THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS.

Southland Times, Issue 19690, 24 October 1925, Page 20

THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS.

at their best. A number of players from Invercargill were present and with the local enthusiasts the green was fully occupied. The president (Mrs E. R. Bowler) in a neat little speech, declared the season open. A number of competitions were held and a delicious afternoon tea was dispensed by lady members of the club. Among those present •were Mesdames F. Wallis sent., A. H. Aitken, R. McCreath, J. Thomson (Invercargill), W. Kirk, J. E. Rogers, A. A. MacGibbon, E. A. Pigeon, H. Parata, J. J. Gresham, R. Robertson, F. Wallis junr., J. A. Brown, D. Harvey, D. Dewar, H. C. Mac Gibbon, Strang (Invercargill), E. C. Wilson, J. J. Green, A. Henderson, H. Wallis, G. C. Hamilton, E. C. Smith, Durham, P. A. Thomson, F. Graham, J. A. Blaikie, J. Beattie, T. Mcßobbie, H. Graham, J. Gardiner, C. Clayton, Cowan, Misses I. Durham, V. Foulston, Taylor (2), C. Bowler, Mac Gibbon (2), B. Kirk, R. Aitken, Davis (2), Blue and Ross. Another old identity in the person of Mrs John Stevenson, of Irwell Street, passed away suddenly on Sunday morning last. The late Mrs Stevenson was one of the oldest residents of Gore, having arrived here in 1876, and has resided in Gore ever since. The deceased lady was one of the founders of the Gore Congregational Church and was an ardent worker for that institution. There are many who will miss her and her passing is deeply regretted. Mrs Stevenson was twice married and leaves a ; husband, four sons and two daughters to ' mourn their loss. There passed away on October 16 at the residence of her son-in-law, Dr W. McAra, Gore. Mrs Thomas Stewart, late of Dunedin, at the ripe age of 80 years. The late Mrs Stewart was a fine type of the early settler and was much loved by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. The sympathy of her friends is extended to Mrs McAra in her great loss. BALL AT BROWNS. (From our Correspondent.) A plain and fancy dress ball was held in the Browns Public Hall on October 16. There was a large crowd present and everyone spent a very enjoyable time. The hall was beautifully decorated with coloured streamers and lights. Music for the dance was supplied by Miss E. Brown (piano) and Mr D. Brown (violin) extras being played by Miss M. Balch, Miss A. McMaster (piano), M. J. McMaster (violin), Messrs A. Birss, A. Clarke, and A. McDonald. The catering was in the capable hands of Mrs Gill (Winton) and was everything that could be desired.

The following are the names of a few of those present in fancy costume:—Miss West (early Victorian), Miss Cheyne (Spanish perriot), Miss F. Perkins (home fashion), Miss E. Perkins (red letter), Miss Earl (waitress), Miss Watson (Belgian flag), Miss 'Williamson (keep of the grass), Miss McMaster (doctor), Miss Norman (Indian lady traveller), Miss K. Hamilton (Gipsy), Miss M. Patton (Dutch girl), Miss Balch (Red Indian), Miss Hutchison (Indian squaw), Miss Edgerton (Spanish lady), Miss Hamilton (France), Miss Sutherland (bathtime), Miss Harvy (Continuance), Miss Horner (powder puff). Miss McMaster secured the first prize for the ladies and Mr M. Watson for the gentlemen; others present being:—Mr Watson (Highlander), Mr L. Birss (gondolier), Mr D. Birss (National candidate), Mr Henderson (cowboy), Mr Brown (factory hand), Mr Lambie (factory hand), Mr Mcllwrick (Chinaman), Mr T. Clark (lady). Mr Miller (whiskers), Mr Betting (lady), Mr J. M. McMaster (Players Navy Cut Cigarettes). Mr Brown carried out the duties of M.C. in his usual capable manner. During the evening Mr Birss gave an address. WOMEN’S CLUBS IN WELLINGTON. (From a local Resident.) Of these there are three, the Pioneer, “Wellington,” and “Lyceum,” not counting what might almost be called “The Parliamentary Woman’s Club,” the beautiful rooms the wives of members, Ministers, etc. have for their use in what was once Government House, where in olden days the balls and other gatherings given by the Governor and his wife were held. The same old square wooden chairs with the Royal Crown on their back, are in the vestibules with some of the old gilt-framed mirrors too. Government House is of course now far away, and this one adjoining the Parliamentary buildings, is a delightful place, and a very popular hostess there is our own Mrs Hanan, who was the first vice-President of the Southland Women’s Club.

With the “Pioneer” is the oldest women’s club in Wellington, and with Miss Amy Kane as president, it is a capital club, with a seasoned, sedate air, as becomes its dignity of age. Here tea is served in the large lounge room, a beautiful room always full of lovely flowers, while several bits of old furniture roused my envy, an ancient inlaid writing desk especially. The “Wellington” is a new club, and very bright and pretty, the grey carpets, and bright chintz coverings all new and fresh. They have a special room for tea here. It is not served in the big lounge room. In this club there seemed to me a great spirit of gaiety—a South Island girl, whose father is now one of the mighty men of Wellington, was describing in a most amusing way how she had just been measured by her father’s tailor for a pair of “plus fours,” the while she held a cigarette most cunningly between her pretty teeth. Some other gay spirits were trying to force a cigarette between the lips of an exceedingly pretty young married ■woman, well-known in the south, her beautiful soft eyes diffused in laughter. All seemed fun and frolic here. The “Lyceum” is also a tip-top club and some teachers from Southland were there. Ido not know whether it is more learned or not, but they certainly seemed to have some gatherings of a thoughtful kind. These clubs do many kind deeds, help women in the backblacks, etc and altogether induce a kindness of spirit, hospitality to strangers, and that, like our own, and all other women’s clubs is greatly for the good of the community. A DUNEDIN LETTER. (From our Correspondent.) DUNEDIN, October 22. The following Southlanders have been in Dunedin during the week:— At the Grand Hotel:—Messrs A. and W. P. Fleming (Gore). At the City Hotel:—Mrs A. Simpson (Queenstown), Mr and Mrs Scott, Miss G. Webb, Cantain Nicolla, Captain Berkeley (Hyde), Mr and Mrs L. H. Carr (St. Bathans), Mrs Simson (Balclutha), Miss Pavitt (Balclutha), Miss Coloquhoun (Tapanui), Messrs J. Pasco, F. G. O’Biem, B. B. Taylor (Gore), C. A. Barrell, F. Cochrane, L. W. Sinclair, Emerson P. Hartley, McConnechie, D. L. Overdye (Balclutha), F. V. Taylor (Gore), Mr and Mrs J. McLean, Mrs A. McKegg (Wanaka). At the Elcelsior Hotel:— Messrs J. and C. Jennison (Te Ahau), J. Connelly (Gore), Mrs L. W. Grier. Miss Laidlaw left this week for Shag Valley where she will be the guest of Mrs Bell. Mrs O’Neill was a bridge hostess during the week, as was Miss Clapperton. Miss Gwenyth Gallaway returned from Hanmer on Monday. Miss Ensor returned from a visit to South Africa last Saturday. Mrs E. H. Williams returned this week from Christchurch, where she was the guest of Mrs Helderness. Mr and Mrs D. E. Theomin are in Waimate. Miss Eulalie Roberts returned to town on Monday from a brief holiday in Hanmer. The Annual Meeting of the Otago Womens’ Club was held on Tuesday afternoon a very large number of members being present. Lady Ferguson (President) reviewed the year’s activities, and successes,

