WELLINGTON TABLE TALK

New Zealand Mail, 27 August 1902, Page 25

WELLINGTON TABLE TALK

(BY “ERIE.”)

The level-headed women of New Zealand bv no means sympathise with the action taken by the hysterical Miss Hobhouse and her followers in their reception of the Boer Generals. Directly a woman shows that it is notoriety she seeks, whether rightfully or wrongfully, we put her out of court. The unwomanliness of such an aim proclaims her unworthy of the respect and consideration of her sex. Unfortunately, there is always to bo found a frothy, imbalanced horde, ready to be carried away into sickly sentimentality. These, again, are gladly joined by the discontented and the disloyal, who are on the alert to welcome a peg on which to hang an insolent demonstration against the cowers that be. * * V * *

Over our cups of tea. there has been many a doubt expressed as to the real admiration and love for those Generals being the mainspring of file silly effusiveness showu them. Judging by the calm, clear line taken by those men during the war, they will be the first to read between the lines and see the disloyalty which is at the root of these demonstrations. Those eminently practical men must have been more surprised than gratified by the slobbering praise and laudation they received from these most amazing folks. * • •* A *►

Every Englishwoman would., cordially wish to be generous in her treatment of our late foes, hut not .at the expense of dignity and right feeling. When we remember the hundreds of British homes cruelly bereaved fcy this war, it cannot be otherwise than harrowing to. their feelings to hear of such extrava,gant demonstrations of affection towards the men who so recently were laying wily and clever traps for our destruction. * o 6 O

It is a cause of deep regret that we are not quite free from these unwholesome minds even in New Zealand. Out of consideration for our neighbours around us who are mourning the loss of dear brave sons and brothers who have fallen in the cause of their country at the hands of these Boers, we are thankful that the Acting-Premier refused to take the step suggested to him in Parliament. The mournful gaps left in so many households are too recent and too keenly realised at this general homecoming time for us to be more than tolerant to our late foes. The Boers are stolidly accepting the inevitable, but they do not think it incumbent upon them to enthuse over the British, and we do not expect that they should. * * * * ■*

E\ eiy housewife is uttering exceeding b ! ttf : r over the state of her bift- ' r s kill. Can it be that sound political economy demands that we should supply Australia and Africa with cheap legs of mutton; \Y xth the selfishness of our sex we bring in the hateful old proverb about charity beginning at home, but the heart of the exporter is adamant, and a pig-headed man must iave his way.. Our solace is in remem+v? ri 'c S ls Nemesis will come on the first of the month. There is quite a pathetic tone in the wild raking out ot every imaginable (and nasty) recipe tor economising scraps and hits of meat, py the time summer vegetables - and trmts are over, we hope this “ring” will ™Fn SatlsfaCtoi 1 ly burnti their fingers and become ready and willing to let us fc 0 honest prices? If hear half the fervent at W f t^ eir early gnef > hhey would simcSf J 6?!, nncomfortable about the success of their nefarious plans. , * • « wavs ™!£ ga T? anther of her alWecLShS enjoyable “at homes” on 7 afternoon. Thelovely garbloom g , ay . Wlth camellia trees in Tull looked numbers of bulbs, and briabf 1 k ?'. adva nced. spring in' the lovely TTxe large hallwas y it.i quantities of spring flowers,

and Airs O’Connor received her ,guests, there. The beautiful drawing room -\vas a picture, with endless old-world china vases with a quaintness of shape and colour that rendered them perfect receptacles of the quantities of narcissi and daffodils which were artistically arranged in them. * * * * *- The conservatory at the end was a glowing mass of colour, having tiers of beautiful cinerarias and pots of . ferns' as a background. It was refreshing and delightful to come out of the dusty, windy streets and be turned adrift into such a haven of subdued light ancL exquisite colourings. The simple hospitality of this most hospitable house is of I th» pleasant .kind that the guests do exactly as they are a-minded.' If one pulled up in front of an old blue and cream mug of ample capacity and with much of the respectability of great age, no one was-shocked at. one’s want, of manners. We wandered on down ; amongst the many lovely things till we ■ stood and broke the Tenth Command- ; ment in the conservatory. It was full j of covetable flowers and plants of all | kinds. , ’ ■■■■-.•. ~ .

