Social Gossip.

Free Lance, Volume XVII, Issue 891, 3 August 1917, Page 14

Social Gossip.

Dear Christabel, — THE French soldiers were the guests at the •■ . Sydney-street Soldiers' Club on Saturday night, and they had a very good time indeed. The hall was beautifully decorated with flags. French residents had been invited to meet the guests. Some of the best dancers m Wellington were among the partners provided, the supper and the music were all that could be desired, and the whole alfair was an immense success. There were quite-a number of our own men in "town that night, and they gave a joyous welcome. During the evening speeches of welcome were made by Mrs. Massey (for whom_ a French lady translated), and by Mrs. Salmond, the Club's honorary secretary, who bravely ventured her - remarks in the French language with marked success- .'.■'■' - .'. . -•■ •'•'..,/■• .* * .*■ '-*'■'.'- . \s usual the dancing arrangements were in .the hands of Mrs. Coleridge and Mrs. C. Earle, those excellent members of the Soldiers' Club Committee '"■ who first undertook the responsibility for holiday dances in the Club. Mrs. Earle lias been made a vice-president lately, in- recognition of her untiring efforts on .behalf of the Club. Mrs. Blundell was Club hostess that Saturday, night, and she and her helpers had prepared ' a dainty repast for the strangers. . *■ • * ''."-."" * • * During the evening" the - Frenchmen sano- some choruses in their own language, and -"The Marseillaise," the words-. 'of which were quite familiar to many of the people in the room, and, therefore, inariy voices swelled the volume of •sound.' ' •* * -. * * These men are returning to France from Noumea, having spent 25 days' furlough in their colonial ' homes after two years' service m France: Like the '> Frenchmen and —wo-,, men who are so kind to our boys m France to-day, they are polite and tactful,, with engaging mariner, showing no ariiusehient over our attempts at conversation,, ever ready to supply the word we want—not brusquely, but almost and their way with the maidens is delightful. It has - been pleasant to see their enjoyment in the society of the French residents,, many of whom have kept open house for these strangers in a strange land, who _so soon are to return within sound of the cannons' roar. The French Club is a very valuable society here, and will probably grow more popular as the years pass. Returning soldiers will wish to keep- up a language which is growing very dear to some of them. ... * * * ■ ■ * Great sympathy is felt for Mrs. Herbert Kirkealdio in the loss of her husband after an illness caused bv influenza. Mrs. Kirkcaidie has long been one of the very keenest of the Sydneystreet Soldiers' Club Committee members, and, until now, has taken a prominent part in any function held at the Club, or in any work there was to do in- connection with it. * ' * * * Miss Hart is staying with her sister, Mrs. Pattie, in Hill-street. She belongs to the Indian Army Nursing Service, and has seen much service in the Persian Gulf and at Aden. She is out here on much-needed furlough, and is returning soon to Bombay, >at which place she reports for further service. * * . * , -.# . Mrs. W. D. Stewart has returned from Australia. Mrs. Henley (Napier) and Mrs. Russell Duncan (Napier) are both going to Sydney before long. * ■* * * r . Some of these dear old antediluvians in the House are worrying their poor old heads about silk stockings and other sinful lusts of the female flesh. There is just a point yours truly would like to bring under their notice: Don't run away with the idea that this scribe covers her little feet with silken hose. She doesn't —but would like to do so. She wquld like members of Parliament to keep an account of the money they spend on their own clothes during the next six months and also an account of what they spend on tobacco (the smell of which* this humble scribe considers one of the most delightful pleasures she enjoys). "While the M.P. smokes in the evening, he enjoys a , well-earned rest. Let him remember that, and also let him remember that while he smokes and rests the average woman knits or

sews. Therefore, to put it rther horridly, she occupies herself at work which is worth at least one shilling an hour— and she does not consume,tobacco. Do her stockings cost. much, more than an M.P.'s socks and his tobacco? And does not the average M.P. enjoy the sight of a pretty foot prettily covered? Does he not realise that woman, ever' ready to sacrifice herself, wears pretty clothes, not for her- own glorification, but-merely to please man—and, incidentally to- aimoy her sisters. Mr. ! Pearce, of Patea, as recorded in a previous chapter, has the courage 'of his convictions. From his place in the House, he has stated: "I like to see the ladies', stockings." * * *. » ■ Behold the doctors of the Dominion offering themselves as medical conscripts—ready to go or come at the bidding of the Government, organised and prepared for service at home or abroad —and all pro bono publico! Behold also the imaginary ills of the community disappearing into the atmosphere. ■ To really enjoy one's aches and pains, one must have -a doctor at hand, and soon there will be none left, except for necessities, #r~, •,■•»■ * * Just see that no Member of. Parliament gets hold, of this week's Free Lance, for -yours' truly desires to draw . your, attention to the fact that sales are still on, and that after the sales comes the deluge, or s» we are led to expect.- ■ Therefore,, very wise people should keep their'eyes open. Woollen stockings are hot going to be any cheaper or any less : nasty when the new goods appear. It is quite possible to pick up all kinds of pretty and necessary _ materials just ' now. English-papers tell us that crepe' - de chine and foulard are thewear for summer best. Wedgwood-blue, the col- ,/ our called "putty," arid deep roses are/-■■ popular among: those fortunate people who still find enjoyment in the laughter .-'■ of the young and gay. '* ■'■*■'.■'-.* ' *~" .-'•;'"' V One observes that Her Excellency the - Countess of Liverpool invariably dresses simply nowadays, "but that' sbe is wearing the pretty colours which, so become her. i ' .. , * * * *.•..-_..., If you are contemplating ma.trim.ony. you may be interested to hear of a new . fashion among trades. The one and . only bridesmaid of to-day is dressed exactly like the brid*.- —bar the wedding veil. - • ■ ■ "

