TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2286, 23 December 1897, Page 51

TABLE TALK.

Monday Afternoon.

da Tuesday evening, the 7tb, Mrs B. C. Haggitt gave a most enjoyable young people's dance at her residence, " Wychwood," Anderson's Bay. The house is admirably adapted for entertainments of this kind, having a spacious ballroom connected to the house by means of a covered-in passage. This room was beautifully decorated, flowers and foliage being arranged everywhere in great abundance, and the floor being laid as a proper dancing floor, no small enjoyment was experienced by the dancers. Mr Yates officiated at tbe piano, and a Scotch reel and the now popular '■ Washington Post " were both introduced on the programme and danced with much spirit.

About 80 guests were present, and Mr and Mrs Haggitt received in the ball at the entrance to the drawing room, which room along with others was devoted to tbe use of the dancers between the dances. Supper was served in the dining room, where the table was tastefully arranged with white iweet peas in great profusion and lighted by candles placed in tall candelabras, softly shaded with bright red candle shades, which ' gave a most charming effect. " Amongst those present were Mr and Mrs Haggitt, Miss H«:aftfc..Mr.. D'Arcy and Mr

H. Haggitt, Mrs and the Misses William?, Mrs Gallaway, the Misses Gibson, the Misses Shand, Miss S. Bartleman, Miss Dennißton, Miss Biibgate, Mias Macassey, Miss Ethel Batchelor, Miss M'Kerrow (Wanganui), Miss Violet Farquhar, the Misses Graham, the Misses Rittray, Miss Rita Neill, Miss Effio Gilkison, Mies Ella Morris.- Miss Ethel Haggitt, Miss MacNeii, Miss Uiricb, Mias Ethel tfeill, the Misses MacLiren, Me Oldham, Mr Law, Mr Lloyd, Mr Harris, Mr Tapley, Mr Smitb, Mr H. Kettle, Mr Gmham, Mr J. Wbite, Mr Moore, Mr Fisher, Mr C. Morris, Mr Roshford, Mr George Roberts, Mr Walter Shand, &c.

Mrs Haggitt wore a gown of rich black brocade, the bodice profusely trimmed with jet ; Miss Haggitt, charming dres3 of pale green satin trimmed with bands of passementeiis embroidered in coloured silks, and with bunches of pale heliotrope violets on the bodice and shoulder; Mrs Williams, stylish dress of yellow satin veiled with black and trimmed with jet; Mias WiUiams, black "satin dress, the bodice draped with white laca ; Miss Gibson, smart black satin dress, the low bodice profusely brimmed with jet ; Mies Eila Morris, a pretty drees of rich white brocade, the ■ bedice drapsd with white lace ; Miss Graham, electric blue satin, the bodice draped with white lace; Mus S. Graham, pretty dress of pale yellow floral chene silk trimmed with lace; Miss MacNeii, lovely dress of the palest sea-foam green brocade, the front of the bodice entirely composed of jewel trimming, ftnd bodice and sleeves finished with bands of the same ; Miss Violet Farquhar, pretty dress of blue satin, the bodice trimmed with revers of bine satin edged with white lace and sleeves of wbite lace; Miss Gertrude Bittray, green satin with white chiffon bodice trimmed with wbite satin; Miss M. Williams, heliotrope and white striped grenadine trimmed -with purple satin and lace ; Miss Dora William", wbite satin dress with chiffon bodica ; Miss Ruby Neill, white satin dress, the bodice trimmed with pink roses ; Miss E. Gllkison, crimson satin dress, the bodice draped with white lace; Miss MacLaren, grey satin dress, the bodice trimmed with accordeon-pleated frills o£ grey chiffon ; Miss Denniston, black satin dress with jet trimmings ; Miss Uirich, black satin, the bjdice finished with a white fichu and deep belt of red velvet; Miss Marjory Tart on, soft white Indian silk tacked drees with large sa&h ; Miss Shand, black trimmed .with jet ; Miss Edith Shand, green satin dress, finished with long sash ends of green satin; Miss Rita Neill, dress of rich blue brocade, the bodice trimmed with draped lacs and passementerie ; Miss Ro'oioson, black satin, the skirt edged with jet, the bodice trimmed with chiffon and jet.

