TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2630, 10 August 1904, Page 64

TABLE TALK.

Monday, August 8. On Wednesday, July 27, Mr.' A. W. Morris entertained! a number of ladies at luncheon. Mrs Hocken, who was amongst the guests, was delighted to meet so many of her old friends again,

On Thursday evening Mrs W. A. Moore gave "bridge" party at her residence in Mormngton, when games were played at four tables. There were present Mt and Mr 3 Moore, Miss Walk (Sydney), Dr and Mrs Lindo Ferguson, Dr and Mrs Stanley Batchelor, Mr and Mrs Woodhouse, Mr and Mrs Hoskiug, Miss Marchant, Miss Alice Woodhouse, Miss Shand, Miss Ulrich, Mr Hunter, Mr C. Rattray, and Mr M'Ewan.

On Tuesday evening Mrs Janifs Mills gave a delightful little dance at "Mo ant Lodge' 1 in honour of the commandei of the Italian warship Liguria, then in port. Most of the ladies present had the honour of being presented lo his Hoyal Highness Prince Luigi. Duke of Abruzzi, who is in command, and several had the privilege of dancing with his Royal Highness. About 40 were present, amongst whom, besides Mr and Mrs Mills, were his Royal Highness, the Duke of Abruzzi, attended by his two <udes-de-camps and one of the officers oif the Liguria; Mr and Mrs Baifour Neill, Dr and Mrs Stanley Batchelor, the Misses> Williams, the Misses Sate, Miss Denni&ton, Miss Roberts, Miss Gladys Hocken, Miss G. Webster, Miss Neill, Miss Ewaix, Miss Maud Sise, Mr Parker, Mr J. Ritchie, Mr Simmons, Mr Barron, Mr Fenwick, Mr S. Neill, etc. Mrs MiUs wore a very handsome dress of pale green covered with lace and embroidered chiffon, the bodice draped with the chiffon ; Miss Williams wore black; Miss Constance Williams, pale green shirred dress ; Miss Neill, soft white silk dress, with pink chiffon sash; Miss Roberts, a very handsome dress of bright pink silk, embroidered with narrow ruchings of chiffon, real lace bertha draping the bodice, finished with a. large black loss ; Miss Denniston, white silk accordion-pleated dress trimmed with lace; Miss M. Sale, white, with lace beitha. On Wednesday evening Dr and Mis Lindo Ferguson gave a dinner party at their lesidence, "Transit House."

The Rowing Cltub ball, which was held in the Victoria Hall on Thursday evening, ivas an \uidoubted sticcess from every point of view, with the exception of the weather, which was the reverse of propitious. However, notwithstanding the boisterous conditions without, wifclin all was bright, warm, and gay, and, once inside the hall, all the outward unpleasantness was soon forgotten. Much of the enjoyment of the evening was due to the energetic secretary, Mr Brewer, who, aided by the members of committee, worked hard, and did all in his power to render the dance a success The floor was in excellent condition, and the hall moat beautifully decorated with everygreens and flags, and here and there an oar or iother boating trophy or emblem. Mr Yates's band was in attendance, and was stationed on the slightly raised dais at the far end of the room. On one side of the dais a pretty little drawing room was formed, the part apportioned off being carpeted and furnished with chairs, lounges, etc. The boardroom, was fiJsft arranged' as a drawing room,

and was rendered cosy and attractive with pielly furnishings and a waim file bn^ht y burning. Manj iound their way to this attractive (.oriiei between th^ dances, and sometunos even tluuug the dances. Helreshnients were served dsirmg the evening in a small anteroom, and supper was served in the annexes. Tlio committee are to be congiatulated on the undoubted success of their undertaking.

