TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 63

TABLE TALK.

Monday Evening. There have been few doings in the social world during last week. The great topic was fho recent floods, and, in fact, the weather was so bad that no one ventured, out unless they had to. The Water of Leith was quite a sight on Friday, being bank to bank, but, fortunately, by Saturday it had dropped again to about its usual depth. On Wednesday afternoon a football match of great interest to numbers took place at Carisbrook, when tlie Christ College boys played the Otago High School boys. The ground was like a mud flat, and it seemed

quite a difficult matter to see tlie ball. Ihe College team were the lucky ones, winning the match by 3 points. Quite a number of spectators Witnessed the match, and had the weather been only kind, the usual large number of keen spectators would have been present.

“The Crimson Ramblers’’ gave two performances last week, which were much enjoyed by all those who witnessed tnera.

Mr G R. Ritchie was the recipient of a large number of presents from Y*™ 113 *" JJj'£ bodies on the eve of his marriage. He left for Sydnev on Thursday, many of lns | rl , el V being at the station to wish him good luck.

The Mayor (Mr Downie Stewart) and Miss Stewart lst for Sydney by the M-rak> Wednesday to be present at Mr Ocorge Ritchie’s wedding to Miss Greta Mills, daughter of Mr David Mills. The ceremony takes places on Thursday, August .

The engagement is announced of Miss Sheila Maclean, youngest daughter of Mr Lachlan Maclean, to Mr Hay, of Invercargi 1.

Mrs Gideon Scott and Mrs Hudson who have been visiting the South Sea Islands, returned to Dunedin on baturday.

Miss Webster left on Wednesday for the north on a short visit to Wellington.

Mrs La id lav/ and her son returned to Mataianui last Tuesday.

’Dr Batchelor, Miss Forbes, and Miss Thom Kn returned by the Manuka on Saturday.

Mrs E. C. Reynolds left for Wellington on Saturday, where she is visiting her relations.

Dr and Mr/ Marshall, who have been spending some weeks in the north, returned on Saturday.

Mr and Mrs Joachim and Miss Joachim, •who have been out of town for the past few weeks, returned home at the end of the •week.

Mrs Russell Ritchie, who has been absent in Sydney during the winter months, returned to Dunedin at the beginning of the week.

Miss Nor ah Brandon (Wellington) is the guest of Miss Denniston, Melville street.

TIMA.RU, August 16. Among those present at the very enjoyable dance given by Mrs Chalmers at “Beverley House” last Thursday were:—Mrs Chalmers, in a handsome black satin evening frock trimmed with lace and jet; Mrs Willis, in white satin with jewelled cerise overdress; Miss Chalmers, in white satin; Miss J. Chalmers, in brown velvet and point lace; Mrs Porter, black chiffon taffeta with steel embroidery; Mrs Inglis. black charmeuao trimmed with chiffon and lace; Miss Inglis, rose satin frock with white lace; Mrs Costello, pink floral taffetp with lace tunic; Mrs T. Turnbull, black velvet and lace; Mrs Buxton, black satin; Mrs Thomas, white satin with touches of pink; Mr Watkins, Sink, with overdress of grey ninon; Mrs 'ioolk, pale blue satin, overdress of blue ninon; Mrs Smart, heliotrope silk; Misses Gunn, LeLievre, Wood, Caldwell (2), Wright (2). Laidlaw, Clissold, Miles, Jardine, Edge (2), Pearse, Goodman, Hume, Armstrong, M’Gill, Watson, Bowie. Broadhearst. Stewart, Coxhead, Wareing. Turnbull, Mansford, Beckett. Lechner. Keith, Messrs Inglis Costello, Baxter, Patterson, Bruce, Moorhouse, Mousou, Davies, Webber, Porter, Thomas, Burns, Miles. Scoullar, Kissell Watkins, Goodman. Sealy, Goodman. Revell, Tonkin, Aspinall, Marchant, M'Kibbin, Clark, Beauchamp, Hawke. Seymour. Sterndale. Wood, Coekroft. Davidson, Forbes, Coxhead, Rickman, Gibson, Manchester, Knowles, Burns, Wil’iams, Wright. Tomlinson. O’Callaghnn, Just, Smith. Sparrow, Pavnc, etc. Mrs E. Stiulholme (Waimate) is staying with Mrs Studholme, LeCren’s terrace. Mr llowroD, of Messrs Sims, Cooper, and Co., has left for Australia. Miss Read and Miss Fergusson have returned from Fairlie. Miss Buchanan, of Wai-iti road, returns next week by the Rotorua from an 18 months’ visit in England. Miss Doris Fraser leaves on Thursday for a visit to Dunedin. Mr and Mrs Wright returned on Monday from a visit to Mr and Mrs F. Barker (Fairlie). Mrs Miles is staying in Christchurch, and Miss Miles is at Gapes Valley. Mrs R. Bruce lias returned from Fairlie. Mr W. K. Macdonald, of LeGren's terrace, has bought ‘‘Hndlow.’’ Mr and Mrs K. G. Turner have returned from Christchurch. Mrs G. Pincnev, who is the guest of Mrs Tripp, Orielton, leaves to-day for Glenary. Mr and Mrs Million and the Misses Million have lately returned from England, and are Staying a few weeks in Christchurch before Anally settling in Timaru. Miss Rattray (Dunedin) is staying with Mrs ffhomaa.

