THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XXI, Issue 1195, 23 November 1901, Page 8

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

By Muriel.

My Deau Muhiel,— JUST now social events of any im_ portance are few and far between. Energetic women in all the different parishes are concentrating all thoughts and ideas on parish f6tea, bazaars, and sales of work. The last successful one was the Parnell Forest Fair, which realised most sanguine expectations, and was a quite out of the ordinary affair. Some of the girls taking part in the tableaux, etc., looked really lovely, and quite like the angels they were meant to represent, only much better dressed and coiffured than the ordinary angel. I heard some one say that such stylish head fixtures were absurd for angels, and when I asked why fashions should not change up above as well as down here, she looked quite shocked. You see, it was a church affair, and reasoning powers, even with regard to angels' hair dressing are best not called into requisition on such occasions. ••• ••• ••• The next bazaar or sale of work to take place is that of St. Andrew's Guild, the members of which have been working hard for months. It is to be held in Mrs Sowerby's Hall at the end of this month, and the pretty, quaint, and useful articles to be obtained are simply innumerable. Quite a number of people felt a slight shock of earthquake here on Saturday morning, but we may congratulate ourselves on getting only the tail end of the terribly severe one that the Southerners had to live through. I feel sure that 'bus proprietors here must have felt it more than others, and, thinking the end of things was at hand, determined to make a pile while there was yet time. Either that or a nightmare -like vision of Mr Hansen and the electric trams must have been the reason, for their eccentricity (though that is a mild term) last Saturday, Show day, when they not only took their 'busses plying on most of the suburban lines for the Show traffic, but charged double fare — proceedings dubbed by everyone who had occasion to use a 'bus as simply disgraceful. *• *• «. Out at the Show, the principal interest was, as usual, centred in the jumping and riding competitions. Several competitors among the men were undoubtedly plucky, but they could not be called good riders. Anyhow, they caused some fun, so were not quite useless. The Victorian Cross competition, where riders had to dismount, pick up a dummy and carry it some distance, was also very amusing, but, judging by the way the figures were carried (in some cases, upside down, or simply anyhow) we decided it would be preferable to be left on the field to die in a comfortable position, at least, Some of the horses exhibited were beauties indeed, and their condition proved what lavish care their owners had bestowed on them, and in what esteem they were held. After all, animals are quite worth while cultivating a« friends. They are so agreeable, ask no questions, and pass no criticisms, and don't even object to being decorated according to their owner's fancy, If you could have seen the various styles of tail and mane dress — the rosettes and other ornaments stuck just anywhere where they would stick — you would understand how good and longsuffering the horses must be to eudure it. • . ••• ••• ••• -: The lady rider* were all awfully good, the winner of the hunting competition being, apparently, a born jockey, and a Muttering testimony to . the art of Phil. May. lam presuming she has modelled her style from that of some of his famous pictures. Mrs Gane wore a very well-fitting green

