TABLE TALK

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 55

TABLE TALK

Saturday. After the gay week of the Medical Congress things socially seem to have been fairly quiet. One or two bridge evenings have taken place, but mostly small, just one or two tables. Mr and Mrs Foster Neill. were in town for a few days, and were the guests of Mir P. C. Neill, who during the week gave a dinner party for them at his residence (Chingford), mostly relations being present. Mrs Charles Rattray entertained Mr and Mrs Foster Neill at tennis at her residence, Anderson'© Bay. Mrs H. S. Fenwick invited a few friends to morning tea to meet Mr and Mrs F. Neill. On Thursday afternoon Mr and Mrs Dadsbury entertained a large number of guests at afternoon tea at the Savoy Lounge Boom. It was a farewell to the-many friends they have made during their sojourn here. Mr and Mrs Didsbury and family leave on Monday for Auckland, where in the future they will reside. The lounge room was beautifully decorated with bronze and yellow flowers, palms, and pot plants, and looked very pretty, all the polished oak tea tables having vases of sweet, peas and other flowers placed upon them. At one end of the room a band played delightfully all afternoon a variety of airs, fox trots, etc. Mr and Mrs Didsbury received their guests at the entrance to the lounge. Mrs Didsbury was charmingly attired in a most becoming gown of black taffeta silk, with bodice almcst entirely composed of black georgette, picture hat of black straw with pastel blue ostrich feathers round the edge completed this effective attire. Miss Dalziel wore a smart mole crepe de chine gown relieved with pastel blue, black hat with silver; Mrs Bridgeman, smart plum-oo loured costume relieved wim cream vest, deep' lavender and ostrich feather boa, smart hat trimmed with rosea and tulle; Mrs Oldham, pale grey co3tume relieved with heliotrope, heliotrope and ostrich feather hatj Mr 3 Clapperton, deep mole coat and skirt, neat toque of mole straw, relieved with cream; Mrs Theomin, dark brown costume, with toque to match; "Mrs Black, navy blue coat and skirt, small grey and black toque; Mrs Co'tterill, darkblue voile over silk, Leghorn hat with flowers; Mrs Cameron, black relieved • with wnite, small black toque; Mrs ?Renwick, black and gold robe, picture hat; Mrs, John Cook, pale grey coat and skirt, finished with grey and white striped vest, pretty Leghorn hat with soft grey ostrich feather, grey ostrich feather boa; Mrs Galbraith, cream gaberdine coat and skirt, stylish black and gold bat; Mrs' Howard Jackson, black silk coat and skirt, white lace scarf, floral toque; Mrs C. Whits, grey costume, Leghorn hai with flowors; Mrs C. L. Macas&sy, navy-blue coetume, black velour hat with osprey; Mrs Eustace Miacassey, fawn costume, large black satin hat with pink roses; Mrs Stathani, black costume, black hat with coloured ribbon; Mrs Sargood, cinnamon brown georgette over brown pan velvet, Leghorn hat with pink and blue trimming; Mrs Watson, nut-brown crepe de chine, long black flowing cape, black and gold hat; Mrs Vivian, rose pink pleated crepe da chine, long white cloth cape, large white hat with white ostrich feathers and touch of pink. Also present were Mesdarnes Scherek, J. Hislop, Stock, J. Fitchett, G-len-dinning, Matheson, Armstrong, D. Ramsay, Haggitt, Leech, M'Kerrow, Turnbnll, Fergus, Allen, W. A. Moore, Allan Holmes, Lady Fenwick, Lady Sinclair, Misses Dalziel, Tolmie, Haggitt, Stock, Rattray (2), Sise, M'Kerrow, Graham, Glendining, Watson, L. Holmes, Allan, Sargood, Fenwick, Black, Theomin, D. Ramsay, Messrs Galbraith, Law, Neill, Lough, Sargood., Scherek, Oldham, White, etc. Mr Carr, manager of the South British Insurance Company, left last week for the East. During his absence Mr Jones, Invercargill, is to take his place. Mrs Arnold Maddonald (Invereargill) is the guest of Miss Morris, Littlebourne. Misa Cowen Ogston, who left last Monday for Wellington to join the rtuapehu, had a farewell send-off at the jJunedin Railway Station, a number of the soldiers from the Montecillo Convalescent Home being there

