Untitled

New Zealand Mail, Issue 9, 1 November 1907, Page 59

/TT-rJrJ AITAI* -fr/vm Inst ISSnVuO

(Held over trom last issue.; CHRISTCHURCH'.

Mrs H. D. Bell (Wellington), who has been staying lvitli Mrs P. Campbell, relumed to Wellington last week. Mis Harold Johnstone (Wellington) is staying with Mrs Stead. Mr and Mrs Wilfred Stead (Napier) are in town for Miss Stead’s wedding. Invitations are issued for Miss Stead’s marriage to Mr Grace (Wei ungton) for the 23rd inst. Mrs Dennis ton (Auckland) is staying at Warwick House. The Misses Williams hove returned to Wellington. Mrs Guy Williams has returned to JNappier.

The musical Club, which has hold weekly meetings during the winter. Jield its final meeting at (Mrs Fitworthy’s last week, when several noninembers were invited to be present. Among the guests were: —Mrs and the Misses Williams (Wellington), Mrs A. Russell (Palmerston North), the Misses Russell, Mrs Guy Williams, Mrs Hugh Williams, Dr and Mrs Crooke, Mrs G.

Gould, Mrs and the Misses Burns, Mrs • tiid Miss Wilding, Mrs Wilson, Mrs P Smith Mis and Miss Wood, Mrs and the Misses Kettle. Misses Cook, Mrs and Miss Pitman, Mrs Buchanan (1 imam), the Misses Gossett, Mr and •Miv Monteith. Mr and Mrs H. Moore, Mrs G. Rhodes, Mrs J. Bond, Mrs H' Cottenll, Mrs Pyne, Msr J. Deans. A most interesting lecture-recital was given at tho Alexandra Hall on Thursday last by Mr Neville Rehaud. assisted by Mrs Brookes and Misa lacker, j hero was a fair audience umongs. ihem being'—Mrs Wilson Miss Burns, Mrs T. Maude, Miss Merton, Mrs Russell, Misses McOwon, Dr and Mrs Chilton, Dr and Mrs Crooke.

On Friday last a g'df match was played at Slnrley for prizes presented by tho Captain, Mrs Pitman. After toe match Airs Pit man entertained the players at tea, and a most enjoy--;d'le afternoon was spent, a number of onlookers being present as well as players

Amongst those proser-t were: Mrs ain 1 Miss Pitman, Mrs M. Campbell, Mrs and M.-sses Kettle, Mrs Elworthy, Mrs \\ igtain, Mrs S. C. Williams (Weibngtoiii,. Mrs L Harley, Airs Borth- '■ ,( k. Miss W ilson. The prizes were wi-n by Aiiss Vv ilson in the first grade, and Airs Kettle in the second grade.

DUNEDIN

(By “Norma.”)

Mrs Leslie Harris gave a very small but thoroughly delightful little dance at her pretty hbrne in High street, Uniy about 40 guests were invited, and those favoured ones spent a thoroupulv enjoyable evening.

Air Howard Leathain is travelling out from England by the "Mararma ’ and should reach Dunedin about November 8, and his marriage to Aiiss Rita Neill will take place on November 14. At present several entertainments, luncheons, teas, etc., are being given in her honour.

Aiiss May Downie-Stewart (Crookstone) gave one of the nicest little teas that lias been given for some time as a farewell to her friend, Aiiss Neill, with whom she is at present staying. Hie party took place- at that charming old house surrounded with bush and flowers —"The Glen"’—the residence of Airs Gibson Turton, who kindly lent her house to Miss tSewart for the afternoon. A band played m the enclosed verandah, and in the morning room a fortune-teller was to be found, and with the pretty garden to .walk about in gave some entertainment for all according to their various tastes. A most sumptuous tea was set out in the dining room, the table simply laden with good things, and foremost a most delicious cake, almost like a miniature wedding cake, on which the name of the bride elect was to be found. The table and room were all suggestive of .-redding, quantities of pure white blossoms and white ribbons being used to decorate the former, and white flowers were to be seen everywhere. The cabe was set on a table by itself, decked with greenery and white ribbons, all a pretty forecast of the coming event. Miss Stewart, in a happy little speech, proposed the health of the bride elect, after which all joined in the chorus “For she’s a jolly good fellow,” with much enthusiasm.

Miss Stewart, with Airs and the Misses Turton, were joint hostesses for the day, and among those present were the guest of the day, her friend, Aiiss B. Hassell (Christchurch), Mrs W. Alaitland, Airs Bridgeman, Aiiss McLean, Airs Stanley Batchelor, Miss Alacassey, Airs Butterwoith, Miss Allen, Aiiss Gilkison, Aiiss Sale. Aiiss R. Neill, Miss Shand, Airs and Afiss Wood house, Mrs and Aiiss Bathgate, Aiiss Turnbull, Airs H. S. Fenwick, Aiiss Cara Graham, Miss Bachelor, Miss De Latour, and the Alisses Webster.

