WELLINGTON TABLE TALK.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1687, 29 June 1904, Page 25

WELLINGTON TABLE TALK.

(BY “EBIE.”)

. It does not. make it any easier to bear the-discomfort of wet and mud to be told it is, seasonable mid-wintervyea-therA Monday’s : fuiictions were bright and hearty in spite of vicious showers and boggy streets. Lord lianfuriy and Major Alexander had a gleam of fine weather to. drive from Government House. They had an open carriage and four fine, prancing horses. Lord {Rfanfurly wore his, Privy Councillor’s uniform, and was kept busy lifting his plumed hat and smiling adieux to the many people who' greeted him as he drove along. Major Alexander wore the imposing full dress of his regiment. The quadrangle of volunteers made a goodly show round the very • flimsy erection wherein (die farewell address -was given. Thousands of spectators were closely packed round outside the military lines and cheered in very hearty British style.

When the Premier’s carriage drove , up. the cheering gave evidence of the pleasure which was felt in seeing him back in comparatively restored "health, lie wore his ’ Privy Councillor’s dress. After the Mayors part of' the proceedings were over, his Excellency, the-Pre-mier and Major Alexander drove down the wharf, accompanied by the • band and all the civil and military potentates to witness the final embarkation. Mrs and the Misses Seddon, Lady Ward, Mrs arid the Misses Mills Went out to * lheet the Gothic in the Jeame Seddon. * * * v

Lord Ranfurly and Lord Plunket had luncheon on board the Hinemoa. The ladies were the guests of Captain Kidley on the Gothic. Mrs Seddon, with her usual, thoughtfulness, took out a lovely bouquet of spring bulbs for Lady Plunket, and Miss Ruby Seddon gave H'on. Katherine Plunket a beautiful bunch of winter irises. Needless to sav, they were much appreciated after a long voyage where flowers are not. • -• ~ &

Universal regret was felt ' that the day; proved one of our wettest, more on account of our new Governor and his family than our own. It was a very wet opportunity, and the rain dripped copiously from, the red bunting which w|as the only roof provided. by our Municipal rulers for Lord and Lady Plunket to stand under while they perforce had to listen to their address ibf welcome. Most of us thought it would have been kinder to let them receive it from the dry shelter of their own carriage. Lady Plunket wore a most lovely gown of grey panne. Its Parisian style and fit were at once recognised and appreciated, and every woman.-there keenly regretted its wet experience. A very charming white hat. with shaded grey tulle trimmings also suffered badly from the £t red rain” from the roof. We admired the cheerful fortitude of our new Vicerene under 'circumstances which only women could understand-.

The scene at the vestibule of the Parliamentary Buildings was very impressive. Several hundred people were admitted by ticket to witness the “'swearing in” ceremony—Judge Williams. in his wig and robes, accompanied by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, All* Arthur Cooper, in his wig and gown, arrived some time before; also Mr Andrews, the Premier’s private, secretary, laden with officiallooking papers.

Lord. Plunket was received by the Premier and Cabinet, the Bishop, and Judges, while the band played “God Save the King.” Three splendid cheers were led off by the Premier as soon as the legal details were over for the new-ly-made Governor. Lord Plunket looked grave and like a man- who felt the responsibilities of the position he had taken up. He is quite the youngest. Governor we have had. As soon as the cheering was over, Lord Plunket, in ,* a very clear, nice voice, announced that lie had a message from his Majesty the King for us. He said he saw the King in Dublin just before he set out upon his long voyage to this faroff land, and his Majesty had asked him to take an early public opportunity to give his greetings to his loyal New Zealand subjects, and to say he rejoices in their prosperity. The effect . of this sudden and unexpected message from our King was magical, and every heart present was deeply thrilled and s touched, and the outburst of loyal cheers was an experience which will never be forgotten.

His Majesty has inherited all his mother’s thoughtfulness and kindness, and, like her, always remembers to say what is graceful and right at the right time. Loyal subjects through the length and breadth of New Zealand will feel that this message sent directly to us through our new Governor has brought to each and all an increase of love and loyalty to our sovereign King. The Premier also had personal condolence and kind expressions from the King, who had heard of his serious illness.

There was a great, array of consular uniforms, also a number of naval officers, whose gold lace is always a sub-

ject ,of feminine regard, and a lot ; of official dresses; of various "degrees. Sii' Joseph Ward wore his Court dress. -'

Mrs Seddon wore a very handsome black gown beautifully draped with lace, and black toque with 1 tips and aigrette. '

■ Hon. Kathleen Plunket had a very stylish blue gown and white fur stole and muff. Her hat was of white cloth and of very becoming shape, but too far off to see the details, only it was altogether charming.

Captain Braitliwaite’s Guard’s uniform and very big busby was a novelty which we heard tho crowd gi-eatly .admiring—in fact, they voted it far handsomer than that worn by his Excellency. Mr -Waterfield had a uniform, but no one seemed to recognise what it was.

