THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XX, Issue 1121, 23 June 1900, Page 5

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

By Muriel*

My Deab Muriel,—

. Aa the flagship Royal Arthur is expected here next week, with, I presume, some smaller fry in tow, I suppose we may look forward to some sort of gaiety. Even the sailors seen parading the streets brighten the town up a bit. Apropos of sailors, the other day I was told that the reason why Jack Tar always wear such wide trousers, especially in the region of the ankle, is that he may uae the extra width for patching, when necessary. You Bee, he makes his own clothes, and, not | being allowed a pocket, keep 3 the extra repairing bit— always given— in a handy place where it won't get lost- At present Auckland socially is very doll, the chief dissipation seemiDgly consisting of hoisting flags with the ÜBual patriotic performance. Even though the Governor, the principal ucfurler, has departed, lesser lights continue to shine in that capacity Last week, when Sir Maurice O'Rorke officiated at the Onehunga school, the j scene was such a very pretty one. The school is situated on a slope facing the Manukau harbour, and the pnpils — all dressed in beßt bib and tucker— formed a ring round the flag post, while the band played for them to sing to The one thing wanting was the presence of Mib Yates, the energetic New Woman who has made Onehunga famous all over the world. Kumour hath it that the engagement of Miss Flo. Seccombe to Mr Noel Biss has just been announced. . Of course you remember Miss Mabel Moore, for years the popular lady clerk at the Star Hotel. She left here last week en route for Perth, where she is going to j be married to Mr McLellan, who quite lately left "Waihi for Western Australia. The 1* crosse matches in the Domain continue to attract numbers of spectators, and last Saturday afternoon the pavilion wai quite filled with an interested crowd. The lady friends of the Ponaonby Club dispensed afternoon tea, which was very mnch appreciated. I don't pretend to know anything of the abilities of the players as players ; can only tell you that they look most picturesque — especially those wearing bright - coloured jerseys. They say that North Shore's success was greatly owing to the captain's new cap, ; which is a wonderful arrangement, and also, that if Roto Graham had been able to play for Graf ton, the result of the match would have been quite different. Among those present on Saturday were the Misses Laird, Boße, Kelly, Preece, Stone, Mrs Lackie, Miss May Harper, looking very nice in a black and white check, costnme ; Mrs Dr King ; Misa Cooper, who wore a stylish plaid costnme ; Mrs Moritzon, who also wore plaid, and a most becoming toque ; Mr and Mra J Seid, Mr and Mibb Mitford, Mrs Graham, Mrs and Miss Dawson, Misses Holland, Cooke, Bleazard Brown, and Howard. Another outdoor amusement that bids fair to become popular in Auckland this seaßon is hockey. I have heard of several projected girls' clubs ; among others, the University students have decided to Btart one— so it is sure to be carried along on scientific principles. The chief rules of this, as well as of all other games, are good temper and forbearance, and as hookey is in Scotland called ' shinty,' owing to the frequent danger to the players shins, it ia to be hoped that the Professors will arrange that easy Bubjecta are discussed on hockey days. Apropos of hockey, a girl I know of, holding the onerous position of captain of her club, endeavours to lead her team to victory with this Borfc of thing : ' Oh, girls, get the ball— win. Do run, don't waddle.' The latest idea for a cushion is to make the cover of khaki silk, with the flags of the army and navy worked on it in Boft shades. 1 The fashions still follow the war in every respect —bo much so that 'Jobnniea' in England are growing the 1 Bobs ' imperial on their china— that ia, of course, when they can. According to Dr. Treveß, ' the eminent aargeon, the amateur nuraea who were spoken of as one of the two plagaea in South . Africa, did nothing but masquerade in elaborate costumes and arrange picnics, etc., instead of

doing any nursing. Perhaps that was their idea of amusing their patients and themselves at the same time. Anyhow, I think, it is sufficient to make all wome.i indignant with them, for, in a way, ridiculing a eacred profession. Don't yon agree with me ?

A jolly little dance was given last Thursday evening by Mr and Mrs OberlinBrown, at their residence, Mount Eden. A lovely large room, a recent addition to the house, made an. ideal ball-room, the floor being just splendid. The daintilylaid supper table waa decorated with autumn tinted leaves, and looked lovely. The music was good, and the night — a cold one — just the right sort for a dance to be enjoyable. Mra Brown, who ia always a very thoughtful and graceful hostess, was assisted in her duties by her three daughters. She wore a becoming silk blouse and dark skirt ; Misses Brown wore pretty white frocks ; Miss Pearson was very much admired, and looked lovely wearing a gown of yellow and white, with touches of black velvet on the bodice ; Mißs Eduainston wore vieux rose silk ; Misß Kitty Reid, pretty white silk ; Miss Alexander, a debutante, wore the orthodox white, and looked charming, her glorious hair being very much admired. Amongst others present were the Misses Gorrie, Kent, Rice, Cooper, Dawson, Coates and Stone.

