Lenton wore a smart grey gown, strapped with black; Miss Baxter, black and white. Miss* Kelton w ore a dark costume, and pretty hat , Mrs. Simpson, in black , Mrs. T. G. Macarthy, a pretty tussore silk lace gown, and black picture hat. # * * Mrs. Trevor Gould wore a black Eton gown, white lace vest, and hat with turquoise blue, Miss Gore, in brown. Miss Harcourt wore white , Miss Higginson, cream silk blouse, voile skirt , Miss F. Brandon in cream , Miss E. Stafford, in a pretty heliotrope "own, Mrs. A. Youner, in old rose, and a burntstraw hat with roses , Mrs. Stuart, a blue, tailor-made gown, and black hat, Mrs. Hales, m black and white , Miss N. Newall, m a pretty blue gown . Miss L Brandon, in black and white. Miss Rawscm was admired in brown. Miss M. Rawson wore a charming grey cloth gown and black hat. (Continued on page 11.)

Miss Waldegrave has returned from a visit to Sydney. * ♦ • Miss Webb-Bov/en (Nelson) is the guest of Mrs. Amelius Smith. Miss F. Webb-Bowen has returned to Nelson. • • • A most interesting souvenir of the Coronation was presented to Lady Ward by Mrs. Seddon, in the fomi of a booklet, oonbainang iae form and order of the Caronaitaoni eeremor>" exactly as it was gone through. The booklet is beautifully "got up/ and is bound with rich purplei velvet, which was part of the robe worn by Mrs. Seddon at the Coronation ceremony On the velvet cover the date is stamped in gold, and, altogether, the booklet forms a charming gift. * ♦ # Mr. and Mrs. Haselden left last week on a long visit to Auckland • » • Dr. McArthur will act as Stipendiary Magistrate in Wellington during Mr. Haselden's absence. Dr. and Mrs. McArthur arrived here last week A wedding that created much local interest, was celebrated at the Method^ ist Ohuroh, Lower Hutt, on Wednesday, November sth the occasion beim^ the marriage of Mr. C. E. Hollard, son of Mr. C. Hollard, Waiwetu, and Miss Lula Ada Knaght, daughter of Mr. James Knight, of "Penrose," Lower Hutt. The Rev. W. S. Martin was the offic atmg clergyman. The bride, who wa© eriven away by her father, looked exceedingly nice in a gown of white brocade, trimmed with chiffon and lace, and she carried a shower bouquet. • » * Her bridesmaids were Miss Fairweather (Chnstdhuroh), Miss Hollard. and Miss Ivy Hollard (sisters of the bridegroom), who were dressed in pongee silk, with trimmings of insertion, and r bbon, large picture haits, and they earned pretty bouquet®. Mr. C. J. Hollard was best man, and Mr. Gilbert Alexander acted as groomsman. The wedding presents were very numerous, and included gifts from the Petone Rifle Club and Mr. Udy's employees. A reception, was held at the residence of the bride's parents, Penrose, and during the afternoon the hanpy couple left for Taranaki, the bride's "going-away" costume being of navy satin cloth, and a pretty hat. ♦ » * Mrs. Fulton has been on a short visit to Palmerston North, where she was the guest of her sister, Mrs. C. Waldegrave. ♦ • * A pretty wedding was quietly celebrated at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, on Thursday, October 16th, the contracting parties being Mr. Geo. A. Taylor, of the firm of Nelson, Moate and Co. , and Miss Annie Philps of Wadestown. The Rev. T. H. Sprott was the officiating clergyman. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a very gown of white silk and the orthodox veil and orange blossoms. The bridesmaids were Miss E. Taylor (sister of the bridegroom) and Miss M. Wakeham (Petone). Mr. G. Tinney was best man. Afternoon tea was partaken of at Godber's, after which Mr. and Mrs. Taylor left for Christen urch, where the honeymoon was spent. * » ♦ MissAdele Avery, "Roselle," New Plymouth, is the guest of the Misses- Midlane, Hill-street, during her visit to Wellington. Miss Avery shortly intends leaving for Home, accompanied bv Miss Midlane. ♦ » • Mr. George King has returned to Wellington after an enjoyable' visit to Blenheim. » » • Miss Ivy Cottier is the guest of the Misses Maginnity until her return to New Plymouth. • * « A pretty wedding, of interest to many Wellingtonians, took place at St. Barnar bas's Church, Mount Eden, Auckland, on November 10th, when Mr. Eenry Robert Robinson, of the Government Tourist Department, Wellington, was married to Miss Mabel Souden. of Mount Eden. The Rev. E. J. McFarland was the officiating clergyman. The bride was beautifully gowned in white silk, with flounces of lovely old lace, and a wreiartih of orange blossoms was prettily arranged under her tulle veil. She also wore a sold chain, with beautiful pearl star pendant, the gift of t-he bridegroom's father. • » • The bridesmaids were Mis® Soudeni (sister of the bride) and Miss Eileen Robinson (niece of the bridegroom), who wore white silk dresses, with lace insertions. Their gifts from the bridegroom were beautiful gold brooches, and they all carried sihower bouquets of choice flowers. The bride's mother wore a handsome black satin striped gown, with chiffon toque. The bridegroom's mother was dressed in a beautiful black silk gown, with sequin embroidery. Among the many presents received was a valuable gift of silver from the

