THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XVI, Issue 911, 13 June 1896, Page 8

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

By Muriel.

An exceedingly enjoyable dance was given on Wednesday evening, June 3rd, by Mrs H. Brett, of Lake Takapnna, in the Masonic Hall, Princes-street. The hall is one of the nicest in Auckland for dancing, and it was beautified by the addition of tastefully draped flags, ferns, palms, etc., the effect being charming. Burkes band supplied delightful music. A splendid supper was provided, the table being laden with dainties of all descriptions. Mrs Brett received her numerous guests in a beautiful gown of black silk, the bodice of rich black and white embossed velvet. She was assisted by her husband and daughters in introducing the guests, and in promoting theirpleasure throughout the evening. Miss Brett wore a lovely gown of sky blue merveilleux trimmed with sequins ; and Miss Emliy Brett, dainty pale amber gown relieved with red. Amongst the guests were : — Mrs Duthie, who wore a beautiful creme silk gown ; Mrs Jack Ansenne, elegant gown of black satin relieved with pink ; Mrs G. Hart looked very dainty in white silk gown ; Mrs Joe Ansenne, charming white satin gown ; Mrs Barr (nee Miss Btoyd) wore her beautiful wedding gown of white corded silk ; Mrs Caselberg, very pretty gown of old gold, with black trimmings ; Miss B. Bull, pretty white gown, the bodice tastefully finished with sprays of pink rosebuds ; Miss E.lreland, charming costume of pale heliotrope silk with spangle trimmings ; Miss Clarke, pretty creme costume ; Miss Nellie Kissling looked well in white ; Miss Devore, tasteful black and heliotrope costume ; Miss B. Devore, charming pale blue gown, the bodice of a darker shade of velvet ; Miss Binney, becoming gown of pink silk ; Miss Alice Binney, pretty white silk gown ; Miss Winks, pretty black velvet gown, sleeves of white satin.

Miss Pierce looked very nice in pale green gown ; Miss E. Pierce.tasteful creme costume ; Miss Peacock, very pretty creme flowered silk with green sleeves ; Miss Dargavole,charming white costume; Miss Jackson looked well in blue with orange trimmings ; Miss Gordon, pale pink, tastefully relieved with black ; Miss Johnston, becoming grey gown with yellow sleeves ; Misb Milly Hesketh, pretty creme silk; Miss Grace Hesketh, dainty white satin gown, spangle trimmings ; Miss Cotter, charming creme dress ; her sister looked nice in old gold ; Miss George, pretty white ; Miss Williamson, black gown, relieved with blue satin sleeves ; Miss Donald, lovely dress of pink merveilleux, sequin trimmings; Miss Rice, becoming creme dress; Miss — Rice, dainty white ; Miss Upton, charming dress of yellow surah silk; Miss Langsfoid, pretty white silk ; Misß Thompson, tasteful yellow costume ; Miss Williams, pretty white satin ; Miss Cameron, becoming rose pink gown ; Miss Braithwaite, pretty creme, trimmed with satin; Miss Reeve, dainty white ; Miss Phillips, pretty white silk ; Miss Boyd, dainty white costume ; Misses Kerr-Taylor, pale pink costumes; Miss Bates, eau-de-nil gown; Misa Houchen, grey silk : Miss Caselberg, pretty white satin, and others whose names are forgotten.^

Very pleasant afternoon teas were given on Tnursday and Friday of last week by Miss Devore as farewells, prior to her marriage, which is arranged to take place on Wednesday next. Amongst the guests on Thursday were : — Mrs Brett, Mrs W. Berry, Mrs Boyd, Mrs W. Sharland, Mrs Coe, Mrs (L'r) Barr, Mrs Diddams, Mrs (Dr) Cooper, and the Misses Clarke, E. Brett, Boyde, Burningham, Morrin, Wallnutt, Dacre, Hughes, Berry, Gittos, A. Tye, Tole, and many others. Musical selections, vocal and instrumental, were contributed by Mrs Cooper, Mrs Diddams, Mrs Coe, and Mißses Tole, Dacre, and Clarke. The bride-elect is most popular, and her circle of friends is so large that it wag impossible to ask all together, therefore they were divided into pleasant sociable parties, and on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week two other ' afternoons ' were held, both being attended by large numbers of guests. Considerable sympathy is expressed for Miss Devore, who has most unfortunately at-this busy period of her life been confined to her room with an attack of quinsy, which is not only serious, but also necessitates complete rest.

