TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2200, 30 April 1896, Page 43

TABLE TALK.

Monday, April 27. On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Higgins invited a number of her friends to tea at the golf grounds. The afternoon was perfect — one of those mild balmy days we occasionally experience in the late autumn, and a good many ladies availed themselves o£ Mrs Higrgins's invitation. Tea was served in the golf house, as is usual on such occasion?, and a sumptuous supply of cakes was provided.

Amocgst those present were Mr and Mrs Higgins, tba- Misses William*, Mrs and Miss Griersou, Mrs Napier Bell, Hiss Napier Bell, Miss Merchant, the Misses Rattray, Mrs Charles Rattray, Miss Neill, Professor Sale, Mra J. Wright, Mi and Mra Michio, Mies ': Beynolda, Mrs Dennistoo, Dr and Mrs Scott, mad others, besides all the lady golf players. The visitors all adjourned to the golf ground and showed a keen Interest in the " putting" Contest going on that afternoon among the ladies, Mr» Tbeomin having offered prizes to , the ladies who succeeded in " putting" the ball with the fewest number of strokes.

Th» weather was perfect, and a large -number of ladies 600k part. A difficult ibole was chosen, and three rounds played, the result being that, four ladies tied Cor first place— via, Mrs Stilling, Mrs Ogstea, tfisa S, Rfttteaj. br4 Miss £*«£.

Then followed tnree' who wore oaly one Bfroke behind—viz., Mrs H. McNeil", Mias Webster, and Miss F. R&ttray. The firstmentioned four ladies played off, whea Mra Stilling won the first prize and Mrs Ogston the second. On Tuesday afternoon the Misses Bathgate gave an enjoyable little afternoon tea to a number of their young friends at their residence in Mornlngton. A very pleasant afternoon was s^eit, during which Miss Susie Graham and Miss Haggitt each contributed a song, and Miss Vida Reynolds played a piano solo. Tea was served in the dining room, the table being prettily decorated with flowers, and laden with all sorts of tempting cakes asd sweets. Amongst those present were Miss Elßie Batbgfcte, MUb Freda Bathgate, the Misses Turton, the Miesea Rattray, Mica Web&ter, Mlbb Graham, Miss Bartlemau, Miss Maud Reynolds, Miss Vida Reynolds, Miss Nora Baldwin, Mies Batcnelor, Miss Haggitt, Mies Morrw , Miss Neill, &c. On Thursday evening a delightful little musical party was given by Mrs Finker at her residence at Littlebourne. About 30 guests were present, amongst whom was a good deal of musical talent. Misa G. Roberts played several solo*, and songo were sung by Miss Robiueon, Miss Roberts, Mr Harris, Mr Olewes, Captain Fox, Mr Gully, Mr Martin, and others. Amongst those present were Mr Harris, Mr Gaorga and Miss RobertP, the Misses Roberts, Mr and Miss ; Haggitt, Miaa Grierson, Mr J. 0. Marshall, Mr Gaily, the Misses Stephenson, Mr T«pley, Miss Oarew, Mr and Miss Michaelis (Mel1 bourne), &o. On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Garden was "at home" to recuive her friends at her mother's residence, Newington, previous to her departure from New Zealand. A great macy of her lady friends availed themselves of the opportunity of calling on tbe young bride and wibhing her congratulations and all sorts of good wishes fur her future welfare and happiness in her new home so far away. Mr and Mrs Garden left by the Tarawera on Wednesday for the North Island, previous to tbeir final departure from Melbourne en route for England. They intend going by the Measageries line as fax- as Marseilles. Mr and Mrs J. M. Ritchie left Dunedin by the lonic, which finally leaves L/ttelton on Thursday for London. Miss Nora Baldwin has been visiting Mrs Bartleman for a, few days on her way from Chrlstchurob, where she has spent the last two or three years with her sister, the Hon. Mra Parker. Miss Baldwin left by the , Wnkatipn on Monday for Melbourne, whence she proceeds to England by the Oroya. Miss Beswick and Mies Moorhouse, from Christchurch, also proceed to London by the Oroya. Mr and Mrs Alister Clark and Mr J*. Gould, Ohristchurcb, all left by the Ruapehu last week for England. Madame and Miss Lubccki, who have spent the last two years in Nelson, left last week for Melbourne, where they purpose spending some time. Miss Gibson (Ducedin) made one of a delightful river party — for whioh parties Cbrhtchurch is'so far famed — given by Mrs Pat. Campbell, Cbristchuroh, last week. After enjoying the delights of gliding on the river, the party, adjourned to the residence of Dr Palmer, where tea had been provided. __* The Rev. Mr Hood is at present visiting Ohristohurch, and his place is meanwhile being supplied by the Rev. Mr Winter, of Ricc&xton Church, Christchurch, * We are all pleased to hear that Canon Robinson has decided to remain in Dunedin, and has accepted the position of assistant bishop whioh has been offered to him. A large fancy dress ball was held in Tlmaru ten days ago. It was most successful, and although ordinary evening dresa being admissible a good many availed themselves of the privilege of wearing it, still a great many exceedingly pretty and bautfsome fancy dress costumes were worn-. Amottget the most striking were Mrs Norman Pcrston as Cleopatra, the dress being a robe of white satin embroidered with gold, and bracelets and necklet composed of Egyptian coins; Miss Tennant represented a Greek girl, and wore blue satin striped with crimson, and full blue satin trousers reaching to the ankles ; Mrs H, Le Oren, a charming oostume representing a lady of the eighteenth century, com£oee4 oi rich fc&cfc moire ana let&t