' cloth habit, and looked moat charm , ing. It must have indeed been a hardjob for the judges to decide as to who was the best rider when Miss Leeds -and Mrs Gane were competing. They were both so very good. .<•»••. •«» The usual collection of "adipose sheep, all steep and suet, plethoric and apoplectic pigs," were, of course, there, and the side shows somewhat supplemented by street singers — men wearing most nautical -like caps and jerseys. Can you tell me why that class of man so often favours the navy in his choice of costume, and adopts a naval rig ! These men also adopted the Salvation Army style of collection, and it .seemed much more successful than the singing warranted. As for fashions at the Show, they were of every style imaginable. A perfect mountain of a woman — I'm «ure she would have turned the scale at fifteen stone — wore a pale blue tightlyfitting (lowered muslin. A slim, fair girl wore a long-trained, clinging black frock with transparent — most transparent—yoke, no collar at all. She evidently mistook the occasion for a dance or theatre party. Yet another buxom lady was in blue, with transparent creme lace in much profusion. A goodly supply of pearl cream was visible, and perhaps meant to make up tor absence of dress material. The stand at Alexandra Park is an altered, but not an improved place, the only entrance or egress being at one enn, which means that, when full, a constant stream of people is passing along in front of those seated. The architect who did the altering is not to be at all complimented on his work. —» ••• ••■ At the matinee of " Florodora" last Saturday afternoon, the Opera House was so crowded that one would have thought the performance was the initial one instead of being at the end of a second week's run, and looking back over the rows of faces, there was not one that was bored, and there were quite a number of men in the audience. As a rule, matinees are patronised by women and children, with here and there a few men looking quite guilty and hangdog, or as though they had intruded upon a " How to be Beautiful " lecture, or something of the sort. Evidently, "Florodora" took on to such an extent that every opportunity of seeing it was availed of. There was any amount of gag introduced, and it takes very well with local theatre - goers. Visitors not having met our celebrities are sometimes in a bit of a fog, and it was evident that the company had difficulty in keeping straight faces when Mr Percy added to the original score, All round the dress circle, children leant far over the rail, much to the worry of "nervy" people. Several girls in the audience wore large Panama hats, and there were very few smartly dressed, An exception was Miss Moss Davis, who looked charming in a pale grey costume, and a pink hat ; Mrs Bmitb, from Palmerston, also looked nice wearing a petunia coloured frock ; so did Miss lladdock, from Fiji, who wore a pretty white silk blouse and dark skirt. ••••••••• "The Casino Girl" is light and sketchy even beyond the ordinary limit of musical comedy, and what little plot there is in the work is seen in the first act — the second being just an opportunity for dresses and turns by the different performers without the usual skeleton of a reason. On Monday night the dancing was of that sort which is more like a cake walk than a regular dance, and not very graceful. It was a pity Mr O'Connor' should have a part like that of •' Frontage," where his splendid voice could be no seldom heard. He has proved himself a splendid 'actor — his identity being barely recognisable in this part. Mr Percy^ though so small, is realistically atlile tic, ami in his efforts sends the chorus girla — - some looking like fashion plates and others like biblical pictures all in a confused heap. The errand boy. called on the programme Master IJain, was so clever that we all thought he must be a girl. " The Casino Girl " is very reminiscent of " The Belle of New York" and "The Geisha," and several others — rather a jumble up of many we have heard and seen, and, to