Amongst the ladies present at the swearing-in ceremony were. Mrs Rhodes and Mrs J. Studholme, Miss Seddon and Miss May Seddon, Mrs Bean, Mrs Dyer, Mrs Wallis axxd her sister Miss Williams, the latter- just arrived by the Gothic for a visit, Lady Ward and Miss Fraser, Mrs Beauchamp, Mrs Findlay, Mrs K. Macdonald, Mrs G. Campbell, Mi’s A. Pearce, Mrs Hayles, Mrs Stowe, Mrs (Justice), Williams, Mrs Field, Mrs and Misses Mills, Miss Kelly, Mrs (Christie, Miss Coates. Misses liaise, Mrs Loughnan, Mrs Sheet, the widow and niece of the late Maori chief who died at Papaw r ai lately, wearing hats heavily laden with crape (European m’durnmg), surmounted” with picturesque groen wreaths (Maori mourning). There were a great number of Rangi-tira-s there, and they showed the keenest interest m ail that was going on. "When the King's message was given three big chiefs’ voices were overpowering in their tremendous cheers. The next biggest cheer they gave was for Lady Plunket, for whom we heard them expressing very great admiration. <1 * * *

Tho Governor’s little girls looked very .sweet in nice fluffy, warm; white coats, and most picturesque white "Victorian bonnets, and their little brother in a sailor suit. As the day was so wet and cold, they were wisely driven 'straight to Government House, consequently we only got a brief glimpse of them.

It is pleasant to hear that Lord and Lady Plunket are agreeably surprised at Government House, and like it extremely. They pronounce it to be tasteful and nice and roomy. They also admire the conservatory, with its handsome foliage plants and some fiowers even in mid-winter.

Lord Plunket and his sister, accompanied by the Premier and Miss Seddon, drove out in the evening to look at the illuminations, which were most lovely, even excelling those put up when our Royal'visitors came. Since their arrival the Vice-regal family have gone about the city a great deal. They express great satisfaction at what they term our very handsome and up-to-date shops. They have also explored the tea-rooms, and are quite eulogistic about them. ■ •

On the morning of the Premier’s birthday Mrs Seddon had a most pleasant surprise. A committee of friends met at the Residence to present her with a birthday gift in the shape of a beautiful upright grand piano. lier birthday occurred on May 28, when she was away with the Premier in the Hinemoa, helping to nurse him back to health. Consequently the presentation of this souvenir bad to be postponed till her return. This beautiful instrument was bought of the new piano company an! a wonderfully rich, mellow tone. It has a silver plate let into the front of «t. explaining that it was given to Mrs Seddon by some political friends as a souvenir of her birthday. All the Cabinet and a good numbpr of friends were present, when Hon. T. K. Macdonald (in the absence through illness of Dr Findlay, chairman of the committee) made a very happy and eulogistic little speech in asking Mrs Seddon’s acceptance of the instrument, and all that he said of the inestimable help and comfort she had always been to the Premier both in his public and private life, also of her generous and large-hearted kindness to at- who went to her for help and sympathy, was very fully endorsed by those present and expressed by frequent applause.

Mrs Seddon expressed her thanks in a very sweet, womanly little speech. Her voice shook as she spoke of the bitter anxiety caused by the Premier’s serious illness, but she bravely went on to express her thanks to the friends who made suoh a handsome present. The new piano was first used to accompany the singing of “God Save the King,” when the toast of The King was honoured.- To Mrs Bean,, the Premier’s eldest daughter, was given the honour of first using the new piano to play this aeoompaniment. Mrs Seddon’s health was next drunk in champagne and the Premier’s birthday cake was cut and duly enjoyed. The Premier is never happier than when owning all his obligations to. las wife, and he made a very pleasant speech on this pleasant theme. Sir Joseph Ward then, on behalf of his colleagues, presented the Premier with an excellent saddle and bridle made ex-

pressly for him, also a good, trustworthy horse on behalf of Hon. J. Carroll. There were several other cheerful speeches made, chiefly congratulating Mp Seddon on his restoration to health. !' was a most pleasant little episode and their hundreds of friends who could not le present will like to read of it. During the speeches two most lovely bouquets arrived from Christchurch. One for Mrs Seddon, of choice orchids and white camellias, and oiie. for Lady Ward of orchids and pale mauve chrysanthemums. There were also orchid bottonieres for the Premier and Sir Joseph Ward. 'These beautiful floral remembrances ivere sent by Mr Russell, of Christchurch.

The engagement is announced of Miss Ethel Miles, eldest daughter of Miles, Esq.. Hobson street, to Lieutenant Dunn. R.N.

Mrs (Dr) Rudman (Picton) has been the guest of Mrs F. Samuel, Molesworth street.

Mrs -Yallance (Masterton) is visiting Mrs W. Kennedy, Clifton Terrace'.

Mrs Joseph Joseph has returned from her trip to Sydney. ■» « Mr Ivrull (Wanganui) was in town for the vice-regal reception.