social, educational, and financial. The election of office bearers being as follows: President, Lady Ferguson, Vice Presidents, Mesdames J. Hutchison, and C. H. Statham. Committee: Mesdames C. M. Begg, R. Gilkison, Edmond, F. M. Oldham, T. C. Ross, Misses Martin and Williams, who were also members of committee last year. Mesdames Blues, Wakefield Holmes, and Miss Ross having another term to serve. Mrs Hewitson spoke briefly of the appreciation of members of the valuable services of the President, Lady Ferguson returning thanks. Mrs W. Vivian entertained friends at bridge, the guests being Mesdames J. White, S. Holmes, Fulton, G. Gallaway, Le Cren, Donald Stuart, Sinclair, Vallange, Armstrong Dunlop and Miss White. Miss Greta Finch gave a bridge party in honour of Miss Gwenyth Fulton whose marriage to Mr. Bridgeman takes place shortly. The players were Misses O’Neill, Oram, Reid, Halsted (2), Hartmann (2), Stephenson, Holmes, Johnstone, Reid. Mrs Leslie Mills gave a supper party on Saturady evening the guests including Mrs. Dreshfeld, Misses Stick, Le Cren, Maunsell, Sargood, and Crane, Messrs Laidlaw, Vallange, Wright, Tapley, Reynolds, Dreshfeld, Holland, Edmond, and Dr Maunsell. Dr. Freda Bathgate is visiting Waimate. The Misses Rutherford Royal Terrace gave an enjoyable tea party for Miss Gwenyth Fulton, on Thursday afternoon last. The St Clair Croquet Club opened the new grounds on Wednesday afternoon in ideal weather, the President Mrs T. Fleming welcoming players and visitors, and with the committee providing a pleasant afternoon with competitions and a recherche tea. HOW TO BEHAVE IN RESTAURANTS. The following “Tips from a Waitress” written for a Auckland paper by Alice Carr Tibbets, I quote as being distinctly applicable : Don’t, on entering a tea-room, take any of the vacant tables you can see; go right to the other end and choose a “reserved,” with tilted chairs. Reverse the chairs and sit down. This will bring the waitress to you hot-foot, and will also give you an excellent opportunity to comment upon her impudence when she requests your patronage of another table. Don’t although you may feel very hungry and have a lot to spend, give all your order at once. Let her get well down the room, and then call her back and explain that although you said “tea” you really meant “coffee,” and that when you ordered a plate of cakes you meant only those filled with cream. Such trifles creat a pleasant atmosphere, and give the waitress needful exercise. Don’t dream of looking at the specified price of things marked on the menu; argue with the girl when she gives you your ticket. It solicits attention from the manager, and shows the girl that if she is a fool you are not.

Do, if you have time, carefully scrutinise the menu for anything that can possibly be given a French pronunciation; it impresses your neighbours, and shows the waitress up when she brings you an ordinary omelette. Do, whilst waiting to be served, put all your belongings on to the table. The waitress loves standing with a loaded tray—especially during “rush hours.” Do, when seeing spotless napery, give the children tea in a saucer also a spoon, that they may play nicely while you discuss your domestic derangement with your best friend. The mess won’t matter—you can cover much of it with the plates, etc., until you go. After that, well, the waitress is proverbially careless; she will merely be blamed for upsetting the teapot. Do, if only as an outward and visible sign that you cannot be idle, fiddle about with the table accessories, especially the cruet; then, when the top comes off and the whole contents of the pepper pot become immersed in the gravy, you can protest indignantly to the manager and get a second serve or your money back. Don’t forget, before leaving, to confiscate all the loose paper doyleys “to take home to the children.” They love them, so, the darlings! And, after all, you’ve paid for them, haven’t you?

SOCIAL ROUND ■X TOWN AND COUNTRY. (By “Drindella.”) Mr and Mrs G. Cruickshank left yesterday by motor for a holiday in Queenstown. Mrs T. Weston, of England, is the guest of Mrs Leonard Webb, Albert street. Mr and Mrs H. F. Drewe and family arc u t >ending the week-end at The Rocks. Miss Joan Hogg, is at present down from Dunedin, staying at her home in Don street. Miss Giller, formerly of Southland, is the guest of Mrs Chilwell, Underwood. Mrs G. M. Broughton, of Duke street, is at present holidaying in Queenstown. Mrs F. H. Morrah returned last Saturday from an extended holiday in Hawke’s Bay and Auckland.

Miss Macintyre, who left Invercargill some time ago, is at present the guest of Mrs William Quinn, Conon street.

Miss Agnes Fraser, of Cainard Station, is visiting her home in Layard street, for the week-end. The Misses Audrey and Hilda Brooke- , smith leave to-day for Tuatapere to spend the week-end. Miss Maisie Manson, of Auckland, is the guest of Mrs Graham Scandrett, Duke street The engagement is announced of Madeline, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs D. Cochrane, Earn street, Invercargill, to Mr Robert Garrett, of Auckland. Last Saturday afternoon Miss Edna Reid entertained a number of her school friends at a farewell party, taking the form of a picture matinee and afternoon tea at Lewis’s. Yesterday Mr and Mrs F. M. Reid and their daughter, who sold their home in Northend and have been staying at the Club Hotel for the past week, left by motor for Balfour, before continuing on a holiday tour through Otago Central, Wanaka and Queenstown. They will finally reach Dunedin, there to prepare for their final trip to the North Island, where they will make their new home. On Tuesday Mr I*. C. Rowley was hostess at a delightful morning tea at Lewis’s for Mrs Reid, and on Thursday morning Miss Brodrick entertained a few friends at her home in Waikiwi to bid her farewell, ethers present being Mrs Calendar. Mrs Ferguson (Arrowtown), Miss Rowley, Mrs F. C. Rowley, Mrs C. C. Jennings, and Mrs Couser, of Mataura Island. The members of the Invercargill Croquet Club were favoured with beautiful weather for the opening of their lawns on Saturday, ' October 12. The President, Mrs T. M. Macdonald, welcomed the guests and called on Mr Pearce, one of the original members of the club, to open the green. In a felicitous speech, Mr Pearce congratulated the club on the progress made since its inception, and referred to the popularity of croquet in Invercargill as evinced by the increasing number of clubs formed. Afternoon tea was served, and a pleasant time spent in taking part in various competitions, the following ladies being the winners:— Golf croquet—Mrs Wesney; clock—Mrs Wallace; angles—Mrs Gow; -putting—Mrs ! Willett; target—Mrs Spence; pegging out— Mrs O’Donnell.

The Invercargill Croquet Club held a very successful bridge evening on Monday, October 19, in the reception room of the Women’s Club. The hall looked very effective with its gay decorations and the brilliant frocking of the ladies. The prize for the highest score was won by Miss Perrin, for the second by Miss Lousley, and for the hidden number by Miss Brodrick. Among others present were Mesdames T. M. Macdonald, A. M. Macdonald, A. E. Smith, T. D. Pearce, W. Barclay, Cutt, Spence, Jennings, Callender, T. F. Macdonald, Pennethorne, Macleod, Miller, Crofts, Palmer, Mac Ewan, J. T. Carswell, Thomas, Spencer, Clark, Dunham ,Broad, Farrant, Watts, Preston, Purvis, Page, Scandrett, Waymouth, W. Macalister, Mehaffey, W. S. Todd, MacPherson, Mclnnes, Ussher, Petrie, Mitchell, Stuckey, John Thomson, Misses Brown, Thomson,, Saunders, Booth, Simpson, Pearce, Reid and Whitmore.

7 Last Saturday afternoon Mrs Arthur Russell gave a delightful children’s party at her pretty home in Herbert street for her daughter Cadia, who was 6 years old. The day was beautifully sunny and hot, and the wide doors of the billiard-room, were thrown open to the sun. the room being very artistically decorated with multi-col-oured streamers and greens, and tiny kewpies in gay attire. Mrs A. E. Bath, Miss Ret a Bath, Mrs L. Lee, and Miss M. Anderson all helped to make the afternoon jolly, and a “lolly” boy, with bags of sweets tied to him, the children pursued ecstatically. At tea paper caps of alternate helio and orange, were at each child’s plate, and each was given a kewpie to take home as a memento of the happy time spent. Besides Cadia and Vernon Russel, the little guests were Margaret and Ella Bath, Betty Boyes, Ena Clapp, Joyce and Noel Lee, Phyllis Anderson, Edith Mclnnes, Joyce Whitaker, Thora Falconer, Mona Jensen, Ivy Beal, Joan Sheffield, Linder McDonald, Alan Boyes, Raymond Mellop, Milner Chaplin, Marshall Pearce, Alexander McDonald and George Couling.

