TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3395, 9 April 1919, Page 49

TABLE TALK.

Monday Evening.

A surprise party visited Mr and Mrs Edmond at their residence, Mount Lodge, Melville street, on Monday evening, and a pleasant time was spent in dancing and playing billiards. Among those present were Mr and Mrs Acton Adams> Mr and Mrs Rattray, Mr and Mrs Ellis, Mrs Pinch, the Misses Buddie, Roberts, Dow Eng (2), Rattray, Gallaway ; Stock, Kemptkorne, Holdsworth, Captain Ziealer, Messrs Shires, Wilson, White-Parsons, Sise, Wallis, MaoNeil, Moore, and Parker.

A large and most enjoyable musical "At home" was given on Wednesday afternoon at her residence, St. Clair, by Mrs Alfred Isaacs in honour of her sister, Mrß Stringer, who "is at present on a visit to Dunedin from Chrietchurch.

Mr and Mrs P. It. S&rgood entertained soma friends at an enjoyable bridge party on Wednesday evening at their residence, Marihoto. Five tables were arranged for bridge in the hall and morning room, and among the guests were Mesdames Cook, Bennett, Cheeseman, Butterworth, Misses Sargood (2), Cook (2), Roberts, and Neill, and Messrs Sise, White-Parsons, Sawell, Sinclair, Caselberg, and Wright.

A delightful little musical evening was given by Mrs Lindo Ferguson at her residence, Anderson's Bay, on Wednesday, in honour of Surgeon-general Henderson, who was on his final visit to Dunedin before returning to England. Mustoal items were contributed by Mesdamea Hudson and Brugh, the Misses Vera Moore, May Barron, and Captain Ziesler, and among the guosts were Br and Mrs Drennan, Mr and Mrs H. S. Fenwick, and Miss Una Buddie and Mies Hudson, Messrs Hudson and Brugh.

On Thursday afternoon Mrs J. M. Gallaway entertained some friends at a email tea in honour of Mrs Stringer (Christchurch). Among the guests were Lady Williams, Mesdames Dadsbury, Isaacs, Garth Gallaway, Flinch, Macassey, Parker, Mcore, . E. Maoassey, B. 0. Haggitt, and the Misses Williams and Neill.

A pleasant little party was given on Friday evening by Mrs Acton Adams at her residence/ Redwood, Roslyn, when the fashionable fox trot so much in vogue just now provided amusement for the guests.

A large and enjoyable bridge party was given by Mrs Russell Ritoh/ie_ at her residence, George street, on Friday evening. The guests were received in the hall, and bridge tables were arranged in the drawing room and smoking room, and a delicious supper served in. the dining room. All the reception rooms were gay wfith a profusion of' beautiful flowers, and some very pretty frocks were worn. Among those present were Mesdames Rattray, Ferguson, H. S. Fenwick, Stewart Holmes, Edmond, Cheeseman, Riley, Black, W. A. Moore, Cook, Scherek, DuCroz, R .Sise, O'Neill, Butterworth, Hilton, Fitchett and the Misses K. M'Lean, B. Bell, Denniston, Rattray (4), Sise, Ogston, Ayre, Ulrich, and Graham.

Miss Ruth Orbell is the guest of her aunt, Lady Miller (Oamaru), who is loavting shortly for England.

Miss Una Buddie is the guest of Mrs Rattray at Waikouaiti for the week-end.

Mrs Smith (The Tarras) is staying at Onslow House.

Mrs W. Hazlett (Invercargill) is the guest of Mrs Edrnond (Mount Lodge) at present.

Miss Constance Free (Masterton) is visiting friends in Dunedin.

Sir John Denniston, who was the guest of Mr George L. Denniston last week, has returned to Christchurch.

Mr and Mrs W. Ellis, who have been spending the summer months in Dunedin and Invercargill, returned to Australia last week.

Mr and Mrs Sidney Neill have rehirned from the North Island.

Mr and Mrs George Ritchie returned on Saturday, having spent a fortnight at Mount Cook.

