TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 49

TABLE TALK.

Monday evening. f On Tuesday evening, at His Majesty's Theatre, the great comedienne Marie "'empest and hear talented company were accorded a great reception by a. large and appreciative audience assembled to witness the initial performar.ee of a moat successful season in the delightful comedy "Mrs Dot." During the week five plays, most of them entirely new to Dunedin theatre-goers, and beautifully staged and dressed, have been presented, and bumper houses have greeted the artists every evening, beautiful floral tributes being presented to Miss Tempest. On Saturday ever.irg the sustained applause at the conokeion of the charmingly-played "Penelope" drew from the artiste a graceful little speech acknowledging the subtle flattery of such a tribute from a Dunedin audience, which she had been warned was notoriously difficult to play to and hard to rouse to any show of enthusiasm. Among those present during the week were L>ady Allen, Miss R. Allen, Mr C. . Allen, Mr and Mrs W. A. Moore, Miss Moore, Miss Bird, Dr and Mrs A)len, Mrs Leslie Wilson, Mrs Kane, Mrs Dunlop, Mrs ,D. Ramsay, Dr and Mrs F. Fitchett, Mrs Woodhouse, the Misses Rattray (2), Dr and Mrs Russell Ritchie, Mrs 0. W Rattray, Miss Ayrc, Mrs Cowie Nicholls (Kuribcka), Mr and Mrs Bridgeman, Miss Bridgeman, Mr and Mrs T. R. Fisher, Mr and Mrs S. Neill, Captain Nedwill, Mr and Mrs Black, Mr and Mrs Arthur F'isher, Mrs Firch, Mr and Mrs Ellis, Miss Ellis (Invercargill), Mrs Buckley (Oainaru), Mr and Mrs Alan Orbell (Waikcuaiti), Miss Orbell, Mr and Mrs Harold Fisher, Mrs George. Roberts, Miss E Roberts, Mrs Martin (Sydney) and Miss Martiu, Mrs and Miss Gallaway, Miss Macassay,. Miss Shani (Timaru), Mrs B. C. Haggitt, the Misses Haggitt, Dr and Mrs Kenneth Rosa, Mr and M'vs E. ft. Fenwick, Miss Neill, Mrs Acton-Adams, Mr and Mrs Cheeseman, Miss Cheeseman, Mr and Mrs Olftham, Miss Kempihorne, Miss Hartley, Mr and Mrs George Ritchie, Mr David Mills, Miss Mills, Mr and Mrs George Mac Lean, Miss TJlrich Mr George Denniston, Miss Denuistoii, Miss C. Williams, Mr and Mr 3 Theomin, Miss Wilson, the Misses Farquhar (2), Dowling (2).

Beautiful weather prevailed on Friday, Sweot Pea Day, when a most rucoessful effort, organised by Ml- E. L. Macassey, was made to obtain funds for the Soldiers' Memorial Club. Fivo ©tails in prominent positions, well stocked with flowers, vegetables, and edibles of all descriptions which had been generously contributed by sympathisers in town and country districts, and manned by bands of willing helpers, did excellent business. Returned soldiers assisted with the street collection, and a street entertainment was given by the members of the company now appearing at the Princees Theatre. Artistio sweet pea badges were on sale at the stalls, and several auction sales disposed of all the goods donated. The. day's work resulted in the substantial sum of £517 Os 4d being raised. _ S jf Robert and Lady Stout returned to Wellington on Saturday. Miss Cargill, who has been on a motor lour to Mount Cook, returned to town on Saturday. •Mrs Cutten and Miss Cutten are spending a few weeks at the Hydro in Timaru. Mr and Mrs Blundell have returned to VV ar.ganui. Miss Livingstone returned to Carterton on lhursday. Mrs Leslie Wilson has returned from Hanmer. Mrs Martin and Miss Hilary Martin (Sydney) are the guests of Mrs George Roberts, Littlebourne. Lady M'Lean and Miss M'Lean returned from Wellington on Saturday. Mrs Nicholls and Miss Ayre (Kurikeka), who have been in town for the Marie Tempest season, have returned to Maheno. Miss Helen Williams, who has been spending several weeks in the North Island, has returned to town. Mrs Buckley (Oamaru) and Mrs Alan Orbell (Waikouaiti) have been in town this week, staying at the Grand Hotel. Mrs Douglas (who has been staving at Hia.watha, St. Clair) returned to Oamaru last week. Mr aiid Mrs Dnltou (Wellington) are staying at Onslow House. Dr and Mrs Patrick Marshall have returned to Wanganui. Mrs H. S. Fen wick and her family have returned from Waikouaiti. Miss Webster (Wellington) is staying with her brother, Mr E. Webster, Heriot row, for a few weeks. Mrs Frank Fitchett and her family have rot.u'ned tj town after spending the holidays at Waitati. Mrs E. Menlove (Cliristchurch) is the guest of Mrs W. Menlove, Sawyer's Bay, at present. ► Captain A. H. A. Vivian left by the hospital ship on Thursday. Mrs Thomas and family, of Pai Marire, Boslyn, who havo been spending their holi-

