TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3196, 16 June 1915, Page 69

TABLE TALK.

Monday evening. Last Tuesday afternoon the public were invited to be present at the laying of the foundation atone of the Anglican Cathedral. A stage had been erected for the occasion, where chairs were placed for the convenience of those taking part and many others who were also present. A very large number of the clergy from all parts were present owing to the Anglican Synod sitting in Dunedin at the present time. His Lordship the Primate was presented with a silver trowel, suitably inscribed, and given to him by the architects of the cathedral. In the evening a large social gathering took place in the Garrison Hall, where the seating capacity of the building was taxed to the utmost limits. Some very interesting addresses were given by the Primate and visiting clergy, after which a most enjoyable musical programme was listened to. During the interval tea, coffee, and cakes were handed round, and “ God save the King ” brought a very pleasant meeting to a close. The whole of the Hall and stage was festooned with greenery and draped with flags, which presented a very bright appearance.

On Friday evening the Otago Women’s Club held a meeting in the club rooms, Stuart street, to celebrate the anniversary of the club, and there was a very large gathering of members. Some interesting speeches, recitations, and musical items were given, and during the evening a birthday cake was cut and enjoyed with toA and coffee. The club has now attained a very large membership, and no doubt will progress still further every year. It’s a splendid idea to have a club in the city, and it should prove very useful to country members.

A farewell to the troops who left for Txentham on Saturday was given in the Early Settlers’ Hall on Friday evening, when a most successful social was enjoyed. A very good musical programme had been arranged by Mr Bennell. Mrs Hudson sang delightfully, for which she was most enthusiastically encored. Mrs Wakefleld-Holmes gave a musical mono’ogu», a speech was given by the Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark), and Messrs M'Grath and M'Kinlay sang. A number of tables had been placed about the room, which were adorned with flowers. A charming supper, given by the ladies, was freely partaken of. Numbers of the guests present enjoyed a game of cards, whilst others amused themselves dancing.

On Friday afternoon the graduation capping ceremony took place in the Allen Hall, when a large audience was present. Mr John Roberts, C.M.G., the vice-chancellor, opened the proceedings with a few remarks congratulating the graduates on their success for the year. Mr Roberts, in a few well-chosen words, made allusion to those students who had passed away in the Roll of Honour for their country. It was indeed unique that not a single medical or dental student was present to receive his diploma, all either being at the front or on their way there. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings the students had the usual capping carnival in His Majesty’s Theatre, when the building was packed to excess. Some remarkably good songs and characteristic impersonations were given, those taking the parts of ladies standing out particularly. Mr and Mrs George Crouch were visitors at the Grand Hotel last week on their way to Brisbane. Mr and Mrs George Birch passed through Dunedin at the end of the week on their way south. Mr and Mrs Georg© Ritchie have gone to Invercargill for a few days. Miss Ayre, who has been the guest of Mrs Prank Fitohett, left for the Worth on Saturday. Mr Downia Stewart, M.R., has returned from Wellington after having enlisted to go to the front as a trooper. Mrs Cogan (Christchurch), who has been staying with her mother, Mrs Mackerras, George street, has returned north again. Mr and Mrs Baidlaw (Matakanui), who were in town for the Winter Show, have -■“turned to their home. - -

Miss Fulton is at present visiting' friends in Wellington.

INVERCARGILL, June 13. Mrs Hoyles gave an enjoyable kitchen tea in honour of Miss Lulu Giller on Saturday afternoon. The competition was won by Miss G. Smith, who guessed the , greatest number of the contents of the various parcels brought by the guests. Mrs Hoyles received her guests in the drawing room, wearing a pretty house frock of old rose. Miss Giller wore a smart navy costume and black velvet hat. Among those present were Mrs R. Dunlop, Mrs Ronaldson, Mrs Johnstone, Mrs H. Royds, Mrs P. Dunlop (Dunedin), Misses Chilwell, Logan, Giller, Hawke (3), Gardner, Brodie, Anderson, Carswell (2), Wylie, Callender, Smith, Walker, etc.

The Plimmer-llall Company gave three performances this week—“ The Mummy and the Humming Bird,” ” Lady Windermere’s Fan,” and " The Message from Mars,” —the profits of the first two plays going towards the Patriotic Fund. Among the audience were Mr and Mrs Hutchison, Mrs Ewart, Mr and Mrs B. Gilmour, Dr and Mrs Sale, Mr and Mrs Haggitt, Dr and Mrs Pottinger, Mr and Mrs Leary, Mrs Hogg, Mr and Mrs Russell, Dr and Mrs Stewart, Mrs de Castro, etc.