There was not a record crowd at Riverton last Wednesday for the races, despite the attractiveness of the weather, providing an opportunity to wear the new spring finery. The majority of the ladies were in tweed tailor-mades, and there were a number of extremely smart “Prince Charming” redingotes, with the all-prevalent jazz silk scarf and small neutral hat. Very few light frocks were in evidence, unless under coats. Visitors from town included Mrs J. B. Sale, Mrs A. M. Mackrell, Miss Kitty Hazlett, Mrs Denniston Cuthbertson, Mrs and Miss Hackworth, Miss McCaw, Mr Eustace Russell, Mr and Mrs F. M. Reid, Mrs Frederick Rowley, Mrs Leonard Webb, Mr and Mrs H. B. Famall, Miss Vera Bews, Mrs W. Quinn, Mr J. L. McG. Watson and Miss Tish Watson, Mrs J. T. Carswell, Mrs A. B. Haggitt and Miss Joyce Haggitt, Mr and Mrs P. L. Porter, Mr A. B. Moffett, Mr J. Morrison, Mrs J. S. Stewart (Ocean Beach), Miss B. Nurse, Mr and Mrs R. J. Gilmour, Mrs O. W. H. Strettell and Miss Nancy Strettell, Mr Brian Hewat, Miss Ruby Washer, Mrs Humphries (Oamaru), Mrs A. H. le Hoyles, Mr and Mrs Abbey Jones, Miss Eme Mills, Mr and Mrs D. Macpherson, the Misses Bunty and Bessie Macpherson, Mrs W. Skuse Todd, Miss Peggy Oughton, the Misses Beatrice and May Lawrence (Makarewa), Mr R. H. Brodrick, Messrs E. M. Gilmour, Irvine, Jack Hazlett, King, Owen Williams and Douglas Irving.

Miss Effie Lennie returned to town from Dunedin on Wednesday. Mrs R. N. Todd, left yesterday for a week in Queenstown. Mrs Hoffman, of Dunedin, is the guest of her sister, Mrs W. Skuse Todd, Northend. Miss Gwen Edie, of Birchwood Estate, has returned from an extended trip in Australia.

Mr and Mrs Shepherd and Miss Ryan, travelling with the Sistine Choir, are guests at the Grand Hotel.

Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, and her daughter Mrs Woods, are staying at the Grand Hotel.

Mr W. H. Wilkinson of Tay Street, spent last week-end with her mother at Dipton. Mrs Lisle, of Wellington, is at present in Invercargill with her husband, who is organiser for Sir Joseph Ward’s party. Miss Ivy Milne of Timaru, was the guest of Mrs J. W T . Aitken, Forth Street, during the week.

The engagement is announced of Winifred Mary, second daughter of Mr and Mrs T. D. Pearce, Gala Street, to Mr E. A. Ast ley, Morningside, Auckland. Miss Kathleen Fisher, recently of the Southland Hospital staff, is at present staying with Dr. and Mrs J. Lewis Wicklin, of Auckland.

Mr and Mrs Stringer motored down from Dunedin during the week, returning home yesterday. While here they were guests at the Grand.

Mrs George Moffett gave a party for a number of mothers a”d babies at her home, North Road, on Monday, when a delightful afternoon was spent. “Yes,” said an American girl, “I’ve parked the moss, indefinitely.” This is the latest United States slang for shingle, bingle or bob!

An Invercargill lady who was at “Good Morning, Dearie” in Dunedin last Saturday night, tells me that in the circle there was only one head to be seen with uncut hair!

On Thursday afternoon of last week Lady Marjorie Dalrymple, who is a Lady of Grace of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, was the guest of honour at a reception tendered by the Wellington Nursing Division of the Order of St. John.

A very pleasant dance was held in the Y.M.C.A. hall on Tuesday evening by the members of the St. John’s Sweet Stall. With Mr S. G. August as M.C., some 80 couples danced to Clark’s Jazz Orchestra. Some very pretty fancy costumes were worn by the ladies, the prize going to Miss E. Tinnock and to Mr A. Gordon for the gentlemen. Mr W. Keenlyside was the judge for these. . ,

Mr and Mrs Pennethorne, who, with their little daughter are motoring through New Zealand, are at present the guests of Mrs J. T. Carswell, Yarrow street. Mr Pennethorne is superintendent of Egyptian State Railways, Lower Egypt, and many of our soldiers who were in Egypt during the war have pleasant memories of Mr and Mrs Pennethorne, whose house was always open to the boys, and where any New Zealanders had a specially warm welcome.

An Invercargill girl who knows Miss Helen Fergusson, at least the present Mrs Haviland, was telling me the other day that she is the most unaffected girl in the world. Having lived in the heart of the Highlands, she has lived a very simple, uneventful, life, which is perhaps accountable for her amazing freshness of manner. In a drawing room she always enters into the spirit of the fun, and always insists on handing round the tea. During her short stay in New Zealand she has made a surprising. number of friends.

The All Saints’ Church Bazaar held in the Gladstone Parish Hall on Wednesday and Thursday, proved most successful in every way, and the delightful comedy “Compromising Martha,” staged each night under the management of Mr C. H. Hobbs, received nothing but applause and favourable comment. Mrs F. A. Barclay, of Gladstone, made “Martha” a phenomenal success, and Mrs McCaw as “Monica,” Miss Muir as “Mrs Box” and Mr Hobbs as the

“Curate” were delightful. It is to be hoped that these enterprising amateurs will not let their efforts remain stationary.

Since she lost the regular companionship of Princess Mary the Queen has relied more and more upon her niece, Lady May Cambridge, a daughter of Princess Alice Countess of Athlone, who must not be confused with another niece of the Queen, Lady Mary Cambridge, now Duchess of Beaufort. Lady May accompanied Queen Mary to and is a delightfully unspoilt girl. For the rest, Queen Mary relies upon the Duchess of York, who is one of the busiest of English women, and is fully engaged weeks ahead. For charity functions, no woman, except Queen Mary herself, is a bigger attraction.

On Tuesday Mrs R. A. Anderson entertained a number of guests at her beautiful home at Victoria Park, when the guests of honour were Lady Ward and her daughter Mrs B. B. Woods. The weather was glorious, and the park was ablaze with tfie riotous colour of soring, and fragrant with its perfumes. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent quite informally, those present including Lady Ward and Mrs B. B. Woods, Mrs Horace Macalister, Mrs G. Cruickshank, Mrs Cox, Mrs Ri' '.hie Crawford, Mrs Garfield Crawford, Mrs Donald Macdonald (Edendale), Mrs T. S. Miller, Miss Bedford, Mrs Tucker, Mrs J. L. Watson, Miss Tish Watson. Mrs R. N. Todd, Mrs H. R. Gibson, Mrs J. S. Baxter, Mrs F. J. Loughnan, Miss Stubbs, Mrs F. W. Wade, Mrs Beere (Geraldine). Mrs J. T. Prain, Miss Lulu Henderson, Miss Kathleen ,4nderson.

The mest novel idea in insurance brought forward recently is that of a company which offers to effect an insurance to provide a capital sum to meet the expenses of a girl’s presentation at Court and “coming out” (states an English exchange). It is estimated that a debutante’s expenses amount to more than £4OO. It will be possible to insure a girl at birth, and the capital sum will be paid when she reaches the age of 18 or 19. The Assurance Society has taken expert advice from peeresses on the average cost of a debutante’s “coming out,” and the following table has been compiled:—Court dress, £3O; feather and veil, £1 10s; hairdresser, cut flowers, etc., £10; evening dresses at £l5 each, £9O; opera cloak, £l2 12s; day dresses, including Ascot, £B4; hats at £3 3s each, £3l 10s; pairs day shoes, £l5; pairs evening shoes, £6; underclothing, etc., including dressing gowns, £3O; pairs of stockings, £l3 10s; pairs of gloves at £l2; town and country coats, £35; country skirte, jumpers, and woollen clothes, £4O. Total, £4ll 2s. It ' seems an expensive start in life.

