WELLINGTON TABLE TALK.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1676, 13 April 1904, Page 26

WELLINGTON TABLE TALK.

(BY “ERIE.”)

Curious crowds are watching with •keen interest the laying of the tram lines for the electric service, as each day they creep into the neiv extensions. Even the nearest relations of Thomas Didymus are bound to believe that. we. shall really get to our outlying houses by a. beneficent tram ,some time, and possibly in the near future. This boon has been promised to jus so long, “yet long delayed,” that our citizenesses have got quite sceptical, as we have about the amelioration of our misery in our muddy, rugged® streets. Ait-ken street is almost finished, and Molesworth street has a section begun, and we take heart of grace and begin to be hopeful again. There seems an uneasy spirit under Aitken street, for no sooner is it beautifully metalled and rolled and looks a perfect picture of a street than, we sec gangs of men at work picking it all up. As one of them observed, “ibis street has been dug up so often, it would grow ’most anything as wa's planted in it.” -si * ' m , We all mean to accept the invitation to go and see the new cars, and the car shed and its wonderfully (up-to-date- appliances. It will be delightful evidence that the mysterious band of experts who have had tne matter in hand, have nearly brought their work to a sjuccessful finale. Seeing is believing, and we shall count the weeks till these finished cars are taking us quickly and luxuriously about our muddy streets to all sorts of hitherto impossible destinations. ’ M *- , * * * * * After years of patient endurance of a bad train service, we feel as if we well deserve the millenium before us. EVilminded pessimists predict there- will be a serpent even in this Garden of Eden, but we cheerfully scout their ill-timed forebodings. * a * « * We are all of us anxious about the Premier’s illness, and earnestly wish lie would take his doctor’s advice., and go away to- rest. With the session in. near view. ,it is sc. important he should get up' fills strength for the fray. The long sittings and close atmosphere of the House tries the strongest who has not the burden of the -Government to. bear, as our Premier has. One of the pleasant effects of his indisposition is the kind solicitude which lias been shown throughout the country. Mr H. D. Bell (who is a political opponent) very kindly, just before he left for England, pressed the Premier to accept the use of- his Lowiy Bay house during his absence, as a ouiet place of retirement- and rest. The- Hon T l . K. Macdonald offered his house at Plimmerton for the same purpose, and many others hare wished to give quiet hospitality which is what is so greatly needed. • 'O *4 o Those tennis enthusiasts who finished their tournament in the biting cold rain and southerly gale deserve all the kudos and trophies they Avon. The College grounds as so pretty and spacious that the public arc always glad ay hem ever there is an invitation to go there for an afternoon’s pleasure. The anathemas Avere deep and heartfelt that the disobliging Aveather put a veto upon opr well-laid' expectations. We knew there would be some excellent play, and great interest was taken in the results, hut we had for then most part to be content with the miserable substitute of a neAvspaper report. We could only feel our satisfaction at the list of winners, and it was to most of ps a very poor exchange for hearty greetings and much cheerful chatter with our friends on the field on the subject. Miss, PoAvdralTs win of the championship, and the oAvnership of Messrs fcJtewar-t Dawson’s beautiful silver cup is universally satisfactory. We have high hopes of her beating Miss Nunneriy eventually. We want a New Zealand girl to. get the gold medal. Serviceable Avraps and warm jackets and furs were the chief features of the dresses worn veiy wisely in such weather. It was a great disappointment. as this Avas the occasion which had beep selected for airing many pretty winter toilettes. # * » ;i/o Oh Friday afternoon Mrs Macarthy gave a=most charming farewell tea for Mrs and the Misses Macintosh, who are leaving' Wellington very shortly. Mrs Macarthy received her guests, who were very numerous, in a dainty white voile dress with a pale blue satin sash. The touch of colour on the bodice wa's given by a string of turquoises worn with pearls. ■;# » :A lady occupied the library. and. her time was very fully employed by tibe many eager seekers after knowledge of their future. What a pity it is all the pleasant predictions do not come true. ’ .-'ii - !« « « -•* One of the brightest, and prettiest tea tables 'we ,have seen was laid in the din-ing-room. Three pretty electric lamps stood qn the table and were covered with fluffy red silk shades. Red cactus dahlias of ©A-ery hue with maiden hair frouds were lightly arranged in chrystal vases, with very bright effect. The

