TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3336, 20 February 1918, Page 49

TABLE TALK.

Monday Evening. On Thursday the Dunedin Jockey Club held "their autumn meeting at Wingatui. Th* weather was fine, but dull, for Cup day, and, despite the curtailed train service, the attendance was good, many people motoring out to the course. A number of visitors from all parts of the South Island and even from across the Straits were present. The St. Kilda Band, on the lawn, enlivened the proceedings by contributing some bright music, and a good day's racing was enjoyed, Margerine winning the Cup in a close finish,with Wardanoer second. Most of the ladies wore fur coats or dark with smart autumn hats. Among those present I noticed Sir George Clifford and Miss Clifford (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs R Gillies, Miss Gillies (Kurow), Mrs' A. A. Finch, Mr and Mrs W. O. M'Kellar (Moerakij, Mr and Mrs Wollosley Kain, Mr and Mrs Ernest Denny, Mr and Mrs Bidwill (Featherston), Mr and Mrs J. Buchanan (Little River), Mrs and the Misses Macintosh, Mr and Mrs S. Neill, Captain and Mm jSTedwill (Christchurch), Mrs Acton-Adams, Miss Stock, Mrs H. S. Fenwick, Mr C. W. Rattray, Miss F. Rattray, Mr and Mrs Allan Orbell (Waikouaiti), Mr and Mrs R. Sise, Mr David Mills and Miss Mills (Sydney),Mr George" Ritchie, Mr Boyle, Mr Rutherford, Dr and Mis S. Batchelor, Mr Edmond, Mies Edmond, Miss Gallaway, Mr and'Mrs Scherek, Mr Scott. Mr Pyko, Mr and Mrs Murray-Aynsley (Christchurch). On Saturday the drizzling rain prevented a good number of people from journeying to Wingatui, but very little rain fell there, and the day was mild and calm. On Thursday evening at His Majesty's Theatre a crowded and enthusiastic audience gave the Williamson Musical Comedy Co. a great reception when they made their first appearance of the season "in the sparkling production, " You're in Love." Miss Maude Fane and the other principals quickly established themselves as prime favourites by their tuneful singing and bright interpretation of their respective parts, while the dancing and tasteful dressing of the chorus evoked much applause. Among the audience during the week were Mr and Mrs Edmond, Miss Edmond, Miss Gallaway, Mr. and Mrs F. Oldham, Major and Mrs Cooper, the Misses Farquhar (2), Mrs Finch, Mr and Mrs W. O. M'Kellar, Captain and Mrs Nedwill, Mr and Mrs Allan Orbell, Mr Mills and Miss Mills, Mr and Mrs S. Neill, Miss Downie Stewart, Mrs Armitage (Temuka), Mr and Mrs Aufrero Fenwick, Miss Bell (Shag Valley), the Misses Webster (2), Miss K. Ulrich, Dr and Mrs Frank Fitchett, Mrs Bryan Haggitt (Invercargill), Dr and Mrs Russell Ritchie, the Misses Rattray (2). Mrs Every (Wellington) is the guest of Mrs John White (Anderson's Bay). Mr and Mrs Hunter-Weston sure staying with Mrs John Roberts at Littlebouine. Mrs Armitage (Temuka) . is the guest oi Mies Stewart (Heriot row). Mrs Oswald Napier has returned frotn St Andrews, and is staying at Onslow House.