Airs Hart gives a large “At Home” at “Avenal” next week as a farewell to her daughter, Miss Briglitey Hart. Air and Mrs Hart and the Alisses Hart all leave for Alelbourne on November 10, and after spending a few weeks there, proceed to Sydney, where Aiiss Hart’s marriage to Mr Phillips takes place early in the year. After the wedding Mr and Airs Hart and Aiiss Marjorie proceed to England, aiid do not return to Dunedin for some time.

Mrs Batchelor gave a large ladies luncheon party on Tuesday, 18 being present. Mr and Mrs Hill Jack, with their family, returned to New Zealand by the Arawa, and are now living in Dun-

edin, after an absence in Europe of v 3 years.

NELSON. The weather, I fancy, is always the first subject to be mentioned in a letter such as this, of mine, and J can only think of one word which can fully express the disagreeableness of the elements, and that is ‘ “execrable.” We have had rain, in abundance; we have had snow, on the higher levels; we have had wind, thunder and lightning, all within the last ten days, and still the weather looks unsettled, and we fear a repetition. Readers can imagine than there have not been many spring costumes worn yet, but if we only had a few fine days I am sure our streets would look like flower gardens, from the lovely hats which have been sold this spring. The Misses Ledger gave a large euchre party at their residence in Trafalgar street. There were mostly 7 young people present, as Mr and All's Ledger are spending a few weeks in Sydney just now. The first prizes were won by Miss Hodson and Mr Levien, whilst the booby prizes were won by Mr Price, and Aiiss Winnie Cock. Those present in eluded Mr and 'Airs Broad, Miss F. Richmond, Aiiss Thorpe, Miss Hodson, Aiiss Glasgow, Miss Buchanan, Aiiss Leggatt, Miss Heaps, Miss Clark, Aiiss Stevens, Air Fell, Air nowley, Air De Tourette, Mr Frith, Air Richmond, and Air H. Cock.

The junior ladies’ bridge club challenged the senior ladies’ club to a match to be decided by the best of three rubbers. Aiiss Ledger lent her house for the evening, and the supper was supplied by the members of the junior club.

The seniors were represented by Airs Barr, Aire Harrison, Airs Bunny, Airs Dodson, Airs Coote, Airs Allan, Miss Richmond and Aiiss Booth, who was an emergency, and filled her brother’s place. The juniors were Miss Ledger, Aiiss E. Ledger, Aiiss J. Ledger, Aiiss Hodson. Aiiss Thorpe, Aiiss Kirten, Miss Heaps, and Aiiss Roberts. The match ended in an out-and-out win for the juniors, the young people winning by a large majority at every table but one.

The final, round for the ladies’ medal at the gold club was played on Wednesday, when Aiiss Phyllis Buchanan won in the A Glass, Miss Bamford the B, and Aiiss Vera Bamford the C.

Aiiss Selanders gave an afternoon tea for her cousins, the Alisses Blundell, who liuve lately returned from Wanganui to live at Nelson.

Aire Coote gave a large bridge party at her residence, “Alountrath.” There were about thirty guests present, and as it was a glorious moonlight night, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the drive there and back. Alountrath is a house which must have been built for entertaining, for the rooms and the hall are so large and well planned. Aire Coote received her guests in the morning room, and after tea and coffee had been partaken of there the guests adjourned to the drawing-room, which they found converted into a card room, five tables being arranged for the occasion, whilst there were two more in the hall. The drawing-room was most artistically decorated with flowers, the mantelpiece and over-mantle being entirely hidden with masses of bankrian roses and clusters of purple wisteria. After the tables and partners were found the party settled down to play the best of three rubbers, and after finishing that the winners moved to another table. Play continued thus till about eleven o’clock, when the scores were added up. and it was found that Aiiss Vera Leggatt was the winner of the ladies’ prize, whilst All 1 Broad secured the gentlemen’s prize. The latter prize toot the form of a charming little silver matchbox, and the former a dainty little silver rose bowl, which is always a delightful adjunct to the drawing-room, and in this season particularly so, for the rose season, of which we are so proud in Nelson will soon he here>, and then think of the delights of having won such a prize. After the prizes had been presented an adjournment was made to the diningroom, where a most sumptuous supper was set out, the table, being most beautifullv decorated with Japanese maple, bankia roses, and sprays of red jopanica daintily laid about the table: the lamps wore all shaded with red, and the massive silver candlesticks on the table shed a subdued light through shades of crimson. After supper there was some music in the drawing room, Mrs Didborough and Aiiss Leggatt being amongst the performers. Among those present, besides Air and Airs Coote, were Dr and Mrs Barr, Mr

