TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3332, 23 January 1918, Page 55

TABLE TALK.

Monday Evening. Among the visitors in. town at present attending the annual session of the Senate of University of New Zealand, which commenced on Wednesday morning at the Otago University, are Professors J. Macrnillan Brown (Christchurch), Scott (Christchurch), Segar, Hight, and Kirk, the Hon. J. A. Hanan (Minister of Education), Mr J. W. Tibbs. (Auckland), Hon. Dr Collins, Mr H. von Haast (Wellington), and Dr W. J. Anderson (Director of Education). A pleasant little tennis tea was given on Monday afternoon by Mrs W. P. Edmond; while Mrs Butterworth entertained some friends at tennis on Friday, when several eagerly-contested games were played. On Thursday evening Dr Lindo Ferguson entertained the visiting members of the Senate at dinner at the Femhill Club. Sir Eobert and Lady Stout (Wellington) are staying at Albert House, St. Clair. Miss Agnes Scully (Wellington) is at Mrs Eager's, Caxgill street. Mrs Logan (Kelso) is the guest of Mrs James Logan, Roslyn. Mrs Dodgshun (Napier) is the guest of Mrs Howard Dodgshun, Roslyn. Dr and Mrs Patrick Marshall (Wanganui) are at present visiting Dunedin, and are staying at Onslow House. Mr and Mrs F. Oldham have returned from Hanmer, Miss Joyce Kempthorne, who has been visiting Rotorua, is the guest of Mrs Oldham. Mr and Mrs Alex. Morris and Miss Morris (Wellington), who have been spending some weeks at Queenstown, are the guests of Mrs B. C. Haggitt, Wychwood, Anderson's Bay. Mrs Brooke (Auckland) is staying with her daughter, Mrs Reggie Dawson, Montpellier. Mrs George Roberts, who has been staying in Wellington with her sister, Mrs Alec Roberts, returned to town on Ttiesday. Mr and Mrs W. N. C". Ellis left by motor car for Invercargill on Tuesday. Mr Justice Hosking (Wellington) is at present on a visit to Dunedin. Mrs Darling (Oamaru) and her children are spending a few weeks at St. Clair. Miss Gallaway returned last week from Matakanui. Miss Fines-Clinton (Invercargill) is staying with her sister, Mrs Nevill. Mr and Mrs Rennie (Napier) are spending a few days in Dunedin. INVERCARGILL, January 20. Miss Ewart went up to Queenstown last week for a short holiday. Mr L. Callender, who has been up at Hanmer for some time, returned home this week. Mrs C. Tapley and her family went to Riverton this week. Miss I. Corbett accompanied them. Miss A. Oorbett has been over staying at Stewart Island for a week or two. Mrs W. Saunders and Mrs M'Ewan went to Riverton this week. Miss M. Stock has gone to Otautau to. stay with Mrs D. M'Pherson. Mass Stobo has returned from her trip to Dunedin. TIMARU, January 19. Mrs Burnie has returned from a holiday in Christchurch. Misses Beaven (2) (Christchurch) spent a week at the Hydro. Mr C. N. Cotterill has been transferred to the Napier branch of tho Bank of New South Wales. Mr and Mrs E. Studholme, Mrs and Miss Elworthy, and Mr and Mrs A. G. Elworthy and family were at the Hydro in the early part of tho week. Mrs D. H. Sidey has returned from a short viait to Christchurch. Mrs Armstrong (Highfield) is staying at Esk Valley with Mrs J. Hampton. Mr and Mrs H. Grant (Grey's Hills) are with Mrs A. Grant, Ayantighe, Wai-iti road. Mrs Innes Jones has returned from the North Island. Mr Cyril Maude was accorded a great reception oh his appearance here in "Grumpy" and "Caste," the theatre being full both on Monday and Tuesday nights. Miss Read has returned from a short visit to Wellington. Miss M'Rae (Selwyn street) is at Mount Peel. Mrs M'Meekin is staying with Mrs Moody, Forest Home, Peel Forest. Miss Zouche has been the guest of Miss Tripp, Orari Gorge. Mrs Nalder (Horseshoe Bend) was in town during the week. Mr Guinness is back from Glentanner.