A most delicious and sumptuous tea was laid -in both the dining room and morning room. The tables were perfect dreams of shades of yellow and violet. In the dining room the centre was of green satin, with vases ol white Coalport china ' of various heights and filled with yellow narcissi and violets. Some very quaint little ■ china boots were also placet! about filled with large Czar violets, and were novel and effective. The table in the morning room had an amber satin centre, with white vases of "narcissi and violets. The silver dishes of delicious sandwiches and cakes and choice sweets made a bewildering mass of colour and beauty, and were quickly appreciated for more than, their looks.

Mrs O’Connor wore a handsome black voile dress, with front of cream lace and bands of velvet.

Miss O’Connor had a most becoming dress of tucked white silk and sash of rose satin.

Miss E. O’Connor wore a beautiful gown of tucked cream silk and insertions of twine-coloured lace, and a pale blue satin belt and chou.

Miss S. Kennedy, who was helping with the tea, wore a pretty navy blue Eton costume, with - cream front and green satin belt.

Miss A. Kennedy had a stylish tailormade costume, and bat- with black plumes. - Miss Fraser (Dunedin) had a pale blue dress, and hat with pink roses. Miss Tolhurst was wearing a pretty cream voile dress with lace.

Mrs W. Martin (who is visiting Mrs O’Connor) wore a handsome black satin dress, with tucked bodice, beautifully trimmed vuu cream Maltese lace insertions and plastroon.

Lady Russell wore a black gown and jet bonnet.

Lady Ward had a- blue voile dress and mink cape. Lady Miller were a handsome velvet cape and floral bonnet of Parma violets.

Mi-s Herries wore a brown voile, with revers of panne yellow velvet.

j Mrs Grace had a beautiful gown of I black cloth, with embroidered bodice. ! Amongst other guests were Mesdames ! Tolhurst, Edwin, Fitzgerald, Grey, Mi.il- | ward, Young, Wilford. Quick, Owen, j- Crawford, Barron, Gilruth, Scully, j Sliapter, Gavin, Tweed, Brandon, ! Dransfield, Rhind, Chatfield, Loughnan, Duncan, and many others.

The children of Misses Baber and Richmond’s school gave a very bright and clever entertainment in their schoolroom, Pipitea. street, for the benefit of the Maori Girls’ College at Auckland. They had very carefully got up some scenes from “The Rivals,” and it was a revelation to the audience how much histrionic ability they brought to bear up their acting and speaking. Mrs Malaprop found a really clever little double in Olive King. Lydia Languish was very prettily personated by Aileen Lingard. Sir Anthony Absolute was very cleverly managed by Ella Gill. All the other characters were very nicely and daintily acted by these very excellently trained children. They evidently entered into the fun of the play and enjoyed it. *.ir- * * * #

Some smaller children were extremely happy with’ some funny bite out of John Gilpin, and the go and thoroughness of their work added another and quite outside element of comicality which would have delighted poor Cowper if he could have seen it. John Gilpin was very excellently taken by Helen Richmond, and Nora'Brandon’s Mistress Gilpin was perfectly irresistible. One

dear little Gilpin hoy, who was a member of the Gilpin family, tumbled off his horse and gravely got on again, and rode off amidst great laughter. It was altogether a most amusing and pleasant entei'taiiiment, and we hope the funds of the college will be proportionately increased by it.

The Kelburhe Rifles gave another of their pleasant and well-arranged socials on Friday evening in the Druids’ Hall. Everyone was glad to welcome back the boys who have been to the front, and Captain Davis was very happy in his address of welcome to them. The room was tastefully decorated, and a very nice supper was catered by Mr Mawson. The dancing was kept up with much enjoyment and spirit, all feeling relieved that there were no more contingents to say good-bye to. •

Amongst some of the. handsomest dresses worn at the licensed- victuallers’ ball were Mrs Loddtr’s, which was a lovely pale blue satin, with Brussels lace flounce and pearl trimmings; > Mrs Menteath wore a pale blue silk, with aeeordeon flounce of blue cliiffon and. crimson embroidery. Mrs Dawson wore a handsome gown of heliotrope brocaded satin, with chiffon flounces.

Mrs rteid had a black dress, beautifully trimmed with silver sequined lace. Miss Laishley had a Coronation red brocade, trimmed with chiffon and frills.

Mrs Evans had a handsome amber satin and chiffon dross.

Mrs Rylands wore a beautifully jetted satin, dress.

Mrs Creasy had a very effective black and silver dress.

Mrs Mason wore a black silk dress. Mrs Bqnthorne had a pale blue satin dress, trimmed with white lace. Mrs Patteson wore black silk, with handsome cream Maltese lace and red roses.