The members of the Garden Circle of the Women’s Club were invited to visit Mrs E. R. Wilson’s garden on the afternoon of Friday, October 23. Much admiration was expressed at the planning of the garden, and the beautiful flowers, more especially the tulips, which were a veritable blaze of colour. Mrs Wilson dispensed afternoon tea and Mrs R. Crawford, deputy chairwoman of the Circle, expressed the thanks of the members for the opportunity of visiting the garden, and for the hospitality shown them. Later a visit was paid to the garden of Mrs A. F. Hawke, where the masses of cherry-tree bloom evoked the admiration of all.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, which will be produced shortly in Invercargill, is being awaited eagerly by many. It is to be staged on Tuesday, November 10, in the new hall next St. John’s Church, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh should be sure not to miss it. This play has been called the wittiest play since Sheridan delighted the world with “The Rivals” and “The School for Scandal.” It is more than that, for it is the most amusing, too. The author was never more gay or irresponsibly delightful than in this work. The bitterness of his later years is in no place apparent in this work. This is the first time that it has been produced in Invercargill, so an opportunity of seeing it that should not be missed. The company has been fortunate in securing the help of Mrs W. W. Millar, who is organising a special orchestra for the performance, so a thoroughly delightful evening’s entertainment is anticipated. The Music Circle of the Women’s Club gave a most? enjoyable afternoon amongst the members yesterday, when the following programme was submitted with much appreciation, following an interesting introduction by Miss Erskine (chairwoman of the Circle) on “Music in America”: —Negro part songs (Scott Gatty), Mesdames Brian Hewat, P. L. Porter, Stanley Brown, J. K. Garrett J. Johnstone Copland, Strachan and Miss MacLeau (accompanied by Mrs J. Garfield Anderson) ; Indian Squaw song (Orlando Morgan), Mrs J. K. Garrett; piano duet (Hezertang), Misses Edie and Erskine; “Long Oga” (Oley Speaks), Mrs Hewat (accompanied by Mrs Abbey Jones) ; musical monologue, “Little Boy Blue” (Field-Neville), Mrs S. Brown (accompanied by Mrs Anderson) ; “Let Miss Lindy Pass” (Winthrop Rogers), Mrs P. L. Porter; piano solos “Venetian Love Song” and “Gondolier Boat Song” (Ethelbert Nevin), Mrs J. G. Anderson; song, “Still as the Night” (Bohm), Mrs Lisle (Wellington), encore, “Open Thy Blue Eyes,” Massenet; Negro part song (Scott Gatty) by the ladies of the first item. Special request items were given by Mrs Hewat, Mrs Stanley Brown and Mrs J. K. Garrett. Those present included Mesdames Humphries (Oamaru) Abbey Jones, W. W. Millar, Mathieson (Dunedin), W. S. Todd, A. E. H. Bath, Arnold McDonald, J. W. A. Prentice, Roland Taylor, J. Robertson, J. Morrison, Shand, McCaw, P. Thomson, Shepherd (Sistine Choir), F. H. Morrah, C. C. Jennings, J. McCrostie, Rankin, J. Gilkison, Graham, Hoffman (Dunedin) and Misses M. Perrin, Keddie, McKay, Ryan (Sistine Choir), Rankin. WAIHOPAI CROQUET CLUB. BIRTHDAY PARTY. It was a very happy company of about 80 guests that gathered at the Parish Hall, Gladstone, on Friday October 16, when the Waihopai Croquet Club held a party on the occasion of attaining their second birthday. The week had been full of engagements, political and otherwise and the committee regret that the original date had to be altered preventing many well-wishers and supporters from being present. All the decorations were carried out in the club colours, black and gold, a most pleasing and striking combination. The hall and stage were beautifully decorated with its setting of evergreens, streamers, balloons, comfy chairs and glorious bowls of pink and scarlet rhododendrons, daffodils and daises. One end of the dance hall was arranged as a lounge with a cosy carpet, and chairs, and in the centre a table, the cover being crepe paper, black and gold, on which was placed a large bowl of daffodils adding a most charming effect to the hall.

The supper room was a perfect picture of beauty and artistic arrangement. Two arches were formed of evergreens, on which were dainty cut out flowers in the Club colours ; these flower streamers also formed the light shades and looked so pretty in the alternate colours. All round the walls and across the room were streamers ending with yellow and gold balloons or lights. An arch was formed over the fireplace with black and gold mantle drape and very dark auricleas in low bowls. The table was a very novel idea, the cloth also made of black and gold crepe paper and very charming it looked with its scalloped edges, and croquet mallets and balls, cut out in the contrasting shades and placed here and there. The flowers were lovely yellow daffodils and Japanese roses, and low bowls of purple violas in profusion making the table look very graceful indeed. The table was laden with supper dishes made by the members, and on the far end of the table was the birthday cake (made and donated by Mrs Chaplin) and handsomely decorated by the A.C.M. Ltd., the decoration being quite unique with croquet mallets, balls and candles all in the club colours. The guests were received by the President, Mrs T. D. Kingsland and Mrs Chaplin. Very quaint the members looked with their paper hats made in club colours giving quite a festive touch to the proceedings. A pleasant card-drive occupied the early part of the evening; the snip-cards were minature croquet mallets in club colours adorned with one or more black croquet balls. Rounds of applause greeted the prize winners, Mr and Mrs T. D. Kingsland. The Hon. A. F. Hawke and Mrs Hawke presented these prizes—second prize Miss Munro and Mr Tait—Booby Miss Duncan and Mr. McNeill. Mrs Kingsland presented these prizes and each were the recipients of paper hats made in club colours causing great amusement. Supper was then partaken of, Mr T. D. Kingsland presiding and in his speech made complimentary remarks to the ladies for their enterprise and the good feeling existing in the Association as a whole. The Croquet Club seems to have filled a niche in the social life of Gladstone, judging by its success, he said, and he wished the Club many happy returns of the day. Mrs Kingsland then lit the candles and Mrs Hawke cut the cake amidst applause. The Hon. A. F. Hawke replied for the ladies in a witty speech asking all to join up and put their shoulder to the wheel and in five years the Waihopai Sports Association will be one of the beauty spots of Invercargill and second to none. After supper dancing and games were enjoyecj, then the ladies hats were judged quite and each lady and gentleman had a lucky dip, the prize takers being Miss Munro and Mr W. G. Tait. The card game was very amusing and it took some manipulating to get the cards into the various hats—the winners were Miss Hughes and Mr T. D. Kingsland. The evening was considered one of the most successful, and a very happy gathering broke up a little after midnight with three ringing cheers for the Croquet Club, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and The National Anthem. Great credit was due to Mrs Chaplin who designed and carried out the colour scheme so successfully and to Mi- Chaplin for donating the prizes. Mrs Newman (Lennel) choice flowers, Mrs Stewart (Bainfield) Japanese roses for the table, Hon. A. F. Hawke (a handsome donation) Mrs C. J, Broad (a donation) and all other members and workers who helped to make the evening so enjoyable, the committee wish to thank.