Miss Tripp has returned from Christ church.

CHRISTCHURCH, August 16. The Canterbury Jockey Club commenced its Grand National meeting at Riccarton on Tuesday. The weather, which has been most springlike, broke on Monday, and a small, drizzling rain has continued most of the week, in spite of which the lawns and stand were a blaze of colour, of which predominated the new saffron-yellows, with the cherry-red and cerise. The attendance, which apparently grows each year, was a, record one for this meeting. Their Excellencies the Governor and Lady Liverpool were present. Lady Liverpool wore a cream cloth, coat and skirt, large plush hat with full crown, and large sweeping ostrich jilume of golden brown; Mrs A. E. O. Rhodes, myrtle groan coat and skirt of satin-faced cloth, large plaited hat of same shade with willow ostrich plume; Mrs C. Dalgety, brown tweed coat and skirt, with beaver hat with natural ostrich plume; Mrs Stead, blue cloth costume, squirrel coat, with black hat and black feathers; Mrs Boyle, navy blue cloth coat and skirt, blue straw hat with crown of purple daisies; Miss Boyle, coat and skirt of champagne-coloured cloth, Tuscan hat with cream trimmings; Lady Clifford, long fur coat, black hat veiled in r.inon, with, violet pansies and black feathers; Miss Clifford, violet cloth costume, blaclf hat with tulle mount; Mrs Pyne, black ratine costume, black hat with blue-and-white trimmings; Mrs Beswick, blue tweed coat and skirt, blue silk hat; Mrs Onslow, coat and skirt of sapphire blue, whipcord blue hat with shaded blue plumes; Mrs R. Macdonald, green cloth costume, braided, navy bins hat veiled in ninon; Mrs W. Stead, navy blue coat and skirt, long fm coat, white beaver hat with bird of paradise; Mrs ,1. Riddiford (Lower Hntt). long musquash coat, hat of same fur with mount; Mrs Elwovthy. black coat and skirt, black hat with black ostrich" plumes; Mrs G. Rhodes, periwinkle blue coat and skirt, large hat with plumes of same shade; Mrs G. Gould, corduroy coat and skirt, with ermine toque, stoic, and muff; Mrs Lindo Ferguson (Dunedin), amethyst cloth costume, large black picture hat with black and white willow ostrich plumes; Miss Hocking (Dunedin), coat and skirt of honey cloth, hat to match; Mrs C. Reid, aparrowhawk blue coat and skirt, white l>eaver hat; Miss Roysc (Dunedin), grey coat and skirt, old gold straw with sulphur and blue mount; Mrs A. E-l worthy (Timaru), black satin coat and skirt, black satin hat with mount of country flowers; Mrs R. Rhodes (Bluecliflf) black silk rep coat and skirt, black Hat with black plumes; Miss Sinclair Thomson, navy blue coat and skirt, blue hat with floral -silk crown; Mrs Edgerton Reid, smoke velvet gown, hat with ostrich plumes of same shade; Mrs Bond, gown of shepherd’s plaid, long fur coat, French sailor hat with lancer feather; Mrs Kain (Otago), cim amon brown sponge cloth coat and skirt, hat en suite; Miss L. Rattray, blue tweed coat and skirt, small flora! hat; Mrs -I. Deans, blue cloth coat and skirt, black velour hat with puce band; Mrs Godby, lon~ fur coat, buttercup and brown hat with berries; Miss Humphrey, red cloth costume, black hat of same shade; Miss Cowliaha-.v blue serge coat and skirt, yellow silk hat with blue; Miss Lee, long fur coat, white plush bat; Miss Handysidcs; navy blue costume, black hat with tulle; Mi. 4 Grigg, butter-coloured sponge cloth, cloth hat of same, shade with cerise; Miss Harley, navy blue coat and skirt, navy blue hat with mount; Miss Xancarrow, blue cloth costume, blue hat with pink; Miss Anderson, navy blue coat and skirt, grey felt hat with grey plumes; Miss Rolleston, pale green cloth, costume, hat- and plumes of same shade; Miss Ogle, grey check coat and skirt, black hat with bine flowers.

