TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3244, 17 May 1916, Page 64

TABLE TALK.

Monday evening-. The Dunedin Horticultural Society held iheir Chrysanthemum Show in the Art Gallery on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, and, from a spectacular point of view alone, the hall looked beautiful with its wonderful autumn-tinted leaves intermingled with chrysanthemums of all shades, and many exhibits of apples and grapes, as well as a splendid show of vegetable?. On entering the hall one was immediately struck with the colour of the leaves, which, I suppose, is owing to the very dry season in Otago. and lots of sunshine. A good stand from the members of the Otago Women's Patriotic Association was well conducted by several of the ladies, and from what one could see they were well patronised throughout both days, and should, by the time all the money is in, be able to send quite a nice little sum to Mrs George Stewart, who has organised a tea room in Cairo to help the soldiers. The championship for the best chrysanthemum in the show was won by Mr Hamel with a bloom of Mrs R. C. Pulling, which is a dainty yellow, and was a "magnificent sample of how a chrysanthemum can look when well grown. Some exceedingly pretty tables were decorated with autumn-tinted leaves, berries, etc., the first prize falling to Miss M'lntyre, of Mornington. In the table decorations of chiwsanthemums and any foliag© Miss Martin, Roslyn, was the lucky winner. Both stalls were well filled with exhibits, and the water-colour room looked particularly j>retty with its tiers of white shelves, upon which were masses of scarlet and yellow apples, and the beautiful watercolours which are hung round the room lent a furnished effect, and which has always been wanting in . the Garrison Hall. The Show was well attended on both days, and in the evenings Beath's Band gave some excellent musical items

On Tuesday morning a quiet wedding was celebrated in Roslyn, the contracting parties being Miss Glasgow, daughter of Mr, W. T. Glasgow, of Bishopscourt, to Professor Brown (India). The ceremony took place at midday, and was performed by Professor Hewitson in the house, the room looking very pretty with masses of beautiful flowers. Afterwards dainty tea and cakes were much enjoyed. Both bride and bridegroom received many congratulatory telegrams and some very nice presents The bride, who was aftired in her travelling dress, looked exceedingly well in a tailor-made biscuitcoloured cloth, and a large black velvet picture hat with long black ostrich feather. Her sister was bridesmaid, and wore a pretty gown of pale champagne-coloured silk, with black picture hat. The wedding being a very quiet one, onlj' relations of the bride and bridegroom wero present. Later in the day Professor and Mrs Brown left for the north, catching the Manuka for Sydney, and thence returning to India immediately.

Great disappointment was felt when it was learned on Sunday 1 hat the Willochra could not be berthed owing to another case of smallpox having broken out. As the soldiers were not able to be accorded Uieir usual hearty welcome by the ladies of the Patriotic Association, they did all in their power by sending cakes, sandwiches, eggs, and other dainties out in the tug to the steamer. Mrs Lindo Ferguson left on Saturday for a short visit to the North Island. Mr and Mrs John Roberts have gone to Wellington for a trip. Judge and Mrs Denniston are at present visiting Dunedin. Mrs Gladstone Robinson (Timnru) has been the guest of Mrs Woodhouse, Alva street. Mrs Robertson (Auckland) is staying with Mrs Marshall, St. David street. Misses Hughes and Miss Troy, who will leave Dunedin for Melbourne this week, invited a number of their lady friends to a farewell afternoon tea at the Savoy yesterday afternoon. The tables were prettily decorated with the Kaituna Bowling Club colours. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent by the 30 ladies present, all of whom expressed their regret at the approaching departure of their young hostesses. INVERCARGILL-, May 13. Two matches were played at Otatara on Thursday by the Ladies Golf Ciub—-one for Mrs Massey's trophy, which is played for throughout the season; the other was the first of several to be played for a club presented by Mrs Handyside. The lowest score was made by Miss Joyce. The weather was perfect, and a large number of members went over, Mrs D. Gilmour providing delicious afternoon tea. In the evening the Orchestral Society gave a very enjoyable concert in the Victoria Hall, which was very well filled for the occasion. A Red Cross shop was opened in Esk street by the ladies of the Patriotic Committee on Saturday, when good business was done throughout the day. Mrs M. Menzies (Dipton) lias been making a short visit to town. Mr and Mrs Blair, who have been guests of Mrs Tennent, have returned to Timaru. Mrs R. Todd and family have gone for a holiday up to the North Island. Mrs F. Handyside has returned from Wellington. Mrs Galbraith is at present visiting friends in Dunedin. Miss Hampson left last week for Auckland. Mrs and Miss Roe have gone north for a few weeks. The engagement is announced of Miss Madge Fleming, second daughter of Mrs W. S. Fleming, to Mr Aspinall. OAMARU, May 15. On Tuesday night the Opera House was crowded to hear Paul Dufault, the French Canadian tenor. His singing was as delightful as over, ard was greatly appreciated by all present. Ho was accompanied by Miss Paulino Bind ley (soprano), Miss Florence Scapini (violinist), and Mr Harold Whittle (pianist). Some of those present were Mrs and Miss Williams, Mr and Mrs J. M. Bulloid, Mrs Bulleid, Dr and Mrs Douglas, Mr and Mrs Elcoate, the Misses Jones, Mrs Adams (Wellington), Miss ' Jacobson, Dr and Mrs and Miss Whitton, Mrs Moore, Mr and

