TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3085, 30 April 1913, Page 63

TABLE TALK.

Monday Evening. Siiial! bridge parties seem to be the order of the day, or, rather, evening; and many have been given during the week for Mrs Edmond and Mrs Oldham. A very fascinating and interesting party was given by Mrs Marshall and Mrs Champtaloup, in All Saints’ Schoolroom, on Saturday afternoon for small children, all of whom had been invited to come in fancy dress. The schoolroom had been artistically arranged with large vases of flowers and autumn leaves. At half-past 3 the grand march took place, when all the little ones marched round the room to music. It was a delightfully pretty sight to see them so sweetly dressed and in the most unique and quaint costumes. Nearly 10 children took part in the grand march. A lovely tea had been arranged in the room adjoining the schoolroom, where two long tables were decorated with scarlet geraniums, red flags, and crackers, the various tokens which came out of the crackers causing great joy and amusement all the young folk. Quite a number of grown-up people had been invited to look on and help amuse 'the children. Some I noticed present were Dr and Mrs Marshall, Dr and Mrs Champtaloup. Dr and Mrs Tizard, Dr Valentine, Mrs Richards, Mrs Ulrich, Mrs Graham. Mrs Lindo Ferguson, Mrs Stand, Mrs Stanley Batchelor, Mrs Turton, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Hooking, Mrs Woodhouse, Mrs Collier, Mrs O’Neill, Mrs Allan Orbell, Mrs Acton-Adams, Mrs Hudson, Mrs Frank Fitchett, Mrs Buckland, Mrs Black, Mrs Brasch, Mrs Hallenstein, Mrs Batchelor, Mrs Finch. Mrs Grant, Mra Jim Roberts, Mrs Fulton, Mrs Barnett, Mrs Dodgshun, Mrs M’lntosh, Mrs G. Stewart, Mrs Blonifield. Mrs Falconer, Mrs Du Croz, Misses M’Lean, Graham, Rattray, Webster, Reynolds, Kelsey, Williams, Stewart, Orbell, Dcnniston, Ulrich, Buckland, Woodhouse, Sise, etc. The fancy costumes worn by the children were as follow: —Misses Champtaloup, PSritau; Fitchett. Dutch girl; Batchelor, Little Miss Mullet; Mary King, Japanese; M’lntosh, Anglo-Indian; Patience Du Croz, gipsy; Morrell, Japanese: Morrell, daisy; Ritchie, fairy; O’Neil!, Bo Peep; Orbell, Kate Greenaway; Hallenstein, forget-me-not; Finch, fairy; Grant, Red Riding Hood; Fenwdek (2), pierrette; Collier, violet; Roberts, Pierrette; Acton-Adams, Puritan; Blonifield, powder and patches; Masters Roger Marshall. Greek; Gilkison, Dick Whittington; Buckland. Ali Baba; J. Acton-Adams, white rabbit; O’Neill, cowboy; Ritchie, Territorial; John Ritchie, also Territorial; Batchelor, Red Indian; Grant, cook; BlomHeld, Snowball; Brasch, pirate; Falconer, Little Boy Blue; Orbell, Little Lord Fauntleroy. Dr Scott, the Misses Scott, and Mr R. Scott, all of whom have been in England for some time past, returned to New Zealand on Tuesday. Miss Fanny Shand arrived from Timaru on Friday to say good-bye to her relations before leaving for England. Miss I. Rattray left on a short visit to South Canterbury on Saturday. Mrs W. Hazlctt (Invercargill) arrived in town last week. Mrs Snow (Southland) is at present on a visit to Dunedin. Colonel Rhodes was in town for a few days last week. Mrs James Watson (Invercargill), who has been visiting Mrs Rov&o (Queen street), returned south on Tuesday. Mr John Ritchie, who has been on a trip to the