days at Brownie©, Miller's Flat, Central Otago, ha7e returned to town.

INVEBOARGIDI/, February 4. Miss Dundas has returned from a visit to Quoenstown, wheTe she was the guest of her sister, Mrs lyyle. Captain L. Bush, who recently returned from the front, ia spending a holiday at, Queenstown. , ~ Mr and Mia T. C. Ellis, jun., are the guests of Mrs T. C. Ellis, Ettnck street. Mr and) Mrs J. M'G. Watson returned from Dipton last week. Miss Stock has returned from a visit to Stewart Island. Miss Jobson has also returned from ner trip to the Island. .. ' , Miss M. Ellis has gone to Christchurcn for a short holiday. ~ Sir R. Stout, who has been down soutn for a few days, has returned north. Mr and Mrs Longuet have returned from their visit to Dunedin. ; On Friday night Mrs Morrah, Gladstone, gave a most enjoyable dance for young people at hor residence, Albert street. OAMAEU, February 4. Mrs Douglas has returned from Dunedin. Miss Hart (Tiniaru), who has been visiting Mrs Ekoate, has returned home. Mr and Mrs Halley Maude and Mrs Harvery are down at Hampden. Mrs Dawswi and Mr and Mrs A O. Gifford, who have been visiting their relatives in Oamaru, have returned to Wellington. Miss Warren (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs Stubbs. Miss Li. Robinson is spending a few days at Hampden. Mrs and the Misses Whitton have returned from Christchurch. Miss Browne (Wanganui) is visiting her sister, Mrs Vennall. , Mrs R. Orbell has returned from Waltati. Miss-Dorothy Davies is the guest of Mrs Mitchell, Otekaike. TIMARTJ, February 4. Mr and 'Mrs Giles (Otiritiri), who have been camping at the river with a party of young people, returned last week. Mr, Mrs, and Miss Cotterill leave next week for Napier. Mrs Simmers (Dannevirke) spent a few days with Mrs G. Simmers, Selwyn street, during last week on her return journey from a visit to Dunedin. Mr and Mrs A. Grant are staying at Gray's Hills. Miss Priest (Featherston), who has been the guest of Mrs E. Rutherford, Evans street, left for the north on Wednesday. Mr® Washburn and her children are expected back from a holiday in Nelson during the week. .

Di- and Mrs Hnwin are back from Christchurch. Dr Unwin. has resumed his work here.

Mr and Mrs Dalgleish, who have been spending the holidays at Mount Peel, return next week.

Miss Wright has returned from a visit to her sister, Mrs F. Barker, at Peel Forest. Mrs Frank Evans is staying with Major and Mrs Wrighr, Beverly road. Mrs. Bourne, who has spent the holidays with hea- mother, Mrß Bowie, Evans street, returned to Christchurch. Mrs Saxby Turnbull, Domett, is staying with Mrs Bowie at present. Mrs Shallcrass (Otipua road) has_ returned from some weeks' visit to the Bluff. Mrs L. Pearson, who has been staying with Mrs L. B. Pearson, has returned to Australia.

