THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XXI, Issue 1177, 20 July 1901, Page 16

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

■ • ■ / .. . . By Muriel. """

My Deab Mubikl,— In town things do not look vety cheerful—every shop window placarded with selling-off notices, telling all who ever had a doubt about tbe matter that tbe proprietors are ' throwing away their goodß at lesß than ooßt price,' or giving them away at their customers' own prioes, etc., etc Naturally an army of bargain hunters, with their families— mostly in prams — swarm round the counters and haggle for the possession of something that at sale time is above all else desirable, because, perhaps, it is marked at a penny or two less cost. Th 6 opera company has spread itself out, and most hotels and boarding houses have a share of it. It is a well-fed, pros-perous-looking company, and is causing no end of excitement in musical eiioles, and, judging by the audience at the Opera House on Monday— the opening night— when 'II Trovatore ' was produced, musical oiroles embrace all circles, and are large and appreciative ones. And it was a treat to Bee such a well-filled houße, though it was anything but a smartly dressed one. Numbers of women wore evening drees, but oovered it up with warm cloaks and wraps, and in the dress circle I saw several hats and bonnets, bo the grand opera is just as much a go-as-you please affair as is every other style of theatrical entertainment in Auckland. I also saw some very small ohildren — musical prodigies, I presume— who did not at all look as though they appreciated the six shilling's worth they were having, but very sleepy and tired, and I could not help thinking what a waste of tice it was when bo many hard up ' grown ups would have been delighted to take their places. One great improvement at the door was a curtain that kept out a lot of the usual draught, and numbers of polite ushers, who, with their red-faced coat lapells, were faintly reminiscent of aide-de-oamps and Government House. A long article in last Saturday's Star Supplement, begging people to refrain from all sorts of things, including the munching of sweets, humming the airs, arriving late and so disturbing others, had not muoh effect on the general public, and, strange to Bay, one man mott intimately oonneoted with the Star was among those who committed the latter orime. Some girlß who put faith in the rumour that special comfortable arrangements were to be made for those going to tbe stalls had it rudely shaken. Long before half-past six the doors were beßieged, and when opened at seven the pushing and crushing was something awful, and many women arrived at last in a moßt dißhevelled state, and with the evening's amusement they had looked forward to quite dissipated by the fight at the door. Mary tella me one small, fair woman, who was moat pitied because of her size, was worse than any rough man (she must be very strong), and deliberately pushed her way through, not oaring how she hurt others by so doing. The pit was a most lively one, and spared neither age nor anything else in its very, very personal remarks, and those who had come prepared with books and papers to while away the time of waiting found them quite unneoeaßary, aa there wen bo many unpublished witticisms being given to all and sundry. 'II Trovatore ' is a rather miserable opera— l mean everyone is so unhappy in it. Of all the splendid singers in the production on Monday, we liked Agnes Janaonaa Azuoenathe beßt, .her acting and singing being jußt perfeot. MadamejSlapoffski, as Leonora, wore lovely g owns, but Inez, Maud Harrington,

