TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3419, 26 September 1919, Page 55

TABLE TALK.

Wednesday Evening. Last week Miss Lillias Haggitt gave a very pleasant bridge evening at her mother's residence, Anderson's Bay. Bridge was played in the drawing room. Those present, as well as Mrs Haggitt, Mieo Haggitt, and Miss E'. Haggitt, were Mesd'ames Douglas, Ramsay, Du Croz, G. Denniston, Falla, Misses Stock, K. TJlrich, Bridgeman, Gallaway, C. Ogston, and B. Bill.

On Thursday a beautiful ball wag given in the Art Gallery by Mr and Mrs Stuart Holmes for the'ir daughter, Miss Nancy Holmes, and their son, Mr Jim Holmes, both of whom made their debut. Owing- to- the ead news of the death of Mrs Holmes's sister" which she had recently received, she was unable to b-> present, and Mrs White, Mrs Allan Holmes, audi Mrs B. C. Haggitt acted as hostesses and chaperones for the evening. The guests were all received by Mr Stuart Holme3 and his daughter and son at the entrance to the ballroom. The dancing room' had been lavishly decorated for the occasion, and was a perfect bower of greenery and flowers. Garlands of trailing greenery were suspended to the ceiling, intermingled with coloured lights, and bowls of daffodils were in abundance everywhere. The stage .was artistically arranged with." palms, ferns, pot plants, etc., and in the centre was a large " N," composed of daffodils, signifying the name "Nancy," in honour of the debutante. At one end of the hall comfortable chairs were placed' for the comfort of those who were not taking part in the dancing. Flint's Band supplied excellent music. The Public Art Gallery was used for " sitting out" in, and many of the nondancers enjoyed a look round at the pictures. In the water-colour room, which was .a of brilliancy, was set out a bountiful supper, which was done full justice to by all present. Here, again, the flowers were principally daffodils, and the small tables with vases ot them looked gay and pretty. Thoso present were Miss Nancy Holmes, debutante, for the evening, who looked extremely well dressed in a lovely gown of white charmsuso satin entirely draped in soft white georgetvo and tastefully finished with pearl trimmings. She carried an exquisite shower bouquet of dainty flowers and maidenhair fern, W'h/cli added greatly to the effect of her charming gown. Mrs "White wore a handBomo black bjroche robe with touches of white, white silver 1 spangled shoulder scarf; Mrs Allan Holmes looked well in a smart, black satin gown draped with ninon and trimmed sequins, and handsome real old lece berths; Mrs B. C. Haggitt. elegant black velvet draped with ninon; Mrs Sim, emerald-green charmeuse, lace scarf; Mrs Callaway, black satin handsomely drnu-d with gold lace; Mrs Lindo Ferguson, bV'" and-gold gown, gold brocaded cape; J. M'Master, black satin relieved with whit-. : Mrs C. Rattray, blue charmeuse and ninon brocaded chiffon cloak; Mrs Champtaloup, saxe-blue georgette over satin ; Mrs Tbeomm, black satin trimmed with jot; Mrs John Cook, very handsome robe entirely composed of black bsaded overdress; Mrs George M'Lean, black satin gown softened with block tulle;. Mrs S. Nsill, black charmeuse satin with sequ-'n. bodice; Mrs Niche-Is (Mnheno). smart black gown relieved with purple and trimmed with silver; Mrs Frank Fitchstt, black satin with Oriental embroidery; Mrs Riley, smart black-and-white, with ein?raldgreen belt; Mrs Harman Roeves. soft black tulle over silk and mingled with silver; Mra Oldham, black satin: Mm Allan, grey taffeta, with lace scarf; Mrs Black, pretty black and silver robe; Mrs M'lntosn, smart black net trimmed with beads; Mrs Bell