The Cherniavsky trio gave a most enjoyable recital on Wednesday evening in the theatre. The audience was most enthusiastic. Some of those present were Mr and Mrs Bicknell, Mfs Howorth, Mrs Maclean, Mr Alexander, Mrs and Miss Searell, Misses Thomson, Mrs H. Macdonald, Mrs Moffett, Miss Rowley, Captain and Miss Bell, Brand Mrs Sale, Dr and Mrs Crawford, Mr and Mrs Callender, Mr and Mrs Jennings, Mrs -Hall, and Miss Young. A very quiet wedding was celebrated in All Saints’ Church on Tuesday morning, when Mias Lottie Swhan, elder daughter of Mrs Swhan, Waikiwi, was married to Mr William Georgetti, of Napier. Miss Swhan wore a beautiful frock of ivory satin, with a Wattean train and long veil. The bridesmaids—her sister-. Miss A. Swhan, and her cousin, Miss F. Carmichael—wore dainty dresses of champagne voile with swathed belts of cerise, and lace caps with a conventional cerise rose over each ear. Among those present were Mrs Swhan, Mr B. Swhan, Mrs Shand, Miss Carmichael, Dr Trotter, Mrs and Miss Wylie, Mr and Mrs H. Boyds, M'r and Mrs Clare, Mrs Gray, Mrs Steele, Mr and Mrs Saunders, Mr and Mrs W. £. Mitchell.

Another very quiet wedding took place the same morning at the residence of Mr and Mlrs Gjiller, when M'iss Lulu Ciller was married to Mr John Chilwell. Only relatives were present.

Mrs F. Dunlop, who spent a few days with Mlrs Ciller last week, has returned to Dunedin. Chilwell, who has also been the guest of Mrs Ciller, has returned to Auckland. Mrs Winter Hall and Miss Young (Christchurch) were the guests of Mrs Jennings this week. Miss Buchanan, who has been visiting friends here for some weeks, has returned to Timaru. Miss Walker (Auckland) is the guest of Mrs Hoyles, Gladstone. Mi- and Mrs Guy Chewings have returned from the north. Mr and Mrs J. Chilwell left on Tuesday for Wellington, en route for Australia. Miss Bush has returned from a short holiday in Geraldine. TIMARU, June 4. Mrs S. Holmes (Rakaia), who has been staying with Mrs LeCren, Grey road, returned home last week. Miss Buchanan is expected home from Dunedin this week, where she has been the guest of Mrs Burns. Miss Temple has returned from Wellington, where she had gone to say good-bye to her brother, Mr B. Temple, who lelf with the Fifth Reinforcements on Saturday. Mr Owen Clissold and Mr Colin Gordon also sailed with the hospital staff that day. Mrs Williams, Sefton street, and Mrs Dr Wallace are expected back from Wellington this week, where they had been to say farewell to Dr Wallace. There is a long list of our heroes who have given themselves for our Empire, and very deep sympathy is felt for those left to mourn their loss. Mias Helen Cotterill returned last week from a long visit to Christchurch. Mrs C. and Miss Roberts are going fertile rest of the winter to “The Hydro.” Mrs Miles has returned from a visit to “Gapes Yalley.” CHRISTCHURCH, June 12. On Tuesday night a most successful musical concert was given at St. Mary’s, Merivale, in aid of the Bed Cross Fund. A handsome flag, presented by the Hon. R. H. Rhodes, was auctioned, which added considerably to the evening’s takings. A large musical “At home” was given by Mrs Nicholls at her residence, Papanui, on Thursday afternoon, when each guest was asked to donate to the Red Cross Fund. Musical items were given by Miss Jennings/ Mrs Mouteath, Mrs Smith, and Miss Lucas. Amongst the guests were Mesdames C. Rhodes. Steiad. Fox, Cotterill, Helmore, A. Campbell, Million. Anderson, Nancarrow, H. Buchanan, Wynn-Williams, Stephen Thompson, Denniston, Weatenra, and the Misses Fulton, D. Anderson, Cosset, and Westenra.

