TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 49

TABLE TALK.

Monday evening. The staff of the hospital ship now in port was hospitably entertained at the Otago Women's Club on Friday afternoon. The guests, numbering about 60, were welcomed by the president (Mrs Lindo Ferguson) and the committee (Mesdames Sargood, Edmond, and Aitken). Mrs Hudson charmed all present with her delightfully-rendered songs, and Miss Free and Sergeant David Wright were much applauded for their singing, Mrs Mason playing the accompaniments as well as contributing several pianoforte solos. Some scenes from "The Eivals" were given by the play-reading circle, and then a move was made for tea, which was daintily served in Miss Mendelsohn's tea rooms on small tables gay with spring flowers. After tea all present joined in the singing of "Coming home" and "The long, long trail" and other' popular chorus songs. Captain Spedding, after apologising for the unavoidable absence of Colonel Collins, thanked the hostesses in a happy little speech for the pleasant afternoon he and his men had enjoyed. Among the members present were Mesdames Morrell, Free, Hutchison, Callaway, and the Misses Williams, TJlrich, Theomiu, Sargood (2), Woodhouse, Allen, etc.

On Wednesday evening the weekly meeting of the Anderson's Bay Bridge Club was held at the residence of Mrs B. C. Haggitt (Wychwood), and a. very pleasant evening was spent in playing some keenly-contested games. Beautiful weather favoured the ladies in charge of the Red Cross stall at Jacobs's Corner on Saturday morning, and the quantities of violets and exquisite narcissi displayed soon found ready purchasers. Thanks to the sale of post-cards donated by Mrs Bowe, and generous contributions of comestibles by the friends of the Bed Cross, the funds have benefited to the extent of .£75. Mr E. Theomin is down on leave from Trentham. Miss Kathleen Ullrich is the guest of Mrs Frank Fitchett at Waitati at present. Mrs Alec Roberta arrived from Welling ton on Saturday, and is the guest of Mrs George Boberts, Whitelce. Miss Joan Hislop, who lias been visiting Mrs Handyside, Invercargill, returned to town on Saturday. Miss Ngita Woodhouse is spending a. week or two in Oamaru. Mrs Harman Beeves left on Monday for Christchurch. General Sir Alfred Bobin arrived from Wellington on Saturday on a short visit to Dnnedin. Lieutenant, and Mrs Eeimer Ulrieh are the guests of Mrs Ulrieh, Cumberland street, at' present, Lieutenant "Ulrieh being clown on final leave from Featherston. Mrs Ernest Macassey and family are spending a few weeks at Waikouaiti. Mrs Walter Hislop and the Misses Hislop are spending a few weeks at Brighton. Mrs Leslie Wilson and Miss Bosie Whitson are spending a few days with them. Cable advice has been received In Dnnedin of the marriage in England of Captain Fergus, New Zealand Medical Corps, at present on the staff of the Brockenhurst Hospital, to Sister Gibbon, New Zealand Army Nursing Service, also on the staff of the same hospital. Mrs Graham Gow passed through Dunedin last week, en route fox Wellington, to meet her youngest son. Lieutenant J. G. Gow, who is expected from the front. INVEBCARGILL, September 10. Dt and Mrs D. Hansen have returned from their holiday at Gueenstown. Mrs F. Dunlop is the guest of Mrs Chilwell, Underwood, Mr 8.. Richards (Christchurch) is down on a visit to his parents, Archdeacon and Mrs Richards. Mrs Grey (Waimate) is spending a holiday with Mrs Carewell, Avenal road.

Mrs M'Grcgor (Mount Linton) was in towi* for a few days this week. Mrs Scott Symminsrton is the guest of Mrs Haggitt, Northern!. Mrs (',. Smith left this week for Thnaru. Mrs J. M'G. Watson and family have gone up to Dipton for a short holiday. 0 AMARU. September 9. There was a good audience in St. Luke's Hall on Monday night, when the choir, assisted by members of the- other choirs, rendered the cantata "Esther." This is the second time they have given "Esther," and it was a most enjoyahle performance. On Thursday a large crowd turned out to the sports tournament in King George's Park, got up by the North Otago RugbyFoot ball Sub-union in aid of tha Red Cross Fund. Afternoon tea and sweets stall were managed by the ladies of the Red Crosa Society. Sergeant Frank Williams, who has been down on final leave, has returned 'o camp. Mrs J. A. Sutton and Mrs Buchanai (Ashburton) motored up to Waitar.gi for th» last week-end. Mrs Douglas and her boys have: returned from spending the holidays at Waianakarua, The Hon. R. S 1). and Mrs Rankine and iheir children left for the north last Tuesday. Mrs Rankine is returning very shortly to Fiji. Lieutenant Hassell Garland, who has lately returned from France on sick leave, is the guest of the Misses Hassell. Mrs Collis (Waimate) arid her children are visiting Mirs de Lambert. Mrs and Miss Hargreaves are visiting Christchurch. Mr and Mrs E. P. Lee are down from Wellington for a short visit. Miss Gladys Piper has returned from Dunedin.