S (Shag Valley), black; Mrs Robert Gillies | (Kurow). mole charmeuso satin prettily j: trimmed with gold; Mrs Mnokdlar, very *; pretty Madonna blue pleated georgette over » silk; Mrs George Ritchie, soft shade of i apple-green trimmed with applique panels | of tullo and lace; Mrs O. Noill, winef coloured velvet softened with georgette of | same shade; Mrs Cottorill, azure-bine satin i relieved with cream lace; Mrs T. RO3S, ole--8 gant yellow satin covered with spangled 1 ninon ; Mrs Douglas Ramsay, very pale shade

a of blue georgette- and satin; Mrs ■ C. White, 3 artistio sliacle of jade-green georgette- over white satin- Mrs MacDonald, black satin and jet; Mrs G-aJbrer'th, black-and-white gown with tench of gold; Mrs Dodgshuu, handsome, black eatin with trimming of jet; Mrs Hutchison, smart black gown; Mrs Edmond, royal blue charmeus© with jet; Mrs G. Roberts, black-and-v/hite; Mrs G. C. i Reynolds, oyster-grey georgette over crepe do

chine; Mrs Ross, black brocade with finishings of lace, and lace scarf; Mrs Vivian Fisher, soft white crepe de chine draped with union and finished with silver; Mrs A.. Dcnniston, dainty primrose georgette; Mis Cheeseman. black satin and gold trimmings; Mrs Cameron, Hack brocade; Misa Violet Nichols (Maheno). .<_ofo white satin covered with georgette and banded with floral ribbon; Miss Dougkis, artistic reseda-green gown beautifully trimmed with silver; Miss Jean MacDonald, soft white satin and ninon; Miss B. Bridgeman, pretty shade of jadegreen ninon over satin, and silver belt; Mis 3 Allan, white lace frock over satin, and niauvo belt; Misa Theomin, black satin with blue-and-gold embroidery; Miss K. Uhvch, black net over satin and trimmed with silver lace; Miss C. Ogaton, soxe-blue ninon over satin and finished with gold lace; Miss Edith Moore, flame-coloured georgette with gold trimmings; Miss J. Kcmpthorne, soft grey ninon trimmings of grey fringe; Miss Eulalie Roberts, simple white ninon gown; Miss S. Macpherson (Oamaru), white georgette; Miss l Graham, royal blue satin covered with black ninon and trimmed! with Oriental insertion; Miss M'lntosh, soft cream charmeuse and ninon and trimmed with beaded embroidery; Miss Gladys M'lntosh, liilac satin with tulle and pearl embroidery; Miss B. Bell, oystercoloured satin and cream lace; Miss G. Gallaway, dainty pale pink georgette with silver and pearl trimming; M:ss Sise, saxebluo flowered ninon over satin; Miss G. Lothbridge, black net with irridescent sequin bodice; Miss Glendining, soft white ninon over georgette; Mess Neill, pale blue char-, meuse, overdress of black net, beaded with blue; Mias Kathleen M'Lean, handsome black satin and jet robe; Mliss M. Reynolds, dainty grey and silver gown; Miss V. Rey- 1 nolds, smart black finished with green; Miss Denniston, peacock-green georgette banded with floral Oriental ribbon; Miss C. Williams, black satin and jet; Miss Hanlon, soft cream satin and ninon; Miss G. Fulton, white ninon over satin and trimmed with pearls. Also present were Mesdames Brent, L. -Wilson, Didsbury, Marshall Macdonald, Glendining, Misses Cheeseman, Whitson, R. Whitson, Haggitt, S. Haggitt, Smith, Brent, the Rev. V. Fisher, Colonel Macdonald, Captain Zeisler, Captain Cornwall, Die Marshall Maedonald, O'Neill. Fitchett, Batchelor, Messrs M'lntosh, C. White, R. Mcnro, C. Bridgeman, Shenan, Whitson 1 , Wallis, E. Wilson, Tennant, Dodgshun, Oldham, D. Ramsay, Gallaway, Finch, Edmond, Cheeseman, Cook, E. Reynolds, Black, Didsbury, Lane, Dawson, Irvine, Haggitt, de La+our, B. d© Latour, A. Sise, F. Bell, Gal. ■braith, Fulton, E. Macassey, E. Orball, N; Haggitt, Wright, Little, S. Neill, G. Ritchie,; White-Parsons, Human Reeves, Hallenstein, Mackollar, CotteriU, T. Roes, Hutchison, etc.

