WAY OF WOMEN

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6314, 14 September 1907, Page 2

WAY OF WOMEN

WELLINGTON TABLE TALK. (By “Erie.") The fact that spring is coming is the one cheerful item in our daily life Influenza is abroad, and it is most depressiug to find a "cold” in every house. Ihe victims are quickly faced with what proves to be a very trying and debilitating illness. It partly accounts for the abseiliito dearth of social functions. \V ouid-be liostGssGs li&y€ tHsir families and maids all ill with influenza. ISn* tertaming is out of the question. We are curious to find out if the students of psychic phenomena are able by “autosuggestion’ to rid themselves of this ternbly real epidemic illness. If they do, there should be a flocking to the ranks of Christian science. Victims in the grip of this painful epidemic would bo thankful to learn how to “suggest” themselves out of it. The grain of mustard seed Faith, which is the key note, is of course the primary difficulty with most of us.

The "At Home” given by the members of the committee of the Victoria League on Monday afternoon in the Art Gallery was a bright, pleasant occasion. The one great drawback to the little function was the absence, through family bereavement, of Mrs Grace, who has been a keenly interested and very helpful president of this newly-formed branch of the league. It was a happy idea to have it in the Art Gallery. Many of the committee’s guests had never seen the newest acquisitions from the Exhibition, and were interested in the pictures so obtained. The “many men of many minds" theory is never more rampantly on top than at an exhibition of pictures, and these strangers to the walls haxi very devious criticisms. The small stage was very tastefully arranged with furniture, and adorned with tall palms and ferns in pots, kindly lent by Lady Ward. The violets and primroses and bulbs were the kind gifts of Mrs W. Barton (one of the committee);, who sent them from Featherston. Tea was served to nearly two hundred guests during the intervals of singing and music. There Excellencies, with Hon. Kathleen Plunket and Miss Chalmers, were attended by Lieutenant Lyons, AJD.C. Lady Ward (in the absence of the president) received the vicoRegal guests, and presented her excellency with a lovely bouquet of violets.

The Hon. Dr. Findlay took the chair, and brietty spoke before herd IT unset gave a very appreciative speech as cue aims and uses of the league, which have been ably set forth in another place. The Eight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, having had very practical evidence of the league in .London, was extremely hearty in his views, and kindly proffered his willingness to help in any way that was useful in carrying out tho ends of the league. Mrs Konkin-Brown, who is the energetic secretary of this branch, read a concise report of the work already accomplished. That so much has been done in a few months is largely due to her painstaking enthusiasm as secretary. The objects of the society evidently commended themselves, for twenty-four new members enrolled themselves during the afternoon. Mrs Pollen, the hon. treasurer, was quite busy enrolling all who wished to join. Mr A, Wilson, in a very neat little speech, proposed a vote of thanks to tho Hon. Dr Findlay for kindly taking the chair.

The Eight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward brought with him, and handed about for people to see, an illuminated address of welcome from the Victoria League, which he and the other Premiers from all parts of the’Empire received on the occasion of the Conference held in London. Tho signatures of all the leagues members accompanied it. The vellum is a beautiful specimen of the illuminator’s art. At the top is a very pretty device which may be heraldic, or merely

. Empire sentiment, but there is a Maori. in it amongst many other items pret- , tily mixed up. At the bottom is the very handsome badge of the league, : which is quite a thing of beauty in itj brilliant colouring of red, white, and blue. By tho time our next re-uiuon ' comes, we hope we shall have these badges for our members. The little musical programme was well chosen and short. Miss Struck sang very sweetly. ■ Mrs Ross recited a humorous piece that was much enjoyed. The Misses Beauchamp's music is always appreciated. ; Mr Carr's clear, sweet voice was another very pleasant item. Miss Selma. • Smith, though a very youthful violinist, was much admired for her excellent ; technique, and much will .^ >e , _ from her early promise musically. ■ Grady and Miss M. Parker were the ■ accompanists.

