TABLE TALK

Otago Witness, Issue 2818, 18 March 1908, Page 88

TABLE TALK

Monday Evening. Last Tuesday afternoon the new wing of the Dunedin Hospital, which has recently been erected, was opened for public use by his Excellency Lord Plunket, His Excellency and Lady Plunket were met at the entrance to the Hosipital by the Mayor and Mrs Loudon, Mr S. Solomon, K.C., and Mrs Solomon, Sir James Mills, and Mr P. Miller, and were escorted into the large hall by them. The hall presented a most imposing appearance, «. dais having been erected at the foot of the stairs, on which the Government House party and members of the staff were seated. It was all most beautifully decorated with flowers, flax, and palms. The stairs were lined with the nurses. First came the principal (Miss Fraser) and the other sisters in their pretty blue tunics, then farther back wer« the probationers in grey, and higher still all the medical students. Mr S. Solomon, K.C., who is the chairman of the Hospital Trustees, made the opening speech, and was followed by Lord Plunket, Dr Marshall Macdonald, the Meyor, and Mr P. Miller. The wing having been declared open, th« visitors were then able to see over the two beautiful wards. Misa Fraser invited many friends, as well as Lady Plunket, to afternoon tea in a side room, the table being artistically arranged with yellow flowers. Those present were Lord and Lady Phinket, Mr and Mrs Solomon, th» Mayor and Mrs Loudon, Dr and Mrs Batchelor, Dr and Mrs Cf.oss, Dr Marshall Macdonald and Misa Macdonald, Dr and Mrs Roberts, Dr and Mrs Williams, Dr and Mrs Riley. Dr and Mrs Stanley Batchelor, Mrs A. W. Morris. Mis* Williams, Mrs B. C. Haggitt, Mrs Burns and Miss Burns, Mrs Tapper, the Missea Tapper, Mrs LeCren, Mr and Mrs Herbert LeCren, Mr 8 Baldwin, Miss Batchelor, Mrs Solomon, Miss Macpherson, Mr end Mrs Tapley, Mr and Mrs Robert Gilkison, Dr Ferguson, Dr Hall, Dr Will, Dr Newlande, Dr Falconer, Dr Burt, Mr John. Mill, Mrs Mill, Miss Mill. Mr P. Miller, Mr Downie Stewart, Dr and Mrs O'Neill, Mr and. Mrs Hewitson, Dean Fitchett, Bishop Nevill, Archdeacon Gould, Mr Donald Reid, Mr and Mrs Sidey, Mr and Mn Sinclair Thomson, Mrs Macdonald, Miss M. Macdonald, Misses Davidson, Miss Cutten, Mis» Roberts, etc. Lady Plunket was gowned in pale grey cloth coat and skirt, ihe coat being n»de ■with revers of whit© brocade, full cream 1 lace front, large black crinoline straw hat with feathers. Mrs Loudon wore pale blue voile, bodice made with V of white lace bretelles edged with white insertion, cream chiffon scarf, large white crinoline straw laai with;

bunclieT^oi c-^3aS«LJosesc -^3aS«LJ oses 5 Mrs Solomon, stylish ' white lustre tafloTFnTAre^ SiiSf ?n<l skirt, large black hat with feathers; lkifrs"~^atci«?^ lor, smart gown of pale blue with white lace ' and touches of salmon pink velvet, small bl*ck toque with white ostrich feathers; Mrs O'Neill, dainty pale green voile trimmed cream lace, large black hat ; Mrs Hewitson, wkiie sillc covered with black ninon, black toque; Mrs Stanley Batchelor, grey costume, hat composed of sweet peas; Miss Tapper, dainty shite muslin with green waistband, large green h>at witi gr&en flowers; her sister was also in white; Miss Williams, black and_ white striped costume, black hat; Miss Macdonald, green cloth coat and skirt trimmed with green braid, large green hat; Miss Batchelor, floral delaine trimmed lace, and floral ribbon hat with flowers. On Tuesday evening Lady Mills entertained his Excellency Lord Plunket, Lady Plunket, and party at her residence in Leitb street. The table was prettily arranged with roses of various colours and greenery. Last Wednesday evening Mrs Russell Ritchie gave a small bridge party as a farewell to her sis-ters, Misses F. and I. Rattray, who leave on Wednesday for England. There were