Mrsj W. Hart, who has spent the holidays ■with hex father, Mr C F. Fraser, has returned to Chrisijhurch. CHRISTCHURCH, February 2. The Marie Tempest season wa« brought to a close on Saturday night, when "A Pair of Silk Stockings" was staged. In bidding farewell to the audience Marie Tempest spoke m a most pleasing manner, and said she hoped to return to New Zealand on a future date, and that she had thoroughly enjoyed fcer fortnight in Christchurch. The crowded theatre gave her a great ovation. Amongst the audience were their Excellencies the Governor-general and the Countess of Liverpool and suite, Mrs B'lunt, Miss Hacrley, and Miss E. Helmore. Others present were Mr and Mrs Boyle, Mr and Mrs Beswick, Mr and Mrs H. Cotterill, Mrs Rose, Mr and Mrs Alpers, Mrs Cordner, Mrs Timaru Rhodes, Mrs T. Cowlishaw, Mrs G-. Helmore, Mr and the Misses Humphreys. A large "At home" was given by Mrs Allen, at the Mill House, on Tuesday, as a farewell to her daughter, Miss Janet Ogle, who leaves shortly for England to be married. Miss Ogle sang several songs very sweetly, it being the first time many of the guests had heard her sing. The large drawing room was tastefully decorated with flowers, and a delicious tea was served in the dining room. Amongst the guests were Mesdames Palmer, T. Cowlishaw, Dalgetv Beid, Rich, J. C. Palmer, E. Harper, Rose, Godby, Lawrence, and the Misses Lee, Humphreys, Reeves, Tabart, Dalgetv, Sutter, and Knight. There have been several small tennis parties during the week. Amongst the hostesses have been Mesdames Wigram, Beswick, Humphreys, Helmore, and Moore. Miss Newdigate (England) is the guest of their Excellencies the Governor-general and the Countess of Liverpool. The Hon. James and Mrs Borthwick have arrived from Australia. Mrs H. Elworthy, Craigmore, has been in Wellington. BLENHEIM, January~Bo7~ The weather on Friday evening was particularly pleasant, and the promenade concert held at The Barton, the residence of Mr C. J. W. Griffiths, proved a huge success, attracting quite a large assemblage of people, who were given a real musical treat. The grounds in themselves are most suitable for such occasions, and were rendered even more attractive by the decoration of Chinese lanterns and fairy lamps. On account of the proceeds being donated to the Fairhall Red Cross Day, the supper was arranged by the ladies of the Fairhall district, who spared no efforts in preparing an excellent assortment of delicacies. The programme, which was arranged by Dr Bennett and the Misses Davieg, wns_ exceptionally fine. All the items, vooa.l and instrumental, were well received. A few of those present were Mr and Mrs G. Wacldy, Mr and Mrs C. Mills. Mrs Corrv, Mrs Seymour,' Misses Clonston. Mrs F. Bull, Captain end Mrs Hardy. Miss Chapman. Mrs E. Rose. Mrs Evatt. Miss Mowat. Mrs M'Calium. Mrs Dixon. Mrs and Miss Townshend. Miss Noble Adams, Miss Leslie, Miss Urquhart, etc. As' a conclusion to the evening a most enjoyable impromptu dance was held in St. Patrick's Hall. Excellent music was .provided by Perrv's Orchestra. Among those present were Mrs Corry, Mrs Seymour, Mrs Best. Mrs Rose, Mra Evatt, Misses Clouston (2), Misses Jeffries (2), Danes (3). Pennev, Purser (Wanganui), Townshend. M'Kellar, D. Revell, end Mowat, Messrs Davies, March, Wiffen, M'Calium, Boso, Bull, and Dr Bennett. . In spite of the prevailing heat on Satur-

day afternoon the Marlborough Lawn Tennis Courts wero well attended, and a dainty afternoon tea was provided and dispensed by the ladies present. Some of those I lioticed there wero Mesdames Kudd, De Denne, Corry, Hardy, Hcrcus (Christchuxch), Andrew (Birch Hill), Wiften, Tovey, Beet, Mowat, J. White, Misses Chapman, Neville (8), M'Kellar, H. Mowat, T. Townshend, M. Lightfoot, Jones (Dunedin), Mason, Revel 1, M. Innes, M. M'Callum, Williams, Jeffries, Clark (Wellington), Messrs Wiffen, M'Callum, CoiTy, Henry, Wright, Belling, Captain Hardy, etc „__ Misses Clouston (2) are v spending a few' days down the Sounds. Miss Kathleen Clarke, who has been visiting hero, has returned to Wellington. Mrs Hercus (Christchurch) and Miss Jones (Dunedin) are visiting Mrs G. Andrew at Birch. Hill. Mrs B. M'Callum is staying in Picton. Mrs Innes is visiting Picton. Miss Jeffries (Wellington) is the guest of Mrs B. H. Best. Miss K. Bundle is the guest of Mrs J. Corry in Maxwell road. WELLINGTON, February 1. After the holidays all the good works of the war in which the activities of women have found scope are once again in full swing. In the Town Hall, n« an instance of the effects, it may be here set down that in one day 3000 parcels of good things for the front were packed and got ready for despatch. But all work did not stop for the holidays. For example, some ladies took the opportunity of their presence at some holiday resort to emphasise the good work for the enlightenment and emulation of the local people.

