WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1095, 24 February 1893, Page 15

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

This week lias been nothing but wind of the most pronounced description, so we ought to be glad that nothing of an outdoor character has taken place. Our visitors Mrs and Miss Blouet must have a curious impression of our climate —a sort of combination of earthquakes and wind. It is no use telling strangers that this is exceptional, as they only smile politely and think the more. In spite of the misbehaviour of the weather, Mrs and Miss Blouet have had any number of engagements, and declare that they have enjoyed themselves thoroughly during their stay in Wellington.

Miss Buller gave a small afternoon tea on Thursday afternoon in honour of Mrs Blouet, at which Miss Holmes, Mrs Newman, Mrs W. P. Reeves, Mrs and Miss Williams, Mrs Loughnan and others were present. Miss Williams was wearing a pale grey China silk crepe and large grey hat trimmed with daisies, Mrs Blouet wore a pale grey costume, and Miss Alexander grey and blue.

Lady Kintore and her two daughters, tho Ladies Edith and Ella Keith-Falconer, who have been round the Sounds in the Hinemoa, arrived in Wellington on Thursday. They stayed with Mrs Charles Johnston till Saturday morning, when they left for Auckland via the Hot Lakes. Lady Kintore paid New Zealand a visit some four years ago, and was so pleased and interested with all she saw that she wished, before leaving Adelaide to go Home, that her daughters should see our Colony. On Friday they drove to Mr Johnston’s house at Karori, and very much admired the pretty view on the way. Unfortunately, the wind made itself as unpleasant as it could, but otherwise the day was lovely.

The Government House party arrived on Wednesday morning from Nelson and the Sounds. They enjoyed their trip immensely, but had not the best luck in the shape of weather. Another disappointment was that the earthquake was lost to them as, being on board the Hinemoa at the time, they did not feel it at all. However, I daresay we may have more earthquakes and better luck next time. Lord and Lady Glasgow will not settle down in Wellington just yet, as they mean to spend a long visit in Auckland, taking the whole family and remaining there until just before the session.

There seerm to be no lack of distinguished visitors just now. Besides the Duchess of Buckingham and Miss WolfMurray, who are with the Government House party, we expect to see Lord and Lady Hopetoun here before very long. They have been on a round of visits among the stations in the South, and will have formed a pretty accurate idea of New Zealand country life by the time they reach Wellington. Rumour says that we are to have a ball at Government House during their visit. I hope it may be true. Of course, it is rather a bore that all these interesting visitors should appear in Lent, as that will prevent a good many people from profiting by the occasion, but some of us hold to the motto, ‘ ’Tis better a ball in Lent thaD never a ball at all.’ Kittie Clive.