Dr Stanley Batchelor is on a visit to Akaroa.

Mrs Jack Watson (Invercargill) is staying at the Grand Hotel.

Mrs J. Mackenzie (Kelso) returned on Friday from a visit to Melbourne.

Mrs Macdonald (EdendaJe) is the guest of Mrs Allan (St. Clair).

Mr and Mrs Gladstone Robinson, who have been staying v><:th Mrs W. Mainland (Cargill street), have returned to Timaru.

Mrs Hunter-Weston (Timaru), who has been the guest of Mr and Mrs John Roberts (Littlobourne), left on Monday for Christchurch with Mr and Mrs Roberts.

Mrs Howard Jackson has returned from Ashburton.

Mrs Ohamptaloup end Mies Ohamptaloup (Auckland) are staying at Ballymona.

Mrs Williams and Miss Williams 6pent a week with Mrs Vallango on thair way through to Oamaru.

On Saturday evening Miss Vallange gave a very enjoyable bridge party at To Koaj Littlebouxne.

Mrs Howard Jackson has returned to town.

Mr and Mre T, Owen Price, of Waimate, are staying at the City Hotel.

Mrs Hislop gave a very pleasant attorneys tea on Friday for Mies Smith (Blenheim), who has been O na visit to Mra HialojS All old friends of Miss Smith's were pleased to eee her again in Dunedin.

A very pleasant function took place a* the Overseas Club room'on Thursday la»*. when the Women's Committee entertained Mrs B. S. Clarke and Mies Dorothy Clarb* at afternoon tea. A very large number of members were present, and a very pleasant afternoon spent. A dainty afternoon tea wa« provided, and the table looked very pretty, being decorated with scarlet geraniums ana white sweet peas, carrying out the club'« colours. Musical items were rendered by th* Misses Balk, and Miss May Haxdy gave two charming recitations. Mrs C. B. Statham presided in the unavoidable absence of th* president (Mrs I/indo Ferguson), and in th« name of the committee wished the gueatd of the afternoon, who are leaving shortly on a visit to England, bon voyage and 4 safe return; also expressing the club's appreciation of the services rendered by Mrt Clarke, who has baen a very devoted worket for a number of- years past.

Mr and Mrs Alex. Cameron and Miss T. Gilbert (G-lenfalloch Station, Nokomai) cam* to Dunedin last week, and are staying &t St. Glair for a fortnight.

Recent letters from. London announce tfc* engagement of Staff-sergeant T. A. Fleming (13th Reinforcements), son of the Hon. D. T. and Mrs Fleming, Balclutha, to Mies Id* Mooclie' "Williams, only daughter of 1/ieut. Colonel' H. N. Williams (R.A.M.0.), of Holmfirth, Yorkshire, Staff-sergeant Fleming is »t present on Headquarters &ba,S, N.2.E.F.. Bloornsbury square. Before going to th» front he was on the editorial staff of thm Lyttelton Times. He was wounded in th« Somm© battle of 1916, and again at Pascheridaele on October 12, 1919. His brothes, Lieutenant Jack Fleming, who was on the staff of the Bank of New Zealand! in Cromwell, Gore, and Dunedin, it will* be remembered dlied from wounds received in too first Somme battle.

