TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 49

TABLE TALK.

"Monday Evening. During ihe week several hundreds of invalided soldiers and young officers who are to join future reinforcements have returned to the Dominion. Many happy reunions have taken place. It is a comfort to think of our boys enjoying their convalescence during our summer and escaping the dreariness of an English winter in hospital.

Numbers of people are still out of town, and the seaside resorts are unsually well patronised.

Sir James and Lady Allen and Miss Allen left for Wellington on Saturday. Miss Allen is lea zing shortly for South Africa, where she will be the guest of Mrs Tuckey (nee Miss Ethel Grierson), who is living at Salisbury.

Mr end Mrs Acton Adams and their family are spending some weeks at Waikouaiti.

Mr and Mrs Gallaway, who have been staying with Mrs Laidlaw at Matakanui, returned to town on Saturday.

Mis Erskine Nicholl is visiting Wellington at present.

Mrs Herbert Ziele (Napier) Is visiting friends in Dunedin.

Mrs W. Royse returned to the West Coast last week.

Mr and Mrs Jim Eoberts and their family are at Gladbrook Station, Central Otago.

Lieutenant and Mrs Garth Galloway, who have been the guests of Mrs Watson Shennan during the holidays, returned to Trentham on Saturday, accompanied by Miss Leslie Laidlaw, who is going to stay with Mrs Frank Wright at Levin.

Mrs Blundel (Wanganui) is the guest of Mis Wollesly Kain.

Miss K. Ulrich and Corporal Ulrich are visiting Mount Cook.

Mr and Mrs Alfred Fels have returned from the North Island.

Miss Hazlett is spending a few weeks at Brighton.

Mr and Mrs Eardley Reynolds and their guest, Miss Richardson (Wellington), returned on Saturday after spending their holidays at Lake Wanaka.

Mr and Mrs A. Wallis, who have been visiting Christchurch, returned on Saturday, and are staying at Onslow House.

Mrs MacFarlano (Sydney) is the guest of Mrs J. Angus at present.

Ml" and Mrs Tom Ross and Miss Mary Ross, who have been visiting Lake Wanaka, have returned to town.

Mrs F. Parker has returned from Christchurch with her son. Lieutenant Geoffrey Parker, who arrived from England recently after two years' absence on active service.

Mrs Woodhouse is snending a few weeks at Pembroke, and the Misses A. and N. Woodhouse are holiday-making at Geraldine.

Miss. Noel Dowling, who has been the guest of Mrs Cheeseman at Taratu, returned to town last week.

Mr and Mrs Greenstreet and Miss Greens+rect (Christchurch) are staying at Onslow House.

Theatre-gooi'S are looking forward with pleasurable anticipation to the opening to-night of Mr Cyril Maude's season at His Maies* y's Theatre. Mr Maitde, who is supported by an exceptionally strong company, will make hie first appearance before a D'unedin and'trce in his famous characterisation of "Grumpy" in tho play of that name. The engagement is announced of Miss Ellen Jenkins, adopted dnusrhtpr of Professor .Boys-Smith, to Mr Charles M'Kellar, of this city. Miss Claire Izard (Nelson) is spending a week or two in Dunedin, and is staying with Mrs Vivian. Captain Vivian has returned by the Marama, and is staying with his parents. Airs A. Williams of Tuapeka West, is on a visit to her daughter, Mrs J. Goldsniid, Brighton. INVERCARGILL, December 7. Archdeacon and Mrs Richards left for a trip to Christchurch last week. Their son, Lieutenant R. Richards, accompanied them. Mrs Simpson (Lawrence) and her daughters nre down staying at the vicarage while Mrs Richards is away. Mrs R. Todd is over having a holiday at Stewart Island iust now. Dr and Mrs Hansen went over to Stewart Island last week. Mr and Mrs T. C. Ellis and Miss B. Bills arrived from South Australia last Week. Mr and Mrs J. C. Ellis also came over from Tasmania on Thursday. Arohdoacon Paoke is down from Gisborne, taking Archdeacon Richards'e place while ho Is away On holiday. Archdeacon Packe is staying at the Grand Hotel. The theatre was packed to overflowing on "Wednesday and Thursday nights to see the

