TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3215, 27 October 1915, Page 66

TABLE TALK.

Monday evening. At the King’s Theatre on Monday and Tuesday of last week the Rev. Charles Allen’s operetta “ Flight-commander Bobby ” _ was performed to crowded houses on both nights. Quito a number of extra children had been added to the chorus since the first production of this charming little operetta, also the assistance of Miss Helen Gard’ner, who played the part in an excellent manner. During the evening Miss Bagley, composer of the music and leader of the orchestra at the piano, was presented with two beautiful bouquets. At the end of the evening the author was called fpr, and with reluctance tho Rev. Charles Allen appeared before the curtain, and was received with loud and prolonged applause. Some I noticed in the audience were the- Minister of Defence and Mrs Allen, Mr and Mrs John Roberts, Mr Joachim and Miss Joachim, Mr and Mrs Brough, Mr and Mrs Birch, Mr and Mrs Williams, Mr and Mrs Montgomery (Little River), 'Miss Allen, Mr and Mrs Black, Miss Ulrich, Mr and Mrs Oldham, Doan Fitchcfct, Mrs Frank Fitchett, Misses Macassey, Stock, Dowling, Graham, K. Ulrich, Benham, etc.

On Thursday evening the Navy League held their commemoration celebrations of Trafalgar Day in the Garrison Hall. Tho building was packed to the utmost, and some excellent and most instructive and interesting speeches were given, as well as some splendid lantern pictures, which were much enjoyed. The stage was prettily hung with bunting and garlands of greenery festooned about.

On Friday afternoon tho Soldiers’ Club Rooms in Moray place were opened to the public, when afternoon tea was served at small tables in the garden for the sum of sixpence, the x irocee ds to go to help furnish

tho club. The rooms were publicly opened with the idea of making known the requirements of the club, the promise of donations being gratefully received. Quite a large number of people availed themselves of the opportunity, and were much impressed with the building and its -surroundings. Situated as it is. right in the centre of the town, it should prove very convenient for soldiers. During the afternoon flowers were -sold, and the girls who waited afc the tea tables looked smart in their white costumes. Some 1 noticed present were tho Mayor (Mr Clark), Mr and Mrs Park, Mr and Mrs John Roberts, Mr and Mrs Mac Fie, Mr and Mrs J. A. Johnstone, Mr and Mrs Ross, Mr and Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs Hutchison, Mr and Mrs Fenwick, Mrs Beaumont, Mrs Hayward, Mr and ill's Callaway, Mr and Mrs G. Ritchie, Mr and Mrs J. Gray, Miss Downie Stewart, Mrs Campbell, Misses Ulrich, Graham, Hislop, W. Hislop, Pryde, Fulton, etc.

On Saturday evening the O’Connor Company opened their season with “ The Girl hi the Taxi ” to a full house. The music is most catching, and the song “ Suzanne,” which rims throughout the score, is distinctly attractive. The principal part, Suzanne, is taken by Miss Violet Collinson, who acts the part to perfection and looks the thorough little “French girl,” when she appears dressed in a soft pastel bine crepe de chine trimmed with fur and a trim blue bonnet to match. She carries in her hands a large grey muff, which just seems to be the finishing touch. In the second scene her robe is composed of a soft clinging ninon, made very full with a much-draped skirt, the bodice being prettily trimmed with guipure medallions. Miss Cliff Palmer wears, firstly, a striking gown of bright emerald green crepe de chine, then a white satin relieved with black. Miss Ida Leggatt is robed in a very pale blue crepe de chine, the bodice made with deep fringes of chiffon edged with white fur. “The Taxi Girl” is to go on for several nights this week, and “ The Catch of the Season,” which is a new musical play, is to commence on Thursday. Quite a number of people have seized the opportunity to