TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2669, 10 May 1905, Page 63

TABLE TALK.

MONDAY, May 8.

On Tuesday Mrs M'Gowan gave a ladies' luncheon party at her residence in Pitt street as a farewell to Mrs Bartleman, who leaves for England this month.

On Thunsday evening Mr and Mrs James Allen gave a dinner party at their«j:esidence, "Arana," in honour of Dr Malcolm, the new Professor of Physiology at Otago University, who has lately arrived in Dunedin.

| On Thursday evening Mrs Balfour Neill I gave a most enjoyable progressive bridge party at " Redroofs," in honour of her sister, Miss James, who lately arrived from England on a visit to Mas Neill. Games were played at eight different tables during the evening, four being placed in the drawing room, three in the morning room, whilst one was arranged in the hall. At each table four rounds -\v;re played, and the two partners scoring the "highest number of points whilst the four hands were played moved on to the next table, the two securing the fewest number remaining to play against the winners from a lower table. At the conclusion of the games the points were added up, and the lucky lady winner of the highest number of points proved to be Miss Batchelor, tvho was presented with a handsome silver photograph frame. The men's prize of a handsome cigarette case fell to the lot of Mr Howden, and prizes were also bestowed on the winners of the smallest number of points. Amongst those present, besides Mr and Mrs Balfour Neill, were : Mrs and Miss James, Mr C. Rattray, Dr and Mrs Stanley Batchelor, Miss Neill, Miss Reynolds, Miss Maud Reynolds, Miss Sise, Mr and Mrs Thomas, Mr and Mrs W. Sargood, Mr and Miss Webstser, Miss Constance Williams, Miss Gwenda Williams, Miss Denniston, Mr Fenwick, -Mr George Ritchie, Mr Bridgman, Mr Howden, Mr A. Roberts, Mr W. Stewart, etc. On Thursday afternoon Mrs Theomin gave a large ladies' "At home " at her residence in Royal terrace as a farewell to Mrs and the Misses Bartleman. Mrs Theomin received her guests in the drawing room, where lovely flowers were everywhere to be seen. Tall palms spread their fan-shaped leaves around, some so large as to form a shady canopy o'erhead, and bowls of autumn flowers tvere placed here and tliere, intermixed witli tinted autumn leaves. The mantelpiece was a work of art and loveliness, being arranged with bowls and glasses of bright red ixias and drooping festoons of small Virginia creeper of exquisite tints of yellow, green, and red. Tea and refreshments were served in the large double dining room, where the table was beautifully decorated with glasses' of cosmos and high-standing silver candelabra, the lights softly shaded with dainty red shades. In the morning room fruits of various kinds, fruit salads, etc., were served, and in this room the "floral decorations were entirely autumnal tints. Large bowls of autumn leaves were placed here and there about the room, and the table was decorated with large yellow-tinted vine leaves, and lighted by silver candelabra, finished with red shades. Mr Percy James supplied the musical entertainment for the afternoon, giving several performances on the pianolo, and also contributing songs and recitations, whilst at intervals he superintended the giving ofre- , cords on the gramaphone, which was placed in the inner hail. The tea table was pie-

sided over by j\?iss Wilson and Miss Dorothy Theomin, assisted by several gnl-, who looked after the wants of everyone.