Such a one was Mrs Corliss, the sister of Sir John Findlny, who, being at the Egmont Ho.iso ameng the wonders of Mount Egmont, took the opportunity of a visit to Hawera for an improving lecture. Mrs Corliss spent the first two years of the war in England, the wa - breaking out while she was living in England with her daughter, whose musical education was receiving the finishing touches. The secretary of the Hawera Branch of the W.N.R. hod sent out circulars telling of the interesting lecture Mrs Corlis3 had undertaken to deliver, and some 300 persons responded Mrs Corliss kept them interested and amused for a couple of hours, outlining the conditions in England and Germany (where she had been with her daughter before the outbreak of the war), and following the development of war conditions in England for the two first years. Coming to the work of the Women's National Keserve, she enlarged upon its details in a manner most eloquent and fascinating. <Sho was, of course, listened to with the closest and most wrapt attention, and the applause was phenomenal. Mrs Blamires, who presided, thanked her for her most interesting lecture, complimented her on her manner of telling so noble a story, and declared its value as an inspiration to the local branch to be very considerable. That was not the only occasion on which Mrs Corliss took the opportunity of advancing the great cause. One day, being wet during her stay at the picturesque and charming hostel perched up among the slopes of the big volcano, she made the time pass most agreeably by talking on Woman's work during the war, and the large number of guests assembled in the long room felt very fully jecompensed for the bad weather—in fact, they said they preferred the lady's fascinating talk to the delights of the excursion ra the hiils. A squad of Boy Scouts who happened to be present swelled tho audience, and made themselves most useful with tea afterwards, like the perfect little gentlemen the Boy Scouts always are.

Writing and ta.lkiijg ar<i great attributes of tho Findlay family. We know the reputation of Sir John, whose work outside his profession is very pleasing and instructive at dinners, at the Savage Club, at all functions, and his book on "Humbugs" we have all read, and his book on the various types be met in his last Irip to England, including his fine sketch of the Kaiser, we all want to see. One point in it we can not forget, as we heard it in a speech, and tha.t, of course, made us want the bcok so keenly. The point is that the Kaiser, on realising that it was the Attorney-general of New Zealand who was being presented to him, entered into conversation promptly, asking for all kinds of information about the country rid its people All these questions Sir John answered without hesitation, of course —fancy Sir John Findlay hesitating!—and when his Imperial All Highest Majesty mentioned the subject of the probable attitude of the New Zealanders in a European war, he said very straight that the people would fight to the last man side by side with the British armies. The Kaiser probably now understands that the Attorney-general of New Zealand -was a good prophet. It is also probable that at the time he got this prediction the Kaiser did not quite believe it. At all events, he did not believe a. good many other statements about the loyalty of the oversea dominions. Sir John also has' cause to remember the answer ho gave the Kaiser, for one of his own sons made itgood at G-allipoli, falling at the head of his men. Another son (Captain J. W. Findlay) who has answered the father's prediction liy winning promotion on the battlefield is in evidence, with his pen to-day, with a series of articles now being published on the best method of uniting the Empire after the war. Very thoughtful they are, and patriotic. Mrs Helen Cross, of Christahurch, published, we remember, a little book on the art of speaking French for the benefit of the troops going to the war. It was quite early in the war. Word has come that the volume 's very popular indeed with the troops, who find it most useful in picking up enough French to go on with m conversation, and as a foundation for eventual proficiency in the language of our brave Allies, The special merit we remember was the phonetic guide to the French pronunciation the very best we remember *o have seen. That accounts for the-popularity of the little book, which justifies the predictions of the sympalhe-tic reviewers. Dr Morrison, the Chinese expert, who began as a. reporter, got .appointed Times correspondent at Peking, and was promoted to be an adviser to the Chinese Government after the revolution, was welcomed here during the week in many ways. In one the ladies and gentlemen of the press here had a pleasant function, in the course of which the much-travelled and much-honoured doctor said a good many very instruc'i'v° trr'no-a about the Celestial Empire, which has ranged itself among the Entente Powers. The doctor, it may easily be said, dispelled the impression of light satire in which this event is generally viewed by the public. That, of course, with his knowledge of the country and people and his manner of imparting it. which is most cogent and persuasive. At the conclusion of his discourse—his reply to the toast of his health—i.e.. by the usual gate by which the floods of British eloquence are let loose on holiday occasions—he invited questions, and, of co-urse, one of the l adies wanted his views about the statu? of woman in China with some mention of the effect of the ancient custom of foot-binding so long prevalent in the Celestial Empire On this point the doctor was hopeful that the labours of Miss Little and others and the spread of knowledge would make improvement, which he admitted to be slow at present. He characterised the practice as the most barbarous ever accorded to woman in any country, because the most stagnating. In" the East the tyranny of fashion is as strong as it is in the West; but the application is different, for the tyranny of the East is against variation, whereas variation is the leading feature of the West.

