TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3335, 13 February 1918, Page 49

TABLE TALK.

Monday evening. Now that the school vacations are at an end, many people have returned to town, only going to their seaside cottages for week ends. Patriotic work is in full swing at the Early Settlers' Hall, and the Red Cross rooms present a busy appearance A pleasant little musical party was given on Tuesday evening by Mrs George Roberts (Whitelea) in honour of her niece, Miss Hilary Martin, who is at present on a visit to Dunedin from Sydney. Among the guests were Mesdames Martin (Sydney), Cheeseman, Oldham, and the Misses Bowling (2), Bridgeman, Edniond, Cheeseman, Kempthorne, Hartley; and Messrs Oldham, Bridgeman. Reynolds, Whitson, Parker, and Wallis. ■ . , B&autiful weather favoured the collectors for the Salvation Army War Fund appeal on Friday, and £468 5a lid was taken in the boxes. The total amount received to date is £4240 13s 2d, and several 5 donations and subscription lists are still to come in. On Friday afternoon aai enjoyable'' little tea was given by Mies Bridgerna.n (Anderson's Bay) in honour of her guest, Mies: Pincknoy (G-lenary). Among those present were the Misses Mills (Sydney), E. Roberts, Martin (Sydney), Hart, Gallaway, Kempthorne, Hartley, Cheeseman, Edmond, E. llaggitt, and R. Allen. Colonel and Mrs Guthrie (Christchurch) are staying at Wain's Hotel. Captain and Mrs Nedwill (Christchurch) are at Onslow House. Miss Holmes (Wellington) is the guest of Lady M'Lean, Hazelwood, Elder street. Mrs Russell Ritchie and family have returned from Moeraki. Mrs Riley has returned from Waitati. Mrs Vallis left on Thursday for Invercargill, where she will be the guest of Mrs Hunt, Mrs Royso and Mrs R. Sise are spending a few weeks at Brighton. Mrs A. Rattray (Christchurch) was the guest of Mrs. B. C. Haggitt (Wyohwood, Anderson's BayV for a day or two last week, and has gone oh to Invercargill. Miss Una Buddie has returned to Wellington. Captain Randal Woodhouse, M.C., N.Z.M.C., has been awarded a bar to his Military Cross for services rendered at the front in France. '. Miss F. Rattray, president of the . Red Cross Society, visited Christchurch last week to attend the second annual meeting of the New Zealand Branch of the British Red Cross Society. Miss May Stewart and Mr W. Downie Stewart, ivho have spent several months in Sydney, returned to Dunedin by Thursday's express. Miss Shand returned to Timaru last week. Mr J. C. Marshall, Miss Cargill, and party have returned after a delightful motor car tour. Leaving Dunedin on the 21st of January, the Hermitage was reached on the 23rd. After viewing the beauties of the Mount Cook district, a visit was paid to Timaru, where a few days were enjoyably spent at the Hydro-Grand and in sea-bath-ing, a return being then mado to Dunedin Miss L. Tolmie (Nelson) is the guest of Mrs B. C. Haggitt, Wyohwood, Anderson's Bay. Dr end Mrs Chilton (Christchurch) have taken Mrs Cameron's house at Anderson's Bay for a few weeks. Mrs Bryan Haggitt (Invercargill) is the guest of Miss Fairrie Denniston, Melville street. Miss Claire Izard has returned to Nclsci.