ijwid Mrs Harrison, Mr and Mrs Allan, Dr and Mrs Gibbs, Mr and Mrs De Castro, Mrs Disborough, Mr Dalziell, Miss Gilkison, Miss N. Gilkison, M( and Mrs Hoby, Mrs Blundell, Mr Bowley, Mir Adams, Mr and Mrs Broad, Mr Fowler, Miss Leggatt, Miss Hodson, Dr Bett, Miss Richmond, Mr Macquarie, and Mr Grenfield.

Mrs Fell (Wellington) has been spending a few weeks with Mrs Atkinson, at '“Fairfield.”

Dr and Mrs Pollen, Wellington, have been over for a few days, staying with Mrs Hunter Browne, at Warwick House. Miss Booth has returned to Nelson after paying a round of visits in the North. Mr and Mrs Greenwood left for Christchurch last week, after having spent the winter between the homes of their two daughters, Mrs Tiniest Izard and Mrs J. Wright, at Stoke.

STRATFORD

(By “Rene.”) The Stratford Volunteer Fire Brigade held their annual juvenile and adult plain and fancy dress ball on October 17, and it is seldom that a Stratford audience has the opportunity of seeing such a sight as was presented in the Town Hall on Thursday evening. The floor was reserved for the juveniles only from seven till nine p.m. There were about eighty children of all sizes and ages present, dressed in every conceivable characteristic costume, and wearing all the colours of the rainbow. The evening commenced with the usual Grand March, the group being ied by two small children —little Eva Jenson, aged four, as a bride, and Roy Hayward, as Lord Fontleroy.

Among the many present, I noticed: Ora Paget (matron), Mona Paget (nurse), L. Fitzgerald (Erin), Ruby Lambert (Powder and Patches), Geral-dine-Piitsch (Belle of New York), Joyce R.aikes (Gipsy), Ida Bleasal (Cherry Ripe), Gladys Murray (Primrose), Esma Rissel (Fairy), Mary Hackett (Starlight), D. Lister (Japanese), Ruth Bailees (Miss Muffet), Gladys Black (Autumn), Cecil Fookes (King’s Counsel), Clarence Till (Clown), Roy Kivell (Page), Clem Kivel (Cook), H. Burmes•fcer (Chinaman), Wiiiie Lowe \jack Tar), Eric Black (Troubadour), Robert Crossan (Footballer), Cyril Stewart (Punch), Bert Hume (Clown), Herbert Sanderson (Cricketer), Morris Bowler (Butcher).

MARLBOROUGH

(By “Oetavia.”)

The Jessie McLachlan Company gave their long-delayed concert on the 16th inst. in the town hall. The audience was not such a large one as on the first occasion, as it was well known that the gifted vocalist would not be able to appear. Her place was taken by Mrs T. A. Revel, who lias lately taken up her abode in Blenheim. She gave several favourite items, and responded pleasantly to every encore demanded. Mr Douglas Young excelled himself, and was encored on every occasion. Mr John Linden was also in splendid form, and Mr Robert Buchanan .played all the accompaniments so softly and sympathetically as to give an object lesson to some of our aspiring musicians.

Considerable interest was taken in the Hockey Association dance held in the town hall on the 18th inst. Among some of those present were—Mesdames Munro, Dampier-Atkinson, Bottrell, Speed (Wanganui), Hulme, Bartlett, J. .Murray (Kaikorau), C. Murray, Thomas, Walker, Bennett, etc., Misses Dampier-Atkinson, Bartlett, McNab, Griffiths, Rutherford, Miles (Wellington), Horton, Williams (Christchurch, -'Fitzgerald (Wellington), Bottrell, Furness, Connolly, Eibeek, McIntosh, Farmar, Clouston (3), Draper, Elbeck, Ewart, Trolove, Clark, Fulton, etc., Messrs Dunkley, Kellow, Broadmore, Gray, Moore (2), Henderson, Dampier-Atkinson, Gabites, Trolove, Murray, Menlove, Ban Asch, Tennent, Munro, Bottrell, R. Mowat, W. Grace, Z hi^’.„ ParkoT ’ Griffiths (3), Clouston (2). Williams (2) (Ohriscliurch), Latter, Horton, Wensley (2), Daley, Tuke, lait, Molloy, Lindsay, Priddlo, and Dts Bennett and Walker." The different hockey clubs in the district are winding up the season in various ways, wherein the presentations take up no mean part. On the 16th inst., the members of the Marlborough Hockey Club met in Miss Irent s .schoolroom, whore a delicious tea had been i>rovided. Among the trophies was a pair of silver-backed brushes, presented to Mrs Bottrell by the club, in recognition of the unvarving kindness of herself and Mr Bottrell during the past season ; Miss N Dmkens won Messrs E. Reynolds and Uo. s hockey-stick as best player; Miss Jx. Furness, Mr W. Fairclough’s gold