to bid her adieu, as well as many friends. Miss Ogston has been an excellent and conslant worker at the Home ever since its opening. Miss Allan also left by the same train to join the Ruapehu. Mies Izard (Nelson) has been the guest ofthe Misses Rattray, Oraighall. Dr Riley, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Mr Keay, returned from England by the Tofua, and reached Dunedin on Thursday night, where a number of his friends awaited him at the Dune din Railway Station to welcome him back. Miss Williams and Miss Frances Rattray, who were in Christchurch last week for the Red Cross Conference, have returned. Mr amid Mrs Edwai-d Graham, who have b&en on a visit to Dune din, returned to Roxburgh on Friday. Miss Henry, who has been visiting friends ' in Dunedin, left for South Canterbury on Tuesday. Miss Dora and Miss Gwenda Williams. I who have been in England for a number of years, returned to New Zealand by the Athenic, and reached Dunedin on Saturday evening. ( ■ Mr and Mrs Austin Cook and Mr and Mra G. S. Shand have motored to Milford for the Sounds trip. INVERCAEGILL, March 5. ' Mrs Seomon and ihe ' Misses Seomon (2) left for their new home in Wellington on Saturday. It is with much regret that w« bid farewell to Mr and Mr 3 Seamon and-' family, and I am sure they will be greatly missed by everybody. Miss Simpson, who the guest of Mra E. Russell, has returned to Lawrence. Miss G. Tucker has returned from Dunedin. Dr and Mm Pottinger have also returned from Dunedin. Archdeacon Curzon-Siggers and Mra Curzon-Siggers -were down from Dunedin, staying at the GnxmcL for the week-end. Mr Justice Sim and his. associate,' Mr Haggitt, left for the north on Wednesday. There was great excitement on Wednesday when Captain Euan Dickson first introduced his aeroplane to ihe Invercargill people. A good many p&ople went for a trip in it on the first day; but en the second day th« weather was most \mkind. Captain Dickson, . however, managed to do some thrilling stunts • during the afternoon. There was a crowd of spectators, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy watching the bird-like flight of the aeroplane. Mr and Mrs F. O'Beirne had the honour of being tho first couple who went up in it. Others who followed were Mrs" Saunders, Mr G. Keddell, Mr Handyside, Mr R. Howellsy Mr Johnstone. Mrs- Priest (Wellington) is the guest,of Mra G. Crawford. Mrs King is the guest of her sister-in-law, Mrs M. Mitchell. Miss Bucham is staying with hex sister, Mrs A. Moffett. Miss Fynes-Clinton has returned from he* trip north. Mrs R. J. Gilmour has also returned from the north. _ . Mrs Storey (Venlaw) was in town during the wiftk. A small party went to River ton on Saturday and had a very jolly little diance in Mfca Sale's cottage at The .clocks, then went on to Mrs D. Cuthbertson's for supper. Among the party were Mrs Snow, Mrs Oliver, Mra D. Cuthbertson, Mrs H. Macalister, "Massea Snow, Morrah (2), Prain, Hogg, Bews, Messrs | Morrah, Prain, Macalister, Williams, Royds> ,' Dunda3, and Irvin. . I Mrs Oliver has returned from her holi- t day at Biverton. ' Mrs H. Macalister has also returned from Riverton. Miss Roe returned from a trip to Lake Manapouxi last week. - . -i OAMARTJ, March 5. The Misses Macpherson 3 Totara, entertained a few young people at a dance ou Saturday evening. Some of tho guests were Mrs Orbell, the Misses Hertzlett (Waimate), Evans, Humphries, Denniston (2), B. Whitton, Messr* Bishop, xSannerman, Norton, Burry, Dawson, Sutton, Dr Morton. Mr and * Mrs Elcoate have returned from Masterton. Mr and Mrs G. W. Thomson have gone a trip to Auckland. _ r _ The engagement is announced of "Mr Gerald M'Douall, to Miss M'Kinnon. Miss Haines has returned from Dunedin. Miss „F. do Lambert has returned from Waimate. Mrs J. A. Sutton is vidting Dunedin. . Dr and Mrs Whitton have returned from Dunedin. Mr E. M. Bishop ' and Mr Fleet Burry left at the beginning of the week for Waitamgi. Dr Morton is the guest of Mr and Mrs J. Macpharson, Totara. • , Miss Darling has returned from Kakanui. Miss Sheila Hertzlett, who was the guest of Mrs R. Orbell, Las returned to Waimate. TIMARU, March & Mrs Nantes (Napier) is staying with Mirs F. LeCren, Seaview terrace. Mr and Mrs A. R. Otway ore staying with, Mrs Wigley, Opuna Dodge. Mr and Mrs Williamson (Auckland) have been staying with Mrs Percy Elworthy. . The Hen. Ev W. Parker and Miss Parker (London) are visiting Mount Cook. Mr and Mrs E, H. Reid (Station Peak) ora at the Hydro Grand. Mrs H. Innes-Jones returned on Tuesday from Masterton. Mr and Mlrs Lodge (Prwton street) left on Fiday for Auckland. Mr and Mrs H. Buchanan (Gisborne) are staying with Mrs Roberts, Park lane. Mrs Napier (England) was the guest of Mrs Howard Tripp during the week. Mr and! Mrs J. Williamson (St. Leonards) are staying at Beverley. Mr and Mrs L. Meredith-Kaye (Christchurch) are staying at the Hydro Grand. CHRISTCHURCH, March -5. Mr and Mra H. Buchanan (Gisborne) are vioiting Christchurch. Mr and Mrs Harnish M'Lsan (Waimate) are in town. Mrs Mcwbray Tripp has returned to Geraldine after a stay in town. Miss Sylvia Westenra has left on a visit to Gisborne. Mrs Arthur Elworthv (Holmo Station) hai been in town during tne week. Mrs F. Gibson, Papanui road, gave a very enjoyable little bridge party on Saturday evening. The guests includted Mrs H. D. Acland, Mrs J. Stevenson, Mrs Eric Harper, Miss D. Anderson, Mrs Deals, Mrs Strang, Mrs J. Hall, and Miss Stuttur (Sydney).