CHRISTCHURCH, January 19. The Theatre Royal has been crowded during the week for the Marie cTernpcst season, " Tho Marriage of Kitty" and " Penelope " being staged. Marie Tempest is really splendid, nna everyone ought to take the opportunity of seeing this splendid little comedy actress. Graham Browne is also very fine; and the plays for next week are expected to be equally attractive. Amongst the audience have been their Excellencies the Governor-general and the Countess of Liverpool and suite, Ifr and Mts Eoyle, Mr and Mrs Edgar Stead, Mr and Mrs T. Cosdishaw. Miss Webster (Dnnedin), Mr and Mrs Rich, Miss Rich, Mts Vernon, Mr and Mrs J. Ycrnon, Mr Grigp, Mr and Mis Allen, Miss Ogle, Mr and Mrs Millton, Miss Harley, Miss Chaffey, Mr and Mrs B. "Wood, Dr and Mrs Stevensen, Mr and the Misses Humphreys, and Miss Helmore. Their Excellencies the Governor-general

and the Countess' of Liverpool gave a largo tennis tournament on Thursday, which was thoroughly enjoyed by players and onlookers. It was a perfect summer's day, and as the courts at Elmwood are well sheltered it makes it ideal for playing. A delicious tea was served in the dining room and cool drinks on the lawns. The finals were played between her Excellency and Mr Robinson and Mrs Blunt and Mr Monteath, the latter being victorious. Others playing were his Excellency, Mrs Beswick, Mrs Wigram, Mi and Mrs O. Harper, Mr and Mrs Godby, and the Misses E. Helmore, Harley, Dalgety. Humphreys (2), Chaffev, Lee, and Messrs Gavin Hamilton, H. Helmore, Garland. Grcsson, "Wilding, Moore, Aitken, and Colonel Chaffey. Amongst the onlookers were Mr and Mrs Rhodes, Mrs Boyle, Mrs Dalgety, Mrs Wilding, Miss Webster (Dunedm), Mrs Helmore, Mr and Mrs Rich, Mrs Vernon, Mrs Robinson and the* Misses Robinson. Miss Webster (Dunedm) is visiting Christchurch. Miss Lee has been visiting Wellington. Miss H. Wood is the guest of Mrs lan Duncan, Wellington. Miss 9. We3tenra has returned from Dunedin. WELLINGTON, January 18. At the Opera House the dressing of the ladie3 is the topic of general admiration and much pleasant discussion. Marie Tempest is, of course, the central figure in a riot of dress talk, for the gowns of Mademoiselle are most charming. Then there are Miss Elhel Morrison, Miss Burroughs, Miss Nancy Stewart, and Miss Eileen Robinson; they make a beautiful costume procession, so to speak, very refreshing to the eye and reinforcing to the taste, if I may be allowed

