TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2409, 3 May 1900, Page 60

TABLE TALK.

Monday Afternoon.

' Mrs and Miss Ethel Maclaren gave a very successful afternoon tea at Balvraid on Tuesday, the 24th ult. Between 60 and 70 ladies were present during the afternoon, but the rooms are so large and spacious that there was never any overcrowding. The large biU Hard room and drawing room were used as reception rooms and for music, while the dining room was prepared for tea. The table looked very pretty, decorated with scarlet ribbons, and sal via of the same colour arranged in high glasses. The verandah connecting the two rooms was carpeted, and as well as the grounds was used as a promenade by many of the guests between the different songs. Mrs *J. S. Williams sang two solos, and also sang in a couple of duets vriih. Mrs James Mills, charming everyone present

Amongst those present besides the hostesses were Mrs and Miss Morris, Mrs George M'Lean, the Misses M'Lean, Mrs Petre, Miss Cargill, Mrs J. Roberts, the Misses Roberts, Mrs Neville, Mrs and Miss Fitchett, Miss "Ulrich, Mrs Williams, the Misses Williams, Mrs Haggitt, Mrs Chapman, Miss Bartleman, Mrs O. Turnbull, Miss Stewart, Mrs Fenwick, Mrs Mills, the Misses Mills, Miss Royse, Mrs L. Ferguson, Mrs Butterworth, Miss Macassey, Mrs J. Wright, the Misses' Rattray, Mrs Hosking, and Miss Hart, Miss Turton, Mrs and Miss Shand, Mrs and Miss Denniston, Mrs and the Misses Sise, Mrs James Allen, Miss Allen, Miss Boyd, Mis Davies, Mr 3 Michie, Mrs S. Brent, Mrs Maclean, the Misses Wright, and Miss-* Butterworth.

Miss E. Maclaren wore a pretty floral muslin blouse, outlined with valenciennes, over a black cloth skirt; Mrs James Mills, very stylish gqw'i of blue and white foulard, the skirt tiimined with tiny frills of navy blue and the bodice made with a yoke of navy blue] outlined^ with- white lacs, black velvet feathered hat. and black boa ; . Miss Roberts, bright blue cloth coat and skirt, braided, with black,, and black and gold toque trimmed with feathers and scarlet cherriej^lMts-Bavies, black and white cc^ujaej-tebSimed with white satin and, black" lace, Black and white bonnet; Miss L. Roberts, smart fawn coat over a dark skist,, and blue and green toque hat ; Mrs , Lindo Ferguson, a long tan cloth coat over a dark gown, white feather boa and black velvet toque with a white feather erow^; Miss M'Lean, brown tweed coat and skirt and stylish hat of tomato velvet, with cone shaped crown and trimmed with black feathers ; Mrs Williams, tailor-made coat and &kirt of j black clofih, and chic hat of purple velvet with a white feather crown and trimmed with feathers ; Mrs Chapman, bronze silk dress covered with black grenadine, and smart tan cloth cape, trimmed with chiffon frilLs ; Mrs Fenwick, checked tweed coat and skirt, white boa t and black picture hat trimmed with white", feathers; Miss G. Mills, bright blue cloth dress and red and bl^cla velvet toque trimmed with beaycr ; Miss Butterworth,. navy blue cloth costume^ ,the jacket trimmed with reyers of checked silk;<,Miss Williams, gr,een 'and ' black tartan tweed dress, green velvet toque' trimmed with "bunches of violets ; Miss M. Williams, dark green cloth costume and puvple hat ; Mips Wright, grey skirt and black jacket, pretty hat of pale blue chenille straw; Mrs Theoniin, purple cloth dress, black and' yellow bonnel; r Mi&d Hart, tailor-made blue tweed skirt and coat, the latter made in Eton shape and with Elizabethan eollai of white silk braided with black, Leghorn hat trimmed with black feathers ; Mrs Allen, , hyacinth blue' cashmere dress, outlined with cream, lace, grey feather boa, black and pink bonnet; Miss Alleji, cinnamon brown cloth frock, trimmed with Honiton braiding, grey feathered hat trimmed with cherries ; Miss Boyd, lailor-made lawit cloth gown, white felt hat; Miss Denniston, navy blus coat and skirt, pretty white and black picture hat : Miss G. Wright, purple cloth coat and skirv, black velvet feathered hat ; Mis? Sise, navy blue silk blouse and blue cloth skirt, black velvet hat.