On Friday afternoon Mra Stanley Batchelor invited a few friends to -a small tea paity rln honour of Mrs Godfrey Bald'wm, who has been staying 1 With her, Delicious tea and cakes were enjoyed in the dining room, where the table looked pretty with daffodils and primroses. Some present, aa well as the hostess, who was gowned en a) pretty white crepe do chine, were Mrs Baldwin, smart black ninon over silk; Misa Sybil Baldwin, pretty frock of paile blue Bilk; Mesdames Sise, Cheeseman, Driver, Malt* land, Graham, Bathgate, Reilly, G. Roberts, Fenwick, Rattray, Fitchett, Misses Sieey Bathgate, Graham, Rattray. T. Rattray, Williams, K. Ulrich, Neill, and Reynolds.

Mrs Lin do Ferguson gave another of her delightful dances to the soldiers on Satur-i day evening. This time it was fancy dress. Tho ballroom was prettily decorated with flowers,' and a delicious supper was partaken of in the dining room, where the table was arranged with bulbs and primroses. All, tho soldiers from the Montecillo Convalescent Homo went as V.A.D.'s, and really some of them looked so well that it was hard to realise they were men. There were also present soldiers from tho Alexandra Ward, Public Hospital, and from the Jaw Hospital. Mra Ferguson received her guests in the ballroom, and looked well with powdered hair and patches and a bright evening dress anl large black hat. Mrs Archie Denniston wore an old-fashioned pompadour robe; Mrs Kain, milkmaid: Mrs Sydney Neill, flower girl; Mrs Gordon Denniston, gipsy; Mc'ssC. Stock represented America, with stars and stripes; Miss Kathleen Ulrich, Early Eng-> li&h gown; Miss Una Rattray, French peasant ; Miss Watson, Early Briton; Miss Rona Allen, Elizabethan gown; Miss Allan, powder and patches; Miss Smith, flower girl; Misa Osrston. peasant; Miss G. Gallaway, fishwife; Miss Edith Hasgitt, Belgium, Mis 3 Sidey, Eastern dress; Miss Dcuglas, Pierotte. TheTa were also representations of policemen, cowboys, John Bull, Lord Nelson, Eastern dresses, etc.

On Monday afternon Mrs Denny (St. Clair) pave an enjoyable afternoon tea to a. few* friends. Delio'ous tea- and dainties of all kinds w»ro partaken of in the dining room, where the table was prettily decorated with bulbs. Seme present were Mesdlames B. C. Haggitt. Macasscv, Dunlop, Fisher. G. Macaseey, O'Neill, ReilJy, Isaac, Chrysiall.

On Tuesday afternon Mrs Sise invited a few friends to afternoon tea to say goodbye to Mrs Gibbs, who leaves shortly for Auckland. Some present were Mesdamea G'bbs, Eo»a, Maitland, Driver, " Graham, Moe.assey, Nisbet, Roberts, Shand, Lady Williams., and Lady Fenwick. On Tuesday evening Mrs Didsbmy (High sh-eet) had a few friends to bridge, when bridge was played in the drawing room. Colonel and Mrs Nichols and Miss Nichols motored back to Maheno on Saturday. Mr and Mrs James Roberts and family have returned from tho\r home in Central Otcgo. Mrs Svdney Neill returned from Waikouaiti last week. Mr and Mrs Robert Gillies and iheir son find daughter spent a few days in Dunedin last week. Miss B. Bridgeman lias pone to Maheno, and is the guest of Mrs Cowie Nichols. Mrs Jack Reid (Oomarut is on a vis't to her mother, Lady M'Lcan (Elder street). Miss Una Rattray lias returned from Christchureh. Mr and Mrs Jack Hislop and family returned from Brighton last week. Miss M. "White returned to lon a College (Hawke's Bay) at the end of the week. Several delegates of the Otago Golf Club

—namely, Miss K. Rattray, Mies 'Finrnor-e, tnd Miss "Snodgrass—left on Tuesday"' for Auckland to be present at the general meeting- of the New Zealand Ladies' Golf Association.