tho expression. • The procession is in due order (of tho names) of black net and lace, jado green tulle with draped skirt and silver embroideries, and blue silk, half lace half silk. But Miss Marie Tempest is the groat star all through, commanding without eclipsing, moving throughout from scene to scene regally attended, as it were, so far as the costuming goes. As to her costumes, they are most numerous, of variety infinite almost, from tho gorgeous motor dross of the first act —we speak of the play of "A Pair of Silk Stockings,"—which defies description and challenges admiration, through many changes to tho " nightie" and its acompanying dressing-grown of wonderful effect —palo pink, powder blue, with cap blue and white (boudoir), setting off the whole with the aid of masses and masses of ribbon disposed in the most wonderful and tumultuous manner, with the most truly unique effect ever seen. Of course, there were corresponding changes in all the other people's costumes, and throughout Mademoiselle, as I said before, maintained the lead without eclipsing the effect which ought to be produced in good society when taste Teigns in perfection. But all this splendour of dressing is very far from us through the war. _ It has descended from the stage skies, as it were, to remind us of the past, and to inspire us with hope for the future. It has also given us a 'fillip by which our taste may review tho costumes at the coming races dxie on the Anniversary Day of this Wellington district. W°rd comes down that the Red Cross Fund, of which there has been so much in the last few weeks, from Auckland to the Bluff (the commercial travellers), has realised in cash already £6OOO, and that an additional sum of £ISOO is due in a few days, tho collections going merrily and surely towards that result. A little country like this finds in the midst of the distractions of war taxation £7500 for the Red Cross in a sort of afterthought kind of way. It is truly God's own country. This is known as the " Surprise Packet" collection. And that is what the wounded boys think of the Red Cross nurses, who to them are Cod's own ministering angels. One of them recently arrived was heard to declare that tho " Red Cross is the best of tho lot. No varying from day to day like the canteens and other things—just going strong always, out to do its best for the men the whole time and all the time. Why, when we _ were- coming across Australia in the train the ladies of the Red Cross actually came in and insisted on our having soft slippers, so that we might, ns they said, have a ' comfy' trip. That beat -«even Blighty." Mr and Mrs Delziel have returned to Wellington after a couple of years' absence in England, and have been welcomed by their friends with congratulations on the recovery or progress towards recovery of Monsieur, who has been in bad health, but for which lie would have' been back some time ago. Lady Ward is the guest of her daughter, Mrs Bernard Wood, in Christchurch. Sister Edith Popplewell, who has just been awarded the First Class Medal of the Red Cross Society, is claimed by all of us a.s a. New Zealander, for- she was born in the picturesque Marlborough village of Kaikoura. She hails, however, from Ballarat, where she was taken by her parents at an early age. Whether she is related to the Popplewells of Southern Otago I have not heard. She was in New Zealand when the War broke out, and went' into the service at once, but her qualifications were Australian. They had obtained her a position as nurse in the Otaki Hospital. As war nurse her service has been varied .The most exciting and telling part was in the unfortunate Marquette, torpedoed in the Mediterranean, and on that occasion she was lime 'hours in the. water. During that terrible experience she supported another nurse most of the time, who died in her arms before the rescuing submarine came in sight. She, was then mentioned in despatches, and this Red* Cross award is a further honour on account of that service Ihe sister is now attached to a military hospital in London. The engagement is announced of Miss Belle Luke, only daughter of the Mayor and Mrs Luke, to Mr Ellis Charlesworth, of Hawke s Bay, architect, son of Mr Charlesworth, the well-known architect of Wellington the designer of the Town Hall, of which the foundation stone was laid by the Duke of York during his visit here, in Mrs' Abbott has been very successful in augmenting the fund for the Scottish Women s Hospitals for War Service The money comes in freely in consequence of the lady s appeals, and the lists of patronage g«m- fast. Among the patrons we have now the Right Hon W. F. Massey and Mrs Massey, .Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, and the Mayor and Mayoress. One is beginning to think that the reliance on New Zealand m this war, winch never .seems to get nearer lis end, is getting a little too pronounced People seem to forget that New Zealand has a case for the reminder that charity begins at home it is this case of benevolence to all and sundry throughout the Empire which is drawing so much away from the right direction for our surplus funds a„* Qf et ? l<m }> daughter of Sir Robert and Lady Stout, who has been trained as a nurse J the Napier Hospital, passed the second State examination for regis--marks" With ° Ver 75 per cent of

