WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 45, 30 March 1914, Page 4

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

From Our Special Correspondent.

WELLINGTON, March 28

In our heart' of hearts, most of lis share with Mary Ann the love of a uniform, so it was with more than the usual amount of pleasurable anticipation that we wended our way to the Enginefefs' Institute on Thursday evening, to be the guests of the captain an«] officers of H.M.S. Psyche. Decorations are always a feature of a naval, danee, and on this occasion the ballroom was ablaze with bunting, whilst at intervals decorative effect was produced with stars of bayonets and swords illuminated with coloured electric globes, and over each doorway were lifebuoys. The decorations were essentially those of men, and like all the other arrangements, were perfect in, all details. Nothing is too much trouble for the men of the sea when they are '' ou£ to entertain.'' There is a flat roof at the Institute, and naturally, the most was made of this fact. A canopy of canvas, cosy corners screened with flags, easy' lounges and softened lights made this a favourite resting place, and as the night" was warm, a buffet with iced drinks was another happy inspiration. Supper proper was arranged in a room down stairs, and the tables looked pretty with a " good-bye to summer " effect of late roses, pink lilies and autumn leaves. Captain Flower and his off'cers received us at the entrance to the ballroom. Some of the guests were General and Mrs Godley, the latter wearing black brocaded velvet with corsage of ivory lace veiled with ninon, and her jewels were diamonds. Colonel and Mrs Heard were there. Mrs Heard was in cream brocade re-, lieved with gold. Hon F. M. B. Fisher and Mrs Fisher; black and white, a combination of satin lace and ninon, was the gown chosen by the Minister of Marine's wife. Mrs I-liley wore blue brocade and a sash of tango velvet; Mrs lan Duncan, black satin with chiffon and lace; Mrs Arthur Duncan, a gown of white satin with beaded overdress; Mrs Collins, niauve brocade and lovely lace. Other guests were Mrs Charles Pearce,'Mrs and Miss Wilford, Mrs Maurice Gillon, Miss Harcourt, .Mrs Arthur Young, Mrs and Miss Hosking, Mrs Steele, the Misses Watson, Miss Collins, Miss Nora Brandon and Miss Pearce.

One or two little private tango and Boston Teas have been given here, and the dances, to be charitable, were more amusing and grotesque than graceful and fascinating. Miss Estelle Beere, who is busy arranging tango teas, has gone to Auckland with several of her young pupils, who are distinctly clever, having been engaged by the Exhibition Committee to give oiie or two dance recitals. The proud " mammas " have gone also. Professor Picken, of Victoria College, Wellington, who has been appointed Master of Ormond College, Melbourne, leaves at the end of the year for his new appointment. His wife is the youngest daughter of Colonel Newall, and will be greatly missed when the time for departure comes.

Onee ,again the departing Sydney boat was the scene of gay farewells. Mrs Heard and her daughter, Maureen, were passengers en route for England; Colonel Heard follows later. Miss Kane'intends to visit Egypt, with England to follow. Mr and Mrs D. A. Hamilton left also on their honeymoon

trip to Australia. And last, but not least, much interest was taken in the departure of '' little Cecil Haines '' and her mother. . . This clever child of six years really was the pet of all Wellington, and has gone to c'onynence lier professional career in Sydney. She was laden with toys and chocolates and all things dear to the heart of a child, for such, strange to say, she has remained through all her feting. . Dr and Mrs Wilson left by the Tahiti yesterday for America and England. Mr and Mrs Webster took their departure for England, and Mrs Ashbolt, their daughter, left also for her homo in Melbourne. JEAN BRETT.