INVERCARGILL, April 7. On "Wednesday afternoon the Misses Sea* mon gave a very enjoyable tea at their'residence (Georgetown) in honour of Miss Field, who is to be married shortly. A most amusing word-building competition kept th* guests busily engaged for some time. much correcting and counting the winner* of the competition was found in Mrs $. Crawford. Among those present were Mm 8. Crawford, Misses Field (2), Prain, Wylte, Broughton, Logan, "Williams, Snow, Brebner* and Bews. Mr and Mrs S. Moffett are down from the north spending a short holiday. Miss S. Corbett has been staying at Mr» Murray Menzies (Dipton) for about a week. Mrs E. G. Foster is visiting her sister, Mrs Baird (Queenßtown). There was a most delightful little surpxiaß dance at Mrs Macrell's (Gladstone) last Friday evening. .Mrs Macrell received her guests in the hall, then they went into thft dining room for dancing. The beautrful garden and walks added much to the evening's enjoyment. Some of the party W» Mr and Mrs C. Jones, Mrs Howorth, Misses Bews (2), Bain, Mehaffey, Logan, Seamon (2), Smith, Brebner, Nicol, Snow, Broughton, Field, Strettell, Macpheraon, Guthri*,, Vyner, Messrs Bell, Farnol, Palmer, Gilmcur, White, Royds, Mehaffey, Callender, Broughton, Mahoney, and Guthrie. Mrs Sale has returned .from her visit to Riverton. Miss Louie Stout is at present payingMrs Walter Thomson (Wiuton) a visit. Mr and Mrs G. B. Chapman (North Canterbury) were the guests of Mr and Mrs J. Flynn (Mine View, Nightcaps) for a few days last week.

OAMAR.IL, April 7.

"Our Reveille," which lari nine nights.to crowded houses, finished a successful season on Saturday night. At the end of the performance Dr Orbell in an appropriate speech on behalf of the returned soldiers, thanked all who had worked so hard to make the revue a success, praised Mr Lints for his splendid organisation, and finally announced to an enthusiastic audience that the total takings for the season amounted to £Q6CK This will put the Returned Soldiers' Association on a sound financial footing, and their thanks aro duo to. Mr Lints and his 230 talented performers. Some of those present on the last nights were Mr* A. H. Maude, Miss Maude, Mrs de Lambert, Mrs Lee, Dr and Mrs Douglas, the Misses Stronach, Mr and Mrs J. A. R. Scott, Mr* Taylor, Mrs R. M'Donald, Dr and Mrs -Orbell, the Misses Buckley, Mr and Mrs Humphries, Mr and Mrs Sanders, Mrs J. B. Dunlop, Dr Hargreaves and Miss Hargreaves, Mr and Mis Roxby, Mrs J". L. Robinson, Miss Hertzlett (Waimate), Mrs Collis (Waimate), Miss Bruce (Waimate), Mrs Rawnsley (Waimate), Mr and Mrs Stanley Reid, Mrs Jasper Mcholls, Mr and Miss Evans (Timaru), Mr and the Misses Blanks, Dr and Mrs Whitton, Mr and Mrs Y. T. Shand (Ngapara), Mr and Mrs "Woodward, the Messrs Fenwick, Fotheringham, Fraser, Bannerman, Bishop, Maude, Elcoate, Mitchell, and Nicholls. Miss Evans (Timaru) is the guest of Mrs Whitton. • Mrs M'Kellar is visiting Mrs Boil (Shag Valley). The Eev. J. L. Robinson will be lecturing in the south for the next 10 days. Mrs Scoullar has returned to her home In Dunedin. • • . • • Miss Lulu Robinson is on a holiday in Wellington. Mrs Buckley and the Misses Buckley leave for England on April 15. During the week Lady Millar and Miss B. Murdock, who leave for England shortly, were entertained at two small afternoon teas, the hostesses being Mrs Orbell and Mr* Poachin. Miss KLssling, who is visiting Mrs Armstrong, is spending a few days m Timaru. Miss Fulfarton (Dunedin) is the guest of Mrs Darling. Miss Bronda Humphries has returned from Hakataramea, where she has been visiting Mrs Winter.

Mra B- Irvine, •who spent last week in Ckristcnurchj naa returned.