TIMABU, September 8. Mr and Mrs E. D. Giles have returned from a visit to Auckland. Mr nnd Mrs Thomas (High School) have gone for a holiday to the north. Lieutenant Guinness is down on last leave. Miss A. Buchanan is visiting 1 Mrs Poulton, Christchurch. Miss Buchanan (Waimate) is staying with Mrs Buchan, Wai-iti road. Mrs Gresson is visiting Christchurch. Miss Gresson (Christchurch) is staying with her brother, Mr C. ix. Gresson. Mr and Mrs J. Moody have returned from a short visit to Christchurch. Miss Shand (Craighead) is visiting Mrs Shand, Dune din. Mrs Gus Jones leaves for Wellington today. Mrs Percy "Wright is staying with Mrs Cordner, Christchurch. Mrs Dalby (Sarah street) is taking a short holiday. Mrs E. J. LeCren is back from a visit to Christchurch. Mr and Mrs J. Ford (Foxdown) were at the Grosvenor, Hotel. Mrs Bloomfield (Duncdin) is staying with Mrs W. Ravmond, Park lane. Mrs and Miss Buckley (Highfield) have returned from Christchurch and gone to Redcastle CHRISTCHURCH, September 8. The large drill hall, King Edward's Barracks, was full to overflowing on Friday night, when his Excellenoy the Governorgeneral, Lord Liverpool, presented the decorations received in the field of battle to the next of kin of the late Lieutenant Upton, Canterbury Mounted Rifles (Mr T. Upton, Ashburton); the late Gunner Riley, Field Artillery (Mrs R. Riley, Belfast); the late Private H. Anderson, Canterbury Regiment (Mr W. Anderson, Riverside). The flying ground at Sockburn was thrown open to' the public on Wednesday afternoon, when the instructor, Mr Hill, gave a fine exhibition of flying, going up throe times in two different machines, the second and third times using the same machine. In the last flight the spiral exhibition was very fine. The hangars and machines aroused much interest, and altogether a most instructive afternoon was spent. Amongst those present were the Mayor and Mrs Holland, Colonel Chaffey and Miss Chaffey, Captain Northcote, Miss Northcote, and Miss Bathgate, the Hon. H. F. Wigram and Mrs Wisraiu, Mrs and Miss Elworthy, Mr and Mrs Teschemaker. Mr and Mrs Wilding, Mrs Clark, Mrs Palmer, Mrs Million, Mr and Mts Wynn Williams, Mrs Verr.on. Mr and Mrs J. Vernon, and the Misses Clifford, Newton, Fulton, Lee, Harley, Russell, Humphreys, Wilson, and Bond. The second musical afternoon arranged by Madam Gower Bums and Mr Helen was held in Mrs Dean's drawing room or Friday, many subscribers being present. Ihr operachosen was the "Jewels of Madonna," Mrs Burns being in splendid voice. Afterwards a dainty tea was served in the dining room and hall. Present were Lady Denniston, Mrs J. Deans (Homebush). Dr and Mrs Crcoke, Mrs and Miss E'lworthy, Mrs Allen, Mifs Ogle, Mrs Stead. Mrs J. Palmer, Mrs 11. Wood, Miss Ncave, Mrs Fox. Miss Fox, Mrs Hatton, Miss Somotvillc (Wellington), Mrs and Miss Wells. His Excellency the Governor-general Lord Liverpool, who was the guest of Mr and Mrs G Helmore during his visit to Chriuchurch, left for th-i north on Saturday night accomparied by Lieutenant Helmore. Mrs G. Rhodes and Miss Rhodes are visiting the North Island. Miss Russell (Wellington) is the guest of Lady Clifford. BLENHEIM, September 3. Mrs H. White gave a most enjoyable farewell tea to Mrs and Miss K. Allison at her residence in Weld street on Wednesday afternoon. The competition prizes were won by Mrs Allison and Miss Chaytor. A dainty tea. was served in the drawing room. Mrs White received her guests wearing a-pretty ninon blouse over white ninon and black taffeta skirt. Among those present were Mrs and Miss Lightfoot, Mrs Elliot Meade, Mrs Farmer, Mrs Tidy, Mrs Wolferstan, Mrs Jenkins, Misses Chaytor, Neville, Scott Smith. . A number of young people journeyed out to Renwick on Tuesday evening to give a "surprise party" to Mrs and Misses Williams. Dancing and music were the amusement Anion? those TTcsent were Misses K. Allison, Wolferstan Bell. Dodscn. Murphy (-2), Davies (8). Couston, LigVfoot, M. Mowat, D. Revell. Pisrou, Messrs Robertson, Murphy, Davies, Dodsou. Pie^u. K "surprise party" visited Mispe? Houston, St. Andrews, last Saturday evening, when a jolly "time was snent dnncmer. _ A dainty supper was provided by the Indies, which waa =erved In the dining room. Among those present were Misses Davies (3), Murphv (2), M'Rae (Taihape), Grace, Mowat, Mathews Pteou, Williams, Allison, Wolferstan (2),'Lightfoot. "Messrs Pi<?ou, Clouston, Lister, Admore (Picton), Murphy, and Davies. Mies T. Rutherford has been spending 4 fe-w days at the Club Hotel. Misses MacaHster (Picton) were in Blenheim during: the week. Mlsa Phyllis Murray has been stf.ying a lew days in town.