musical and comic entertainment, " Look Who's Here," and the audiences seemed delighted with tho novel performance on both occasions. Among those present were Mrs Pottinger, Miss Ewa,rt, Dr Woodhouse, Mr and Mrs Quinn, Mr and Mrs Haggitt, Mr and Mrs Fosbery Hnndvside, Miss. M Ellis, Miss B. Ellis, Mr H. Ellis, Miss Wade, Mx and Mrs Gabites, Mr P. Tucker, Mrs Sutton, Messrs Keddcll (2), Dr Stewart, Mr and Mrs M'Lean, Mrs R. J. Gilmonr,* Mrs E. Foster, Mrs Strettell, Miss Hackworth, Miss Crofts, Mr C. Gray, Mr Haggitt, Miss Jobson, and Mrs Hovles.

OAMARU, January 7,

Miss Murdoch is visiting Mrs Darling. Mr and Miss Aimee Piper spent Christmas in Dunedin.

Dr and Mrs Douglas and their boys are down at their cottage at Waianakarua. Mr and ,Mrs Garrett (Auckland) have been staying with Mr and M'rs Harvey. The -Misses Buckley have- a house party of young people at Redoastle. Mr and Mrs Sandilands (Feilding) spent Christmas with Mrs Wkitton, and have gone on to Dunedin.

Mrs Darling has been spending a few days at Maraeweka. Mr 3 Vennall has returned from Wanganui. Mrs Borton and their daughters are staying at Hampden. Miss Gladys Piter has returned from Waimate.

Mrs and tha Misses M'Donall have returned from Wellington. Mr, Mrs, and Miss Haines were the guests of Colonel and Mrs Nichols (Kuriheka) for Christmas.

