TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2666, 19 April 1905, Page 68

TABLE TALK.

MONDAY, April 17.

On Friday, tha 7th. Mrs C. Eattray gave a ladies' luncheon as a farewell to Miss Roberts, vsho leaves for England by the Cormthic.

On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Sise gave a large ladies' "At home" at her residence in Queen stiost. About 100 were present, and an enjcyable afternoon was spent, the guests moving about from one locin to another and chatting with their friends. Tea was served in the dining room, where the table was prettily decoipted with red and white Uowms in high, glasses, whilst in the morning room delicious ice-creams were to be- found, pnd -vere much, aj. predated, the afternoon being so warm.

Mrs Site received her guests in the drawing reran, and Miss Sise presided over the tea. table in the dining room, and amongst the visitors were: Mrs and Miss Allen, Mrs Batchelor, Mrs Bathgate, Mrs Bridgeman, Mrs Biss, Mrs Blomfield, Miss Cargiil, Mrs Cheeseman. Miss Chapman, Miss Duncan, Cameron (Methven), Miss Coleridge (Wellington), Miss Liavidson, Mrs Davis, Mrs and Miss Denniston, MJrs Dowling. Mrs Driver, Mrs Edmond, Mrs and Miss Ewen, Miss Farquhar, Mrs Feigus, Miss Gilkison, Mrs Graham, Mrs Haggitt, Mrs Joachim. Mrs L>eCren, Mrs Macassej, Mrs and the Misses M'Lean, Miss Mackellar, Mrs Montgomerie (Little River), Mrs Maitland. Mrs Marshall, the Misses Mill (Port Chalmers!, Mrs and Miss Morris, the Misses Neill, Mrs Ogston, the Misses Reynolds, Mrs Richards, Mrs Ritchie, Mrs Roberts, Mrs and Miss Sale, Mrs and Miss Shand, Mrs Sinclair Thomson, Miss Sinclair, Mrs Stevenson. Mrs Stewart, Mrs C. Turnbull, Mrs Theomin, Mrs and Miss Ulrich, Miss Violet "Williams, the Misses Williams, eta.