powdered hair, and large black picture bat ; Miss Mendelson, the dress of an Indian chief's wife; Miss Meew appeared as "Trilby"; Mrs Laweon Johnstone (Berwick), a costume of grey and pink bengaline silk, and powdered halt ; Miss Rutherford represented the •'Mirror of Faebion," having her dreas covered with tiny mirrors; Mrs Hardy, as Queen Elizabeth, wore a handsome trained gown of orimoon velvet opening over an underskirt of pink velvet, profusely trimmed with pearl passementerie, an Elizabethan ruffle finishing the bodice trimmicg.

The Acstral Girton Olub held its second meeting for this season last Saturday. The. entertainment programme was carried oat by the Misses Coila Brown, Maj WHsod, Ethel Davidson, Annie Matheson, and Jeanie and Frances Brown. It consisted of a pianoforte aolo, songs, tableaux vivantg, and illustrated songs. The illustrated songs were very well carried out, " Oockl6s and mussels " especially oreatiDg much amusement. The charade "Garden Voices" was particularly pretty, showing six young ladi6s grouped in a garden, each representing a different flower, and on the curtain rieir g each in turn raoited from one of the poeta an appropriate pfeoe concerning the flower which she represented.

The prettiest tableau, and one which in beanty and grace it would be difficult to surpass, was entitled " Venae's Mirror." In this five of the young ladies, attired in white Grecian costumes, were grouped in different postures round a small pond, and gczicg at themselves in* i the water. rlher lhe entertainment' concluded with the effective song and tableau, " The dying nan," which was very pathetic and pretty. The young ladies who supplied the refreshments were the Misses Gilchrist, Meta Denny, Annie M'Kerrow, Fanny Simpson, Edith Davis?, and Agnes Sharp. The table was prettily decorated with red and white flowers and ferns. The company broke up at the visual time, after having got through a' good amount of work and haviog thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The marriage of Mr John Munro M'Ke&zio, manager of B'lßhey Fark and eldest son of the Hon J. M Kar. zie, Minister for Lauds, to Miss Isabella Budge, daughter of Mr John Badge, farmer, Herbert, was celebrated on the 22 at the residence of the bride's parents, at Woodlands, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends of the contracting far ties. The ceremony waa performed by the Rev. Mr Thompson, of Herbert;, who a% its conclusion addressed the young couple in a few most appropriate words. The bridesmaids were Misses Barbara, Margaret, and Christina Bu*ge, sisters of the bride, while Messrs J. Budge and D. A. M'Kcnzie, brothers of the bride and bridegi oom respectively, acted sg groomsmen. The btida and bridesmaids carried handsome shower bouquets, the gift of Mr M'Kenrie, mother of the bridegroom. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore cream silk and the usual veil. The bridegroom's present to the bride was a handsome pearl and diamond brooch, and to the bridesmaids gold brooches. The bridesmaids were attired in cream delaine and oldgold sashes. The bride's travelling dress was of fawn tweed, with hat to match. After the ceremony was over an adjournment was made ' to a large marquee on the lawn, when the weddicg breakfast was partaken of. The following toasts were proposed and honoured: — "The Bride and Bridegroom," proposed by Mr W. P. Grant and responded to by the bridegroom; "The Bride's Father and Members of the Family," proposed by the Hon. J. M'Kenzie and responded to by Mr Budge ; "The Health of the Hon. J. and Mrs M'Kenzie," proposed by Mr J. Ross and responded to by tha Hon. Mr M'Kenzie. Rev. Mr Thompson, Mr Patterson, and Mrs Morrison also made a few appropriate remarks. A large number of congratulatory telegrams were read from the numerous friends of the bride and bridegroom. The bappy couple left in the afternoon for Ohrietchurcb, amidst showers of rice and the hearty good wishes for the future from all assembled. The following presents were received from all parts of New Zealand, and were much admired : —