go cut of town for the holiday. The usual Labour Day sports took place at Forbury Park, but owing to the many processions there have been through the city- the Labour Day one was dons without. Mr and Mrs Arthur Elworthy passed through Dunedin from the south last Wednesday. Mrs Armitage was in town for a few days during the week, and returned to Timaru on Tuesday. Mrs Salmon (Sydney) is at present staying with her daughter, Mrs Max Scherek. Miss Raweon returned from the south on Monday. Mrs W. Menlove (Southland) is the guest of Mrs John Roberts, Littlebourne. Dr and Mrs Stanley Batchelor have returned from their trip to Mount Cook. Mrs Montgomery and her children are the guests of Mrs James Allen, Arana. Miss MTCenzie has returned to Now Zealand after a long stay at Home, and is staying with Mrs N. Vivian. The engagement is announced of Mr James Alexander Maconochie, of Poligolet, Western District, Victoria, Australia, to Miss Elsie Tapper, daughter of the late Mr E. A. Tapper and Mrs Tapper, of this city. Mrs Tapper, accompanied by Miss Tapper, is at present on a visit to" her daughter, Mrs E. R, Stewart, Queenscliff, Victoria. The engagement is announced of Mr A. M. Mathieson, of the New Zealand railways, Takapau, only -son of Mr G. M. Mathieson, late of Marlborough, to Miss J. J. Edgecombe, third daughter of Mrs A. Edgecombe, of Takapau, Hawke’s Bay. INVERCARGILL, October 23. A large and very enjoyable afternoon tea was given in Lewis’s Tea Rooms on Thursday by the Sports Princess, Mrs Hazlett. After a delicious tea, Mr Decides, president of the Men’s Committee, made two presentations—on© to fhe Princess, a very pretty wristlet watch; and to Mrs Miller, president of the Ladies’ Committee, a plain silver jewel case —both from members of the coinmittee as a remembrance of the carnival. Among those present were Mr and Mrs Saunders, Mr and Mrs Pilcher, Mr and Mrs Wilson, Mr and Mrs Vickery, Mr and Mrs F. Handyside, Mr and Mrs Oilier, Mr and Mrs Ge deles, Mrs Handyside, Mrs R. P. Cuthbertson, Mrs D. Cuthbertson. Mrs Russell, Mrs Ronaldsou, Mrs Quinn. Mrs R. Gilmour, Mrs D. Gilmour, Mrs Gordon (Riverton), Mrs Roberts, Misses Bedford, Nurse, Brodrick, Hughes, Richards, Bundas, Donaldson. On Friday Miss M'Queen, the Country Queen, gave a large afternoon lea to members of her committee and other supporters at Lewis’s Tea Rooms, part of which was screened off for the occasion. There were present Mrs M'Qucen, Mrs Longhnan, Mrs Strettelk, Mrs Anderson, Mrs Callender. Mrs John Macdonald, Mrs Hawke, Mrs Macalister, Mrs Prain, Mrs M’Kenzie, Mrs Rogers, Mrs M’Gregor, Misses O’Shea, Trotter° Hawke, Robinson, Fleming, Callender, Prain, etc. Mrs Morrah and her two daughters loft on Friday to spend a short holiday in Timaru. Mrs Symington (Fairfax) was in town during the week. Mrs E. R. Wilson is at present staying in Queenstown. Mrs Steele is also visiting Queenstown. Miss Keel del I has returned from Dunedin, accompanied by her sister, Mrs Scott (Christchurch). Mrs Gordon has returned from Trenthara, where she was staying with her husband’ Dr Gordon, who is going to Gallipoli with the next reinforcements. Miss I. Mitchell has returned from a long visit_ to Mr and Mrs Herbert Mitchell, Napier. Miss D. MTTutchoson (Dunedin) is visiting her sister, Mrs M. Mitchell. Messrs Hugh and Harold Tennent left last week for Trentham. Mrs and Miss Pinckney (Waikin), who were staying last week at the Grand Hotel, have returned home. OAMARU, October 24. Mrs Armstrong and family and Mrs Haines are spending a few weeks in Timaru. Mrs Hargreaves is visiting Christchurch. Mr R. Davies has returned from the North Island. Miss Minter was the guest of Mrs J. A. Sutton during tho week, and left for Waimate on Thursday. Mrs Whitton and Miss Marjorie Whitton are visiting Christchurch. Mrs Hjorring has returned from Dunedin. Mrs Taylor (Christchurch) is the guest of her sister, Mrs Scott, Arun street.