Miss Sise wore a pretty white voile dress, sHrred and gaug-ed, with lace yoke on the bodice, finished with medallions of lace; Mrs M'Le-an, handsome black, with white and black yoke and white tulle toque with ostrich, tips and y&Kow roses ; Mrs Theomm, brown taffeta, silk costume gauged and corded, fullgathered bodice, with yoke of Paris lace and a touch of orange, brown feather hat with, yellow roses; Mrs Ernest Williams, dark blue cloth, tailor-made costume, and hat trimmed! with green and blue checked silk , J^r^ Montgomerie, white silk and lace dress and white feather hat finished -with pale blue strings ; Miss Ulrich, costume of white floral delaine, v ith lac© yoke finished with black velvet libbon, Tuscan hat ; Misß M'Lean, a. pretty I white silk dress, with Vandyked skirt trimmed with bauds of cream lace insertion, the bodice covered with spotted net and trimmed with lace, red straw hat trimmed- with geraniums ; Miss Chapman, blue linen costume, with Eton coat faced with white ; Miss Allen, dark blue costume, the bodice trimmed with straps of lace insertion, and dark blue hat; Mrs Biss, black tailor-made costume, the jacket faced with white strapped with black and finished with gold buttons, black hat with feathers; Mrs Brent, dark blue with black hat; Mrs Ogston, grey voile costume, with round, sloping yoke made of white silk a.nd grey-embroi-dered lace ; Miss Hevnolds, black, tiiramffd 1 with mohair braid and cream lace, tulle toque with pale green ; Mrs Mrs Ritchie, handsome dress of black taffet* siJk, the skirt gathered and finished with yoke of black lace, and the bodice made with deep yoke of cream lace finished with medallions of lace, applique, black picture hat with feathers; Miss Edith Shand, dark brown dress, "cream felt hat trimmed with brown and orange; Mrs Sinclair Thomson, pale green voiel trimmed with deep bands of white floral chin© silk, edged with cream lace insertion, lace yoke and feather stoles, and toque of white tulle with black velvet and yellow .flowers ; Miss Duncan Cameron, white silk trimmed with lace, and hat with pale pink finished with motor veil and strings of pale pink chiffon; Miss Denniston, costume of champagnecoloured voile, with lace yoke, brown marabout stoles, and brown tulle hat; Mrs Bridgeman, black -with tucked silk bodice trimmed with white embroidered baads, feather stoles, and black hat with white aigrette ; Miss Cargill, grey costume and black hat ; Miss Davidson, dark brown costume trimmed with bands oi galon trimming, brown hat trimmed withi shaded brown and yellow flowers ; Mrs Bryan Haggitt, dark blue costume with shirred! bodice trimmed with blue silk, cream lace yoke and feather stoles ; Miss Neill, tucked pael grey cloth Eton costume, with revers of embroidered silk, and vest of pale blue and lace, white marabout stoles and black hat; Miss Eita Neill, light grey tweed costume, the Eton coat trimmed with bands of pale blue embroidered, black beaver hat with feathers, and white furs ; Miss K. M'Lean, dark bTua costume finished with trimmings of emerald green velvet, cream lace on the bodice and sleeves, large blue hat with green, finished with white bird ; Mrs "Batchelor, costume of white voile trimmed with black lace insertion, red and white straw hat trimmed with cerise satin and flowers; Miss Batchelor. cream silk with yoke of lace, and belt and finishings of rose-coloitred silk, white hat with ostrich feathers ; Mrs Davis, grey tailor-made costume, the jacket trimmed with bands of embroidered white silk and worn over a vest of crpani silk and lace, black feather hat : Mr sDowling-. black and white, and toque with heliotrope andS white flowers ; Mrs Edrnond, dark blue cloth, costume aJid black feather hat; Mrs LeCren, grey voile costume, made with deet> accordionpleated frill and white lace trimmings, feather stoTes and black hat with white flowers: Mrs | Maitland. handsome black and white silk costume, white feather boa, and black and whites bonnet-. Mrs Marshall, dark blue voile dress ; ovpr white silk trimmed with faes;otting, and 1 black hat : Mrs W. Sareood, pale erey costume, with lace and grey hat; Miss Farquhar. black cloth dress, trimmed with bands of galon trimming, hat composed of two shaded of brown ; Mrs Fergus. Sark bine tailor-made costume, and toque relieved with a i,ou<_h of cerise.

On Wednesday aftornoon a r>l"i«a"+ liH'n gt»th.eiing -look place at Sir" ("Di) Martin's hoiise, when most of the monibprs. wt mid present, of the committee of the Duuedin Free "Kirdergarteii Association were piesent. Th^ £u,££ose gl tfo<« gatheiiug was piesenilj

xevealed, when Mrs Ulrich. on behalf of the committee, made ai handsome presentation to ltfrs W. H. Rejiiolds, who has been president of the association since its inauguration, in aecognition of her valuable service in connection with the Free Kindergarten schools, and also as a token of the harmonic-is feeling which, has always existed between the president and the committee. The presentation consisted of a handsome solid silver inkstand, "with suitable inscription engraved on it, and a pair of silver writing-table candlesticks. Mrs Reynolds, in a few words, expressed her surprise and pleasure at this token of the geed feeling that existed between herself and the various committees -with whom she had ■worked harmoniously for many years. Afternoon tea was then served, and thus concluded a, pleasant afternoon.

On Thursday afternoon the Misses Farqnhar gave an afternoon tea at the golf links es a, farewell to Miss Roberts, to which they invited members of the Ladies' Golf dub and some other friends. A good number were present, and the day was an ideal one for golf.

On Thursday evening Mrs W. Sargood gave a novel, party, which iook the form of a "progressive games" party. Eight tables were arranged in the large double dining mom, a different competition taking place at each table, and at the conclusion the successful winners at the greatest number of tables received prizes. Miss Cara Graham and Mr MacEwen proved to be the successful winners of the first prizes, whilst Miss Sale and Mr <?. Allen received prizes for winning the errellest number of games.

