TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3348, 15 May 1918, Page 48

TABLE TALK.

Monday Evening. On Tuesday afternoon a pleasant tea was given by Mrs Buttcrworth at her residence, Nevada, in honour of her guest Brigadier Wouters, who has come to Now Zealand to lecture in the interests of the Belgian Bed Cross. Tho Consul for Belgium (Mr G. L. Denniston) introduced Brigadier Wouters, who spoke in a most interesting manner, explaining the neads of the Belgian lied Cross and. giving a few of his personal experiences at the war, in which lie was twice wounded. Among the guests were the Primate and Mrs Nevill, the Rev. R. E. Davies, Br and Mrs Colquhoun, Sir Cecil and Lady Moon, Mrs Cooper, Mr F. Milner (Waitaki), Mr and Mrs J. A. Johnstone, Mr and Mrs C. E, Stat ham, Mrs Nedwill (Christchurch), Miss Deniston, the Misse3 Mill, and Miss Rattray. A most successful and enoyable bridge party was given on Tuesday evening by Mrs Fred Oldham at tho Otago Women's Club in aid of the Red Cross Funds. Mr and Mrs Oldham received their guests in the club room, and bridge tables were arranged in the various rooms, the charge of 3s to players resulting in the sum of £2l being collected. Supper was handed round during an interval. Among those present were Dr and Mrs Lindo Ferguson, Captain and Mrs Free, Mr and Mrs Acton-Adams, Mr and Mrs Hutchison, Mr and Mrs W. A. Moore, Dr ad Mrs Stanley Batchelor, Mr and Mrs Browning, and Mesdames Woodhouse, Black, Butterworth, Nedwill (Christchurch), Edmond, O'Neill, Chas. White, Howley (Timaru), Clayton, Scherek, Wallis, Mackellar (Moeraki), Stock, Gallaway, Cheseman, Webb (Timaru), Mac Master, and Cooper, and the Misses Orbell, Ulrich (2), Jackson, Gallaway, Haggitt (2), Roberts, Cheeseman, Stock, Free, Edmond, Park, Carew, Graham, Ramsay, Sise, Rattray (3), Neill, Benniston, Brooke, Mill, and Messrs Du Croz, Rattray, Sinclair, Sawell (2), Orbell, Wilkinson, Wallis, Galbraith, Bridgeman, F. Parker, Sir Cecil Moon, and Dr Ernest Williams. The Dunedin Horticultural Society's Winter Show was held in the Art Gallery on Thursday, and attracted a large attendance of flower-lovers to view the magnificent display of chrysanthemums and fruit during the three days on which it was open. The exhibit 'of decorated tables, bowls, baskets, and vases met with much appreciative comment, the blending of colours and foliage being highly artistic. The members of the Otago Women's Club entertained Brigadier Wouters on Thursday afternoon. Mrs Hewitson (one of the vicepresidents) acted as chairwoman in the unavoidable absence of the president (Mrs Lindo Ferguson), and Mr G. L. Denniston (Consul for Belgium) introduced the speaker, whose instructive and entertaining address was much enjoyed by tho large number of members and friends present. 'Mr and Mrs J. Kenderdine, wliQ#vere staying at Wain's Hotel during their visit to Dunedin, returned to Auckland on Monday. Mr and Mrs Ernest Cutten (Auckland) are the guests of Mrs Cutten (Belmont, Anderson's Bay). Mrs Reggie Dawson is visiting Auckland at present. Mr and Mrs Wollesley Kain left on Thursday for Wanganui. Mr and Mrs' Robert Turnbull (Hastings), who have taken Sir James Allen's house for the winter months, arrived from the north last week. Mr Robin Reynolds left on Friday to join the Sockbum Aviation School at Christchurch, and Mrs W. E. Reynolds is visiting friends in Timaru. Mrs Nedwill returned to Christchurch on Thursday., Mrs Frank Fitchett has returned from Featherston. Mis Morrah returned to Invercargill on Thursday. Mrs J. Watson and family are spending the term holidays at Oamaru. Mrs Waite (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs Colquhoun (High street). Mrs Fitzclarence Roberts, of St. Clair, is spending the winter in Queensland with her daughter, Mrs William Collins. INVERCARGILL, February 13. Mr and Mrs H. Macalister left for Featherston last week. Mrs J. Callender and Miss Callender have returned from their visit to Lillburn, where they have been staying for some months with Mr P. Callender. ' Miss D. Tennent (Dunedin) is visiting friends here just now. Mrs Snow (Yarrow street) gave a very enjoyable tea on Tuesdav afternoon in honour of Miss Tothill (Christchurch). Some of her guests were Mrs G. Moffett, Mrs L. Webb, Mrs Oliver, Misses, Tothill, Wade, Keddell, Corbett, Henderson (2), and Seamon. Mrs H. Studholm (Birchwood) was in town for a day last week on her way to Dunedin. The Hon. Mr Hanan and Mrs Hanan (Wellin<rton) are paying a visit south. Mrs Crawford and Miss M. Crawford are spending a holiday at Queenstown. On Friday night some of the young people got up an impromptu dance at Amethyst Hall, and it turned out a great success. Mrs W. Henderson has returned from her visit to Christchurch. Miss Tothill is the guest of Mrs D. Macdonald (Edendale). On Wednesday evening the pupils of Melrose College gave a most charming entertainment in Stobo Hall in aid of the Red Cross Funds. Some of those present were the Rev. Ryburn and Mrs Ryburn, Mr and Mrs A. M. Macdonald, Mrs T. M. Macdonald, Dr and Mrs Hansen, Mrs H. Macdonald, Mrs J. Mitchell, Mrs Ott, Miss