AUCKLAND, January 10. The New Year was ushered in with cloudy weather, which afterwards turned to rain and Derby Day at Ellerslie was as disagreeable as possible. The Derby race was won by Mr T. H. Dowry's colt Estland. After the race was over the horse was decorated by Miss Gwen Gorri© with the blue riband. Amongst those present were Mrs Arthur Myers, m a smart blue cloth suit stitched with putty-coloured silk and faoincp of putty cloth, and black hat; Mrs Dowry (Napier), grey crepe de chine with bands of gold tissue and black-and-white hat; Miss Neville Thorne George, smart suit of Shantung and brown hat banded with lime green; Mrs Eric Itiddifovd (Wellington) pale pink georgette embroidered with white, and black hat wreathed with pale pink roses; Mrs Murphy (Gisborne), a cloth suit in an uncommon shade of yellow and black hat; lira Clifford, navy blue suit trimmed with fur and green hat; Miss Enid Reed fawn suit and pretty hat on suite; Miss Merle Pollen, cream suit trimmed with silk braid and red-and-black hat; Miss M. Thomas, Shantung suit and smart black hat; Mrs Ward (Wellington), navy blue silk frock with finishings of red and black hat, Mrs Hall Thompson (Wellington), grey crepe de chine and black hat; Mrs Parker Upton, a pretty frock of black-and-white and black hat; and Mrs Southey Baker, grey suit and smart black hat. In spite of the heat, the dance at Cargen on New Year's Eve was greatly enjoyed by the many guests present. The roof garden was a popular resort between the da.nces, the view from that height being superb. The music and floor were perfect; and as the number of guests present was very large the Red Cross Funds will benefit consider-

ably. Amongst those present were Mr and Mrs Eric Riddiford, Miss Bennett (Gisborne), Miss Neville George, Mr and Mrs Marriner, Miss M. Thomas, Miss Baker, and Miss E. Up/ill, etc., etc. Mr and Mrs W. It. Holmes and the Missea Kathleen and Una Holmes, after an absence in London of some 12 months, have returned to Auckland, and are in residence at Cargen. Mrs and Mrs Sharland were passengers from London by the name steamer. Mr and Mrs H. Bennett End Miss Bennett, Mrs Adair, and Miss Criep (all from Gifiborne) have been amongst other guests at Cargen for Christmas. January 17. During the past week rain has been continuous, and we have experienced our full quota of that steamy weather which is usually postponed until February. The different fruits in consequence are swelling in size enormously, and with a few days of sun will ripen in quantities. We have- been promised a record season in the matter of fruit. Tennis is now in full swing at most of the courts, Parncll and Remuera being! patronised by the. largest number of players. There is, of course, a noticeable absence of youth amongst the masculine players, in spite of the fact that there are quite ai number of returned soldiers in the list. Most of the clubs are arranging Red Cross afternoons in aid of the funds of that splendid organisation. Mrs Thursby Pelham,' who has for the past few months been staying at Cargen with her daughter, Lady "Walker, left for tho south last week to visit friends. Miss Minnie Lennox left for Honolulu by the last mail steamer," and is to be married on arrival to Mr Birmingham, a resident in that city. Mr and Mrs G. Doughty, who have been staying at the Grand Hotel, have returned to Wellington, accompanied by Miss Doughty and Lieutenant Doughty (who recently returned from England). Mrs Rathbone and the Misses Rathbona (2) and the Misses' Lusk (2) have taken a house at Mil ford for the summer months. Mrs W. Colbeck and her family are also spending the summer at Milford. Mrs Robertson is visiting her sister, Mra Pat. Marshall, at Wanganui. Mrs Wynn-Williams and Miss Owen WynnWilliams are making a short stay in Christchurch. . Very general is the sympathy felt with Mrs Handyside, of Whangarei, at the death in action at Paleistine tof her husband, Lieutenant T. P. Handyside, who left New Zealand about three years ago for London, where ho enlisted. He served in France, Salonika, and latterly in Egypt. Married to a daughter of Mr H. S. Ruddock, of the Auckland iStock Eixchange, his family consists of two little boys. He was undoubtedly a splendid type of 'manhood, and his death is to bo deeply deplored.