three tables' for bridge. The supper table looked dainty with vases of shaded red sweet peas. Those present besides Mrs Russell Ritchie were Mrs Thomson, Mrs Baldwin, Mrs Stanley Batchelor, Mrs Rattray, Mrs Butterworth, Miss Webster, Miss G. Webster, Miss Denniston, Miss Rattray. Miss Batehelor, Misses F. and I. Rattnay. On Wednesday Mrs A. W. Idorris entertained a few friends at luncheon. The table wae prettily decorated with high vases of Dink sweet peas. Those present besides Mrs Morris were Mrs Cheeseman, Mrs George Roberts. Mrs. Jim Roberts, Mrs Butterworth, Mrs Russell Ritchie, Mrs Baldwin, Miss F. Rattray, Miss I. Rattray, Miss G. Webster, and Miss de Lautour. Mi C. Fox left for England on Monday. Mr J. Dunlop (St. Clair) also left last week for a short trip to the Old Country. Mr and Mrs St. John Buckley (Oamaru) were in town one day last week, and were at the Grand Hotel. Miss Moodie, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs Leslie Wilson, returned to the north on Thursday. Mrs Jim Roberts returned from Gladbrook Station last week. x On. Friday evening Mr and Mrs Hosking gave a farewell dinner to the Misses Riattray, who are leaving ©v. Wednesday for England. Tlit guests were Mr and Wts C. W. Rattray, Mrs Carew. Mr Carr, and Miss F. Rattray and Miss I. Rattray. On Saturday afternoon a very smart tea was given by Miss Roberts, Littlebourre, as a farewell to Miss Katie de Lautour and the Misaes Rattray. Mrs and Miss Roberts received their friends in the drawing room, an-d at half-past 4 tea wa,s served in the dining room. The tea was charmingly arranged at little tables to seat four people, and the room was prettily lighted with red shades. Mrs Roberts was gowned in black voil« and lace over silk; Miss Roberts wore brown crepe de chine skirt over silk, cream net blcuse trimmed with lace insertion, and large brown picture hat with blue 1 and brown ribbon and brown feathers ; Mrs G. Roberts, black and white check Eton costume, white hat with mauve ribbon ; Mrs Jim Roberts, dark blue cloth coat skirt trimmed with black silk braid and blue straw hat trimmed with plaid ribbon ; Lady Mills- was becomingly dressed in pearl grey cloth costume trimmed with silk braid, black hat witli crown of red and pink roses and long veil of spotted tulle ; Mrs Beswick (Christchurch) wore cream gown- with lace, large black hart, and long black spotted veil and white fox furs; Mrs Butterworth, a dark blue cloth empire costume, with revers and collars of roso velvet, white lace> vest, and large black hat ; Mrs A. Fenwick, black and white striped muslin and large black pioture hat; Mrs Riley, blue checked silk, with sleeves and yolk c-f fine whit© net, large black feather hat ; Mrs E. L. Macassey was smartly dressed iff cream serge embroidered' in gold braid, and large black feather hat; Miss de Lautour looked well in brown cloth and cream lac* blouse, large brown hat trimmed with brown ribbc-n; Missi M. Neill, pretty dress of blue checked silk with vest of white embroidery. Leghorn hat trimmed with blue ribbon and pink roses ; Miss Sise was prettily dreesed in white cloth Eton costume with blue buttons, long white gloves, and dark blue hat ; Miss M. Sise wore dark blue coat and skirt, and pretty blue hat with white fur; Miss K. Rattray, black over white trimmed with Limerick lace, and black hat; Masa I. Rattray, brown with cream lace, and large black hat; Miss Ulrich was prettily dressed in brown piped with brown taffeta, vest of white> embroidered in rose colour, and green hat. Others present were Mrs Cheefieman, Mrs E. C. Reynolds, Mrs S. Batchelor, Mrs Baldwin. Mrs R. Ritchie, Mrs M'Gowan, Mrs C. Rattray, Miss Gould, Miss Macassey, Mies B. Farquhar, Miss Dowline. Miss V. Williams, Miss Williams. Miss Mill. Miss A. Mill. Miss Batchelor, Miss