Mrs T. Gawte was in Blenheim during the week.

Miss Vavasour (Ugbrooko) has returned to Wellington. Miss Langley Adams (Nelson) lias been staying at Langley Dale. Mrs R. Adams has returned from Nelson. Miss K. AlliEjn is visiting Mrs Wolferstan. Captain a.nd Mrs Allison are spending a few days in Picton.

Mr and Mrs H. Redwood who have been visiting Mrs Clous ton, have returned to tho Polorus Sounds.

Mrs Oswald has returned from "Wellington.

Miss K. Bundle is the guest of her sister, Mrs E. Ball.

WELLINGTON, September 7. 'Mora people than usual even attended." I take these words from the report of tho annual tea meeting of the nuns of the Home of Compassion, whicn ip live occasion for the gathering of all charitably-disposed friends bringing contributions in money or kind for the poor little crippled waifs who aro in the loving care of the good sistera Understand that in this third year of tho war more people than usual attended _ at this function! Now note anothrr thing. It has just been announced to Parliament in a return, with a Ministerial explanation, that the total amount of the voluntary contributions for all purposes of the war-com-forts of soldiers, Belgian Funds, and everything, from plum puddings to flannel shirts for troops, the amount contributed in moneys, clothings, drapings, swathings, and every other possible way of comforting benevolence likely to help the victims of war, haa already reached three and a-half millions. I can testify from every day's personal observation that the amount is running on like a- river without any sign of drought in the far-off mountains of its source. Could there be a better test of the strength and right spirit with which this country is enduring the greatest war of modern times or any other f Or could there be better proof of the soundness of the country's resources ? Mrs George Rhodes, of Christ-church, is here, the guest of Lady Liverpool at Government House. So also Mr and Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes. M 133 Z. Filliet is he.re from Christ church on a visit.