medal for regular attendance; Misses Shand, F. Hutchinson, M. Priddle, E. Jenkins, and M. Northoroft also reoeiv"ed trophies presented by friends. The town of Blenheim was a gay and festive scene, on the 19th inst., on the occasion of Miss Rutherford’s marriage to Mr Williams (Christchurch). In addition to close friends, of Marlborough, and connections from all parts of the colony,—all the neighbours from the East Coast had arrived in town and fairly took it by storm. The mairiage was celebrated in the Church of the Nativity by the Veil. Archdeacon Grace. The church was crowded with spectators. The Garrison band played the wedding march, and confetti strewed the church, the footpaths, and the carriages. Mr and Mrs Rutherford lavishly entertained the guests at the residence of Mr and Mrs Howard, the bride’s uncle and aunt. The wedding presents were quite a show, and most of them were of great value, and all of unique interest. The happy couple left for Picton by the 4 p.m. train en route for Wellington. They were accompanied to the train by a procession of carriages containing the guests, and the we king rang with the hearty cheers sent up as the train moved off.

Miss Trolove (The Shades) is the guest of Mrs J .Mowat in Blenheim.

Mrs W. Adams (Langley Dale) lias returned to Blenheim from an enjoyable trip to "Wellington. Miss Regers has gone to Napier to visit friends.

Dr and Mrs Tripe, of Wanganui, arrived in Picton after a most enjoyable visit to Sydney, where they inspected the “lions,” and otherwise enjoyed themselves. They are now staying with Mr and Airs Joe Tripe at Koro-

miko, and look forward to a pleasant' time spent with old Picton friends. It is thirty years since Dr Tripe gave U P his practice in Picton, and went to reside in Wanganui.

On Friday, 18th inst., a party of twelve ladies and gentlemen accepted an invitation from Dr Anderson and -flliss Anderson to visit Picton, and go for a trip in his oil-launch.

Airs 'Hugh Sliced (Wanganui) has been visiting Mr and Mrs John Duncan at tlie Grove, and went to .Blenheim to attend Al.iss Rutherford’s niar- . -The Picton visitors to Miss Rutherford’s wedding were Mr and Airs John Duncan, Air and Mrs Maitland, Mr and Airs Riddell, and Dr and Aliss Anderson.

Aliss Speed (Wellington) was in Picvt r a -. OT f' vo lately staying with Mrs Maitland.

Mr S. Manning (Nelson) has been appointed buyer for Nelson and Marlborough, by the Christchurch Meat Co. At a meeting of the Marlborough. Land Board, held on the 16th inst , reference was made to the retirement of Mr A P. Seymour of Picton, and his knowledge of the land laws, which made his wise counsel’s always appreciated ' 11

Air J. Smith, late inspector of schools, was at the last meeting of tho Education Board, the recipient of a purse of sovereigns.

Captain E. Kenny, who lias just resigned his command of the Waitohi Rifles, was at a parade of the company on the 18th inst., presented with a beautiful tea service. The presentation was made by Lieutenant D. Lloyd.

AUCKLAND,

(I he Bishop of Auckland and Airs Neiigan gave a largo garden party in Bishopsecurt grounds in honour of the members of the Synod (now in session) und their friends. The weather was perfect,, although it rained before, and aiihoug'i il. has rained since. Airs Neliguu was wearing black silk, with dainty white vest, and black and white toque, a Victorian scarf of pale blue crepe de chine was also worn, some of those present were—Airs and the Aliss as Pierce (2), Airs Southey Baker and her two charming daughters, Dr Eleanor Baker and Aliss Daphne Baker; Sir Robert and Lady Lockhart, the latter in a costume of purple cloth, with, lace vest outlined With purple velvet and smart blue toque with shaded roses; Air and Airs Brett; Professor and Mrs Egerton; Airs and the Misses Nelson; Mr and Mrs John Alills and Aliss Leslie Mills, the latter looking very charming in a cream suit and pretty green hat; Airs Herbert Kissling, white cloth Eton coat and skirt, with cream silk braid, and black velvet hat with gold chiffon and large white bird of paradise; Mr and Airs Rathbone ; Mrs Harry Bloomfield, black chiffon taffetas with cream lace motifs on the bodice and pretty Hack hal with roses: Alls and the Misses Towle (2);' Air and Airs Rice and Aliss Rice; Air and Airs Arthur Alyers; Monsieur and Aladame Boeufre, the latter m a cream cloth Eton coat and skirt and smart white hat: Air and Mrs Duthie; Airs Edward Russell, in pretty pink colienne and black hat and Miss Rooke, etc., etc., Airs Alfred Nathan has given a “ha!