Lakes, returned coring the week. Miss E. Batchelor returned from Invercargill on Saturday. Mr Aufrere Fenwick returned from II awe a on Tuesday. Dr and Mrs Riley, who have been spending several weeks in the Lakes District, returned to town on Monday. Mrs Busk (Invercargill) paid a visit to Dunedin during last week. Mrs 11. N. Coleman, of Crown thorpe, Hawke’s Bav, I'etnrned north by the a.a. TTiimaroa after spending some weeks with her father and mother at St. Matthew’3 Vicarage, Bluff. ■' PEMBROKE (Lake Wanaka). April 23. Recent visitors to Pembroke have been: Mr F. M. Cullen. Dunedin; Dr and Mm Riley, Dunedin ; Masters Melville, Peter, and Graham Riley, Dunedin; Miss Cara. Graham', Dunedin; Mr Moffatt. Invercargill; Mr J. 11. Wad worth, Otapiri; Mr and Mrs G. Littlejohn, Dunedin; Mr D. Faulks, Dunedin;, Mr Cowie. Dunedin; Mr Forbes, Canterbury-; Mr Hodkinson. llawea Flat; Mr and Mrs J. O’Kane. Alexandra; Mrs Archer Burton, Sydney; -Miss K. Burton, Sydney; Mr W. G. Dali, Dunedin; Mrs Roberta, Dunedin. Mrs Lethbridge and Miss Cara Graham are the guests of Mrs Scaife, “ Marama,” Glendhu. Lake Wanaka. The deer stalkers have returned from the mountains with their numerous slag Leads, some very fmo ones being among the collection. INVERCARGILL. April 26. The chief interest of this week was centred in the fir=t ball of the season—the golf ball, —which 1 ook place on Friday night in the Victoria Hall. The function was up to the usual hh'h standard, the arrangements being all that could be desired. There were five debutantes —Misses Ronaldson. Mitchell. Brass. Corbet and Brooke-Smith—who all looked very dainty indeed in their whift* frocks. The hall was very prettily decorated, snd the stage a bower of grectiery, with ooey chairs for those who were watching the dancing. Among those present I noticed Mr and Mrs W. H. Price Air and Airs Hudson, AG and Airs Charles Jones. Air and Mrs William Handvskle. Air and Mrs F. Handyside. Air and Airs Walter Henderson, Air and Mrs Ronaldson, Air and Airs D. J.

Gilmour, Mr and Mrs J. R. Webb, Mr and Mrs L. Raymond, Mr and Mrs Galbraith, Mr and Mrs A. Hawke, Mr and Mrs H. A. Macdonald. Mr and Mrs P. Macdonald, Mr and Mrs Haggitt, Mr and Mrs Cruicksliank. Mr and Mrs Cyril Ward. Mr and Mrs A. E. Smith, Mr and Mrs Somerset-Smith, Mr and Mrs APGregor (Mount Linton), Mr and Mrs Den Cuthbert&on, Mr and Mrs Callender. Mr and Mrs De Castro, Mr and Mrs Longnot, Dr and Mrs Hogg, Mrs ITackwortli, Dr and Mrs Mlacdonald, Dr and Mrs Crawford, etc., Misses Tucker {‘2). Macalister. Miller. Ellis, Henderson, Haokworth Basstian, Macdonald (Edendale), Muir, Moffett. Carswell (2), Christie (Dunrobin), Campbell. Hawke (2), Thomsen, Gossman, Wylie (2), Gardner, De Castro, Brebncr, Slock, M’Hutcheson i2), Brown (2), Callender, APKenzie (Linton), etc., Messrs Thomson (2), Cox, Keddell, Callender, Dole more, AlaccVyald (2), Macalister, Mitchell, Watson, j.cbbio, Saunders, Tapley, Parlor. Turner. Dawson, Rattray. Royds, Raymond, M‘Gregor, etc. Last Saturday night the Misses Macdonald (Edendale) had a small dance in honour of their guest. Miss M'Lean. The guests motored out to Edendale. Mrs Morrah (Gladstone) gave a small tea. last Friday afternoon at her residence in honour of Miss Ulrich (Dunedin), who is at present her guest. Mrs Hogg, who was present. sang, and Miss Ulrich played