bridegroom's follow officers of the Tourist Department. After the ceremony, a sumptuous wedding breakfast was partaken of at the residence of the bride's mother, "Kohainga, " Mount Eden, and during the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Robinson left, with many good wishes, for their future home in Wellington. ♦ » « A wedding of interest to many people uas celebrated on Wednesday, November 12th, at the Baptist Ghurcli, Vivi'anstreet, Wellington, when Miss Sarah Shortt was married to Mr. George M. Nicholls, of Wellington, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. E. Richards. The bride was wearing a lovely dress of white silk, trimmed with Maltese lace, and the orthodox bouquet of white flowers. Her bridesmaids — the Misses May and Beatrice Shortt (sisters) and Miss Lucy Nioholls (sister of the bridegroom) — were dressed in dainty white silk frocks, and wore gold broaches, the gift 1 of the bridegroom who also gave to his bride a handsome gold cable bangle. Mr. H. H. Nash acted as best man, and Messrs. E. Connor and A. E. Chicken as groomsmen. After the ceremony, the wedding breakfast, was held at the residence of the bride's parents. Sonoma House. Brooklyn, where a reception was held in the evening. The bride's travelling dress was of grey voile, trimmed with silk the same shade and €he honeymoon is being spent in the Mana^ atu and Wanganui districts. * * * The' modern bride feels that to live up to the age she reaJly must have sometihing in her trousseau that no other bride has thoiusrht of. In a recent Melbourne tromsseau I heard of a set of haindkeircihiefs exquisitely embroidered, each, of which bore the uncommon inscription- of a day in the week. One signified that it was to be worn only on Mondiay, anotlher on Tuesday, and so on. Whatever would happen if the lady committed such a solecism as using Wednesday's handkerchief on Sunday, for instance. Surely attention to detail is going far. * • * The pretty photograph of Lady Ward and her son which was published in the Free Lanoe last week, was taken at Messrs. Wn^^lesworth and Binns' studio. * * » Mr. E. Nicoll, who made many friends iin Wellington while on the> staff of the Union Bank, was recently married to Miss Seymour, of Chrisfcoliuroh Mr. and Mrs. Nicoll passed through Wellington this week, on their homeward way, from Auckland, where tihe honeymoon was spent. * • • The Star Boating Club intend holding their annual swimming sports early in January, and, as Lowry Bay is to be the scene of action (Mr. H. D. Bell, -resisoene of action (Mr. H. D. Bell, presdpermission to use his pretty grounds), the outing should be much enjoyed. Whispers of a competition for ladies only reach me. Ferry boats will convey the guests to the Bay. Of course, picnic afternoon tea will be one of the attractions.

(Continued on page 13.)

The engagement has just been announced in Waimate, Canterbury, of Miss Mabel Studholme, to Captain Mostyn Jones also of Canterbury Mxss Studholme is lust- returning from a visit to England. Captain Mostyn Jones is at present in South Africa. » ¥■ Mrs. Findlay is looking well after her trip to England, and is actively engaged helping to secure her husband's election. Dr. Findlay made a new departure in having a special ladies' meeting at the Opera House on Thursday afternoon His kindness m postponing it from Wednesday, in order to avoid clashing with the Fete, has been much appreciated, and Mr. Williamsons Opera Company accorded him a heaity vote of thanks, and three cheers for so generously acceding to their request. • * * The engagement has been announced of Miss Ins Bell, daughter of Mr. H. D. Bell, Wellington, to Mr. Hector Rolleston, son of the Hon. W. Rolleston, Temuka, Canterbury. Miss Bell is on a visit to England with Mr. and Mrs Duncan. Mr. Rolleston has received a good appointment m Africa. ♦ * * Another engagement lately announced is that of Miss Christine Simcox, daughter of Mr. W. Simcox, Otaki, to Mr. Athol Hulme.