Amongst those present were Mr and. Mrs Saigood, Mrs and Miss Ewen, the Messrs Swen, Miss Sargood (Sydney), Miss Roberts, Mias Ulrich, Dr and Mrs Marshall, Miss Neill, Mr Hogg, Mr Sidney Neill, Miss M'Lean, -6£iss Allen, Mtr Fenwick, Mr Hunter, Miss Allen, Mr C. Allen, Mr MacEwen, etc.

On Friday Mrs Batchelor gave a large ladies' luncheon pai-ty as a farewell to Mis 3 Koberts at her residence in George street. About 30 were present, ambngst whom were Mr and Mrs Sargood, Mrs and Miss Ewen, the Messrs Ewen, Miss Sargood (Sydney), Miss M'Lean, Dr and Mrs Marshall) Miss Neill, Mr S. Neill, Miss Ulrich, Mr Hunter, Mr Hogg, Miss Chapman, Mr C. and Miss Allen, Miss Roberts, Miss C. Graham, Mr MacEwen, Mr Fenwick, Miss Sale, etc.

On Friday evening Mrs James Allen gave a most enjoyable dance at "Arana" as 2 fare•well to her daughter, Miss Doily Allen, who leaves next week by the Corinthic for England. Mrs Allen received her guests in the drawing zoom, and they the nadjeurned to the dming room, which had bee:* arranged for dancing, and where both floor and music ■were excellent. Saipper was served in thelibrary, and the drawing room was used to sit in between the dances. About 60 were present, and all spent a very pleasant evening. — Amongst those present, besides the host and hostess, were Miss Allen, Mr C. Allen, Mr J. Allen, Miss Batchelor, Mr H. and Miss Chapman, Mr Crawford, Miss Denniston, Mr Gordon Denniston, Miss Ewen, the Messrs Ewen, Mr Fenwick, Miss Grierson (Auckland), Mr Little, Miss M'Lean, Mr MacEwan, Mr and .Mrs W. Montgomerie (Little River), Mr J. Montgomerie, Miss Neill, Mt Parker, Mr G-. Ritchie, Miss Roberts, Miss Sale, Miss Edith Shand, Mr Stocker, Miss Sargood (Sydney), Miss R. Ulrich, Mr and Miss "Webster, Miss Violet Williams, Mr Leslie Williams, etc.

Mrs Allen wore pale grey crepe de chine trimmed with string-coloured lace and* black velvet; Miss Allen, a pretty cream satin dress much rucked and gathered ; Mrs Montgomerie, handsome dress of white glace silk trimmed •with flounces, and the bodice with transparent - sleeves and fichu of point d'esprit finished with belt of green; Miss. Lulu Roberts, pink satin trained dress, trimmed with bold scroll design in narrow chiffon ruches, and handsome lace collar draping the bodice ; Miss Edith Shand, black, the bodice trimmed - with lace; Miss Grierson (Auckland), dress of pale blue crepe de chine, the bodice covered with fichu of lace edged with sequin trimming ; Miss Neill, pink satin dress, the bodice finished ■with bands of embroidered silk and white rucked chiffon ; Miss K. Ulrich, white silk and chiffon; Miss Chapman, white sa.tin~ and spotted net finished with little bows of shaded pink ribbon; Miss Violet Williams, pink silk dress, with white chiffon bertha and pink chou; Miss Denniston, cream silk accordionpleated dress trimmed with cream lace insrtion; Miss M'Lean, pink brocade trained dress, with lace bertha on the bodice; Miss Sale, green, trimmed .with lace ; Miss Sargood, dress of floral chiffon and lace ; Miss Batchelor, white satin dress, with chiffon fichu, finished with belt, and chou of orange colour; Miss Ewen, white satin and lace.