Miss C. Ogston left on Tuesday for Auckland, whero she will be the guest of her aunt, Mrs Archie Clark.

Miss Brenda Bell has returned to Shag Valley to spend a few weeks' holiday with. her parents.

A Bogey golf match was played on the Balmacewen links on Wednesday, when Mrs John Cook came in first and Miss Mabel M'lntosh second.

The engagement is announced »of Miss

Audrey Mac dona Id, youngest diaughter of Mrs * and the late W. MacdomVl, and E. H. ■sott, youngest son of Mr .and Mrs J. "Wa-lcott, Dunedin.

Mrs Denny gave a tea on Monday afternoon for Mrs Denny Brown (New Plymouth). The house was decorated with beautiful spring flowers. : Mrs Denny and Miss Isaacs eang during the afternoon. A delicious afternoon tea. was served in the dining-room. Among these present were Mesda.m&3 B. C Haggitt, Riley, O'Neill, Lough, Isaacs, Waneglas, Ramsay, Chrystal, Martin, Denary Brown, Philips, Macaseey, punlop, Macasscy, Johnstone. INVERCARGILL, September 23. Miss Webb (Dunedin), who has been staying with Mrs Frank "Webb, has returned to Dunedin. Miss Alexander (Auckland), who has been staying with her sister' (Mrs Howarth), returned home last week. ' The second Cinderella dance was held in Ashley's Hall on Tuesday. The hall was prettily decorated with flags and greenery. Tin- music was good, end a particularly enjoyable evening was spent, among those present being Mesdames Bastian, Gabites, Saunders, A. Jones, A. Gilkison, J. Macdonald, J. G. Macdonald, G. Crawford, Raymond, . Mitchell, D. Hamilton, Mackerel, Lewis Maclean, Misses Dr Applegate, Bews, Tucker, Gamm, Grieve, Hackworth, Field, Macpherson, Campbell, St. George, Ewart, Irwin, Hogg, H. Macdonald, Wylie, Hain, Macdonald, St. George, Bastian, Messrs Logan, O'Shea, Stout, Collins, Strettle, Crofts, Grieg, Guthrie Hogg Tucker.

Mrs T. F. Macdonald left for Dunedin on Monday. Miss Hannan (Auckland) is tho guest of Mrs Arnold Macdonald.

Mr T. D. Pearoo and Miss Pearce spent the week-end at Kiverton.

A very enjoyable little surprise dance- took place at Mrs R. H. Hogg's on Friday evening. Among the visitor*' were Misses S. Storey (Venlaw), Prain, Seamon (2), BrougTiton, T. Watson, Snow, Smith, Messrs Prain, O. Williams, Irwin, Bronghton, Morrah, Giithrie, Gilmour, Smith, Wright. Miss L. Storie (Venlaw) spent last weekend in town with Mrs Prain (Gladstone).

Mbrs J. Richards has returned homo from her vi«it to Alexandra. Miss Wylie has gone on a visit to Auckland. OAMARTJ, September 23. A fancy dress carnival was held at the rink on Thursday evening. A large number took part in tho grand march, and some Very pretty and original costumes wore worn. Tho sarno evening tho Kahanga Club held their . last meeting of tho season. Miss Jones was tho hostess, and Miss Fanny Sronach as chairwoman had prepared a very

enjoyable programme. The open evening, which is to take place on October 10, is looked forward to with great ' interest, it being four or five years since the club gave a:i evening of the kind. «,■-.'". Miss Jone 3 has returned from visiting Christchurch.

TIMARU, September 22. Mr and Mrs Alister Mackenzie have returned from the north; and are staying with Mrs Mackenzie (Park lane). # Captain Knubley, who returned by the Ellenga, is staying with Mr Kn,ubley (Sarah street). The Misses Shand (Craighead) have return eel from Dunedin.

Mrs Gresson (Selwyn street) has returned from Christchurch. Lieutenant "VV. Scott and Mr F. Scott returned last week from Egypt, and are staying with Mrs 'A. Scott (Sefton street). Mr and Mrs S. G. Raymond (Christchurch) and Miss Raymond are staying at the Hydro.. Mrs Fielden, who has been staying with Mrs Wigley, returned last week to Christchurch.

