THE WEEK IN WELLINGTON.

Southland Times, Issue 16786, 14 July 1911, Page 7

THE WEEK IN WELLINGTON.

(By MRS MALCOLM ROSS). ABOUT PEOPLK. WELLIXGTOX, July 9th. By the Sydney boat on Friday IcTt Mrs and Miss Sinclair, wife and daughter of the Hon. Mr Sinclair of Dunedin, and Mrs and Miss Salmon, of Dunedin, who have gone for a few weeks to Australia. Mr and Mrs Chas. Salmcnd, who have been staying with Mr and Mrs John Salmond, have gone homo. Mrs Gibson-Smith, of Dunedin, is visiting her daughter, Mrs David Flnd.'av. Miami Mi’s Frank Gordon, of Hawkes Bay, came down to Wellington last week tor golf. Miss Alma Boles, who lias been a guest of Mrs John Pilgrim, has gone back to Sydney. Mrs H. J. Blow, who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs Leonard Clarke, of Gisborne, lias returned to Wellington, By the Sydney boat last week returned Mi-, Mrs and the Misses Haybittle and Mr and -Mrs W. B. Lees. Mr and Mrs Falk Colion also were passengers from Sydney. Mrs McArthur lias gone for a few days to Auckland. Miss Voilet Turton, of Dunedin, left for England in the Turakina. THE SHEFFIELD CHOIR. Though they have gone, there has been an aftermath of comment and criticism, but there is only one opinion as to their choral singing, profound admiration on the whole, they seemed a very simple, kindly set of people, mainly drawn from the working classes, and thoroughly enjoying the new experiences and sights. But among such a number there would be of course growlers, and Dr Harriss— Dr Coward is much loved —appears somewhat to lack tact in dealing with mutineers. Quite a number failed to put in an appearance at Palmerston, and those in private houses succumbed to temptation and "slept in,” their hostesses taking pity on their weariness. One girl took advantage of the day to do a bit of washing. It Is said that £5 Is allowed for laundry expenses for the trip, so that economy Is required on that score. Then a soloist refused to sing because she had a sleeping-berth over the wheels, which upset hep nerves* and on the last