Mrs Christie has returned from her visit to her family at Timaru.

Dr Morice (Greymouth), son-in-law of the Premier, arrived in Wellington, on Sunday.

* » Mr Justice and Mrs Williams arrived from the South on Sunday.

Mr Justice and Mrs Edwards came from Auckland this week.

Lieutenant Dunn (Sydney) is the guest of Mr and Mrs Miles.

Mrs J. D. Sievwriglit gave a most pleasant tea on Friday afternoon at her residence, “Vailima,” in honour of her sisters, Mrs Berry (Christchurch), and Miss McCollum (Oamaru) who are her guests. An extremely dainty and delicious tea was prettily laid in the large dining room! The centre of the table had a mirror' pannel edged with point lace over a rose silk frill, and crystal vases filled with chrysanthemums and daisies.

Mrs Sievwriglit received in the draw-ing-room wearing a black satin skirt and pietty cream silk and lace blouse with turquoise belt.. Mrs Berry wore a handsome blouse of Mandarin glace silk, prettily tucked and relieved with knots of black velvet, and black skirt. Miss McCallum wore a dainty cream blouse and black voile skirt.

Amongst other guests were Mrs. C. Wilson, wearing a handsome red clotn gown and sable tippet with velvet centre covered with lace appliques, red straw hat; Mrs Knowles, wearing a, dark gown and pretty jacket and round liat; Miss Knowles, red dress and hat to match; Mrs Chatfield, blue cloth gown and green cheinelle hat; Mrs Barber, black costume; Mrs'Bannister, 'black hroche ; M.s De Castro, navy blue; Mrs McVilly, green and gold, with toque to match ; Mrs Donne, navy blue; Mrs McKay, black broche; Mrs Corrigan, grey costume and hat to match ; Mrs Geddas, black costume; Mrs Fleming, black costume; Mrs Hislop, grey with black and white liat; Mrs Lyon, black costume and : several others. • [

Mrs Sievwright had organised a very clever and entertaining competition for the amusement of her guests. The study table was charmingly laid out with a most heterogeneous collection of articles all labelled with the name of an author. Each item represented the name of a book. -S'oine of the solutions were both witty and quaint.” ‘'The Holy Friar” was represented by a, tiny tin frying pan with holes in it. “The Light that- Failed” (Kipling)—a match minus a.head; “A name to Conjure With” (John Strange Winter)—photo and name of the Rigufc Hon. R. J, Seddon; “The Curse pi Eden.”- by the author of “The Master Sinner” —an apple. “Last Words,-” hy Stephen Crane —“Good-bye,” “Goodbye”; “A deplorable affair,” by W. E. Norris —“broken china saucer” ; “Common Chords,” by Raymond Jaeberus —x few bits of string; “Clean Money,” by Mrs Curnan —a new half-sovereign ; “Tho Master Sinner,” by the author of “The Curse of Eden”—a most realistic little black woolly d——l.” There was such a tableful of these converted book titles, each and all of them amusing and ingenious, but quite beyond the memory of one mere woman at a glance. Mrs Corrigan won the first prize and Mrs Geddes the second.

This phase of afternoon tea competitions has such boundless possibilities and endless varieties that we commend it to the notice of any who are aground for a theme to work upon.

Mrs Fulton’s tea on Monday was a very pleasant one as her entertainments always are. The broken up proverbs had to be pieced together by sharp and clever brains, hut they were beyond the ken of the unpractised guesser. Miss Griffiths and Dr Maclean were the winning competitors.

We are mournful over the fact that Eta tickets are to he had for the opening of Parliament.* There will be much that we should have seen of great interest, but if the powers that he have elected to exclude the press we must meekly bow to their dictum.

The Church parade at St. Paul’s proCathedral on Sunday was a most imposing service. The hearty singing of “Onward Christian Soldiers” by this big body of volunteers was most impressive, aa was the very suitable and clever sermon preached by the Vicar, Rev. T. H. Sprott.

Lord and Lady Plunket and their suite were present. The recessional was “God Save the King.” which never sounds more stirring than when sung to an organ accompaniment.

The sessional visitors are arriving slowly. Sir W. J. and Lady Steward came up on Friday, and the Southern and Auckland members will be here on Monday. « * a Major Shepherd (Sergeant-at-Arms) arrived last week. ' * * , * Everybody is delighted that Sir Maurice O’Rourke has been called to the Upper House. Does it portend that he is the coining Speaker? To FesTroy Crickets. —Place a little ginger cordial in a saucer on the hearth xt night. _ This will attract the crickets, which will die after partaking o-f it. To Clean Marble.—Take two ounces of Scots sod. 7 *, an ounce of powdered pumice stone e-fjjd. one ounce of finely powdered chalk. Sift these ingredients through a fine sis f >e and mix with water. Rub well oy-r the surface of the marble until all stains are removed, and then wash off with soap and water.