TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2668, 3 May 1905, Page 64

TABLE TALK.

Monday, May 1.

On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Ritchie invited some girl friends of her sister, Mrs Cossins, to afternoon tea at "Balvraid," to celebrate the anniversary of Mrs Cossins's marriage, which took place last year in Johannesburg, South Africa.

On 'Wednesday evening Mrs Shand gave a Small musical evening, to which she invited a few friends to meet Dr and Mrs Walter Shand. Amongst those present were Mrs and the Missas Shand, Dr and Mrs "Walter Shand, Miss Macassey, Miss Sale, Miss Ewen, Miss Cook (Christchurch), Miss Ruby Neill, Mr "Wilkinson, Mr Phil Parker, Mr Stocker, etc.

On Thursday evening Mr and Mrs Ritchie entertained gome friends to dinner at "Balviaid."

Dr and Mis Walter Shand, who have been visiting Professor and Mrs Shand in. Dimedin, left for; the swth fin Friday,

7 Mrs Stocker I'lnvcrcargill) is at present ' visiting Mrs "W. H. Reynolds, at "Willow I Bank."

Mrs Richards and Miss Allen left on Tuesday by the Moana for Wellington, where they joined the Corintinc, which sailed for London on Friday.

Mrs G. Berwick, who has. been staying a*; " JSiount Lodge" for some weeks, returned with, her little daughter to Christchurch ou Tuesday.

Miss Williams is staying for a little with Mrs Ritchie at "Balvraid."

Mrs Holdsworth, with her children, left by the Moana on Tuesday for Sydney, via Auckland. Mrs Holdsworth intends doing the round trip, and being absent about six weeks.

Mrs George Fenwick and the Misses Fenwick returned from Wellington by the Waikare on Saturday.

Mr and Mrs Jim Roberts, and Mr Aleo Roberts last weak spent a few days iv Wellington, where they stayed till after the departure of the Corinthic.

Miss Coleridge (Wellington) is visiting tha Misses Williams, at Anderson's Bay for a little.

Mrs Leslie Harris and her niece, Mise Gross, returned on Friday from their trip to the Lakes.

Mr and Miss Kempthorne, who went to the Lakes for the Easter holidays, returned from their trip on Wednesday.

Mrs and Miss Tewsley (Auckland), who accompanied Mr Kempthorne to the Lakes, also returned on Wednesday.

Miss Cook (Christchurch)- is on a visit to Dunedin, and is staying with Mrs Sale at the University Buildings.

INVERCARGILL, April 29. A pretty wedding was solemnised on Wednesday morning in St. Paul's Church, when Miss Sophy Pilcher, third daughter of Mr E. B. Pilcher, was married to Mr K. J. Gilmour. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. G. Lindsay. The bride wore a, pretty gown of peau de soie with transparent yoke and long cuffs of embroidered chiffon. The full skirt was elaborately made with tucks and ruchings. She also wore the usual veil and orange blossoms. The bridesmaids were the four sisters of the bride, and Miss J. Gilmour, sister of the bridegroom. Their dresses were of cream canvas voile with lace yokes, and trimmed with satin bebe ribbon," with which were worn large whit© cloth hats trimmed with black velvet and feathers. Mr W. Downie Stewart, of Dunedin, acted as best man. The only guests present were the members of the two families. Mrs Pileher wore a. handsome black merv dress, with vest of cream, lace, and large black picture hat; Mrs Gilmour, sen., wore a beautiful dress of black silk trimmed with chiffon, and black bonnet to match. The newly married couple left by the afternoon express for the north, the bride wearing a travelling costume of red cloth, and hat to match.

The Navy League held a concert in Ashley's Hall .on Friday evening. In the unavoidable absence of the president, Mr W. D. Hunt, Mr J. L. Watson occupied the chair. A musical programme, interspersed with a few speeches, made an enjoyable evening. Among the audience I noticed Mr and Mrs J. L. Watson, Mr and Mrs J. L. Bush, Mrs Sharp, Miss Sharp, Mr and Mrs Robinson, Miss Robinson, Mr and Mrs Pearce, Dr and Mrs Grigor, Mr and Mrs Massey, Mr H. Robinson, Mr Black, Mi and Mrs Robert Dunlop, Mr Bunting, Mr and Mrs M'Queen, Mrs Spence, Miss Corbett, etc., etc.

Mrs "Whitchead returned to Timaru on Wednesday.