Amongst those present were Mr Brewer, Mr Barren, Mr G-. Branson, Miss C. Clark (a dfcbutante;, Miss Dinwiddy (Napier), Mr Gordon Uenmston, Miss Ewph, Miss Ruby Farquhar. Miss C. Forsytb, the Misses Fergus, Mr Fitzhcrbert (Wellington), Captain Maitland Gardner, Miss Alice Henderson (a debutante), Mr and Mrs Hall, the Misses Jackson, Miss X- l, Miss Kernpthorne, Miss Ifirkcaldy, Mr ana Miss Muir, Mies F. M'-Lsjui, Mr M'iiwan, Mr (t. and Miss Eileen Moodie, Mr Herbert i'ov.er, the Messrs Priest, Miss Roberts, Mr Alec. Roberts, Miss Nora Royse, Miss Reid, Mr and Mrs Harman Reeves, Mr George Ritchie, Mv .T. Ritchie, Mr and Mrs W. Sargcocl, Miss N. Salmon, Mr Dowme Stewart, Mr Stocker, Miss Tapley, the Misses Tapper, Miss Marjorie Turton, Miss Ulrich, Mr and Mrs "Leslie Wilson, Miss Wilson, Mr Wilkinson, etc.

Mr Justice Williams, Mrs Williams, and Miss Constance Williams have returned from Wellington, where Judge Williams has been attending the Court of Appeal during the last bix weeks.

Mrs Chapman returned last week from Wellington. Miss Vera Chapman remains there fo; a little witli her fatHer, M_- Justice Chapman.

Mrs Bell (Shag Valley) was in town for a few days last week.

Mrs and the Misses M'Lean accompanied the Hon. George M'Lean to Wellington on Saturday, where they will spend part of the session.

ArcKdeacon and Mrs Robinson returned from Rotorua and Wanganui on Thursday last.

Mr and Mrs Herbert Le Cren and their children have leturne'd to Dtinedin from Fairlie, South Canterbury, wheie they have spent the last few months, and are living at their residence in Mornington.

Mrs Hay (Teniuka) is spending a week in Dunedin as the s;uest of Mrs Sise, Queen streat.

Miss Olive Royse has gone to Christchurch, where she is visiting Mrs Peacock, at Papamii.

Mrs W. Reynolds returned from Timaru on Saturday.

Miss yon Asch has returned to Christdrurch.

Miss Stewart Eartleman spent a few^days in town, and returned to Oainaru on Saturday.

]\iiss Meralove h-as jone to Oaniaru, where she is staying with her sister-in-law, Mrs W. Msnlove, at Windsor Paik^.

Miss Egerton Jones, who has visited the Isiands and Aucklaud sin?e leaving Dunedm three months ago, returned from Auckland on Sunday, and is staying with Mrs James Mills at her residence, Mount Lodge.

Miss Rsttray h*s refnrned^ from Timaru, where she has been visiting Sirs M'Laren.

Mrs Gibson Smith has gone to Wellington, •where she is slaying with her daughter, Mrs Findlay.

INVERCARGILL, Monday. Quite one of the most successful of the "boys' " dances given this season was the fancy dress dw:e held in Ashley's Ha-11 on Friday eyesiing. R«?her unfortunately, it was optional, the result being that very few appeared in fancy dress. However, the committee have every leason to congratulate themselves on their success. The hall was nicely decorated with flags and greenery, and supper was served in the adjoining room, the table looking exceedingly pretty. The decorations consisted of large bowls of beautiful holly, and tiny fairy lamps were placed here and there. With both a good floor and 1 music everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves and dancing was kept up i ill the small hours of the morning. The chaperones for the evening were Mrs Wallis, Mrs Cook, aoid Mrs Morrison.