Mr and Mrs W. W. Baxter (Wai-iti road) have returned from Nelson.

Or Wednesday at St. Mary's a pretty wedding took place, when Miss Dorothy Howell, daughter of Mrs W. B. Howell, was married to Mr R. Ensor, son of Mr and Mrs Ensor (Mount Thomas). The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr 0 Howell, wore a charming dress of white cren-v de chine with touches of silver and a white tulle veil, and she carried a white bouqi.et. Her bridesmaids were Miss Bessie Howell, in blue crepe de chine, with black hat lined with blue, and Miss Brown, pink crepe de chine, black hat lined with pink. Mr Ben Howell was best man After a reception at Mrs Howell's residence Mr and Mrs Elisor left by motor for North Canterbury.

CHRISTCHURCH, September 23.

Tho annual " Daffodal Day" was held on Wednesday this year in aid of tho Free Kindergarten The Bale was very sucocssful. The glorious sprinsr weather lately has been just suited for daffodils, and tho stalls in .town were loaded with masses of lovely blooms. A great many of tho most beautiful came from Colonel Heaton Rhodes's garden at Otahuna, and the city schools also gave very generously. Stalls were in charge of the following ladies:—Mrs Tobin, Mrs Stocker, Mrs . Bristed, Mrs A. Marion, Mis R. Anderson,- Misses Edwards, Storry, and Hill, and about 100 lady sellers also assisted.

On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Todhunter (Nasby street) gavo a "whits- shower " tea for Miss Mary Tabart, who is to be married this month. A large number of guests were present, and the bride-to-be received a host of pretty and useful articles for her linen cupboard.

The Anzao ball, which was held in tho Colosseum on Friday under the auspices of tho Returned Soldiers' Association, was without doubt the most successful ball they havo organised. Thio is probably due to tho fact that there wor© so- many returned soldiers present. The decorations wore of crimson asd white. Long festoons of muslin in thesa colours were carried in tent-like fashion from the corners of the building - to the two big chandeliers, which had long shades of crimson and white streamers. Hung round the walls were banners bearing tho names of all the landmarks in the history of tho N.Z.E.F. Among those present were Mrs G. Rhodes, Mrs A. Boylo, Mrs Holland, Mrs Wylcs. Mrs Orchard, Mrs Treleaven, Misses D. Cc-wlishaw, D. Barrett, Holmes (2), I>. Martin, P. Norton, O. Wat-kins, T. Raphael, F. White, T. Reading, A. Richard-

son, R. Harris., Messrs Bauchop. Robinson, Redd, M'Callum, Ward, Wood, Booth, Wilding, Major L&eming, M.C., Captain Coe, Lieutenant Park, M.C., Lieutenant Crisp, Flight Lieutenant Barlow, and many others. , Miss M. Tabart was the guest of honour at an afternoon tea. given by the Bed Cross workers at the Oadena on Wednesday. The room was prettily decorated with spring flowers. Mrs Boyle, on behalf of the Bed Cross workers, presented Miss Tabart with an oak writing desk. Tho3e present included Mrs G-. Rhodes, Mrs Wigram, Mrs H. Smith, Mrs Fairhurst, and Misses Overtun, Hayward. Cooper, Way, Tabart, Morton, Kirk, and Alfrey. On Wednesday evening Mrs F. Gibson gave a very successful juvenile dance for her daughter Joyce. Dancing took place in the hall, and supper was served in the dining room, which was artistically decorated. Among those present were Mrs T. Gibson, Misses Pratt, Tapper, Rhodes, Beadel, Reeves, Irvine, Palmer, Anderson, Gibson, Messrs Masters, Lester, Thompson, Turnbull, Gibson, Reeves, Ronalds, Cooper, and Blunt. "

! Mr and Mrs Henry Cotterill and Miss Betty Cotterill went up to Wellington on Tuesday to meet Major Denis Cotterill, who is returning on the Tainui. ! Mies D. Anderson lias gone up to Auckland for the golf tournament. ! Mr and Mrs Cordner and two children left for Wellington on Thursday, en , route- for England by tho Aihenic.

| Mrs Shalton Douglas is in town. 1 Miss G-wen Moore has returned from Wellington. , Miss G. Anderson ig*epending a holiday in Bf.lmerst-n.

