WELLINGTON TABLE TALK

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1648, 30 September 1903, Page 25

WELLINGTON TABLE TALK

(BY “KKIE.”)

The arrangements for the farewell function 'to Lady Ranfurly are badiy interfered with on account of ihe ov 1 cry of there being no hall of adequate size for just such ffunctions in Wellington. It will be a matter of amusing history to future generations when they tell khc story of how many years it took to build our Town Hall. W.e of tne present suiter constant inconvenience because or the tortoise-like creeping up of t-lns much-needed building, but. we 'trust those that come after us will find most of the comfort of social and municipal life ready for their use. Anything they have to build for themselves will be run up in no time in comparison, for patience is not a characteristic of the rising race. Why, the powers who are bjaiitling our Town Hall are al.,owed to take as suits their convenience, is a problem which only his Worship and the City Father’s have the key to. As our Parliamentarians do not seem 'co hurry up their business, there is small chance of our getting the use of their chamber by the fiv- + in November for our farewell* rr» Ladv Ranfurly and her family.

W# do not bear much of how the practices for our musical festival arc getting on, bu'c no doubt the necessary industry and application is being exerc sed to adequately prepare the very diffieu.k music they are going to present. Such ambitious compositions are more than risky, unless the performers g.ve themselves unreservedly to steady study and practice. The inanagemen'c have given themselves extremely sinwk t me ior their big task of perfecting so mjach that is new and difficult. * aft * ♦

Miss Edith Whitelaw, L.R.A.M., who has been engaged to cc-me from Auckland to lead the second violins at the coming festival, has just given a wonderfully successful invitation conceit. This talented young New Zealand lady has just returned from o. course of several years study at the Royal Academy of Music, with a well-earned crop of imifiical honours, as the letters after her name set forth. The lrgh encomiums of the musical treat afforded to the largo and appreciative Auckland audience which this clever young violinist s performance drew forth, whets our appetites for the enjoyment we are anticipating when she comes as one of the charms and attractions of our festival.

Our epidemic of weddings is still running on, and we arc far from the end of them yet. On Tuesday, at the Basil lica, the marriage was solemnized, by the Rev. Father O’Shea and Rev. Father Lewis, of Miss Jessie Reid, third daughter of Mr N. Reid, to Mr Walter Strang, of Palmerston. The many fine steps leading up to 'the Basillica is a beautiful place for lovely wedding dresses to display themselves. This pretty bride looked exceedingly sweet in a most lovely gown of white duchess satin, with a perfectly plain billowy train, which fell in handsomely rounded folds from the waist, and the rich silk lining had many frills of lace as a belayeuse. The front of the skirt had skillful shirrings of white chiffon with diagonal rows of beautiful silk guipure insertion, of a deep shade of cream, the effect-of which when laid upon the white satin was entirely satisfactory and - pretty. The bodice was also exquisitely -trimmed with soft white chiffon and- cream silk guipure insertion and chiffon roses. The artist who “arrived” at this indescribably pretty wedding dress w<js Miss Watson, of Messrs Kirkcaldie and Stains, and all who saw it felt the time had come when our brides no longer need send to England for 'cheir dresses. A wreath of beautiful orange and other white flowers was worn under a very voluminous tulle veil, which was worn over the face. A very handsome diamond and pearl necklace and pendant and an emerald and pearl brooch wQje the bridegroom’s gifts. ...

There were four bridesmaids —Miss Reid, sis’cer of the bride, and! her niece, Miss Green (Timaru). These wore very dainty frocks of cream silk voile, with motifs of deep cream guipure and very narrow bands of eau de nil satin fastening the trimmings in place, and eau de nif sashes, with ends falling to the hems of the skirts. Their hats were of crinoline straw, of becoming shape, and trimmed with pink roses and green Chiffon. Their gifts from the bridegroom were pretty gold and turquoise brooches. The two small bridesmaids were Miss Dorothy Strang and Miss Heitta Cargill (Dunedin). The tiny maids looked very pretty in sweet little frocks of white crepe de chine, with quaintly becoming Victorian halts with white plumes.

The* bride’s travelling dress was of navy blue silk canvas, with bandeaux of lovely eastern galon of various rich colourings, but chiefly pink. Her hat was of black chiffon, with pale blue glace rosettes. • « • * •

Mrs Reid, mother of the bride, looked very handsome in rich-'brocaded duchess satin with beautiful tablier of sequined Made lace. The bodice was also jetted,

and had an embroidered chiffon front-, and was worn with diamonds and pearls. A most becoming early Victorian black bonnet, with pink roses and lace strings, completed the cosfiume. Mrs Green (Oama-ru), sister of the bride, wore a lovely voile gown of two shades of violet, trimmed with capes of silk point laco edged with dainty vuchings of chiffon. The yoke was of bands of violet ribbon, connected by herringbone of -cream .silk. The skirt was trimmed to match. A black picture hat with ostrich feathers.