Mr and Mrs H. de O. M'Arthur, wh» have been spending their holidays at Ouiarare. have returned to town. Mrs H. Sholto Bishop (Kuxow) and. her daughter, Mies Bishop, are making a stay of three weeks in Bunedin. Mr and Mrs W. B. Houston, who have been at Onslow Houee for the last thre« months, returned to their home in Wellington last Tuesday. Their many Bunedrn friends were very pleased to see them again, and hope at some future time tlioy may make Bunedin their permanent home. Mass Ethel Jackson, Miss Allan, Mi*a M. Hutcheson, and Mrs Cantrell spent a few days with Mrs Hielop at Brighton loot week. Mrs T. E, Williams has returned from Brighton to her homo at Tuapeka West. Mr and Mrs A. M'Kinnon (Gladbrook) are on a visit to Wellington- to see their boh, who is in the artillery at Featberatoa Camp. INVEROABGILIi, February li. Mra W. Saunders has returned from her visit to Riverton. Mr and Mrs H. Royds end family h»v« also leturned from Riverton. Mrs A. Moffett and Mrs 0. Snow are staying at Riverton for a short holiday. Mrs J. Oliver has been down at Riverton for some time. Captain T Bush has come hack from hia trip to th* Lak«e. Mrs H. Macdonald has returned from * holiday at Stewart Island. Mr "and Mrs M. Mitchell h ave 9^so IO " turned from Stewart Island. Mrs Ticssider is spending a holiday down south just now. Mrs W. Handyside is on a visit to River ton. Mrs Fosbery Handyside is also *l Riverton. Mrs A. R. Walter (Bunedin) ie the gtwat of Mrs W. B. Hunt. OAMARU, February 9. The Misses Bavies entertained a few friends at a musioal evening on Tuesday. Another of the oldest residents has passed away in the person of Sir Henry .Miller, who died last Tuesday. Much sympathy is felt for Lady Miller and family by their many friends. Mr Bertie Garland, who has lately returned from the front, has been staying with the Misses Hassell. Lieutenant Hasaell Garland was also here fox a few days last week, but has returned to Wellington. Mrs G. Thomson and her boys, who hav« been spending the holidays at Warrington, havo returned home. Miss Maude is visiting Hampden. Mis A. H. Maude, who was tha guest of Mrs Fehwick, Maraweka, has returned home. Miss Evans (New Plymouth) is visiting her sister Mrs (Br) Scott. The Misses Gifford, who have been visitjng their brother at Riverton, havo returned home. Miss Barling acrid Miss Humphries left on Tuesday to visit the'North Island. ! Mrs and Miss F. de Lambert have returned from Waimate. Miss de Lambert, who has been spending the holidays in the North Island, has returned honie. Miss Russell has returned from Wellington. The Misses M'Mullen have returned from Bunedin. , ■ Miss Keddie, who has been staying at Peel Forest, has returned home. . TIMARU, February 11. Misa A. Buchanan has returned from Christchurch, where she spent the last fortnight. Mrs S. Unwin (Winchester) spent a few days with Mrs Nimmo Scott (Wai-iti road) during the week. Miss E. Hassell has returned from Otaio. Mrs M'Caskill is back frcm Christchurch, where she "and her children have been staying with Mrs Acton. Miss Oliver (Pleasant Point) has been staying with Miss White, Grasmere. Miss Read is back from a short visit to Wellington. Miss Cillingham. (Fontmell, _ Fau-he) ha» been spendnig a few days in Tim am. Mrs Fielden (Christchurch), who has been for some time with Mrs Wigley (Opuha Lodge), returned home next Tuesday. Mrs B. Watson is spending some week* in Oamaru. " Mrs G. Hayter (A 1 bury) and her children are staying ' with. Mrs Clifford, LeOren street. . ■ CHRISTCHURCH, February- 8. The Theatre Royal has been crowded during the week for the oomic operas " You're in Love " and "Canary Cottage." In spita of tho recent visit of two good companies, Cyril Maude and Marie Tempest, booking has been full for this week, and the audience has, indeed, had many a big laugh. Present during the week have been their Excellencies the Governor-general and the Countess of Liverpool and suite, Mrs Stead, Mr and Mrs E. Stead, Mr and Mis C. Reid Mrs Beswick, Mr and Mrs L. Harley,.Mn Rolleston (Wellington), Mr and Mrs. Wes tenra, Mi- and Mrs Vernon, Mr and Mrs C Wynn-Williams, Br and Mrs Stevensen, Mr and Mrs Murray-Anysley, Mr« and Mies Elworthy, and the'Mi.sses Gould, Helmore, Wood, Humphreys, Pratt, and Wilkin. The wounded soldiers in the various hospitals must bo pleased, a.nd are to bo congratulated, on the beautiful baskets, hammock, and trays that wern on sale in Cathedral square last Wednesday. It was a fine display, and was soon sold out, over £IOO being taken on the day's sale. Thero have been several small tennis parties during the week, the hostesses being Mrs Wigram, Mrs Beswick, Mrs Milltpn, Mrs Moore, Mrs Stevensen, and Mrs Wilding. Their Excellencies tho G ovemor-geheral and the Countess of Liverpool, who have beer, spending a few days with Mr and Mrs Bond, Claremont, returned to Christchurch on Thursday. Mr Bownie Stewart and Miss Stewart (Bunedin) passed through Christchurch on their return homo on Thursday. Mr and Mrs Hugh Eeoves and family havo returned from their holidays, spent at Mr Reeves's newly-acquired station at Lako Wakatipu, Mrs Melville J a meson spent a few days with Mrs Elworthy on her way to Mra Bidwill's, Featherston. Mts Hector Rolleston has been visiting Christchurch. Their Excellencies 4hs Governor-genera] and Countess of Liverpool have issued invitations for a garden party io-morrow. A tennis tournament will be played, by soine o?