Amongst those present were Miss Sharp, Mr Oliver, Miss Tucker, Miss W. Tucker, MiBarnes, Mrs Morrison, Mr» Ellis, Miss Ayton, Sir H. A. Macdonald, Miss Hay, Miss C. Macgoun, Mr Raynor, Miss F. Bremner, Mr T. Royds, Miss Clapcott, Mr Kemuthorne, Miss Ethel Churton, Mr C. St. Paul," Miss Nurse, Miss Hawkins, Mr Tucker, Miss Robinson 1 , Dr Sale, Miss F. Carsweil, Mr M'Neill, Miss Moffett, Mr Moffett, Miss S. Pilcher, Mr V. Stocker, Miss Harvey, Dr Snow, Miss Bremner, Mr Gilmonr, Mr E. Russell, Mr .T. Christophers, Miss Callender, Miss Herdrnan, Mr Davidson, Miss Tan Thomson, Miss Basstian, Mr Campbell, Miss Carsweil, Miss Madge Spence, Mr N. Churton, Miss M. Rowley, Mr Boot, Miss F. Corbett, Mr C. Howorth, etc. On Friday afternoon the members of the Savage Club met at Mrs Hay's residence, Gala street. ' Miss M. Rowley had undertaken to arrange the programme, and a very 'pleasant afternoon was spent. A few of those present were Miss W. Tucker, Miss Mair, Miss Callender, Miss Sophy Pilcher, Miss Moffett, Miss Hay, Miss Gilrnour, Miss Rowley, etc. Mrs Hogg left on Thursday for Christchurch, where she intends staying for about a month. Mr F. Woodhouse (Dunedin), who has been in town for a few days, returned by the express on Saturday. x

On Tuesday last Mrs R. H. Rattra^ left ror Dunedin, en route for Sydney, where she purposes staying till Christmas.

Miss Macdonald ("Enwood") gave a small dinner party on Friday evening. There is a rurnoui that the members of the Savage Club intend to give a small dance on the 2Sth of this month.

Miss Lily Price has returned ifrom her visit to Dunedm.

# OAMAKU, August 6. The "Creation," given to a. crowded house last night by the Oamtiru Musical Society, preyed a. success in eveiy way, and we are ail ccugiatula.ting ourselves upon having scored even higher than we anticipated. Of course cur soloists deserve the greatest praise. Miss Murphy delighted all, especially in her rendering ol "With verdure clad" and "On, mighty nver.'' In the latter she showed to great advantage, the exquisite, sweetness of her trills and bmd-like imitation? charming all. May I say that it seems a great pity that Miss Murphy does not perfect herself Aiy Home training ; then would worcs seem inadequate to express our opinion of her. Mr Foster, who is new to Oaniam, won the appreciation of ail, his sweet voice and unassuming manner lending a charm not often experienced in Oainaru. The Ec-v. Mr Mitchell, who is not altogether a sti anger to us. proved himself still worthy of the appreciation he had previously won. his ieiideruig of "Soiling in fQaming billfiW be,-

ing altogether a decided success, as also were his other numbers. And now a word on the chorus. Considering the untrained mateuat (for with the exception of a very few such wag tha case), Mr Rose is to be congratulated upon his wonderful success. Amongft the audjenco I noticed! Mrs Holmes, Mis Malcolm Holmes, Mesdames Gilc-lnrist, Dermison. Darling, Garlsnd, Fisher, Edwards, Burry, Ros-e, Dorm, Williams, Bulleid, Kecldell, Bicknell, Misses Giffcrd, Gilchrist (2), Keddell, Sumpter, Bulleid, Burbiuy. Williams (2), Neville, Stubbs (Geraklme), Sutton, ere. On July 29, Dr and Mrs Garland gave a dunce at their residence ior the young friends of their sou, who has since returned to the Duneum University. It is needless to say that all enjoyed themselves, as Mrs Gar'axidl is always a charming hostess. Amongst those piepent were the Misses Keddell (2), Armstrong, Williams (9), Dennison, Platts (Port Chalmers), Bui bury, Nicolls, etc.

Mrs Cullen gave a booklet afternoon last Sattirday in honour of her sister-in-law, Miss Ciillen, who is now on a visit to Oaniaru. The Kahanga met as usual last Thursday, but owing to the inclemency of the weather aaxl the final rehearsaj of the "Creation" the same evening there was only a small attendance ; but, nevertheless, a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mis Garland ably fulfilled the double duties of hostess and chairwoman, owing to the fa'Cfc that Mis Gould was obliged to leave early in the evening owing to the rehearsal of the "Creation." Mrs Fisher was elected to the vacancy made by Mis Pring'le's cienarture.

Mrs Malcolm Holmes is at present visiting llev mother, Mrs Gilchrist.

Dr and Mrs Wait are visiting Christchurch, and hope to extend tlxeir visit to Hanmer Springs.