A very delightful and novel entertainment was given at To Koraha on Tuesday evening, when Captain and the Hon. Mrs Tahu Ehodes and a company of amateurs presented J. M. Barrie’s charming old-world play, “Quality Street.” The ballroom at T© Koraha was converted into a miniature theatre, and the performance was a great success from start to finish. Much of the credit is due to Mra Mortimer, wlho acted as stage manager. The part of Phoebe Tbrossel was taken by the Hon. Mrs Tahu Ehodes, who displayed marked' ability. Captain Rhodes was-Valentine Brown; and the Hon. Eileen Plunket, Susan Tbrossel. Other

parts were filled by Miss Hope Wood (Misis Fannie Willoughby), Miss Betty Cotterill (Miss "Willoughby), Mrs Algar "Williams (Henrietta Turnbull), Miss Cicely O'Rorke (Patty), Mr Algar Williams (a recruiting sergeant and an old ' soldier), Miss Phyllis Francis (Isaella ) Master D. Williams (Arthur Wellesley Thompson), Master Paddy Boyle (William Smith), Miss Ella Helmore (Charlotte Parrat), Mr Heathcote Helmore (Ensign Blades), Miss Phyllis Boyle (Harriet), Mr Guy Cotterill (Lieutenant Spicer), Mr Sinclair Thompson (a gallant), Missea Acland Teschemakex, Gibson, tind Stevenson, At the conolusion of the performance ©upper