We went out to Potters' Paddock to see the football matches last Saturday, and I have come to the conclusion that the grand stand ia not the moßt desirable place for anyone wearing a good frock. It's just filthy, so take my advice and wear your third best when you go there. Most of the men smoke, and, to the uninitiated, it ia vile tobacco One would not mind if it was fragrant. Even then, a small portion of the filthy weed, as it is called in poetry, suffices for the average' woman. They also settle differences of opinion re the plajera in anything but dulcet tones of voice, and, judging from the disputes which raged round about one unfortunate player, named Rylance, I think, who has the misfortune to be a dentist, everyone seemed to owe him a grudge ; I should imagine that he has extracted teeth, not painlessly, from almost every man present. One individual, in particular, would call him a ' gumdigger ' with descriptive adjectives— jußt as though anyone wanted his personal and nngrammatical assurance on these points. \ Someone, in describing the difference between football and war, says that football is war without any object in view. But Auckland footballers have an object. I don't know whether it consists of being covered with glory or mud. Anyhow, there is no doubt about their achieving the latter object. Why, their beßt girls could hardly recognise them aa they leave the field, sometimes. Among the ladies at Potter's on Saturday were Misses Brigham, Sloman, M. Sloman, Caro, Moses, V. Moaed, Morrison, Caldwell, Niccol, A- Niccol, and Player.

You will be glad to know that millinery is to be made eaßy for us this year, foi at Borne of the shops one can buy not only prettily made-up bows of silk or satin, but also the daintiest rosettes of tulle and velvet. It really pays to buy these professional aids to home millinery, that is, unless one is exceptionally clever, because they give a certain touch to one's headgear which Bometimea hours of patient trying will not achieve. Green is to be greatly worn this season, because of the Queen's"visit to Ireland. The favourite shade is that of the foliage of the daffodil, and in the way of embroidery and ornaments there ia a perfect rage for cut steel For anyone who likes an umbrella to match each costume, a good idea is to bny a skeleton stick with as many different covers as you choose. They are to be had at most shops. One has simply to slip one cover off the points and unhook the clasps, slip the other on, and fasten the clasps. I believe that men's umbrellas are also sold with an outfit, but cannot see the use of that, as a black one usually matches or goes with the ordinary male costume.

If you want a really, good langh, read the ' Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.' I forget the name of the author, opt it ia to be had from any library, as it is not a new book. It will prove a grand cure for a fit of the blues, that I am sure, even if one cannot think it quite all gospel truth. ' The Waters of Edera,' by Oaida, is quito nnlike moat of her 'Btories— no god-like guardsmen and beautiful wicked women, bat a story of agrarian troubles in Italy — and reading it one feels glad that the Italy depicted is a long way off.

Youra ever, Nina,

The marriage of Mr Harry Cooke, second son of Mr, Thomas Cooke, of S&refieldstreet,.Ponsonby, and Mias Maggie Peace, eldest daughter of Mr Andrew Peace, of Ravenswood, Queensland, waa very quietly celebrated on Wednesday afternoon last week at 'Clevedon,' Shelly Beach Road, the residence of Mr and Mra Alf . Bartlett, ancle and aunt of the. bride. The Rev. W. Gittoa (uncle of the bride-

groom) superintendent of the Wesleyan Native Mission, officiated, and the invited guests included only the immediate relatives- of the contracting couple. The bride was given away by tier uncle, Mr Bartlett, and looked exceedingly pretty in a handsome electric blue cloth tailor-made costnme, with vest of creme satin braided in gold, picture hat to correspond, and carried a beautiful shower bouquet finished with ribbon made by Miss P. Cooke, who also made the beautiful bouquete carried by the bridemaids. The bridegroom's gift was a handsome diamond bangle. Misses Florrie Cooke and Jeßsie Bartlett acted aa bridesmaids, Miss Cooke wearing a pretty fawn costume and hat to match, and Miss Bartletc dainty creme silk frock, and creme hat.