only wore one very ugly one the whole evening, which was hard lines, because she ia each a pretty girl. I did not like the acting of any of the men, bat then, they say, one should not expect acting in grand opera, Anyhow, we are quite oontent with the singing and musio, and, indeed, no one has anything bat praise for that. The scenery wss beautiful, the best we have ever had here, and in the ohoruß there are many good voices and pretty faces; MissDaißy Daviß, an old favourite (late ol^tEe Pollard'B), and her Bister among them. Among some of the smartly, dressed women in the audienoe on Monday night were Mra Dutbie, Mrs and Misses Moss Davis, Misses Lennox, Miss Leys, Mrs I. Alexander, Mrs Thome, Mrs Alfred Nathan, Mrs and Misses Ireland, Mrs 0. Phillips, Mrs Montague, Mrs Brett, Mrs Banger, Mrs F. Baume, Mrs Sydney Nathan, Mrs Lußk, Mrs Bolmeß, Mrs Friend, Miss Kelly and Mrs Hanson. The University students have been having a big time this last week. The capping ceremony at the Ohoral Hall, followed by afternoon tea at the University last Thursday afternoon, a fancy dress prooeaaion and sapper the following evening, and a muaioal and dramatic entertainment on Saturday evening. The capping ceremony was a rather dreary affair— just speeches, interspersed with sonngs, some really clever parodies, and the presentation of diplomas. Miss Dineen, one of the ' sweet girl graduates,' and, I hear, an exceptionally olever one, looked quite smiling and happy, bat the others were pale and serious. The speeches dealt with the sordid question of money, or rather want of money, in connection with University affairs. Like everything else in this ' fair city,' as it is called in poetry, the want of the needful oaeh prevents our University from going ahead as it should do. Dr Bakewell was among the learned men on the platform, and tho' he did not say anything, he looked as tho' be know an awful lot, and was composing, in his mind'B eye, one of those telling and sarcastic letters of his that make suoh good reading ; so lam quite looking out for one to appear. The matron and nurseß of- the Hospital gave a return danoe to the ' Flower Mission Girls ' at Sowerby's Hall, last Wednesday evening, and it was a most enjoyable affair. • • • • •*, One of the best dances of the season was that given by Mr and Mrs Pittar, at their residence, Lower Bemuera, last Friday evening. The weather cleared op most obligingly on Friday, so the spacious verandahs and lovely garden walks, lit with fairy lights and Japanese lanterns, were much appreciated. Mr and Mrs Pittar made an ideal hoßt and hostess, and were indefatigable in their attentions to their numerous guests, who all thoroughly enjoyed the danoe. Floor, music, and Bupper, dispensed by a small army of trained waitresses, was everything that could be desired. Mrs Pittar looked charming wearing black and gold, and among the guests were Mrs Boaoh, who wore a lovely gown of yellow satin ; Miss Jordan wore white satin ; Mrß 0. Brown, creme and purple ; Mrß Eenderdine, Mrs Goodhue, Mrs Younghusband, Mrs Dathie wore black and pale blue ; Mrß Moritzon, Mrs Milton, Mrs Johnston, Mrs Bowerby wore blaok sequined dress ; Miss Dowell looked pretty wearing white Bilk dress ; Miss Eisßling, Miss Keogb wore blaok silk. One feature of the evening's entertainment — and a pleasant one — was the way in whioh the oab and 'bus drivers were treated, and they one and all voted their host a jolly good fellow. Last Sunday afternoon, the Bey. Mr Goldstein and Mrß Goldstein were ' At Home ' to. all the members of the congregation, the occasion being their silver wedding day. A very large and representative gathering were there, testifying, by their hearty good wishes and many valuable silver presents, their very great respect and affeotion for their Babbi and Mrs Goldstein. A wedding to take place very soon is that of Miss Stewart, of Onehunga, to Mr Priestly, of Mount Albert. 1 heard an account of the Savage Club's last meeting, and am wild with envy to think of the men— mere men only— having such jolly times. Without posing as being quite so savage as the men, don't you think it would be nice if the women in Anokland would Btart a similar club? Unfortunately, all our olub-inolined, talking women seem so

interested in Women's Politioal Leagues, and things like that, bat surely, if som>. thing would turn their attention to we idea of using their talents in a social direction, 4hey would be mooh more Jp' predated than as is the ease now. Whin some of the papers faithfully report their sayings and doings others make fun of them, and there it all ends. Whereas, if they would start a Savage Club, or some other institution* the amusement could be taken seriously. What a goto Mrs Daldy and Co. would think me for daring to air such opinions, but I did admit they, had talents, even though wrongly directed. One of the Auckland Savages/ If r Henry Gray, is, 1 should think; a perfect genius, and moat original. His particular bent seems to be that of an authOr-aotor, and judging by the description of his and othere' performance last Saturday night, it does seem hard that we can only go by hearsay as to the doings and Bayings of the Savages. Herr Benno Soherek, the Musgrove Company's representative here, is another genius, in the way of card tricks. They say his manipulation was simply marvellous, excelling the famous Eante, or even Carl Hertz, whose pupil be was. The Savage orohestra, for its size, is second to none in Auckland, so you can guess what the musical part of the programme was like, in faot, every item of the Savage Club's meeting, when MrOra? was chairman, was really splendid. Have you read 'Fred the Miner'? the book made famous by Miss Jessie Minnß, of Grand Hotel fire fame. They say it is being very widely read jußt now, but the booksellers here gravely admit to being ' sold out ' if asked for it, and after read-., ing Miss Minnß's varied statements, one is doubtful if such a book ever existed ; but to be serious, try and get ' The Visits of Elizabeth.' I have forgotten the author, bat think you will like this book. It oonsi«tß of the letters of an nnsopbietioated girl to her mother. She writes of what she sees and hears in society circles without seemingly understanding. They are really olever, smart and amusing. ' A Debt of Honor ' is a new work by Mamis Jokai, and is aaid to be very good. Toan ever, Nina. The opera season just started at the Opera House promises •to be a great success. On Monday night, the costumes worn were rich and handsome. Madame Blapoffski was a dainty and beautiful figure in the first part, weariag a bright, rose pink gown, with long train, and huge lace Medici oullar ; and later she appeared in a beautiful trained dress of ivory satin, the bodice and sleeves sparkling with jewels, and long tulle veil. Her attendant, Mits Harrington, wore a trained gown of rich brocade. In the dress circle black predosmoaled amongst the audienoe, many ttf the dresses being rich and- beautiful. Mrs Kirker wore a rich black silk gown, creme oloak; Mrs A. Hanna, black, creme oloak ; Mrs J. Blaok, pretty pale yellow silk, trimmed with velvet to match ; Mrs J. Tole, blaok silk, and lovely pale pink brocade cloak ; Mißses Tole, oreme ; Mrs Hellaby was handsome in black silk ; Mrs P. A. Bdminßton, black silk, and creme oloak ; Miss Bdminston, pretty dress of rose pink silk ; Mis W. J. Balph, blaok silk, oreme oloak ; Miss Mane Balph looked nioe in oreme ; Miss Farrell, pretty crime ; Miss Eomerville, pink ; Mrs 0. Phillips, blaok silk, with transparent lace sleeves. Miss Richards looked .nice' in pink; Mrs Tewsley, black Bilk, the bodice sparkling with steel trimming, grey and blaok mantle ; Mrs Parkes won a handsome blaok silk gown and stylish blue oloak ; Mrs Donald, rich blaok brooade gown and lovely blue and white brocade oloak ; Miss Donald was dainty in creme silk ; Mrs Seegner, blaok silk, the bodioe trimmed with orimson satin ; Miss Winnie Leys was charming in oreme silk, with pale blue silk finishing the bodioe; Mrs Finlayson, blaok silk ; Miss Fenton, blaok silk, with white fiohu; Mrs Cotter, lovely blaok- brocade gown, the bodioe relieved with steel; her three daughters were dainty light silk evening blouses ; Mrs (Dr) MoDowell, blaok Bilk, creme cloak ; Miss Ethel Moore looked nioe in creme satin; Miss Ruby Moore, pretty pale pink; Mrs Brett, blaok silk; Mrs Bond, oreme; Mrs I. Alexander-, rich black brooade gown and lovely white and blaok opera oloak; Mrs Airey, pale yellow brooade gown ; Mrs Ferguson was lovely