Mr Lance Raymond is down from Napier spending a short holiday at his home in Invercargill.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 29. Easter Monday proved fine enough to make the race meeting at Riccarton most enjoyable, for although a gale of warm wind sprang up during the afternoon, the weather afterwards proved very pleasant indeed, and almost balmy.

Lord and Lady Plunket and suite were present for the greater part of the afternoon, Lady Plunket looking very charming in a, gown of white voile and lace, large brown hat with, long tulle strings, and handsome sable furs. The Hon. Kathleen Plunket was in dark blue voile, black hat, and white fox furs. Mrs Geo. Rhodes (Ellesmere) wore a dark blue gown, dark blue velvet toque; Mrs Stead, navy blue coat and skirt, white silk and chiffon vest, white hat, and handsome white fox furs ; Miss Stead, handsome dark brown tweed costume, hat of brown straw and tulle ; Mrs Montgomerie (Little River), smart grey cloth gown, white furs, and large white hat ; Mrs Arthur Elworthy (Pareora Station), violet costume, violet toque; Mrs P. Campbell, brown clotir dress, with velvet trimmings, brown hat ; Mrs Duncan Cameron also wore brown cloth, relieved with cream, smart brown hat ; Miss Cameron, stylish costume of heliotrope velvet, with leather facings, white furs; Mrs W. Clifford, black tailor-made, black and white hat ; Miss Clifford, grey tweed costume, pretty toque of violets; Mrs Boyle, graceful gown of brown voile, picture hat of brown tulle; Mrs Stringer, grey tailor-made, smart black hat ; Mrs W. Cowlishaw, pale blue tweed, handsome pale green clotii coat, and hat to match; Miss Burns, grey flannel coat and skirt, black and grey hat; Miss B. Nancarrow, grey tailormade, white furs ; Mrs Cobham, brown cloth, costume, pale blue hat with brown; Mrs Louisson, pretty brown cloth relieved with blue cloth, brown and blue hat; Mrs Smithson, Timaru, light brown gown, sable furs. Mrs Beswick has rettirned from her visit to Dunedin.

Mr and Mrs H. Reeves are paying a visit to Mrs Ackland, at Mount Peel. A most brillia-nt ball, given by Mrs Duncan Cameron on Tuesday evening, was among the very enjoyable entertainments of the week. It took place in the Alexandra- Hall, which is now even more sought after for dances than tha equally convenient Art Gallery, and the ballroom was gay with mirrors and an abundance of gracefully-arranged gTeenery, and some very fine palms,* which nearly hid the musicians from view. Light refreshments were served in the tea room adjoining, which was decorated with huge Japanese umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, the walls being draped with pale blue. Supper proper was served upstairs, atf small tables adorned with pink ribbon and choice begonias. The large corridor leading;" from the entrance had been transformed into a cosy drawing room by means of rich crimson hangings, flowers, and comfortable easy chairs. Just beyond, at the door of the ball joom, the guests were received by Mr and Mrs Cameron and Miss Cameron. The hostess wag wearing » very beautiful gown of white sa.tin embroidered with pink roses, a diamond tiara on her head, and carried a bouquet of pink Olosspms.. Jtfijs Cameron's gowa was of silver

embroidered tulle over white silk. The Hon Kathleen Plunket was gowned in rose-pink Chiffon, with corsage of cream lace; Mrs Geo Knodes, handsome pale blue silk and diamonds; Mrs Wigram, pearl grey satin with lace and touches of black velvet- Mrs P Campbell, handsome black lace over white satm; Mrs Montgomerie (Little River) handsome robe of white silk; Mrs Smithson lovely mauve crepe de chine; Mrs Boyle, black tulle over silk, embroidered with silver; Miss RolTff«^Ji Z Wh i^ e 5a5 a ! in and chiffon; Mrs Sri?- " W^-'xt 32% tL Hall, white brocade; Mrs J. Reid (Oamaruj, •white brocade, encrusted with lace, diamond ornaments; Mrs Burdon, primrose-tinted silk; Mrs Ar,hur Elworthy (Pareora), rose-pink satin and cream lace; Miss Gibson, cream crepe de chine; Mrs Wilfred Stead, handsome white satin and lace; Miss Neill (Dunedin), turquoise blue satin; Mrs C. Reid, lovely pale blue silk, with cream lace; Miss Julius, pale grey crepe de chine; Miss Hay, white and mauve silk; Miss Stead, pale blue silk with overdress of white tulle; Miss Wells, pink silk, Miss Nancarrow, primrose-tinted silk and lace; Miss Symes, lovely white chiffon and iace; Miss Cook, handsome white satin and chiffon; Miss Wilkin, white tulle over silk; Miss Moore, white silk and lace. . Mr and Mrs Arthur Elworthy, Pareora station, are the guests of the Misses Julius, afc xiishopscourt.