several times. On Wednesday afternoon -Air and Mrs C. S. Longuet. gave a large- garden party at their residence (Ythan street) in aid of the Girls’ Hockey Association. Although the day was not all that could be desired, there were a large number present, and the funds were considerably augmented. Mr Longuet’s wonderful garden was, the admiration and praise of everyone present. On Wednesday night the Skating Rink was opened for the season. The floor was crowded, almost too full to be pleasant, and as it is under new management this year we hope skating will have a good rrtn. Mrs Hogg (Don street) had a small musical afternoon tea on Friday afternoon. Mrs F. J. Lilhcrap (Northern!) had a largo children’s fancy dress party on Thursday afternoon. Miss Eileen Nelson (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs Eustace Russell (Wellesley). Miss W. Tucker is away on a visit to her cousin in Wyndham. Miss B. Corbet has gone to Dunedin on a holiday visit. Misses Wylie and Lister have returned from C’ltfden. Miss Lister left for her home in 0 ippsland by Monday’s boat. . This week’s golf match, which was played as usual on Thursday afternoon, was won by Mara Hudson. Air and Airs William Macalister left by Monday’s boat on an extended tour of the Commonwealth. Mr and Mrs Stephen Hunter left on Monday for Hastings, where they intend to reside for a year Mr and Mrs M'Gregor (Mount Linton) wore in town for the golf ball. Miss M'Lean (Dunedin) left for that city on Saturday. Miss Ulrich (Dunedin) is the guest of Mrs Morrah (Gladstone). Mr and Mrs J. E. Watson have returned from the north. Miss Raymond, who was the guest of Mrs Tucker (Gala street), has returned to Wyc.lham. Mrs Hazlett and Mrs Snow are at present on a visit to Dunedin. 0 AMARU, April 28. On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Headland had a “■ China " tea for Mi?a Knight, who is to be married next month. There were present beside Mrs Headland and Mrs Ireland, Mrs J. Frazer, Airs Bulleid, Airs Hill, Mrs Haynes. Airs LeCren (Geraldine), Airs E. P. Lee. Airs Collis Airs Grant, Airs Roxby, Airs J. AI. Bulleid. Airs Hjorring, Airs Montague, Mrs Jones. Airs Hutchison, the Aliases Gilchrist, N. Nicolls, Smith, de Lambert, L. Robinson, Knight. Williams, "Jones, and a number of others A competition, to guess advertisements, helped to pass the time, and was won by Airs APCulloeh and Alios Smith. On Wednesday afternoon the Misses Nicolls had a “recipe ” tea for the bride-elect. Each guest was given a slip of paper with the name of some kitchen utensil written on it, which they were expected to draw. The result of the voting was in favour of Miss N. APDouall’s drawing of a saucepan. Those present were Airs APCullocli. the AHVses Humphries. B. Humphries, Jean Gilchrist, Davies. D. Davies Foster. Al’Douall, Williams, L. Robinson. E. Robinson. Dennison, Keddio, N. Christie. D. Russell, Darling, do Lambert. Wli.it ton. and D. Alcore (Christchurch) During the afternoon several musical selections wore much enjoyed. Mrs NichnlU played a pianoforte solo, and Airs APCnlloch and Aliss Williams sang several times. A dainty afternoon tea was served in the dining room, the table being decorated with cerise geraniums and white ATichaelmas daisies. Aliss Fullartou. who has boon the guest of Alis.s Murdoch, left on Wednesday for