the guests, to which many are looking forward.

j BLENHEIM, February 7. I On Thursday evening Mrs Wujkclin entertained a. number of friends at Park Terrace in honour of her son, Private Eric Wakelin, who has just returned from the front. The verandah surrounding the house was decorated with Chinese lanterns, as also was the lawn, and music, dancing, and singing' formed the amusing elements. A dainty supper was arranged on a table on tho verandah, which was artistically arranged with flowers and flags. Some of those present were Miss M'Callum, Misses Rudd (2), Mrs Neligan, Mrs Fuller, Misse3 Penny (2), Mrs Aldridge, Mrs Armstrong (Petone), Mrs and Miss Misses Davics (3), Mrs Anderson, Mrs A. 'Mills, Messrs Wakelin, Belling, Combridge, F. M'Callum, Drs Bennett and Adams. Quite a number of tennis enthusiasts assembled at the Marlborough Lawn Tennis Courts on Saturday afternoon to witness the various matches. Afternoon tea was provided by the Misses Jenkins, Rogers, and Clouston. Among those present were Mesdames K. M'Callum, Orr,* Lightfoot, White, Mills, Mowat, Wiffen, Tovey, Misses Wolfer stan, Revell, M'Kellar, Townshend, Neville (3), Sybil, Chapman, M'Callum, Messrs Edwards, Robson, Day, Rolling, Wiffen, Anderson, M'Callum, Thompson, Lieut. Parker, and Dr Bennett. Rev. and Mrs Geo. Gibb (Nelson) have b°.en visiting Mrs R. M'Callum at Argyle. Lieutenant H. Reed and Mrs Reed left on Saturday for the North Island, when quite a gathering of their friends assembled at the railway station to bid them adieu. Miss Jones (Dunedin), who has been staying with Mrs Andrew at Birch Hill, has returned. Mrs Hercus (Christchurch), who has been visiting Mrs Andrew at Birch Hill, has also returned. | Miss L. Purser has returned from a short