ill blaok grenadine over green ; Mise Campbell, oreme satin ; Miss Lucas, blaok silk, the bodice relieved with pink; Mrs Maitlaod, blaok ; Miss Buddie was charming in blaok, (he low bodice reUeved with white. The engagement is announced of Miss Jessie Adams, of Ponsonby, to Mr Bent, of Waiuku. Miss Adams is well known as an accomplished pianist and most successful teacher of music. An exceedingly pretty wedding was Bolemmzed on Thursday, July 11th, at the residence of the bride's parents, Mangare. The oontraoting couple were Miss Lottie Molntyre, only daughter of Mr James Mclntyre, of the Clyde Iron Works, Onehunga, and Mr Thomas E. N. McKenzie, engineer of the Union S.S. ffi " an %P e ' The Rev - Geo - Br <>wn officiated. The bride was given away by ncr father, and looked charming in a lovely dress of white Bilk, handsomely embroidered, and trimmed with ohiffon coronet of orange blossoms, and tulle veil, and Bhe carried a beautiful Bhower bouquet. me bridesmaids were Miss Jones, coußin of the bride, and Miss Fisher. Both wore dainty white dresses, picture hats, and carried pretty bouquets. Messrs C. Scott and J. Mclntyre, junr., attended tne bridegroom. After the wedding breakfast, where the customary toasts were proposed and responded to, Mr and Mrs McKenzie departed by the s.s. Mapounki for New Plymouth, en route for Ijyttelton. The event occasioned a good deal of interest in the Onehunga district, where the bride and her family are wellknown and esteemed. The shipping in port was gay with bunting in honour of the oooasion. Amongst the many beautiful gifts received by the young couple was a lovely silver holder for sugar, in the lorm of a coal-souttle and shovel, pre- - B»2nted2 nted t0 tbe bride °y th ° onoir of the Mangare Presbyterian Church, of which she had been a member. The presentation took plaoe at a social evening held prior to the wedding at the residence of Mr D. Robertson, Miss Robertson presenting the gift. The social on Tuesday night in St. Jieorge's Hall, held in oonneotion with the danoing class conducted by Mr F. C Bassett, was a most enjoyable one. a Here was a very large attendance of pupils and friends, and a lengthy programme was gone through. The music was excellent, and the dreßses worn were especially pretty. The residents in the Hunua district were present by invitation in large numbers at the residence of Mr and Mrs White, pioneer settlers in the district, on Wednesday, July 10th. The occasion was the marriage of their eldest daughter, JJ'UBA. 0. White, and Mr George Jones. The Rev. Thomas Norrie officiated. The bnde was given away by her father, and looked charming in a pretty bridal dreee of oreme orepon, trimmed with lace, orange blossoms, etc., and the usual wreath and veil. She was attended by her sister, Miss J. White, who wore a pretty pale yellow dresß trimmed with pale Wee silk ; and Miss A. Pearoe, attired in pale blue figured lustre trimmed with white Bilk, All carried beautiful bouquets. MrjG. White aoted as best man. A sumptuous wedding breakfast was afterwards served, and in the evening a very enjoyable party was given in honour of the happy event. The wedding giftß were very numerous and valuable.

Contributions in money or articles of clothing, ate , addressed to St. Patrick's Preßbytery, or to Mra Dignan, opposite the Convent School, are invited on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which in the cause of charity ia doing excellent work. Don't ever play with dynamite, In ease it Bhonld explode, Beware of robbers late at night And take the safest road. Don't laugh at any little ill, Bnt health at once secure, Bad coughs and colds arise from chill, Take Woods' Great Peppermint Care.