Gardner, Mrs J. Macdonald, Mrs J. Watson, Sire ii. Gilmour, Mrs Goldsmith. Mrs A. M. Macdonald lias returned frciu her visit to Dunedin.

OAMARU, May 1?. It is some time since we had a theatrical company here, nnd a large audience gathered in the Opera House on Friday night to witness the production "of "Daddy Long Legs." Mrs Whitton is visiting the North Island. Mrs C. de Lambert (Marton) ia visiting Mrs de Lambert, sen. Miss Darling, who ha.s been spending some months in Wellington, has returned home. Miss L. Robinson has returned from Waimate. Mrs Jasper Nicolls, who was visiting her son in the North Island, has returned home. Miss de Lambert is visiting Waimate. Miss Haines has returned from visiting the North Island. Mrs Hill (Hunterville) is the guest of her sister, Mrs Bulleid.

Dr and Mrs Douglas have returned fro<in visiting North Canterbury. Miss Alison Darling is the guest of Mrs J. C. Nichols, Kuriheka. Miss Lough (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs Haines.

Miss Keddie has been visiting Mrs Reid, Station Peak.

TIMARU, May 11. Mrs Barron (Dunedin) is the guest of Mrs Burns (Church street). Mrs Graham Hayter (Albury) has been staying with Mrs Clifford (LeCren street).-" Mrs Howden and her children are spending the holidays with Mrs H. Reid (Dunedin). Mrs Ronaldson (Christchurch) is staying with Mrs Grant (Aigantighe). Mrs John Forbes (Wai-iti road) has returned from Temuka.

Mrs Rawson (Dunedin) is staying at Cadogan.

Mrs Cordner, who was at the Hydro Grand, has returned to Christchurch. Miss Joan Mansell (Christchurch) is the guest of Mrs Gordon Wood (Wai-iti road). Miss Rogers is staying with Mrs Pascoe at the Rakaia River.

On Monday afternoon Miss Lee, who has lately returned from England, gave a most interesting address on work among the soldiers in England. Musical items and afternoon tea were in the hands of Miss Rogers, Guild, and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent.

CHRISTCHURCH, May 11. The Christ's College memorial service for its heroes, which was held in the Cathedral on Sunday, was well attended. The Cadets, who were in "barracks," all attended, and marched to the Cathedral to their own band, which played, excellently. The old boys, with their relations, were there in great force, so that it was a very stirring service. The Rev. Canon Bean, an old boy, preached a fin© sermon. Previously this service has been held in the College Chapel, but as last time it could not nearly accommodate all those wishing to be present, it was decided this year to hold it in the Cathedral, and as that was crowded, it showed the wisdom of the authorities.

Mrs P. Cowlishaw (Avonside) gave a most delightful dance at her residence for her son Wynne and his college friends before they all dispersed for the holidays. The dining room and halls were most tastefully decorated with chrysanthemums and autumn leaves, and the music was all one could desire. Amongst those present were Miss Cowlishaw, Mrs J. Turnbull, Mr and Mrs Cooper, Mrs Marshall, and the Misses D. Cowlishaw, E. Helmore, Buckley (2), S. Westerns, Marshall, Pratt,- Tothill, Watson, Beckett, Macdougall, Gibson, Fox, and Messrs Cowlishaw, Gould, Helmore, Edmonds, Pratt, Coterill, Gerard, Marshall, Pox, Musgrave. The Christchurch Ladies' Golf Club played their monthly war medal on Friday, when Miss Ella Helmore was the winner.

Mrs Algar Williams and her daughter are visiting friends in Wellington and Hawke's Bay. Mt and Mrs W. Bond (Claremont) have been the guests of their Excellencies _ the Governor-general and the Countess of Liverpool in Wellington. Mrs Fosbery Handyside (Invercargill) has been in Christchurch for a few days. Mr and Mrs J. Studholrue (Buanui), who have been visiting Mrs Boyce, are now at Coldstream.