was served in the dining room. The guests, who were received by Mrs A. B. G. Rhodes, included their Excellencies the GovernorGeneral and Lady Liverpool, Dr and Mrs Thacker (the Mayor and Mayoress), LadyRhodes, Mr and Mrs George Rhodes, Hon. H. P. Wigram and Mr 3 Wigram, Major and Mrs Norton Francis, Mr and Mrs Boyle, Mr and Mrs T. Cowlifibaw, Dr and Mrs Aclond, Mr and Mrs G. Gould and the Misses Gould, Dt end Mrs Stevenson, Mr and Mrs H. Wood, Dr and Mrs Fox, Mr and Mrs H. Cotterill, Mr and Mrs Helmore, Mr and Mrs B. B. Wood, Mr and Mrs T. Gibson, Mr and Mrs W. Moore and the Misses Mooro, Captain and Mrs Hawke, Mr and Mr* P. Studholrne and Miss- Studholrne, Mrs Bowden and the Misses Bowden, Misses Anderson (2), D. Cowlishaw, P. Hargreaves (Oamaru), D. Pratt, 0. Wilding, M. Robinson, Messrs Wilding, Westenra, Robinson, and Burdon. The ChriotchuTch Ladies' Golf Club held their opening day at Shirley on Friday, when a flag match was played) for a prize given by Mrs A. • Boyle, the winner being Mrs Bernard Wood. A delicious afternoon tea was provided by the captain, Mtrs Erjo Harper. The weather was .perfect, and! a large number of members were present. The players included Mrs Wig-ram, Mrs Vernon, Misa Cowlishaw, Mrs Andreae, Lady Boys, Mrs Hall, Mia? Sutton, Miss D. Anderson, Miss E:. Helmore, Mr© Donald, Mrs Green, Miss Newton, Miss M. Dixon, Mrs Symes, Misses Pratt, Miss U. Cotterill, Miss J. Wilkin, and Mars ComerfoM. Others present were Mrs Boyle, P. Boyle, Mrs Symes, Mrs J. WiLliiamson, Mrs J&zgg, Mrs Henry Wood, Miss Hope Wood, Mts J. Vernon, Mrs Lythloe.

Miss Eleanor Teschemaker and Miss Sylvia Fox have returned from a trip to Mount Cock.

Mtrs E. Jennings (Rotherham) is staying at the Clarendon.

Miss Phyllis Hargreaves has returned to Oamaru after staying- with friends in Christchurch.

Mr and Mrs J. Cracroft-Wilson and the Misses Cracroff-Wilaon have gone for a trip to the southern lakes. *

Mr and Mrs J. D. Williamson (Auckland) are. staying at Warners after a trip to Timaru.

The engagement is announced of Miss Gladys Mary Anderson, only daughter of Mrs E, R. Anderson, Fendalton, to Mr Edward Henry John Hanmer, of Brazil, late R. 8., eldest son of Mrs E'. W. Hanmer.

. BLENHEIM, March 2. The Chautauqua made their first appearance in Blenheim this, week before large and appreciative audiences. Owing to the bad weather " experienced throughout the week they were obliged to abandon the tent erectd for their purposes, and appear in the Town Hall. Some of those I noticed there were Dr and Mrs Redman, Mr and Mr 3 Orr, Mrs C. Mills, Mr and Mrs Fraaer Tytler, Mr and Mrs White, Dr and Mrs Anderson, Mrs and Miss M'Galium, Mr and Mrs Mason, Mia R. Reid, Mrs Relling, Mrs Redwood, Mrs Gray, Mr and Mrs Wright, Dr and Mrs Noble-Adair.3, Mrs Van Asch, Misses M'Callum, Neville, Mowat, Olcuiston, Innes, etc. Mr and Mrs E. Moore (Kekerangu) are the guests of Mrs A. Van Asch at Riverina.

Mrs E. Rose has gone, across to Wellington.

Miss E. Mowat is visiting Wellington. Miss M. Pigou has returned from Wellington. Mies P. Penney has returned from Picton.

* Mr and Mrs L. Lester have gone to Christchurch, journeying overland. Mr and Mrs A. Bester i are now residing in Kaikoura. • ■

Mr and Mrs G. Rudd are spending a holiday in the Sounds. ;.

