TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2302, 14 April 1898, Page 43

TABLE TALK.

Monday Afternoon.

On Monday evenieg Mrs James Mil's gave a. large musical " at home " at her iesidence, Mount Ledge. Seldom, if ever, has a more brilliant assembly been given in Danedin, all the appointments being aimed ah, and certainly almost attained. The large drawing room was converted into a music room, and here Mr and Mrs Mills received their guests. The front door was closed and entrance was gained by a side door, which happy device made the hall equal to. another loom, and here a string band, consisting of a harp and two violins, discoursed eweet music all the evening between the different items that were being performed in the drawing-room. The verandahs were both covered in and furnished with plenty of seats for those who preferred conversation to music ; the morning room was used for refreshments, and a superb supper was served in the dining-room, while the table looked lovely decorated with flower?, and groaning under the weight of every good thing conceivable.

Although ever 200 gnests were present, there was no overcrowding whatever, the numbers being so well dispersed about the epacious hall and various rooms. The naufaical items were of an . exceptionally high ■ standard, nob one discordant or amateurish note being struck all the evening. The musical contributors during the early part of the evening were Mrs Mills and Mrs Williams (who sang an exquisite duet), Miss Florence Millß (who played several brilliant ' pianoforte soli), Mr Hunter, Miss Gwenda j Williams, and Mr S. Bell; and the, per- j formances of all these contributed materially to the enjoyment of the evening. The items i that fairly brought down the house were, J however, the performances of the Wentworth j Company. Miss Fanny Wentworth gave a musical sketch, in which she proved beyond all doubt . that ' she Is endowed j milk ju&ftafive faculties to an unusual ex-

tent, and this, combined with a charming, vivacious, and spontaneous style and address, enable her to give cTevar and life-like sketches of conventional scenes. She was aided in her efforts in this, direction bybeiag possessed of a voica of extensive range. Her first fiketch was an up-to-date "At Home," and in quick succession ahe gave a marvellously dexterous and extremely mirth-pro-voking series of impersonations, Theee fketcheß were brought to a closa by Miss Wentworth's song, " The tin gee-gee," which she gave with inimitable efftc 1 ;. The other performers were MrHughEmrnefctandMons. Napoleon-Boffard. The former gave an exhibition of what may be Etylftd " violin playing extraordinary." He played various pieces under, one would think, the most trying circumstances; but to Mr Emmetfc each position seemed equally good as another, if not better; Tbe weH-known strains emanated from the in&tmmtut if tbe bow were held in the peiformerV mouth or between bis knee?, or in some other equally eccentric fashion. Mons. Napoleoo-BJJ ard is the vocalist of the company, End, he aang two RODgs in a delightful tenor voice, while Miss B. Vartha accompanied hira. .

Atnosgst those' present besides Mr assd Mrs Mills and the Misses -Mills were Judge and Mrs Williams and the Misses Wlliianis (in whose honour the partjr was given), Mrs Robert Turnball (Lifcbunj)', Mi -tmd Mrs Oliver, Mr ?nd Mrs John Roberts Miss L. Robertp, Mr G. Roberts, Mr A. W. Morris, tbe Misses and Miss E. Morris, Mist Gilnes (Auckland), Mr and Mra Graham, Mis* Graham, Mr and Mrs G. L. and Miss D«amsloo, Mr« W. H. and the Miepes Reynold?, Mra Napier Bc-li, Mr and Miss Bell, Oaj.tain. Mrs, and Miss Boyd, Mr and ihsMi%3e-* Bachelor, Mr AnA Mis Vox, Mr and Mrs C liattray, TiSi?s J. Mills, Miss Ronalds (Clu-istchurch), Mr and Mrs Galloway, Mrs Catter, Mr and Mise Catten, Mrs Robert and Miss N&ill, Mrs Harvey (Oaraaru). Mr and Miss o&.rg.li, Mr and Mrs Petre, Dr unrL Mrs OgUor., Mr« Sievwrighr, Mr H. KeUJe, Mr &■..<■] Misa Ulricb.tMr, Mre, aad Miss Joachim. Mis? &L Turton, Mr Marshall, Mr Smith. Mr Harris, Mr Moore, Mr Hunter, Mr E. Williams. Mr and Mre Henry Williams, Mr Frs&er, Miss .Bartleman, the Misses Roberts, tae Mifcsep Gilkison, Dr Scott, the Misses Webber, Mrs Bell (Waibemo), Dr and Miss RUey, ths Misses and Mr F. Maclean, Mr Tapley, Mr Baldwin, Mr and Mrs Theocun, Mr and the Miss*s Sband, Mr Wr'ght, M!bs Blahenej, Mr and Mrs Bridgman, Miss Nfiill, Mr anrl the Misses Gibsor-, Mrs W. K. Reynolds, Mi^s Batbgatc?, Mr and Mrs Melland, the Misses MacLaren, Mr and Mra George Macieaa, Mr and Mrs Va'enbiuc, Mr aod Mrs Edmonil, Mr s,nd Mrs Chapmaa, Mr and Mrs Arthur Fisher, Mr and. Mrs Sirclair-Thom-scn, the Mifses Rattrayiand Miss Holmes.