On Friday, the 10th, Mrs Galiaway gave a large ladies' afternoon tea at her residence at Musselburgh. The day, though windy, was very warm, bo after partaking ot tea moat of the guests were glad to avail themselves of seats placed on the verandah and about the garden, where pleasant little groups .were formed, and considerable entertainment was found in watching and takit g part in a game of " putting," which helped to make the afternoon pass pleasantly. In the drawing room several ladies sang, the songs being much appreciated, and tea was served in the dining room, where the tea table looked most artistic, decorated with white marguerites and pink geraniums, arranged with delicate fronds of shaking grass.

About 70 ladies wera present, amongat whom were Mrs Galiaway, Mrs George Turnbull, Mrs and Miss Webster, Mrs Wbite, Mrs Allan Holmes, Mis 3 Holmes, Mrs Scott, Mrs C. Turnbull, . Mrs and the Misses Williams, Mrs A. Batbgate, Miss Batbgate, Miss Olive Turton, the Misses Rattray, the Misses MacLaren, Miss Gilkison, Mrs and Miss Bartleman, Mrs and Miss Dsnniston, Mrs Rattray, Mrs Lindo Ferguson, Mrs Michie, Mra Hosking, Mrs Melland, Mies A. Roberts. Miss X Stephenson, Mrs Woodhouse, Mrs Scobie Mackenzie, Mrs Herbert Le Cren, Mrs Fmker, Mrs and Mißa Boyd, Mrs Colquhoun, Mrs Haggitt, Mrs and Miss Neill, Mrs CurzonSiggers, &c.

Mrs Galiaway wore a handsome dress of pink silk veiled in black striped grenadine, the bodice made with yoke of pink silk trimmed with narrow ruching of blabk chiffon ; Miss Rattray, black tailor-made dress, and green and black hat; Miss K. Rattray, blue cloth coat and skirt, and black and pink hat; Mrs Williams, smart black tailor-made coat and skirt, small bonnet trimmed with wings and violets; Miss Williams, costume of purple cloth trimmed with narrow braid, pouched vest of heliotrope silk veiled in white chiffon, finished with revera of white satin b jaide& jatraw hat

trimmed with green and purple ; Miss Moorhouse (Wellington), stylish dresa of blight blue canvas clolb, the skirt trimmed with several rows of white lace insertion placed far apart on the skirt, the bodice trimmed with white lace, and full vest of white chiffon and lace, hat of fancy straw trimmed with flowers; Mrs Lindo Ferguson, stylish costume of brown canvas cloth, the bodice made with vest of apple green figured satin finished with gold braiding, pretty toque of roses, apple green ribbons, and lace Wings ; Mrs Batchelor, smart tailor-made costume 'of purple face cloth, the jacket opening over a tan-colouced checked waistcoat, bkek and pink bonnet; Miss Ethel Batchelor, smart dress of tan-coloured cloth with Zouave bodies showing a full vest, and deep belt of pale blue satin brocaded with pink rosebuds, picture hat with flowers ; Mias K. Stephenson, handsome dress of blue silk covered with c&nvas cloth embroidered with blue, the bodice trimmed with white silk and chiffon, Leghorn hat trimmed with flowers; Mrs Michie, stylish tailor-made costume of tan-coloured cloth, waistcoat finished with gold buttons, and pink and black toque; Mrs Hosking, cinnamon brown cloth tailor-made costume, with hat of yellow and black crinkled straw trimmed with white and black convolvuli ; Mies Gertrude Rittray, light brown tailormade skirt and jacket", brown straw hat trimmed with blue ribbons and lovely roses ; Miss- Lily Holmes, black skirt abd white muslin bodice trimmed with lace ; Miss Ethel Neill, gtey cishmero dress trimmed with white satin, hat with cornflowers and chiffon ; Miss Chaff jy (Canterbury), green covered with fine grass lawn trimmed with lace ; Mrs Scott, dark cloth tailor-made cos 'u me, the jacket opening over a veat made of email frills of shot silk, and floral bonnet ; Mrs Boyd, pink silk veiled in black striped grenadine, and black and piok bonnet. Miss Boyd, lustre dress of the palest shade of tan colour, the bodice trimmed with silk and lace, Leghorn hat with black feathers and yellow and white.