On Saturday afternoon Mrs George M'Lean gave a large ladies' "At home" at "Hazelwood." the number present, there mus no crowding, the spacious rooms affording ample space to move about in-. Mrs M'Lean received^ her guests in the drawing room ; -and jn the large conservatory beyond Mr Robertshaw's string band was stationed, and played selections during the afternoon. Tea and refreshments were served in the dining room, the table being arranged with centrepiece of white satin bordered with silver embroidery, on which were placed glasses of Tbright red flowers intermixed with white, and in the morning r-oom delicious ice creams were to hs found. A special feature of the afternoon' s_

entertainment was a guessing competition, in which all took part. Each guest on arrival was provided with a sheet of paper and pencil. On the former were about 20 questions, consisting of the first and last letters of the word required for the answer. The letters represented the first and last of a "Title of honour, ' and very keen interest was taken by one and all in the contest as to who should succeed in finding the greatest number of correct answers. "Prime Minister," "Shah of Persia," '"Lord Mayor," etc., were amongst the most simple answers. No one had much time for conversation on Saturday, all were so busily engaged, and so absorbed in the task allotted to them. Little silent groups were to be seen in the conservatory, in corners of the rooms, in theiiall, without and within, all bent on the same thing. Towards the close of the afternoon the answers to the questions were Tead, the result being that Mrs Ogston and Mrs Bridgman had succeeded in finding out the greatest number of correct answers, and each, lady was presented with a handsome prize. The competition had the charm of novelty about it, besides being more or less instructive, and was much enjoyed by all present.

Besides Mrs and the Misses M'Lean, there were present Mrs Adam, airs Allen, M/s Noble Anderson, Mrs and Miss Batchelor, Mrs Benham, Mrs Biss, Mrs and Miss Bathgate, Mrs Brent, Mrs Bridgman, Mrs and Miss Burnett, Mrs Cheeseman, Mrs and Miss Coughtrey. Miss Cutten, Mrs Colquhoun, Miss Coleridge, Mrs Davies, Mrs and Miss Denniston, Mrs Driyer, Mrs and Miss Ewen, Mrs and Miss Ewing, the Misses Fulton, Mrs Graham, Miss Gilkison, Mrs Haggitt, Miss Hart, Mrs Hosking, Mrs Holdsworth, Mrs Hocken, Mrs and Miss Joachim, Mrs Macassey, Mrs M'Gill, Miss Mackenzie, Mrs M'Gowan, Miss M'Kellar, Mrs Maitland, Miss Marchant, Mrs Marshall, Mrs and Miss Morris, the Misses Neill, Mrs Nisbet, Mrs Ogston, the Misses Reynolds, Mrs Eardley Reynolds, Mrs Richards, Mrs Riley, Mrs Ritchie, Mrs and Miss Roberts, Mrs and Miss Sale, Mrs W. Sargood, Mrs and the Misses Shand, Mrs Sise, Mrs Skeat, Mrs Thomas, rs Turnbuli, Mrs and Miss Ulrich, Miss Webster, Mrs and Miss White, the Misses Williams, Miss Wimperis, etc.