Mrs Mills wore a lovely gown of pale /blue •moire velours, the bodice slightly pouched and veiled in spangled net, the whole being completed ' with white "chiffon sleeves and gash ends ; Miss Mills wore a becoming dress of rase pink brocade trimmed Tvich deep white lace ; Miss Florence, a white silk frock, the bodies trimmed with bunches of pink roses; Miss Gertrude also wore white Bilk, the square cut neck of her bodice being trimmed with white lace ; Mrs Williams, a handsome black satin dress wifch bodice of white chiffon trimmed with bands of jet and with shouldtrerl capes and belt of violet velvet ; Miss Williams, dress of black silk: covered with black net and trimmed with rows of black baby ribbon ; Mrs Robert Turnbull, a lovely black satin dress, the bodice trimmed with tioy rucbes of whits chiffou and bands of pearl trimming; Mi's Morrjp, very handsome dress of black satin brocaded with bunches of blue flowers ; Mrs Roberts, a black silk dress trimmed with white lace and white feathers ; Mrs Ritchie, yellow brocade, the bodice trimmed with chiffon ; Mrs Graham, black silk drees opening over an underskirt of black satin brocaded with bunches of red flowers, the bedice trimmed with lace ; Mrs Denniston, dress of rich black brocade trimmed with jet and lace ; Mr 3 George Maclean, a handsome, gown of black velvet trimmed with real white lace ; Miss D. William's, white satin dress trimmed with chiffon and with chiffon-ruched 3leeves adorned wifch rows of narrow white satin ribbon ; Mrs Napier Bell, black satin and jet drees : Miss Ball, a frock ot t»!1ow brocade,, the bodice of ■--hich V7.-.S iiimmed with chiffon and bunches of purple pansies; Miss Gibson, eau de r.il dress of moire velours, the bodice trimmed with bands of passementerie ; Miss N. Gibson, a very smart dress of rose pink glace silk, the skirt trimmed with Vandyke frills of white chiffon, and tbe bodice with ruches of the same ; Miss Boyd, white (satin dress trimmed with frills of heliotrope ribbon; Mrs Batchelor, a bteck patin dieaa, the bodice trimmsd with revers of, pale Uuq