pond re" at “Wiekford,” in Princes street, wdiich it is thought will be the mst dance of the season. “Wiekford,” lately rebuilt by Air Alfred Nathan, is one if the largest and best appointed homes in perhaps the whole of tho Dominion, containing as it does some forty rccins> And when I say is a “well appointed” house, I mean GiM- out of a staff of fifteen servants Alls Nathm is one of those mistresses with whom all goes well, the domestic- machinery apparently running on well oiled tvheels. Airs Nathan was wearing heliotrope crepe de chine, with Brussels lace bertlio, and beautiful rope pearly necklace, and diamond rrnaments. Aliss Nathan wore Dresden blue spotted silk, and her sister was in cream net made up ovoi silk Every one of course looked very nice, for powder and patches, and dt esses that wore the fashion more uuw a hundred, y.iars agOj are emineatly becoming. Aliss Leslie Alills wore a blue silk frock and wreath of tiny pink roses in her powdered hair, and she carried a wand headod with flowers and ribbon streamers. Alirs Eileen Macfarlane, Aliss Auirey Stubbs, Aliss Lennox, Miss Sylvia Greig J Aliss Jessie Reid, Mrs Edward RussMl, Aliss Phyllis Boult and Miss Soherf were also present. There is still n-> sign of the weather returning to +he normal and seasonable conditions. If it is not raining, then tho wind is blowing everything before it. I had intended getting a pretty muslin -for the summer, but. have altered my mind and am having a silk clrcss made up instead—-they say wo are to have a miserable season through the next six months.

CHRISTCHURCH

(By Joan.)

. This week we have had another wed* mg, that of Miss Stead, to Mr Russell Giaoe, ot Wellington. Owing to a recent bereavement in the bridegroom's family, only very near relatives and intimate friends were present at the ceremony, which took place at St. Alary’s Ghureh, Merivalo. During the afternren All and Airs ,Stead held a large reception at their charming residence on the Papamu road, when about two hundred and fifty guests were present. The happy couple stood under a large hell composed of white blossoms to receive the congratulations, after which all adjourned to a large marquee hung with pink and ropes of greenery, where tea was served, and speeches were made.

ihe bridal gown was very simple, lwing of rich white satin, the bodice being trimmed with lovely lace and seed pearls. The bride wore tlie customary wreath and veil. She was attended by four bridesmaids, Alisses O. Kettle, Alaire Rhodes, Jean Campbell and Shona Rhodes, who were all gowned alike in soft white French muslin witli bands of white satin. Instead af hats, wreaths of pale pink roses and forgetmenots wero worn and large Alsatian bows of white satin. Their bouquets were pink. Some lovely gowns were worn, and owing to the glorious weather were seen to advantage.

Airs Stead wore a charming gown of palest lavender taffetas, large grey hat with peacock blue feathers; bouquet of cream roses.

Mrs Grace (Wellington), black taffetas gown, glaclc and white bonnet, bouquet of red roses.

Airs Harold Johnston (Wellington), black crepe de chine, large white and black hat.

Mrs Kettle, pale grey figured crepe de chine with touches of pale blue, pale blue and white hat.

Aliss C. Kettle, cream alpacca, cream hat.

Airs AY. G. Stead lovely painted chiffon gown, white hat. Airs A. Rhodes, cream cloth with touches of black, large black hat. Airs P. Campbell, black crepe de chine, black and gold hat. . Airs G. Rhodes, mauve and white muslin, mauve hat.

Mrs G. Gould, turquoise blue crepe do chine, white and blue hat with touches of black.

Airs T. E. Williams (Wellington), black satin, black and white bonnet, white feathewstole.

Aliss TJ. Willaims, white minon, large white liat.

Airs Pyne, cream lace, cream lace hat. Airs Boyle, white cloth, black tulle hat,

Aliss Boyle, white ninon, white hat with pink roses. Airs Elworthy, handsome black taffeta, black bonnet.

Aliss Elvvorthy, black crepe de chine, pale blue hat. Airs Reeves, black silk, black and white bonnet.