• Mrs Bryan Haggitt returned to Invercargill on Saturday. Sir George and Miss Clifford returned to Christchuxch on Saturday. Mrs Murray-Aynsley (Christchureh) is the guest of Mrs Colin Campbell (Andersons Bay). ' Mis 3 Coreen Ogston has returned from Auckland, and is the guest of Mr Henry Williams (Mornington). . Miss Fairxie Denniston spent the weekend with Mrs Lindo Ferguson at Waikouaiti. Sir James and Lady Allen, Miss Bona Allen, and Mr Charles Allen left for Wellington on Saturday. Mrs Vivian is spending a few days with Mrs Royse at Brighton. Mr 3 Leslie Wilson and Miss Holmes have keen spending some time with Mrs Hislop at Brighton; also Mrs Vivian. Mr W. D. B. M'Curdie (city engineer), accompanied by Miss M'Curdie, left by the express on Monday morning for Wellington. Mr M'Curdie is to attend the conference of the New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers. After a few days in Wellington Miss M'Curdie is proceeding to Auckland on a visit. . INVERCARGTLL, February 18. Mr and Mrs Jolly (Wellington) are staying at the Grand Hotel for a few weeks. Miss Prain is spending the week-end at River ton. Miss Hayward (Christchureh) is the guest of Mrs D. Hansen. Mr and Mrs W. Henderson and the Misses Henderson have gone to Riverton for a short holiday. Mrs W. Saunders went on a visit to Dunedin last week. Mr and Mrs L. Raymond also went to Dunedin for a few days. Miss Chilwill (Auckland) is the guest of Mrs Chilwill (Underwood). Oh Friday evening Mrs Chilwill gave a most enjoyable euchre party in honour of her guest, Miss Chilwill. Miss Seamon has gone to Wellington for • few weeks' visit. Miss W. Tucker is staying at Bluff just now. Mrs R. Dunlop gave a small afternoon tea •n Monday at her residence (Yarrow street).

OAMARU, February 18. Bast Thursday afternoon Dr and Mrs Douglas entertained the returned soldiers at a garden party in their beautiful grounds. Enthusiastic games of tennis" and croquet Were played, and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent. The same afternoon a tennis match was played between the Oamaru and Hill Clubs on the Oamaru-'Courts. The game resulted in a win for the latter club. Afternoon tea was provided by Misses . M'Kinnon, iios&ack, and Preston. On Thursday evening Dt and Mrs Orbell entertained a few friends to meet Miss Evans, who has been staying with her sister, Mrs J. M. Scott. Miss Marjorie Whitton is visiting Central Otago. Mrs Ernest Edwards and her children, who are staying with Mrs H. Edwards (Tees street), are returning to South Africa early this week. Miss Evans (New Plymouth), who has been staying with Mrs Scott (Eden street), has returned home. TIMARU, February 18. Miss Hinson (Pleasant Point) left for Dunedin at the beginning of the week. Miss Oliver is the guest of the 'Misses Knubley (Sarah street). Mr and Mrs Brown (Wellington) are at the Hydro. Mrs Hullah (Geraldine) is staying with Miss Woolcombe (Trafalgar street). • Miss Biichanan left for Christchureh on Tuesday. > She intends being away for some months. Mrs Holmes is the guest of the Misses M'Lean (Ardgour). Mr and Mis G. Hassell (Waimate), who have been spending a short holiday in Timaru, returned home during the week. Mr and Mrs Murray have taken a cottage at Peel Forest, and intend spending a fortnight there. Mrs Nalder (Burke's Pass) was in town for a few days during last week. Miss Guinness is spending the week-end at Ealing. CHRISTCHURCH, February 16. The last few nights of the Comic Opera Company, playing " So Long, Letty" and '"You're in Love," have seen crowded houses. Amongst the audience have been their Excellencies the Governor-general and the Countess of Liverpool, Mr 3 Stead, Mrs E.. Stead, Miss Miles (Wellington), Mrs Boyle, Mrs A. Williams, Mr and Mrs Blunt, Mr and Miss Helmore, Mrs Symes, Mrs Godby, Mrs G. Rhodes, Mrs Rioh, Miss Rich, the Misses Knight, Dr and Mrs Stevenson, Mr

and Mrs Borthwick, the Misses Humphreys, Miss Marsclen (Melbourne), &Mr and Mrs Savill, Mr and Mrs T. 'Cowlishaw, Miss Lee.