Besides Mrs and Miss Theomin. ilicro were present : Mrs and Miss Bartleman, "Miss Dorothy Bartleman, Mrs Batchelor, AJrs Percy Brown (Raiotonga), Mrs and Miss Burnett, Mrs Neil Barclay, Mrs Johnstone Brown, Mrs 2nd Miss Dorothy Bathgatc, Mrs Benhana, Mrs Bullock, Miss CargiU, Miss Chapman, Mrs Colquhoun, Mrs and Miss Cutten, Miss Cook Christchurch), Miss Davidson, Mis Davis, Mrs Dowling, Mrs and Miss Denniston, Mrs Driver, ilrs and Miss Ewen, Mrs Lindo Fergu=on, Miss "Parquhar, Mrs and Miss Fergus, Mrs Finch, Mrs Gallaway, Miss Gilkison, Mrs Graham, Mrs Higgitt, Mrs Harris, Mrs Ho=kmg, Mrs and Miss James, Miss Joachim, Mrs Morrah (Invcrcp.rgill), Mrs MacNeil, Mrs and Miss Macassey, Mrs M'Gowan, Mrs Michie, Mrs Marshall, Mrs A. W. Morris, Mrs A. Morris (Invercargill), Mrs Moore, Miss Ruby Neill, Mrs Ogston, Mrs O'Neill, lTrs and Miss Ramsay, the Misses Reynolds, llr' Ritchie, Mrs Riley, Mrs Royse, Mrs Sargood, Mr? and Miss Shand, Mrs and Misc Sise, Mrs Thomas, Mrs Turnbull, Mrs Theomin, Mrs and Miss K. Ulrich, the Misses Williams, Miss Wilson, Miss Wimperis, Mrs and Mjss Woodhou.=e, Mrs Widdowson. etc.

Mrs Theoniin wore a very handsome gown of black satin brocaded in bold design, tha bodice and elbow sleeves trimmed with lace, and finished with bands of Oriental trimming , Miss Theomin wore an accordeonplea'ed fiock of bright red voile; Mrs Ritchie, tailor-made costume of dark blue cloth, finished with bands of gal on trimming of emerald green velvet, feather stoles, and black feather hat; Mrs Driver woie black, with yoke of cream lace draped with silk lace of cream colour, and black and white bonnet ; Miss Davidson, brown costume trimmed with Paris lace, brown hat with yellow roses; Mrs Lindo Ferguson, a costume of bright red voile trimmed with flounces edged with red satin ribbon, yoke and sleeve finishings of lacs, and a touch of moss green, red hat trimmed with black tulle and red roses; Miss Wilson, pale grey voile costume rucked and frilled, and finished with lace ; Mrs Davis, dark brown hop sac costume, the jacket finished with revers of white Oriental embroidery, and lace vest, white crinkled straw hat ; Mrs Batchelor, cham-pagne-coloured spotted chiffon over red silk, and sealskin jacket, red straw hat trimmed with red; Mrs Michie, light grey tailor-made costume, with long coat, tuscan straw hat trimmed with pale blue and green and red roses ; Mrs Bullock, blue serge tailor-made dress, red and black straw hat trimmed with cerise satin ribbon ; Miss Rachel Reynolds, black cloth tailor-made dress, with finishings of orange colour, cream-coloured beaver hat, with shaded orange ribbon trimmings : Mkis Burnett, dark blue Eton costume trimmed with gold braid, large whits felt hat trimmed with black velvet and white silk rosettes ; Miss Farquhar, bright red tailor-made dress ; Mrs Percy Sargood, dark blue dress, long fawn coat, and white beaver hat trimmed with green velvet and foliage : Miss Sale, a crimson dress ; Mrs Shand, black costume, with yoke of white satin and iridescent trimming, black and white bonnet ; Miss Shand, white, and long white coat finished with orange silk ; Mrs Thomas, black voile dress, long fawn coat, and black feather hat; Miss Williams, grey ' EtoiT' costume, and bright cerise straw hat trimmed with red flowers and green foliage ; Miss Coii'stance Williams, grey tweed Eton costume, and black hat; Miss Sise, dark blue tailor-made costume ; Mrs W. Sargood. cream cloth costume, with ruchings of brown satin ribbon and lace ; Miss Ewen, dark blue and white checked voile dress, finished with trimmings of dark blue velvet a.nd motifs of Oriental embroidery, red straw hat trimmed with red silk and flowers ; Mrs Leslie Harris, dark blue cloth costume, with long coat trimmed with black eilk mohair braid, lace vest and sleeve Tuflies-, hat of heliotrope straw, with bunches of violets ; Miss Gross, light blue cloth trimmed with white, finished with medallion buttons of dark blue velvet, black velvet and feather hat and white furs : Mrs Hosking, costume of black tweed flaked with white, white straw hat trimmed with velvet and pale blu" tulle ; Mrs M'Gowan. light grey tailor-made dress, and bright red hat; Mrs Morrah, dress of sage green taffeta silk, finished with laoe and nipings of bright red; Miss Joachim, brown dress, and brown and yellow hat ; Mrs O'Neill, pale prey shirred voile dress and sealskin jacket ; Mrs Osston, pale grey costume made with yoke of white silk and grey embroidery, black hat; Mrs Riley, brown costume and brown hat.