On Tuesday evening the Christchurch Hunt Chib held its annual ball at the Alexandra Hall. Tliis popular ball is almost too crowded for comfortable dancing, but as the drawing rooms are always so well furnished, one at least is able to sit out in comfort. The ballroom was beautifully decorated with hanging brackets of jiink roses suspended from the ceiling, and the walls were entirely hidden with dark green muslin, trellised and studded with roses, which gave a most pleasing effect. The music supplied by Mias Scrivener's band was excellent. Their Excellencies the Governor and Lady Liverpool were present, and danced in the official set of lancers with the master of the Hunt Club and his wife (Mr and Mrs Derrick Westenra). Lady, Liverpool wore a handsome gown of pale ultramarine blue-and-gold broche tissue and fine diamond ornaments; Mrs D. Westenra, sunflower yellow charmeu.se with drapings of cream lace; Mrs C. Dalgety, white tulle over white satin simulated with crystals; Mrs W. Bond (Otajjo), scarab blue satin with pouched drapings of gold and florally-pattorned tulle: Mrs Heard (Wellington), coronation blue with black tulle overdress and white lace; Mrs G. Gould, broche gown of sapphire and gold; Mrs A. Elworthy, plum purple ninon over satin, embellished with jewelled embroidery; Mrs J. Riddiford (Wellington), gold embroidered tulle over gold satin; Mrs E. Reid (Tima.ru), black satin relieved with bottle green; Mrs Leslie Orbell (Timaru), black charmeiise with drapery of white lace; Mrs Godhy, shell pink ninon bordered with saxe blue; Mr* Dean*, black satin gown

veiled in handsome -embroidered ninon; Mrs Jim Deans, soft vienx ninon will) embroidery of silver; Mrs Bel hell, black brochc satin veiled in black beaded ninon; Miss Rhodes, cicl blue satin wit'll pearl insertions; Miss Boyle, deep blue chiffon over satin; Miss Grigg, pale blue satin relieved with cream luce; Mins Johnson (Hawke's Bay), Imiecolourod ninon (;oivn with embroidery; Miss Gould, crepe do chine gown with silver embroidery; Miss Clifford, white satin with ninon tunic, edged with silver fringe; Mias Harcourl (Wellington), deep mauve satin frock; Miss Nora Brandon (Wellington), salmon satin. Others present were : Mesdames H. Palmer, Harper, Hall, Kane, P. Elworthy, Tripp, Humphreys, I. Deans, Million, Grigg, Holmore, and Vernon, and Iho Misses Rolleston, Ogle, Burns, Pyno, Anderson, Phillips, Orboll, Barker, Campbell. Prins, and Messrs Reid. Wcsteura, Macdonald, Hall, Rolleston, Riddiford, Holmore, Cod by, Bond, Elworthy, Bectbam, Bothell. Captain Hutton, Escourt, and Hutchinson.