Mrs R. Irvine, the Misses Stronaoh, T>x and Mrs Soott, Mies Evans, Mr Langley, Mrs and Miss Hargreavos, Mt and Mrs J. Eraser, Rev. end Mrs Hunter. A supper party was given after the concert for Paul Dufault and his company by Mrs Peter Williams. Miss Pauline Bindley and Mr Harold "Whittle were the guests of Mrs Williams during their stay in Oamaru. Miss Murdoch has returned from a short visit to Dunedin. ' Mrs Adams and Miss Jacobson (Wellington) srent a few days with Miss Jones during the weok. Miss O'Shea, who has been staying with her sister, Mrs Fotheringham, has returned to Invercargill. Mrs Buckley and her family are spending the May holidays at Redcastle. Mrs R. Macdonald has returned from Dunedin. Mr B. P. Lee returned from Wellington during the week, and is leaving shortly for England. Mrs Dalzell has gone to Christchurch for a few days. TIMARU, May 16. Mrs W. W. Baxter is staying in Christchurch. Mrs Hartley Smith (Christchurch) is staying with her sister, Mrs R. Fisher, Wai-iti road. Mrs Neville lias returned from a visit to Blenheim. Mrs M'Lean (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs Rose, Lough street. Mrs Elworthy (Christchurch) has _ taken Ommarama, Mr Melville Jameson's residence, for some mrntls. Miss Moana Rhodes has returned from Mount Cook. Miss Clifford has returned from a long visit to Taihape and Auckland. Mrs English and Miss AYhite are back from the North Island. Mrs Cutten (Dunedin) is staying in Timaru and Temukn for a short while. Mrs Hugh Ackland and her children are spending the winter at Mount Peel. Mrs H. Tripp has returned from Orari Gorge, where she has spent most of the summer. Mr and Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes returned from England in. the Remuera. Mrs Hayter and Mrs C. Hayter leave for England by the Remuera. Miss Tcnnant (Wanganui) is the guest of Miss Oliver (Pleasant 'Point). Mrs F. Barker (Fairlie) has gone to Feathersto'i. Miss Nanc&rrow (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs H. Orbell. Mrs Wilfred Rutherford and her family have taken Mr L. Miles's house, Wai-iti road, for some months. Miss E. Robinson is staying at Oakover for a short while. Mrs Blundell (Now Plymouth) is with her mother, Mrs LeCren, Ranui.