Miss Murdoch, who was the guest of Mrs Darling, returned to Timaru on Saturday. Mr Frank Williams is in town at present.

TIMARU, October 23. Mrs Wigley (Park lane) leaves for Auckland on Monday. Mr and Mrs Matthias have returned from Tekapo. They 'ntend leaving for very shortly, and will remain there- for the winter. Mrs C. E. Thomas returned from Christchurch during the week. Dean Harper (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs Hope. The engagement of Miss Rona Hope, daughter of Mr and Mrs Hope (Tuamanaka), to Major Spencer Smith, London, is announced. The wedding is to take place early in the new year. Mrs Miles has gone for some weeks to New Plymouth. Last Friday Mrs A. Grant gave a croquet party for Mrs Rudolph Wigley, who has been staying with Mrs Wigley, Park lane. Amongst the guests were Mrs W. Hay, Mrs K. G. Turner, Mrs Hassell, Mrs Webb, Mrs Huddlestone, Mrs W. D. Revell, Mrs English, Mrs Stroiiach, Misses Revell, Hassell, O'Brien, Knnbley, Raine, Ziesler, Wigley, Buchanan. Mr Peter Hope has received a commission in the Grenadier Guards. Mrs A. Guild has returned from Christchurch. Mrs L. Nicoll (Wanganui) is the guest of her sister, Mrs W. Stericker, Salisbuyr. Mrs Rogers (Otipua) is the guest of Mrs Clifford, LeCren street. Amongst those present at the races were Mrs Murphy, in a navy costume, hat to match with red flowers; Mrs Laidlaw, grey silk costume, black-and-white hat; Mrs H. Elworthy, pale brown costume, hat en suite; Mrs A. Elworthy, pale grey costume, navy-and-pink hat; Mrs C. Jones, blue satin, black hat; Mrs F. Foden, white silk, white hat and feathers. Others present were Mrs Connolly, Mrs Moyer, Mrs "Willis, Mrs E. G. Kerr, Mrs G. Kerr, Airs Charles, Airs Piper, Airs K. Turner, Airs Chalmers, Airs and Aliss Wood, Airs Orbell (2), Airs Newton, Airs Fisher, Airs Ernest LeCren, Airs Edginton. Airs and Aliss Rhodes, Airs W. Baxter, and many others. CHRISTCHURCH, October 23. Trafalgar Day was celebrated in Christchurch on the 21st and 22nd of October. The Cathedral grounds were gay with bunting and floral emblems, and a flag stall in Cathedral square did a good trade, as did also the numerous girls who sold and collected in the streets. The Sailors’ Fund will benefit by £550 from the Navy League’s efforts. On Thursday Airs J. D. Hall was the hostess to the weekly Red Cross tea. Besides musical ife-rns contributed by Alssdames Burns, F. Cowlishaw, and Aliss Woodhouse, a putting competition was held, which considerably added to the fund. The best scores were made by Airs Denniston and Aliss Gerard. Amongst the guests were: Airs Hutton, Airs Stead, Mrs Palmer, Airs and Aliss Dalgety, Airs G. Rhodes, Airs Deans, Airs James Deans, Airs Chaffey, Airs Fox, Airs Nedwdll, Mrs and Aliss Free, Airs Turnbull, AHs Tescliemaker, Airs B. Lane, Airs Gerald Bowen, Airs T. Cowlishaw, Airs Gcdby, Airs Edgar Stead, Airs C. Cooper, and the Alises Reeves, Cowlishaw, Aleredith, Raine (Timaru), Wynn Williams, Elworthy, Harley, Cotterill, Burns (2). The Red Cross work, which heretofore has been done at various places—the cuttingout at the Jockey Club rooms, the packing and bandages at Pyne and Co.'s, and the depot at Worcester street, —will now all be done under the one roof, as during the week a move has taken place to more commodious rooms on the corner of Worcester and Alanchester streets, so that a great deal of time will bo saved between the various departments. Airs Vernon, who has been spending the winter in Sydney, has returned to Christchurch. Airs J. Deans and Aliss Forbes (Dunedin) have been visiting Airs Deans. WELLINGTON, October 22. Air and Airs Herdman are visiting Auckland, the hon. gentleman being in need of rest after the arduous labours of the session. Sir Robert and Lady Stout have also gone north on a holiday. There is the usual work in all directions for various war purposes—in the turning out of towels and pillow slips and blanketing, in the making of socks and garments of variety, in the getting up of concerts and entertainments of all