visi 1 , to tho Empire City. • Mrs A. Bell and family have returned to Riveilands after a short visit to Picton. Dr and Mrs B. Meade have leturned from Picton. Miss R. Macalister, who has been staying with Mrs Wicks at Springlands, has returned. Mrj E. H. Best is visiting friends in Wellington. Miss C. Cloiiiston ha<3 returned from visiting the Sounds. Miss L. Wolferstan has returned, from a short visit down the Sounds. Mrs B. H. Harvey is spending a holiday in Picton. Mrs A. J. Madame and Miss Irene Horton have returned from a visit to Picton. Mrs G. Wastney (Nelson) is the guest of Mrs W. Bell at Flaxmere. Mr and Mrs Ha.nmer Atkinson are staying at the Club Hotel for a few days. GREYMOUTH, February 8. Mrs Carter, who left on Tuesday for Christchurch, en route to Fiji, was entertained by the members of the various ladies' patriotic societies. Since the outbreak of the war Mrs Carter has been an enthusiastio member of the committees of the Red Cross Society, Lady Liverpool Fund, Trench Comfort Fund, and at all • times has been an active helper in any patriotic or charitable work. Mrs Carter was the recipient of a dainty gold wrist watch. The gathering l was held in the Soldiers' Club Rooms. The Mayor (Mr Lynch) made a bright little speech, Mrs Lynch made the presentation, and Mrs Carter briefly thanked those present for their dainty gift, and expressed her pleasure at having been able to help at different times. Besides Mr and Mrs Lynch and Mr and Mrs Carter, some present were Mrs M'Brearty, Mrs O'Malley, Mrs and Miss Kettle, Mrs Petrie, Mrs Oxemham, Mrs Good, Mrs Caldwell, Mrs M'Pherson, Mrs Gillies, Mrs Morgan, Mrs Yates, Miss M'Kenzie, Miss M'Lean, Miss Good, Miss Arnott, Miss Morgan. The Trinity Floral Fete was held on Wednesday afternoon and evening. A collection of 50 prize roses, specially sent from Sydenham, proved moßt attractive. There were various stalls erected in the church gTounds, and attractions of different kinds in the Trinity Hall and club rooms helped to entertain the visitors. Mrs Shroeder and Mrs G. Orr have returned from Christchurch. Miss Dunn was in South Canterbury for the holidays. Mrs (Dr) M'Brearty and her little children, who have been living at Cashmere Hills for the past few months, are back, and are accompanied by Miss Ryan. Archdeacon and Mrs York are back from Nelson. Miss Keddell has returned after several weeks in Wellington on a visit to her mother. Mr and Mrs Kim Williams have been on a visit to Christchurch and Wellington. WELLINGTON, February 8. Captain and Mrs King have returned from the Christmas holidays from Auckland. Mrs Hardwick-Smith has returned from a jraait to her parents, Mr and Mrs Triggs, of Cashmere, Christchurch, and with her Mrs Triggs, who is staying with her daughter. Mrs M'Lean and Miss D. M'Lean are visiting Mount Egmont, where the house is this year unusually full. The same story is being told at many holidav and tourist rosorts. Complaints are therefore rife that railway facilities are not what they ought to be. To which reply is made that, of course, tourist traffic would pay handsomely, but that in the war everything not essential must be put down, even the- making of money on the railways. After all there is some excuse in war for those who call for self-denial. Mr and Mrs George Ormond, of Mahia, aro in town for a few days. Dr and Mrs Thackcr have been here ou their way to and from Auckland, and will be here again in a few days, the Doctor having undertaken a political campaign in