The Misses Fell have been the guests of Mrs E.' Mead at Sgringla.hds. Miss Mead is visiting "Wellington. Miss Grady (Wellington) is visiting Mrs R. M'Callum at Argyle.

WELLINGTON, March 5. .The social event of the week has been the wedding of Miss Ngaire Riddiford, youngest daughter of the late Mr E, J. Riddiford and Mrs Riddiford, to Mr Dudley Kettle, son of Mr and Mrs N. Kettle, of Napier. The wedding took place at the Hutt, where the bride opont her girlhood, and was celebrated by the Rov, Mr Hounsell at St. James's Church. It was a. blue wedding, thai colour predominating everywhere, and there was a perfect wealth of flowers used in the decorations in the church, where hydrangeas and agapanthus were used, and at Woburn, the residence of Mr and Mrs Vivian Bidldiford at Lower Hutt, whereSthe .reception was held. The bridle, who ,was given away by her brother, Mr. Vivian. Riddiford, wore a wedding gown largely '_ composed of exquisite old lace. The front showed lines of the lace alternated with deep tuck? and side panel of ivory georgette, while "the bodice was draped with lace. The train fell from the shoulder and was entirely of the same lovely lace, mounted over pale hydrangea blue ninon, the whole being lined with soft gold tissue, •which just gleamed through the lace and ninon. A tullo veil' of Brussels net embroidered at the edges, which had been worn by a number of brides before, was arranged over a wreath of orange blossom, and she carried a shower bouquet of white and pale pink waterlilies, orchids, and cyclamen tied with tulle streamers and knots of bebe ribbon.. Her gift from the bridegroom was a diamond and pearl pendant. There were three bridesmaids—Mis3 Isabel Wilford (chief) and two little girls, Jccelyn Riddifdrd and Betty Hawkins. They all wore dresses of hydrangea blue silk net cut with like short tunics and waist-belto of gold tissue, black hats trimmed with pink leaves and touches of gold. Miss Wilford carried a shower bouquet of gloxinias, orchids, and roses, and the little maids . had Victorian posies in pink and blue. Their gifts from the bridegroom were pearl brooches set in platinum. The best man was Mr Von Tempsky Kettle. At the subsequent reception the wedding breakfast was served in a marquee on the lawn, which was a mass of beautiful flowers. The tables were artistic with pale pink waterlilies, roses, and heath. The grounds were looking beautiful, and the guest/j enjoyed wandering in them. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by Mr Skerrett, and that of the bridesmaids by Mr Tom Hislop. Later in the afternoon the bride and bridegroom left by motor for Orongorongp, lent to them by Mr and Mrs Eric' Riddiford, axid after spending some days there they will leave for Mount Cook. Mrs Kettle travelled in a costume of forget-me-not blue silk, the skirt made with knife pleats at the sides' and a plain panel in the front, with a belt embroidered in blue, pink, and heliotrope, and the short coatee finished with a turnover frill of crepe de chine. Her black velvet hjat was wreathed with tiny pink flowers and pink and shaded blackberries, the brim bordered with a ruching of pink shot silk. Mrs E. J. Riddiford was in Wedgwood blue satin charmeuse, with a draped tunic of blue embroidered georgette, caught at the waist _with a satin swathe and finished with a small tasselled fringe. Her hat was of black velvet and ostrich plumes, and she carried a bouquet of crimeon roses. Mrs Kettle wore a deep blue coat-frock embroi-

dered in black, while her toque was of gold tissue, and her bouquet of apricot roses and autumn foliage. Mra Vivian Riddiford was in nattier blue satin souple, her hat being black, trimmed with blue, to match, and sin carried a bouquet of roses and gloxinias. Among the relatives also present were Mrs Hawkins, Mrs F. Riddiford, Mr and Mrs D. G. Riddiford, Mrs Hewitt, Mrs Broad, Mrs Ormond Mr and Miss Cooper, Mr and Mrs Brio Riddiford, .Mts Thome George, Mrs R. Levin, Mrs Norman Beetham, Mr and Mts W. Bunny, Mr and Mrs P. Broad, Misa K. Bunny, Miss Hewitt, and others. A great many visitors came to Wellington for the Riddiford-Kettle wedding, and the Midland Hotel was almost completely booked by the guests. The Misses Russell, of Palmerston North., and Miss Violet Russell, of Hawke's Bay, were in town this week.