P. Graham, Mrs H. S. Fenwick. The Misses Webster left on Friday to stay with Mrs Robert Turnbull, Wanaka Station. Miss Farquhar has been on a short visit to Christchurch. INYERCARGILL, March 14. On Thursday Mrs J. L. Watson, Forth street, gay« a delightful evening in honour of her guest, Miss B. FitzGerald (Wellington). The entertainment took the form of a Leap Year dance-, with many amusing variations, such as each lady choosing her partner by blowing out a lighted candle held up by him. Again, the men disguised themselves with masks and the ladies selected partners from amongst them. The men -were put up to auction, each lady bidding for her partner. Another time all the ladies stood behind a sheet, with nothing visible but her shoes, each gentleman choosing his partner by her shoes. There 'were many other variations, which provoked much laughter and amusement. Dancing was kept up till a late (or early) hour, and all present voted it a mos-t unique and enjoyable evening. Mrs Watson was wearing black, with a wide red saeh; Miss FitzGerald. who was indefatigable in assisting Mr« Watson to entertain her guests, was in white. Amongst those present were Misses Nurse, 'T. Thomson, W. Tucker, V. Robinson, Mitchell, Tennant (Marton), E. Stooker, D. Smith, Ayton, M. Robinson, Waa«, M'lntosh (2), Corbett, etc., Messrs Russell, Mitchell, Tucker, Cuthbertson, Campbell, White, Kitson, Ellis, Eaikj MafhiftS, ftt&

lOn Friday evening Mrs Pearca, Forth street, gave a progressive bridge evening in honour of Mx and Mrs I. W. Raymond, who are beiViy v l«rewelled on all aides at present. There were six "t'&Mes. The first prizes were won by Miss Stock " -Sitld _Mi Russell. Amongst those present were Mr an^ Mrs I. W. Raymond, Mr and Mrs Callender, 3a T j- and Mrs Russell. Mr and Mrs Dunlop, Sl'r »nd Mrs M'Oredie, Mr and Mrs Pilcher, Miss Stock, Miss Metcalf, Mass Smules, Messrs Feldwick, Hoyle, etc. Miss S. Haggitt h-as returned to Dunedin. Mrs Oldharn (Wanganui) is visiting her sister, Mrs Watson, Forth street. Miss Jean. Anderson (Blenheim) is the guest of Mrs A. M. M'Donald, En-wood. OAMARU, March 14. Mr, Mrs, and the Misses Burbury left by the early train on Tuesday last to join the Maheno, en route for Sydney, where they will embark on the. Nord-dautscher Lloyd steamer Bremen for England. Miss Fergusson also travels by the. Bremen to Britain. Prior to their departure* from Oamaru Mr and Mrs Burbury were presented with a handsome gold watch and diamond bracelet respectively by th« farmers and townspeople. The s^taff of the local office of the N.Z.L. and Mercantile presented Mr Burbury with an album of portraits of officers past and present who had served under Mr Burbury's regime. Mrs Stubbs has gone to Feilding for a holiday. Those interested in forming an operatic society will hold a meeting on Monday evening in Mr Piper's office, at which it is hoped his Worship the Mayor will preside. More of this anon. Such a society would be a boom to th© lown. Mrs Buckley (Redcastle) gave an enjoyable children's party on Saturday in honour of her twin daughters' (Doris and Gladys) birthday. Afternoon tea was daintily served to the mothers of the children on the lawn. Amongst those present were> Lady Miller, Mesdames Whitton, Preston, Garland 1 , Darling, Hjorring, Douglas, Borton, Sumpter, Roxby, Ward. CHRISTCHURCH, March 14. For the last few weeks there have been a great number of parties for people who are leaving for England, for nearly everyone is going from here. Amongst those who have gone during this week were Mr and Mrs Leonard Clark, Mr and Mrs P. Campbell and their family, Mr and Mrs Boy-e i&nd Miss Boyle, Mrs J. and the Misses Anderson. Mr and Mrs R. O. Campbell (Otekaike) left far England on Wednesday. Miss Wilding gave a most enjoyable party as a farewell to the