borrow the word* of one of the Songs, is the " Same OH Business— Nothing New." The Orchestra in "Casino Girl" is very good, but! am sure the conductor would be much happier H the management would provide a proper neat for his hat. ••• — —■ In the audience on Monday night, I saw Mrs and Misses Halley, from Cambridge, Mr and . Mrs Mathew.B. Mrs Kilgoiir looked most wonderfully youthful after her long sojourn abroad. Miss Laurie, Miss Cameron, Mr and Mrs Lawford, Miss Minnet, Mr and Mrs McCallum, Mrs and Misses Timrns, l)r and Mrs Lewis, Miss Lewis, Mrs Buddie, Miss White, Misses Philips and Niccol, Mr and Mrs Alexander, Mr and Mrs Eliut Davis, Miss Davis. Truly yours, Polly. The Agricultural Association's splendid show this year at Alexandra Park was the great event of last week, and owing to more favourable weather than usual, the attendance, I am told, was a record one. On Saturday, especially, many thousands were present, but few particularly smart dresses were to be seen. Mrs Elliott Davis looked very dainty in a blue tailor-made costume with satin and lace collar, .and smart Clara Butt hat, which suited her splendidly ; Miss Maginnity looked particularly well in a blue sateen dress with white spot, and made with transparent lace yoke, and smart hat ; Miss Violet Dacre also wore a very pretty blue dress and becoming pale blue hat ; Mrs Thome George, black cloth costume, black hat ; Miss Thome George was graceful in a dark powder blue cloth tailor - made gown with white stitching, and panama hat ; Miss Waller, stylish black costume ; Miss Campbell, black tailor-made costume ; Mrs J, T. Stevenson, black coat and skirt, black bonnet ; Miss Stevenson looked nice in tailor • made costume ; Miss Jennie Opie, smart grey costume ; Mrs W, H. Smith, dark frieze tailormade ; Mrs Grey Dixon, black gown, black hat with / crimson flowers ; Misses Harper looked dainty in dark blue dresses spotted with white, and pretty hats; Miss Hesketh looked nice in black ; Mias Peacock, dark violet gown, hat to match ; Mrs J. P. Stevenson, violet gown, fawn jacket ; Mrs (Col.) Banks, black costume ; Miss Cleghorn looked nice in black, with white muslin and lace collar, black hat ; Mrs J. J. Craig was in grey ; Miss Stewart, fawn costume, gem hat ; Miss Pearce looked dainty in navy blue coat and skirt ; Mrs Abel Piowe, stylish black dress and hat. +• — i* The marriage of Mr Ivo Walters with Miss Maud Lediard, of Eden Terrace, is arranged to take place on Tuesday, December 24th, in the church of the Holy Sepulchre. •*» ••• ft The engagement is aniiQunced of Mr James Carswell, manager of Messrs Nelson Bros, estate, Lock Inver, Kawke's Bay, and fourth son of Mr W, Carswell, Hawkes Bay. to Miss Nellie Maloney, daughter or Mr Maloney, Little liiver, Canterbury. A very pretty wedding was solemnised on Wednesday afternoon, November 13th, in Holy Trinity Church, Devqnport. The contracting couple were Mr \V. G. Allen, stationer, of Queen-street, and Miss May Bartley, eldest unmarried daughter of Mr and Mrs Edward Bartley, of Devonport, Owing to the popularity of both bride and bridegroom in the district, their nuptials occasioned more than ordi, nary interest amongst a large circle of friends, many of whom were- present to witness the ceremony. The Rev. Canon Nelson, of St. Paul's, officiated, and the service was partly choral, in compliment to the bride and bride* groom, who were members of the choir. ••• •••••» The bride was given away by her father, and looked both winsome and dainty in a beautiful trained dress of ereine silk, elaborately tucked, and the bodice finished with ft* fichu of soft vmusselinf. de soie, which WM caught ou the-.shoulder, and the cuds , falling to the edge of the skirt; j&ijiQ, '-.',. also wore a coronet of orange bios-, soms, from which fell an embroidered tulle veil, and carried a beantifnl shower bouquet.