Thoir Excellencies the Governor-general and the Countess o? Liverpool had an allday tennis tournament on Saturday and a garden party. Unfortunately, it came on to rain about 4.'o'clock, and the tennis had to be- postponed until Monday, and the guests made for the house, where afternoon lea was served. The Elmwood garden was looking its best with bs fine old trees and climbing roses in full bloom, but few had time to go round the garden before the deluge set in. The tennis tournament was most enjoyable, and many evenly-contested games were played. The finals were between Mriss Blanch and Mr Aitken and Miss Crocroft Wilson and Mr Godby, the former winning, and securing small mementoes of the oqcasion. Playing were their Excellencies' the Gover-nor-general and the Countess of Liverpool, Mcsdames Reid and Godby, and the Misses Gould, Dalgety, Harley, Helmore, Knight, Rich, "Westenra, and Wise (Sydney), and Messrs Helmore (2), Hamilton, Garland, Ross, Cotterill, Blunt, Borthwick, and Hudson. Other guests present were Mr and Mrs Boyle, Mr a-nd Mrs A. Rhodes, Mr and Mrs Rich, Mrs Borthwick, Mrs Helmore, Mr and Mrs G. Bo wen, Mr and Mrs Millton, Mrs and Miss .Wilkie, Miss Thompson (Invercargill), Miss Rattray (Dunedin), Mr and Mrs B. Lane, Mrs Vernon, Mr and Mrs E. Stead, Mr and Mrs Wanklyn, Mrs Symes, Mrs and Miss Wells, Mrs G. Rhodes, and others. The weather is not at all promising for the Red Cross motor carnival, to be held at Plumpton Trotting Grounds to-day.,. As this is always a- big affair, and brings in much money for the Red Cross, it is to be hoped it clears. The members of the Automobile Association have been working very hard to ensure success, and their activities should get a big response. Mrs Bciswick has been in Wellington during the week. Miss Miles (Wellington) is the guest of Mtrs Edgar Stead. Mrs C. Perry (Timaru) is the. guest of Mrs G. Rhodes (Beverley).

BLENHEIM, February 13. A dainty tea was provided and dispensed at the Marlborough Lawn Tennis Courts on Saturday afternoon by Mesdanies Waddy and Hulme. Some of those present were Mrs it. M'Callum, Mrs Sybil, Mrs B. Ball, Mrs Innes, Mrs Orr, Mrs B. Clouston, Mrs Lightfoot, Mrs Hardy, Mrs Andrew, Mrs White, Mrs A. Mowat, Mrs Wiffen, MrsRudd, Misses Neville (2), Clouston, Chapman, Bundle, Sybil, Revell, Lightfoot, Mayo (Dunedin), M. M'Callum, Allan (Dunedin), T. Townshend, H. Mowat, Coull, Messrs P. M'Callum, T. Belling, Wright, Thompson, Tovey, etc. There was a large attendance at His Majesty's Theatre on Thursday and Friday evenings to see the picture " Intolerance." Among those I noticed were Mr and Mrs Gr. Seymour, Mr and Mrs R. J. Sharp, Mr and Mrs Cheek, Mrs and M'iss M. M'Callum, Mrs J. Mowai, Mrs Rudd, Mr and Mrs Rose, Mr end Mrs A. J. Maclaine, Miss Leslie, Miss Adams, Mr and Miss A. Neville* Miss Purser (Wanganui), Miss Irene Horton, Miss TJrpjihaxt, Mrs C. Mills, Mrs L. Clouston, Misses Clouston, Miss Innes-Jbnes, Misses Rudd (2), etc. Mrs J. Corry has returned from a short visit to Wellington. Mns H. D. Vavasour (Ugbrooke) has returned from a visit to WeJling^on. Miss Dora Redwood is visiting her parents in Hawkshaw street.