Misses Anderson, when progressive games of all sorts were played — diabolo, tennis, quoits, and golf croquet. Miss Ina Prins waa the successful competitor, and was the recipient of a charming silver button hook, Miss D. Meares being Eecond. Mrs Wilding wore a pretty grey gown, with hat to match; Miss Wildings white linen, pale blue and white hat; Misses Ward (Wellington), Burns (2), Humphreys, Lee", Deans, Wilson, Mathias, Macdonald, Moore (2), Symes, Kettle, Merton, Russell, Wilkin, Wood (2), Prins were amongst the guests. Mrs Leonard Harley gave a small farewell party on Thursday to Mrs H. Wood, who leaves for England next month. Amongst those present were Mrs Wood, Mis Howard (Sydney), Mrs Stead, Miss Symes, Mrs J. Palmer, Mrs P. Wynn-Williams. His Excellency the Governor, Lady Plunket, and the Hon. Kathleen Plunket passed through Christchurch this week after opening the new wing of the Dunedin Hospital. Mrs Saville (Homebush) is in town. The engagement is announced of Miss LiUy Rutheiford' to Mr P. Murray-Aynsley. Mrs Herbert Elworthy is staying with Miss Murray-Aynsley. Mrs Randal has returned from South Canterbury. Mrs G. Rhodes has returned from Sumner. Mis& M. Cotterill has left for «. round of visits in South Canterbury. Mrs and Miss M'Maeter (Tokarahi) is in town. Mr and Mrs J. Reid (Oamaru) are at Warner's., Hotel. Mrs Berwick and her little girl are the guests of Lady Mills (Dunedin). Miss Kettle has returned from the Sounds, where she was the guest of his Excellency the Governor and Lady Plunket. Miss Ward returned to Wellington last week. Miss Peache is staying with Mrs J. Palmer. Mr and Mrs J. Studholme (Wairarapa) were in town for a few days this week. Mr Jack Sfudbolme and his two little sons left for England on Friday. Mr and Mrs Barker (Geraldine) are staying with Mrs Rhodes. Miss Barbara Denniston (Peel Forest) is in town. Mjbs Tripp (Geraldine) i» staying with Mrs Pyne. WELLINGTON, March 14. Among the very numerous "farewell teas" which have been given lately was one given by Mrs Bunay, Lower Hutt, to wish goodbye to Mrs Riddiford. Quantities of lovely flowers scented the rooms, the table decorations being pink and white. Mrs Bunny wore a very beautiful gown of pale grey silk, flounced with lace. Mrs Riddiford was smartly gownedl in a navy blue tadlor-made and neat hat to match. Mrs Lindsay was. wearing a pretty grey muslin frock, and hat with pink Toses; Mrs Robert Loughnan, navy silk voile, becoming hat; Mrs Purdy, smoke blue canvas gown, and pioture hat; Mrs O'Connor, neat tailor-made costume and *maTt green hat; Mrs T. M. Wilford, navy blue voile gown, and lace ves-t; Mrs Tuckey, rich black silk, and scarf of Brussells lace. Others I noticed were Mesdames- Gilruth, yon Zedlitz, Pearce, Izard, Perry, Orton Stevens, Treadwell, MacTavish, Beard, and Holwortby. On Wednesday afternoon Miss Francis Arthur, elder daughter of Mr Thomas Arthur, wa» married at St. Andrew's Church to Mr Brereton Tennent, of Marlborough. The Misses Kathleen Hojylett, A. Fife, and M. Buchanan attended as roaida of honour, and wore daiaty gowna of pale pink taffetas. A reception was afterwards held at the residence of Mr and Mrs Arthur, Hobson. street. The engagement is announced of Miss Elsie Joseph to Mr Fred 1 Nathan (Palmerston North). Mi*» Harjorie Loughnan (PalmeTSton) is at present staying with ncr aunt, Mrs R. Loughnan. The marriage of Miss Earl (Queenie) Bremner. second daughter of Mrs BTemner, Tinakoii road, to Mr Julian Christophers, of InTeppargiU, will eventuate on April 21. Mis* Effle Stavely gave a small afternoon tea yesterday in honour of Miss A. O'Connor, who leaves to-day for Dunedin. Mr and Mrs Murdoch leave on a trip to England on the 31st of this month. Mr «net Mrs S. Kirkcaldie left on Wectnegdax'for «> few weeks' vieit to Rotoru**