A very delightful afternoon "At home" was given on Tuesday hy Mrs Robert Martin, at

her residence in tho Octagon, in honour of Mrs Tewsley, from Auckland. Between 4-0 and 50 ladies were present,' and some really excellent music was given in the drawing room upstairs, where the hostess received her guests. Tea was served in the dining room, where the table looked lovely, laden with all sorts of delicious cakes and decorated with an Oriental table-centre and glasses filled with yellow chrysanthemums. Amongst those who contributed musical items during the afternoon were Mrs Blandford, who gave a, solo pianoforte piece and -also accompanied Mr Zimmerman with his violin several times, while Mrs Cur-zon-Si^-gers, Mrs Hislop, Mrs Oldham, and Miss Lilian Shand ah gave vocal selections. Mrs Martin wore a handsome gown of black merveilleux, with sequinned bodice, trimmed with passementerie and bugle trimming ; Mrs Tewsley (Aixoldand), wore a very styli.-h dress of dark blue cloth, both skirt and bodice braided with black, and the bodice having a top of white tucked satin outlined with yellow velvet and real lace, becoming toque of turquoise blue velvet : Mrs Dowling, smart coat and skirt of dark tweed, stitched, with red and black velvet feathered toque; Mrs Adam, navy blue doth dress, the front of the bodice being of crimson cloth braided with black, black and crinibon bonnet trimmed with beaver; Mrs Harris, fawn coat braided with white worn over a blask skirt, and magenta velvet toque hat ; Miss Branson, pretty dress of navy blue cloth, the bodice having a yoke and front of white silk covered with yellow guipure and oiitlined with blue velvet ; Miss L. Branson, checked blue and grey tweed costume, trimmed with blue velvet, and black velvet hat; Mrs Oldham, blue coat aiul shirt, smart white felt feathered' hat, and white boa; Miss Tolmie, smart blue cloth coat, and skirt stitched with white, and pink and black hat ; Miss Wilson, black braided serge dress and black and white crinoline hat ; Miss Hislop, bright blue cloth costume braided, with black hat en suite. There were also present Mrs .Sinclair, Mrs Fitchett, Mrs Mondy, Mrs Our^ zon-Siggers, Mrs Hislop, Mrs and the Misses Shand, Branson, Mrs and Miss Logan, Miss Stephenson, Miss Kempthorne, Miss Allan, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Walcott, Mrs Haggitt, Mrs Michie, Mis? Roberts, Mrs John Maclean, Mrs and Miss T. S. Graham, Mrs Cantrell, Miss Jones, Miss Gardener, Mrs Valentine, Miss Jackson.

The Fates were most unpropitious on Wednesday as far as weather goes, which was mo3t unfortunate, as foi that afternoon Mrs Logan had sept out a large number of invitations for an afternoon at home. t ' It; was wet all morning, and after 1 o'clock 'the showers seemed to settle down into a heavy downpour of rain, so many of the expectajl guests were quite unable to venture.out of doors. However, those who were brave enough to face the elements were amply rewarded by a very warm welcome, and by finding all the arrangements of the most perfect kind at Mrs Logan's new residence in Roslyn.