CHRISTCHURCH, May 13. Mr Ashmead-Bartlett gave two most interesting lectures at the Theatre Royal. The limelieht views were splendid, and being so large, gave one a good idea of the surroundings of Gallipoli. Amonesl the audience 1/ noticed Mr and Mrs Boyle, Mrs Algar Williams. Mr and Mrs W. Bond, Captain and Mrs Mathews, Mr and Miss Northcote, Miss Bathgate, Mrs Symes, Mrs Deans, Mies Harley, Mrs Cordner, Miss Knubley (Timaru), Mrs Julius, Miss Bowen, Mr and Mrs Eric Harper, Miss Cotterill, Mrs E. Studholme, the Misses Wells, Mr .and Mrs Godby. Mr end Mrs Edgar Stead, and Mrs and Miss Gosset. The Christchurch Ladies' Golf Club played a Red Cross bogey match on Thursday, the winner being Mrs Borthwick. Others playing were Mrs Wigram, Mrs Vernon, Mrs Godby, Mrs R. Symes, Mrs Bristed, Miss P. Anderson, Miss Wilkin and Miss Newton. His Honor Mr Justice jJenniston and Mrs Denniston are visiting Mr G. L. Denniston at Dunedin. The Primate (Bishon Nevill) and Mrs Nevill are the guests of Mas Wigram for the General Synod. Miss F. Rattray, who has been, visiting M"« Allen, has left for the north. Mrs Holds-worth hp.s been spending a few days in Christchurch. _, BLENHEIM, May 10. On Monday and Tuesday evenings His Majesty's Theatre was well attended, the attraction being the picture entitled "The Jockey of Death." Some of those present were Mrs Bell, Mrs Bennett, Mrs Noble Adams. Mrs C. Neville (Timaru), Mrs FraserTytler. Mrs Rose. Mrs Hylton, Mrs Clouston, Mrs Cheek, Mrs Lightfoot, Mr? Ball, Misses Neville (2), Lichtfoot, White, I. Horton, Cheek (2), Good. Cloustcn. etc. A meeting of the Ladies' Executive of the Marlboroueh Patriotic Society, with all its sub-committees, was held at the Patriotic Rooms on Wednesday las), to receive a. report of the work done since the commencement of the war. The following ladies were present: Mrc J. Corry. Mrs Bennett, Mrs Lucas, Mrs Clouston. Mrs Seymour, Mrs M'Callum, Mrs Redwood, Mrs Duncan, Mrs Barv. Mrs Haughey, Mrs Richards, Mrs Wiffen. Mrs Maclaine, Mrs Hammond, Mrs Boyce, Mrs Riddell, Mrs Madseu, Mrs Peake, Mrs Stocker, Mrs Foster, Mrs Scott, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Cunliffe. Mrs Craven, Mrs Murray, Mrs Lightfoot, Mrs Ball. Mrs Townshend. Mrs Fisher, Mrs Bartlett, Mrs Scott, Mrs Heffer, Mrs Halligan, Mrs Litchfield, Mrs Jackson, Misses Keating and Leahy, etc. Mr and Mrs T. Redwood, accompanied by Miss Z. Kedwood, left for Wellington on Thursday, where they will spend a short holiday. Mrs E. has gone to Wellington. Miss K.. Bundle, who has been the guest of her sister, Mrs E. Ball, has returned to Wellington. Mrs Skinner (Napier) is visiting her dauehter, Mrs T. Churchward. Mr and Mrs H. Burden have returned from visiting Nelson. Mrs J -tsell (Hawke's Bav) is visiting her sister, Mrs R. J. Bell, at Holmdale. Mrs Bennett and family are visiting relatives in Geraldine. Mrs Allison is visiting Kaikoura. Mrs A. Bell is spending a few days in Wellington. Mrs W. Clouston and Miss C. Clouston are on a short visit to Wellington. Mrs C. Neville (Timaru), who has been visiting Thurston, has returned. Mr and Mrs J. White, iork terrace, have motored through to Christchurch. Ven. Archdeacon Grace and Miss U. Grace have gone to Christchurch. Mrs Ritson Thomas, Tirohanga, is staying at the Club Hotel. WELLINGTON, May 12, 1916. The Anti-German League are not, good parliamentarians, or they would have congregated in their numbers to hear Mr Payne discourse last night on the German peril itmongst us—all our men going gradually to the front leaving the old fellows to defend tho women and the country against the thousands of iminterned Germans among us, all armed or ready to spring upon tho arms which they have hidden in convenient places for just such occasion. Mr Payne's dramatic manner made the blood of his hearers run