Mr and Mrs H. Elworthy have returned to Timaru after spending a few days in Wellington and Christchurch. Miss Una Rattray returned to Dunedin on Wednesday. ~

Mrs F. Nancarrow has returned from the North Island, and is at present staging at New Brighton.

GREYMOUTH, September 17

The- Rev. J. Smyth and family left on Tuesday morning- for Tauranga, their future home. Quito a number of the reverend gentleman's supporters and friends assembled at the E tat ion to bid the family farewell. Mrs P. Srniith has gone to' Wellington to meet her husband, Corporal P. Smith, who is to return from active service during the week, Mrs W. Cochrane i'3 visiting Chris*church. Lieaitenaiit-colonel Shepherd, accompanied by his wife, left on Tuesday morning for \vellingte:n. Mr and Mrs G-. Mogs loft by motor for Wellington, via Nelson. They have gone to meet their son CAirenco, who is expected to arrive by the troopship Horora'a. Mrs W. D. Revington has gone to Y\ 7ellington to meet her husband, Lieutenant W. Re-vingt-oii, who is duo to arrive home very shortly from active- service A quiet but pretty wedding was solemnised in Holy Trinity Church on Tuesday, the contracting parties being Miss A. Steer and Mr Stanley Stevens, of Gutymotith. The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father, Mr J. Steer., looked charming in a lovely suede costume, trannicd with braid of a lighter tone, pretty rose-coloured hat, and a handsome set of silver kit furs. Shecarried a lovely bouquet of fresia-s and pale pink sweet peas. Her sister, Mies Ruby Steer, who acted as bridfeemaid, was dressed in a pretty blue gaberdine costume, with blue georgette hat, trimmed with feather triminimgis. Her bouquet consisted of palo pink and white sweet peas and blue hyacinths. The duties of best man were ably carried out by Mr Roland Smith. Mrs Steer

wore prunolle cloth with black braiding, black georgette bat with purulo and gold trimmings; 'MiS3 Histland (Sister of the bride), ;t biscuit-coloured costume; Mrs Armstrong (sister), cream gaberdine costume, black sreoruet'e hat with grey feather trimming; Mies May Steer, mole velvet frock; Miss li. Steer, black velvet. WELLINGTON, September 22. H.M.S. New Zealand returned to Wellington on Monday last, and at once commenced 1 coaling. The operation was supposed to occupy two days, but so anxious were the men to get off that all hands turned to and finished in a record time of 24 hours; consequently leave was granted on Tuesday evening, and, hearing this, the Mayoress and her committee immediately got up an impromptu dance for the sailors in the Town Hall. A dance has been held each night since then, the girls of the Navy League going down to dance with the petty officers and men, who are nearly all very good dancers. They have Taught their partners several new dances, ;mong them the maxina, wh ch is very graceful and pretty, m«ch more so, indeed, than the jazz and fox trot which everyone is doing just now. ;•• On Friday night -the final of these sailors' dances took the form of a. fancy dress party, and the navy men wore costumes, ofid some of the girls also. Some of the men had contrived ingenious impersonations, one in various bandages, calling himself "A Fragment from France," while another appeared ns a gorgeously-dressed Indian Rajah., Lord Nelson was impersonated, several wore courtier suits, one- was a realistic cowboy, and there were other characters. The grand march was a fine sight, everyone taking part. At the end of the evening the Mayor said a few words, and the men gave vociferous cheers for the ladies who had entertained them, the evening finishing by all joining hands and singing " Anld lancr syne." Entertainment for the officers has not been neglected. On Wednesday night there was a small dance at Government House, to which only the younger set were bidden. All had* a most enjoyable tima, and the programme included several fox trots, as well as waltzes, etc. Admiral Viscount Jellicoe and Viscountess Jellicoe, who are again staying at Government House, were present, and a great many of the officers of the New "Zea-' land, especially the younger ones. On Thursday night Mrs James Findlay gave a dance at her home in Hobson street (the house belonging to Mrs. A. E. Pearce, who is now in England). It was given primarily for the officers of the New Zealand, and numbers w-ere present. Mrs Findlay wore a black satin gown richly trimmed with jet. The same evening Miss Borlase held an assembly dance at the Goring Street Hall, which was prettily decorated with lycopodium and red, white, and blue ribbons. The chaperones present were Mesdames Gow, Mason, and Matthews.