Mrs and the Misses Logan received the guests in the drawing room. Miss Logan looked extremely well in a stylish gown of pale blue silk veiled in white silk' chiffon, and trimmed, with black applique lace and black velvet ; Miss A. Logan wore a charming frock of silk nraslin, the' ground being white, with floral pattern of pink roses aWI brown leaves, and the w^iole trimmed with rose coloured velvet ribbon and lace ; Miss L. Logan, pretty frock of pale grey voile, relieved with cream lace and pirik 'silk 'trimmings. Aiv adjournment was soon made to the dining room, where the long table looked very tempting and artistic, laden with cakes and decorated with vases filled with bright blue cornflowers. Everything looked very cosy, the brilliancy of the warm fires and lights seeming to be accentuated by the miserable- rain, and cold outside. -In" the morning room Miss Tapley was ensconced telling many of the ladies present :their fortunes. A .professional lady of this ilk had been engaged "for the afternoon, but as she failed to put in an appearance, Miss Tapley kindly rose to the occasion and took her place. In the corridor upstairs Mr Robert&haw's string band was stationed, and from there it discoursed sweet music, which could be enjoyed in the various reception rooms as well as in the spacious hall.

; Amongst the guests present were Mrs A. >W. Morris, Mrs J. L. Bush (Invercargill), Mrs_ ",A. Skley, 'Miss M'Lean, Mrs and Miss Den-' 1 [niston, the Misses Roberts, 'Mrs Michie, Mrs ! and the Misses Eattray, Miss Mackellar, the i Misses Sise, Miss Graham, Mrs and Miss Tap_tley, Mrs Butterworth, Mrs Adam, Mrs and Miss Sinclair, Mrs Martin ; but owing to the inclemency of the weather they all wore coats and wraps. On Thursday evening a very pleasant euchre party was given by Dr and Mrs Mar- j tin at their residence in the Octagon, "in honour of Mr and Mrs Tewsley. The St. Clair Hall a very gay. appearance_jm— Friday evening, when the „ Misses- Fr'aser gave a large ball to ,their nume- j rous friends. The night was very and j wet, but this- seemed to have- no effect on the , guests,' as by half' past 8 o'clock many were the cabs and carriages rolling* out to the Beach, -and by 9 o'clock the hull v?as c/owded with a gay and festive throng. The hall looked very bright and pretty hung with flags, , and decorated with flowers and evergreens, j The floor being simply perfect, *he cold air ouhide made the dance all the more keenly enjoyed "by those inside, and as Messrs Yates^s band supplied the music, naedless to say it was perfect. A large marquee was erected in j the courtyard adjoining the hall, and here a ! most sumptuous supper ,vas served. The j table was decorated with lovely yellow chry- i santhemums', md fairly groaned under the j weight of the many delicacies supplied. Close , on. 150 guests, must have beon present during, the evening, and the time seemed to fly, all too quickly, the hostesses being unfailing in their efforts to secure the enjoyment' of all. j 'The -extras were kindly played by Mr Isaacs and Mrs Branson, but dancmg was stopped "•altogether during supper-time, so that everyone repaired to the siipper-room at the eair.o time, which had the effect of making every- I thing very sociable, and then after supper the ' extras were proceeded with. From beginning to end great spirit - was ..manifested, and all seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. _ i Amongst thosa present were Captain and Mrs Morrison, Mr and Mr 3 Finch, Mr and Mrs Kempthorne, Mrs Hart, the Misses Hart, ' Mr and Mrs Petre. Mrs Ibbotson, Mrs Fcnwick, Miss Cargill, Mrs Branson, the Misses Branson, Mrs Maca&sey, Mr and Miss Macnssey, Mr and Miss Mowbray (Auckland), Mr C. Fraser, AJt Marshal, Mv and Miss TJojxl, Mr and Miss Wright, Miss De Lantonr, Mr and Miss Fisher, Mr and Mifcs Dennislon, Miss "Roberts, Mi&s Eliot, Miss L. Ttattr,ay, ' Miss Jackson, Mr and Miss" Moodie, Miss D. Bathgate, Mr Horsfall (Melbourne)? Mi Allsop (Melbourne), Mr and Mips Kamsay, Miss Hislop. Miss Maitlond. Miss Hislop (Wellington), Mr S. Bell, Mr Law, Miss Stephenson, | Mif-s T_i. Macberras, Mr Richardson, Mr Grierson, the Mis=es Williams, Mb ami Mrs Galloway, Miss Webb, Mr VY. D. Stewart, Miss

