THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XVIII, Issue 1024, 13 August 1898, Page 8

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

By Muriel.

Things have not gone any too smoothly in the preparations for the Greenwood benefit, which takes place on Wednesday evening of next week, but the event is nevertheless likely to be the success of the season. It is more than likely, as the result of one disagreement, that there will be no living whist, but this will be compensated for in some measure by a scene from ' Patience ' and a final scene introducing all the performers. The tableaux should be exceptionally good, and especially Mrs Napier's, which introduces the Devonport and Glenalvon young ladies, and the one being arranged by Mrs St. Glair and Mrs Edmiston, in which thirty pretty children take part, and which should be quite gorgeous. Dr Lowe, who is a very clever amateur ventriloquist, has promised an act, and Mrs Sowerby's pupils are to assist. Also, the Greenwoods will lend their valuable aid, and many other attractive items appear on the programme. The entertainment will be a first-class one, and a crowded attendance is assured.

A pretty wedding, and one of much interest to numerous friends throughout New Zealand, was solemnized on Wednesday, August 3rd, at Pakaraka, Bay of Islands. The contracting couple were Mr Kenneth Stuart Williams, son of Mr J. W. Williams, of Napier, and formerly of Pakaraka, and Miss Lilian Mary Ludbrook, daughter of the late Mr S. B. Ludbrook, of Ohaeawai, Bay of Islands. The little church at Pakaraka was profusely and beautifully decorated for the occasion, and was filled to overflowing with the many friends of the young couple. The Rev. Canon Walsh officiated. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr Henry S. Ludbrook, and wore a beautiful dresß of soft white cashmere, tastefully finished with satin, pearl passementerie, chiffon and orange blossoms, and the usual wreath and veil. She carried a beautiful bouquet of choice flowers and ferns. The bridesmaids were the Misses Katie Williams, sister of the bridegroom, and Ada Williams, coußin of bride and bridegroom

The young ladies wore dainty white mnalin dresses finished with Valenciennes lace and satin ribbon, and black chip hats trimmed with black chiffon, forget-me-notß, and pale blue ribbon bows, and each carried a pretty bouquet. Mr Gerard Williams acted as best man, and Mr S. B. Ludbrook, of JCe Ante, presided at the organ, and performed the wedding march at the close of the service. The Ohaeawai Brass Band was present, and escorted the newly-wedded couple from the church to the late residence of the bride, where a reception was held. A very large number of guests were present from near and far, who Bhowered the happy couple with congratulations and good wishes tor their future welfare and happiness.

The Coastguard Artillery social at Devonport on Friday was one of the best dances held at the Shore this season, thanks to Lieutenant Bnssell.

A wedding interesting to New Zealanders took place in Melbourne on Thursday, July 14th, the contracting couple being Miss Isabella Steele Plants, eldest daughter of Mr Thomas Crowther Plante, ' Ascog,' Elstenwick, Melbourne, and Mr Brands Beaumont Stephens, Lecturer on Metallurgy, Ofcago University, and formerly of the African Gold Eecovery Company, Johannesburg. The ceremony took place at the residence of the bride's father, the Rev. John Steele, Moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly, and cousin of the bride, officiating. The bride was given away by her father, and wore a gown of rich pearl-white brocade, trimmed with pearl passementerie and chiffon. She was attended by her sisters, the Misses Isabel and Alice Plante, who also wore white. Mr R. W. Walcott acted as best man. After the honeymoon tour Professor and Mrs Stephens will reside in I unedin.

The engagement is announced of Mr Charles Archibald, eldest son of Mr D. Archibald, of Wellington, to Miss Howarid, an accomplished young Christchurch lady.

Mr W. H. Webbe'a ana Miss M Spooner's pupils, assisted by Made me Chambers, Misses L.Featon, L. Barker, Mr A. L. Edwards, and Mr J. A. fieale, gave their 82nd open musical evening for visitors at Berlin. House, Graf ton Koad, on Thursday last, when a first-rate programme was satisfactorily gone through. The ensemble pieces included four piano quartette, one piano and organ duo, one duo for two pianos, two trios for violin, 'cello and piano. Three piano solos, a guitarre solo, and also several pleasing vocal items were contributed. Mr Webbe presented the certificates from the Trinity College, London, to pupils who went up for the practical examination in October last, and all of whom were successful in passing. The Ohaupo district was in a state of unusual excitement on Monday, August Ist, the occasion being the marriage of the daughter of one of the oldest and most highly esteemed and respected settlers in the district. The happy conple were Mr Theodore Jephcoate, son of Mr Thos. Jephcoate, of Birmingham. England, and Miss Clara Cowley, eldest daugter of Mr Thomas Cowley.

The ceremony took place in the little Presbyterian Church, which was crowded with relatives and friends. The Rev. Walter Smith officiated. The bride was accompanied by her father, who gave her away, and wore a stylish and handsome travelling dress of green cloth, hat to correspond, and carried a beautiful bridal bouquet. Miss Jennie Cowley acted as bridesmaid, and also wore a pretty green < ostume. Mr Alfred Cowley performed i he duties of best man.

Misß Sturges presided at the organ and performed the Wedding March at the close of the ceremony. The wedding party, which included a large number of guests, ■were afterwards entertained by the bride's parents at a splendid wedding breakfast. Mr and Mrß Jephcoate departed by the afternoon train for their future home at Otorohanga, amidst showers of rice, old shoes, and the best wisheß of their friends for future happiness and prosperity.

A plain, fancy and trade dreas ball in connection with the lolanthe socials took place last week in St. Benedict's Hall, and was most successful. The ball-room was most tastefully decorated, and the scene presented to the on lookers was both gay and charming. Miss Helander, whose costame represented ' Three Bell Cigarettes,' was unanimously voted belle of the ball, and won the prize of one dozen cabinet photos and opal. For the most comical costume, Mr Bert Smith, who appeared as an Irish Laddie, was presented with gold sleeve links Miss Hammond appeared as lolanthe ; Miss Taylor,Nurse ; Miss ThompBon, Barber's Pole ; Miss Partington, Irish girl; Miss Whitehead, Phyllis; Miss Cole, evening dress ; Mrß Walmsley, evening dress ; Mrs Bgan, evening dress ; Mrs Constant, Carmen ; Mrs Milburn, evening dress ; lira Bennett ; Miss Strong, bweet Seventeen; Misß Barron, evening dress ; MiBS O' Dowd, Vanity Fair Cigarettes ; Mrß McKinstry, evening dress ; Miss McDonald, violets ; Miss J. Minchim, creme; Miss M. Mincham ; Misß B. Moore, Queen of Roses ; MiBS Bridgeford, Waitress; Miss E. Helander, Esmeralda ; Miss Lendrnm, evening dress ; Miss Corke, evening dress ; Miss Preston, Princess Ida ; Mrs Trent, Miss Willett, Miss "Barber, Miss Giles, Miss Paterson, and Miss Heatherington were all in evening dress ; Mr Smith, Irish Laddie ; Mr Davis, Naval; Mr T. Webley, New Woman; Mr ihillipa, Good-night; Mr D. Blair, Naval ; Mr Boiler, Sambo ; Mr T. Diamond, Count Rosebud ; Mr T. Harrison, Mrs Sambo ; Mr Giles, Bear ; Mr Hawthorne, Policeman No 999; Mr Sorenson, Naval Officer; Mr_ Jones, Cricketer.