On Tuesday the Misses Turnbull gave a jolly little dance at their home in Hobson street to welcome home several returned officers, including their brother. The arrangements were excellent, and all had a very jolly time. A dance was given during the week by Mrs Bristow at her heme at Karori for her daughters—Mrs Anderson, Mrs P. Howden, and Miss Bristow.

The Misses M'Kenzie, of Karori, also gave a dance for their sisters, who recently returned from active service with the New Zealand A.N.S.

Mrs M'Farland, M.B.E. (nee Miss Mina M'Donald), and her sister, Miss M'Donald, of Wanganui, are on. a visit to Wellington. On Friday they were the guest 3 of Mrs de Castro at her home in Kelburn to afternoon tea, when the hostess took occasion to welcome them back from Egypt, and to express the gratitude of mothers and wives of soldiers for the fine work they' had done at the- Aotea Home at Cairo during the last four years. Miss M'Donald responded, and expressed gratitude for the help sent • from New Zealand. Nothing they had ever asked for had been refused. Miss M'Lean and Dr Agnes Bennett attended, and the former also spoke. Among those present were many who had lost their husbands during the war, including the wife of the late Brigadiergeneral Brown and the late Colonel King. Their Excellencies the Governor-general and Countess of Liverpool entertained a number of sailors from H.M.S. New Zealand one afternoon during the week at Government House. Members of the Victoria League girls' concert party and of the Orphans' and Savage Clubs supplied a concert programme, and afternoon tea was served later.

Lady Jellicoe accompanied Lady Liverpool to the tea for soldiers' mothers, given by the Women's National Reserve on Tuesday. The Town Hall was very full, and was prettily decorated* for the- occasion. The guests were welcomed by Mrs W. Russell, and later Lady Jellicoe gave a short address to the mothers. A brief programme of music was given, and afternoon tea was served. The annual ladies' night of the Orphans' Club was hold on Saturday night, and was very largely attended, the guests including the Earl, and Countess of Liverpool" and a party from Government House. The hall was arranged as a Cafe Chantant, the guests being seated at small tables, and during the interval refreshments were handed round. A bright programme was given, the scene being laid at the " Cafe Orphanicus," and songs and recitations and orchostral selections were interspersed with many amusing skits and hits at local conditions, the coal .and house famine coming in for much" fun-making. . Mr H. F. Wood, the secretary, was largely responsible for the success of the evening. Colonel Esson is president, and welcomed the guests in a pleasant little speech. The Government House party for the week has included the Misses Boyle, Gibson, and Hope-Wood, of Christchurch. AUCKLAND, September 18. The near approach of spring is now readily apparent, both in town and country. Despite the recent cold rains, the grass is growing fast, and all garden plants are quickening to the warmth of the sun. All our parks, too, are bright with spring flowers.

The Auckland Horticultural Society's annual flower show, held in the Town Hall concert chamber, was concluded on Saturday. Large numbers of people viewed the exhibits during the day, and in the evening many plants and blooms were sold. A feature of the show was the display of orchids by the Auckland- City Council. Mr and • Mrs Craig are visiting Napier, and are the guests of Mrs J. W. Craig. Miss Mavis Scott (Papatoetoe) is staying with Mrs R. H. Abbott (Epsom). ~ Mr and Sirs Lucas Bloomfield and their son, Mr Trevor Bloomfield, left by the Makura on a trip to California.