Miss-Whelan wore a beautiful gown of white satin;

Miss McGrath had a white muslin and insertions of cream lace.

The- introduction of Madrigal music is a distinct gain to us. The invitation concert of this society was one of the greatest successes of this season. For some reason the performers seem to so thoroughly enter into the spirit of the music, and consequently sing at their very best. The smoothness and harmony of these Madrigals made them delighthful to listen to. The Irish “Phandrig Cohoore” was a delicious melody, from beginning to end. The very old madrigal of “The Silver Swan” was so quaint and so pretty that we wished the chorus had been garbed to suit it. The room was full to overflowing, showing how this beautiful old music lias only to he heard to become popular. *****

The girls’ hockey teams from Nelson and Palmerston will be here to begin their tournament with the Wellington clubs on Wednesday. The “Kiwis,” the “Aorangis,” and the “Raukuras” are going to entertain the visiting clubs at a dance in the Sydney street schoolroom on Tuesday, 2nd. * * * * *

Mrs D. T. Stuart lias issued invitations for a dance on Thursday, 11th, in the Sydney street schoolroom.

The members of the Wellington Club gave a large ball on Thursday evening to celebrate liis Majesty’s Coronation.

Dr Collins is the President, and he and Mr-s Collins received the guests in the vestibule. Mrs Collins was wearing a lovely white lace dress over white satin, with large chou of black chiffon and large bunch of violets, diamond ornaments and stars in her hair. Dr Collins wore his uniform. *****

The entrance hall was beautifully decorated with flags and palms and pots of flowers. The balconies were all covered in and cosily furnished with sofas and chairs. Broad stairs were arranged out under a covered way toi a large marquee on the tennis court, which was carpeted and beautifully furnished. Ices, oysters and light refreshments were there in abundance, and very much appreciated by the dancers in the intervals. * ■» * , *

A very charming pond was arranged in the centre, hacked by quantities of ferns and palms and hyacinths in pots. There were miniature swans floating about, and very pretty Dresden china figures to he seen on the bridge across tli© top. A very excellent band was placed in one corner of the ballroom. The dining room has been added on to lately, and it now makes a lovely ballroom on such an occasion. The mantelpiece had a beautiful crown made of yellow flowers and violets and masses of wattle. From the ceiling were suspended crowns also with ribbons. One large room was decorated with maidenhair fern and soft pink rhododendrons and anemones. All the halls and passages were lovely with a wealth of beautiful flowers and devices of all kinds.

* /’ * * & * The champagne supper was in the billiard room, and was most complet-o and magnificent. Every delicacy was there and beautifully served. There

were numbers of small tables, as well as the large long one. The centre table had trails of Iycapodium and tall vases - of narcissi, with loopings of mauve ribbons. There were ; beautifully made . fforaL crowns everywhere. The lights - were shaded with, yellow and mauve - silk shades. . _ The--menu cards were - works of art,'having an elaborate design of crowns (King’s:.and Queen’s), Royal - arms, Royal standard, and New Zealand flag in gold and blue, with little touches of red. The programmes were also extremely pretty, being white printed in .red and blue, having under the lozenge in gold, with the club’s name, “In cele- . bration of the Coronation of his Majesty King Edward YH. 21st August, 1902.” * * * « *

There were seventeen dances, and; there were many who so-thoroughly enjoyed this 'magnificent ball that they were very sorry to leave it, and stopped to enjoy the delicious soup which was provided for the departing guests. * * * * *

It was a source of very great regret that owing to indisposition in Christchurch, Lady Ranfurly was not able to be present at this ball. His Excellency the Governor was, however, accompanied by Lady Constance Knox, who represented her mother, and wore a lovely gown of embroidered white chiffon over white satin, with beautiful sash of rose chiffon with long. ends. The Hon. Hill-Trevor and the Hon. H. Butler were in attendance. * * * * «

The opening set was as follows: Lord Ranfurly danced with Mrs (Dr) Collins, -Dr Collins danced with Lady \\ ard, Mr W. H. Bell danced with, Lady Constance Knox, Major Brandon danced with Mrs Wallis, Captain Rich XELM.S. Ringarooma) danced with Mrs W. W. Johnston, Hon. W. W. Johnston danced with Mrs A. Pearce, Mr J. Coates danced with Mrs Edwards.

General Babington and the Garrison officers were in full uniform, also Captain ' Rich aud the officers of H.M.S. Ringarooma. *****

Lady Ward wore a lovely gown of white satin and silver, with black velvet bands.