AUCKLAND, January 81. The principal attraction on Anniversary Day was the rac.f-s at Takapuna, and, in cpite of the fact that tho weather was uncertain and showery, a large number of holi-day-makers put in en appearance on the course. Those who braved the elements either wore raincoats or donned their old garments, so that there is little to tell you in that connection. Amoagst those* present were Lady AValker. who wore a black-and-white checked silk suit with large cream-and-grey silk collar, and grey hat with saxe-bluo finishings; Mrs Alison, purple cloth suit, with hat in the same shade; Miss Gwen Gorrie, black gaberdine suit, and small grey and purple hat; Mrs J. Donald, black silk suit, find small bfack hat : Mm Markham, cream cloth suit, and smart, blue hat with cream; Mrs E. Alison, fawn cloth suit, and pale grey-and-blue hat; Mies Alison, pretty:oloured suit, and small brown hat; Miss M. Alison, blus gaberdine suit and small blue and mauve hat; Miss McadoWoroft, blue suit with cable stitchings of yellow, and pink-and-cream hat; Miss Alice Walker, black-and-white checked suit, and fawn hat with finishings of saxe blue; Miss Gould,

white coat and skirt, and Mack hat; Miss Eleanor Young, navy bluo suit, and pretty blue velvet hat; Miss JJaphno Cooke, cream cloth suit, and black hat; and Miss Muriel Dawson grey suit and smart blue hat. A string band played on the lawn behind the course, and helped greatly to fnliven the proceedings. Tlie weather for Mrs George Bloomfield's party was perfect, and the garden, with ita many trees, proved a delightfully cool spot for those who were not playing tennis. Tea w.Ts served under the shade of the trees. Amongst the guests were Lady Russell (wife of General Sir Andrew Russell), wearing a frock of crepe de chine in soft shades of grey and ease blue, and large hat in the same colours; Miss Kussell wore a pretty frock of yellow crepe do chine, and large hat in an uncommon shade of brown. Lady Russell and her daughter, who have just returned from a lengthy visit to England, had much to say of their experiences while away. Mrs George Bloomfleld was wearing a dainty whi'-e frock, and large black hat; and her daughter Phyllis, who assisted hor mo thee in entertaining ihe guests, wore a pretty frock of white crepe de chine and eaxe blue, and large white hat. Miss Mavis Martin (Wairarapa), who is visiting Mrs Bloomfleld, wore a cream cloth skirt and pretty blouse of white crepe de chine, and largo cream hat. Mi- and Mrs Kernot (Wellington) and the Misses Kernot (2) nre staying at the Grand Hotel. Mrs Hellaby and hex two daughters have returned to Auckland after an absence of two years in London. Lieutenant Douglas Dimant and Mrs Dimant (who was Miss Ivy Hellaby) have also returned from. England. They are staying at Cargen.