| striped silk edged with ruches of heliotrope chiffon ; Mrs Fox, black satin gown trimmed with lace and bands of steel passementerie Miss Ronalds, pretty frock of soft white satin trimmed with lace; Mrs 0. R^ttray. pale blue satin skirt, with bodice of whits accorfleon-pleated chiffon trimmeci -witii panels of passementerie; Mra SinclairThomson, a lovely drees of pink and eaa d« nil satin ; Mrs Fisher, white satin dress, the bodice draped with folded bands ; Mrs Bell, white satin and lace ; Mss ChapmaD, a cream silk dress, the bodice trimmed with revers and sleeves of sage green velvet and lace ; Mrs Ogston, a shot giesn silk dress, with bodica of while chifCon ; Miss G-. Rattray, floral chine striped si'k dress trimmed with panels of green velvet and lace ; her sister, pink satin and lace ; Mrs Edmona, black satin dress, the bodice trimmed with black flowered Indian silk trimmirgs ; Mrs Valentine, a gown of black satir, the bodice trimmed with jet ; Miss MacLarer, pale grey silk, fcha bodice trimmed with accordeonpleated frills of grey chiffon and steel trimmings. On Tuesday afternoon Mrs John Roberts gave a delightful "At home " at her residence, " Lifctlebourno House," in honour of Judge, Mrs, and the Misses Williams, who sail for Eagjpnd by the ss. Rimutaka on Thursday, the 14th inst. The weather was all that could be desired, and the afternoon fvrov«d a most enjoyable one, the kind attentions of the host and hostess considerably adding to its success. A large number of guests were present, probably 200 at least some time durirg the afrernoon. The visitors on arrival were received by Mr and Mrs Roberts in the large hall, and then passed on to the spacious dinicgroom, where tables were arranged with tea, coffiee, etc., and quantities of magnificent grapes, ami presided over by the Miasea Roberts, who were aseisted by their brothers in looking after the wants of all tbe guests. Namercus little round tables covered with the daintiest of linen cloths were arranged aboafc the room, and round these parties cf friends assembled and sipped their tea in each other's company. The drawing room was used as a music room, and here the matrons mostly sat, while the younger people roamed about the halls and corridors or oat in the grounds, the day being quite warm enough to permit of the latter. A string band was- statioced in the upstairs corridor, and the music helped to make everything pass eff happily and well. Amongst the guests present were Judgs and M % r8 William?, tbe Misses Williams, Mrs Macapsey, Mr and Mies Macassey, Mrs R. Turabnll, Mrs C. Turn bull, Mrs Michie, Mrs j G-riersoß, Mrs and Mi?s Mills, Mrs Butterworth, Mr and Mrs Oliver, T£rs CRafctray, the Ratfcray, Mrs and Miss Boyd, Mrs Fenwick, Mrs Soott, Mra Bel 1 , Mrs I Chapman, Mrs and tbe Misses Shand, Lady Stoat, Mrs and Miss Macleari. Mrs ! and the Misses Graham, Mrs and the Mitraes ! Cf itfeoa, Miss Canaphell, Mrs Ls, Cren, Misa ; Blafeecey, Mrs, and Miws Dermistoa, Mrs and i she Misses .Reynolds, Mrs Leslie Reynolds, Mrs and the Misses Batchelor, Mrs Siev- '. wrighf, the Misses Sievwtight, Mrs Oarew, Miss Bartleman, Mr J. Wright, Mr W. Hez'etr-, Mr and Mrs Gheeseman, Mr and Mrs Sargood, Mr and Mrs Fox, Mra Bridgman, Miss Roberts, Mc 3 and the Misses Ulricb, Mrs and Mise ZMU, Mrs Edrnonu, Mr and Mrs Theomii), Mrs and tbe Misses Macker^as, tbe Misses Ramsay, Mrs -Greenwood, Mr and Miss John Maclean, Mr Moodie, Mrs Fulton, Mrs Herd man, Mr 3 and Mies Robert Neil], Mrs A. C. Bc-gg, Mrs i»cd Miss Breor, Mrs G. Mcodie, Dr and Mrs Barnett, Mrs Ogston, Mrs Fraser, Miss Ronalds (Christen arch), Mrs Morxi3, the ! Messrs and Miss Morris. Mr S. Mackenzie, Mrs George Tarnbul), Mrs Gailo-#7ay, Mps and Miss Joachim, Mra and Miss Bathgate, Mrs MacNeil, Miss Allat., Mr ace? Mra Finch, Mr& Siephenson, Mrs Driver, Mr& George MicLean, Mi&s NeilJ, Mi-s Baldwin, Mr Oldham, Mr Gbettie, Mrs V> 7 . B. Reyviolde, tbe Misses McLaren. Mre Perstoc, Mrs Turtor. Miss Molyneux, Mrc. Jones, Mrs Garland (Oaraaru), Mrs Harvsy (Oamaru), Mr aad Mrs Sinclair, Mr Hunter, Mrs M'Gowan, Mr and Miss Oargill, Mrs Petre, Miss F. Batterworth, Mr P. Wright, Mr D. Maitland, and Me Fisher. , Mrs Roberts wore a dress of black cloth trimmsd on the bodice with jet ; Miss Roberts, pretty white flowered muslin blouse over a dark green cloth skirt; Miss L. Roberts, a smart dress of green foulard figured with a white scroll and trimmed with rows of black velvet ribbon ; Mrs R. Turnbull, fawn-coloured cashmere dress trimmed -on both skirt and bodice with heliotrope silk and cream lace applique ; Mrs A. Tarn ball, black costume, the bodice betog of satin, toque hat relieved with scarlet; Mrs Michie, dark green cloth dress, the bodice vandyked with green vtlvefc edged with passementerie ; Mrs Griersoc, grey and blue barege dres=, the bodice trimmed with a yoke and frills of tucked blue surah, bonnet en suite ; Mrs Mill?, stylish dress of reseda green cashmere, the bodies trimmed with p&le blue chine silk, covered with sequin embroidery finished with revers and shoulder frills of black satin, large pictuie bal of black cbiffon with ostrich plumes; Mrs Btttterworth, a. ccrDflower blue Cress m&de wifch a Russian bodice, and Tuscan straw hat trimmed with poppies ; Mrs CheßsemaD, slate blue cloth costume trimmed with smoked pearl buttons : Mrs Sargood, sapphire bine silk die<s covered with black transparent canvas cloth, and the bodice trimmed with lacs and passementerie ; Mrs Oarew, purple cloth dress braided with black : Mrs Macassey, a shot silk blouse over a black skirt, and pretty little bonnet ; Mis 3 B. Mac Lean, a smart brown cloth dress, the whole braided and the bodice twined back with white - satin revers edged wilh fnr ; Mrs Williams, a tailor-made cloth dress, the jacket opening over a lace vest, black chiffon hat relieved with scarlet; Miss Campbell, stylish green cJofh costume, the bodice mada with a tucked yoke of green &ilk and braided with black-; Mrs Batchelor, green clofch coat, and «kirt, pink crowned hat of black velvet ; Miss Blakney, a striped grass lawn frock with larg« piefcure hat of black velvet; Miss Williams, purple cloth dress braided with black and with vest of white chiffon over heliotrope silk ; Miss Gibson, a pretty dress of fawn cashmere, and large black velvet hat wiih a pale blue velvet crown and trimmed Kith pjnk roses ; Miss 3, Bartleman, brown

c t cloth drass, fesft and collar of electric blue 3 silk. g Weldoa's Journal for April contains among • t other useful and practicable suggestions 3 some extremely pretty millinery, many ! examples of the trimmed skirt, come rather . j original suggestions for bodices of evenirjg 3 { and visiting gowns, and a very pretty and 3 1 effective border in linen applique.