WELLINGTON SOCIAL GOSSIP.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1188, 7 December 1894, Page 13

WELLINGTON SOCIAL GOSSIP.

Wellington, December 5. Owing to the dreadful weather which prevailed last Saturday the Amateur Athletic Club’s sports had of course to be postponed, much to the disappointment of myself and many others. I was looking forward to giving you a long account of them, there being little other news this week ; however, one cannot fight against the weather and order such for your liking.

In spite of the stormy elements, however, the large picnic given by Mr Edward and Miss Pearce, was held at Lowry Bay, luncheon being partaken of in various cottages there, and as everybody seemed determined not to allow their spirits to be damped by the rain, a very jolly trine was ■spent’ and the party, which consisted of between forty and fifty guests, arrived at the wharf at about six o’clock.

Among those present were General and Mrs Fielding (for whom the picnic was given), Mr and Mrs Arthur Pearce, the Messrs Pearce, Mr, Mrs and Miss Duncan, Mr and Mrs H. D. Bell, Mr, Mrs and the ■ Mis.ses Johnston, Dr and Mrs Collins, Mr and Ivlrs P. Baldwin, the Misses Cooper, Fairchild, Williams, Buller, and several others.

The ball which was postponed, and which was to have been given by Mrs Walter Johnston on the first of November, is, I believe, to take place some time at the end of this month. I also hear rumours of some small dances to take place shortly, but if the atmosphere .• is going to continue as close as it has been to-day I think picnics will be more thought of. The dance given by Mrs Izard, Hobson street, last Tuesday evening, proved most enjoyable and as it turned out a beautifully cool night, dancing was much enjoyed and kept up until after midnight. Mrs Izard received in a handsome black moire gown, trained and trimmed with lace and jet. Miss Izard looked well in a pretty deep yellow silk gown trimmed with broad lace, and her sister wore pink and white. Mr and Mrs C. Izard were also helping to entertain.

Miss Cooper wore a pretty soft white silk gown relieved with revers of yellow satin ; Mrs Percy Baldwin wore a lovely gown of cream merveilleaux, the bodice being covered with the fashionable butter lace, the hem of the skirt being bordered with the same ; Mis 3 Grace wore a pretty cream gown, and her sister black silk with chiffon frills ; Mrs Cook Daniels wore a handsome black jetted gown ; Miss Johnston wore black with red roses, and her sisters pretty white gowns.

Lady Augusta Boyle was also among the guests, and wore a pretty white silk gown trimmed with lace. Others present were Mrs 8.. Goring, the Misses Duncan, Gore, v Medley, - Williams, Harding, Graham, etc. Lord Kelburne, Captain Preston, and several officers of the Royalist.

The captain and officers of H.M.S. Royalist have already become popular in Wellington, and have proved themselves very hospitable and excellent hosts. Scarcely a day passes without a party of ladies and gentlemen are entertained on board, either at luncheon or afternoon tea. In return they are entertained by several ladies here, tennis parties and so on, being frequently given for their benefit.

The Thorndon Tennis Courts are in full swing now, the Mixed Double Tournament just being played off, the victorious couple being Miss Kennedy arid Mr L. Tripp, who beat Miss M; Burnett and Mr R. Gore in the final after a hard game. The ladies Champion Singles are the next to come on, and start I believe at the end of this week.

A very small and early dance was given by Lady Glasgow last night. There were only about twelve couples present, and I believe it was given for the officers of the Royalist, who were previously entertained at dinner.

Lady Glasgow wore a handsome green brocaded gown. General and Mrs Fielding, who are distinguished visitors to New Zealand, and are staying at Government House, were also present, the latter wearing a rich black satin gown, Others

present were Mr and Mrs Cook-Dsniels, Dr and Mrs Collins, the Misses Williams, Cooper, Grace, Duller, Medley and others. I must apologise for the shortness of my letter this week, but I hope to make up for it next week. Violet.