TIMARU, January 5. Mrs de Lantour (Dunedin) is visiting her parents, Mr and Mrs Winter (Ringwould). Miss Yates and Miss Henderson, who spent the holidays in Timaru, have returned to Wellington. Mr and Mrs Johnston are spending the holidays with Mrs Egcrton Reid. Miss Buchanan is staying with Mrs Richards (Pour Peaks). ilr and Mrs Brian King are back from Dunedin. Mr, Mrs, and Miss Guinness havo returned from a fortnight at Mount Cook. Miss Winter (Wai-iti road) has gone for some weeks' holiday. Mr and Mrs P. G. Brown are spending some time in Timaru before leaving for Taranaki. Mr K. and Miss Goodman spent the holidays with Mrs E>. G. Kerr at the river. Dr Unwirr is expected home to-day after two years spent in hospital in England. Mr and Mis Kimmo Scott have returned from Dunedin. CHRISTCHURCH, January 5. The Theatre Royal has been crowded dnr-. ing tho week, when Cyril Maude Ikib appeared in " Grumpy. " He is splendid, as his famous name foretold, and now we are all looking forward to " General John Regan o' Caste." The change of programmo takes place to-night. Amongst the audience has been their Excellencies the Governor-general and the Countess of Liverpool, Mr and Mrs G. Rhodes, the Mayor and Mrs Hutton, 'Mr and Mrs M. Turrell, Mr and Mrs C. Harper, Dr and Mrs Scott, Mr and Mrs Godby, Mr and Mrs Allen, Miss Ogle, "Mr and Mrs Wynn Williams, Mr and Mrs H. Wood, Mr ar.d Mrs Acton-Adams, Mr and Mrs Rich, Mrs Vernon, Mr and Mrs J. Vernon, Mr and Mrs Murray, and the Misses Helmore, Humphreys (2), Wood, Drummond, and Pratt. The Canterbury Sweet Pea and Carnation Society held its show in a large marquee in Victoria square last Friday. It -was opened by his Excellency the Governorgeneral, who was accompanied by her Excolency the Countess of Liverpool. The show was a very fine one, and though not as laige as the Horticultural Show, will be next week, it was a fine exhibit for such a young society. Others present were Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, Sir John and Lady Denniston, Mrs Palmer, Mars C. Ward, Mrs B. B. Wood, Mrs G. Rhodes, Miss Tab art, and many others. There have been several small tennis parties during the week. Mrs Stevensen was at home on Thursday, and amongst tho guests were Mesdames Rich, Vernon, ActonAdams, Million, H. Wood, Day, and Murray, and the Misses Westenra, Biss, Wellington, and Rich. Miss Eela Helmore had tennis on Friday, and amongst the players were Mrs Sleeman, Mr and Mrs Godby, the Misses Humphreys, and Miss Dorothy Cummings, and Messrs Aitken,- Helmore, Garland, and Montgomery. Mr and Mrs C. Cooper are staying on Scarborough Hill, Sumner. The Hon. F. H. and Mrs Wigram have returned from Hanmer. Miss M. Cotterell is the guest of Mrs A. Elworthy. Mrs Acton-Adams (Tepapa) is visiting Mrs Stevensen. BLENHEIM, January 2. There was a fair attendance at the Marlborough Lawn Tennis Grounds last Saturday, although many are away holiday-making A dainty tea. was provided arid dispensed by Mrs and Misses Lines. Among those present were Mrs R.. M'Callum, Mrs Orr, Mrs Bastings, Mrs Ha.rdy, Misses Anderson, Fulton, Chapman, Wolferstan, Neville (2), Smith, Reid, Muir (Christchurch), Messrs Hulme, Hardy, Drs Anderson and Bennett. Mr and Mrs Orr have returned from Wellington. Mrs Adam (Langley Dale) was in town during the week. Dr and Mrs and Miss Lindsay (Wellington) are the guo3ts of Mrs A.. Adams (Langley Dale). Colonel N. P. Adams, C.M.G., Commandant of the Feaiherston Military Camp, has leen visiting Mr and Mrs Adams (Langley Dale). Misses Zoe and Alma Clonal on have returned from their holiday to Nelson. Mr and Mrs Wright are spending the holidays in the Sounds. Mr F. Horton (Hastings) is spending a few days with his parents, Mr and Mrs Horton (Wilmdt House); Miss Muir (Christchurch) has been staying at the Club Hotel. Mr and Mrs B. Monro (Bank House) are spending the holidays at their residence in the Sounds. Miss Cora Leslie is spending a holiday in Nelson. Mr and Mrs Rogers (Eltham Lodge) are spending a holiday in Hamilton. Mr and Mrs and Miss Eightfoot have returned from Picton. Mr and Mrs and Miss Loughnan are stay-' ing in Picton*. Mr and Mrs Frank Dillon (Leeficld) and family are spending the holidays in Picton. Mr and Mrs B. Clouston have returned from their residence in the Sounds. Mr and Mrs Wright have returned from the Sounds. WELLINGTON, January 4. The grjater part of the social functioning of the week is represented by travelling to and fro. in prodigious numbers and at prodigious discomfort. The " stay-at-homes " console themselves with the reflection that, as somebody said, life would be endurable but for its amusements. A good deal of instruction appears to be extracted out of the travelling crowds bound through the city on racing, golfing, bowling, sight-seeing, touring, and all that sort of holiday entertainment. It is the prize of the observant. One lady makes a specialty of studying the costumes of the fair side of the travellers. Her -conclusion is that the Mew Zealand women lack the right sense of dress. Take this as an example printed in an esteemed newspaper published not a hundred miles from Wellington, apropos of the things observed at the Palmerston races: —"Short skirts nearly to the knees donned by women of 40 and over—skirts bo short that even with the longest boot, a portion of stocking calf still shows, or, worse still, a large expanse of silk hose covering bulky limbs and thick ankles, _were the prevailing mode. Sports coats worn for street wear, silk stockings accompanying "brogue" shoes and tweeds, and skirts Bin to lOin off the ground on middle-aged women." But all is not lost in this world of fashion. There are still good models, as thus: "The stage is supposed io reflect the prevailing fashion, and if that is so New Zealand women could profit by a study of the dresses worn by actresses who have visited us recently. Ada Reeve wore evening gowns which showed her feet and no more. N\*|*e of Marie Tempest's frocks is more than 6in ox 6in from the ground, her . smartest afternoon frocks being longer than that, while the dressing or the middle-aged ?arts shows dresses almost on the ground, n such cases the ankle is all that is .seen, and not always that, and the frocks have a delightful appropriateness to tho age of