Mr and Mrs J. Deans (Homebush) have been in town during iho week. Deep regret was expressed in Christchurch on Thursday -when the news came through of the death of Trooper Eric Harper in Palestine. Mr Harper left as a sergeant about a year ago, but gave up his stripes on reaching Egypt to get to the fighting sooner, and also that he should not be put over men who had already been in battle. Much sympathy is felt for his wife and two small children. Mrs Eric Harper was a Miss Malet. Mr and Mrs G. Harper's family have a fine record. Lieutenant Gordon Harper was killed some months ago, and Captain Robin Harper, D. 5.0., M.C, D.C.M., returned wounded last month., and another son is serving in France.

BLENHEIM, May 8. His Majesty's Theatre was I lie scene of a very large audience on Tuesday evening, when the Blenheim Operatic Society held their first concert in aid of funds for their society. Some of those present were:—Mr and Mrs J. R. Sharp, Mrs Jenkins, Mrs and Miss Clouston, Mrs A. Bell, Miss Jones (Te Aroha), Miss Neville, Mr and Mrs J. Penney, 'Misses Ball (2), Mr and Mrs Eevell, Mrs R. M'Callum, Miss Grady, Mrs Waddy, Vr and Miss Noble Adams, Miss Leslie, Mrs R. Adams, Misses Bell (2), Mrs Harrison (Hastings), Mrs J. White, Miss Rogers, Mrs and Miss Tovnshend, Mr and Mrs Rudd, Mr and Mrs Corry, Mrs Wastney, and the Misse3 Bell. List evening Mrs F. N. Dillon, of Leefield Station, entertained a few friends at a picture party, when " The Daughter of the Gods" was screened. A few of those present were Mr and Mrs TeschemakerShute, Mrs L. Clouston, Mrs G. Waddy, Mrs and Miss Loughnan, Miss Isobel Chaytor, Misses Vavasour (2), Mrs Monro, Mrs A. 'Bell, Miss Clouston. etc. Miss Ursula Grace is visiting friends in Nelson. Miss Urquhart has returned from a short visit to Wellington city.

Miss K. Ball is visiting Wellington. Miss Tiria Townshend is staying in Picton. Mrs J. Mowat is visiting Mrs Eenwick at Dumgree. Mr and Mrs Hall have arrived from Wellington. Mr Hall succeeds Mr Esson in the Bank of New Zealand here. Mrs W. T. Churchward ha 3 returned from a short visit to Wellington. •Mr and Mrs C. Mills are visiting Wellineton.

Mrs F. Bull has returned from an enjoyable visit to the Sounds.

Miss Zoe Clouston is visiting friends down the Sounds. Mrs Andrew (Birch Hill) has returned from a holiday spent in the North Island. WELLINGTON, May 10. Still the press baby fills the newspapers with accounts of jousts, revels, junketings, raids, forays, and all things except the actual robbery on tho highway. There are other babies with other cults in strong, family likeness, and an entourage even as enthusiastic and exclusive. But these are details which will all oomo out in the washing of the great settlement, when the chosen baby will come into the land of promise. In the meantime everybody concerned enjoy themslves prodigiously. This enjoyment is tempered sadly with the toll of war. Every day the papers carry a dreadful record —short, sharp, decisivo, —stabbing faithful hearts, increasing the sickness of hope deferred, exhausting the supply of resignation in the world. Every day we learn what that voice in Kama was like when the children were not, and wo realise that it had the tense quality of never leaving off. Harpers, Brandons, BlomneldSj Atkinsons, Browns, Smiths —all the old familiar names, with the Pats and Donalds, and the Toms and Dicks, and Llewelyns—go trooping by like "tragedy in sceptred paLl." It is the funeral of our dear manly ones who have chosen the better part, who hated war, but hated the oppressors and aggressors of the nations more; who loved their own, and loved honour and humanity more. I have seen a book, " Soldiers Two," and the review of a sympathetic writer, who, Btruck with the idea that the two soldiere are the man who has gone to the front and the woman who fights by keeping the home, bright and the bairns beautiful, enlarged tenderly on the theme to the very end of the story, when the casualty-list in the roll of honour stabs the woman soldier in her honrft and she mourns while the children pray, and never a one regrets the supreme sacrifice. A noble book, ladies, but one with a great heartache in it. It is of the order of heartache that consoles by pain. We arc all very anxious to meet Dr Grace Peckham Murray, the distinguished American physician, who is reported just now as at Rotorua, comparing the wonders there with those of the National Park of her own vast country. It reads to us like a romance that this woman has been in the "forefront of medical science and practice in the City of .Now York for 83 years. Because that proclaims a settlement of the great question which has divided the British at home and abroad —especially in the overseas —for years hopelessly. It was within the last decade that the distinguished daughter of a distinguished journalist, who had taken degrees, and had done honour to the degrees she had won, was absolutely refused admittance to the great hospital at Sydney. For many yars Dr P. Murray was a post graduate of the Medical College of New York, who lectured to graduated, physicians and surgeons only. On. the faculty of that college there were 40 men and, but this one woman. Her father was a celebrated physican, and she has attained fame and experience of the best. She is holiday-making and observing the world as she goes. Much interested is she in".women's clubs, and hopes to meet the members of such at Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin in due course. There are here many fer H **.rt amens. Much interest has been felt in the marriage announced of the daughter of Captain Hine, M.P., of Stratford, Taranaki, to Captain Urquhart, son of the. Eev. Mr Urquhart, of Glasgow. The marriage took place at Toko. Captain Hine gave away his daughter, who was attended by her sister as bridesmaid, the best man being Mr Layard, of Pungarehu. Captain Urquhart, who has, like Captain Hirie, seen much active service in France, returns to the front shortly. Captain Hine's great popularity in the ixonse, and out of it has drawn vast attention to the little ceremony in his family. Lady Dorrien-Smith has written to Miss Beere, of this city, acknowledging sums received for the Blue Cross —Miss Bere and Mr DaiToch are" the Wellington trustees, —and intimating that funds are very much needed. Lady Dorrien-Smith's name inspires respect and sympathy everywhere, for her husband was the hero of the battles of Mons and Le Cateau, and one of the great heroes of the Mons retreat. Had he not suffered nervous breakdown, like so many other brave soldiers of that wonderful army, his name would now have been prominent at the front, and its owner might have prevented some mishaps. Lady Ward and Mis Bernard Wood have returned to Christchurch.