The bridegroom presented his Bister with a ring, and Miss Bartlett with a pretty brooch as soayenirs of the happy event. Mr A. G. Coolie acted as beat man. The'party was subsequently entertained at afternoon tea by Mrs Bartlett, when the toast to the newlywedded couple was proposed by the Eev. Mr Gittos and responded to by the bridegroom. Later in the day Mr and Mrs Cooke departed out of town to Bpend their honeymoon, their destination being kept secret. Mrs Bartlett, the hostess, wore a handsome dress of green silk and wool material, and toque to match ; Mrs Cooke, mother of the bridegroom, tasteful brown costume, and dainty bonnet ; Mjbs Cooke, pretty navy blue costume ; Mrs Main, handsome black silk, pretty bonnet ; Mrß Gittos, black costume ; Mrs N. Peace, pretty navy blue costume, hat to match ; The wedding presents were both numerous and valuable, a testimony to the high esteem and regard entertained for the joung couple by, their many friends.

At St Barnabas' Chapel, Bishopsconrt, Parnell, the marriage was solemnised on Wednesday last week 'of the Rev. J. P. Cowie, second son of the Most Rev. the Primate (Bishop Cowie) to Miss Helen Marshall, youngest daughter of the Rev. J. Marshall, M.A., secretary to the Primate. The ceremony waß extremely quiet, and was performed by His Lordship the Bishop, assisted by the father of the bride, and the Rev. E. M. Cowie, brother of the bridegroom. The two families are now very cloaely united, two aisfcers having married two brothers, and Mies Cowie, only daughter of the Primate, the Rev. Mr Marshall, son of the Rev. J. Marshall.

The Weßt End Lawn Tennis Clnb c'oaed the Beaßon with a very jolly dance, held on Friday evening in the Ponaonby Hall. About thirty couples attended, and Bpent the evening most enjoy ably. Amongst the ladies were : Mrs W. Manning, who wore her handsome wedding dress of white aatin, trimmed with hbniton lace; Mrs C. H Jones looked well in black velvet, the bodice relieved with red roses ; Mrs G. Webb, pretty pink silk blonse, white skirt ; Mrs Littler, yellow striped silk, the skirt trimmed with flounces of white lace ; Mrs Thorbarn, handsome black lace dress, transparent net sleeves ; Mrs Gentles, pretty dress of pink brocaded silk; Mrs Shortt, black Bilk; Mrs GK Mackay, black skirt, dainty pink Bilk blouse ; Mias Owen, black velvet gown, the bodice finished with white bertha ; Miss A. Owen, handsome pale blue silk ; Mibb Goodwin looked charming in yellow satin ; Miss Morrin, dainty white Bilk ; Mies Bedell, pretty pink silk ; Miss Court was dainty in pretty white dress ; Miss Hanna looked very nice in white silk ; Miss Cooke, black velvet ; Miss Cochrane, white silk ;

Misa Metcalfe, becoming pale bine dreßs; Mies M. Metcalfe, dainty pink Bilk; Misa UsEher, pretty yellow silk dreßß ; Mias Cosaar looked very nice Jn white cashmere and silk ; Miss Larkins, white cashmere ; Miss Woollama, pale green silk ; Miss Williamson, very pretty white Bilk ; Miss Goldie, creme ; Mias Bell, white mnslin finished with bands of white Batin ; Mi»a Lucy Bell looked well in white silk ; Miss Maggie Bell, white relieved with eapphirQ bine ; Miss Trendall, bine Eatin ; Miss G. Short, pretty creme ; Mias Lelia Langsford, dainty white mnßlin ; Mibb Carter, white veiling, relieved with pink; Miss G. Billingfcoa looked very nice in white silk; Mias "Rainger, bine, trimmed with white ; Mies Hemns, very pretty yellow silk, with flounce of black lace ; Mzs P. Taylor white B&tin ; Mra 17. Barton, becoming black lace dreßß, over scarlet ; Miss Faultier looked very nice in creme.