Wellington. Airs LeCren. who has been staying with Airs Haynes, returned to Geraldine on Wednesday. Airs APDouall had an afternoon tea on Saturday for Airs and the Alisses Filleul (Nelson), w.io are staying here at present. TIAIARU, April 28. Airs Alelvilla Jameson has returned from a short visit to Napier. The many friends of Airs Henry Ford will ne grieved to hear that she is seriously ill. Last Wcdneseday a quiet wedding was celebrated at St. Alary’s, when Aliss Ethel Kerr, youngest daughter of the late M.r and Mrs Kerf, Harlan, was married to Air Allan Nichols, Belfast. The bride wore cream silk trimmed with. Mechlin lace, white velvet hat witli ostrich feathers, and carried a white prayer book. Her niece, Aliss Alary LeOren, was bridesmaid, and wore white silk muslin, black velvet and heliotrope hats The ceremony was performed by the Yen. Archdeacon Jacob. The bride was given away by her brother, Air G. G. Kerr, and Mr Chester (Christchurch) was beat man. A few intimate friends afterwards went to Airs •Ernest LeCron’s residences. Mrs LeCren wore black and white striped 'jilk; Mrs

Hartly Smith', pale heliotrope ninon, black hat with ostrich feathers; Airs Arthur, black coat and skirt, lace collar, seal toque with violets; Airs R. L. Fisher, black coat and skirt, black beaver hat with feathers; Airs G. G. Kerr, grey shantung piped with violet grey hat; Airs J. E. Kerr, navy blue silk trimmed black lace, black' hat; Mrs A. E. Kerr, grey cloth costume, black hat; Mrs Aubrey Nicholls, dark red cloth costume, black hat and feathers; Mrs C. Nicholls, navy coat and skirt, brown hat ; Aliss Goodman, navy cloth coat and skirt, black hat. The bride’s going-away costume was of mole cloth, violet velvet hat, and stone marten furs. The races on Wednesday and Thursday were most successful from every point of view, and the club Las every reason to congratulate itself on the autumn meeting of 1913. Amongst those present were Airs Edgar Jones, wearinig black and white costume, toque to match ; Mrs H. B. Johnstone, purple dress and toque, fur coat; Airs Leslie Orbell. grey costume, black hat; Aliss Fraser, navy coat and skirt, pretty hat en suite; Airs Rhodes (Bluecliffa), black silk dress, black hat; Airs Wroughter, black coat and skirt, toque with violets; Airs Rolleston, green cloth coat and skirt, green hot with feathers; Airs F. Raymond, navy coat and skirt, purple hat; Airs Laidlaw, grey coat and skirt, black bat; Airs E. J. LeCren, dark blue cloth, mole hat; Airs W. Howell, blue coat and skirt, velvet hat with plumes; Airs R. AVigley, tweed coat and skirt, hat with wings. Air and Airs R. AVigley (Fairlie) were the guests of Mr and Airs A. Grant last week for the races. CHRISTCHURCH, April 26. On Friday evening, at the Art Gallery, the Victoria League held its annual meeting, together witb a conversazione. A very pleasant evening was spent. Airs Julius presided in the absence of the president. Airs A. Rhodes. Some of those present were Airs Elworthy, Aliss Elworthy, Mrs Hill, Professor and Airs Blunt, Dr and Mrs Chilton, Airs AVanklyn, Airs Stringer, the Alisses Bnllen, Airs Boyle, Aliss Cholmondeley.' Airs Elworthy was elected president for the ensuing year. Very little tennis has been played during the week. Some of the devotees have been Airs Gould, Mrs Reid, Mrs Beswick, Airs AVigram, Airs