Miss Nicolls (Kurow) is at present th,e guest of Mrs Armstrong.

The Misses Armstrong are paying a short visit to Dunedin.

CHRISTCHURCH, August 5.

Everything has had to come to a standstill this week on account of the awful w-eather we have been treated to. Tianis, telephones, and telegrams, all alike were unable to b& worked. And then the horror of having to go out andi face the fusilade of snowballs on all sides! Thank goodness we have got back our sunshine again, and all traces of the recent storm ara quickly disappearing. We all hope the fine weather will remain for the football match on. Saturday, and cJuring the stay of our English visitors in Christchurch.

The licensed victuallers' ball took place last week in the Alexandra Hall, arrd was proncunced by all a tremendous success. The hall and supper room were beautifully decorated, also the corridors which were usec! for sitting out. The supper was done by Freeman, and was extremely good. The champagne (alas! for prohibition) was of the best, and dr.ncuig was kept going with great spirit till a very early hour of the morning. Fox's Bard supplied the music. Among those present were Mr and 1 Mrs Fox, president of the Licensed Victuallers' Association; Mr and Mrs Fraser, Mr and Mrs O'Neil, Mrs and Miss Whittle, Mr Sloman. the Misses Louisson, Miss Bowen, Mrs Reid, Mr and the Misses Hatfield, Mr Humphrys, Mr andl Mrs Charles Morris, Mr Kettle, Mr T. L. Cowlishaw, Mr Quille, and many others too numerous to mention.

A charming little dinner and "bridge" party vms given by Mis Woodroffe last Monday. The guests consisted of Mrs and Miss Anson, Mrs George Gould, Mrs Pyne, Mrs Randail, Mrs T. S L. Cowlishaw, and Miss Murray-Ayns-

The engagement of Miss Violet Campbell, cku«ghter of Mrs Michael Campbell, to Mr Fosberry NancaaTow has been, announced this week.

Miss Evelyn Cameron, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Duncan Cameron, Methven, has become engaged to a major of the Hussars, «'ud is to be married' almost at once, as Mr and Mrs Cameron leave England for the colony about October

Mrs Bond and her daughter-in-law, Mrs J. Bend, are staying at Suraii.&r.

The Mis&es Wilson, of Rsngitikei, are to b© the g-uests of Mrs J. D. Hadl during the coming gaieties.

The golf prize given by Mrs Stead was to have been competed for lest Friday, but the nrateh had to be postponed till Mondlay on. account of the weather.

Mrs Louisson's delightful little dance took place on Tuesday evening at her residence, Gloucester street. About SO people were present. The dining room was the scene of tha dancing, ajid was very prettily decorated with lovely spring flowers in pots, and evergreens. A very dainty supper was arranged in the drawing room on numbers of little tables. Light refreshments were provided all the evening in the breakfast room. Mrs Louisson received her guests in a, lovely gown oi pale grey crepe de chine, with trimmings o£ silver embroidery. Miss Louisson wore a. pretty pale blue, with chiffon trimniangs of the same shade ; Miss M. Louissan looked very nice in a becoming frock of white muslin de soie over junk glace.

Among the guests present were Miss Harris, in lovely gown of white mervilleux satin ; Miss Cohen (Sydney), handsorr* dtress of green glace silk and: trimmings of green chiffon; Miss Graham, black satin; Miss Brett, white silk ■with emerald green; Miss Bickerton Fisher, white silk ; Miss Kettle, yellow satin trinunied. ■with ficelle lace and white chrffoii; Miss R. Wilson, very pretty pink muslin and lace; Miss Julius, cream net over pink satin , Mist A. Julius, spotted nel over white silk and trimming's of pale turquoise blue; Miss Merton, pile blue silk; Miss G-. Merton, -pink merveilI leux satin and ecru lace ; Miss Nancarrow, cream voile; Misa Violet Campbell, pink silk *and lace; Miss Reid (Tiniaiu), black silk; Miss Humphries, lovely dress of black chiffon i over silk; Miss H. Dennistcn, white voile; Miss Molineux, cream net trimmed with frilla I cd^ed with pale blue- ribbon; Miss Bassett, white aiJk; Miss Burns, blue, with chiffon, trimmings; Miss Secretan, white; Miss Staveley, white and yellow; Miss Mathias, pale blue. | silk; Mrs Peacock, her lovely bridal frock of white satin and real lace.