Sir Robert and Lady Stout have returned from a lengthy visit to Dunedin. After spending about a week here they leave for Stratford, and later go on to Auckland. Mrs Isitt and Miss Winifred Isitt and Miss Grace Widdowson, of Dunedin, arrived at Wellington this week. Miss Isitt leaves by the Ruapehu for England, which, goes early next week. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward returned from the south early in the week. They left on Friday by the Riverina for a visit to Australia. Their three sons were in Wellington to see them off.

Mrs John Myers anxd her two- daughters left by the Riverina on a visit to Sydney.^ Lady Findlay has returned from a visit to the south-.

Mi*? Daisy Kennedy played a return season here while waiting for the Sydney boat. She had splendid houses at all four recitals. On Wednesday afternoon she went to Trentha.m Camp with her pianist, Miss Doneau, and gave a recital to the men there in the Y.M.C.A. Hall. Special provision was made for cot cases, and the whole camp attended. At the close Colonel Power, 0.C., presented Miss Kennedy with a bouquet of flowero from the grounds, and thanked her for the visit. Miss Kennedy was also presented, with a stamped leather wallet purs© in Maori design, made by the invalids at the hospital in appreciation of her visits. As a souvenir Miso Kennedy is presenting the camp with a set of gramophone records of her pioces and a, photograph of herself. Miss Pe-ngelly, matron at Hanmer Sanatorium, is at present on furlough in Wellington: A large number of people returned by trie Tofua this week from Frisco, including Mr and Mrs George Shirtcliffe and their daughter. WANGANUI, March 1. The Wanganui Racing Club's Oup meeting was held on Thursday. Among the many present were Mrs Patrick Marshall, | Mrs Maurice Earle, Mr 3 Izard, Mm Hole, Miss Olga Levett (Bulls), Miss Bates, Mis Orton, Mrs W. Ratnban© (Hawfes Bay), Miss Ta-verner (Greatford), Mrs Frank Moore, Mrs H. Christie, Mrs Lloyd Hammond (Rata), Mrs Gaisi'ord (Marton), Mice D. Powell, the Misses Addenbrooke, Mrs Hughes-Johnstone, Mrs Bates, Mrs Brodie (Wellington), Miss Patty Levett (Bulls), Mrs lan Johnston (Wavorly), the Misses Chomondley (New Plymouth), Mi3s Brookfield, Miss Hazell, Mrs .S. Addenbrooke, Mrs F, - Tumbull, Mrs . Bayly (King Country), Mrs I. Saunders, Mrs Hay-Campbell, Miss Rita Moss (Wellington), and Miss Koch; Mrs Boyes (Selwyn street) was hostess to a most delightful little afternoon in honour of .Miss Linda Koch, who leaves shortly to live in Dunedin. Present were Mrs Boyes, Mrs W. Rathbone (Hawke's Bay)," Miss Koch, Misses Addenbrooke, Miss Phyllis Harden, Mise Doris Powell, Miss Susie Lance, Miss Farmer (Sydney), Miss Florence Brookfield, Misses Ha-trick, Miss Kathrine Armstrong, Miss Mary Anderson, Miss K. Anderson. '■'■* ■ " ''.'•'

Mrs Patrick Marshall wea hostess to a tennis party on Friday. Mrs R. M'Knight (Christchurch) is visiting Wanganui. Miss Rita Moss (Wellington) is staying in town.

Mrs W. Rathbsne (Hawke'a Bay) is staying at Chavannes. Mia? Cecily Taverner is the guest of Mrs Izard. The Misses Chomondly (New Plymouth) are staying in Wanganui.V Mrs Bayly (Waikalo)/is the guest of Mrs Frank Turnbull. . ■",;,

Miss Ruth Smailfieia|,"who has been the guest of Mrs Brobkneld, has returned to Auckland. '.* .~.T~"-

Miss Mary Millwardr. ha* returned from Wellington. '■ :'.\: '< ';■ ' '' Mrs Maurice Earle is back from Christchurch.- ~ ';'. \ \fl ::.