On Friday Mrs Royse gave a large ladies' luncheon party at her residence in Queen street in honour of her daughter, Mrs Morrah, at present hei' guest. A married ladies' Bridge Club has been organised by a few ladies as a pleasant and instructive way of spending one night weekly durins? the -winter months. Thie nice-tings will take place at the houses of the different members on Monday evenings. Twelve ladies belong J to the clvb — Mrs Batchelor. Mrs Lindo Ferguson, Mrs Finch, Mrs Les'ie Harris, Mrs Hosking, Mrs C. Rattray. Mrs Riley, Mrs Ritchie, Mrs Salmon, Mrs Stilling, Jilrs Thomas, and Mrs Theomin. Another Bridge Club has been formed at the north end of the town. This club also miee'ts every Monday evening at the houses of the various members. Twelve ladies compose the clvb — Mrs Barclay, Miss Jackson. Miss Kerapthorne. the Misses Mackerras, Mi=a Macassey, Miss Ruby Neill, Mrs Oldhain, Mrs Patullo, the Mis&es Royse. and Miss Shand. The engagement has been announced of Miss Kattie Neill, daughter of Mr P. C. Neill, of "Chingford," to Mr Bertie Fenwick, both well known in Dunedin social circles. Mr and Mxs Stewart and their family left , last week foT Napier, where- Mr Stewart takes up his duties as manager of the Union Bank. Mrs Smith and her daughter have gone to Napier for a few weeks' change. ' Mts and Miss. Stoeker, who last week were the guests of Mrs W. H. Reynolds, returned on Saturday to Invercargill. ' Mrs Ridings and Miss Morris are visiting their brothers in Canterbury for a, few weeks. Mrs Morrah (Invercargill) arrived last week, and is visiting her mother, Mrs Royse, at her residence in Queen street. Zvli3S Christina Mackenzie ha_<s gone north for a month's holiday, and is at present Tisiling Auckland and Rotorua. Mrs Leslie Reynolds and her children arrived on Saturday from Wellington, and purpose spending some time with Mrs W. E. Reynolds. Mrs Bridgemai?, whot has been visiting 1 frienda

in Christchurch for a few weeks, has returned to Duncdiii.

!Mr and Mis Joachim aie t.pendir.2 "- little tune iii the Xoith Island.

ili-,s. Dora Williams has grne to Timaiu for a little, and is at pi cent \ifciting Mis Egerton lit id, »\iio now lives in tlml town.

MioS Coleiidg*?, who has beon v^iting Duacdai for a few wteks, returned on Thursday to Wellington.

Mi^ A. Horns and her lilt's uanghtei amvecf la«l veek from Invercargill, and are staying with Mrs 15. C. Haggitt. <>t "Wychwood,' for a Uttlo.

M>rs George Turnbull left on Monday for Ot^go Central, und will visit hci daughter, Mrs "\V. "Laxdl.uv, ai Matakanui 101 a li.tle.

rXVEECARCILL, May 6.

jjie Invercaijili Municipal ±ssnd carnival fini&'hrd their 10 nJglits' season on Wednesday. In the afternoon a baud conies! was held in tha Queen's Park. The day being perfect theie was a larg^ attendance, the contest in tha evening, when the hall was ciowded, bringing the carnival to a successful close. We understand tha<- the band wi!' Le 1 (.fit to the extent of about £.iOO.