Aliss Reeves, pale blue silk, floral hat. Airs J. Deans, black crepe de chine, black and white toque. Mi's Symes, black ninon over whiet, black hat with shaded roses.

Aliss Symes, black and white striped silk, large black hat with pink roses. Airs Pitman, pale grey, pale grey hat. Aliss Pittman, white cloth, white liat. Airs Busrii, brown and white tweed, brown, hat.

Tlie Alisses Burns, grey tweed, grey and pink liats. Airs Alerton, blue silk, blue hat. Aliss Alerton, Moral muslin, black hat. Aliss G. Alerton, pale blue, black hat. In the afternoon, Mr and Airs Russell Grace left for their honeymoon by motor car, the going away gown being of white cloth, large white hat with white feathers and pink roses. The presents, which were from all parts of the clolony, were displayed in tlie billiard room. Airs T. C. Williams returned to Wellington last week. Airs Elwortliy lias returned with Mrs Williams to spend a while in Wellington.

Aliss Flara Brandon (Wellington), is staying with Mrs Deans. Aliss Deans has returned from Wellington.

Airs Harold Johnston, who was in town for Aliss Stead’s wedding has returned to Welington.

Mrs Grace (Wellington) and Aliss Harcourt, who wero in town for a few days last wek have returned home.

The largo fete held by the “Preservation of Infant Life Society/' was somewhat marred by the bad weather. It was held at Elmwood, whose charming garden is well-known, had tho weather been fine a more delightful fete- it would have been hard to imagine, instead of which the rain came dawn, in torrents, and many of the stalls—merely tables under a tree—were utterly ruined. Yet in spite of all this one hundred pounds were the proceeds and under other circumstances probably the amount would have been three hundred. The flower stall was under the control of Miss Boyle, and Mrs G. Gould, sweet stall, Mrs Eandell and Mrs H. Cotterill, which was done all in pink white, another sweet stall in yellow' was held by Mrs L. Clarke. Mrs G. Rhodes, with a bevy of helpers had the produce stall, and Mrs Kettle, the fruit salad stall.

On Monday last, Mrs Kettle gave a small girls’ tea in honour of Miss Stead, when each guest was requested to bring a kitchen utensil, and -some most useful and amusing things were presented to the bride-elect.

Among those present were : Misses IvetIte (2), Anderson (2), Harley, Symes, Merton, Cotterill, Williams (Wellington), Barger, Wilson, Rhodes, Boyle.

DUNEDIN

(By “Nonna.”)

The bail mentioned in my last letter was a tremendous success; no trouble having been spared' with tho arrangement* Of course, the ne w suite “of rooms being so well adapted for anything of the kind. makes ih. —; much easier than in days of yore, when the great barn of a Garrison Hall had Utl ISed f ° r functio «s of this

ihe ball was given by thirty-three bachelors. The floor was, perhaps not quite equal to the occasion, when tho mask and domino ball took place but ns the evening advanced it became niucn better, and towards the end of t o evening was as perfect as at iIZ other ball. Red miner Wi \ at 1 0 i • , , pupei had been arranged m long strips stretched across , ln ron of , th ° h'shts, sheddjijig a lovely glow throughout the room a gioat improvement to the harsh gar’«h glare of the electric lights. The Art i.i oiy vas again arranged for sittin j»ut and one part was set apart for bridge. About 150 sat down to sunpei at once, and a most perfect sup pm; was;served at little tables, during which the toast “The King” was proposed, and also the “Health of He bachelors,” the givers of the ball. About 400 were present, and all looked their best, tho ladies wearing charming dresses, made most becoming by the .oft prof* v m-bdimd red lights. Mr Hunter, Mr Crawford ,and Mr Crosby Morris received the guests, and others on tho committee were Mr Frank and Mr George McLean, Air beorge and Mr Jock Ritchie, Mr Purthase, Mr Fothoringham, Mr Birch, Mr Eustace Macassev, Air R. Sise (the secretary), etc. Among the hostesses were Mrs Cut-ton, Mrs A. W. Morris, Mrs George AlcLean, Airs Sise, Airs Moysa, Mrs Theomin, Airs Hart, Mrs Baggitt, Airs Sale, Airs James Allen, and amongst others present were Air and Mrs Leslio Harris,. Dr, Airs and Miss Batchelor, Dr and Airs Stanley Batchelor, the Alisses Williams, the Misses Royce, the Misses McLean, Dr and Airs Marshall, tho Misses Sise, the Alisses Browning (Auckland), Air -ind Miss Allen, Mr and Airs Butterworth, Airs and Aiiss Sim, Colonel and Airs Sinythe, Air and Mra G. C. Graham, Dr and Mrs Fitchett, the Alisses Maltray, Airs and Aiiss Carew, Airs Dalgety (Canterbury), Mr and Airs F.ardley Kaynolds, Air, Airs and Miss Sinclair-Thom-son, Air and Airs Green, Aiiss Gilbrison, Miss Webster, etc. Some very handsome dresses were worn by the married ladies, and very pretty girlish frocks by some of the girls.