sorts, dancing, singing, recitations, card-playing—all for the wounded and the sick; and there is, above all things, the record day of Trafalgar. Why this day was selected for the work of collection is,' of course, clear enough; but bettercounsels prevailed, for on the day, which, of course, could not be altered, nothing was done or said either by speech or writing to offend the most susceptible of our gallant Allies. The collections arranged at various commanding places throughout the city went well. At one the takings were £90 —nearly all in pennies. It was a busy scene at the Gear Company's establishment at Petone, where numbers of ladies journeyed on several clays of the week to make up the plum puddings the company is donating by the ton to the troops for their Christmas cheer. From morn till dewy eve they sot about their tasks of cutting up lemons, grating bread, mixing this, that, and the other in complicated proportions,-which ensure success in this mysterious art of the pudding of national taste. I can assure you that if the troops enjoy the eating of these puddings as much as tire ladies did the making they will be remembered by the soldier boys as great feasts. As to Red Cross Day, referred to above, it is necessary to acid much; but if I should attempt to give mention to every detail it would require all the rest of the pages of the Witness. For example, to tell how Lady Ward and Airs D. Nathan went about selling bouquets—buttonholes, I should say—would be a liberal education as well as space-filler, for these ladies never sold two buttonholes in the same manner. It was an example followed by other sellers. Again, to tell how the Alayoress and Airs Aloorhouse and Airs Joseph and Airs L. Bhmdcll kept the ton going all day long at the Town Hall for the tired workers and collectors would be delightful but impossible. Cakes, sandwiches, and good things of all kinds came in, and kept coming in all day, for the rounding off of this tea function, with the regularity and completeness of abundance which long practice has made second nature among our good people of Wellington —in which they resemble the rest of " God’s Own Country”—and they were so heaped up over measure that quantities were diverted to the wounded and sick soldiers wdro are recovering under kind treatment in so many of our local hopsitals and refuges prepared specially for them. It should be added that good things were freely sent from hotels and restaurants, and of these the tally of benefaction was not full until free lunches had been given to many of the workers. Truly the sights of the city made a marvel of warm generosity and smiling, affectionate co-operation. It

almost makes one bless the war which has brought out such wonderful qualities. But the almost is a largo almost quite large enough to enable us both to admire the spectacle and at tho same time de£)loro the dreadful cause. .. News comes that Sister Isdell, so well known in Kumara, is now doing duty in ko. 1 New Zealand Hospital at Port Said. The Soldiers’ Club in Sydney street flourishes daily more and more, as such an institution deserves to flourish. During the week w© find tho energetic committee of ladies ■who have done so much for the same thanking the Gas Company and Messrs Burt for the installation of baths and hot water services free of charge. ’Tis a way they have of wheedling, this committee of ladies. Those gentlemen could no more help themselves than a duck can help swimming. When the ladies said the soldiers must have baths, hot • and cold, these gentlemen were made to feel that they were in their native element, and so they swam without difficulty among taps and pings and pipes and enamels and fittings, all of which found their waj into position by a sort of magic. Mrs Bernard Wood and her small son are staying with her mother. Lady Ward, at Trentham. . Talking of Trentham, by the way, reminds me of the opening by the Governor and Lady Liverpool on Tuesday _of the new hospital there, which is to relieve the grand stand