WELLINGTON TABLE TALK.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1748, 6 September 1905, Page 24

WELLINGTON TABLE TALK.

(BY “ERIE.”)

Now that the absorbing Charity Ball is over wo have found room. in our minds to realise the great historic event of the week. Peace has been unexpectedly arrived at, and all' the women of the world are rejoicing with all their [hearts. It means so much to our sisters of Japan and Russia that for the sympathy we have felt for them in their bereavements and cruel anxieties we arejoice with those who do rejoice.” To our sex also, the chivalrous humanity of Count Ito and his fellow nobles appeals most forcibly. Such grandeur of. mind, and such lofty ideals are evidence of the highest civilisation. Their forbearance to press their advantage stands alone in the records of history, and marks the Japanese as a high-minded and refined nation. We also diope it will mean a few less worries and dangers of that much-tried lady the Empress of Russia. Hers is indeed a thorny pathway. * * * Most of the women in the gallery have come to the conclusion that our House of Representatives is excessively unsatisfactory. We feel we ought to hear oratory m such an august ' place. Also statesmanship, also courtesy. Instead, we are obliged to listen to personalities, and such a want of marners obtains generally, that it would be a had example for State schoolboys to hear them. Happily there are a few bright exceptions to this low level, and they are the minority whom we hope, return after the elections. If the present members possess any sense of humour they keep it carefully out of sight, and we (the ladies’ gallery) are seldom, refreshed with a jokelet! On Wednesday, when the Auditor-General’s report re those Boojum Vouchers was known to have reachg|l the Premier, there was tremendous excitement. There were besides the ladies’ gallery a number of distinguished visitors in the House. Lady Plunket was present in M(rs Seddon’s gallery, also Mrs Neligan, and her daughter, and Mrs A. E. Rhodes, and several others. The Bishop of Auckland, Mr Rhodes, and a party of A.D.C.’s were behind the Chair. Being enibued with a mighty respectfulness for Parliamentary privileges, we do not put down all we feel for fetar of sharing Rev. Dr Gibb’s predicament. Like the owls, however, we think a lot. It is only in the privacy of our symposiums we can relieve our political feelings—and we do 1 . * M Mrs O’Connor had one of her sociable pleasant little teas on Thursday. Beautifully arranged, spring flowers were everywhere, and the rich colouring and delicious scent pervaded this artistic home, and made one realise that the long dreary winter is past. Mrs O’Connor wore a handsome black satin gown with cream and black lace drapings. Miss O’Connor had a black chiffon velvet with yoke of Honiton lace. Miss Eily had a charming gown of pale blue silk with square-cut bodice and elbow sleeves. Lady Russell wore black voile gown and handsome mantle trimmed with fur. Lady Miller had a black brocaded silk with cream lace front and plum coloured bonnet with shaded tips. Mrs McLean wore a stylish black costume and black and white bonnet. Mj-s H. Crawford had a gown of lovely purple cloth, and handsome ermine furs. Mrs Burn© wore a black voile gown and hat with scarlet geraniums. Mrs Watson had a stylish coat and skirt and black hat. Mrs Wilford wore a pretty green Bannockburn tweed and blue hat. Miss Hughes (Napier) had a tailormade cloth gown and green hat. * * * Mi’s George McLean (Dunedin.) gave a delightful tea at Miss Malcolm’s on Tuesday afternoon. A pretty programme was given each guest, which had very interesting guesses a,s to the meaning of the sentences. For instance, warlike women meant Amazons, unprincipled seamen meant Pirates of Penzance. This pleasant puzzling was a novel amusement, and made the time pas© all too quickly for the guests. -' * * » Lady Plunket had one of her small and early’s on Thursday evening. The daffodil set from the Charity Ball were amongst the guests. Also the Hawke’s Bay Empire Set. Lady Plunket wore heliotrope. Hon. Miss Kathleen Plunket wore white satin lace and lace gown. Miss Hughes white brocade. Mies Cooper white crepe de chine. Miss Seddon wore pale blue satin. Amongst other guests were: Mrs and Miss Wilson (Bulls), Mr and Mrs lan Duncan, Mr and Mrs W. Grace, Mr and Mrs A. E. Pearce, General and Mrs Babington, Dt and Mrs Collins. •' ft ft 6 Mrs Tolhurst gave a ladies’ lunch on Thursday. . • * * » Mrs Pearce is giving a dinner and bridge party on Tuesday evening. * * * " Miss Hughes (Napier), sister of Cap-

tain Hughes, D. 5.0., is the guest of General and Mrs Babington.

Mrs Laing is giving a juvenile party on Friday.