Among those present were : Mr and Mrs T. D. Kingsland, Hon. A. F. Hawke and Mrs Hawke, Mr and Mrs C. J. Broad, Mr and Mrs Tait, Mr and Mrs A. Weeney, Mr and Mrs Wren, Mr and Mrs L. Gray, Mr and Mrs McNeill, Mr and Mrs F. Kingsland, Mr and Mrs Chaplin, Mr and Mrs Robertson, Mr and Mrs Norton, Mr and Mrs Anderson, Mr and Mrs Burn, Mr and Mrs Cooper,

Mr and Mrs Speira, Mr and Mrs H. Smith, Mr and Mrs E. Watt. Mesdames, Edie, Hughes, Provan, Munro, Todd, Nicholson, Fraser, Carnigie, Stevens, Bird. Messrs Whitmore, Hughes, M. Clark, C. Broad, Dawson, Duncan, Price (3), Burn, Legge, Edie, D. Fraser, Munro, Kingdand. Messrs J. Officer, Fraser, J. Price, Burn, and many more. VICE-REGAL FAMILY WEDDING. MISS HELEN FERGUSSON AND MAJOR HAVILAND. Brilliant sunshine and the bluest of skies were very happy auguries for the wedding on Tuesday of Miss Helen Dorothea Fergusson, only daughter of Their Excellencies General Sir Charles Fergusson and Lady Alice Fergusson, to Major Leonard Probyn Haviland (Indian Army), military secretary to the Governor-General, and son of the late Rev. A. C. Haviland and Mrs Haviland, St. Michael’s Manor, St. Albans, England. The marriage, in which all New Zealand has taken a deep interest, has forged yet another link between the people of this country and Their Excellencies, as it is the first of its kind ever to have occurred in the Dominion. In such circumstances it was not surprising that there was a very large gathering of people outside the church grounds to see the bridal party arrive and depart, Mulgrave Street from St. Paul’s to the beginning of Lambton Quay, being massed with onlookers. The pro-Cathedral in which the ceremony took place had been very charmingly decorated for the occasion, arum lilies, flanked with tall palms, being grouped about the choir stalls, and also upon the altar. At the end of the chancel steps were grouped clusters of white azaleas, white stock, masses of hot-house fern, the palest of mauve cineraries, and more arum lilies, which contrasted most effectively with the crimson carpet and baize of the new furnishings. As a setting for the bridal group the arrangements were particularly picturesque and harmonious. Her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson, who arrived in the church shortly before the bride, wore a frock of steel grey lace over satin of the same shade, with touches of blue and a grey hat massed with saxe blue ostrich feathers.

The ceremony was performed by the Bishop of Wellington, assisted by Archdeacon Johnson vicar of St. Paul’s proCathedral, and the Rev. E. K. Fry, vicar of St. Mark’s Church. The bride, who was escorted and given away by her father, was met at the entrance by the officiating clergy and the choir, who preceded her up the aisle singing the Scottish Metrical Version of the 23rd Psalm, “The Lord Is My Shepherd.”

The service was fully choral, and the wedding music was played by Mr Robert Parker. The frock worn by the bride was of white satin beaute with low-set waistline defined by a broad diamante belt, long hand-embroidered sleeves and corsage draped from the shoulder on one side. The skirt which was cut with a circular flare effect, was draped with beautiful old Brussels lace, and the train of hem-stitched crepe ninon was finished with a deep circular border of the same beautiful lace appliqued on to the ninon. The veil of old Brussels lace, which had been worn by her grandmother, Lady Edith Ramsay, at her wedding, was arranged in a point over the hair and held in place with a wreath of tiny orange blossoms. Instead of a bouquet the bride carried a small ivory-bound Prayer-book. The bridesmaids were her cousin, Miss OrrEwing, Miss Elfie Reed (daughter of the Hon. Vernon Reed, M.L.C., and Mrs Reed), and Miss Margaret Peters (daughter of Commander A. M. Peters, D.S.C., H.M.S. Dunedin, and Mrs Peters). The elder bridesmaid’s frock was of apricot georgette made with a tunic finished with a deep band of looped amber silk braid and short sleeves. A veil of the same coloured georgette was held with a wreath of flowers to match. The two little girls were also in apricot georgette frocks with the waist defined by a low-set girdle of flowers, and veils held with head-bands of flowers to match. All three carried loose clusters of apricot and flame azaleas and white heather from Scotland. The best man was Mr David J. Keswick, Assistant-Private Secretary to His Excellency the Governor-General. During the service the 67th Psalm, the hymns “O Perfect Love” and “Now Thank We All Our God,” were sung, and as the bride and bridegroom left the church the Wedding March was played. The house party, other than the members of the staff, comprised Lady Marjorie Dalrymple, Mrs Vernon Reed (Bay of Islands) and her daughter, Mrs Peters (Auckland) and her daughter, Miss Boyle and Commander Boyle (Christchurch). Acting as ushers were Mr A. C. Day (Official Secretary), Mr Little (Private Secretary), and Commander Boyle, and Mr Bernard Fergusson handed the printed hymns to the guests, of whom there were very many. As Miss Fergusson arrived at the church she passed through a guard of honour formed of a detachment of Girl Guides, and as she later left with Major Haviland they passed through another of sailors from H.M.S. Dunedin, who were also present at the wedding ceremony. It was to an accompaniment of hearty cheering that the bride and bridegroom drove away from the church. THE WEDDING RECEPTION. Following the wedding ceremony, a largely attended reception was held by Their Excellencies at Government House. As the guests drew near the gates opening into the i grounds a very animated scene awaited them, rows of children from St. Mark’s School lining the road on both sides, vigorously cheering and waving miniature Union Jades in honour of the bride and bridegroom. In the brilliant sunshine the gardens and lawns were looking very beautiful in their new garments of spring and bed of stock, wall-flowers, anemones, and other flowers showed the gayest of colours in brilliant contrast to the velvety green which formed their setting. Their Excellencies received in the large reception rooms and there, too, the bride and bridegroom received the congratulations and good wishes of those who were present. In the ballroom tea was served, and the health of the bridal pair honoured. Sir Frances Bell proposed the toast. Occupying a place of honour at the head of the ballroom was the wedding cake, four tiers high, and decorated with orange blossom, horse-shoes, and all the other emblems of good luck. It had been made by Mrs McCraw (a Scotch member of the household staff), and many complimentary remarks were made of her handiwork. In the billiard room were displayed the wedding presents, which were very beautiful, and included many that were unique and rare. Among them was much silver, several greenstone gifts, including two or three clocks set in greenstone, a huia feather worn by Maori kings, pictures, leatherwork, linen, beautiful old china and a great many other gifts. Very beautiful also were the flowers, which were to be seen in all the rooms—lilac, arabus, white and yellow garden broom, cinerarias, and rununculi adding their fragrance and beauty to the scene. Later everybody gathered in the vestibule and outside to speed the departure of Major and Mrs Haviland and it was in showers of rice that they finally escaped in their motor. The bride travelled in a navy frock trimmed with red, and a small red hat. WEDDINGS. MANGIN-BREWSTER. On Wednesday morning, October 21, the wedding took place at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, of Florence May, fourth daughter of Mrs James Brewster, Earnslaw Street, Northend, and the late James Brewster, Tckanui, to Albert Leicester son of Mr and Mrs J. F. Mangin of Methven, North Canterbury, the Rev. J. Collie officiating. The church had been prettily decorated by friends of the bride, and appropriate music was supplied by the church organist, Mr Lightbody. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr. John. Brewster, wore a simple frock of ivory marccain, with long bishop sleeves of georgette, and a girdle of silver leaves at the waistline, with a spray of