Cooper, Mrs Beals, Airs Cowlishaw, Airs Blunt, Aliss Campbell, the Alisses Anderson, Harley, and Wilding. A bridge party was given by Airs Wigram on Saturday night. Some of those playing were: —Airs Rolleston, Airs Beswick, Airs Turnbull, Airs Gould, Airs Cowlishaw, Airs Pyn-e, Airs Reid, Aliss Alurray-Aynslcy, Aliss Lee, Aliss Denniston, Miss Humphreys, Aliss A. Humphreys, and Miss Reeves. Air and Airs Boyle and Aliss Boyle have returned from AVellingtou, where they were visiting during the stay of H.AI.S. New Zealand. Airs Rolleston is living at Aliss Peach’s, Park terrace. Airs Deans has returned from Homebnsh. Air and Airs A. Rutherford and the Alisses Rutherford have gone to Australia. Airs Blunt is visiting Airs -Johnson, Alount Torlesse. Aliss Pyne, who lias been visiting Airs Godley, has returned to Christchurch. BLENHEIM, April 23. The missionary sale of- work held at the Church of the Nativity Sunday School on Thursday afternqop and evening was -a great success. The stall-holders were as follow: Produce: Alesdames A. APKonzie and W. Girling; Gleaners’ Stall, Mesdames Lord, Fisher, and Ca.rkeek; Flowers, Aliss E. Norgrove; Sweets, Alesdamos Alansford and Payne; Books, Aliss Norgrove; Sowers’ Baud Stall, Aliss S. Rogers; Alission Stall, Alesdamos Rogers and Skinner; Christian Endeavour Stall, Miss Paton and Miss Tapp; Melanesian Stall, Air W. Girling; | Afternoon Tea, Atssdames Binley and Strickland and Miss Jackson. Among (hose I noticed present wore Airs J. White, Airs Town- . shend. Airs A. Bell, Airs Grace, Airs R. Adams. Airs J. Alowat, Airs Conolly, Alisses Gard, Rogers, 8011. Grace, and Townshend. j A jolly little picture party was given by ’ Airs Bennett on Wednesday evening at His Majesty’s Theatre. Those present included Airs Scott, Mrs J. Alaclaino, Airs Stone. Aliss Anderson. Aliss Scroll, Alias Nevin. Aliss Clouston, Aliss Scott. Smith, Aliss A. Neville, i

Miss Bell, Miss Bull, Miss T. Reid, Mr J. Reid, and Mr Paul. There was a largo attendance at the Scottish concert given by the Scottish Society of Marlborough in His Majesty's Theatre on Tuesday evening. Among those present were Mr and Mrs Sharpe, Mr and Mrs R. Bell, Mrs Bennett, Dr and Mrs Walker, Miss Smith, Miss Anderson. Mrs W. Bell, Misses Bell (3), Mrs Wastney (Nelson), Miss M. M’Rae, Miss Mowat, Miss Urquhart, Misses Murphy, Dr and Mrs Meade, Mr and Mrs C. Mills, Miss Purser (Wanganui), Miss Horton, Mrs Maclaine, Mr Reid and Misses Reid (2), Mr and Mrs Bacon, Mir and Mrs llevell. Miss S. Rogers has returned from her holiday to Hamilton. Mias Wiene Grace is the guest of Mrs Adams (“ Langley Dale ”). Mrs Masefield {“ Manaroa ”) is visiting the Mieses Chaytor (“ Marshlands ”). v Mr and Mrs Ellkon (Hawke’s Bay) are at present in Blenheim. Miss P, O’Hara-Smith (Wellington) is the guest of Mrs J. Mowat (Springlands). Mr and Mrs Van Asch, who have been spending .a holiday in Wellington, havo returned to their home at Flaxbourne. Miss F. Chaytor has returned from a short holiday to Wellington. Mr and Mrs W. Trolove, who have been in Wellington, passed through Blenheim during the week on their way to “The Shades.” Mr and Mrs Latter (Canterbury) have come to Marlborough, where they intend to reside. Mrs W. M’Rae. who lias been visiting friends in Blenheim, has returned to “ Aotea.” Mrs Higgenron has returned