Bakei, Mr Boot, Mr Bach, Miss Butterworth, Mr Ritchie, Dr Hay, Dr Riiey, Mr and Miss G. Webster, Miss Allen, the Misses Logan, Mr Hull, the Misse3 Farquhar, Mr Gully, Mr Settle, Miss Hart, the Messrs Cutten, Miss M. Graham., Miss Fitchett, the Misses Shand, Mrs and Miss S. Graham, Mr Haggitt, Mr Gibbons, Mr Sise, Miss Mill, Miss Nixson, and Mr Richardson.

Air and Mrs Fraser received the guests at the entrance to the hall. Mrs Fraser wore a gown of black brocade, trimmed with jet, and relieved with pipings of blue satin; Miss Fraser, very smart and becoming dress of daffodil yellow satin, both the skirt and bodice 'being trimmed with white chiffon ruches and laoc ; Miss Alice Fraser looked extremely well in a stylish frock of eau de nil silk, the whole covered with white lace, the bodice trimmed with draperies of eaxi de nil silk; Miss Nora Fraser wore a pretty white muslin and lace frock ; Mrs Finch, dress of pale pink silk, trimmed with narrow rows of black, velvet ribbon and black lace insertion; Mrs Hart, handsome black satin gown; Mrs Kempthorne, rich cream brocade gown, with draped bodice ; Mrs Morrison, white striped silk dress, trimmed with black velvet bands; Mrs A. Fenwick, rich white satin dress ; Mrs Stronaeh, black jilk and lace; the Misses Hart, very smart frocks of cream satin,' made with underskirts, trimmed with numerous tiny frills, the "bodices being trimmed with chiffon and lace ; Miss Stephenson, pale pink brocade dress, relieved with touches pi black velvet; Miss B. Farquhar, pretty dress of white figured silk, the bodice trimmed with sequinned lace ; Miss Nora Farquhar, soft yellow silk frock, the skirt trimmed with frills edged with black velvet, and the bodice draped in the fichu -style, also trimmed with ' frills and black velvet ; Miss Logan, dress of t rich myrtle-green • brocade, trimmed with sprays of violets, and the same flowers in her hair; Miss A. Logan, handsome white glace silk frock, with bunches of scarlet poppies on the bodice and in her hair ; Miss Allen, white satin dress ; Miss Wright, a, lovely frock of pale eau de nil satin, lined with pale salinonpink'silk, the bodice fitting beautifully, and simply draped; Miss Maitland, black satin and net dress, the bodice having long sleeves of black net, and trimmed with p vest of crushed strawberry satin ; Miss G. Williams, 'black silk dress, with frills and sleeves of black net, and with a rosette of green velvet on the left 'shoulder : Miss Grahatri, pink floral' silk dress, the bodice -trimmed with" lace and bands of rose-coloured^ velvet • ribbon ; Miss . May Ramsay, white 'latin frock, the bodice trimmed with 'sparkling lace; "'Miss Hislop, blue .silk dress Baker, Miss A. Shand, Miss Moodie, and Miss Mowbray all wore pretty .white satin dresses ; Miss Roberts, lovely dress of black net, covered with sparkling black sequins; Miss Macassey, becoming dr^ess of black moire velours and lace, with scarlet flowers on tlie bodice and in her hair ; Miss Sise, pink satin dress, and Miss Maud, white satin; Miss De Lautotir, black silk ariid net gown, trimmed with rows of black bebe ribbon; Miss Boyd, green silk and net dress, with pink ro&cs on the bodice and in her hair ; Miss Denniston, black silk and net dress ; Miss Branson, satin dress, with long sleeves "of black net, and trimmings of white satin; 'Miss L. Branson, white satin, the skirt made with an underskirt, and the bodice trimmed with silver passementerie ; Mi«s Nixon, white