orange blossom on one shoulder and a similar spray near the hem. Her veil of ! tulle, was beautifully worked, and was : kept in place by a band cf silver leaves, • silver shoes and a sheaf of arum lilies com- : pleted her toilette. The bride was attended by her sister Daisy, who wore a dainty frock of coral French crepe-de-chene, re- , lieved with touches of lavender, and on her head a coronet of small'flcwers, finished with tulle streamers to tone. She carried . a bouquet of pink and white camellias, i and wore a gold armlet, the gift of the ■ bridegroom. 1 After the ceremony the guests adjourned | to the Federal Tearcoms, where the wedding breakfast was partaken of, the Rev. J. Collie presiding. A short toast list was honoured, after which the bridal party left ; for the photographers, and later the bride ’ and bridegroom left for the North, rne bride travelling in a smart nigger brown gabardine ccstume, with a model hat to i tone. A number of congratulatory messages ; i were received. The bridegroom’s gift to I i the bride was an ivoroid toilet set, and the . bride’s to the bridegroom, a travelling rug, and to the best man, a set of military , brushes. On their return from the honey- , moon the young couple will reside at i Methven. AITKEN—DEMPSTER. ! St. Paul’s Church, Dee street, was the i scene of a pretty wedding at 1 o’clock on ■ Wednesday afternoon, when Barbara, eldest I daughter of Mr and Mrs John Dempster, of j ■ Woodlands, was married to Alexander Gor- } • don, third son of Mr and Mrs J. W. Aitken, • Forth street. The Rev. J. Chisholm per- j ; formed the ceremony in a church bedecked j I with spring flowers and greens. I j The bride, given away by her father, wore i , a sweet frock of ivory brocaded crepe-de- ! i chene, low-waisted and swathed in the ! material terminating in a rosette at one side i centred with pearl beads and deeply looped. ! Ivory radium lace formed an apron effect i in the front, and was inlet in deep semii circles in the short sleeves. Her veil of | cream silk net was lent to her by the bridel groom’s mother, who wore it at her own ■ wedding a considerable number of years ago. It was arranged in a soft mob-cap, wreathed in orange blossom and wreathes, and touched with silver thread. White shoes and ' stockings, and the lovely bouquet of narcissi and tulips which she carried, completed a pretty toilet.

She was attended by her cousin, Miss Ivy Milne, of Timaru, in apricot charmeuse with long gold lace sleeves, the apron in front inlet with a deep band of the lace. The low waistline was defined by a light girdle of faint gold leaves touched with blue, broadening to a posy of apricot flowers at one side. Her hat was of black crepe-de-chene, with a tiny trim of black law em-

bossed in gold. At one side was a cluster of apricot fruit and from the other black ribbon streamers hung. She carried one of the most beau ful bouquets I have ever seen, of rich autumn-tinted wall-flowers and tulips and anemones, tiled with a wide tony ribbon to form streamers. Ihe bridegroom’s brother, Mr James R. Aitken, of Napier, was best man. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was a black fox fur, and to the bridesmaid a pearl ring and a art-glass scent spray. The bride’s gift to the groom was a leather suit case, and to the best man a set of ebony military brushes.

After the ceremony about sixty guests sat down to the breakfast at the Federal, where again the Rev. Chisholm presided. Mrs Dempster received her guests in a frock of navy marocain and a small navy hat with white ospreys. Mrs Aitken was in brown marocain, with a small saxe blue hat, Both ladies carried posies of spring flowers. Later in the afternoon Mr and Mrs Aitken, junior, left by motor on their honeymoon, the bride travelling in a costume of cinammon marocain, with hat, shoes and stockings to match. They will live in South Invercargill. On the eve of their wedding a reception was held for the young people at the home of Mr and Mrs J. W. Aitken, senior, and they were the recipients of a large number of both useful and delightful presents. Last week Mrs S. Wills, of Gladstone, gave a kitchen evening in Miss Dempster’s honour, the time passing pleasantly in music, competitions, games, dancing and cards. WINTON NOTES. (From our Correspondent.) Mr J. A. D. Adams, the founder of the well-known firm of Dunedin solicitors, has been the guest of his niece, Mrs L. Irwin. Mrs W. Bird and family (Invercargill), ■ were here for the week-end. Mrs W. Blee, who has been staying with ' Mrs Blee, senior, left for her home in Dunedin on Monday. Nurse Brown has gone to Invercargill for a week. Miss Maggie Cunningham and her cousin, Miss Annie Horrell, are spending the weekend with Mrs Horrell, Te Tua. Mr and Mrs A. Edwards and family went to Invercargill last week to attend the Lawrence-Logan wedding. Mrs Hamilton, senior, is visiting friends in the district. The Hon. A. F. Hawke (Invercargill), has been the guest of Mrs J. A. Horner. Mrs J. R. Hunter and family (Dunearn), are staying with her mother, Mrs McNaughton. Mr Inglis, senior Inspector of schools, who is visiting the schools in the district, is staying at the Winton Hotel. The name of Miss V. Kidd, of this town, appears in the list of Otago cnadidates who were successful in completing Class D last August. Mr and Mrs O’Callaghan and family (Dipton), spent a few days with Mrs A. Edwards. Mr F. de la Terrelle of the Bank of New Zealand, Invercargill, and formerly of Winton, has been promoted to the position of teller at Mosgiel. Miss May Piercey (Mataura), is staying with Mrs J. Brown. The Rev. S. Prenter, 8.A., of St. Clair, Dunedin, was the guest of Mr and Mrs T. A. McWilliam for the week-end. Mrs T. Ritchie (Dunedin), is the guest of her daughter, Mrs T. Walker. Mr D. B. Steven, who has been manager of Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co.’s Winton store for a number of years, has been promoted to the position of manager of the merchandise department in Invercargill. Mr Colin McKenzie, of Invercargill, I is temporarily in charge here. Mr L. Walsh, of the Bank of New Zealand, Otautau, spent the week-end with his mother, Mrs J. Walsh. Miss May Witting, of Invercargill, is spending the week-end with Miss G. Gill. The engagement is announced of Miss Jean Watson, second daughter of Mr and Mrs James Watson to Mr Thomas Springford of Invercargill. The Winton bowling season was officially opened by the President, Mr J. A. Broom, on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of a large number of members and friends. Mrs J. A. Broom rolled the first bowl and the rinks were occupied until late in the evening. A match between teams representing the president and the immediate past vicepresident resulted in a win for the latter by six points. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the lady members of the club. Winton seldom has the opportunity of listening to such an excellent concert as that given by the members of the Invercargill Amateur Operatic Society in the Radio Theatre on Tuesday evening. Everything went with a good swing for which the stage manager, Mr A. F. Grenfell deserves a mead of praise. The fare was bright and varied, and most of the performers deservedly received encores. The programme opened with a bright little chorus from the company and was followed by songs from Mesdames J. D. Campbell, “Hail Caledonia,” and “I Know a Lovely Garden,’; J. Halliday “Break o’ Day” and “Coming Thro’ The Rye”; Miss M. Betteridge “May Morning” and “Keep On Hopin’ ”; I. Maxwell “The Blackbird’s Song,” and “Devotion”; J. M. Race “I Love the Moon” and “You in A Gondola”;

I Messrs A. F. Grenfell “Give a Man a Horae I He Can Ride” and “Old Clothes and Fine ' Clothes”; D. French “Friend o’ Mine” and ! “Rose o’ My Heart”; P. Marchant “Captain ’ Mac” and “The Lute Player”; comic songs, I Mr A. Vernon “Oh, Gee! Oh, Gosh I”, ! “Maggie,” and “Has Anybody Seen My j Pom”; songs with choruses, Mrs J. D. ; Campbell and company “Glow Worm,” and ; Mr A. F. Grenfell and company “Funiculi Funicula”; duos Miss M. Cardno and Mr i A. Vernon “Are You Going to Dance,” and “Linger Longer”; Japanese Scena “Poor : Butterfly,” Miss Maxwell and party; recitai tions, Messrs E. H. Ball “The Eye Glass”; | J. Halliday “Inebriated Elocutionist,” “In A ; Garden,” “Serial Story,” and “Pastorale”; ' Russian dance, Miss D. Forrester; Ragtime Dance Miss Daisy Siddall; and Dance Duo, ! Misses D. Forrester and D. Siddall. The ac- ' companists were Mesdames A. E. H. Bath, , : A.T.C.L., and J. Halliday. At the conclusion of the concert Mr F. Tilley, secretary of I the Winton School Committee, thanked the j performers for coming to the aid of the | Winton School. The programme had been a very fine one, and had been thoroughly enjoyed by all. The performers were enter- , tained at supper after which Mr A. Hamilj ton, secretary of the Invercargill Amateur ■ Operatic Society, thanked the School ComI mittee and teachers for their hospitality. It had been a pleasure to assist the Winton | people to whom the society was indebted | for the scores of “The Pirates of Penzance.” j A short but enjoyable dance followed, the 1 music for which was played by Mesdames i Halliday, McArthur, Miss Deegan (piano), ' and Mr B. D. Mehaffey (violin). Mr F. Moore made an efficient M.C. Votes of | thanks were accorded to the- musicians who played for the dance and also to Messrs J. Brown and E. Bedford for the assistance rendered by them during the evening. The following district candidates were successful at the recent teachers’ examinations:—Partial pass for Class D—Ellayne A. Mullay, Annie Freda M. Raines, Ethel C. Smith; pass or partial pass in three groups for Class D—Robert J. Griffiths, Marguerite F. Hanley, Lilian B. McConachie ; pass in group one for Class D Evelyn M. Blackmun, Helen S. J. Clinch, Jane B. Gunn, Ina Elvina Liddel, Matilda Veda McKenzie; pass or partial pass in one group of Class D—Charlotte P. Clark, Rena M. Coster, Irene Catherine J. Kania, Agnes Grace Robertson.