absolutely cold, as his voice rolled over the concealed arms after the precedent of the aims concealed by the rebels in South Afrioa —in every part of Africa, in fact, —in Canada, and only the other day—this day, in foot —in Ireland. He seemed to urge the women of New Zealand to sack the gunshops at once or be for ever the slaves of Austrian gumdjggers, in the appalling wilds of the north. It is a coincidence that Mr Massey has given notice of his intention to move something' practical of some kind to have all Germans interned presently. Apples are at the Town Hall in profusion and perfection, gorgeous, and astonishing. All the colours of the orchard, all the buxom daintiness of the fruit that tempted a. certain person to eat ages ago, all the apples of the giove in all sizes and varieties except those eliminated by the cai-eful cultivator who improves on the original crab. What strikes one is the symmetry of the shapes everywhere. There was disappointment at the meeting of the growers when told by their chiefs that tonnage there is none for taking these beautiful fruits to market except the local market which to name to a grower is to plunge him into the pain of loss. After that "better luck next year," and the sturdy growers march off with this consolation written over their faces, and you realise that hope does indeed spring eternal. But all this 1 did not mention for the sake of poaching on the preserves of the orchard and farm columns of this journal. It was to show tuo complete mastery that the feminine mind can attain of the ordinary feminine tasks. Presents had been forwarded of cakes and cooked apples for the tea which someone had grafted on to this apple show for the Red Cross Funds, and there came the inevitable souipetit ion —guessing of the weights. One often hears of the cattle dealer who carries off prizes by guessing' the weights to a pound of great mountains of bovine flesh, and fixing the nimble jumbuck in his

favourite gambol by instantaneous declaration of his total weight, and one wonders with an instinctive idea at the superiority of the manly mind. But that idea is gone for ever after the exhibition of guessing at this show. Weight of a cake given by Lady Liverpool? Have you all done? Mrs A. Crawford, loz only below actual. An apple vol-au-yent —a real poem, let me say, by a Mrs Hennie. of I forget where. Mrs Webb within Joz! Talk to me no more of superiorities where superiority there is none. It reminds me of the verdict of a great manufacturer whose machinery, taken by Government for munition work, was being run by won.en, just indoctrinated into the mysteries of shell-making and kindred topics, which verdict was that these women turned out more than double the shells the men had done in the same time with the same machinery, and of very much better finish. But I am forgetting the most important of all topics. The arrival of the Anzacs at the west front has filled us all with pride, but also, alas! with apprehension; for the work of fighting is at hand. For the moment it is magnificent to read what everybody from the French "gamin" to the starchy soldiers of all the nations at the front, say of the boys—the finest troops ever seen on the west front. Every mother and sister and sweetheart had a fluttering heart when she read that her boy had marched past the greatGeneral Joffre and received his personal eulogy, for, of course, the whole thing was got up for the benefit of that particular boy. And if Joffre did say that the same boy will make it very hot for the German crowd, I can assure hiim that he did not say it in vain. We now all understand how it is that a man of such powers of observation has thrashed the German hordes as he has done. The report of the fight m which the Anzacs lost some 2GO men has set some of us wondering why the censor did not tell us whether the troops engaged were New Zealand or Australian. Also do we clamour in our hearts at all events that lists of these casualties should bo promptly pttblished, as the suspense after an engagement is very hard to bear. The explanation of the delay is that the enemy ought not, to knqw what units are opposed to him. Why? But that question answers itself by another. When the Germans welcomed the Anzacs by special placard as they marched into the trenches, and that, after the lifelong laboriotis attempt of the worthy censor to keep the thing dark, is it likely that they don't know the units opposite them In the trenches? If we were to say that this is simply the result of rule of thumb and a particularly useless kind of thumb, and altogether just like the ways of the superior ci-eation, we should be called "euf-

frngettes," and, of course, that would end the matter lor ever even though we were absolutely right. Parliament was opened by the Governor, who spoke, and by the khaki little crowd who silently backed him up, and by the ladies in sealskin and other plumed borrowed from the denizens of tho deep and the Arctic icefield. The speech did not last five, minutes, and everybody said "How clever!" They generally, if you remember, say the reverse. One feature of the proceedings was as usual —it never varies: the Ladies' Gallery of tho Lords was packed to suffocation. Most of them, therefor::, were not impressed by the inspiriting sight of the "Gentlemen of the House of Representatives" seated in the House of the "Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council."