Mrs W. Johnston had a beautiful dress of black satin and exquisite laoe and diamonds.

Mrs Bell had a handsome gown of pale blue brocaded satin, trimmed with, lace flounce, and cliiffon on bodice. Airs A. Pearce’s dress was a lovely soft shade of amber Ottoman silk, with panels and a bolero of silver tissue and blue chenille.

Mrs Wallis wore white -satin, with vrliite chiffon frills.

Airs Edwards wore a beauWrjir embroidered black cliiffon dress over white satin.

Aliss Babington had a black satin dress with white chiffon and jewelled buttons.

Airs A. Duncan wore a white satin and lace dress, with silver tissues and pink roses.

Airs (Dr) Fell had a handsome brocaded satin with white lace sleeves and yoke.

Mrs Alaearthy had a beautiful white satin dress with old Limerick lace over skirt, over pink chiffon and pink roses and pearls.

Aliss Coates wore a very handsome heliotrope brocaded satin with black lace.

All's Herepath had a very pretty gown of white silk, with over-dress of black lace, and touches of blue velvet on the bodice.

Airs Abbott (Wanganui) had a white satin dress with jewelled chiffon. , ft Airs Strang had a beautiful cream broclie with cliiffon flounce and pink roses.

Airs. Gilruth wore a handsome jetted black satin dress-

Aliss TolbuiSi, a pretty white silk dress.

Airs R. Loughnan wore a becoming silver grey silk dress.

Mrs Trevor Gould had a pale blue satiq gown with accordion cliiffon flounces.

Aliss Grace Harcourt had an amber gown trimmed with large purple pansies. Aliss Seed had a handsome black satin dress.

Aliss Stuart had a pretty white silk dress trimmed with chiffon. .Mrs W. Turnbull wore black velvet with white silk revers and blue sash. Miss Skerrett had a pretty cream dress trimmed with black velvet. Aliss J. Skerrett wore an amber velvet gown with buttercups. Aliss Nelli© Skerrett had a very pretty white satin and chiffon dress with lillies of the valley.

Alias Scully wore a black satin gown with jet.

Mrs lan Duncan had a lovely cream brocaded satin.

Mrs Harold Johnston bad a white dress trimmed with black velvet and cliiffon.

Mrs E. O’Rorke wore an extremely beautiful white silk dress much trimmed with chiffon.

Aliss Johnston wore a beautiful black lace dress over white satin, and handsome diamonds.

Mrs Travel's had a black satin gown with male blue velvet hows.

Aliss Coleridge wore a pale blue broclie with cream lace on bodice. Aliss Ida Coleridge had a pretty vthite silk dress. •

Airs Jacob Joseph had a very handsome" black satin dress, with embroider-

ed applique lace and lovely vest of coloured flowers in silk embroidery. Miss Jolmstou (Hawke’s Bay) liad a pretty white dress trimmed with pale blue.

Miss Elsie Joseph wore a beautiful ivory satin gown with embroidered chiffon flounces. Mrs Reid had a black satin dress trimmed with jet.

Miss Fitz Simmons wore a cream satin gown with overskirt of chiffon and Brooklyn lace. Miss Handyside (Castlepoint) had a becoming cream satin dress trimmed with lace.

Mrs H. Burnes wore a black gown with white chiffon and touches of red. Miss J. Reid had a lovely •white dress with chiffon flounces. Mrs Wilford wore a black dress with choux of pale blue. Miss McLean (Dunedin) had a beauti. ful blue satin dress.

Mrs Tweed wore a very becoming gown of white broclie with -deep flounce of beautiful ecru lace.

Mrs T. Young had a black satin gown with choux of chiffon.

Mrs Focko had a very pretty cream and silver gown. Mrs Fulton wore a black satin with lace and jet. Mrs Ewen had a becoming yellow brocade.

Miss Ewen wore a pretty tucked white silk dress. Miss M. Blundell had a handsome white satin dress with chiffon flounces.

Miss Quick had a pretty soft silver grey dress. Mrs H. Rawson wore a very pretty peach brocade. Misses Rawson had white silk dresses insertioned with cream lace.

Miss Laishley had a red brocaded satin and cream lace.

Miss Nathan wore a very pretty white silk dress trimmed with lace. Mrs Nathan had a handsome black satin dress with lace berthe and roses. Mrs J. Tripe had a lovely white satin and lace dress.

