SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XI, Issue 706, 9 July 1892, Page 6

SOCIAL SPHERE

By Hinemoa.

The polo dance in Auckland seems to be coming off after all. No one seems very eager about it ; there have been so many private and other dances lately, and the weather is not very encouraging for evening . gaieties ; then the influenza fiend is on the warpath and so many are laid by. The spriDg and summer will be doubly welcome this year after so much wet and dreary weather Rumours are in the air that Lord and Lady Glasgow will occupy Government House in the summer here, and that will mean some life and gaiety for the young folks ; everything has been very quiet in Auckland for a long time past and a little rousing up will be a treat. What a very tempting display in the shop windows juat now, and the great bargains are quite irresistable to many. The spring and summer show, from all accounts, will be of a very new and charming kind this year, the English fashions sounding very ' fetching,' and so it is to be hoped that there will be some occasions for wearing smart clothes, even a band playing once or twice a week in the Albert Park or in the Domain would collect a number of people together, as music is always an attraction ; if a number ef seats were to be placed about, people would be willing enough to pay for them as they do in the London Parks. A great deal might be done to make Auckland more attractive, having, as it has, such lovely scenery and climate ; still art must do its share as well as nature to keep people bright and interested. Mr Charle*-* Richardson, of the Railway Department, Auckland, a son of the Hon. E. Richardson, is engaged to be married at an early date to Miss Mabel Pownall, of Wellington. Mr Richardson was at one time a leading athlete in Wellington. * ■» * The ball given by the citizens of Wellington to Lord and Lady Glasgow on Monday evening last was a splendid affair, and quite worthy of tbe capital city of the colony. There was a, very large attendance. The costumes worn were very elegant and beautiful, and the scene in the bal'room was a most charming one. Lady Glasgow was attired in a brocaded rose satin and wore a coronet of diamonds ; Mrs Nathan, white silk with chiffoD ; Mrs Mills, petunia satin richly trimmed with lace ; Mrs W. P. Reeves, pale blue and old gold Watteau back ; Mrs Castendyk, very handsome black lace, yellow flowers ; Miss Cooper, cream lace ; Miss Moorhouse, black with jet trimmings ; Miss C. Gillon, Nile green; Mrs Smart Menteath.'black velvet, pale blue chiffon ,nd aigrette ; Mrs Ross, pale pink with cl ffon ; Mrs Lyons, pink silk; Miss Gilloa, pale blue, dark green velvet trimmings ; Mrs Valentine, cream satin, olive green feather trimmings ; Miss Gore, pale blue trimmed with black lace ; Miss Skerrett, cream satin, handsomely brocaded ; Mrs C. J. Johnston, ivory brocaded satin, vieux rose plush and lace ; Miss Hallowes, pale pink and white costume ; Mrs Grace, black and white striped velvet, finished with white lace ; Mrs Louis Blundell, black lace, white chiffon vest ; Miss Hill (Auckland), pale blue ; Mrs Evison, ivory trained silk, pearl trimmings, pale pink flowers ; Miss Samuels, pale blue; Miss Kent, brocaded white satin with oontuil bodice ; Lady Buckley, dark heliotrope satin ; Misses Grace, pale pink and pale blue and silver respectively. ■ * * * The Rev. Father Kehoe (well-known in Auckland), the Gisborne Roman Catholic priest, gave a very largely-attended mußical evening, in Wellington, last week. Mrs Innes, Misß Adair, the worthy host, and several others took part in the musical proceedings. Needless to say, all parties were warmly thanked. There were some very pretty dresses worn,, but a more capable pen than mine is wanted for the describing of them:

The engagement of Mr James Rolton, of Parnell, to Miss Florence J. Dooley, of Waipipi, is announced. * * •» Mrs F. H. Lewisson has issued in vitations for an evening party in tbe Ponsonby Oddfellows Hall, on Wednesday next, July 13th. », * * ' > Moßt of tbe week's gaieties at Wellington'had to be put off in consequence of tbe sad death of Sir Harry Atkinson. There was to have been a dinner party at Government House on the Tuesday, and it had, of course, to be postponed at the last moment. * * * That most delightful of suburban dances, the Ponsonby Social Union, holds its fourth gathering of the present season to-morrow (Friday) evening. The issue of visitors' tiokets has been large, and to avoid confusion, everyone desiring entree must present his or her card of admission. The ' Social ' boasts of the best music of all the dances* in Auokland, and has a splendid floor. # * **» Lodge Ara, N.Z.C., paid a very graceful compliment to Mr A. S. Russell, their new W.M., last Friday evening in the form of a ball in his honour. The attendance was not as large as was expected, but was nevertheless very good. Reid s and Davis's band provided the music, whioh was really first-class, and under the capable management of Mr W. Cousins and a good committee, a very enjoyable evening was spent. The handsome lodge room upstairs was thrown open, and made a pleasant Bitting.out room between the dances. Amongst the ladies present were the following, in very styiish costumes :— Mrs S. D. Hanna, black lace costume trimmed with pink silk ; Mrs Powley, rich black satin gown ; Misß Russell looked very nice in pale blue veiling trimmed with chiffon, fan to match ; Miss Scott looked charming in pure white relieved with silver, and angel wings of gauze; Miss Pilkington was very prettily dressed in pale pink silk trimmed with tinsel gauze, stylish creme and gold cloak ; Miss Naden, pink gown with trimmings of black lace, handsome cloak of peacock plush ; her sister wore a sapphire blue veiled with white net ; Miss Porter looked very pretty in pale pink cashmere, with long shoulder tie ; Miss — Porter ; seagreen gown relieved with creme lace ; Mrs Elsmore, black satin trimmed with jet, dainty little creme and pink cap ; Mrs A. Bartlett, white cashmere costume ; Miss Hales, creme dress trimmed with lace ; Miss Westphal, black velvet gown, the bodice wreathed with marguerite daises. * * » It is usual in speaking of supper to say ' the suppers was recherche,' so that the expression too often is a mere figure of speech. But I wish you could have seen the supper Mr Robson provided for the Masonic Ball. It was a really splendid — I might also say extravagant- one. Everything anyone could desire was there. I never tasted such jellies and trifles— and as for the claret cup, it was enough to tempt even the godß. Mr Robson deserves very great credit for that 3upper. * * * The wedding of Miss Rosetta Keesing and Mr Caselberg, last week, took place immediately before the Observer went to press, and I was compelled to omit reference to several things which called 'for notice. A very pretty effect was secured through the introduction of two large wedding bells, oomposed of lillies, ferns, &o. The wedding breakfast was a very sumptuous one, and was laid out in tbe Grand Hotel, under the supervision of Mrs Ellis. The chief table was formed in the shape of a large horse shoe, and was richly embellished with silver and crystal ware and choice flowers artistically arranged. The hall itself and reception rooms were elaborately decorated by the lady friends of the bride, who displayed remarkable artistic talent, for the general effect could not be surpassed. The wedding cake was a magnificent and elaborate one, and was made by Mr Walter Buchanan, of Wakefield-street, who is not to be excelled in the matter of wedding cakes. The whole of the fashionable and elegant trousseau waß made by the wellknown firm of Milne and Choyee, of this city, and it would certainly have done credit to the best Sydney or Melbourne houses. The honeymoon is being spent in the Lake distriot. Mr Myer Caselberg is brother-in-law of Mr Joseph Nathan, of Wellington.