The Governor and Lady Liverpool have gone to AuelJar.d to recruit after the fatigues of this protracted ceremony. Talking of their Excellencies reminds me that the last time I saw Eosina Buckman was at Government House. We admired her in those days, about six years ago, or may be seven, prophesying a great future in the world of song and drama. It gives us much pleasure 1o read that we were good prophets as well as sympathetic friends, for Miss Buckman is starring, we see. as the leading character in Dr Ethel Smytbe'e new comic opera. "Tie Bosun's Mate." She has taken one of Jacobs's inimitable stories I see, and the critics say of her part that she has "inaugurated a new ntovement in what may be called the comic opera spirit of music." Another instance of the way the women are coming to the front in war time. Perhaps the suffragettes will be talking soon of "war and emancipation." AUCKLAND, May 10. Government House is again shut up, the Governor and Lady Liverpool having returned to the Empire City. Whilst in Auckland

their Excellencies spent a few days as the guests of Captain and Mrs Whitney in their beautiful home at Waiwera. Russian Pay proved quite a encceM. The Stiin of £IOOO was taken from the stalls and kiosk in Quee'n street, and contributions of money from residents around are still coming along. Very few people had any idea of the number of Russians there are in our midst, and it came quite as a surprise when so many offered to help with the movement. The outstanding feature of the day was a tearoom, run chiefly through the efforts of Mrs Hudson "Williamson and a splendid committee. One portion of the room was used as an oyster saloon, another part as an English tea-room, and yet another was in the occupation of the Russian helpers, who made tea in samovar according to their custom. Another interesting part of the day's entertainment was the appearance of a Russian droshky (drawn by the regulation white horses, and driven by a very fat coachman), in which were seated two Russian ladies in their national costume, who sold flowers to the crowds congregated around them. A successful garden party was given last week by Mr and Mrs A. L. Wilson in their beautiful grounds, Waiomo, Mountain road, Remuera, the guests numbering nearly 800. The Rev. J. Pattison ' (who has been appointed to the charge of the Somerville Presbyterian Church, Remuera) and Mrs Pattison were the guests of honour. Tea was served in a marquee on the lawn, and a band near by supplied delightful music throughout the afternoon. Occasion was taken after tea to present the Rev. D. D. Scott (who has 'been acting as moderator of the charge) with a purse of sovereigns. Miss Cooper, daughter of Mr Justice Cooper, has taken the place of Mr E. Macky, who has gone into training at Trentham, as associate to her father. She is an expert shorthand writer and typiate. Mr and Mrs Ken Williams, Matahin, Poverty Bay, are visiting relatives in Auckland. Miss Dorothy Ware leaves for England this week to enter upon some phase of patriotic work in London. Miss Muriel Dnrgaville, who has been spending several months visiting friends in India, is intending to join Miss Ware in London very shortly. The principal celebration held in Auckland in honour of the tcrcentary of the world's greatest poet took the form of a reading of "The Merchant of Venice," which was given in the concert chamber of the Town Hall by members of the Mount Eden, Grafton, and Ponsonby Shakespeare Clubs. There was not a vacant seat .in the hall when the entertainment began. The marriage of Miss Hazel Buckland. daughter of the late Mr Alfred Buckhmd

and Mrs Buckland, Highwic, Epsom, to Lieutenant Ferguson, of the Fifteenth Reinforcements, son of Mr and Mrs Alexander Ferguson Christcnurch, was quietly celebrated last week by the Rev. W. Beatty a-t St. Mark's Church. Remuera. Tho bride was given away by her brother, Mr Malcolm Buckland, and Mr Claude Ferguson acted as best man. Miss Oliphant (Symonds street) is visiting friends in Wanganui. Mr and Mrs J. C. Field (Gisborne) are visiting Auckland. Mr and Mrs Harry Jackson and their twin daughters, who have been staying at Cargen, returned to Wellington last week.