Mrs Allan Strang (Palmerston) wore a very dainty dress of cream crepe de chine and cream lace and a large black hat with plumes. Mrs John Strang had a pretty dress of cream voile trimmed with pale green, and white picture hat. •» *** *

There was a reception at the house of the bride’s parents after the ceremony. The cable was exquisitely decoratd with white flowers. The large drawing-]- com, where, tiro happy pair received the congratulations of their friends, was also lovely with yellow bulbs and quantities of Arum lillies, which were seat from Napier expressly for this purpose-.

Amongst- the guests were Mr, Mrs and Miss Ewing, Mr, Mrs and Miss Butt, Mr and Mrs D. T. Skua re, Mr and Miss Skerrect, Miss Nellie Rose (England), Mr and Mrs and Miss R. M. Simpson, and many others.

The presents received by this br.de from many admiring friends were most handsome anti beautifill. A great quantity of lovely silver things were in evidence. Two lovely silver rose bowls on ebony plinths, no less than twelve silver vases for 'cable flowers, square eixrree dishes, silver tray and salvers, a silver asparagus dish and server, silver toilette set, and every shape and size of silver mounted toilette bottles and possessions of evei-y sort. There were some very valuable china ornaments of Boulton ware, and clo’siene, and Sevres and Worcester and others, which would make any bride feel rich in pretty things. Pictures and all the usual gifts were also there in profusion. #*■»***

Lady Russell* gave a most charming afternoon tea or. Tuesday to about sixty guests. Ihe drav’ing-rc-oin. wus do I?glitfully redolent of beautiful spring flowers which had been sent fvein Lady Russell’s garden at Flaxmere. The quantities of double white violets and purple ones, too, were a joy to all who were there. The tea table was beautifully laid with the choicest cakes cf every description, and the home-made sweets were a- pleasant addition and greatlv .appreciated. A pretty white silk table -centre had four hand-some ooalport china vases representing the four seasons, and these were prettily filled with polyanthus and primroses.

Lady Russell wore a handsomely trained black silk gown with beautiful white lace.

Mias Marjory Russell looked very handsome in a myrtle green cloth dress with oriental trimming. *****

Miss Partridge, wearing a pretty green brocaded blouse, with lace edged collar, and black silk skirt, and Miss Shephard (Auckland), with a pretty pale blue voile costume, dispensed tea and coffee •to the guests.

Captain-Sir William Russell was also present. . 1 * * * • *

The following is a list of those invited by Lady Russell. Lady Miller, Mrs Wallis Mrs and Misses Sedclon, Mrs and Miss Tolimrst, Mrs Tweed, Lady Steward, Mrs Sprott, Mrs Sidey, Mrs Baume. Miss Humphrey, Mrs and Miss Cooper, Miss Riddiford, Miss Somerville, Mrs Fell, Mrs and Misses Richmond, Mrs A. Rawson, Mrs and Misses Rawson, Mrs and! Misses Quick, Airs Arthur Pearce, Mrs Menzies, Airs INcffman, Mrs and Aliss Medley, Alls C. H. Mills, Airs F. Loughnan, Airs and Musses Barron Airs and Aliss Beerc, Alls and Misses O’Connor, Airs A. D. Crawford Mrs Ck>!l ins, Mis A. Duncan, Airs and Miss Duncan, Miss Fraser, Airs and Mbs Fitz Gerald, Aliss Greenwood, Jhe Misses Harding, Mrs A. E. Harding, Mrs C. H. Tzand. Aliss Izard. Airs C. J. Johns-con, All's Harold Johnston, Aliss Shepherd. ******

A wedding which was to have taken place this week has been unavoidably postponed. Mumps arc painfully unseuitimental, all the same they are powerful enemies to a wedding. Each week we confidingly hope for nicer weather, and we trust a lovely warm day will in -some degree compensate for the delay. *****

Mrs Quick gave a very large “At ipo me” at her pretty residence, “Sandford,” on Friday afternoon. A delightful band was stationed on the lawn, and the guests could promenade the wide veraiTdah and listen pleasantly as they enjoyed the beautiful view of the harbour. • * • # *

Mis „Quiok wore a handsome black dress with cream lace. The Misses Quick had very soft pretty cream dresses. A delicious tea was laid in the diuing-room. The table was beautifully

decorated with quantities of spring bulbs "arranged in silver bowls. » «• * * # *

Amongst the guests were Professors Brown and Von Zeiditz, Mr Joyut, Dr Putnam, Mrs'Wallis, Mrs Kit cat, Miss Russell, Miss Sedclon, Mrs R. Loughnan, Mrs Findlay, Mrs Fitchett, Mrs Ross, Mrs Gray. Mrs Tripe, Mrs Sidey, Miss Partridge, Mrs Malet (Christchurch). Mrs O’Connor, Mrs Newman (Marion), Mrs and Miss Finch, Mrs and Miss Hacon. Mr and Mrs Von Haast, Mrs and Misses Mills, Mr and Mrs G. Campbell, Dr and Mrs McKenzie. A great number of the clergy who are hero for the Syno,d were also present.