buildings from their commandeering of the last few weeks. There were present a vast assembly—Mrs and Miss Massey conspicuous among them, and Lady Ward and Mrs Wood, Mrs Luke (the Mayoress),, Miss M’Lean (the Matron-in-Chief of the New Zealand Army Nurses, just back from her voyage Home with the first batch of 50), Matron Neddie (of the new hospital), and a numerous crowd, together with the members of the Hospital Guild. After the opening proceedings, which included speeches and a march round, ther-e was afternoon tea in the administrative offices. The mention of this camp impels me to say that the last state of the camp is a vast improvement on its first. The beauty of the arrangements and the completeness of the sanitary perfection are to-day the thorns of every observer who saunters through on his own or is shown round by the courteous officials. It is good for the mothers, wives, sweethearts, and sisters of New Zealand to know. Dr Agnes Bennett writes from Cairo giving a good account of the work done by the volunteer sisters—not trained nurses—in Egypt.. “Without their help,” says Dr Bennett, “we would have lost more lives, and the nurses would have broken down under the strain. Without them we would never have got through the strain of the big rushes, which is the time when their help is needed.” Dr Bennett, in fact, approves of the volunteer ladies, who have despatched their first batch per the Manuka. The Defence Minister has approved of ihe movement, and has given the ladies introductions. Guess the general surprise when the Minister of Health bluntly refused to have anything to do with them, denounced them as quite- beside the mark for racial reasons in Egypt, and threw at them the emphatic refusal o{ the War Office to recognise them in any shape or form. The admirers of Miss Rout and her system, to which she is devoting so much energy and self-sacrifice, are not over-well pleased, and most of us are wondering why the tw T o departments could not have a better understanding- about things in general. BLENHEIM, October 10. Mrs C. Mills and Mrs Frank Bull entertained a number of young children with their mothers at the pretty residence of Mrs C. Mills, Hawkshaw street, on Wednesday afternoon in honour of their daughters’ (Claudia Mills and Tasman Bull) birthdays. Outside amusements were kept going merrily all the afternoon. A delicious tea was served under the trees, the table being artistically decorated with roses and a large birthday' cake in the centre of the table. Mrs Mills received the young people wearing a black velvet gown, and Mrs Bull wore white voile. Those present -were Mesdames Wright, Adams (Langley Dale), Coull, Lines, Maclaine, Wicks, E. Bull, Wintringham, Bacon, Duncan, Whelan (2), Lanibie-, Hylton, Re veil, Misses Gwen and T. Reid, Miss Bull. The young folk were Beryl Wicks, Ethel Mills, Rita and Sandy Coull, Bob Lambic, lan Maclaine, Leslie and Jean Burden, V. Re veil, Nancy Wright, Edith and John Whelan, Brian and Allan Mills, Jack De Castro, Hugh Adams, Myra and Audrey Hylton, and P. Bacon. There was a fair attendance at the Marlborough High School sports, held on the grounds on Wednesday afternoon. A delicious tea was served by the pupils of the school in a building tastefully decorated with flowers and foliage for the occasion. Those present were Mesdames Line®, Robson, Revell, Powell, H. White, Harvey, Wolferstan, N. Adams, Bennett, Adams (Langley Dale), Jenkins, Griffiths, Broughton, Orr, Cheek, Lambie, Misses Mead, Clouston, Innes, Cheek, Wolferstan, Murphy, Broughton, Jenkins, and Leslie. The weather was perfect on Saturday for the opening of the Anglican Tennis Courts. A dainty tea was provided by the Misses Grace. The courts were declared open by the Yen. Archdeacon Grace with a short and appropriate speech. Among those present at the function were Mesdames Bennett, Noble Adams, B. Clouston, Broughton, Cheek, Hylton. Price, Bamford (Wellington), Lightfoot, Girling, Fraser-Tytler, Misses Maclaine, Price, Neville (3), Broughton, Graco (3), Lightfoot, White, Wolferstan, Good, Cheek, Penney, Messrs Fendall, Lord, Ramford (Wellington), Dr Noble Adams, Dr Bennett, etc. The Tenth Mounted Regimental Band gave the first of tho honorary members’ concerts for the- coming season on Friday evening in the Blenheim Town Hall, when there was a very large audience. The vocalists were Misses Ada Jones, Frances Morrison, A. Cheek, and Urquhart. Among those in the audience were Mrs Lanibie, Mr and Mrs Hylton, Mrs Fraser-Tytler, Mr and Mrs E. Rose, Mrs and Miss M'Callnm, Mrs and Miss Townahend, Mrs and Miss Lightfoot, Mrs Innes, Mr and Mrs and Miss Cheek, Mrs E. Ball, Miss Scott Smith, Mr and Mrs Wedde, and the Misses Neville. Mrs A. Adams (Langley Dale) has returned from a holiday to Auckland. Miss Nan Rogers has returned from Hamilton. Mr and Mrs Bamford (Wellington) were the guests of Mrs S. Neville (Thurston) last week end. Mrs B. Munro (Bank House) is visiting her mother, Mrs W. Clouston, at St. Andrews. Mr and Mrs J. White are spending a few days in Wellington. Mrs J. Corry, accompanied by her daughter Alison, has returned from a most enjoyable tour in the North Island. Miss Monica Grace has gone to Nelson. Mr and Mrs Girling have motored through to Nelson. Dr and Mrs Noblo Adams and Miss C. Leslie motored through to Nelson, where they intend spending a week. Mrs C. Colt (Pclorus Sound) is spending s few days in town. Mrs Watts (Lansdowne) was in town on Saturday,

Mrs Richardson and Mrs Hams (Bon Morven) are on a holiday tour to Wellington. AUCKLAND, October 21. The weather conditions on Saturday were perfect for outside functions, which was fortunate indeed, for the' carnival entertainments were numerous. Ono of the largest of these was the gathering at Eden Park for the Sports Queen (Miss Gwen Gomel. The usual army of dainty maidens selling badges, sweets, and flowers was in evidence, and as the attendance was large a fair profit was made. . ’ The Wholesalers had three garden parties the same afternoon for their queen (Mrs W. H. Parkes), one being held in Mrs J. JCraig’s pretty grounds at Epsom, another at Mrs T. Culling’s, in Victoria avenue, llemucra, and yet another in Mrs Hodgson s garden, Ponsonby. The total sum taken at these three parties must have been considerable. The Retailers’ Queen (Mrs B. Dawson) gave a large tea party the same afternoon, which was also a great success. Still another garden party was that held by the supporters of the Soldiers’ Queen (Mrs Wallingford) is Mrs Kinder’s picturesque grounds at the foot of Arney road, Eemuera. Flower stalls, produce, and cake ■stalls were everywhere, and the selling was brisk. Tea was another attraction, and was served on the lawn. The Third Auckland Band played choice selections throughout tho afternoon, which were much enjoyed by those present, including the many returned wounded soldiers in the convalescent stage. Tho cabled nows that Lieutenant-colonel Plugge has had the decoration of the Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George conferred upon him has given great pleasure to his many friends in Auckland, and Mrs Plugge is meeting with many congratulations. Mrs Robert Dargaville (Parnell) has left for Sydney, and expects to be away for three months. Miss Doris Knight (Mount Eden) is the guest .of her aunt, Mrs A. Rees, in Gisborne for c. month. The death occur red last week of the Hon. J. A. Millar at iris residence, Victoria avenue, Remuera, after a somewhat long illness. He leaves a widow, two son?, and one daughter (Mrs Norman M'Lean). Much sympathy has been expressed for Mr and Mrs Alfred Bovins, Fairfax road, Epsom, on the death of their young son Walter, a lad of IC, while on a shooting expedition at St. licliers Bay with a friend. Mr and Mrs Alfred Nathan and Mrs Desmond Kettle are spending a few weeks in Rotorua. Mr C. C. Kettle was also a member of the party, but returned to town a few days ago. Mrs- Ritchie (Wellington) is visiting her sister, Mrs Caldwell. Dr and Mrs Lindo Ferguson (Dunedin) are making a short stay in Auckland.