TIMARTJ, April 5. Mrs Ernest LeCren (Ranui) is staying in Ohrislchurch with Mrs Hartley Smith. Mr and Mro J. P. Newman returned from Napier on Monday. Mrs Rhodes (Bluecliffs) and Miss Rhodes left for England on Tuesday. Mrs Sneddon (Waiwera) is staying with Mra Steradale (Preston street). Mr and Mrs H. A. LeCren and Miss LeCren returned on Monday to Fairlie. Mrs Kipponberger (Pleasant Point) is stay-. tng with'Mrs Grant (Elloughton Grange). Mrs Matheeon (Tighnafeile) and the Misses Matheson have returned from Auckland. Mr and Mrs Holdsworth (Heathcot© Valley) are staying at Cadogan. Mr and Mrs Smiithson (Faillie) and Miss Smithson ar© spending some weeks in the North Island. Mrs Cutten (Tcmuka) is staying with Mrs Morris (Te Kuiti). CHRISTCHUECH, April 5. The Society of Arts exhibition at the Art Gallery continues to attract large crowds each afternoon and evening, and an added attraction is the musical programme and afternoon tea provided by various hostesses. Among those present have been Mrs and Miss Elworthy, Mrs and Miss Wood, Mrs H. Cotterill, Mrs E. Harper, Mrs Helmore, Mr H. Helmore, Mrs Guthrie, Mrs Day, Mrs Pascoe, Mrs Blunt, Mrs Russell, Mrs M'Dougall, Mrs Wallwork, Mrs Chilton, Mrs Bean, Miss S. Murray, Mr and'Mrs MacBeth, Mrs G. Hutton, Mrs Stead, and Mrs S. Foster. The monthly golf medal match was played at Shirley on Friday, and was won by Miss Wilkin in the seniors and Miss Hope Wood in the juniors. The Misses Humphreys left for Auckland on Tuesday, where Miss A. Humphreys joins th© Niagara for England. Mrs B. Rhodes, Miss Rhodes, and Miss" G. Toschemaker also left to join the Niagara at Auckland. Miss H. Wood, who was the guest of Mrs Chaffey for a few days, has returned to town. Mr and Mrs D. Cocks and two children

arrived from Calcutta last week, and are the guests of Mrs M. Campbell. BLENHEIM, April 1. Miss Essie Farmar gave a most enjoyable musical afternoon tea on Wednesday last at her father's residence tin Beaver road. A dainty tea was served on the large verandah. Miss Farmar received her guests in a pretty white silk frock, and some cf those I noticed there were Mrs Mills, Mrs Brown, Mrs Jackeon, Misses Davidson (Ward), D. Sharp, M. Lightfoot, Amy Neville, Pearl -Bell, Cheek (2), Jackson, Sownian, Simpson (2), Coull, Watson., etc Afternoon tea was provided and dispensed by the M'isses Neville at the Marlborough Lawn Tennis Courts on Saturday afternoon,* when there was quite a good attendance. Some of those present were Mesdames Whit©, Lightfoot, Wiffen, Scott-Smith, Cuthbertson (Wellington), Best t Scott, Orr, Misses ScottSmith, Neville (2), Coull, Chapman, Good, Mowat, Barnett, Pigou, Jenkins, Williams, Messrs Wiffen, Hulme, Thompson, Robertson, Bell, and Andrews. Miss Maitio Lightfoot is visiting friends in New Plymouth. Mrs W. Adams, of Langley Dale, is visiting Mrs G. Watts at Lansdowne. Miss L. Murphy is visiting friends in the North Island. Mrs A. Bell has returned frorn, visiting Hawke's Bay. Mrs Innes has returned from Christchurch. Miss Colvin has returned frorn the West Coast. Mr and Mrs T. F. Belling are visiting Wellington. Miss D. Redwood is visiting friends in Wellington, WELLINGTON April 4. To-day th© old war-feime is roviyed. One© mor© w© hav© the streets gay with flowers "and alive with sellers of all things dainty plying their trade with energy, devotion, and good humour irresistible. This time it is for th© soldiiero again?—the returned soldiers, Tho olub entertains the returned men, their wives, and next of kin on th©