from her holiday to Auckland. Tlie Rev. R. de Lambert and Mrs d© Lambert left Blenheim on Friday for Nelson overland, en route to Westport, where Mr de Lambert has received an appointment ts vicar. They will both be much missed by their many friends. Mrs Dillon has returned from her visit to Wellington. Mrs Tcsch.emaker-Shnle has returned from Wellington. Mrs H. Y. Monro has returned to “ Bank House.” after spending a few weeks in town. Mrs Adams (“ Langley Dale ”) was in town during the week. Mr Huddleston (Auckland) has been visiting his parents in Springlands. Mrs S. J. Macallister. who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs Wicks, has returned to Picton. j, Mrs Walker has returned from a most enjoyable holiday to Nelson. Miss Cissy Hall has returned from her visit to Hawke’s Bay. Mrs W. Bell (“ Flaxmere ”) Las returned from her visit to Christchurch. Miss Masefield (“Manaroa”) lias been visiting friends in Blenheim. Dr Elizabeth Gunn arrived in Blenheim on Monday evening. WELLINGTON. April 26. On Saturday the “ Ornhar.s ” entertained the captain and officers -.f “our ship,” and “ did ” them well, in file Town Hall, which was under the same canopy of red. white, and bine that had done duty like an admirable veteran on previous occasions. Colonel Collins presided as chief orphan, and there was a programme of music and recitation, comic and serious, tragic and serene, which, the visitors and the guests enjoyed as they wore expected. Mrs Massey, as was right and proper, was in the place of honour, wearing grey-blue set in and coat of rich green ' faced with black, looking “ brawly ” beside her broad, big husband, who beamed on the company as if there were no hostile critic of his Government left in the land of the living. Miss Massev was also present, and looked very charming m white silk and ninon. with a blue cloak. Mr and Mrs Herd man were there, she in white silk with blue satin coat; Mrs F. M. B. Fisher. in black; Mrs M’Laren (Mayoress), in white with blue, coat: Lady Stout, in grey chiffon and silver; Lady Williams, in grey ninon and silver, with Sir Joshua sitting’ near, looking half his years; Mrs Judge Chapman, in black, with coat of pink brocaded with mole velvet; and beside her was the judge, serene, as all judges should bo when off duty. In addition there was an immenee audience. “ Songs of the Fleet,” by the Liedcrtafel, under the capable Parker baton, and a Maori haka and war dance mingled, were the startling items of the very excellent programme. On Monday and Tuesday Miss Stout and Miss Shirtcliffe each gave a small dance at the respective paternal mansion for the vouno- officers, who enjoyed the fun vastly, as is°tlie custom of the young officers of the Kind’s Navee- These young hostesses acquitted themselves to the admiration of everybody. Tho Premier and Mrs Massey left for Auckland on Monday to be present at tho New Zealand festivities. On Tuesday night Miss Johnston gave a dance in the Goring Street Hall for young people, including midshipmen. On Monday Captain Halsey had a small luncheon party on board—Mrs Massey, Lady Stout, Miss Skerrett, Mrs Malcolm Ross, etc. Mr and Mrs Furby have gone to Auckland. Mi-s Quick has taken Mrs Jollicoe's house on the Terrace. Mr and Mrs C. Iloldsworth, of Dunedin, left for San Francisco in tho Tahiti on Friday.