Mt and Mra John Roberta, Misa Lulu and Miss Ruby Roberts arrived in Danedin by the Wakatipu on Sunday morning, having returned to New Zaaland from London by the Gothic to Wellington. r

• The Bishop and Mrs Nevill returned to Dunedin on Thursday morning, and a large conversfeziono was given the same evening in the Garrison Hall to welcome them back. About 1500 were present, and after a little music a presentation address of welcome was made, which was followed by an interesting address from the bishop. Later on tea was served to every one, the various churches each having a tea table prettily decorated with flowers and laden with good thing*.

Miss Moorhouse (Wellington) was the guest of Mrs Williams (Anders on's Bay) for a few days on her way from Melbourne to Wellington.

A fashionable wedding, which created no small interest, took place on December 2 at St. Michael's Church, Obristchurch. The bride was .Miss Ovenden, daughter of Be Ovenden.and the bridegroom Dr Palmer, both very well known in Christchurch social circles. The service was full choral, and the bridal party was-- met at the church door by the clergymen and surpliced choir, who preceded them singing a bridal hymn.' The bride, who was much admired, wore a lovely dress of rich white satin, the underskirt trimmed with real Brussels lace, over which opened a long Court train edged with paarl trimming falling from the shoulders, the bodice veiled in chiffon embroidered with pearls. The train was carried by a tiny niece of the bridegroom, Miss Janet Ogle, who wore a pretty frock of white silk and lace insertion, and Dutch bonnet of lace. The bride was attended by seven bridesmaids — the Misses Palmer (sister of the bridegroom), Lee (niece of the bridegroom), M. Ootfceril!, G. Oowlishaw, Turrell, M. Cameron, and E. Cameron. They all wore dresses of white figured silk with long sashes of rose-coloured satin and trimmings of Valenciennes lace, large wbite picture hats with ostrich feathers and pink roses to match the sashes ; handsome bouquets and gold curb bangles, the gifts of the bridegroom, completed the costumes. After the ceremony a large reception was given by Mrs Palmer, the mother of the bridegroom, at her residence, " Woodford," Pap&nni road. Later in the afternoon the bride and bridegroom departed for " Methven," the estate of Mr Duncin Cameron, where the honeymoon was to be spent, the bride wearing a fawncoloured face cloth skirt and coat opening over a vest of white moire trimmed with lovely real lace, and stylish toque of whito straw trimmed with white flowers and ivy leaves.

On Wednesday, November 24, at All Saints' Ohursh, St. Kilda, Melbourne, Miss Clare Barry was married to Mr John Sandes, son of the Rev. S. D. Sandes. The church was prettily decorated, the aisle being spanned by two arches of evergreens and wbite lilies, and a horseshoe of white flowers w»3 fastened on all the paws reserved for invited guests. The bride, who was given awayby her father, Sir Graham Beny, wore an Empire gown of white satin trimmed with chiffon and lace, and wreath of orange blossoms, over which was arranged a tulle veil fastened with a handsome diamond star. The bride was attended by her four sisters and niece, who all wore muslin dresses over yellow silk. Tha three elder bridesmaids' dresses were of floral muslin over yellow, and yellow hats trimmed with black and yellow striped ribbons and black feather?, bouquets of water lilies and yellow carnations ; whilst the two children's dresses were of white muslin over yellow, and large white hats, and they carried a long white crook adorned with water lilies and yellow carnations. After the ceremony a reception was held at the residence of the bride's parents, when the Mayor of Melbourne proposed the health of the bride and -bridegroom. During the afternoon Mr and Mrs Sandes left on their wedding trip, tbe bride wearing a grey cloth skirt and Eton jacket openicg over a white veßt, and grey toque fiuißhed with white wings.

Mr W. S. H. Baillie, of Palmerston North, eon of the Hon. Captain W. D. Baillie,

M.L.0., was married at St. Paul's pro-

[ Cathedral, Wellington, on December 8, the brjde Jjeing th.c eldest daoektflS pf ..(MoReJ