MiBS Jessie Murchie, well-known at North Shore, and sub-leader of the Devonport Presbyterian choir, is at present on a' holiday visit to Fiji. # # # At the Queen's Drawing Room, the other day, the Countess of Onslow, just returned Home from New Zealand, appeared in a very beautiful dress of white satin, with a veil of white muslin starred with gold. The veil, which entirely covered the satin, was heavily festooned with pearls at the edge, clusters of yellow feathers alternating with, the festoons. The train, composed of gold brocade in a begonia design, and lined with striped white silk, was fastened to the back of the bodice in fan like pleats, surmounted by a cluster of yellow feathers. The bodice was also trimmed with yellow feathers. A broad sash of yellow silk muslin passed diagonally across the bodice, and continued round the waist. This was entirely covered with diamond ornaments. The Mikado Social last Friday evening was admirably managed and very enjoyable. There was a large attendance, and amongst the ladies were the following : — Miss Lynch, blaok lace, and jet; Miss Quinn, white gishnett ; Miss O'Sullivan, pale gold satin ; Miss Hogan, cream nuns- ' veiling and old gold sash, very pretty ; Miss E. Aylett, pink satin, and gishnett ; Miss White, black ; Misses Jackson, pink and cardinal ; Mrs Brown, black silk, and lace ; Miss Brown, white silk, trimmed with black ; Miss Lawson, black velvet, and old gold ; Miss Fenton, black and cardinal ; Miss Williamson, white and cardinal ; Miss Rhodes, cardinal gishnett and ribbon ; Miss Mackay, scarlet; Mrs Laurie, cardinal and black lace ; Miss Hewson, black, and jet trimmings ; Miss Tomlinson, white ; Miss Thomson, pale blue ; Miss Martin, blue and gold; Misses Naden, blue and pink ; Miss Kilgour, cream ; Miss Dervan, white silk ; Miss Bropby, pale blue; Misses Lonergan, pink and blue ; Miss Kelly, black and cream ; Miss M. Garrett, white liberty Bilk; Miss Greenwood, cardinal ;' Misß Killian, black lace, cardinal ribbons ; Mrs Fox, pink and cream 5 Mrs Clayton, black lace, scarlet flowers ; Miss Heslop, black and pink. # * * On Monday last, a wedding of some interest took placp fit St. Andrew's Church, Wellington. The contracting parties were Mr H. H. Pillans and Miss Keren Speedy, second daughter of Mr John Speedy, sheepfarmer, Wainui, Hawke's Bay, and grand-daughter of Mr Peter Bruce, of the Hutt. The bride wore a travelling costume, and the happy couple left immediately after the ceremony (which was performed by the Rev. C. S. Ogg) on their honeymoon trip. Mr Pillans recently purchased a sheep run at Cross's Creek, at the foot of the Rimutaka Ranges. * # * Clearing out sales are the order of the day, and everyone of our sex is being tempted to ruin by the remarkable bargains in the shops. The present is a splendid opportunity for country people to make their purchases, for some of the larger establishments such as Court Bros., Milne and Choyce's, Rushbrook and Snedden, Davison, Darby, Kneebone, and Bridgman are simply giving things away. I was through Rushbrook and Snedden's the other day, and noticed some very pretty cloaks made in the style so popular now, one a large plaid with hood lined with crimson satin for 18s 6d was particularly taking. There were also other cloaks in all shapes, materials and prices. Some childrens smocked frocks, suitable for little girls about eight years old were very nice. There was one of crimson flannel smocked with yellow silk for only lis 6d. Ln the dress goods department, there was any amount to choose from ; some smooth brown cloth at 3s 9d per yard was the very thing for tbis cold weather. I noticed, too, some very pretty flannel for making gowns, also an imitation in flannelette. There were some stylish embroided costumes ranging from 20s to ■10s. In the millinery department things are greatly reduced. * * * Of course there was much cap-pulling in Wellington over the late- citizens' ball to the new Governor. Rivalry in dresses kept the fair ones of the city agog, but one of the funniest stories told about it relates to a member of the Thorndon upper ten thousand who elected to go in an old dress because ' all the grocers' daughters and ironmongers' wives were getting new costumes,' and she didn't choose to do exactly as * that set ' did. Being a woman, it mußt have cost her many a pang to thus keep up the distinction.

They say that Lord Glasgow has sent £100 to Mrs Barnett, the mother of the poor little fellow who was run over and killed by a tram car on the day of the reception at Wellington. - Mr Hall, of the Tramway Coy., has added a further donation of £50. * * * Our new Governor and Lady Glasgow are making themselves very popular in ellington. Lady Glasgow's second reception last Saturday was largely attended, most of the principal ladies in Wellington calling. Lady Glasgow wore a tailor made blue cloth, edged with white, and gracefully draped ; the Ladies Boyle, fawn dresses, dark velvet yokes and cuffs ; Miss Hallowes, blaok, with pink chiffon bow at throat ; Mrs Menteath, heavy blue cloth, small toque to match. # # # The classes for dancing and deportment which Miss Scott has conducted privately in our leading private schools with Buch unqualified success for the last two years still continue their usual standing. The highest commendation to Miss Scott and her sister, who has been ber assistant, is only honour's meed, for the discipline maintained in each individual class. It is with much regret I hear that the young lady contemplates leaving for Sydney at the end of the year, for her departure will leave a vacancy not easily filled. There is a likelihood- that Miss Scott will give a childrens' ball in the Choral Hall a few week's hence.