The Christchurch Tadics’ Golf Club played the war medal match on Wednesday, the winner being- Miss Cowlishaw. Amongst the players were Mesdames Bond, Wigram, Beadel, E. Harper, Andrae, Donald, Godby, and the Misses Humphreys, Fisher,. Cracroft Wilson, Campbell, Anderson, N. Reeves, and Wilkin.

Mrs Deans, Eiccarton House, was the hostcsis to the series of musical teas arranged each week for the Red Cross Fund. Having- such largo and spacious rooms, there were many guests present. The two largo drawing rooms 'and hall were occupied by busyknitters, and a delicious tea was served in the dining room. Amongst the guests were Mrs I. Deans, Mrs Syines, Mrs E. Symes, Mrs Godby, Mrs Holdswortb, Mrs and Miss Burns, Mrs Stead, Mrs Rice, Mrs Beals, Mrs Palmer, Mrs Allen, Mrs T. Cowlishaw, Mrs 8,. Lane, Mrs Reeves, Sirs Blunt, Mrs Million, Mrs and Miss Helmore, Mrs J. Palmer, Mrs E. Harper, Mrs Denniston, Mrs C. Reid, Mrs and Mias Cracroft Wilson, Mrs Acland, Mrs L. Clark, Mrs Westenra, and the Misses Cowlishaw. Harley, Humphreys, Wilkin, Chapman, Hay, and several others. Mrs Gower Bruns and Mrs G. Hutton sang and Mrs Smith played pianoforte solos. Much regret was expressed when it was known that, the Hon. E. O. J. Stevens had died at his residence, Avouside, last Sunday, and much sympathy is felt for Mrs Stevens, who is now an Invalid. Mrs Elworthy and Miss Ehvorthy left for Auckland on Wednesday. Mirs W. Malet (India) is the guest of Mrs E. Harper. Mrs Holdsworth is visiting Mrs J. Deans, Homebush. Mrs Eioasmor© Wilaon is the guest of Mrs Million.

WELLINGTON, June 11. Yesterday being the anniversary of Mr Seddon’s death, Mrs R. J. Seddon received many telegrams of remembrance and sympathy from friends in all parts of the Dominion. The vault under the big monument in the Old Cemetery at the top of the hill was thro.wn open during the day, and numerous wreaths were received, and many visitors attended to show that in this world there is till memory of friends and benefactors. Some of Mrs Scddon’a friends would have liked the statue which is now erected in the Parliamentary Grounds to have been unveiled on this occasion. But the Government has decided to wait until after the opening of Parliament. Mrs Seddon has just returned from Rotorua, where she has been with her daughter, Mrs Knox Gilmer. The latter had got much run down, and had gone to the balneic centre for rest and building up. She finds herself considerably benefited. On Saturday the carnival procession was repeated, and great was the display of frocks and colours. Nurses caps and uniforms — always a great stand-by for the spectacular—made the basic charm, as it wore, and the colours and forms gyrating around that base or bases in sedate motion were pierrettes ■and pierrots; Japanese ladies in kimono and all the rest of the Japanese very piquant embellishment; peasants of many lands, and the soldiers of this country, stalwart and far prouder since the publication of the compliments to the Australasians paid by all and sundry, small and great, land service and sea service, foreign comrade and blood relation, and all in the superlative, which the correspondents declare to have been so well deserved. We all notice the effect on the bearing of our men in khaki. It seems to say “ We have no swagger uniform, but we have a reputation Tor dash and pluck second to none, and we have battles already on our colours which our friend Tommy Atkins himself is sure to be jealous of—if he were not such a good fellow.”