Mrs M'Lean wore a handsome black gown with, collar and neck trimmings of Honiton lace ; Miss M'Lean, a dainty blouse of white silk and lace over a dark skirt, and Miss Kathleen, a white silk dross with yc-ke of lace ; Mrs Batcheior, dark blue cloth costume "and red and white straw hat, trimmed with bright red flowers and satin ribbon; Miss Batchelor, white, relieved by a. touch, of red, and white hat with ostrich tips; Mrs Allen, cc-stume of cinnamon brown voile, trimmed with cream lace insertion, and white tulle toque ; Mrs Biss. black tailor-made costume, with white revlrs, finished with gold buttons, and black hat ; Miss Burnett, a brown costume, with Eton jacket finished with orange pipings, large white beaver hat trimmed with white and large black rosettes ; Coughtrey, dark blue cloth coat and skirl, white hat with rjink flowers; Miss Cutten, dark b'aie voile dress trimmed with laco and gathered, feather stoles, and blue velvet hat with shaded green feather; Miss B-athgate, dark green clctb coat and skirt, finished with white revers and lace vest, black feather hat ; Mrs Davies, a black coat and skirt, the jacket trimmed ■with, rovers of Chinese embroidery on white ground, and white fancy straw hat ; Miss Maxid Reynolds, dark blue coat and skirt, and cream bea-rei hat with moss-green and pale blue feilk trimmings; Miss Vida Reynolds, costume of champagne-coloured voile, with Eton coat, brown furs-, and pale green and white hat; Miss Coleridge (Wellington), dark blue costume, and hat with pale blue silk trinirnings; Miss Ewen, a dark blue and! white voile dress trimmed with medallions of Chinese embroidery, and dark blue beaver hat ; Mr: W. Sargood, a costume of cream coloured serge trimmed with, narrow brown satin ribbon," cellar of the serge interlaced •with brown ribbon, and shaded brown hat ; Miss H. Fulton, dark green cloth tailor-made diess and black hat ; Mias Hart, a brown dress trimmed with, brown satin, ribbon luchings, white vest, and sleeve frills, black feather hat; Mrs Holdsworth, a costume of narrow striped black and white taffeta silk, with a touch of orange colour, feather stoles, and black hat; Mts Hosking light brovra gathered, and rucked costume, made with yoke of lace with a touch of blue, large white hat trimmed with pale blue and black rosettes; Miss Denniston, dark blue serge costume and white beaver hat, with black trimmings ; Miss Sise, white voile costume -with lace yoke, and black feather pink straw hat ; Mrs Marshall, dark blue voile spotted with black and trimmed with lace, pink straw hat; Mrs Marshall, dark blue vile over white, trimmed with faggoting; Mrs Eardley Reynolds, bright navy blue, tho bodice trimmed with lace yoke and blue velvet, green silk belt, and blue hat with white; Miss Williams, dark grey tweed Eton costume, and Tuscan straw hat trimmed with black velvet and yellow flowers ; Miss Constance Williams, giey tailor-made dress and black hat; Miss Kathleen Ulrich, brown dress and biown ha.t trimmed with brown silk ruching-s ; MrsRitchie, costume of sea-green taffeta silk, rucked and gauged, with lace yoke, marabout slok-s, and black feather hat ; Miss Roberts, darks grey Etou costume, white talk blouse, and black toque ; Mrs Riiey, pale grey crepa de chine trimmed with soft silk lace, and black hat with feathers ; Miss Gilkiscn, white silk, with black laoe trimmings, marabout stoics, and black hat ; Miss Mackeu2ie, black and white, and black and white tcque ; Mrs M'Gowan, pale grey tailor-made costume, and bright red hat; Mrs> Maitland, black and white taffeta silk dress, feather boa, and black and whjte bonnet j Miss NeilU jjale grey, cloth dress

J with blue and white facings, beaver hat with ' leathers ; MiFs Shand. cream silk and lace dre?s, and long white coat with orange fac-

On Saturday evening Mrs Lindo Ferguson sjiLVD a small dance at "Transit House." Mrs Ferguson received her guests in the drawing room, and they then passed on to the balllooin and spent a very pleasant evening. About 30 wore present, amongst whom, besides Dr and Mrs Lindo Ferguson, wore Dr and Mis Stanley Batchelor, Mr and Mrs W. Montq< rntrie (Little River), Mr J. Montgomerie, Mis 3 Dora Williams, Mr and Miss Howden, Miss Marohant, Miss Neill, Miss Batchelor, Mr C. Allen, Miss Allen, Miss Grierson (Auckland), Mr Fenwick, Mr George Ritchie, Miss K. Uhick, Miss Duncan Cameron (Moihveu), etc.

Tho same evening Mrs Percy Sargood gave a small dance at "M-arinoto" as a farewell to Miss Sargood, who returns this week to Sydney. About 30 were present, and the hall was converted into a capital dancing room for a small number. AY the rooms entering from the hall were thrown open, and lovely flowers were everywhere to be seen. Besides Mr and Mrs Percy Sargood there were present Mr and Mrs W. Sargood, Miss Ewen, the Messrs Ewen, Miss .Roberts, Mr Alec Koberts, Miss M'Lean, Miss Ulrich, Miss Ruby Farquhar, Miss' Sise, Mr Hogg, Mr Hunter, Mr E. Sise, Stocker, etc

IWVERCARGILL, April 15.