Stavely, formerly of Danedin. The ceremony was performed by the Rsv. Cha9. Tisdall, of Waitotara, an old friend of the bridegroom. Mr A. U. Bonrne, a cousin, of Mr Baillie, acted as best man. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a lovely gown of white duchesse satin trimmed with pearl embroidery, Limerick lace, and orange blossom. The veil waa particularly b^autif ul, and had been worn on similar " occasions by her mother and grandmother. The bride's two sisters, Misses Ethel and Essie Stavely, wore dresses of white spotted muslin and large picture hats trimmed with silk and pink poppies. Dr Kingston Fyffe presided at the organ, and Mendelssohn's Weddifig March was exquisitely rendered. As the newly-married couple left the church a diminutive page in the person of Master Balcombe Brown strewed flowers in their path. After the ceremony a large number of relatives and friends assembled at the residence of the bride's parents. The guests Included the Hon. Captain, and Mra Baillie, Mr and Mrs Balcombe Brown, the Hons. W, Kelly and Major Harris, the Hon. J. G. Ward, Mias M Kenzie (Shag Point), Miss GruDsil, Miss Harris, Mr and Mrs Stephens, Me J. H, Hankins, and a great many others.

A very large and fashionable audience filled the Choral Hall on Tuesday afternoon, when the cod cert and presentation of prizes connected with the Misses Miller's school took place. The stage was prettily decorated, and sufficient relief of drapery and evergreens broke the monotony of the walls without interfering with the interesting exhibits of drawing, painting, and very beautiful needlework. The Misses Miller received their guests with charming courtesy, and a lengthy programme was gone through with excellent spirit- and ease. The items included a German play, a Frenoh Rondo, a French play, and various musical selections. The German play was marked by ease and fluency in tho performers ; the French Rondo was extremely light and pretty, buc the French play was really too long for an occasion of this kind. Most parents have to attend several of these closing entertainments, and are therefore thankful for a brief, bright programme. Too muoh praise can scarcely be given to the musical selections on the programme. One and all were good, and reflected credit alike on the teaching staff and the pupils. There was a criepness of touch and a sharpness of execution in the solo performances and a precision and excellence of time in the duets and quartettes which raised these items far above the ordinary level of such schoolgirl performances. Altogether the function, including the distribution of the numerous and handsome prizes, was jwell carried out : there was only one fault to find — it was just a little too long.

Quite a number of the visitors to the Br&emer House reception on Tuesday left; early in order to be present at tbe French play given by Mdlle Da Salamoe's pupils. It was to be regretted that the two schools should celebrate their closing on the same day, as many people would gladly have witnessed the whole of both ceremonies. The hall belonging to* the Congregational Church proved scarcely large enough for theAudienca which speedily filled it — a very gay and fashionable audience, too. All the arrangements, decorations, &c, were most artistic. The feature of the afternoon was the sparkling little French sketch '• Hafcsy-vous-Sente-ment," in which all the performers spoke and acted with delightful east 1 , fluency, and humour, Miss Florence Butterworth especially distinguishing herself, though it' seems almost unfair to single out one when all were so good. The little sketch was brief enough to be witty, though long enough, to display proficiency above the average, and parity of accent quite exceptional. Mdlle de Salamos is to be very heartily congratulated on the results of what must have been excellent linguistic teaching. Some spirited recitations were given, and later on a very droll French dialogue by two younger pupils, and finally a pretty French action song and chorus by the little ones. The interval in fche programme was hospitably filled in by tbe handing round of very dainty afternoon tea, cake?, and sweets ;' and then came the important business of distributing tbe prizes. Mr Gjorga Fenwick performed this somewhat Irjing office in a very successful manner, with a pleasant word and appreciative comment for each child, rightly-consider-ing that on such an occasion to be brief is to ba truly appropriate. An exceedingly pleasant gathering was brought to a close by Mr Fdnwick warmly congratulating Mdlle de SaljinoQS on the success- of her efforts

The picture concert given by the pupils of the Dominican Nuns on Friday evening in the City Hall attracted a very large and sympathetic audience. The pictures were extremely artistic in grouping and effect, aud the musical items excellent-, wonderful time and precision being observed in the " duo on three pianos " in the first portion of the programme and the duo " Capricante " on three pianos in the second part. The orchestral music was good, and the varied programme was carried out in an excellent manner from first to last. Immense trouble must have been taken in perfecting the details of the various tableaux, but when such efforts are crowned with the success which marked Friday Dight'e programme they cannot be called " love's labour lost."