Thursday wa-s the Grand National Hurdle Race day, and there seethed to be some nasty spills. Everyone who had fur coats donned them early in the day. Lady Liverpool wore a black cloth coat and skirt relieved with white collar and cuffs, blue-aud-gold straw hat with silk 1 jerries; Mrs Arthur Rhodes, deep claret cloth coat and skirt, largo picture hat; Mrs C. Dalgety, grey velvet gown, hat of same shade with heliotrope, crown; Lady Clifford, blnc-and-white striped coat and skirt, black hat; Mrs Boyle, electric blue cloth gown, black hat with black ostrich plumes; Mrs W. Stead, smoke cloth gown, long fur coat, black hat with black feathers; Mrs Lindo Ferguson, blue satin coat and skirt with white stripe and touches of cerise, blue tagal hat with cerise feather en arriere; Miss Hcsking, cream cloth coat and skirt, black a-nd-white hat; Mrs A. Elworthy. blue-and-black shot coat and skirt, hat to match; Mrs R.- Macdonald, black cloth coat and skirt, black hat with velvet tam o’ sh-anter crown; Mrs J. Deans, blue serge coat and skirt, large black hat with shaded ciel blue ostrich plumes; Mrs T. Cowlishaw, navy blue coat and skirt, white hat; Mrs Melville Jameson, navy blue serge skirt, Jong fur coat, blue hat veiled in ninon ; Mrs Kain (Otago), tweed coat and skirt,, blue cloth hat; Miss Burnett (Dunedin), cinnamon brown frock, large picture hat wreathed with cowslips; Miss Humphreys, black cloth coat and skirt, broche black hat with bow; Miss Rolleston, green cloth coat and skirt, black hat; Miss Handysides, navy blue coat and skirt, large black hat of tulle; Miss Chapman, French grey costume, grey hat with grey plumes; Miss A. Rhodes, champagne cloth costume, hat to; match. Others present at the meeting have been Mesdames Helmore, Riddiford, Cooper, Buchanan, Millton, Allen, Palmer, Phillips. Stringer, Symes, Williams, Lar.-e, Knight, Vernon, and the Misses Pyne, Anson, Gould, Knight, Rich, Grigg, Hay, Duff, Brandon, Turnbull, Cowlishaw, Burns, and Moore. The United Service and Warner’s Hotels have been full during the week. Some of the visits staying there are:—Mr and Mrs J. Riddiford, Mr and Mrs Eric Riddiford (Wellington), Mr and Mrs Phillips, and the Misses Phillips, Mr and Mrs A. Elworthy, Mr and Mrs B. Elworthy, Mr and Mrs P. Elworthy (Timaru), Mr and Miss Harcourt (Wellington), Mr and Mrrs D. Riddiford, Miss Thorne George (Auckland), Mr and Mrs R. Rhodes, Mr and Mrs Leslie Orbeil (Timaru). and Mr and Mrs Befhell (Culverden).

BLENHEIM, August 13. The Marlborough Rhetoric Club gave a reading of “An Ideal Husband ” on Tuesday evening in St. Andrew’s Schoolroom, when there was a large attendance. The characters were as follow: —Lady Mark by, Mrs Tovey; Mrs Cheveley, Mrs Higginson; Miss Mabel Chiltern, Mrs Free; Lady Chiltern Miss A. Healy; the Earl of Caversham, K.CL, Mr O’Donoghue; Viscount Goring, Mr Prentice; Sir Robert Chiltern, Mr Free; Mason, Mr J. Logan; Phipps, Mr Thomson. Among the audience I noticed:—Mrs M'Callum. Mrs Revell, Mrs C. Mills. Mrs J. White, Mrs Ball, Mrs W. Bell, Miss Chapman Misses Neville, Miss Rogers, Mtss Urquhart, Miss Newton, Miss Purser, Mrs Redwood, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Brock, and Mrs Shipley.