Mrs G. Andrew (Birch Hill) is "visiting Ch ristchurch. Mrs E. Chaytor is visiting the Misses Chaytor at Marshlands. Miss Fulton has returned from Wellington. Miaaes Mayo and Allan (Dunedin) are the guests of Mrs R. M'Callum at Argyle. WELLINGTON. February 15. We have news in town of Dr Mary Blair, daughter of the whilom engineer-in-chief so. popular in Dunedin and throughout the Dominion way back in the seventies, who rose into fame on succeeding to the position of Mr Paterson, then beginning to make the southern railway. Mr P-aterson was drowned in a big flood in the Kakanui the same day that Mr Balfour, *the Government marine engineer, was. drowned off Tiina.ru in a storm, and Mr Blair took his position, naturally being his associate, and knowing his plans, most of which he himself probably had' drawn. The Government taking over the railways, Mr Blair started in practice as a civil engineer, and from that easily gravitated into the Government service, engineers, especially, good ones, being scarce in those days. After his death in the early nineties 'his widow struggled on with her children, whereof one is like his father—an engineer, but on the marine side; another, is the famous rising counsel partner in the firm of Skerrett, Chapman, Tripp, and Blair, and this daughter is an M.D. of Edinburgh, with half an alphabet to her name besides. Dr Mary was selected by the committee of the celebrated " Scottish Women's Hospital Association" to take charge of one of their units with the Serbian army, which she did, going through the most strenuous and tragic campaign that followed through the bitte-r winter weather in the high mountain regions of Albania with the heroic soldiery of King Peter and the remnants of his people, flying before the wrath of the Bulgarians and their twin brothers in Hunnism of the Austrian armies. Dr Mary, it is hoped by her friends, will one day a tnle unfold of these very memorable days. When the retreat was over and the remnants of the Serbian armies and straggling people were safely refuged in Corfu and other places, Dr Mary found herself in historic Corsica, looking after things with her hospital unit, carefully managed, as all things are that come under the control of the Scottish Women's Association and of Dr Mary Blair. After doing

all the good possible in Napoleon's island, she and her unit wore transferred to Salonika., where many things have been done in history since Philip superintended the education of his son Alexander, and incidentally broke up the. last vestiges of the Greek republican freedom. There Dr Mary took charge of the Forty-second General Hospital under the auspices of the R.A.M.C., and there she is at this moment, doing great work, as we learn from a chatty letter, all but that about the good work. That part we all feel privileged to invent on the ground that the truth is great and must prevail. The late W. N. Blair had so manyfriends, he and his good lady, so gracious and gentle, in the south country of the Scottish- flavour, that the mention of Dr Miary, their daughter, will send a smile overspreading the face of the land/ Sweet is the memory of Auld Lang Syne. Mrs Luke has received a charming letter from Sir Alexander Godley, commanding the New Zealand Division at the front in Flanders, in which he k thanks her and the people of the Countess of Liverpool Fund for v the gifts of the school children which they had sent} to the troops. It is a very characteristic and suggestive letter. It does not begin, in the first place, with the children and their gifts, but it starts off with the honour of the men he commands. These, he declares, he is proud to command, and he is very proud of everything they have done, winning a reputation second to that of no division in the service. And he picks out for special illustrative mention the battles of Messines and Passchendaele. The inclusion of the last is subtle and good. Everybody talks of Passchendaele as a failure, and is very gloomily brave about it. But the general treats... it as one of the two crowning successes achieved by the men he is so proud to command. You will wonder how ho does it, but *&& makes the explanation quite easily as he goes on. The brave fellows, it appears, captured the great Heights of Abraham and the Grafenstafel ; Ridge overlooking and commanding Passchendaele. Thus when the Canadians ad- ; vanced against Passchendaele with better ; fortune *of weathsr than ours had, when they had to give it up after their great i losses, the Canadians found the work much ! facilitated by the two exploits above de- ! tailed by the general with such heartfelt praise. Thanking the ladies and children for their gifts, the general begins by mending the honour of his men with elaborate care. That ought to go a long way to increase the popularity of the general with the men, which is not, one hears frdm various sources, quite up to the topmost note ot enthusiasm. Then he lets'' himself go on the gifts, and the delight his men- have experienced in seeing the names of the children. The idoa of associating the children /with, the troops appeals, he says, very much, ; a-nd the ladies are to tell them that the Soldiers love to see their names on the parcels. " Tell them," says he, "to be worthy descendants of the gallant men who ! are laying down their lives" for them out here; and tell their teachers to make them understand that their fathers are fighting for Right against Might, and are not only making history fox their own fair country of New Zealand, but are establishing for them such a heritage of heroism and fame as has seldom fallen to the lot of any children in the history of the world." If the ladies and the children had any soreness at coming ! second in the general's letter to his splendid I men, these words surely will compensate i amply. It is a thing we all feel right, for j the honour of the soldiery, who stand on ; the top of the great list of the Empire, | comes first before everything. | During the week two enterprising young ; peo'ple, Miss Jean Hiley and Master lan Mac Ewan, held a fete in Mrs Hiley's garden j —permitted by her mother once again, as last year-, and very successful—in aid of tire St. Bunstan's Hospital for the blind soldiers, j and sailors. The fete was very extensive, j Mrs Hiley presided over a great attendance ■ of friends in her pretty garden with the j big shady trees—a grateful place in the bright heqfc of the summer day,—and Mr Hiley, forgetting his many cares and troubles of the railway and patriotic work he does so well, did yeoman service, and there was a play after, with the young people admirably coached by Colonel Hughes, who is slowly regaining his health after his Gallipoli exand has lonsr ago regained his igh spirits and energetic generosity