Mrs Gaisford is visiting Wanganui. . ■ '■ '' •-

Mrs Kennedy (Wellington) is the guest of Mrs Dr Wilson. ' ■ Mr and Mrs Harold have returned from Rotorua.

Dr and Mrs Sherman (Marton) are staying at Castlecliff.

Mrs Lloyd Hammond (Rata) ."a staying at Braeburn.

Mrs G. Holford (Christchurch) is staying in town.

Mr and Mrs Dennis Duigan, who have returned from" England, are_ visiting Mrs E. Duigan, Bell street. The engagements are announced of Miss Mary Anderston to Mr Donald Lee; and Miss Stella Duigan to 'Mr Ray Scott, all of Wanganui. March 4.

Among those at the second day of the races were Mrs Patrick Marshall,-Mrs Dr Robertson, Mrs Kennedy (Wellington), Mrs Izard, Miss Montgomerie-Moore, Mrs H. Bates, Mrs Dr Earle, Mrs Gaisford (Marton), Misses Addenbrook, Miss Duigan, Mrs Hole, Mr 3 Harold, Mrs Dr Christie, Mm Beauchamp, Miss Doris Powell,. Miss Stratton Bates, Mrs R. M'Knight (Christchurch), Miss Moss (Wellington), Miss Cecily Taverner (Bulls). Mrs A P. Cowper, Mrs S. Addenbrooke, Mrs Chas. Powell, Miss Lance, Mrs J. Moore, Miss Barbara Cameron, Mrs H. Good, Miss Juliet Latter.

Miss M'Donald (England) is the guest of Mrs Chas. Powell. .

Mrs W. G. Paterson (Hawked Bay.) is visit, ing Wanganui. Mr, Mrs, and Miss Linda Koch have left to resida in Dunedin. Miss Joan Levin (Wellington) is the guest of Mrs W. Treadwell, St. John's Hill. Mrs J. Moore is staying at Caatlecliff. Mrs H. G. Brodie (Hawera) ia staying in town. Miss Taverner has returned to Bulls. AUCKLAND,- March 4. Amongst the hostesses of the past week have been the Misses Phyllis and Marjorie Maefarlane, whose tea party was given for Mi&s Madge ' Overton Smith: the Misses Esther and Dorothy Foster gave their tea party- for Miss Una Buddie, who has since left for "Wellington, where she joino the Euapehu for London. Mrs J. Kenderdin© invited a large number of friends to a tennis party on Thursidtay afternoon of last week, the guesfc of honour being her daughter, Mrs Quigley, who is to live in Oamaru for the future. Amongst the

guEsts were Mrs Laatham, Mrs Arnold, Mrs CMnnery Brown, Mrs G. Kent, Mrs and Miss Lush, and the Misses Upton, Stubbs, Joyce Stevenson, Devore (2), Munro, Kenderdine, and Fraser.

Mrs Athol Mills and her little daughter have returned to Auckland after a prolonged stay in Napier. Miss Kathleen 'Stott* (Wellington) is in Auckland on a visit, and is the. guest of Mrs Warwick Wilson, Remuera. Mr and Mrs Harry Wilson and Miss Peggy Wileon have returned from their visit to the south, arid have rented Mrs George Niccol's pretty home in Arney road for 12 months. Mrs George Niccol, as I think I told you before, is leaving for England almost at omoe.

Mr and Mirs Lucas Bloomfield and Mr Trevor Bloomfield are returning to Auckland by the Tofua after a stay of some four months in California. Miss Pearl Gome is leaving, early in March on a visit to England. The Hon. Arthur Myers, Mrs Myero, and family are to travel to England by the next trip of the Corinthic.

Mrs and the Misses Hellabv (2) are at present visiting- D.unedin. _ Miss M. Hartland is staying with friends in Chrirrtchurcb.