On Friday evening a delightful card and musical evening was given by Mrs Welch at her home, Weld street. The hostess wore a handsome gown of navy blue charmeuse with Oriental trimmings. Among those present were; —Mrs R. M'Callum, Mr and Mrs Bevell, Mr and Mrs Bent, Mr and Mrs Shipley, Mrs K. Ball, Miss D. Fisher, Miss White, Mrs Innes, Mr and Mrs Orr, Miss Bundle, Miss Redwood, Messrs Loughnan, Whitemore, Reid, Penlinglou, and Reed. On Saturday afternoon the third round for the Ladies' Golf Club Union’s bronze medal was played for, Miss M'Lauchlan being the winner. Among those present were: —Mrs Maclaine, Mrs Hulme, Mrs Fred Redwood, Misses Chapman, Fulton, Horton, M'Callum, Messrs O. Mead, N. Parker, E. Reid, Mortimer©, Golding, Hackworth, Lucas, and J. Horton.

Mrs Bennett has returned from a short visit to Wellington. Dr and Mrs Walker have returned from visiting Mr and Mrs Hitson-Thomas, “ Tirohanga.” M-rs Corry is on a visit to Christchurch. Mrs E. Rose is spending a short holiday in Wellington. Mrs Monro, who has been visiting her mother. Mrs Clouston. “ St. Andrew’s,” has returned to “ Bank House.”

Miss Kent (Auckland) is the guest of Mrs A. Adams, “Langley Dale.” Mrs Hill (Solomon Islands) is visiting her mother, Mrs Griffiths, “The Barton.” Mrs Wolfevsfnn has returned from Picton.

Dr and Mrs Walker have issued invitations for a private da no© to be held in St. Patrick’s Hall on Tuesday, August 19. Mrs and Miss Vavasour have gone to Christchurch for the races. Mr and Mrs C. Murrnv. “ Wharanui,” are staying at the Criterion Hotel. Miss Shaw, who has been the guest of Mrs Murray, has returned to Napier.

WELLINGTON, August 15. Dr and Mrs Fitchett have gone to Auckland for a few weeks. Sir Robert and Ladv Stout have returned from Napier. Lady Stout utilised her time one evening in the breakwater city by givTHE GUINEA POEM. A cheque for £1 Is hae been sent to the writer of this vereo: Mrs A. P., 116 Main road, N.E Valley, Dunedin— Some practical women put to the test. Twelve samples ol soap, to determine the best. A ballot was taken; and please make a note: There was Puritan written on every vote! WIN A GUINEA! Prize poem published every week. Best original four short-line advt. verse about "Puritan i;c*p" wine. A Printed Wrapper—fror;. toeicle packet ol Puritan Soap—inns* be vaclbsed with foil address, to “Puritan Soap,” p.O. Box 303. Wellington Wholesale agents: J. Rattray and Sons (Ltd.).

ing a lecture to young men on the duties and responsibilities of fathers. The Government House party went off early in the weqk to Christchurch for the races and festivities. They will not stay long, for their engagements are many here — to patronise the concert for the Boys’ Institute on the 2oth, the Seamen’s Mission bazaar on the 27th, the Garrison officers’ ball, and other functions prearranged. Sir John and Lady Findlay have returned from Napier. There is much sympathy for Mrs P. M. B. Fisher, who lias during the week lost her father. Mr W. P. Davie. The old gentleman was at the time of his death living with his daughter and son-in-law, and had done so for some years. He was well known for many years in Christchurch, and was the brother of Mr Cyrus Davie, the well-known chief surveyor, one of the men who laid out the City of Christchurch. Mr W. Davie had a larger experience in that direction, for he was one of the surveyors who laid out the town of Chicago. The late Mr Davie was fond of telling stories of Abe Lincoln, whom he had known in the years preceding the great historic part he played in the sixties. Mrs Van Stavcrn is in Blenheim having a brief holiday. On Wednesday the girls' branch of the Victoria League had ii social gathering in Tiffin’s Tea Rooms. Fancy dress and a bright gathering, with ladies in the dresses of generals and admirals and other celebrated characters. By this means the absence of the male element did not seem quite so striking. The chaperones were Mrs Rankine Hiowne, Mrs Peacock, Mrs Atkins, Mrs Samuel, Mrs Sidey, Mrs Leckie. At tlie monthly meeting of the W.S.P. League, held in the BoulcoU Street Hall (Mrs Keay-Brown in the chair) on Wednesday, Mserrs Atmore, M.P., and T. Seddon, M.P., gave political addresses, which were much appreciated. Mrs Gallichan was present and other organisers, and a fair increase of membership w-as reported. Mr and Mrs H. J. Bnrnes, of Lowry Bay, have taken Mrs C. B. Russell’s house in Tinakori road for a few months, so that Mr Bnrnes may be nearer his work while he gradually recovers from his long illness. On Tuesday the Choral Society got the world and his wife to their concert of ‘■Elijah,” with Mr Prouse in the title role and Mesdames Conly and Brainsby set for the soprano and contralto parts. The first of these ladies wore pale blue crepe de chine with corsage of silver drapery, and the latter had a charming frock of charmeuse with vandyked skirt opening over lace flounces. The general agreement was that Mr Prouse had never sung this role better. Energy is the constant demand, and energy was m constant supply, without roughness, which is a really charming combination of the rough and the smooth —a perfect triumph of art.