This sort of thing is being reproduced and repeated at every turn, even to the costumes, only that these are not in the crowd. They are supplied by the givers of the various entertainments—dances, dance recitals, theatrical amateurs, and so forth, who dance and sing and play with brilliant and enduring efforts in the great kaleidoscope presented by the patriotic carnival planners. Useless it would be to attempt any catalogue of the ©vents and the collections, much less a narrative. The town is just on fire with excitement—the war is forgotten on its fighting side and prominent on its suffering side. The Hospital' Ship Fund stands now at £27,000, and more is coming—so much more that the Governor has announced that he .must fix a date—June 23—for the end of the collections, and stated that whatever is over from the ship’s furniture he will place in some bank for anything that will conduce to the comfort and solace of our wounded. The Hon. Dr Collins is foremost figure in this great work, as he goes in charge of the Hospital Ship (the Maheno), which is now undergoing the necessary transformation. By the way, his son was married on Wednesday at Palmerston North. You know the doctor married Miss Iso Warren, granddaughter of the late Matthew Holmes, of Cintra, Anderson’s Bay, Dunedin, and a fewother choice spots in the gOamaru and Southland districts. The son married on this occasion Miss Sybil Abraham, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs L. A. Abraham, <pf Palmerston North. This Mr is the son of Wellington’s first bishop. You may imagine, therefore, the large and wide connection represented by “ the relatives ” to whom the marriage festivities were confined on account of the approaching departure of Dr Collins with the Maheno. I see from the Palmerston press that the wedding was very pretty and picturesque. Word has been received here that Dr MMntosli Bell (who married Mr Harold Beauchamp’s eldest daughter a few years ago, and went Home, after giving up the position of head of the Geological Depart-* ment of the Dominion) has received a commission in the Black Watch, that he is now at the training depot, and will shortly be at the front.

AUCKLAND, June 12.

The actual amount of money required for the Hospital Ship has been received; but we still need funds if we are going to help the reception hospitals and the dependents of the men either killed or worinded. It has been decided by the authorised committee that any surplus money not required for the service and comfort of the wounded shall he devoted to the dependents of the soldiers.

Some time ago the Auckland Tramway Company issued special tickets, with the object of assisting the Belgian Relief Fund. These tickets could be bought from the conductors for a penny, each. The plan was so successful that it has been decided to see if in the same way money cannot be raised for the wounded.

Red Cross teas are still popular, and during the week were given by the Y.W.C.A., Mrs S. B. Marriner, Mrs Jakens, Mrs Ranrolph Abbott, and Mrs W. J. Macklow. A large picture party was bold at the Lyric Theatre by the members of the Victoria League on Empire Day. While' the Boy Scouts marched through the hall carrying the various flags of the Allies,_ -the orchestra played the corresponding national mnthem. As each flag appeared it was enthusiastically cheered, especially the Italian one. Amonrr the spectators were the president of the Victoria League (Dr Hope Lewis). Mr and Mrs J. L. R. Bloomfield, Mr and Mrs George Bloomfield, Mrs Ernest Bloomfield, Mrs Paries and Miss Tilecn Paries, Mr and Mrs E. Anderson, Dr and Mrs Stride. Mrs Waller. Mrs W J. Rapier, Mrs and Miss Dorothy Rolan, Miss Holland, Mrs and Miss King. rpi 'O -1 -C T H bridge party in the Picoadilty Tea Ttoonis on Tuesday evening. Mrs George Bloomfield made all the .arrangements, and many thanks are due to her for a very successful and enjoyable evening. Mrs Bloomfield wore a smart black charmeuse frock. The bodice was trimmed with white lace and the skirt was gracefully draped. The people present were Mrs Caldwell. Mrs Eafhbone, Mrs W. Colbeck, Mrs Sweet, Mrs Drummond Ferguson, Mrs P. Lawrence, Mrs J. Alexander, Mrs G. Hill, Mrs Aubiu, Miss Horton, Mrs O. J. Owen, Mrs P. Baume, Miss Revel George, Miss P. Gorrie. and Mise E. Gorrie. Mr and Mrs P. J. Lynsar, of Gisborne, are visiting Auckland, and are> staying at Cargin.

Miss Dorothy Maokay, who has been in Cambridge staying with Mrs E. E. Roberts, is now the guest of Mrs ,T. Bryce. Mr and Mrs J. Duncan, of Picton, are staving at Ihe Grand Hotel. Miss Willis, accompanied by her sister, Mrs J. B. Lusk, has returned home to Kjainor uige.

Miss Noel Paskelly (Palmerston North) is the guest of Mrs W. Lloj’d, Otahuhu. Mr and Mrs W. Garrick have taken Mrs A. Horrold’s house in Remuera. Mrs M'Cosh Clark and Mrs F. Ross have returned from New Plymouth. Mrs J. Lewis (Wellington) is the guest of Mrs R. Abbott, Mount Eden. Tli© engagement is announced of Miss Dorothy Will, younger daughter of Colonel

Will, V.D., A.D.M.S., of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and Mrs Will, late of Melville House, Abbotsford, to Mr K. L. P Brookfield, LL.B,, of Auckland.