Mrs Rattray gave a large euchre party on Friday evening, about 40 guests being present. After an exciting contest the first prizes were won by Mrs Hogg and Mr J. L. Bush, and the boobies' prizes by Miss Hay and Mr Erskine Nicol. Supper was served in the dining room, where the table was prettily decorated with chrysanthemums and laden with dainties of every description. - Among those present were Dr and Mrs Hogg, Mr and Mrs Sharp, Mr and Mrs Bush, Mr and Mrs G. H. Waymouth, Miss Harvey, Miss N. Thomson, Mr J. C. Brodrick, Mr Mackie, Miss Ayton, Mr T. Ellis, Misses Ewart (2), Miss Sharp, Mr M'Leod, Mr W. Campbell, Mr T. Watson, Mr Matheson, Miss Hay, Misses Carswell (2), Mr Kempthorne, Miss Callender, Mrs Morrison, Miss Clapcott, Miss MacGoun, Dr Barclay, Mr Boot, Dr Sale, Dr Ewart, etc.

The first meeting for the season of the Savage Club was held at Mrs Tucker's lesidence, Gala street, on Friday afternoon. An enjoyable programme was given during the afternoon. Among the items were songs by Mrs George Moffett, Mrs H. S. Kyle, Miss Mair, a reading by Miss Rawson, and a dialogue by the Misses Robinson, Fielding, and Carswell. Some of the members present •were Mrs Hazlett ((president), Miss W. Tucker, Miss Hazlett (Dunedin), Miss Crofts, Miss R. Thompson, Miss Mitchell, Miss Hay, etc. Mr and Mrs P. L. Wright • are at present visiting in Dunedin.

Miss Ethel Hazlett (Dunedin) is staying with Mrs W. T. Hazlett, Gladstone.

Miss Ivey (Christchurch) is in Invercargill at present staying with Mrs Gardner, Spey street.

OAMARTJ, April 15.

Mrs M'Douall gave an "At home" on Wednesday last in honour of Miss M'Douall, of Sydney. Mrs M'Douall received her friends in the drawing room, afternoon tea being served in the dining room, and among the many present were Lady Miller, Mesdames MAdam, Holmes, Douglas, Whitton, Garland, Morris, MacPherson (Totara), Williams, Edwards, and Rose ; Misses Barton, Edwards, Gilchrist, Hassel (2), Gifford (2), Bicknell (2), M'Caw (2). Musical items were rendered during the afternoon by Mrs Charles Morris, Mrs Williams, Mrs MacPherson, Miss M'Douall, and Miss Edwards, Mrs Rose acting as accompanist. Mrs Basil Seth-Smith has returned to Ngapara, and now has Miss Beaven staying with her for a while. A marriage has been arranged, and is expected to shortly take place, between Mr W. H. Valpy and Miss Chisnall, more popularly known as Nurse Chisnall. The Musical Society rendered "The Ancient Mariner" on Friday last very creditably indeed, under the experienced baton of Mr Rose. The orchestra was under the leadership of the Hon. George Jones, and tEe solos were taken by Mrs Gould, Miss Gifford — both singing delightfully, — and Messrs Don, Williamson, Rose, and Frank Jones also deserve great praise for the sympathetic and intelligent manner in which they sang their respective items. I think I am quite safe in saving that the audience went away well satisfied with what they had heard — Oliver Twist like, wishing for more.

A small surprise party went out to Redcastle on Friday evening. Mr and Mrs Buckley received their guests in their well-known hospitable manner, and everybody had a splendid time, dancing being kept up to a very^late — or, rather, early— hour.

Miss F. Fenwick returned from the south this week. Mrs Chas. Fenwick (Christchurch) is visiting Mrs Maude.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 15. Saturday last, the opening day of the Shirley Golf Links, was wintry enough to be quite appropriate to the occasion. Quite a large number of enthusiasts went out by train in the morning, and a niimber of mixed foursomes were played with an enthusiasm that was probably sharpened by repression. During the afternoon the players were added to by several " moting" parties, among them the Governor and Lady Plunket, accompanied by their suite. Unhappily, they missed their way, and were late in arriving, when they were received by the committee, and entertained in the pretty rooms ot the up-to-date little club house, which were gaily decorated in honour of the distinguished guest 3.