Mrs Edward Grigg, Longbeach, is staying ■with. Professor and Mrs Cook.

Miss R. Neill, Dunedin, is the guest of Miss Russell. Mr Justice Denniston has gone for a- holiday trip to the -'South. Sea Islands and America. He^is accompanied by his^ssociate, Mr H. Denniston.

Mr and Mrs F. Smithson, Timaru, were in town last week.

Mr Cecil Perry, Timaru, is paying a visit to Mr an,d .Mrs Arthur Rhodes, at Te Koraha. Bridgman is staying with Mrs Johnffioe, on Park terrace.

In spite of all forebodings to the contrary, the weather was beautifully fine, though cold, on "Wednesday afternoon, for the large garden party" at Government House. A large marquee on the lawn served as the tea room, although the house was, of course, thrown open a3 well, and sweet musio was discoursed by a band near by. Lady Plunket welcomed her . guests wearing a dainty gown of palest grey Voile encrusted with lace, grey hat, and rich furs. Beside her stood the Hon. Kathleen Plunket, wearing pale blue voile, a large" hat, and handsome furs of white fox. Mrs Arthur Rhodes wore aTTjlack voile gown, and picture bat; Mrs Denniston, grey chine silk, black iat; Mrs George Rhodes, grey cloth coat and skirt, large hat to match; Mrs Wigram, blue costume, black hat; Mrs Duncan Cameron, brown silk gown, fur coat, and white toque; Miss Cameron, heliotrope cloth dress, hat to match, and white furs; Lady Clifford, black costume; Mrs Boyle, brown cloth gown and sable furs; Mrs Stead, black silk, turquoise blue hat; Mrs A. Elworthy," pale heliotropes , cloth, hat to match; Mrs Peacock, black eilk~; Mrs Wigley, dark grey costume; Mrs G-. Gould, rich white. _silk, ermine furs; .Mis 9 Tabart, grey costume, white and black hat; Mrs Louisson,-pale blue and black gown, black tat; Mrs Seeretan, rich black silk, black hat; Mrs Palmer, black silk, black bonnet with touches of mauve; -Mrs P. "Wood, black and -white costume j1"j 1 " Mrs - MTvellar,' dark blue gowh^ floral hat; Mrs Moore, grey and black; - Mrs Meredith _ -Kaye, black costume ; Mrs Deans, black; Miss Deans, white cloth; Mr 3 X»itehfield, black; Mrs "William Recce, black cloth with white vest; Mrs Wilson, light Isrown gown, ostrich feather stole. —There was -a very "fashionable wedding on Wednesday, at St. Michael's Church, when . Miss Eileen Nancarrow, second daughter of Mrs Nancarrow, was married to Mr Donald M'Leau, oi Motint Hutt Station. The Rev. W. Averill, vicar of the parish,' performed the ceremony. The youthful bride wore a handsome gown of white satin duchesse with court train, tulle veil, and a diamond necklace, the gift of th© bridegroom. Her six maids of honour were the Misses Nancarrow, Westenra, Inman, Harldyside, Campbell, and Wilkin, ail dressed alike in gowns of cream crepe de chine, with lace yokes, and large white hats with ostrich feathers, and_they carried bouquets of crimson flowers. Tie best man was Mr Hafoish M'Lean. At the close of the ceremony a large parly of guests were -entertained by Mrs Nancarrow at the house of Mrs CoryThomas, on Park terrace, which had bean lent for the occasion. Mrs Nancarrow received her guests wearing a black satin gown, with cream, lace, and large black and _white hat; 3£r3 Ronalds wore black ; Mrs Henry Cotterill, pretty pale grey gown, hat to match ; Mrs Michael Campbell, black costume; Mrs Cam> "bell, grey cloth costume, crimson hat ; Mrs J. Mills, pale blue gown, with touches of fur, handsome hat; Mrs Litchfield, brown silk and cloth costume, blue hat; Mrs Ranald Macclonald, dahlia-red cloth, red hat ; Mrs Dennision, grey gown, "black and grey hat; Mrs Stead, handsome .black silk, turquoise blue toque ; Mrs Wilfred Stead, grey cloth costume, white hat; Miss Stead, pale blue voile, hat to match; Mrs J. Gibbs," navy blue cloth, black hat; Mrs Edward Grigg, navy blue gown, black hat; Mrs ,C. C. Bowen, black; Mrs 'A. Harper, smart brown costume, sable furs; Mrs J. Wilkin, pretty pale brown crepe de chine ; Mrs Cook, grey cloth coat and skirt ; Mrs H. B. Johnston, black velvet; Mrs P. Campbell, brown cloth and velvet ; Mrs E. Turxel, navy blue, handsome furs ; Mrs G-eorg-e Gould, white silk, handsome ermine furs, Mrs John Williams, handsome gown of black silk muslin over white satin; Miss Williams, pale green cloth dr-ess trimmed with white; Miss Moorhouse, black costume; Mrs W. Cowlishaw, white cloth, long blue cloth coal ; Mrs A. Anderson, dark blue voile, trimme.l with lace; Mrs Deans, very handsome black silk gowuj and moleskin furs. Mr and Mrs J. Roberts, Dunedin, were in Christchurch this week, on a visit to their daughter, Mrs Wilfred Stead. They left by the Corinthic on Thursday for England.