The grand Masonic ball held in the Public Hall, Te Aroha, on Thursday evening, June 4th, was a decided success. About 150 invitations were issued, most of which were accepted. The spacious hall was decorated with flags and bunting, and illuminated by numerous Chinese lanterns. The dancing commenced at eight o'clock with the Graud March and Lancers, which was led off by Mr and Mrs Geo. Fowlds, of Auckland, the brilliant colours of the ladies' dresses forming a most picturesque effect. Dancing was kept up vigorously until about 11 o'clock, when the party adjourned to the Palace Hotel, where supper was laid out in Host Smardon's best style. The catering was all that, could be desired, the tables being tastefully decorated with fruits and flowers. Dancing was resumed after supper, and kept up till an early hour in the morning. Messrs Hartly and Munroe, of Cambridge, supplied excellent dance music (piano and cornet). The programme consisted of twenty dances, which were all gone through to the bitter end.

The following are some of the ladies' dresses, all of which appeared charming to the masculiue point of view : — Mrß Fowlds, handsome black costume ; Mrs Wallace, black lace ; Mrs Fred Tonge looked nice in black,yellow sleeves ; Mrs Pavitt, black silk; Mrs C. Murray, black velvet, blue silk bodice ; Mrs Cassells looked well in black satin ; Mrs Bobson looked nice in black lace, over blue satin; Mrs Baine, black skirt, creme bodice ; Mrs E. Smardon, black relieved with yellow; Mrs Johnson, black lace; Mrs Marshall, pale green ; Mrs Wainwright, black satin ; Mrs Waters, pink ; Mrs Price, shot silk ; Mrs Gabolinscy, black silk ; Mrs W. Hetherington, black silk ; Misses Calder looked well, one in pink net and the other in black, blue trimmings; Miss Mabel Maingay, brown costume; Miss Ethel Rowe, black ; Miss Pavitt looked handsome in black net ; Miss Goldsworthy, bine ; Miss A. Goldsworthy, black Bilk, white sleeves; Miss Frances Jackson, handsome costume of black velvet and gold satin ; Miss Wright,- -creme nunsveiling ; Miss Roberts, pink crepon, black velvet bodice ; Miss Gibb, blue and white; Miss Slator, pretty white satin costume ; Miss Gretchen Gabolinscy, creme brocade ; Miss Wainwright, pale blue crepon and satin ; Miss Annie McLean, black lace ; and many others.

Amongst the gentleman we noticed : Messrs G. Fowlds, F. Pavitt, P. Gilchrist, W. H. P. Marsdon, J. Clifford, D. Wallace, T. E. Clough, J. W.Anderson, Cole, J. M. Bell, J. Rennick, Dickson, H Ross, Menzies, F. Tonge, A. E. Price, Taylor, Gregory, G. Robson, F. Rowe, Gabolinscy, Rev. F. G. Evans, T. Mclndoe, P. Baine, G. Williams, E. Smardon, J. Rowe, F. Pavitt, jun., and many others to numerous to mention.

Much credit is due to the committee for the way in which the whole affair was carried out. Great praise should be given to the energetic secretary, Mr J. W. Anderson, whose exertions went far to secure the success achieved, and who efficiently discharged the duties of M.C. throughout the evening.

The marriage of Miss Boyd, daughter of Mr Boyd, of Lake Takapnna, to Dr. Barr, was quietly solemnised at St. Peter's Church, Takapuna, recently. The Rev. Mr Davis officiated, and the service was choral. The church was very prettily and artistically decorated for the occasion by friends of the bride. The bride was given away by her father, and looked lovely in a very pretty bridal fown of white sik, coronet of orange, lossoms, tulle veil, and she carried a beautiful bouquet. She was attended by her sister Miss May Boyd who acted as bridesmaid, attired in a charming eau denil costume, trimmed with white chiffon, and stylish white felt hat, trimmed with green velvet a shade darker than her dress ; Dr Pabst accompanied the bridegroom in the capacity of best man. Soon after the ceremony Dr. and Mrs Barr departed for Rotorua, where the honeymoon will be spent. Mrs Boyd, mother of the bride, wore a pretty gown of flowered black silk, and small black bonnet ; Miss M. Boyd, pretty green dress, white hat. The only guests present were Mrs Whitlley, stylish electric blue gown, black velvet hat ; Miss Brett, black skirt, pretty pink silk blouse, fawn hat; Miss Devore, stylish black and heliotrope costume, toque of violets; Miss Williamson, pretty green dress, hat to correspond ; and Mrs Collins.