Lady Plunket was wearing a pale grey taildrmade, and a handsome fur motoring coat, white cloth motor cap, and veil ; the Hon. Kathleen Plunket wore cream serge, with a long dust-coat of a greyish tone; Mrs Vernon, the captain of the- ladies' team, white cloth, with black and white hat; Mrs G. Gould, grey tailor-made costume, and black hat ; Mrs Arthur Rhodes, handsome dark blue gown and rich seal fur coat, black hat; Mrs Jos. Studholme (North Island), pale blue cloth costume, white hat and veil ; Mrs Kettle, smart navy blue tailor-made, black hat with white touches; Mrs Ronalds, black, with black and white bonnet ; Mrs Harley, black ; Mrs Loughnan, navy blue, white hat; Mrs Wardrop, brown costume and coat, motor cap and veil ; Mrs Henry Wood, smart navy blue costume, bliie and green liat ; Mrs Henry Cotterill, navy blue, scarlet hat; Mrs J. Mills, fawn, hat to match. Mrs Archer, Mrs Williams, the Misses Murray-Aynsley, Mrs Secretan, Mrs and Misb Ensor, Mrs and Miss Synies, Mrs and Miss Campbell, Mrs Beals, Mrs Harman, and the Misses Stead, Nanoarrow, Kitson, Secretan, Prins, Mills, and Turnbuli were present as well.

Miss Beswick, of Seacliff, was staying in town last week on her way to Auckland and Rotorua. Mr. arid Mrs Barnes have taken a house at

Sumner, and will reside there for some months.

Miss A. Nairn, iS'ortii Island, is in town, visiting friends.

Mrs G. Fenwick and Miss Fenwick (Dunedin) spent a few days in Christchurch last week on their way to "Wellington, in oider to meet the Misses Linda and Florence Fenwick 011 their return from a visit to England. Mr and Mrs Joseph Studholme are leaving shoitly on a visit 10 Euiope and America. I hear that they have sold t'aeu" station 111 the JN'orth Island.

Mr and Mrs C. Xewton have gone to live at Lower Riccarton. Mrs and Miss Wells have' returned to Amberley, after a visit to town.

Mr and Mis Robeits have taken Mr Carey'l3 pretty hoiisc on the Sumner hill for the winter.

Mrs Duncan Cameron has returned from a visit to Dunedin. Mr and Mrs Percy Sargood returned south last week.

Mr and Mrs Haydon, late of Virginia Station, left last week for the Argentine and Europe.

The private view of the Art Society's twentyfifth annual exhibition oi pictures passed off on Thursday evening with unwonted brilliance. The Governor and Lady PJunket, accompanied by their suite, were the guests of the evening, and the Governor, at the request of Dr Jennings, pronounced the exhibition open in a pleasant little speech. A charming feature in the arrangement of the gallery, which was beautifully decorated with tall and very handsome palms among the sofas and cosy cliairs, was the shading of the lights, which were made to shed all their radiance on tho pictures, and to leave the room itself in a soft, dim, religious light that was exquisitely grateful to the ej'es. A very pleasant concert took place in the permanent gallery, lasting till nearly 10 o'clock, m the interval of which refreshments were handed round. Of the pictures themselves, I shall postpone my remarks till next week, and devote my space to the guests themselves.