Mrs Wallis gave ail ’At home on Saturday afternoon in the Sydney street room, on the occasion of the sitting of the annual Synod. The room, was prettily deco raked with yellow broom and vases of beautiful gorse blooms, which always so well lend themselves to effective decoration. A very nice tea was laid in the side room, and handed to the gjuesfcs about the room. Fleming’s band played delightfully and almost tempted some light fieeC to waltz. "&* * *

The Bishop and Mrs Wallis received at the door. Mrs Wallis wore a most dainty and becoming gown of biscuitcolcured silk canvas over silk, with lace the same shade. She also carried a lovely shower bouquet of white flower's and violets, which was presented to her by the visiting clergy of the diocese. ** •* ■* * #

There was a very large number of guests, who enjoyed the cheerful conversation which a band always sets going. Amongst others were Captain Sir William, Lady and Miss Russell, The Premier and Miss Seddon, Mrs Dyer, Mrs Rhodes, Mrs Leckic, Mrs Morra-h, Mi's and Miss Richmond, Sir Henry and Lady Miller, Mrs Blackett, Mrs D. Anderson, Mr and Mrs and Misses Povvles, Mr and Mrs Hardy, Hon. O. arql Mrs Mills, Mrs Rcdwa.rd Mrs J. Barton, Mrs T. Ward, Mr Cox, Mrs McCbil, Ca-pt. and Mrs Hewitc, Mrs Firth, Mrs W. Ward, Miss Greenwood, Mr and Mrs Kemp, Professor and Mrs Easter/ield, Mr Joynt, Miss Holmes, Mrs A. Anderson, Miss Fitz Gerald, Misses Skerrctt, Mrs F. Longhnan. Mrs Mclntosh, Rev. and Mrs Kitcat, Rev. Joshua and Mrs Jones, Archdeacon Twogoql (Marton), Mrs and Misses Seed, Mr and Mrs Coleridge, Mrs Spro-tt, Rev. H. E. and Mrs Tuclcey, Mr and Miss Ashcroft, Br and Mrs Kendall, Mrs Tripe, Mrs Millward, Mrs and Misses Barron, Mr, Mrs and Miss Crowther, Mr and Miss Kennedy, Mr and Mrs Sam Kennedy, Miss Kreeft, Mrs Hewitt, Mrs and Miss Hacon, Miss Partridge, Mrs Azim Birch (Rangi'cikei), Miss Stowe, Rev. and Mrs Kav, Mrs Gee, Rev. and Mrs Stoaly, Miss Malcolm,‘Mrs Bothamley, Rev. W. Faroe, Mrs Gavin, Miss Stevenson (Auckland), Rev. C. Com pi ion, Mr and Mrs McLeod, Mrs and Miss Ecelesfield, Mrs Morrison. Rev. O. Davys.

Airs and Aliss Grace are shortly going for a trip to Auckland. jfc # * * #

The Misses O’Connor have gone for a visit to Napier. *****

Dr and Airs Alartln have extended their trip via Vancouver to see that wonderful part of America,_ the Yo.semite Valley and the Rockies, and are now returning to New Zealand.

Dr Martin’s many friends will be delighted to welcome him home in perfectly restored health. He is due here about the middle of October. *****

Aliss Alay Whi tel a w is here visiting her sister, Airs J. D. Gray, of Grant road.

Airs lan Duncan lias returned from her visit to her cousin, Airs G. Pharazyn. Aliss Pearson leaves this week for a trip of a few months only -to England. * * * * #

Aliss Stevenson (Auckland) is the guest of Airs Gavin (Karori). * * * * *

Air and Airs'Riddiford have issued invitations for an “At home” at their residence, Ferngrove, the Hutt, on next Saturday, to celebrate their silver wedding. * * * * *

Air and Airs Robeik Bannister have issued invitations for an “At home” on Monday evening, Oct. 5, in the Sydney street schoolroom, on the occasion of their silver wedding. * * * * #

Air Arthur Pearce, who has been for a six months’ trip to England, is expected back in the Gothic, due very shortly.

Dr J. C. Al’Walter, of Dublin, reports in the “Lancet” a new case of burning which arose out of the wearing of a comb made from xylonite, or other analogues of gun-cotton. , A young girl, while preparing her mother’s dinner, held her head in front of t'.fe fire. The comb burned up in a flash and ignited her hail*. She fell on the ground in a faint, but her brother extinguished the flames by wrapping his coat round her head. The doctor suggests that some restrictions should be placed upon the sajle of such combs, especially as the original xylonite patent In fc expired, and t-ho imitations are mo) « liable to ignite than the original®