WELLINGTON, August 5,

It was incieed a "Hail, fellow! well niet!" vtlconis that the British footballers received; in Wellington, for thsufc dreadful storm you southerners so kindly sent along had just arrived — snow, sleet, hail, rain, wind, and lightning gave us isoniefching to talk about. In srite of the wintry elements and bitter cold; tho receptions, first at the Paarliamenfcaryj Buildings, and later a. public ono at the Theat-ro Royal, weie tremendously enthusiastic, especially the latter. The greatest interest is being taken in the coming match, and visitors from all parts of Now Zealand ace expected. The crowd alone will ba intereatig. Thei British team are to be entertained by his Excellency the -Governor one nighb. The function, will, I think, take the form of a smoke concert at Government House. Then there is to be * dinner at the "Cecil," arranged! by the N. 2. Rugby X'nion ; and several other dissipations ■cull be "fitted in" if possible. The large bazaaa- in •lid of St. Mary's Home was opened last Wednesday by Lady PI linker. Ok the first* day £175 was taken, and the, pnrount required was easily leached the second day. In addition to fascinating pottery (.frora Lioertv'nJ, cushiony dolls, anci an endJleas va*

triety of dainty articles on the prettily-arranged stalls, there were several side shows to attract pairons and loosen their purse-strings—not-ably the dancing of Miss Esoelle Beere's charming little jrapils; "Waxworks," with Mr Alec. Newton and Captain J. G-. Hughes as showmen, and "Miss" Jarley; and on Friday iiight there Avas a variety entertainment, which, •wiio much enjoyed. At the opening ceremony iady Plunket wore a pretty brown dress, sable itrs^ and large white hat. "Everyone" was "spresent, of course, mostly wrapped in their iurs, as the day Avas intensely cold. The stall~3iolders axe: — Mesdtamea Samuel, H. J. Burnes, Jamieson, Frocih, "Wallis, Miss Coates, and assisting are Messrs Turner, Williams, Finch, JRfi-wson, ArkwrigOit, Sect/Son, and many others. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Plunket entertained a number of guests at dinner laafc Monday, and afterwards there was a small •idance, to which some young people were invited. Thes9 small dances aie very much en--oyed. Lady Pluuket Avore ra. Aery pretty gown ol ivory tulle, Avith sequin embroidery «,nd delicate design of mauve irises; Hon. ZKathleen Plunket, rose-coloured chiffon an-d pretty lace; Mrs Seddo-n, a handsome gown of "black brocade and lace; Mars Brandon was in cream bi ooa.de -and beautiful lace; Mrs Fit■chett's pretty dresa was relieved with lace and sequins; Mrs Studholme wore white satin; Mrs Hislop, black velvet and lovely old lace l>ertlie; Mrs Cooper, black brocade; Miss 3Efarcourfc, a goAvn of oyster-grey brocade softened Airith !ac<j; Miss Seddon Av-asin cream satin and chiffon; Miss May Sed-don, pretty satm gown. and lace; Miss "Ws'ldiegnave, white silk with laoa insertions; Miss Thome-George (Auckland), a loA r «ly frock of palest blue sunlay pleated chiffon, -with mapy flounces and. sih-er embroidery; Miss Eiddiford looked well in soft h'ory lace and deep belt of green silk; 2Jiss Mills Avas in black satin and lace berthe; Miss Nelson, eau de nil ailk; Miss Sommerville. pale blue silk; Miss E. SommerviHe, ivory crepe de chine; Miss Denniston, black satin and chiffon ; Miss Henry, ,pale blue lnocade ; Miss Fell, white Inx&ixa. inuslin ; Miss Finch, pale pink satin; Miss Ma-ssey, ■wliite silk ; Miss "Williams, rose-coloured satin ; Miss E. Williams, white chiffon; Miss^ Mills, pretty turquoise silk. j