Miss D. Allan, Dunedin, passed through Christchurch this week, accompanied by Mrs) Richards, on her way to Wellington, en route for England. Miss Cook, Cranmer square, ha« gone to Dunedin, where' she is visiting Mrs Sale.

WELLINGTON, April 28.

. Easter-time has ushered in the winter gaieties. The weather, though fine, was cold enough for anything — even dancing — sc the "ball given by the Victoria College students for then visitors was largely attended. Sydney Street Hall had been very tastefully decorated ■with, flags and ferns, and looked very gay and pretty. The supper, served in the large gymnasium, was excellent, and the othei arrangement, music, .and floor were equally good. •During the evening the handsome shield which had been won by the students of the Otago University was presented to them by Sir Robert Stout amidst loud applause. Their •victory was an exceedingly popular one Some of the guests present at the ball were Hrs Rankin Brown, whe wore a gown of point d' esprit net over glace silk; Mrs Mackenzie, fcandsome black gown with ruffles of cream

lace ; Mrs Easterfield, cream brocade and lace ; Mrs Firth, a lovely gown of black lace relieved with pink and blue rosettes; Mrs Tregear, black satin; Mrs Holroyd-Beere, black lace; Mrs London, black satin; Miss Seddon, Miss Tolhurst, Mrs O'Shea, Miss E. Simpson, Miss Watson, Miss Rena Butt, Miss Stafford, Misses Wilson, Miss Putman, Miss Tregear, Misses Logan, Misses Honey, Miss Crawford, Miss Lockie, and many more. The winter promises t be a very gay one. On Tuesday we have tne dance given by the 11 girls, and on the following nnght th© first of Miss Borlase's assemblies comes off.

Invitations have been issued by the Convent Old Girls'- Association for their annual ball, which eventuates on June 2.

Excellent houses are the order of the evening at the Opera House, where "Sweet Nell" is the great attraction. Miss Stewart is even more charming than ever, and we look forward to seeing her in the new roles. The dresses in "Camille," I believe, are very lovely. In the audience I have noted Mts Pearce. Mrs Turnbull, Mrs Pollen, Mrs Buchanan, Mrs Walter Blundell, Mrs Wright, Misses Logan, Grace, Cooper, Brandon, and O'Connor.

General Booth was welcomed by a large gathering, which included hjis worship the Mayor. The Premier, who arrived by the same boat, also took part in the proceedings. Miss Vera Tregear, who has been vdsiting her relations at New Plymouth, returned to Wellington last week.

Miss Harman, the clever Ohrlstchurch tennis player, who came up for tne tennis tournament, is just now the guest of Mrs Marchant. Mrs Eomax (Wanganui) is in Wellington on a visit.

The Catholic bazaar has attracted thousands of patrons this week. It was veiy successfully opened last Saturday night by Archbishop Redwood, and is the first bazaar to be held dn the Town Hall. Invitations were issued for the opening ceremony, and a pleasant time was spent watching the excellent dancing of 150 performers specially trained by Signor Borzoni.