brocade gown, with trimmings of chiffon, and bands of silk passementerie ; Miss Mill, lovely dress of pale sea foam satin, the skirt trimmed with a dainty frill of chiffon and lace at the foot, and the bodice draped with sparkling sequinned chiffon; Miss Elliot, yellow silk dress, trimmed with frills and chiffon ; Miss G. Webster, Miss L. Mackerras, Miss Hislop, and Miss Shand all wore black satin d.resEes. The engagement has been announced in Wellington of Miss Mollie Richardson, daughter of the Hon. E. Richardson, to Mr J. Tripe, son of Dr Tripe. GORE, April 27. A plain and fancy dress ball was held in .Gore on the 25th, in aid of the Indian Relief Fund. A committee of ladies organised the ball, provided an excellent supper, and spent the afternoon decorating the hall and supper table. The result, was a most enjoyable evening. -"Among those "present were Mrs Poppelwell in khaki, as "One of Our Boys"; Mrs George Copland, as ■" Autumn " ; Mrs Montgomery, lady of Queen Anne ; Mrs Smith, " Dawn " ; Mrs A. A. Mac Gibbon. evening dres3; Mrs Donaldson, "Powder r.nd Patches " ; Mrs Collins, evening dress ; Mrs Blaikie, " Powder and Patches " ; Mrs Wallis, evening dress ; Mrs Nairn, evening dress ; Mrs | Boddy, " Powder and Patches " : Mrs Kelly, evening dress; Miss Green, "Summer'"; I Miss Godby, sailor girl; Miss R. Godby, v " Starlight " ■; Miss M'Sweensy; evening dress; Miss Macleod. "Pierrot"; Mips O'Kaive, "Hardest"; Mias Howes, evening | dresa; Mies Toswill, "The Blues'"; Miss .Muriel Toswill, " Spring "; 'Miss Oavanagh, ' evening dress. ; Miss Taylor, "Winter"; ~Mi<ix Cameron, "Powder 'and Patches"; Mia3 Murray. Polish peasant; Miss E. Murray, " Starlight " ; Miss B. Murray, Grecian lady"; Miss Latham, schoolgirl; -Miss Beattie, I " Ivy " ; Miss Steele, " Butterfly " ; Miss j'M'Ela.y, Red Cross nurse. Also present were Mr Poppelwell, Dr George - Copland, Mr Smith. Mr Montgomery, Mr Bowler. Mr A. A. Mac Gibbon, x\Jr Blailae. Mr Latham 1 (cricketer), Mr Collins, Mr Boddv, Mr WalHs, i Mr Kelly, Mr P. Campbell, Mr Nichol, Mr 1 Millar, Mr K. Murray (Black Watch). Mr F. Toswill (Gordon Highlander). Mr D. Mulvey (" Matavira Ensign"), Mr Irving (courtier of Charles I), Mr J. Latham (cricketer), Mr J. Latham, jim. (Spaniard), Mr Buchanan. Mr Cookson, Mt Johnson. Air Hurley (naval officer)) Mr Dun, and Mr Oaliill (cricketer). The forthcoming chrysanthemum show, May 9, presents some features of special interest to thoss interested in floral decorations. Special prizes are offered for table decorations, a new leparture being the prize for a table decoration exclusively of autumn foliage, bsrries, and ferns. This form of decoration i it so truly artistic, so much in favour in older | countries, and encourages such an observation | and appreciation oJ" Nature, chat it is to bo ! hoped it will be met with enthusiasm. Tihe ! chrysanthemum tables are always attractive j and popular. We should, however, like to .cc a much warmer interest taken "in the prizes offered fox floral 'baskets, bouquets, etc. The ' number ot exhibira sent' in to those classes at the floral fetes' showed what our f air t'owns--.vomeu are capable of, and we think that a feeling of loyalty to the local society should prompt them to take a more active interest in these exhibits. T understand that the committee has "decided to restrict the' show to one day, and that most satisfactory nrrange-

ments have 7jeen made as regards both musia and refreshments