day that each trooper conies in. Thus they havo after the landing- and the cheering* through the streets and the speeches, songs and cakes at the Town Hall, a quiet place to go to and comfortable, where they can shelter, have comfort, refreshment, and peace. But money for this must be found, and the fiat of the Minister has gone forth that the patriotic moneys raised during the war are not available, because they were raised for the help and comfort of' the sick, wounded, and helpless. Therefor© our ladies have once more donned uniform™ taken unto themselves barrows end baskets, and gotten established by divers men of goodwill benches and stalls by the curbstones in the street, and, lo! from morn till dewy ev© every man is waylaid that walketh abroad. The women of Wellington havo awakened, and for th© sake of truth, of health, and th© young generation they are out to capture seats in th© council and the Hospital Board, which a democratic country places at their disposal on condition of election by their fellow-citizens. Last night a great number of them met in th© Masonic Hall, Bouloott street, and heard the candidates give their views with no uncertain sound, with, as a matter of fact, a certain sound seldom heard on such occasions of civic emulation. The meeting- was held under th© auspices of tho "Women's National Council, and the speeches cam© thick from all the' angles of view which interest women. As one speaker put it, this is the first time in Wellington that women hav© been publicspirited enough to com© forward and offer themselves for municipal work. There followed an avalanche of words on housing, education, and hygiene; open spaces grassed with seats in abundance; playgrounds for th© children in most localities where possible; trees wherever desirable, and handsome and open spaces where no treo should be; cleanliness, convenience, sanitation; tenements, flats, houses, gardens; inspectors, police, school teachers; hospital practice in a thousand details—all these passed before th© audience, emphasised and accented from th© women's side, and driven home* with the strength of th© plea that without the attention of women neglect would b© their portion, and evil would be th© lot of th© rac© in the slums of tb.e_city. It was a great heart-talk on th© things of everyday life that matter most and. get least attention in these days of big municipal projects of electricity and groat roads. And th© dominant, practical note was a demonstration of the value of good housing and arnplo tram services as exemplified by th© suburb of Miramar, which had com© through tie great epidemic of lost year alaacat unscathed. Thus w© see what tho war and the epidemic have don© for th© awakening of the women of Wellington. Universal regret is felt at th© death of Mrs *J. M. Findlay after a short illness # in on© of the private hospitals of th© city. Tho deceased lady, who has lived with her husband and 'family—two sens and a daugh"ior—for some years at Day's Bay, has been associated with patriotic work in a very distinguished way, and th© grief of her ro.auy friends is very • keen, and their sympathy with her bereft family very deep and widespread. Sh© was the daughter of the lat© Br Smith of Balclutha, whose nam© was a hoeaoSiold word in that \>a.rt of Otago for many years of honour ana respect. Mrs Kyneton Parkes has been her© for a few days, and has gone on to Napier, Here she took th© opportunity to put in a good word for her siae of the great question which is to be decided next Thursday, about which most of us are full of a curious wonder, in some cases amounting to a more than half certainty that the votes of the women will dry up the drink in the country. v AUCKLAND, April 2, The chief social event of the past week has been th© marriage of Miss Nevil Thorne George (the youngest daughter of the Hon. Seyrcjour Thorne George and Mrs Thorne George, Parnoll) and Captain John Gage Williams (the eldest son of Major Williams, of Bcorrier, Cornwall, and but lately aide-de-to the Governor-genera,! of New Zealand;, Lord Liverpool). The ceremony took place at St. Mary's Cathedral Church, ParneU, Affchdeccen Mac Murray officiating. The Inside, who was given away by her father, wore a lorely frock of soft ivory white silk, with fluffy draperies of rose-point lace and silver la.ee and tulle. Prom the shoulders was a narrow train held in place with a largo white ostrich feather, and lined witii silver tissue and insets of orange blossoms. A cream embroidered veil was worn over tho face, and a bouquet of pale pink asters completed what is universally agreed to have been tho roost beautiful bridal array ever seen in Auckland. Four little girls served as bridesmaid©, nieces of tho bride—Nancy Colbeck, Pvosemarj Waller, Annette Thorne George, and Pam Kliddiford —all of whom were alike in cream-spotted net frocks mounted on pink nix.cn, and wreaths of velvet flowers and leaves in a k*vely shade of jade-green. Lace-frilled posies of pink carnations raade a delightful finish to their pretty frocks. Each little bridesmaid also oarried a email silver chain bag, the gift of th© bridojrroorn. The bride received from the bridegroom a lovely emerald and diamond ring. The best man was Mr Heathcoto Helmere (Chrictchurch). Dr W. E. Thomas presided at the organ, and tho church was prettily decorated. The reception held by th© parents of the bride -after th© wus most enjoyable. It seems years baek since such a display "of merriment and "glad rags" has been seen. The capacity of Cothnsr. was taxed to its utmost, but tho erection of a large on a side lavra. for tea and other refreshment©. eased tho situation. Mrs Thorne Gcorg© wore a lovely frock of soft black charm was* -with a tunic drapery of georgette embroidered with sontache and edged with fur, and 1 email black hat with ospreys; Mrs W. Collveck (sister of the bride), smart navj blue frock and hat, with scarf of tutfe; Mrs Fred Waller's frock was much admired, Ijeinj, as it was, in a soft shade of grey, wtith an over-drapery of embroidered georgette, and finished with beaver fur on tho w»iets arid collar. The wide draped belt wp.3 touched with apricot velvet and fastened with a large buckle, and a smart black panne; velvet hat waa also worn. Mrs Vivian Riddiford (Wellington), also a sister to th® bride, wore a lovely frock of black chiffon velvet and oyster-white silk stockingcttc, and .large blaek hat with white wings; Mrs Murray Therao * George, pale grey charmeuse, and hat to match; and Mrs Sidney Thorne Georgo was smart in brown georgette made up over silk and embroidered in sontachd braid in a like tono, and brown hat, in which the same colouring £> re dominated. Amongst th© guests were Mr and Mrs E. Horton, Mr and Mrs E. BloornfMd, Mr and Miss Harcourt (Wellington), Mir and Mrs D. W. Duthio (also from Wellington), Mr and Mrs Edward Anderson, Mr and Mrs Harry Horton, Captain ana Mrs W. Watson, Mr and Mrs E. Firth, Mrs Vernon Reed, Mr and Mrs W. H. Holmes and the Misses Holmes (2), Mrs Alfred Nathan and Mise Joyce- Nathan, Mr and Mrs C. F. Thomas and Miss Marjory 'Thomas, Mrs and the Misses Upfi.ll (2), Mrs Howard Rich-