The Savrge Ciub met c. i-iidsj afternoon at Mrs Hs>y's lesidence, Gala street. An eiro3'a'i!e programme wa? presented. Among "ihoeo present wei~e Mrs Hay, Miss Hay, Mrs IlszleH, Mrs Hogg, Mis Kyle, Mrs Moffett, Miss Hall, Mis-3 Grieison (Dunedin), Miss ~W. Tucker, Miss Calender, Miss Gilniour, Miss Filcher, Miss Kawson, Miss Fielding, Miss Carswoll, Miss Robinson, etc.

Mi&s Grierson (Uunedin) is staying with Miss Cecil Hall, Glsds+one.

Mr and Mrs E. J. Gilmour returned from the north on Friday.

Mrs Goo. Lindsay is at present on a visit to D-uiieclin.

Mr A. B. Haggitt Sas gone inio partnership •-v.'stli Mr J. L. M'G. Watscrn, as barristers and solicitors. Mr Haggitt intends living in tho North End, having purchased a residence there.

Mr Percy Thomson, Wellington, is at present in Invercargill.

OAMAEU. May 8. Nearly every member of the Golf Club has p.vailed him or her self of the services of Mr Fmdiay, the well-known professional, as coach, which should improve the play greatly. Competitors, icok to your laurels! A successful little sale of work was held by the ladies of St Luke's Church on Thursday, and Friday, which has resulted m a good sura towards paying off the debt on the parsonageEritei lainments were given each evening in. the shapo of choruses, songs, a sketch, and the Highland Fling was danced bewitohmgly by Miss Dot Win-sley. . The Musical Society is putting "Elijah into practice, and intends giving it early in September — if possible, during the visit to the town of Walkin Mills' s Quintet Party. Mr and Mrs Frank Da/wson (Duncdm) spent the Easter holidays here. Oamaru is very quiet just now. Evidently ra is the "silly season," ?.s stories of a "ghost and his terrible appearance and startling doings have been going the rounds lately. It is lealiy wonderful that in these days of edluca* tion and pi ogress there are people so ignorant and foolish as to believe in the tales poured into their willing ears by • some sensation hunter. Yet such is the case.