Miss Hodgkins is staying with her sister, Mrs Field, who had a notable “At home ” for her, at which all the Dunedin folk within hail were present, and enjoyed a remarkably fine memorial gathering. The Rambler Ladies' Hockey Club had their annual dunce in the Sydney Street Schoolroom on Wednesday.

A very enjoyable private dance was given at their pretty home in Aurora terrace by Mr and Mrs W. R. Hursthonse on Wednesday evening. Primroses, violets, jonquils, and narcissi were in great and tasteful evidence. The two drawing rooms were opened into one for the dancing, and the breakfast room was devoted to supper, where it proved as comfortable as it was recherche. A cotillon with new figures was a charming feature of the evening. Mrs Hursthonse received in ivory charmeuse and ninon.

AUCKLAND, August It. The Victoria League, who invariably combine business and Measure when holding their meetings, had a very successful gathering in the Piccadilly Tea Rooms last Thursday evening. The president (Mr Edward Anderson) was in the chair, and Miss Statham (secretary) read a report of the doings of the league for the past few months, showing that everything is in a most prosperous state. The membership of the newlyformed Girls’ League is now close upon 100. Designs for the memorial to the fallen soldiers in the late Boer war are to be asked for from all over the Dominion, and the choice is to be made by a number of the committee. Amongst those present were: Mrs Edward Anderson, in a pretty frock of cerise floral ninon with touches of black; Mias Henderson, soft cream silk and embroidery; rMrs A. Herrold, white silk cashmere; Mrs Angus Gordon, black satin; the Misses Rutherford (Christchurch) deep blue chermeuse draped with grey-beaded ninon, and black charmeuse, respectively; Miss Turner (Wellington), black charmeuse handsomely embroidered in blue; Mrs Kissling, black chiffon taffeta; Mrs Archie Clark, cream silk with embroidery; Miss Jessie Reid. Mrs and Miss Brooke-Smith, Mrs Cardno, and Miss Dorothy Morton, etc., etc. Mias Towle, Epsom, is the guest of Mrs Reeves (Wanganui). iThe literary circle of the Auckland Business Girls’ Club gave a very pleasant party last Monday evening, when the members read out aloud the fairy tales they had brought with them. The idea is a most instructive. as well os an original, one. Miss Muriel Horrocks (Remucra) is the guest of her sister-in-law Mrs Leo Horrocks, Fcilding. Mr and Mrs Selwyn Edwards, a bride and

bridegroom from Lunodin, have taken up their residence in Auckland. Mr and Mrs R. M'Veagh (Grafton road) Kavo left on a tour of tno world, and aro to bo away quite I*2 months. Mt and Mrs W. Lloyd, and Mias Lloyd (Remuera) aro the guests of Mx and Mrs Lloyd, Hokowhitu. Miss Kora Gorrie is visiting friends in the South Island.