Miss Phyllis Bloomfield gave a small dance for ber fnend, Miss Kathleen Stott (Welling, ton), who is on a visit to Auckland. The guests were received by Mrs George Bloomfield, wjio was wearing a smart black frock; Miss Phyllis Bloomfield wore blue crop© do chine and silver tissue; and Miss Kathleen Stott, jade green georgette. Amongst the guests were the Mkses Holmes, Thomas, Foster, Gordon, May, and Freda-Rathbone, and Phyllis and Marjorie Macfarlane. ~ The cabled news of the death last week from typhus fever, in Shanghai, of Miss Olive Parsons, daughter of the Late Mr E. B. Parsons, of Auckland, was received by friends here with very deep and genuine regret. Miss Olive Parsons w?o possessed of a charming personality,, and was withal a splendid type of woman.. She had 1 been living in the East with a married brother, Mr 13» E. Parsons, for the past few years.

WOMEN'S PAR r IN MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

While Parliament has until just lately been closed to women both in Britain and New Zealand, municipal bodies have long been open to them, and it is regrettable that so few women have sought themselves of their right of entry into this form of public service. In England, indeed, women are now beginning to rise to their opportunities in this direction, and at present there are some 200 women members of the municipal bodies of London. In local government, and in educational, hospital, and charitable administration, women with capacity for public affairs are offered wide and varied fields for utilising it for the benefit of the community. And these less ambitious departments of public service make for lighter demands on .the time, the strength, and the means of*> thpse who enter them than Parliament .does; so that for one woman possessing the qualifications, and means requisite for a Parliamentary career, there must be scores able and fitted to enter local bodies. Then experience in local government is a good preparation for work in the larger sphere of national legislation, and a good test of fitness for it. This year should'see many of our! women seeking entry into the lesser sphere, which nevertheless offers ample scope for' ability and humanitarian zeal. While women may justly be considered somewhat amiss in taking advantage of . their . right of participation in local government,, it is, of course, true that many who have the capacity and the inclination for public activities are not in a position to undertake them. Eor very many women domestic claims are too exacting to allow of participation in public matters; others are too fully engrossed by their occupations. But all women can give some attention to municipal or other local masters, and seek to understand them. Many women, indeed, have little time for reading, but even the newspaper, with conversation with others better informed, and occasional attendance at .: public meeting, will go a long way to giving them insight into the working of public affairs, and intelligent, interest in projected reforms. If exceptionally gifted and specially circumstanced women are to make their powers beneficial to the commianity, it must in great degree be through the sympathy and the active, support of the rank and file of their sisters. It is generally conceded that compared with men, women are more ruled by personal considerations, more given to limit their views to what is concrete and close at hand. Well, in locad affairs, this mental bent may develop itself with very happy results. ; There is urgent need for more sympathy in all that concerns provision for the unfortunate and the helpless; the sick, the feeble, the aged, the poor, all who are unable to fight their own battles. Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards, - as well as educational bodies, should be ' largely composed of women. If women had more to do with school affairs, schools would riot -be so overcrowded and insanitary as many of them are at present; and there would be far better provision for the comfort of .the scholars—for a hot luncheon or at least a hot drink for pupils remaining in the dinner hour, and facilities for the change of wet footwear, etc. . Certainly women might have agitated for such things in the past, but they have been too ready to look on all management of general interests as the business of men. Well, probably men are better qualified for organising and controlling on a great scale, a,nd managing extensive financial operations ; certainly they have at present the advantage in experience. On the other hand, women will often be more careful over details, and certainly more economical.'

In all that concerns the health and beauty of a town, the co-operation of women is needed. Cleaner streets, more

playgrounds for children, better provision for the -warming and ventilation of ail workrooms where girls and women are employed, attention to the purity and wholesomeness of milk, fruit, vegetables, etc., better oversight in the interests of young people of picture shows —these are a few of the many needs of our towns to bring about which women's work is needed. All women may help, for all can notice what needs amending, can point it out through the medium of the press, or otherwise, and seek to enlist the cooperation of others. Only the few necessarily, can take a leading part in municipal affairs ; but let us all feel that we have our- part in them.