daintiest of delicious dainties were arranged on the table, and most highly appreciated and eulogised by the guests. Tfh,eMrawing-room was toned to a pleasant light by means of flower shades, and delicious sweets were set temptingl-v everywhere. Two sweet little girls-, Mrs Macarthy’a niece and a little friend, were most assiduous assistants in dispensing tea, and thoroughly enjoyed doing the honours, and Avere absolutely übiquitous. They wore pretty little cream silk frocks agd sashes. * . •» «* The guest of the afternoon, Mrs Macintosh, Avore a handsome black coktume relieved Avitli Paris lace. Miss Macintosh wore a pretty black and Avliiite costume. Miss J. Macintosh ay o re a pale blue voile Avitli black A’olvet- boAvs. Mi’s E. Dyer had a handsome black silk voile AA’itli a-ccordeon flounces and trimmed with Paris lace. Mrs Stevenson 'had a beautiful goAvn of white p;lac-e silk Avitli over dress of blue Chant-ille lace. Miss Fitz Simmons Avore a very pretty cream silk with lace front. Mrs Stafford!/ goAvn AA'a-siof black cloth Avith cream vest-. Miss Stafford wore white cloth, evlgod with black velvet. Miss E. Stafford, cream voile. Mrs LeA T oi' AA’oro a light- broAAUi beige Avith reA’ers and cuffs of red velvet A'e-il AA’it-h creafh. lace. Lady Ward Avore a- stylish black coistume profusely draped Avith Paris lace. Mrs Elichacibaum had a very pretty black silk costume Avith cream lace front and under-sle-evos’. Mrs Derry had a pale blue costume with embroidered band's. Mrs C. Izard had a costume of flecked Bannockburn tweed. Mrs Simpson wore a pretty grefr poplin with yoke of cream lace. Mrs Butt had a handsome black and white costume. ** Mites Chrissie Smith wore a stylish goAvn of bright blue cloth and blue hat. Mrs HolmAvood had a black A’oile goAvn and sables. Mrs Stott had a pretty costume of softwhite silk. Mrs Kendal had a bright blue cloth costume AA 7 ith black braidings. Mrs Wylie Avore a Avhit-e cloth continue with embroidered stole ends. Mrs Watson had a pretty black costume Avith cream lace front and collar. Mrs H. Hall AY’ore -a pretty blue- gown and red hat. Mrs Devine had a. stylish black tailormade gown. Mrs O. Ttighani Avore pale grey' and cream 3 7 oke. Mrs Halos' Avore black satin goAvn and white freize jacket Avith jetted bands. , Miss Hol.miAvood had! a black tailormade costume. vCThe Art Gallery on Saturday* afternoon was fairly filled AA'ith visiters tothe exhibition of the late. Mr Nairn’s pictures. Sir Robert Stout made a pleasant little speech eulogising the- late artist. He dre-AV attention to the fact that the large number of pictures Avhich nearly covered the Aval Is and really represented 'the Avoir k of his spare moments, since Mr Nairn’s life Avas spent in tliei arduous work of teaching. It Avae a tremendous testimony to his industry as Avell as to the great gift he bad of expressing Avha-t----he saAV quickly on his canvas. * * * Several of his life-sized portraits. Avere seen by the public for the first time 1 . That of the la,t© Judge Richmond Ava-s greatly admired both as a fine work ■: f art and also as -an excellent likeness. The one of the late Mr Brandon was a, great pleasure to many of his old friends, as it was such an exceedingly nice reminder of one Avhose memory is held in most affectionate esteem and respect, it AA’ias pleasant to observe that, a good many of the pictures found purchasers, and Ate trust the exhibition Avill realise the hopes of the philanthropic committee that has Avorked very hard towards its success. ■» » » The large picture, “The Summer Idyll,” Avhich the Art Society have bought for a large sum,, rsi a Avond'er to the uninitiated!. The curious unlikenasis to the growth of the apple tree is o'ne of the things Avhich the mere observer sees. The remarkable absence of any flesh hues in the faces of t-lre tAA r o figures is another oonumdrum, and their, expressionless countenances and attitudes are very ugly—yet avo are told the picture is a gem, and full of loveliness'”'’'The passer-by feels he is a very long why off understanding the “methods” or “schools” of the great artist. * # • A nice tea was provided, and it Avas gratefully enjoyed as avo realised it Avas both yery tiring and very thirsty pastime to stand about- enjoying the really beautiful bits of landscape which, Mir Naira had caught mast happily. Amongst those present were Dr and Mrs Fell, Judge Deuni’stoin, Judge Chapman, Mr and Mrs R. Loughnan, Mr affd Mrs Gilruth, Mrs Burns, Dr Newman.. Dr and Mrs Ptirdy, Misses Williams, Miss Holmes Hon. 0. Hill-Tre-vor, Miss PartriS, Mrs Stafford, Mrs Haoon, -Mr Leslie, Mr Wlrigiht, Mr Riley, Mrs Field, Mrs Wilford, Mis® McLean, Mrs and, Mis® Wylie. Mrs Richmond!, Mies Harcourt, Mr Wilson, Mr Luckie. * * * There is indignation amongst us at the number of direct boats which go to Auckland first, consequently AA r e have to wait