Her Excellency wore a blue S°wh and pretty reseda cloth coat. Hou. Kathleen Plunket had a black voile gown and a kimona coat of bronze green, and strawhat the same shade, with black feathers. Lady Ward (Vice-President) wore a very- handsome pastel blue silk B°wn, with point d'esprit lace yoke, and hat with shaded roses. Mrs 1 mdiay had a beautiful gown, of Esterhazy velvet., with yoke of fine Valenciennes laco ana pink nat. ~ TI . Amongst other guests were : —Mrs t±islop, Mrs Wallis (Vice-Presidents). Mrs Rhodes, Mrs Thomas Moorhouse (Christchurch), Mrs Horries, Mitsos luchmond, Hon. and Mrs Fowlds, Mr J. Allen, M.H.R., Mr Carr, Mrs Frahk Dyer, Mrs Knox Gilmer, Miss Ward. Mise Rubi Seddon. Mrs and Miss Burnet, Mrs B. Anderson, Mrs Wilborfoes, Mrs and Miss J. P. Luke, Mrs Pierce Luke, Mrs Winder. Mrs J. H. Williams, Mrs S. Brown, Mrs O'Shea, Mrs Morton, Mrs Ormiston Chant. Mrs and Miss Edwin., Mrs Lariiach, Airs Chatficld, Mrs H. Gore, Mrs Eichaelbaum, Mrs Millward, Airs Stafford, Mrs Macarthy, Mrs Corrigan, - Mrs Sievwright, Airs and ■ Aliss Grady, Mrs and Misses Beauchamp, Rev. Dr. Gibb, Mr A. Wilson, Mr and Mrs Sidoy, Miss Barnet, Mrs (Dr) Boyd, Mrs Geison, Miss Moinertzhagen (Hawkos Bay). Airs Stott, Miss Kelly, Mrs and Miss Jones, Mrs and Miss Knox, Mrs and Aliss Seton, Airs (Dr.) Young, Mrs AlcEwan, Miss C. Smith, Mrs and Miss Kember, Mrs Mrs Harris, Misses Brindley, Mrs and Miss Kember, Mrs Boss, Mrs S. Harcourt, Mrs and Miss Pronse, Mrs and Miss Collier, Mrs Bristow, Mrs Butts, Mrs B. Wilson, Miss Parsons, Mrs Meadowcroft, Mrs Woods, Mrs Mitchell, Mrs Smith, Mrs and Miss Bailor. Mr and Mrs Clarke-Johnson, Mrs Elliott, Mrs Parker.

One of the smart novelties were tho square parasols at Ascot this season. They have celluloid ribs and handles, which are very light. Before we have got used to square en tout cas we hop© they will have passed away. One gets used to everything in time, even impressionist pictures and Wagner music, so there may arise disciples of tho square parasol.

Invitations are issued for a dinner and dance at Government House on Monday evening.

The ball that is to celebrate the opening of the new Wellesley Club will take place about the 28th inst.

Lady Ward has issued invitations for an At Heme on Monday afternoon.

Mrs Thomas Moor house, who has been wintering in Auckland, is now the guest of Mrs Rhodes, The Grange, while en route for her home in Christchurch. >

The Hutt Bulb Show will take place on AVodenesday and Thursday, the 18th and 19th. This is always such a largo and well-arranged flower show that numbers of town visitors always travel out there to enjoy the wealth of lovely flowers.

Miss Muriel Rutherford ‘ (Amuri) has oome up to join her parents, who are staying during the session at the Royal Oak.

Mrs (Dr.) Hammersley and her daughter have com© up from Christchurch, 1 and are also at the Royal Oak.

Miss Boss is the guest of Mrs Humphreys.

Miss Annie Whitelaw '(tbe foremost violinist in Auckland) is tbe guest of Mrs Dalston, Hill street. >

A new departure in our midst J s that several sfirls in Wellington are hard at work qualifying to become architects.

Mrs Pollen gave a very pleasant little tea on Friday afternoon. Beautiful spring flowers were artistically arranged in tbe pretty drawing-room. Amongst the guests were Mrs Findlay, Mrs Gerald Fitz Gerald. Mrs and Miss Humphrey, Mrs and Miss Quick, Mrs Stott, Miss Boss, Dr Agnes Bennett.

Their Excellencies 'gave a dinner party on Wednesday evening, when the guests met Madame Albani, who is the guest of Lord and Lady Plnnket at Government House during her stay in Wellington.