Miss Kitty Sinclair-Thomson was a debutante, and looked very handsome and well. Her dress was made of spotted net, trimmed with bands and twists of satin, with lace applique; an elegant dress, light and transparent, and she carried a lovely white bouquet. Another debutante was Aiiss Phyllis r otheringham, who also looked very sweet and charming, and wore a net dross trimmed with frills, edged with jaco and satin, and slie also carried a lovely shower bouquet. Airs George AlcLean wore a handsome black velvet gown, with white jaco bertha, made picturesque with a bunch of bright red geraniums worn in the bodice, and in the hair. Mrs Barts dress attracted notice, being of bright emerald green silk, stylishly niade, with darker velvet and thick lace applique and handsome diamond ornaments.

Airs Jim Roberts wore a lovely dress 1 S<rld sequin net over brown t niton, ,made np over mandarine silk, ie cruffon skirt, bordered with a band ot mandarine velvet, and the bodice

finished with touches of the velvet, the whole costume having a shimmering ahd sparkling appearance in the ball room.

Airs Batchelor’s dross was exceedingly pretty, being of white chiffon, delicately painted with design in tho palest i blue and pale blue finishing the foot of tho skirt arranged in applique deI sign ,and the bodice was daintily arranged with lace and pale blue, finished with shimmering trimming Miss Batchelor wore a charming frock of white floral silk, smartly made, and finished with touches of shrimp nink velvet on the bodice.

Mrs Sargood wore a handsome white laoe dress over chiffon taffetas; the skirt trimmed with large “lovers’ knots,” in moss green velvet, and toil dies of velvet; and pale blue on the bo lire

Airs Carew, stylish dress of narrow grey striped chiffon taffetas, with deep land of spangled lace embroidered u-uh touches of black “let in” to the skirt and tho same lace falling over the shoulders in kimono fashion ,and trimming the bo-clioe. Airs and the Misses Browning, visit°ns from Auckland, left for the North ay Wednesday s steamer, after a stay of some weeks at Wain’s Hotel. -Miss Joachim returned last week from her trip to Sydney. Airs Fulton (Wellington) is at present on a visit to Dunedin. Miss Phoebe Graham left last week for W-uliogton, en route for Palmerston North, where she is visiting her biothei, and later on goes to Alastertou, near which her sister lives. Aiiss Deamer is visiting her aunt. Airs Hosking, at present, having arrived last week from the North.

MARLBOROUGH

Hie Marlborough Lawn Tennis and Croquet Clubs opened the season in Blenheim on Wednesday, the 23rd inst., with great eclat, Airs Griffiths picviding the afternoon tea. Among inose present were Mesdames Griffiths, Walker, Bonnet, Reid, Hulme* Tilly, Horton, Seymour, Greenfield, Clons-t-on, Broughton, McLaughlan, AlcNab, l'armar, Adams, McCallu-m, B. Clous'on, Gillies, Wolferstan, etc., Alisses Griffiths, Clouston (2), Horton (2), Alowat, Neville (3), Rutherford (2), AlcNab, Williams (Christchurch), Fitzgerald (Wellington), Redwood (2), Clark, Furness, Anderson (Picton), Fester, Ross, Rogers, Gillon, etc., Alessrs Orr, Bagge, Griffiths, Clouston, White, Moore, Kellow, Tuke, Munro, ■Sharp, AVolferstan, L. Clouston, Coulter, White (2), Wiffin, Horton, Stace, Drs Bennett and Walker. Aiiss Clare has returned from Wellington. Air. Rudolf Walker is staying with Lie brother, Dr Walker. Miss AlcNab left Blenheim on the 2Ptli for Turakina.

The Garrison Band bazaar has been the attraction of last week. It w T as open for four days, and during those four days the receipts amounted to P 350. A baby show was one of the attractions, Dr Bennett acting as judge.

Initiation is the sincerest flattery, and that Blenheim should follow on the lines laid down by Picton for a successful bazaar has flattered our dwellers by the sea not a little.

Dr and Aiiss Anderson, Mr and Mrs Le Cooq, Mr and Airs Riddell, and the Misses Philpotts (2), went off by oillaunch one evening last week to call upon Mr and Mrs John Duncan at the

Grove. A very jolly evening was spent, with songs, music,, and talking over events/ of the day, and it was quite 3 a.m. beforo the little party broke up.