CHEISTCHURCH, May 6. The Eastei gaieties have been followed bj a week of dulness, relieved only by the chrysanthemum show and a few small bridge evenings. Of course we had Mr Massey s meeting on Tuesday night, but that passed off very quietly also. The dress circle of the theatre was packed with ladies, for one naturally felt it incumbent on us to show our appreciation of our privileges by being On Monday the Ladies' Golf Club began the Hagley Park season with some very enjoyable games in spite of the weather, whicl* was somewhat warm for this time of the year. Tea was dispensed at the cltib house, ancfc among those present were Mrs Michael Campbell, Mrs H. Wigram, Mrs Archer, Misses Nwicarrow, Campbell, Julius, Wilson, and Burns. The season seems to have been particularly favourable to chrysanthemum growing, as was evident from the handsome specimens shown at the exhibition on Thursday. Several verychoice new blooms were proudly pointed out by their owners, and I be ieve that Mr Arthur Rhodes's gardener has the honour of showing the finest specmsn in the show. The decorated, tables were very dainty, a charming arrangement for a luncheon table in mauve blossoms and maiden-hair fern finding many admirers, as did another in golden-brown toned chrysanthemums and autumn leaves. Indeed, these same autumn leaves found as many admirers almost as the chrysanthemums. One grower 1 had a large stand consisting of little elsa than new varieties of autumn-foliaged trees, such as the scarlet oak — a truly striking tree — the North American sumach, the rhododendron, different kinds of maples, and, of course, the crimson plum. Notebooks were much in. evidence near this stand, and no doubt many enthusiasts will rejoice in the possession of of these effective trees before long. Among* those admiring this excellent display. I saw Lady Plunket. gowned in a graceful "I>lacß some of these effective trees before long.' Among robs, cosy sables, and a white cloth hat. With her was the Hon. KatHleen Plunket in - straw hat. Mrs Boyle was wearing a dress of French gray, chiffon hat to match, and black furs ; Mrs Denniston. cigar brown cloth gown, black hat, relieved with white; Mrs Arthur Rhodes, beautiful brown cloth gown, seal fuis, and hat tied with brown tulle strings; Mrsi Ranalds, black silk; Mrs Nancarzow, black cloth dress, black b.at, grey furs; Miss B. Nancarrow, grey costume, and white furs; Mrs H. Cotterill. gray tweed, sable furs; Mrs Berwick, navy blue cloth, scarlet hat ; Mrs Stead, navy serge, white toque with turquoise, white furs; Miss Stead, pale blue cloth, white hat; Mrs Ranald Macdonald. dress of dark red' cloth, red hat ; Mrs John Deans, black, brown marabout sto'e ; Mrs Stringer, gray cloth, fur stole and smart giay toque ; Mrs Louisson, veiyi pretty dress of dark brown, relieved with turquoise blue, and hat to match; Miss Louisson, navy blue serge, pretty scarlet hat; Mrs Cobham, becoming gown of fawn cloth with touches of yellow velvet, hat of burnt straw with yellow; Miss Symes, pretty white cloth costume, hati to match ; Mrs Litchfield, black voile, becoming Hat ; Mrs Guy Ranalds, white serge,brown hat ; Mrs A. Harper, crimson cloth, hat) of the same tone; Mrs Coverdale, black cloth 1 , white cloth hat ; Miss Murray-Aynsley, darkf blue cloth tailor-made, blue hat; Mrs Norton, pale gray costume, gray hat ; Mrs Tuam-j dark green tailor-made, scarlet hat; Mrs Wilkin, gray costume -with touchea of red;; and Miss Julius, navy blue serge, blue hat. Miss A.. "R. Johnston has returned fronS paying a visit to her mother, Mrs J. R. Johnston, in Dunedin.

Miss Rita Russell, Fendalton, is leaving this week on a> visit to England, ■whexo she -will stay, ■with her sister, Mrs SJvans. Mrs and Miss Kettla xeturneel to town q£;