A . pretty wedding of much interest to numerous friends- throughout New Zealand was celebrated on Wednesday afternoon laßt week. The bride, Miss Yon der Heyde, is the daughter of the late Mr G. Yon der Heyde, formerly a well-known Auckland resident, and German Consul, and. the bridegroom Mr Charlea Mataon, of Christchnrch. The ceremony took plaoe in St. Fanl'a Gfanrch, and was witnessed by a large gathering of friends. Canon A. M. Nelson officiated. The bride looked charming, and was attended by her sister, Miss Minna Yon der Heyde. Mr Carlton Hay noted as best man. Mr and

Mrs Matson departed by the s.a. Te Arian on Saturday afternoon for Chriatcharoh, where they will in fatnre reside. The marriage of Miss Jeßsie Jones and Mr A. Plummer, both of Tapn, was celebrated on the 24th iaat , the Rev. Dt O Callaghan.offieiating. The young people ;are residents of the district, and their nnptiala occasioned a good deal of interest, for.notwithatanding the inclemency of the weather, the school-room where the ceremony took place waa filled with interested friends. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr J. Jonea, andwore a very tasteful and pretty dove grey costume and the neuil wreath and veil. Tne bride was attended by her sister and a niece of bride and bridegroom respectively, and Mr A. Jooes performed the duties of be3t man. After the ceremony the bridal party adjourned to the residence of the bride's mother, to partake of an excellent wedfling breakfast. A very successful and enjoyable dance took place in the school-room in the evening, which waa attended by a large nnmber of young people and older friends. A crowded congregation assembled in Trinity Preabyterian Church, Cambridge, on Wednesday, June 6;h, to witne3s the marriage of Miaa Christina McParlane, eldest daughter of Mr W. M. McFarlane, an old and very highly respected resident of Cambridge, to Mr Magnus Manson of Rotorun. The Rev. J. Erwin officiated. The bride was given away by her father acd looked very dainty in a handsome trained dreßa of creme Bilk, trimmed very tastefully with silk lace, pearls, and orange blossom?, tiara of orange blosaoma, and' beantifully embroidered tulle veil, and carried an exquisite Bhower bouquet, the gift of Mrs Wells. The. bridegroom's gift was a handsome gold brooch with horaeshoe of pearls. Misses Bella and Eva McFarlane acted as bridesmaids, and wore dainty creme dresses, the former carrying a pretty bouquet, and the latter a crook adorned with flowerß and ribbon. The bridegroom's gift to each was a pretty gold brooch set with geme, Meaßrs R. and J. H<?atherington of Huntly attended the bridegroom. After the ceremony, over two hundred gueats were entertained by Mr and Mrs McFarlane at a splendid wedding breakfast, laid very tastefully in the Oddfellows' Hall. Mr and Mrs Maneon departed for Hamilton, en route for Okoroire, the bride wearing a handsome brown costume relieved with creme, and hat to match. The wedding presents were handsome, numerous and useful. Amongat the . guesta were : Mrs M. Roberts, grey costume, with beaded passementerie trimmings ; Mra C. Craig, pretty black dress, vest of heliotrope silk ; Mra Bond, black satin with grey siik vest ; Mrs D. J Webber, pretty creme lustre trimmed with satin ; Mrs A. Forbes, black grenadine skirt, heliotrope silk blouse; Mrs J. Webber, black satin blouse, black lustre skirt ; Mrs Popple, black skirt, bodice of black satin, creme silk vest; Mrs Law, Jan., black skirt, pretty creme silk blouse ; Mrs Sharp, black silk ; Mra J. Russell, grey trimmed with brown velvet ; Mrs Rieharda, white silk ; Mrs S. Smith, black satin, rel.ieyed with cceme lace ; Mra Hjorth, black silk ; Mrs 8 Kite, black figured lußtre, with bngle trimming; Mra Huge, black lustre; Mrs S liruce, grey, with ve3t of creme lace ; Mrs Cowling, black silk with jet trimming ; Mrs R. Carr, black silk. Miss M. Bebersing, pretty yellow silk dress trimmed with green satin ribbon ; Miss Ruge, white, tastefully trimmed with chiffon ; Miss J. McNeisb, pink hailshower muslin ; Miss A. McNeiab, pretty dress of white hailshower mu:-lin over yellow ; Mias M. Stewart, pretty evening dress ; Miss A. Stewart, dark skirt, pink crepon blouse' trimmed with white satin ; Miss N. Wjlie, creme serge dress, trimmed with ruby velvet ribbon ; Miss E. Wylie, creme, trimmed with yellow aatin ribbon ; Miss Hjorth, blae velvet, vest of white satin, and trimmed with beads ; Miss A. Simms, brown ekirt, pretty creme Bilk blouse ; Miss A McFarlane, pretty creme dress, finished with yellow satin ribbon. The Ponaonby Druids' Social Club intend devoting their next night to mnaioal ad well as terpischorean items. As the social will take the form of a ' long night,' no doubt the attendance will be a. record one for the season. The club meets on Wednesday week and each alternate week thereafter in St. George's Hall.