Wellington North, with Mr Poison, returned soldier, late of the Civil Service, as his candidate. The appointment of Mr Herdman to the Supreme Court Bench is silencing criticism, because people generally feel that the Supreme Court Bench must be treated with respect sufficient to give every new member cf it time and rope to become fully acquainted with his duties. Nearly every new judge is a little strange at first, but the educating effect of legal disputation is excellent, especially with those wl!6 have mastered the principles ond have the right disposition. This can, of course, be said of Mr Herdman, and hi 3 friends are saying it everywhere. At the same time great regret is felt for the weak condition of Mrs Herdman's health, which is breaking down seriously just at the moment when her husband's promotion should bo brightening her j life. Great regret is felt for the death of Sir Henry John Miller, the well-known M.L.C., one of the best in its list of Speakers. Sir Henry was, of course, best known in Otago generally, and in Oamaru in particular, and long known, ever since he married into the Orbell family. His 50 years' service in the Council had made him one of the political landmarks _of Wellington, where he never failed to appear every year with great and faithful regularity. His great voice, his hearty laugh, his fund of genial characteristic and very historic anecdote will be greatly missed here. All the town is in strong and deep sympathy with his largo family, which has given its quota to the public service in this war just like so many others The death of Mr Balcombe-Brown, who had been in failing health for many months past—one may indeed say years,—has cast a gloom over society, which remembers the days of his father, the first Registrargeneral. His widow is a daughter of the Hon. Captain Baillie, the famous old soldier who did great work in the Sikh wars, distinguishing himself at Sobraon, Aliwal, and Chilianwallah—surely a long time to go back for memory,—and went through the Indian Mutiny with great fame and courage, serving in the mobile column with which 'Sir Hugh Rose attained such tremendous reputation. The old captain is blind now, but- he never fails to be in his place as Father of the Legislative Council, of which •he has been a member for over 55 years. Every day the old lady leads him down to the House, and is to be seen waiting for the adjournment to load him home again, even in the worst weather. Generally the son-in-law's car is in attendance to end these little touching journeys between rows of respectful friends. But the son-in-law has gone first. The many friends of the old soldier and his sweet old wife ' are desolate on their account. Only the other night the old lady, I hear, went to the Seamen's Home, where the Bev. Mr Moore exercises his wonderful ministry, so original and farreaching and successful, and played to the assembled seamen, who, as they always do. cheered her to the utmost after the most attentive and appreciative hearing. The old lady plays with .the spirit and grace of 18 and the accuracy of a well-established professor, and in a style all her own, which draws every hearer irresistibly. There is great sympathy for the old people, and for their daughter, the widow. The funeral was largely attended, a considerable number of friends attending the cortege to the family vault at Ka/ori. We noticed Bishop Sprott at the graveside, honouring the memory of one of the leading and most unostentatious of the church workers of Wellington. The engagement is announced of Miss Janet Stout, daughter of Sir Robert and Lady Stout, to Captain Trevor Holmden, of the Worcestershire Regiment, son of Mr H. Holmden, of Kelburn. "Wellington. Miss Stout is a fully-qualified nurse, who is serving at present in the Napier Hospital, where she has been for three years past, and where she has passed all necessary examinations with great credit. The bride-groom-elect is a veteran soldier. He left here with the Main Body, and, after fighting through the Gallipoli campaign, 'secured a commission in -his present regiment—the Worcesters, —in which he now holds tho rank of captain. He has been for the last tv#s years in Mesopotamia. He was wounded slightly at Kut* in General Maude's expedition, and, having recovered quickly, earned the Military Cross for gallantry at the capture of Bagdad.

AUCKLAND, February 7. It had been generally considered that there were to be no more Red Cross dances at Cargen whilst the heat of summer was with us. However, as there are at the present time quite a number of soldiers on leave staying in and about Auckland, and as the weather had taken, an almost wintry tone for the past week, another very successful dance was held, Mrs Black, as hosteas, putting forth her best energies, as usual, to make all the guests enj'o3- themselves. The floor and music were excellent. A. comparatively new regulation has it that "soldiers on active service may not dance in uniform," so Ihe returned men were all in mufti. Lady Walker looked charming in a pretty frock in a decided shade of gold, the skirt of which was of silk edged with blue, while a long tunic of gold-coloured lace was finished with a touch of blue. Miss Kathleen Holmes wore pale mauve chiffon velvet with dainty touches of pink; Miss Una Holmes, saxe blue panne velvet, the corsage of which was composed of silver kce and tulle; 'Miss Phyllis Eloomfield, cream net and georgette; Miss Eileen Buckleton, pale pink brocade finished with 1 ouches of a deeper pink; Miss M. Buckleton, black tulle; Miss M. Thomas, black tulle, the corsage of which was banded with ' black velvet; Miss Enid Reed, white touched with the palest of pink ; Miss Thelma Eloomfield, black tulle; Miss Heliaby, ivory j georgette with touches of dull gold lace and j belt of tangerine; Miss Jex. Blake (Gisborne),' heliotrope; Mrs Bowie (Gisborne), I emerald green finished with embroidery: Miss j Freda Wake, pretty frock of primrose and blue; and Miss Eita Ashton, ivory georgette ! over primrose, with draped belt of eaxo blue. i

Mrs and the Misses Colo (2) are visiting relatives in the south. Miss Gwen Gorrie and Miss Eleanor Young aro the guests of Mrs Murpiiy (Gisbornc) for a few Weeks. Mr and Mrs V. J. Lamer axe making a short stay in Chiistchurch. The marriage of Miss Gwendolin Downie, eldest daughter of Mr M. Downic, to Mr Harold Heald, of Hunua, a returned soldier, was celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral, Parnell, la3t Saturday afternoon, ' Archdeacon Hawkins officiating at the ceremony.