An extremely pleasant evening was spent by those who were fortunate enough to receive cards of invitation to the distribution of prizes at Sb. Hilda's Collegiate School. The pretty rooms, with their latticed windows and low ceilings, were beautifully yet simply decorated, and a varied programme was gone through with admirable ease and precision. Physical culture no less than mental equipment and moral training receives the attention of the gentle sisters, as was strikingly exemplified by the items on the programme. Some very pretty choruses were excellently rendered by the pupils, and a French play, in which-a number of young ladies took part with great fluency, absorbed a considerable time. Recitations were given by several young ladies, " Fauler, the Preacher," by Miss Kitty Leary being a very refined and artistic effort. A charming little scene from " Alice in Wonderland " evoked the delighted recognition of the large audionos. »al tb§ Tattoo* CAlUthewc exer-

cises with dumb bells, clubs, and expanders were really beautifully performed. In the tambourine drill some very quaint and pretty conceits were introduced, and as tbis was by the younger children, the innate grace and unconsciousness of childhood found a happy exposition. An adjournment was made at the close of the programme to allow the visitors to enjoy the hospitality of the Sisters and at the same time criticise and admire the excellent needlework, which reflected much credit on the clever fingers of the pnpils, and the good examples of freehand drawing, flowers in pastel, and other exhibits which were displayed in the tea rooms. The prizes were given by Bishop Nevill, and his kindly remarks to each'piizataker wera well chosen and calculated to give pleasure to the recipients. A Christmas carol, very sweetly gung, brought the evening to a close.

On Tuesday, 7fch insr., the Ofcago Ladies' Golf Club held their final medal competition for the season. Miss P. Gibson proved to be the winner, with a score of 112 — 18 = 94 • while Miss Begg and MiesSkand won the ball trophies in the second and third divisions respectively. The medal now becomes the property of Mrs Melland, she having won it most frequently during the paafc eight months. Mrs Fergus provided afternoon tea as a farewell lo Mrs Hart, who is leaving us for two years. The weather was favourable, although a wind sprang up towards the latter ■part of the day, and after their contest the ladies seemed thoroughly to appreciate the I delicious strawberries and cream, tea, &c, 1 kindly provided for them. There was a good j muster of members (competitors and others), amongst them being Mesdames Fergus, ! Hosking, Pirn, Ferguson, Tbeomin, Woodj house, Butterworth, Hart, Ogston, Misses I Marcbanr, K. Rattray, MacNeii, &c, &3.

_ " Elite Styles " is the somewhat taking title of a charming and attractive American fashion paper for which Messrs W! J. Prictor and Co., Stafford street), have obtained the Ifew Z3aland agency. While many of tho styles are' certainly " elite," the usefulness of the paper is by no means losfc sight of, and each issue is full of useful hiats tot dresses, mantles, millinery, &c. Tha coloured plates are exceedingly handsome, and lend an attractiveness to the more sober, though possibly more useful, black and white. ' Elite Styles" is a monthly, and it should prove not, only of great; service to dressmaker?, bat also of incalculable benefit in the horns circle.

Welgel's Journal for December is quite up to its usual excellent standard, and contains many pretty designs for fashions in needlework as well as fashions in toilette. Among the former I notice very original combinations of point lace, with the charming tatting work which was so much in vogue with our mothers and now shows every symptom of being revived, together 'with its contemporary fashions. E irly Victorian needlework goes well with early Victorian costumes. ■Weigel's fashion drawings strive to draw us up that' unwilling Blope towards the odius trimmed skirt which onr soul abhors.,, There are ever bo many smart "skirt garnitures " to ohoofje from and some very'«tyliea millinery and pretty blouse*, ftltogefow making a very useful number.

The simplest inventions often bring the most comfort and pleasure to one's life. This is true in the domain of wearing apparel as in any other. The Oktis corset shield, to which we gladly call attention; is a modern invention which adds immensely to the durability of the coraet and to the objects for which a corset is worn. It consists of four or five short blades of covered rustless Zairoid metal about an inch wide, which are attached to one another by a band at the centre, tho band being tacked into Lbe-coxsftt. Tha endg are thus Jeffc free, and the blades being flexible they bend independently of one another with every movement of the body. The shields add in an extraordinary way to the oornfott of the corset — give extra aupporl to the figure, reduce the size of the waist, and preserve the bones or steels of the corset from breaking. Quite a chorus oE praise haj followed their intr.oduction.into England, and now they • are to be had from our local drapers, and will no doubt be given a trial by many of my readers.