WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 21, 2 March 1914, Page 4

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

From Our Special Correspondent. WELLINGTON, February 28. Any doubt as to the reception the Tango would get in New Zealand was dispelled when the phenomenal rush for tickets took place this morning—the novelty, combined with the moderate expense, has been mainly responsible for the large numbers of parties arranged, and the hopes of late-comers in the way of good seats fell below zero when one man after another booked for 10. Then, of course, curiosity was a strong' facte* in the rush. Afternoon tea and ices will be served in dro-ss circle and stalls, and the house on Tuesday afternoon promises to be a very '' dressy'' one. THE TANGO DANCER. Miss Margot Maurice is the beautiful dancer who, with Mr Oswald, was especially engaged in America to give exhibitions of the Tango in Australasia, and whatever doubts one might have had about the propriety or refinement of the dance vanish after a few minutes' conversation with this lady. She is of medium height, with Irish gold hair rolled high at the back and parted with a pretty wave in front. She- is, of course, most graceful and beautifully formed, and—am I telling secrets I wonder? —she wears the most beautiful engagement ring of four large diamonds set in the quaintest W&y. Engagements naturally make one's thoughts divert towards clothes, and I found Miss Maurice in her room, surrounded with beautiful garments. "My dear," she exclaimed, "I am just unpacking my frocks. Can you find a seat! And then for the next hour, I was bewildered with the charm of beautiful gowns and dainty accessories such as artistic and charming women love. The materials in many cases were such that we never see, so soft and exquisite in texture and so beautiful in design. Perhaps the Tango dresses would in-, terest you most. The first was of the new terraeotta shade of some soft, silky rich material more beautiful than cashmere de soie; the skirt was draped in graceful folds narrowing towards the feet, and, of course, open from the knee to give free movement, but an inner panel is so arranged in all these gowns that the display of limb will be infinitesimal, and our dear Mother Grundy can find no fault on that score. The bodice is of fine black tulle over white net, and a Tango flounce of black tulle falls softly to below the hips., and is edged with borders of dark sable, which also finishes the corsage. The sleeves are w.isps of black tulle from shoulder to wrist, caught with strands pf fur and bracelets of diamante. Her shoes and. stockings match exactly, and with this gown is worn a head-dress of ninon—a lovely shade with wide bandeau of silver studded with red jewels and beads of jet. Strands of red and black beads are festooned over each ear, falling to the neck, and immediately in front a high and graceful feather is effectively placed. Another frock is of shell pink satin draped over deep flounces of gold embroidered lace falling from the waist and merging into folds of shell pink chiffon. The corsage is of chiffon and net, and is finished with a wide belt of pale blue ribbon with an embossed design of pansies in natural colours. The simple angel sleeves are bordered with brilliants. As a complete change a very lovely coat and skirt is to be worn on one occasion. It is of putty white, the skirt" of corded silk velour draped at one side and gathered into a silk buckle—these oblong buckles adorn one or two of her latest frocks, —-and the coat is of some beautiful brocaded material cut with semi-fitting back, and the front is semidetached, but exquisite in fit. A lacy blouse is worn with this, and her extremely chic hat has a circle of bright emerald green feathers and one upstanding one. A cluster of lilies of the valley with bright green leaves is worn in front of her blouse. Later I will tell you something of Miss Maurice's charming little Parisian hats and other things. THE PANTOMIME, Nothing quite so original as this pantomime, "Aladdin," has been seen here, and it is Grace Palotta's first appearance as " a little fellow,'' as she calls it. She is charming as Koko as in all her other roles, and has some catchy songs to sing. The frocking is very gay and bright, and, of course, the sensation of the evening is the platform parade right over the stalls. The wide platform on a level with the stall patrons' heads is erected and lined with red coloured electric light, and across here the entire company, led by the clever ragtime dancers, walk from the back of the stalls to the stage. The audience wax most enthusiastic as group after group of charming girls march past. SOCIAL NEWS. Miss Henry, who has been staying with ! her sister, Mrs Tripp, left yesterday for ''England, where she intends to reside. j Colonel and Mrs Head leave shortly ior J England; at least, this popular officer's ! time expires in July. Mrs Head will j leave about Easter time with her little \ daughter Moreen. Mrs Garnet Holmes ! left yesterday for Sydney, where she will i reside. Mr and Mrs Wallace and Miss Wallace, who have been touring in the South Island, have returned to Wellington. Mrs Lippitt, of California, has returned to New Zealand on a visit to her brother, Mr G. H. Lysnar, of Gisborne, who came down to meet her. Two engagements are announced. One is of > Mr R. Renai, of the Bank of .New Zea- ! land staff, Greytown, to Miss Brenda JM'Cracken, of the same town, a daughter I oj Mr Thomas" M 'Cracken. The other

is of Miss Edith Roulston, daughter of Mrs S. Roulston, to Mr J. M. Earle, son of Mrs J. Earle, of Wellington. •JEAN BRETT.