OTAUTAU NOTES. (From our Correspondent.) Dr and Mrs A. A. Stewart and family left for their new home in Invercargill on Wednesday. Mrs H. L. Chandler is at present s on a visit to Bluff, and'" is the guest of Mrs Mitchell. The following local teachers were successful in obtaining partial passes for Class D jin the teachers’ examinations: Misses Iris Gordon, Isabella Grace Aitken and Grace Helena James (Group I). Mrs Finlayson, Dipton, paid a visit to Mr and Mrs H. S. Gould during the week. Mrs J. G. C. Baker gave a very enjoyable afternoon at her residence, Lieman Street, last week, when two novel competitions were held, these being won by Mrs G. H. Stevens (book competition), and Miss • Campbell (flower competition). The hostess l dispensed a very enjoyable afternoon tea. I The following were present: Mesdames Sin- ! clair, Baker, Gould, Porteous, Hall, Chisholm, Booth, Burns, Hamlin, G. Low, Duncan, Roberts, Arthur, Brass, J. E. Stevens, Rowe and G. H. Stevens. •

The following were noticed amongst those present at the farewell social to Dr and Mrs A. A. Stewart in the Town Hall on Monday evening: Mr and Mrs G. H. Stevens, Mr and Mrs W. J. Wesney, Mr and Mrs H. Foster (Invercargill), Mr and Mrs M. Gonley, Mr and Mrs J. Fisher, Mr and Mrs Ronald (Nightcaps), Mr and Mrs A. A. Fisher, Mr and Mrs J. R. Corkhill, Mr and Mrs A. Thomas, Mr and Mrs Muirhead (Aparima), Mr and Mrs C. Renowden, Mr and Mrs Credgington (Invercargill), Mr and Mrs W. Scobie (Eastern Bush), Mr and Mrs M. Coulter, Mr and Mrs H. Booth, Mr and Mrs J. Scatter, Mr and Mrs A. Harrington, Mr and Mrs R. Donnelly (Wairio), Mr and Mrs E. Harrington, Mr and Mrs R. H. Walker, Mr and Mrs W. Coulter, Mr and Mrs W. Kennedy (Bayswater), Mr and Mrs J. Thomson, Mr and Mrs A. A. Liddell, Dr and Mrs A. A. Stewart, Dr and Mrs Reekie, Mr and Mrs G. Low (Bayswater), Mr and Mrs F. Duncan, Mr and Mrs Currie, Mr and Mrs D. McCrostie, Mr and Mrs R. B. Collett, Mr and Mrs Roberts, Mr and Mrs Smellie, Mr and Mrs D. McCrostie, Mr and Mrs R. B. Collett, Mr and Mrs Roberts, Mr and Mrs Smellie, Mr and Mrs L. J. Brown, Mr and Mrs Maxwell, Mr and Mrs F. J. Collie (Bayswater), Mr and Mrs T. H. W’alker, Mr and Mrs J. M. Lindsay, Mr and Mrs H. D. Collie (Bayswater), Mr and Mrs G. Sinclair, Mr and Mrs Teviotdale (Isla Bank), and Mr and Mrs G. B. Burns, Mesdames M. O’Brien, S. Mclntosh, Hope, T. Burns, Brass, Lightfoot, Ryan, Chisholm, Laing, Hope, Ayton (Aparima), Arthur, W. H. Walker, and J. N. Brown, Misses Calder (Aparima), B. Walker, Morgan (2), Edie (Birchwood) (2), McKay (Invercargill), Mills, Chapman, N. Oughton (Invercargill), Hawthorne (Aparima), Renowden (2), Muirhead (Aparima), K. Walker, Sheedy, Maloney, Stewart (5), Ryan, Fisher, McDougall (3), B. Scatter, Laing (2), Stevens, Hope, K. Macdonald, Kirkpatrick, Laidlaw, Stroud (2), Shaw, Donnan, Arthur, Beck, J. Collie (Bayswater), Hayes, Beggs, Burns, and Nurse McNab, Messrs W. J. A. McGregor (Birchwood), H. Bone, Geary, Mclvor, R. S. Harrington, 0. Edie (Birchwood), C. Yates, E. Matheson, McKenzie, Mitchell, L. Collie (Bayswater), Allan (Wairio), Irving, McAnergney, J. R. Haigh (Invercargill), W. Walker senr., Hawthorne (Aparima), R. Liddell, Ireland (2), F. H. Francis, Kirk, Jellyman, A. H. Lindsay, P. Beggs, Smith (2), Sadlier, Martin, W. Macdonald (Drummond), E. Fisher, Spence, Ottrey, Chandler, A. Coulter, Grant (Bayswater), Grieve, Taylor (Ringway Ridges), and Aitcheson. Miss Nan Oughton, Invercargill, spent a few days during the week with Mrs and Miss Ryan, Catrine Street. Miss Janet Ferguson is leaving shortly to take up a course of nursing, and purposes entering the Riverton Hospital as a probationer. Mrs Meredith, Invercargill, paid a visit to the township during the week, and was the guest of Mr and Mrs W. Wesney.

RIVERTON GOSSIP (From our Correspondent.) Mrs Draper, Dunedin, who has been staying with Miss Mills, has returned home. Mr Matthew Robertson, of the Bank of New Zealand, Auckland, is on a visit to his people in South Riverton. Mr and Mrs N. Pemberton, South Riverton left for Nightcaps during the week, where they intend to reside. Mr Gifford, Wyndham, spent a few days at the seaside. Mr P. Fahey, Dunedin, is on a visit to friends. Mrs Brass, Makarewa, is on a visit to friends. Mrs George Brown, Thornbury, has been staying with her sister, Mrs A. Gilchrist, South Riverton. Mrs Learmont, Gore, is staying with her sister. . Miss Watson, of Otago Central, is spending a few days at the seaside. Miss Fletcher, of Wyndham, has been staying with Mr and Mis G. Dickson, South Riverton. Miss Gifford, Wyndham, who has been spending a few days at the seaside, has returned home. Mrs Jones, of Scott’s Gap, is staying with Miss Younger. At the Great Western Hotel : Mr R. Watson, Dunedin; Mr K. Ansley, Invercargill; Miss Drumm, Invercargill; Mr Springford, Dunedin; Mr Dorry, Wellington; Mr D. Gain, Dunedin; Mr Isitt, Christchurch; Mr Oxenham, Dunedin; Mr W. Brown, Invercargill. Miss McLeod, of Timaru, is staying with friends.