the wearer. Wo have much to learn of the art of dressing in tin's country." . The friends of Sir William Frascr and Sir ) John Sinclair are very full of •congratula--1 tioiis to those gentlemen on their recent knighthoods. Sir William's career in Otago ! of 50 years is powdered over with friends from Wakatipu to Oamaru. and their recoli lections of his uncle, the Captain (M.L.C. and Indian officer), and Mi-s Frascr of quito i ■ tho early Otago days are revived by the King's thoughtfiilness. AJso do they bethink them of Strode, the popular and capable magistrate, whose social and other virtues are remembered in the land, and the fair daughter whom Sir William married, and, alas! lost, whose memory as well as her own good qualities, makes their daughter so wolcome wherever she goes. All these things and persons make very popular the distinction given to Sir William. A man so honest, consistent, fair and just, and industrious and independent with all, will wear the " Sir " of the Knight Bachelor remarkably well. Much the same may be said of the friends of Sir John Sinclair, who, in Duuedin, ax© legion from the days of the firm of Smith and Anderson to tho present day, the present • Judge Chapman being at ono time one of the partners, what time he relinquished the - ' Bar for the dignify of the Bench. Sir John, whose time expired as Legislative Councillor during his tenure of Ihe position of representative on the Dominions Commission ought, his friends thought, to have been reappointed for obvious reasonsT But the ; Government (Reform) thought otherwise. It has, however, made amends by recommending him for the Knight Bachelorship, which he, like Sir William Fraser, will wear well. All Christmas and New Year festivities, as usual, went off well. Soldiers, present and absent, children, orphans, and otherwise, the poor, sick, and well, were all remembered, and the days passed pleasantly in " epite of the heavy toil of war. The Mayor and Mayoress were particularly active in attending to the comforts of the troops. In the matter particularly of lodgings they were conspicuously successful. Bast year hundreds of the men were caught without accommodation and spent uncomfortable nights. This year great sheds were furnished, and lodgings secured in every part of the city besides,, and ample notice published everywhere. Even then there were some who missed a settlement for the night. These were glad to fall back on the general notice to apply to the Mayor. On doing so the Mayor a-nd Mayoress received these strangers and took them into a good. 1 pleasant entertainment and refection, oi 1 which the memory will never fade from 1 grateful hearts. [. AUCKLAND, December 28. The weather was perfect for the holidays. Sir George Clifford (Christchurch), with Lady Clifford and Miss Clifford, are- at the Grand Hotel. Mr E. J. Crisp and the Misses Crisp (2), Gisborne, are staying at Cargen. Mr and Mrs T. 11. Dowry (Hawke's Bay) are at the Grand Hotel. Other visitors at the Grand Hotel are Mr and Mas Eric Riddiford (Wellington), Mr and Mrs E. Troutbeck (Napier), Mr and Mrs Van Ascli (Christchurch), and Mr and Mrs A. D. Cook (Wellington). The tied Cross funds gained substantially through, the campaign of the oonirnercal travellers last week. Queen street has never been so full in the daytime, and had there been even a greater supply" of tickets on sale they would all have been bought up. Over i'GOCO was. taken altogether. Last week the Red Cross shop was in charge of the . Shop Committee—Mesdames Bloomfield, Edgar, Russell, Napier, Eliot, Davis, and Edmunds. The raffle for the oak chest of house- linen was won' by Miss Kathleen Wallace. There was, as usual, a bountiful supply of flowers and '-egetablea on sale, most of the latter coming from the Avondale Mental Hospital. Mrs Arthur Myers and her young family have arrived from Wellington, and are to spend the summer in Auckland. Mr and Mrs W. J. Napier are spending the Christmas holidays at Taupo. Mr and Mrs H. P. Kissling and family aro making a stay of some three weeka at Rotorua. Mr and Mi's J. B. Macfarlane and family are also spending the holidays at Rotorua. Sir Robert and Lady Lockkart have gone to Waiheke Island, as usual, for neveral weeks at this tme of the year. Mr and Mrs Alfred Nat han (the la) ter just returned from a two years' visit to England) and the Misses Nathan (2) have taken up residence at their summer home, Kohimaramara, for the next three months. Mr and Mrs Edward Russell are at Manurewa for the summer. Christmas Day was for many overshadowed by the passing away of Mis Harry Bloomfield, which sad event took place at her residence!, St. Stephen's avenue, Parnell. Mrs Grierson arrived from Wellington in response to the hasty summons, but was, unfortunately, too late to see her daughter . ' alive. There were no children of the marriage, and tho very deepest sympathy is felt for the husband, as well as for Mrs Grierson and other relatives. The Auckland Racing . Club's summer meeting opened at Ellerslie on Boxiiig Day, and, in spite of the fact that there were no extra trains running, the attendance was larger than last year, and the money passed through the totalisator thousands of pounds in excess. The gardens on the cours? are a special feature, the hydrangeas presentin"- a beautiful sight. The music was provided bv the Third Auckland Mounted Band. Amongst the southern visitors present were Sir George and Lady Clifford (the latter wearing black and white). Miss Clifford wore a white frock with pretty black hat; Mr and Mrs T. H. Lowry (the latter in grey crepe do chine and smart white satin hat with black), Mr and Mrs Ewen Troutbeck (the latter in a dainty frock of ivory white georgette and lace, and black tulle hat), Mr and Mrs Palmer (the latter in pale pink crepe de chine and white-and-black hat), Mr aud Mrs Eric Riddiford (the latter in a white silk pleated skirt, tunic blouse of yellow georgette, and black hat wreathed with flowers). Mrs Thursby Pelham (England), navy floral crepe de chiiie and blue hat with pale green), Captain and Mrs Wilkin (the latter in a frock in a pretv,y shade of blue and finished with touches of fawn, and . blue hat relieved with fawn), and Mrs Cracroft Wilson (cream cloth suit and black hat). Mrs Alfred Nathan (who has lately returned from a two years' sojourn in England) wore pale, grey silk poplin with heavy floss silk embroidery, and smart black hat. " Her two young daughters were alike in grey crepe de chine, with pretty hate swathed with saxo blue and a pink rose on tho brim. Mi's Arthur Myers wore a dark shade of putty relieved with touches of blue and red, and blue hat finished with red. Mrs Edward Rus-sell wore grey, and hat of deer) cream, lined with black satin. Mrs David Nathan Was in white and black; Mrs Sydney Thome George, cream net and smart black hat touched with green; Mrs Parker ' Upton, cream crepe de chine and green hat; No lady should be without Martin's Apiol and Steel Pills. Sold by all chemists and stores throughout Australasia.—(Advt.)