j _ AUCKLAND, February 14. I Quite a number of small dances have been • given during the past week, the reason being the wish to entertain various of our returned soldiers on leave, amongst whom are Captain Mervyn Reed, Lieutenant Jack Carr, Captain Niccol, and Lieutenant Philip Hanna. The hostesses have been Mrs Buckleton, Mrs Paul Cropper, and Mrs George Elliot. Mr and Mrs Basil Clark and their young family are visiting relatives here, and are not intending to return to their home in Canada for several months. Mr and Mrs Arthur Gillies,' who have been- touring in the South Island, have returned to Auckland. i Mr and Mrs R. M. Algie have taken a i flat at Courtville. I Mr and Mrs W. H. Triggs, who have been i staying at the Grand Hotel, have returned ! to Christchurch. j Mrs H. S. Izard (Wellington) is a.t pre- \ sent in Auckland visiting friends. ! Mrs Arthur Myers and her young family i are spending a few weeks at Rotorua. ; Quite a number of folks are staying at Mount Cook just now, Mr and Mrs Alfred Nathan and their two daughters, Mrs and the Miss.es Cole (3), and Mr and Mrs George Bloomfield and Mr Harry Bloomfield being i amongst those who are visiting this favourite touring spot. j , Mr and Mrs Allen (Christchurch) and I Miss Janet Ogle have been staying at the Grand Hotel during the pest week. The i latter left by the mail steamer for London, i where she is to be married on arrival. ■ Mrs and Miss Elsie Edwards. (Wellingj ton) are staying at the Grand Hotel. ! Lieutenant C. B. Hull, of the Armoured j Motor Corps, has arrived in Auckland on leave from Russia. He is a son of the

la to Mr Richard Hull, of Auckland, and his many friends are glad to welcome him homo again. Southerners will have been grieved to hear of the death of Mr J. F. Hartland, secretary of the Auckland Racing Club, which occurred last week at a private hospital lierc after a short illness resulting from blood poisoning. Born in Chrisichureh 56 years ago and educated at' Christ's College Mr Hartland had many friends in that part of the Dominion. The greatest sympathy is f e lt f or tho widow and fa . mil which consists of an unmarried daughter and two sons, one of whom is on active service anal the other a returned soldier. The inTho death of the Rev. Algernon H. Colvile vicar of St .Sepulchre^Churchr which occuired yesterday morning at a private hospital in Auckland, was not altogether Unexpected, as lie had been in ill-health for the past few months. Mr Colvile came to Auckland m 1906 under Bishop Neligan. He graduated M.A. at Merton College, Oxford, and had been a representative football player for the South of England. He leaves a widow but no children. The interment will take place in England.