mond, Miss Amy Rosa, Mr and Mrs Arthur Khtind, Miss Rachel Gorrie, and Mrs Markham, etc. It looks as if we were all o?ico again going dancing mad, for at last wo hav© caught the craze for "fox trotting." Mrs F. Rayner had an afternoon party last week, when amongst those present were a number of tho members of the " Going Up" Company, and an enjoyable time was spent in dancing. Another merry afternoon party was that given at Cargen. Mr and Mrs Black, as usual, made ideal hosts, and all enjoyed themselves, including the onlookers. Mrs A. W. Ferkms has given a bridge party for Mr and Mrs Andrae, who hav© since left for England. Five tables were arranged for progressive bridge in the loungo and drawing room, which were charmingly decorated with flowers. The hostess was wearing a frock of sand-coloured charoeuso prettily finished with touches of emerald green. Miss Gwen Perkins wore a dark skirt and dainty cream blouse. The guest of honour (Mrs Andrae) wore a becoming frock of electric-blue chaivmeuso, prettily draped and finished with embroidery. Colonel Logan, C. 8., Administrator of Samoa, and Mrs Logan, ar© staying at the Central Hotel until returning to Samoa some time this month.

Th© engagement is announced of Miss Maud Heward, second daughter of Mr and Mrs H. Heward, of On© Tree Hill, Auckland, to Dr Bertram Strain, of the Wellington Hospital, second son of Mrs and the late Mr S. M. Strain, of Christchurch.