Miss Neville Thome George,, white georgette embroidered lightly with pink and finished with touches of jade-green at the waist, and black hat with touch of the same colour; Miss Merle Poll/n, white' relieved with Nile green tulle, and pretty hat in a like shade ; -. Harry Worsp, white lace frock, long coat with saxo blue facings, and black hat; Miss Gwen Gorrie, grey suit of crepe de chine, and grey hat with long veil of black tulle; and Miss Freda Wake, smart cream euit and black hat. The New Year was ushered in by scenes that are characteristic with us at this season. Large crowds thronged the streets from, early in the evening until after midnight, and the extra tram service put on for the occasion was taxed to its utmost. Watchnight services were held at the various places of worship, and were attended by large numbers of people. The weather, whioh up to New Year's Day had been perfect, now became uncertain,

I and heavy showers fell during the afternoon. The Auckland Racing Club's summer meeting was conluded at Ellerslie, but the uninviting appearance of the weather kept mo from attending. o The English Musical Comedy Company are playing to large hoascs at His Majesty's Theatre. The charmingly-staged comedy " You're In Lore," which abounds 'n pretty stage effects and lovely frocks, was an especial favoarite. The marriage of Lieutenant G. Nevil Hill (a returned soldier), tha only son of Mr and Mrs G. Hill (Remuera), to Miss Nina Bayly, the second daughter of Mr and Mrs G. Bayly, of Prospect, Mount St. John, was celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral, Parnell, last week, the ceremony being performed by , the Ven. Archdeacon Mac Murray. A reception was given by the parents of the bride at their residence. Prospect, after the ceremony wai over.