Miss Arkwright had a soft pink dress with lace sleeves.

Miss Claude Douglas had a pretty white satin dress.

Miss Richmond wore a beautiful grey brocade with soft lace and blue velvet.

Mis 3 J. Hislop wore an exceedingly becoming blue satin dress.

Mrs Men teat h had blue satin with red embroideries.

Miss Hewitt had a white silk dress with pink flowers. Miss Kane wore a pale blue tucked silk dress.

Miss Edwards had a lovely white satin dre.ss trimmed with flounces of chiffon and silver bands of embroidery.

Mrs Balcombe Brown wore a black satin dress trimmed with silver and lace.

Miss Dolly Fitzherbert (debutante) wore a charming dress of white satin and lace.

Miss Madge Rhodes (Hawke’s Bay) had a very pretty dre.ss of white satin and chiffon. Miss F. Brandon had a white satin dress with lovely velvet roses. Miss Riddiford wore a satin gown with white lace and pale blue and roses on bodice.

Miss Nelson wore a soft pink silk tucked and trimmed with lace.

Miss Martin had a pink figured satin and chiffon.

Miss Doris Johnston wore a lovely gown of satin and insertion and roses. Miss E. Williams had a soft blue dress with lace insertions and pink roses. Miss G. Somerville had a pretty white tucked silk dress.

Miss D. Quick wore a handsome black dress with gold embroidery. Miss Stafford wore a beautiful gown of floral satin, with blue on bodice. Miss E. Newall had a lovely gown of cream silk trimmed with lace.

Miss T. Beetliam Branbepeth) wore a pale green dress trimmed with chiffon. Miss Harding had a handsome amber brocade trimmed with black velvet. Miss Stowe wore a cream satin dress trimmed with forget-me-nots. Miss Harcourt wore blue satin, with white lace.

Miss Otterson had a very becoming white tucked silk dress.

Miss Gore wore a very pretty cream satin dress. v Miss Nellie Rose "wore black satin dress with cream lace berthe.

Miss Fraser (Dunedin) had a very pretty white satin dress trimmed with violets.

Miss A. Brandon wore a handsome black satin dress trimmed with cream lace.

Miss Butts had a black dress trimmed with lace and blue choux.

Mrs (Dr) Newman wore a lovely gown of amber satin with cream lace yoke and sleeves.

Mrs Baxter wore a black silk dress trimmed with chiffon and red roses.

Mrs Hislop wore a black velvet gown with white satin revers and lace.

Mrs Elgar had a dress of white satin with lovely cream lace.

Miss_ Billings wore a pale green satin dress. "*

Mrs Mantell had a becoming gown of black satin and jet. Mrs C. Pearce had a very pretty white silk gown trimmed with insertions.

Miss Maccassey (Dunedin) wore black satin with cream lace and flowers. Miss Sprott wore a black satin gown draped with cream lace.

Miss Hislop had a becoming black dress with lovely lace berthe. Miss Mb Fell had a pink "satin go»vn

with lace flounce and draped on bodice. Miss 0., Fitz Gerald wore white satin with steel trimmings. Miss McTavish had a most becoming dress of beautiful figured glace with string-coloured insertion and lace, and kilted flounces on skirt. Miss Trigg (New Plymouth) wore white satin with bolero of lace and cluster of white violets. Miss Eila Williams wore a pale blue crepe do chine Trimmed with cream lace. Miss Haselden had a very pretty gown of cream broca.de trimmed with chiffon. Miss Higginson had a becoming white satin gown. Miss E. Mackintosh wore a black satin dress. Miss Isa Fitz Gerald had a pretty white silk and chiffon dress. Miss Ethel Miles wore a pretty eau de nil satin trimmed with string-coloured insertion and chiffon. Miss Finch had a very pretty pale blue crepe de chine. Miss V. Rawson wore a soft white silk with pretty frills and insertion. Miss Foote (Scotland) wore a pretty white silk dress trimmed with pale blue. Miss Berkley had a soft tucked white silk, dress. Miss Elliot had a pretty white silk gown. Mrs Bucholz wore a handsome black satin gown trimmed with lace. Mrs Butler had a pink satin gown with overskirt of lovely cream lace. Mrs (Col.) Collins wore a handsome gown of black brocade trimmed with jetted lace and red roses. Miss Froude had a very becoming white silk tucked gown with chiffon frills. Miss Iv. Fitz Gerald had a becoming white satin dress with lace bolero.