Lieui enant-colonel and Mrs Guthrie have returned to Christchurch after a long stay in Wellington. I read in an English paper how, in the early morning, Covent Garden Market i» thronged with fashionable women who do their own marketing, and, with the aid of their maid and, if necessary, a rido in a bus, carry home their purchases. A sarcastic note is sometimes heard from the old ocenpiers of the stalls to the effect that "We're werry toffish naow, blime me!" the j sting of which is generally applied in some remark that follows, informing all and sundry that the toffs aforesaid are well acquainted with the values and qualities of "heverythink," and "that keen on bargains that, Lord bless us, it's a wonder a body can make 'alf a livin'." This is the French practice. French women have been down every day in the market with baskets and their maids for centuries and centuries past, and it is the brisk battles of the prices—what you call the marketing (the marchandises, if I may translate) —which are so dear in the memory of both sides. Voila, my dears, there you have true economy. It has always been one of the bright things of La Belle France. Let us congratulat les Anglaises on having the lesson forced on them by the war. It is good effect of war pains, and some help it will be when the struggle gets bitter for the meeting of the after-war burdens. When, I Wonder, will the good ladies of New Zealand learn this lesson of salutary economy? Captain Fairchild—son of the late Captain Fairchild, so long and favourably known to generations of statesmen, patriots, _ and champion story-tellers of the Dominion—has just returned from service in those desolate regions grouped under the names of Egypt and Sinai, and also historic Gallipoli. He is accompanied by Mrs Fairchild, who was engaged all the time of her husband's service m nursing work at Salonika with the Canadian Red Cross. While the captain is reporting for duty at headquarters their many friends are finding them very interesting: to listen to. When we hear that Mrs Gifford Moore, of Wanganui, is the guest of Mrs Souter, Tinakori road, we are delighted, like all true gossips, to know thai there is more than meets the eye in that bald statement. There is, in fact, a double verisimilitude which is a reality, not a simitude at all. For we hear presently thai there are to be celebrated shortly two weddings—Miss Maia Gifford Moore, second daughter of the Wanganui house, is engaged to Mr Douglas Souter, youngest son of the Tinakori road house; and that the eldest son of the Wanganui house (Lieutenant Dousrlas Gifford Moore) is engaged to Miss Bailey, of Wanganui, second daughter of Mr Bailey, of the pleasant river city. Mrs J. D. Gray is visiting Auckland. The controversy about the volunteer nurses and their very energetic and capable organiser (Miss Rout) is not yet forgotten, with its curious exhibition of official intolerance. These sisters made good, as is now well known to everybody, in various capacities in Egypt, Salonika, and other places. Their friends will be glad to learn that their work has been officially sanctioned as good. The names are specially mentioned (Times, July 2s in Sir Archibald Murray's despatches—of Miss Rout, hon. secretary of the Now Zealand Volunteer Sisters j and Miss Hisrgins, of th-* same organisation. The many friends of Mrs Baume, widow I of the late Frederic Baume, M.P., and well known lawyer of Auckland, -have been very gratified to learn of her appointment to the Auckland Grammar School Board. And still more are they pleased with the spirited speech in whica this popular and clever lady mndo her appearance, as it were, at the sitting of that body. Mrs Baume took the opportunity of sketching the history of Woman's progress towards academic honours and mentioned incidentally how Miss Edgar,'

the fiFfet woman in the Empire to receive a university degree, was an ex-pupil of tho Auckland Grammar School. Miss Rose Tabart, of Christ church, is in Wellington for a short holiday. The Home cf Compassion \is not tho only institution which has during the week proved tho inexhaustibility of the local benevolence. There is also the Levin Home, which also had its annual tea this week —the annual opportunity for replenishing the exchequer, ;:nd tho exchequer was replenished with the very same cheerful alacrity and substantial abundance which graced the annual festival of the Homo of Compassion. Truly does warlike feeling make us wondrous kind. AUCKLAND, September 6. Mrs Archie Clark (The Brae 3, Remuera) has given a very successful party, the funds from which are to bo used in conjunction with the takings from the R«d Cross shop on one of the w< k-ends in October, when the Auckland Ladies' Golf Club will be in charge. Tito Braes is a charming house for entertaining. Some 20 bridge tables were arranged in the drawing room and dining room, the folding doors between being thrown open. Refreshments were handed round by the younger guests present. At the close of the evening various dainty articles were put up for auction, and, the bidding being brisk, quite a large sum of money was obtained. Mrs Clark was wearing a pretty frock of black ninon made up over White; a.nd her daughter, Mrs Sidney Theme George, was in cream. Amongst those present were Lady Walker and her molher, Mrs Thursby Pelharn. who has lately arrived from England, and is staying at Cargen; Sir Robert and Lady Lockhart, the Misses Mavis and Eiiid Reed, Mr and Mrs Percy Upton, Mr and Mrs Paul Cropopt, Miss Doro'h}' Nolan. Mr and Mrs W. Oolbeck. Mrs Norman Williams and Miss Janie Williams, Mrs Parkers, Mrs Edward Dargaville, the Misses Gorrie (2), the Misses Lusk (2). Mrs and Miss MacOormick, the Misses Buckland (2), Mr and Mrs Marsack, and Miss M. Cooper.

Mr and Mrs Vernon Reod (Kawakawa) have taken Mrs Ernest Bloomfield's house in Victoria avenue, Remuera, for three months.

Archdeacon and Mrs Ruddock (Napier) are visiting friends in Auckland and Whangarei. Mr and Mrs Dymock (Wellington) are staying at the Grand iiotel. Miss Mavis Reed, who is shortly leaving for Eneland, where she is to be.married to Major Frederick Hellaby, has been the guest of honour at several parties during the past week. Amongst other hostesses have been the Misses Clark (3), Remuera; Miss Dorothy Nolan, St. Stephen's avenue, Parnell; Miss Morlo Pollen, Pa.rnell; and the Misses Cole (2), Gladstone road.