- Monday from Waikari, where they have been Visiting Mrs Wynn-Williams. The engagement has just been announced ot Miss Gladys Cleveland to Mr Herbert Elwoithy. Isx and Miss Murray-Aynsley have returned from their visit to the Lakes. Mr and Mrs Donald M'Lean left on Friday ■week for a tour in Australia. * Mrs Thompson, G-revmouth, spent a few flays in Christchurch last week, on her return" - home after a most enjoyable mountainclimbing expedition in the Lake and Milford Sound district. By slow degrees our streets are taking on a well-ordered appearance, but we do not expect to have the first section of the tram line^-that of the Bapanui road— opened tor some weeks yet. It is needless to say thai we we all looking forward very eagerly, to the ppening daj> WELLINGTON, May 6. "The reception given last Saturday by the Uew Zealand Ministry m honour of General Booth was a very pleasant function. Each, -guest shook hands with the guest of the day then passed on to the Legislative Council Chamber, where a very pleasant programme of music was gone through. There was a most • telaborat© and delicious tea served m Bellamy s. The General was welcomed by the Right Hon. Ahe Premier, and made an extremely nappy speech in reply. Amongst -those present were - the Premier and Mts Seddon, General and 1 Mrs Babinston, Mrs and Misses Mills, Mts Kennedy Macdonald and Miss Vera Macdonald, JMr; Mrs, and Miss Spragg, Mrs Tuckey, Mis ' Chsrtfield, Mrs Robertson, Mr and Mrs Barber, ' Hon. T. W". His!op and Mrs Hislop, Hona. .Wan. Hall- Jones. . "iarewell" teas, were given for Miss •Annie Brandon, v*h<> left by the CorintMo for England. Other passengers by that boat were Mr and Mrs Wright, Mrs-' and Mies Wilford, Mr'Wcb Mrs Gerald Fitzgerald, and Mrs C. D. Dr and "Mrs Walter Shand have returned ' from tthcir honeymoon trip, which was spent partly in Duned"in. - . Delightful indeed :was the ball given last T-L-esday -night by 11 -young hostesses— the Missesi. and G. Ewen, N. Stuart, K. M^Kellar, ■B. Simpson, E. Watson, R. Butt, M. Blundell, V. 'Fulton, A., Macintosh, and E. Ward. The Sydney Street Hall "was very elaborately decolatea. and (furnished, and the daintiest of - suppers was served in the gymnasium. The tables were brightened -with tall vases of chrysanthemums. The guests were received by ,the hostesses, six of whom greeted their gentlemen guests, and five reoeivedi the ladies. They ' worethe quaintest 'CPierretto." dresses of white teilk, with black jom-poms, powder3d hair, and patches, and -tiny little Pierrette caps of black " silk. They were indefatigable in looking after iheir guests, who one- and all spent a most ■ enjoyable time. Mrs Watson, Mrs Burt, Mrs Fulton, Lady Stout, Mrs .Ewen, Mrs Simpson, and Mrs Ward were the chaperones, , and amongst the guests , I noticed Miss Finch, {Misses Brandon. Misses Stafford-, Miss Logan, tMiss Macgregor, Miss Christine Smith, Miss ! •MacTavish, Misses Eitzgerald, Miss Harcourt, •Misseß Murchant, Miss Borlase, Miss Brewer, Misses "Marsha"!, Miss Hacon, Misses Somerville, liSi'Ji- L. Tnrton, Miss Chatfield, Miss Partridge, Mrs Eobarts, Mrs Malcolm Ross, Sdiss Turner, Miss .Elliot, Miss Tregear, etc. . On the following" evening the first of Miss J3erlase's assemblies came^off, also in the- Sydtoey Street Sail. Miss Borlase received her guestSj and was wearing ' a black silk gown ', and lace bertha. Mrs Tregear, Mrs Fulton, j >nd Mrs\Bucholz were the chaperones .present, j TETockey has commenced, and each Saturday the various ladies^, teams sally forth -with much enthusiasm." Each team is- being well coached, mo some good matches are anticipated. Rumours of -several balls are afloat, and promise -b, very gay -winter. The members of the Star Boating Club are giving one, and the " Garrison officers? "comes off in July. Then we ] aue to have a '^swagger" race ball at the time ! of -the winter meeting, and there are to be one cr two private ones in the near .future. •On Saturday a brief but impressive little ceremony^ took place, when the statue of our late Queen was unveiled by his Excellency the " governor." There was a large gathering of 'citizens, and various opinions about the statue ' -were overheard on every side. However, we ara p 1 eased that we, have it, and it is undoubtedly a. fine piece of work. Miss -Nellie Stewart -still attracts very large audiences. "Old Heidelberg" -was very touching and pretty. "Camille" is remarkable for ) Miss Stewart's splendid ..acting and' glorious - -frocks, the white and silver one being especi- . ally beautiful. A wedding of more than usual charm took place at "Wanganui during Easter week, when -{Miss -Sybil Montgomerie, daughter of Mrs 3£ontgomerie, of '\EaglesJiam," was married to ttfr Arthur Izard, solicitor, of Wanganui. Tho Tjride wore a lovely gown of ivory satin and , chiffon, with bertha; and flounces of exquisite lace. A long tulle veil and beautiful shower foouquet completed the toilette. The bride Vas attended by four tiny bridesmaida, dressed %tx palest blue silk and lace .frocks, and two picturesque little who wore suits of blue *atm, with lace" ruffles and silk vests. Dr •Arnold Izard, of -Wellington, was best man. Professor and Mrs Yon Zedlitz spent a few jflayis at Easter time in Wanganui. .. Miss .Harding -has returned.fromi a short visit j» Wanganui. , Sir -Joseph and Lady Ward arrived by the -W r ammoo. A great many friends went out in th 3 tug boat to welcome them home.