Lady Plunket wore a very handsome robe of dahlia-red satin, with sleeves of white chiffon, and the bodice trimmed with beatitiful point and Honiton lace. With it she wore a splendid necklace and tiara of diamonds. The Hon. Kathleen Plunket wore white crepe de chine, with touches of pink ; Mrs Jennings, pretty gown of white; Mrs J. Gibbs, black gown with sequins, vest of cream chiffon and lace; Mrs Denniston, black satin and lace; Mrs G. Harper, black satin; Mrs Tabart, rich black gown; Miss Tabart, cream with touches of pink; Mrs Litchfield, pale grey silk; Mrs William Recce, rich black silk with crear lace ; Mrs Waymouth, lovely paje gre;-deon-pleated gown; Miss Secretan, prcit. white silk; Mrs Blunt, pale grey satin; Mrs M'Beth, handsome white silk; Miss Wilkin, soft white silk ; Mrs Hurst Seager, graceful black net over silk; LJr Cobharn, black gauze, handsome lace on corsage ; Mrs Stringer, rich gown of cream satin, diamond ornaments ; Miss Freeman, mauve satin and cream la-ec ; Mrs Snow, white gown, pale blue wrap. Dr Edith Brown has left for London, v- ■- she is to be married to a doctor.

WELLINGTON, April 14.

Do you think it possible that we could ever , be sufficiently foolish to allow crinolines to be once more worn? The idea is certainly an absurd one, and yet — let me whisper: something approaching one will make its appearance at the first "swagger" ball. The gown, which is of lemon-coloured glace silk, is made with a voluminous skirt, which is stiffened , with a double iow of cane, and trimmed with elaborate puffings andf rosettes of chiffon of the same shade. The quaint bodice has an. ex- j quisite bertha of real lace over chiffon, and is held together in front by three tiny bows of orange velvet, and from the chiffon folds underneath comes the gleam of a brilliant Truckle. The wearer of this dress will look so picturesque and pretty that in spite of her too exaggerated skirt she will be forgiven. Hoops of cane most certainly suggest the thin end | of the wedge. Thank goodness there are some i enlightened women who are not slaves *to fashion, and who at the first appearance of the hooped skirt will form an anti-crinoline league. The only danger lie^ in evening gowns — no sane person would dare suggest > such a thing for the street, certainly not in ' our windy city. 1 Whilst on the subject of fashions, have you heard that we are to be allowed the luxury of pockets in our winter frocks? So we have something to be thankful for in the exit of the severely plain skirts. By the way, handkerhcief makers have almost doubled their sales during these pocketless years, for the number of handkerchiefs lost has been legion.

The marriage of Mr Hector Bethune, manager of the Bank of Australasia, and Miss Srm,th, of Wairarapa, was quietly -solemnised 011 Tuesday last, at Wanganui. Mr and Mrs Bethune have gone to Australia en route for England and the Continent. "A most enjoyable euchre party was given by Mrs Jack Rose at her residence, Lower Hutt, on Monday last. Mrs Houghton, of Auckland, and Miss Hargreaves, are just now the guests of Mrs Rose. <lu.r hostess received wearing a lovely gown of point d'esprit net, and lace bertha ; Mrs Houghton wore a white lace gown over- silk ; and Miss Hargreaves, a cream chiffon "dress. Other guest 3 were Dr and Mrs Purdy, Dr and Mrs Perry, Dr and Miss Ross, Mr and Miss Allan, Misses Elliot, Mr and Mrs Leighton, Mr and Mrs Gordon, Misses Foster and Mrs Pearson.

Miss Shand, daughter of Professor Shand, Dunedin, has been appointed matron of the Wanganui Girls' High School. There were a great many applicants for the position.

Mrs Arthur Young is the guest^of Mrs Waltev Strang, Palmerston North.

Miss Rena Butt 19 visiting friends at Marlborough.

The marriage of Mr Linclo Levien. surgeondentist, of Napigr, and Miss K. Fell, of Nelson, took place on Tuesday last.

Miss Mary Skerrett, who has been visiting England, returned to Wellington last week.

Miss Tolhurst has returned from Auckland.

Miss Gilmer has returned from Christchurch, where she has been visiting her sister, Mrs Ziele.

Miss Reid has been visiting her sister, Mrs Strang, at Awapuni.

A party of South Islanders passed through Wellington last week en route for Wanganui River. Included were Mr J. Bathgate, who is on a visit from India; Mr Alex. Bathgate, Misses Bathaate. Turton, and Denmslon. of Dunedin, and Miss Moya Fitzgerald, of Wellington.