Archdeacon and Mrs P. T. Williams are staying at Cargen. Mrs Vernon Reed and her yoxmg family, who have been staying at Cargen, have returned to Kawakawa. Tho final for the championship of the Auckland Ladies' Golf Club was witnessed by a large number of spectators, who were

well rewarded, for the standard of play shown both by Mrs Dargavil'e (who has wor&TS her first championship) and Missr . Gwen Gorrio was excellent. Wo all expect Mrs Dargavillo. to give a good account of. herself in the New Zealand Ladies' Championship tournament which cs to take place in Auckland nt the clcso of this month. The condition of Dr Ernest Eoberton, who was severely injured in a collision between his motor car and a tramcar in Dominion l'oad last week, is said to be showing some improvement. Dr Robcrton sustained a. ser>> ous fracture of the base of the skull, and has had to undergo an operation. Mrs Koberton has not yet returned from England with her soldier sons, but is expected shortly. Mrs Edwin Horton gave a dance in her pretty home, Ngatira, Kemuera. Amongst others present were Mr and Mrs Ernest Bloomfield, Miss Margot Bloomlield, Miss Dorothy Abraham (Palmerston North), the Misses Esther and Dorothy Foster, Miss Muriel Payton, Miss Una Buddie, Mrs George Bloomfield, and Misa Phyllis Bloomfield, the Masses May and Freda Kathbone, Miss Lorna Towle, Miss Margery Thomas, and Miss Marnie Bucklcton, etc. Mrs 11. H. Abbott (Manahau, Epsom) also , gave a dance during the past week. The daughter of the house, Miss Flossie Abbott, were a very pretty frock, the underskirt of which was of frilled lace, with" a paniered drapery of floral taffeta, with a touch of mauve at the waist. Misa Mavis S-cott was in white. Some of those present were the Misses Waks, Hellaby, Holmes, Gcddes, Buckleton,. Devorc, nopkins, , Macfarlane, Oliphant, Bayly, and Towle. Dr and Mrs G. F. Vere and family (Christchurch) are expected in Auckland next week, and are to make their home here in future. Mrs Whitehorn (Hamilton) is visiting friends in Auckland. £2T Descriptions o[ balls, &c, roust be endorsed by either the Witness correspondent for the district or by the secretary of the baJl oomnu'ttee. The MS. ol any correspondents who do not with this i-ule will be sent to the secretary for endorsement prior to appearing*. To ensure publication iu the jxrwuoiaiug ir.sno letters should reach the Witness c.3ce if possible on Saturday night, but on no account later than Monday night. A .NORTH OTAGO WEDDING. A very pretty wedding took place at the residence of Mr and Mrs Bobt. Manson, the Homestead, Tapui, Oamaru, on September 10, when their daughters Anna was married to Mr William Marshall Don. The officiating minister, was the Rev. Mr Irvine, of Enfield. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr James- Manson, was attired in a beautiful dress of white- s/lk trimmed with pearls, and lace. She wore the usual wreath and veil, and carried a bouquet of white daisies. She was attended by her sister, Miss Agnes Manson, as bridesmaid, who wore a dress of salmon-pink silk and white georgette hat trimmed with .pink daisies, and carried a bunch of white daisies. The duties of best man were, carried out by Mr Alex. Don, brother of the bridegroom. The bride and bridesmaid wore gold brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom, and the bridegrom wore a gold albert watch chain, the gift of the bride. After the wedding breakfast (which was served in a mar-quee)-some time was spent in looking at the • many beautiful and costly presents which were on view in the large dining room. In the evening a social and dance was. given in honour of the bride's brother (Bob), who recently returned from active service. Songs were rendered by the Misses Bows and Elliott, and Messrs Kean, Rankin, M'JSTally, and Shadbolt. Mis« Agnes Manson gave a recitation. Selections on the bagpipes were given by Mr A. Frame, while Mr J. M'Murtri© gave some very clever acrobatic feats. The music for the dance was supplied by Misses Laird, Ell"!ott, and Bews, and Mr A. Frame, while Mr Carrodous acted as M.C. After a very pleasant time had been spent the company broke up in the email hours of the morning with the singing of •" Auld lang syne."