The bridesmaids were Miss Eya Bartley and Miss Aubin, of the Thames, who^wore very pretty dresses of aoft «reme silk, daintily trimmed with tacks and lace, black picture hats, and tarried beautiful bouquets of bright crimson roses. The Becond couple Were little girls. Miss Eileen Mason (niece of the bride), and . Miss Majorie Wildman (niece of the bridegroom). They looked charming in dainty frocks of creme silk, and crerae picture hats. Mr Rutherford acted as best man and Mr Allie Bartley as groomsman. A reception was afterwards held by Mr and Mrs Bartley at their residence, when a large number of guests,, yrho" were confined to the relatives of the contracting families, were entertained at afternoon tea. A large number of friends were entertained by the parents of the bride at a dance the week previous to the wedding, when a most enjoyable • evening was spent. The wedding presents were both numerous and valuable. «•• •» .«. The engagement is announced of Dr Riley, of Dunedin, and Miss Susie Graham, daughter of Mr and Mrs Graham, late of Karori, Wellington, and now residing in Dunedin. ••• •» ••• - A very pretty wedding was celebrated in St. Andrew's Church, Cambridge, on Wednesday of last week, when Miss Mary Elizabeth Garland, eldest daughter of Mr Ben. Garland, and one of the most popular girls in Cambridge, was united with Mr Henry James Stone, of Onehunga, and formerly of Cambridge. The church was tilled with friends to witness the ceremony, which was performed by the Yen. Archdeacon Willis. The choir; was present under Mr Hartly, and the service was partly choral. The bride was given away by her father, and was welcomed at the church by a merry peal of bells. She looked charming in a lovely trained bridal dress of ivory silk, the front of the skirt and bodice covered with tiny tucks and trimmed with chiffon and passementerie. The bodice was finished with a fichu of mousseline de soie, which draped the bodice, and was caught on the left shoulder with orange blossoms, the ends falling to the hem of the skirt. She also wore a coronet of orange blossoms and embroidered tulle veil, and carried a beautiful shower bouquet. ••••••■•» The bridesmaids were Miss Vera Garland and Miss Annie V r eale, attired in pretty muslin dresses with transparent lace sleeves, white chiffon hats, and carried bouquets of white and red roses. Miss Irene Garland and Miss Ida' Stone also wore dainty muslin dresses, white hats, and carried bouquets of pink and white roses ; Misses Naida and Ira Garland, tin-y sisters of the bride, wore dainty white frocks, white hats, and earned baskets of beautiful flowers and roses. The bridegroom presented each maid with a " gold brooch. Mr Percy Stone acted as best man, and Messrs William, Reginald and Leo Garland as groomsmen. Mrs Garland, mother of the bride, wore a handsome black silk gown and black and heliotrope bonnet ; Mrs Stone, mother of the bridegroom, also wore black silk, and black and white toque. After the wedding breakfast, when the customary toasts were proposed and responded to, Mr and Mrs Stone left by train for Auckland, the bride wearing a pretty silver-grey travelling costume with vest of white silk, and wlrite hat. •» ••• .«. An interesting wedding to a large circle of Auckland friends was quietly solemnised on Tuesday, November 12, in Wellington. The contracting couple were Mr H. R. Richter, of Auckland, and Miss Dodson, of Ponsonby, who has lately been*taying with her sister, Mm W. 8. Furby, in Wellington. The ceremony took place in St. Mark's Church, the Rev. Mr Bond officiating. The bride was given away by Mr Furby, and wore a lovely trained dress of creme silk, coronet of orange blossoms, tulle veil, and she carried a beautiful shower bouquet. The Misses Clark (2), nieeeß of the bride, acted as bridesmaids, and wore dainty dresses of creme silk and pretty gold bird broaches; the latter the gifts of the bridegroom; Mr Osborne Richter actedas best man. A reception was afterwards held by Mr and Mrs Furby

at their residency Upper Willis-street, when the customary toasts were proposed and duly honoured. Mr and Mra .Richter arrived in Auckland via New Plymouth on Saturday morning last. A wedding interesting to numereus Auckland friends, was celebrated at Gisborne on Wednesday, October 30th. The contracting couple were Mr E. J. Wilkinson, of Cambridge, formerly of the W.aikato Times staff, and Miss M. Hay ward, of Gisborne. The ceremony took place in the Anglican Church, which was filled with the many interested friends of the happy couple. The Rev. Canon Webb officiated, assisted by the Rev. Canon Fox, and the service was fully choral. The bride was given away by her mother, and wore a beautiful bridal dress, the gift of her god-mother in England. The dress was of silk mousseline de soie over silk, and handsomely embroidered with lovers' knots and finished with.lace, and embroidered chiffon scarf, fastened with a spray of orange blossoms. She also wore a pretty toque of white tucked chiffon, trimmed with lace and roses, and carried a beautiful shower bouquet and small prayer book bound in white vellum, the gifts of the bridegroom, who also gave her a diamond and sapphire ring. Four bridesmaids were in attendance, Miss E. Morgan, Miss J. Wilkinson, Miss Carmen Winter, and Miss Gwen Sampson. The first couple wore pretty muslin dresses trimmed with heliotrope silk, and white picture hats ; and the second couple, who were little children, long white muslin frocks and pictnre hats with ostrich tips. Mr A., (ribbons, of Fencourt, Cambridge, acted as best man, and Mr F. Wilkinson as groomsman. The bridegroom presented the elder bridesmaids with monogram rings, and the little maids with pretty gold brooches. A reception was subsequently held, and later Mr and Mrs Wilkinson departed for Napier and the South, where they spend some time before settling down in their home at Cambridge.