The Town Hall was quite full' on Tuesday night when tlie French soldiers gave a successful v concert." The Tricolour and the Union Jack were much, in evidence, and the effect was remarkably good. Practically everyone was there, for everyone wanted to show the gaHant Frenchmen how much they are appreciated. His Excellency the Gov-ernor-General and Lady Liverpool,. ; heralded by Colonel Hughes, arrived in good time, and Her' Excellency was presented with a bouquet by Mr". Fox, who carried it about in a brown paper parcel until she arrived, and, incidentally, made everyone very nervous. We • all thought he would forget to remove the paper. Parliament took a holiday that" night, and the Premier and Mrs. Massey were in the seats of the mighty— also' Mrs. Luke and the French Consul and other people of that ilk. " .*.' *.• • * *~'• Needless to say' the items" given by the Frenchmen themselves were quite the_most. interesting. There was great excitement in the interval when rings made by. the French soldiers out of parts of some German shells were auctioned by Mr., Wallace, who knew his business well. All the-rings brought a good price: Ladies joined in the bidding, and things got very merry indeed. A very thrilling moment arrived when the Tricolour, woven and autographed by' the French soldiers, was auctioned. It was sold over and over again, and must have realised close on £100 eventually. : Mr. Hutcheson bought it and gave it back at least twice. ' * .' . * *'.:.■ * - ; ) Finally, a Tricolour and Union Jack entwined together , were auctioned, the proceeds to be devoted to comforts for the Frenchmen on their voyage to France. Things got so exciting then that Colonel Hughes hopped up on the platform and helped the auctioneer to identify the bidders. Pounds simply, roiled in. and the Frenchmen scattered themselves through the hall .collecting T.O.U-'s or notes and distributing the rings to the people who had won them. .'The Marseillaise" was sung with enthusiasm and the French choruses and solos, were greatly enjoyed. ' ■*' '* ■* . * . The' Prime Minister made a very appropriate speech from the platformearly in the evening, arid told the

Frenchmen something of. his visit to Paris and the Front, and assured them that when the-end came New Zealand - wonld certainly be.there. The visitors applauded him in that fetching way of theirs—three sets : ; of five shorty ajiick claps, then three more equally short,, sharp claps. So, too.' did they thank -His Ex., who provided an - unrehearsed item when "lie mounted the platform, turned his.-face'to the lads in blue, who were seated under the organ, and addressed them in their own language. '■■.'* ■• * ' . » * It was a great night.' Mr. H. Wood and Mr. Hamilton Hodges gave of their vevv best, the latter singing a charming French for an encore. How the Frenchmen clapped. A charming, lady in a pale blue frock played the accompaniments for the French choruses. Mr. Godier provided the other accompaniments. Miss N. Simpson, who wore a crimson scarf-as a belt over her' pretty frock, gave a very sweet flute soilo, which was _ encored - ".heartily. . There were other songs and recitations, and the wh'ole affair was very successful. * * * * Mi-, and Mrs. Fox chap"eroned the party of returned soldiers who accompanied the French soldiers to the Syd-ney-street Soldiers 5 Club dance oh Sat- " urday night. Mr. Fox, who is now one of the leading lights in the Returned

Soldiers' Club, was in England when war bioke out,, and he went out to Egypt with -£he New' Zealand Contingent. His two daughters were at school in Belgium when hostilities menced. They are both safe and sound in New Zealand and were at the dance. '■" * * * .■*..-" There is to be an interesting wedding in Wellington on Tuesday of next week, Marjorie, the fair, young daughter of Dr. Prehdergast Knight, is to be married to Mr. George Moore, of the Wairaxapa, a sheepfarmer, now in training for ;' active service. Miss Knight should make a, "pretty bride. * . * . * .-'*' Another event which is of interest to Wellington people is to take place in Chris tchurch: soon, '-when Dr. Murray Litchfield, who holds a commission in the "Military Dental Corps,/is-to be married to Miss . Doreen Moore, of Christehurch. ..■'-. * •» * * _ The Terrace ladies are organising a big fancy dress ball for children. The affair, which is to be held in the Town Hall on August, 18th promises to be a huge success. Many people are spend-

ing a, good deal of thought . on - tli| , dresses. Some mothers planning ■ out the family frocks in imitation or: - well-known pictures. There are to be - early Victorian-, groups and Stuai-t groups, and Kate Greenaway groups, ; etc, etc. It will be a gay and pretty scene. Proceeds are for the Red Gross Shop. " '■-'.'- ..";*. 'Mabel; ; The engagement is announced of , Miss Dora Garew, only daughter of Mrs Frank Carr and the late E. Carow, S.M., to Mr. Russell Stevenson, of Wanganui. Mr. Stevenson ,is : now on • active war service, but is, expected home shortly. -■ ■:' '.-.■'."■••. -~.''.' * * » "•"'■• Mrs. Lindo Ferguson (Dunedin) is. on a visit to Wellington at present. '