Dr and Mrs Decimus Tripe spent a fay in Picton visiting some oi their earliest friends in that town, among them Mrs and tlm Alisses Allen, Air and Airs H. C. Seymour, Mrs Riddell, etc. Alany old irieiids of the doctor would be only too glad to welcome him hack again as their friend and: physician.

Air H. Eyre-Kenny has been visiting his nephew, Captain E. Kenny and Airs Kenny in Picton.

Inspector Strachan has been visiting the Picton and Sounds schools lately. During the time he and Mrs Strachan were staying at Waitohi House, and visiting each school by oil-launch. On one occasion they were four hours finding a “new” school, which after all was only an old school given a new name.

Air and Airs Ghaytor (Alarshlands) spent a day in Picton on the 24th. Airs Vickers, has been called away to Wellington on account of the illness oi her mother, Airs Francis. Aiiss J. Seymour has returned home to Picton from a trip to Seddon. i Influenza is particularly trying to elderly people, several of whom have been taken to the Picton hospital this week.

Miss Trueman (Wellington) is the guest of Airs O. H. AVilliams (Picton).

NELSON

Idie Alisses Gibbs gave a large afternoon tea at their mother’s residence in

Collingwood street, in honour of Miss AL-.girnity, who is to be mari-ied in about, three weeks? time. There were about seventy guests present, but as it. was a glorious afternoon, the verau-, dalis ard garden were utilised, thereby preventing any overcrowding. A very good competition occupied the attention and wits of all the ladies during the afternoon. Every lady was. presented with a list of thirty questions, entitled “What Katie did/’ and tho answer to every question had to be a word which terminated in “cate.” The lady who had the largest number of correct answers when time was called was Aiiss Judson, who won the first prize, whilst the second was won by Aiiss Maginnity. Tea was served in the dining-room and the table was most artistically decorated with exquisite apple blossom. There was music in the drawing-room during the afternoon, some of the performers being Aiiss Bamford, the Alisses Cock, Aiiss Judson, and Aiiss Kempthorne. Among those present, besides Airs and the Alisses Gibbs, were Airs Svdney Gibbs Mrs and the Alisses Cock,Airs Barr, Airs and the Alisses Alaginnity, Airs Renwick, Airs Airey, Aiiss Tomlinson, Miss Lornmer, Airs Lewis. Miss Glasgow, Miss Alules, Miss Stevens, Aiiss He inker, Airs Harrison, Airs, and Aiiss Richmond, Mrs and Miss Sclanders Miss Oldham, Aiiss Ledger, Aiiss Cutiibertson, Aiiss Bunny, Aiiss Atkinson Mrs Watkiss Aiiss Buchanan, Mrs and Miss Clark, Mrs AloQuarie, Airs Blomfleld,. Miss Boor. Aiiss Gilkinson, Aiiss lTiorpe, Miss Kirten, Aiiss Jones, and Mrs Colt.

A very successful dance was held on Friday, 25th inst., at “St; John’s,” the residence of Air C. Y. Poll. Tiro latter, along with his- wife and daughters, is at present in England, but Air Richmond Fell took the oDDortuni-

ty of using his father’s spacious room®: and grounds, as a, place of entertainment. The dance took the form of an.; “assembly,” the men paying a smalt subscription, and the ladies supplying the supper. The large dining-room was prepared for dancing, and the floorwas in capital order, so that, to say, dancing was keenly enjoyed unrtil the small hours of the morning, Ah very nice supper was served. in..tbe morning-room, and as. the night clear and moonlight,. between tho dances the young people strolled in thegraden, which is looking very beautiful, at this time of the year; Airs; Sclanders acted as chaperone; and. Aiiss Buchanan and Mr Fell , did the; decorations, which were pretty. The danoe. was given as a farewell to. Air Hal. Cock, who is shortly leaving Nelson-for:-Wanganui. Among those, present; were Aiiss- Buchanan, Miss Sclanders, Air and Miss Richmond, Airs Didsbury (Bendigo), Air Dalziel, Miss Glasgow, Aiiss Leggatt, Air and the Misses Cock, the Misses Ledger, Miss Heaps, A£r Rowley, Mr Alaeintosh, Aiiss, Hodson, the Messrs Hamilton, Mias Lightfoot,, and Air de Towrettes.

Aiiss Bennett (Alasterton), is. at present the guest of Mrs Squires at her residence, Nile street.

Airs Leslie Reynolds, passed through.;; Nelson the other day on her- way; to* Greymouth, where she would meet Air; Reynolds..