Hon. Mr and Mrs MTCenzfe (to brid?), gold watch and- chain; Mr D. M'Kenzie (to nrideX gold bell banjle; Mr D. M'Kenzie (to bridegroom), Bhaving case^ Mr and Mrs Cameron (Wellington), case silveL-mount«d .carvers; Mr 0. Mewhmney (Wellington), handsome silver bincuit box; MrR Atlrimon?(Diinedin),.silver fi*h knife and fork ; Mr and Mjn J. Matthewson (Dunedlh), silver teipnt ; Mr and Mrs Foweraker, silver butter dish ; Mrs T. Johnstqne, silver corbeille ; Mr Grant (Waihaorung*), »ilver teapot ; Mr J. Budge, sen., ch<que; Mr and Mrs M'Donald (Herbert), silver toast rack ; Mr Oakdcn (Dunedin), t a set ; Mr and Mrs J. Ros» (Hillerove), silver and ruby glass jelly dish ; Mr H. Waters, set of Japanese trays ; Mr and Mrs M'Ctilloch, crumb tray and brush ; Mr and Mrs V. Young, lilver cruet ; Miss M'Kevrow, silver and crystal butter d ; sh and knife ;Mr J. Budge, gentleman's dressing case ; Mr Riddle, silver tearot ; Mrs Riddle, plush mantel drape ; Mies Riddle, plush cushion and pair d'oyleve ; Mi>4> Mathieson (Dunedin), plush cnshion ; Mr A. Bairon (Wellington), guldßtuds; Mrs Barron (Wellington), silver and china cake plate : Miss M. Matthewson (Dunedin), silver butter knife ; Miss Little, silver and oak salt cellars ; Mr AtkinsoD, haodsome gentleman's ring; Miss Mitchell, pair silver butter knives ; Misg M. Budge, silver salt cellars ; Mr W. M. M'Kcrrow, tea set ; Mr H. and Mips Beckingsale, handsome flower stand ; Miss Bullen (Dunedin), crystal flower stand ; Mt«s 0. Matthewson, pair pillow shams; Miss K. Matthewson (Punedin), silver jelly spoon : Miss H. Matthewson, drawn work tray cloth ; Miss M'Culloch, afternoon teapot and cosy ; Mrs Stark, green velvet cosy ; Mrs Beaton, fancy pillow slips and nightdress bags; Miss Beaton, d'oyleys ; Miss M'Leod (Dunedin), silver cruet ; Mrs aud Miss Patterson, china egg cruet ; Mr and Mrs Ritchie (Wellington), cheque : Mr A. Budge, pair silver butter knives ; Mr J. Waters, cheque ; Miss G. Budge, silver butter knife ; Mr and Mrsßeckingfale, china teapot ; Miss B. Budge, silver apostle spoons and tongs ; Mr Hufcton, cheque ; Mr Malcolm, cheque; Mr W. Ross (Southland), cheque; Mr and Mrs Anderson, silver butter dish ; Miss Fowerker, silver butter knife ; Mr J. Patterson, pair vases ; Mr and Mrs Munro (Palmereton), flower stand; Miss Munro, plush cushion; Mr J. Budge, jun., silver-mounted dressing case ; Miss Marshall (Uunedin), sat'n tea cosy ; Mr Muthieson (O.im*ru), silver bieakfaat cruet ; Mr H. Budge, cheque ; Mr and Mrs Nicolson, pair large vases ; Mrs M'Leod, cheese dish ; Mr and Mrs G. Patterson, dozen silver spoons; Misa Hayes, bread knife and fork; Mr and Mrs M'Kay, pair silver-mounted jelly dishes ; Mr A. Reid, pair vases j Misses M. and N. Reid, pair vases ; Mr and Mra Thomas, dining-room clock ; Mrs Forbes, white shawl 5 Mr Gately, crystal? Mr and Misa Ross, silver cake dish ; Miss Fleming, silver-mounted butter dish.: Mr and Mrs Douglas, handsome lamp ; Mr 3Qd Mies Kfctflaon, pair vaeeai 22ias C. CtHagbwlllj

crystal candlestick ; Mrs Morrison, cheese dish ; Mrs R ScoU, linen table cover ; Miss Davidson, table napkius and tray cloth ; Miss Johnson, brackets ; Mrs J. Hill, vaae* ; Miss A. Heron, white velvet wall pocket ; Mrs J. C. Brown (Dunedtn), Swiss chair ; Mrs Ross (Dunedin), cut glass cheese stand ; Hon. J. G. and Mrs Wards, sot ivory carvera mounted in silver ; Misses M'Kenzie, travelling rug ; Mr A. and Mrs C. Fraser (Dunedin), turning table: Mr H. Mackintosh (Oamaru), granite and gold brooch ; Mr S. Paterson, lady's riding bridle.