two or three days longer for our home and African letters. Why is it- that the shipping powers have directed! that nine direct boats have gone to Auckland while -only four have Come to- Wellington ? * a * Mrs Wroughton, cf Tim am, is up on a visit to her sisters, the Misses Brandon. ° ** * Mrs Stafford has issued invitations for an afternoon tea. on Tuesday, when Mrs Glover-Heaton Avill sing. w, » © The Premier’s! daughter. Mr® (Dr) Morice, of Grey mouth, is expected up for a A 7 isit shortly. jS W © The ITon. 0. Hill-Trevor expresses great regret that hi® sojourn in New Zealand is coming to- an end. He likes our country and the life in the colony 7, ancl is very sorry to be leaving in the Ruapehu. * «■ * Miss Belle Napier’s- entertainment® are being anticipated AA'ith much pleasure, and she lias timed her visit most happily Aviren, the dearth of amusements arc being felt. <? O The ladies’ golf season opened on Saturday afternoon,. Avhen there was a large a-t-ten,dance attracted' by the lovely day, and there was some very good play. * -X- * An excedingly pretty wedding took place at St. Peter’s Church oil Wednesday, Avlien Mr A, G. Smith, son of the 1-at-o Captain Smith of the 41st Regiment. Avas married to. Mis® Blundell .eldest daughter of the late Mr Henry Blundell. It ay as a sorry day for a wedding, but it Ava® not in the: feast affected by the weather. The bride avoto a. -1-ov'ely goAvn c-f cream crepe-de-chino over white glaoo silk, AA'ith bouffant- chiffon flounces richly embroidered. The bodice had a yoke of rich lace and the draping® of lace Avere fastened by sprays of orange blossoms. The embroidered veil Ava-s AA’or'n over orang'ei blossoms. The bride’s two sisters and Miss Smith Avere bridesmaid® and Avoro veiy pretty gowns of AA'hite silk ancl lace. These becoming dresses were enlivened by red velvet hate and beautiful bouquets of red flowers and autumn leaves-.. Their giste from the bridegroom were gold pendants set Avith rubies ain-d pearl®. Mr IT. D. Smith AA-as best man and Mr C. Blundell groomsman. * -* * A large reception wa-s held at the residence of the bride’s mother, Clifton Terrace. The breakfast table looked very 10-A r ely decorated with beautiful chrysanthemum's. There Avas a large number of handsome Avedding presents Avliich were greatly admired!. * * We are glad our new Governor and his family ar'ei cn route for New Zealand. Wo only hope that the day they arrive the Avea, ther Avill -be considerate and kind. So much depend® upon, first impressions'. Mrs Perry (Hawke’s Bay) is visiting friends in Wellington. » * <9 We are very sorry to hear that the death of Air® Hamilton (Otaki) occurred on beard the Turakina just before they reached! Monte Video. It must have been quite sudden a® Mrs Hamilton Ava® quite Avell Avhen she left Avith her little daughter tot visit- her miorher in England. Her death Avill oast ai gloom over many friends in Canterbury, where she Avas Avidely known. She A\ 7 as a Miss Torlesse, one of a very greatly respected Christchurch family.