At the Railway Hotel:—Mr Ruck, Christchurch; Mr Cameron, Invercargill; Mr Robson, Dunedin; Mr Mayer, Sydney; Mr Hall, Wyndham; Mr Gifford, Wyndham; Mr

Brown, Invercargill; Mr C. Reeves, Christchurch; Mr Provan, Christchurch; Mr and Mrs Raymond, Tuatapere. Mrs and Miss Bell, of Dunedin, are spending a short holiday in the south. Mrs A. Castle, Orepuki, has been staying with her mother, Mrs G. Stevenson. Mrs Collinson, Invercargill, is staying with Mr and Mra Baxter. Mr W. Smyth, has returned after an enjoyable trip throughout Otago Central. Mr and Mrs Hislop, Christchurch are holidaying in the south. Mr R. D. Kennedy, of Winton, was a visitor to the Birchwood and Riverton races. Mrs Dobbie, Dunedin, is visiting her parents, Dr and Mrs Trotter. Mr and Mrs Russell, Dunedin, spent the week-end at the seaside. A Miss McKenzie, Temuka, is on a visit to friends in the south. M, Adam Prentice, Tuatapare, is the guest of Mr and Mrs J. Prentice, Bath Road. A pleasant time was spent at an evening at the residence of Mr and Mrs Walden. Among those present were: Mrs Walden cinnamon accordeon pleated crepe-de-chene), Mrs Helm (black silk), Mrs Strang (green), Mrs Berndtson (pink crepe-de-chene), Miss Mills (royal blue crepe-de-chene), Miss Brown (pink georgette), Miss Petchell (black velvet), Miss McNeil (cream silk), Miss Price (rose satin), Miss Banks (silver tissue), Miss P. Trotter (pink crepe-de-chene), Miss O. Trotter (blue velvet), I. Trotter (white silk), Messrs Stuart (3), Hazlett, Gilmour, Berndtson, Helm, Walden, Irving, Cockburn, Hickey, Edie (2), Trotter (2). On Wednesday evening the members of the Oddfellow’s Lodge held a dance, and a very enjoyable time was spent by those present. The arrangements were excellent, the floor in good order and the catering was up to the usual standard. Mr Urquhart’s orchestra (Thornbury) supplied first-class music, while Mr Lex Cloughley made an efficient M.C. Those present were: Mesdames W. Hawke, Martin, Urquhart, McDougall, Misses Sim, Sheedy, Mclvor (2), Trail (2), Moir, Stevenson, McKay (2), Cairns, Leader, Hopwood (2), Nicol, Stevens, Cosgrove, McCall. Stuart, Urquhart. Messrs Cloughley, Balch (2), Langford, McCarthy, Looney, Ellis, Barron. Busbridge, McKay, Wilkins, Hillis Johnstone, Fleck (2), Lee, Beer and Hopwood.

Favoured with beautiful weather the races passed off successfully. There was no occasion to don overcoats. The northern | visitors should carry away with them fav--1 ourable impressions of our climatic condiI tions, and the good clean sport provided in the south. Amongst the many Riverton and country people present the writer noticed the following: Mesdames Trotter, Gordon, De Clifford, Gee, J. A. Martin, Trail. McKay, Webb, Petchell. Walden. Guest, McDougall, iJ. Hodgson, Dickson, Williams, Helm, I Strang, Banks, Stevens. Pankhurst. Ellis, I Willett, Hancock (2), Mirrielees, Kers?, i Dobbie, Foster, Church, Allen, Jameson, ' Branks (2), Ford, Kelly, Hawke. Nicol, McDougall, Hislop and Urquhart. Misses 1 Brown (2), Petchell, Price, Trotter (3), Mc- ' Kay, Mclvor (2). Sheedy. Moir. Johnstone, j Munro, Me Nay (Winton), Bulman, Kelly, I Gordon (2), Gifford, Bell (2), McNaughton (2), Woodward, Robinson (3), Looney (2), Stevenson, Cairns, O’Neil, Branks, Stevens, Fehey, Nicol, Hislop. Messrs Hodgson, (Fahey (Dunedin), Trotter, Helm, Rouse, Cockburn, Johnstone, Willett. Williams, Hancock, Dickson, Edie (2), Foster, Church, Stuart (3), Goldie, Balch (4), Alien (3), Shirley, Malcolm, Orr. McKay, Kennedy (2), Jameson, Port, Kelly. Mr and Mrs Marshall, of Dunedin, are visiting friends in the south, and leave for home on Wednesday. BLUFF NOTES. (From our Correspondent.) On Monday evening the congregation of St Mary’s Church held a most successful social and euchre tournament in the Drill Hall. The following evening the members of the “Merry Maker’s” local amateur revue company were entertained in Barber’s Hall by the School Committee. The school and athenaeum funds have benefited considerably by the recent performances in the Drill Hall. Mrs Shiels left on Thursday morning for a holiday in Greymouth. Mr G. R. George returned recently from a holiday in Central Otago. A goodly sprinkling of Bluffites was among the audiences for the Sistine Choir season. Amongst those who motored up were Mr and Mrs ,E. A. Nichol, Mr and Mrs J. Hamilton, Misses Torrance, Metzger, and Messrs D. Parry, Greene, etc. Mrs King, of Dunedin, is staying with her daughter, Mrs O. F. Metzger. The many friends of Mrs G. R. Waddel will be glad to know that she is making very satisfactory progress after her recent operation.

Rev. and Mrs A. S. Moffatt have returned' from a short holiday in Dunedin for Synod. Mrs W. Hinchey is accompanying her husband on his electioneering campaign. A large number motored from the Port to Riverton races, where a most enjoyable outing was spent. Mrs F. A. Wilson and her two children, of Bluff, w r ho have been visiting Mrs Wilson’s mother, Mrs McQuarrie, Georgetown, leave for home to-day. Captain G. W. Lindsay has returned with the tug from the Port Chalmers docks. GORE CHAT. (From our Correspondent.) Mr and Mrs C. R. Williamson are spending a holiday in the North Island. Mre D. B. McKenzie has returned from Dunedin. Mr and Mrs T. L. Piller spent the weekend at Kaka Point. Mrs J. A. Blaikie has returned from an enjoyable holiday spent at Dunedin. Mrs Inglis, who had been on a visit to the Misses Mac Gibbon, East Gore, has returned to Dunedin. The final of the ladies’ golf championship w’as played on Saturday and resulted in a win for Mrs A. J. McEwan, who beat Mrs G. C. Hamilton, 8 up and 6 to play. Mr A. W. Downer, who had been spending his annual vacation at Nelson, has returned to Gore. Mr and Mrs J. Graham and Miss Graham are spending a holiday at Kaka Point. Mrs W. Turnbull is on a visit to Timaru. Mrs G. F. Inder has returned from a visit to Dunedin. Mr T. H. Hughes, of the staff of the local branch of the Bank of Australasia, has received notice of his transfer on promotion to Napier branch as accountant. Miss Bowler, who has been on a visit to Napier, Christchurch and Waimate, has returned home. Mrs J. A. Brown, Devon Street, was hostess at a delightful bridge and Mah Jongg party on Wednesday afternoon. Dainty afternoon tea was dispensed in the dining room, the table decorations being yellow tulips and primroses. The prizes for bridge were won by Mrs A. A. Mac Gibbon, Mrs P. A. Thomson and Mrs R. Domigan, and the Mah Jongg prize by Mrs E. C. Wilson. Others present were Miss Kirk, Mesdames C. O. Lillie, W. Kirk, D. Harvey, J. A. Edwards, R. L. Grant, H. C. MacGibbon, W. A. Hammond, A. W. Thomson, R. Fisher, M. Green, Misses Gibbs and I. Taylor. A very pleasant little function took place at the Gore High School on Monday afternoon, on the occasion of a visit by the members of the board of governors to the school and grounds. The lady members of the staff provided a very dainty afternoon tea, to which the members of the board were invited. Mr J. Hunter, rector, said the staff was pleased at the acceptance by the board of the invitation of the lady members of the staff. The chairman of the board, Mr E. C. Smith, suitably replied and thanked the ladies for their hospitality. He asked all present to be his guests on the afternoon of the next meeting of the board, when he hoped a pleasant half hour would eventuate. On Wednesday afternoon in glorious weather the Gore Croquet Club opened its season. The green and surroundings were