The announcement of the Legislative Council appointments has caused a flutter of a mild, sort, in which all sorts of sarcasms are. mingled at the expense of those who are popularly supposed to be disappointed. The friends of Mrs W. J. Geddis are very pleased, as her husband has done great service to the Liberal party in his time, and more especially recently. They have two sons at the front in France in the firing-line. Mrs George Jones, Mrs Wigram, and Mrs Louisson are also the objects of much favourable comment. In certain quarters the absence "of labour men from the list of nominations is criticised, and the Roman Catholics point out that Sir Joseph has forgotten the existence of their denomination.

AUCKLAND, May 9. - Mrs George Bloomfield has given a tea party in honour of her niece, Miss Thelma Bloomfield, whose marriage is to take place next month. Tea was served in the hall, and flowers were to be seen in every nook and corner of the reception rooms. The hostess wore a smart frock of mole georgette crepe <and silk; Miss Phyllis Bloomfield (the daughter of the house) was in dainty white; and the bride-elect in a smart suit of cream flannel and black-and-white Tarn o' Shanter hat. Amongst the guests were Mrs Edwin Horton, Miss Horton, Mrs Davidson (Cliristohurch), Miss Nevil Thome George, Miss Una Buddie, Miss Merle Pollen, Miss M. Thomas, Miss M. Cooper, Miss E. Upfill, the Misses Macfarlano (2), and Miss Dorothy Nolan.

Mrs M'Kail Geddes entertained the members of the Y.W.C.A. last Monday afternoon in the lounge of the Y.M.C.A., when some 800 guests were present. A pleasant surprise was sprung upon the hostess, for the opportunity was taken to present her with a leather travelling cushion, which, as she is just going away for a short holiday, was all the more appreciated. The lounge was plentifully decorated with autumn flowers, and the tea was handed round by a number of the young guests.

Mrs G ilray (Napier) is making a short stay with her parents. Judge and Mrs Cooper (Remuera). Mr and Miss Mabel Hopkins are on a visit to Honolulu.

Miss Agnes Kennedy (Wellington) j s making a abort stay in Auckland. Mt and Mrs K. S. Williams, of Tokomaru Bay, are stayng at the Grand Hotel, and aTe accompanied by Miss Williams and Mr 0. K. Williams.

The welcome that was given to Miss Ada Reeve and her company during their season here proves how gTeatly the public of Auckland appreciate this talented artist. Folks

came from all parts of the country, and on each occasion H.M. Theatre was filled with an enthusiastic audience.

Mr and Mrs Midlane (Wellington) are visiting Auckland. Tho death of Mr H. H. Metcalfe, M.1.C.E., the well-known civil engineer, took place suddenly while at Whakatano last week inspecting tho local harbour works. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Metcalfe and family (all of whom are grown up) in their bereavement. Mrs Richmond Betham (Masterton) is staying at Cargon.