Madame Carmen Pischoff made a very

favourable impression hero by her singing of the title role in "Carmen” with tii© Choral Society. A great career is predicted for her by the critics after she has completed her studies in Europe. She was the guest here of Mr and Mw Myers (Fitzherbert Terrace), Mrs A. E. Doane (Janet Ramsay) had a tea for her at Miss Tendall’s one daj in the week, Mrs Donne ■was in black and white, with very smart large black hat and furs, large ospreys and feather stole. Madame was splendid in gown of biscuit oharmeuse embroidered wonderfully, hat with ostrich plumes, and fine black fox fuxsAmong the guests were Mrs Seddon, Mrs Quick, Mrs Myers, Mrs Macarthur, and Mrs Dyer. On Friday Madame sailed for Sydney en route fox Europe and study. Mrs H. D. Bell and her two daughters returned to the Dominion yesterday by the Moan a, after an absence of two years. Dr and Mrs Truby King are booked to leave by the Rangatira on April 30. the distinguished husband being due’at the Public Health Conference in London. The many friends of Mr George Pearce have been saddened by the ruews of the sudden death of his wife, which occurred in Sydney last week. Husband and wife had booked passage for London by the Magnolia. They were on board just after a picnic their friends had given to places of interest in the magnificent harbour of Sydney. She had declared her great enjoyment of the p littio cordial festivity, and incidentally had stated that she had never been so well in her life — just a trifle fatigued. A little soda water would revive her, she thought, ond Mr Pearoo was ringing the smoke room bell to procure the same when he heard a sigh, and turning round, was in time to catch his wife in his arms. The ship’s doctor was summoned in hot haste, and coining promptly could only monounce life extinct. Heart failure. The suddenness of it was appalling. The body was brought back my the first steamer, and the funeral at tho Hutt took place on Thursday. There was a great attendance, and the large number of letters of sympathy showed the high regard of n great circle of sympathetic friends. Mrs Pearce was the daughter of the late H. S. "WardeU, who died a few months ago here. Tho husband and wife were well known in the Wairarapa and Wellington districts, where there is sympathy deep and wide. AUCKLAND, April 28. A very busy lime is being spent by the committee which is arranging for the festivities to take place while H.M.S. New Zealand is in port. The shopkeepers are all saying that trade has never been brisker than for the past month; the drapers, indeed, aver that they would like a Dreadnought to visit Auckland at the beginning of every season. Everyone I know seems to be getting new ball dresses, as well as suits from the tailors; and a very festive 15 days is in sight. The citizens’ ball bids fair to be a most successful function; and the tickets are being largely sold. Their Excellencies the Governor and Lady Liverpool have promised to be present. The Prime Minister and Mrs and Miss Massey, as well as the Hon. H. D. Bell, with Mrs and the Misses Bell (2). who have just arrived from England, are also to be present. The invitations are out for a garden party at Government House on the Ist cf May, to be given by their Excellencies in honour of Captain Halsey and the officers of tins New Zealand. By the way, and as a warning to housekeepers, I think I ought to tell you that, in a letter from a friend in Wellington, I am told H.M.S. New Zealand bought up all the eggs in the city, and that this commodity has been almost unprocurable there for the past week. The Mayoress (Mrs C. J. Parr) was “At home” to the citizens of Auckland on Tuesday afternoon of last week. The function was hold in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, which for the nonce had been transformed into a reception room. Lovely chrysanthemums in yellow and autumn tints were everywhere. At the far end of the room refreshments were served, and Burke’s Band played selections throughout the afternoon. Mr and Mrs Parr received their visitors at tho entrance of tire hall, the latter presenting a charming appearance in a smart frock of pale apricot-coloured satin veiled with ninon, with coatee effect of floral silk veiled with ninon; and large black hat with drooping feather. A black ninon muff, finished with a cluster of apricotcolcured rosea, was also worn. Mrs Selwyn Upton’s garden party was most successful. The weather was fine and mild, and the grounds a blaze of chrysanthemums. Tho Bavarian Band played bright selections. Tea was served in the dining room. The hostess was wearing a lovely frock of white embroidery and lace over black charmcuso. and black hat with drooping white feathers. There was a pleasing little ceremony at the Auckland Girls’ High