day here and the evening before there were noticeable signs of strain and stress. Lady Norah Noel, whose brother, Viscount Camden, came with her, was delighted with the tour, and has much appreciated the wider view she has gained of the Empire. INDEPENDENCE DAY. Mr H. Baker, who is consular envoy for the United States, has been staying here recently with Mrs Baker, and both have made many friends. For a time they took Mr Ewan’s cottage at Heretaunga, and now are again in town. Last year Mr Baker —whose father by the way is largely connected with the Chicago Tribune —celebrated the 4th July in Sydney by giving the children at the Hospital a tea and presents, and here he determined to do the same. So on Tuesday the largest ward and the wide glaz-» ed balcony outside wore ail decorated' with flags and greenery, palms and holly, and piles of toys-—all wrapped up, to add to the excitement —were waiting for distribution. Dainties of all kinds, subject of course to the medical regime were spread out, and all .the happy guests—who, as the Children's Hospital is not yet finished —had to be gathered together from the different wards—were put on sofas or beds, often three or four in one so as to economise room. There was a concert ; Mr Roland Robertson, our Clever and most amusing amateur singer, Miss Bertha Miles, in Dutch costume and singing a Dutch ditty, and various other people who gave items. The children, waving little flags and decked out with paper caps, from the crackers, listened with merry appreciation, and the women from the next ward, too, were entertained. Lady Islington frequently visits the Hospital, and this afternoon she and Miss Stepleton-Cotton were present for an hour. Several of the patients, through her frequent visits, are known to her Excellency, and she never forgets to stop and have a cheery word with each. She is so charmingly dressed always that is Is interesting for the patients to watch her. This particular day she wore a blue velvet coat and skirt, and a blue hat with feathers. Mrs Baker, who is the daintiest, brightest little woman—an Australian—wore a dark blue tailor-made, and a mushroom hat covered with lace, wreathed with tiny flowers, and with a lace frill inside—most becoming to her piquant face. It was a happy day for the children, and Miss Payne, the matron and all the nurses worked hard, yet seemed to enjoy it as much as the little patients. THE GOVERNOR. So genial and pleasant Lord Islington always Is, that it is a delight to watch him or speak to him. Even the week of the Coronation festivities and the Sheffield Choir, which must have been a strenuous one, his good humour never failed, and his smile was ever ready. The Vice-regal party appeared at all the concerts in great force. His Excellency was very charmed with Elgar's setting of "God Save the King,” and it certainly is a magnificent composition, magnificently sung. By the way, I believe Sir Edward Elgar Is a distant relation of Mr Elgar of Wellington. Lord Islington is keen on games and last Saturday was playing on the Heretaunga links with his little daughter walking round with him. Tennis, too, he loves, and there is a quaint yarn to the effect that soon after he arrived, he was in a set at the Torndon courts. A bull from an adjourning set rolled across his side, and the server, an enthusiastic girl shouted peremptorily to the stranger to send it back. She was somewhat taken aback when, later, she found out she had been ordering about His Excellency the Governor. Another story goes that, on the Miramar links, he was asked his name by an official who failed to place him among the members. But Lord Islington is a man whose simple charm and tact would carry off gracefully any such awkanl situation, and he would never feel offended at any mistake. On Saturday evening he was installed as Chief Savage at the Savage Club —a ceremony of barbaric symbols and impressive formula. Unfortunately, he is not likely to be present at the Ladies’ evening of (lie same club—always a brilliant affair. It takes place on Saturday of Race week and he has to travel north to open something or other. But it is hoped Lady Islington will be there. THE ARCADIANS. It is some time since we have had anything at the Opera House so charming as this musical comedy which has gay music, artistic settings, delightful humour, and the very smartest frocks worn by extremely good looking girls. Indeed, the Australian men have discovered their charm for no less it is said, than seven are engaged since they came to the Antipodes. All the chorus girls are good looking and a few quite beautiful, with extremely slim tall figures, and extraordinary grace in managing their gowns. Of course the race and restaurant scenes give much scope for chiffons, and in the former the much-advertised chanticlor toques are worn, elaborate and many coloured masses of feathers, arranged like a bird's crest, falling backward from the front and more bizarre than pretty. Among the many lovely gowns two were most attractive and both of these were rather plain and depended on their exquisite cut and fit for their effect. The same girl, very tall and incredibly slim, wore both gowns. One was a silk cashmere —pale tan —princesse, with the new square train, apparently loose from the main skirt. The almost plain bodice bad a little self-coloured embroidery and a touch of white in the vest and collar. The other frock, an evening one, was of dove grey ninon, the tunic in large square labs, bordered with doe]) silver fringe, and silver fringe falling from the edge of the corsage below the waist. Miss Gilliam’s dress of plush rose satin, veiled with crystal-embroidered tulle, had also a detachable train that flowed from the high-waisted bodice, the tunic being cut up at Lite back. This let her toss it over her arm and dance, in the short under-dress, with grace and ease. If you want to laugh with sometiling worth laughing at, go and listen to the lugubrious Fetor Doody, the jockey, who is in real life. I hear, a gentleman rider. His pessimism is intensely droll, and the audience laughed consumedly. AVinifred O’Connor, who takes the most important part of Sombra, is altogether delightful, though the sudden change from Brisbane to Dunedin played up with her throat and brought on laryngitis. She is better, but not quite well. She leaves the company in Christchurch and goes to Sydney to rehearse for “The Chocolate Soldier.” It is altogether a charming play, and has "caught on” hero decidedly. A RINKING AT HOME. Mrs J. H. Burnos, who has come Into Wellington for the winter from Lowry Bay, gave last week a novel "At Home,” and’a most successful one. We have just got a new rink hero. It is rather far out, and at first folk fought shy of going such u distance. But after last week Us success is assured, for the fever has attacked old and young, and the hundred or so guests that Mrs Burncs asked were loath to leave when the appointed hour came. It is a spacious floor and smooth, there were new skates, gay music, and even for those who do not join in the diversion there is infinite variety and excitement in a skating rink. It was a fashionable crowd, too. Our Commandant, who is not yet proficient, was being' tutored by a boy who

had mastered its intricacies. His wife is a good skater, but Mrs Cecil Jones and Miss Jones, are among our show Tinkers, and a number of the girls are getting very expert. Few tried the waltz and fewer still did it gracefully. One pair was so eccentric that a little lady, looking on declared, amid her peals of laughter, it was more like jiu-jitsu-than dancing. One tall thin youth, with grim determination, walked round ail the evening, never attempting to slide, and spent much of his time on the floor, a menace and danger to ■ the others. One girl fell fiv*e times but her ardour was never lessened, and the National Anthem was listened to with regret. Delicious supper was served in an ante-room. It was a most amusing party, and a most satisfactory one for both hostess and guests. The former has no need to wear a worried look over wall-flowers, and the latter may depend only on themselves, if need be, for a pleasant evening, and can—if they are beginners,—be a source of much unpremeditated amusement to others. THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION. It was a' magnificent audience that faced Mr Massey on Thursday ■ evening, and he got a most sympathetic hearing. A patient one, too, for lie was overlong. But there was no apparent weariness, and intense enthusiasm when the very outspoken resolution was carried. A man who had been at many meetings declared nothing had been like it since the great masses used to listen to Seddon. Politics are now looming large here. The women for some time have been working busily, and there is every Indication of a hot fight next election. Dr Izard, who is opposing Mr Herdman, is übiquitous and most energetic. He is a good speaker and popular. The contest between Mr Fisher and Mr Fletcher ought to be most exciting. The former is the more eloquent, but the latter has a great influence, heading the polls at the recent Harbour Board and Council elections.