School last Friday afternoon, when Mrs Dawes, president of the Literary and Educational League, presented the prizes to the winners of tho essay competitions, the first prize being the book sent from Queen Mary’s own library. The winners were;—Seniors —Miss Eleanor Bavne 1. Miss Edna Baylis 2, Miss Jessie M'Culloch 3—all pupils of the Grammar School. In the junior section, the winners were —Miss Nora Wrigley, Master Fred. M’Donald, and Miss Elsie Reed, first, second, and third respectively. The engagement is announced of Miss Eileen Bell, oldest daughter of Mr Henry Bell, of “ Cedarstrom.” Cambridge, to Mr K. S. Whitley, youngest son of Mr W. S. Whitley, "Wisbeacb,” Selwyn terrace, Parnell. Miss Mamie Hesketh has also been amongst the hostesses of tho past week, when her many girl friends were entertained to tea. An attractive feature of this party was the clever fortune-teller, who was kept busily employed tho whole afternoon. Some delightful music was contributed by Miss Gladys Nathan, Miss Nancy Hanna, Miss E. Hanna, and Mrs Jim Prater. The Hospitality Committee of the Victoria League have arranged to bid farewell to Dr and Mrs Hope Lewis on the Bth of May in the Piccadilly Tea Booms, and the members are requested to attend in full force. Miss Amv Holland, who has acted in a secretarial capacity to the leagu* since its inception, is also intending to take a trip to England, and is leaving Auckland next week on her travels. Miss May Golegrove is to undertake her work until she returns which will not lx? befo.-e the end of the year. Mr and Mrs Ewcn Troutbcck (Hawke’s Bay) are amongst southern visitors here at present. Many busy collectors were about on Saturday when the annual street collection of the St. John Ambulance Association was made. Over £350 in nil was collected. The “ Hat-pin” by-law was passed by the Citv Council last week, and is to bo strictly enforced. It is as follows:—“No person shall, in any street or public place, or in any tramcar or other public conveyance, wear anv hat-pin which protrudes in such a way as to be a source of danger to any person.” One wonders who will be the first offender to bo summoned. Mrs Arthur Macandrew (Epsom) has been

appointed musical accompanist to the Gisbornp Competitions Society. '' Lord Whitburgh, his mother (Lady Wrrntburgh), and hie sister (the Hon. Miss Boithwick), who have been touring Australia, are at present in Auckland. The party are to visit the sights of the Dominion, and are returning to England hy the Niagara next month. Just now the Hot Lakes are being inspected. Miss Nora Gorrie is accompanying the party as their guest. Mr and Mre R. C. Williams (formerly of Waihi) are intending Auckland to be their home for the future, and have already settled down. , , . ~ , The annual autumn show of the Auckland. Horticultural Society took place in the Town Hall on Friday and Saturday of last week. Coming, as the chrysanthemum does, into bloom at a time when there are hardly any other flowers, it reigns supreme on this occasion. Miss V. Plummer was successlul in gaining two awards in the amateur section, coming first with three Japanese chrysanthemums, and second with six distinct varieties of chrysanthemums. -yT 8 Arthur Myers, as usual, had a lovely display of pot plants, ferns, and cohas from her conservatories; but there were no other successful women competitors. The table decorations were as a whole very disappointing, and not at all up to the mark. The winning table was, however, much admired, its decorations of scarlet berries and ferns being most striking. The show was declared! open by the Mayor (Mr C. J. Parr) in the presence of a large gathering. Mrs Norman Williams, of Grange road Mount Eden, has issued a large number ot invitations to a ball, to be given in the Society of Arts Hall, Coburg street, in honour of the debut of her only daughter, Miss Janie Williams. . Very general regret was experienced all over Auckland when the passing away of Mr Thomas Finlayson, at his residence in Remuera. became known. Mr hinlaysons health, which had been indifferent for some months past, became much worse of late, but it was not until some three weeks ago that no hope of his recovery remained. His remains were buried at Purewa Ceiiiete.j. a large number of friends .attending. Mtrs Finlayson and her four sons have the sympathy of all residents in Auckland in their bereavement, for Mr Finlayson was known and respected by every one. Another death which has taken place since last I wrote to you is that of Mr Samuel Vaile, who passed away at his residence in Araey road, Remuera, at the advanced age of 85 veara. With the death of Mir Vaile one of'the interesting links with the pioneer days of Auckland has been broken. He is survived by his widow, two sons, and two unmarried daughters.