THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XXIV, Issue 29, 26 March 1904, Page 8

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

By Muriel.

THE marriage of Mr J. Dickey, only son of the late Mr John Dickey, of the old firm of J. and J. Dickey, and Mias Amy Cossar, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Cossar of Dunedin-street, Ponsonby, was quietly solemnised on Thursday, March 17th, in All Saints' Church. The ceremony occasioned a good deal of interest, and was witnessed by a large number of spectators. The Rev. Archdeacon Calder officiated. The bride was given away by her father, and looked winsome and sweet in a lovely trained dress of soft white silk, pin-tucked all over, the tucks meeting in a V down the centre of the back, and trimmed with accordeon-pleated chitt'on. The bodice was also pintucked, and was finished with a lovely lace collar, edged with accordeonpleated chilt'on. An embroidered tulle veil was worn off the race, and very becomingly arranged over a coronet of orange blossoms. She wore a lovely diamond and sapphire ring, the gift of the bridegroom, who also presented her with a beautiful shower bouquet of choice flowers, ferns, etc.

Miss Kronfeld was the only bridesmaid, and was attired in a dainty and becoming dress of pink silk, with shirred flounce, and trimmed with Paris lace, and creme picture hat with pink rosettes, and large white bird with outstretched wings. She carried a beautiful shower bouquet, and wore ahandsomediamond twin-heart brooch set with one large pearl, ,the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr Alex. Watson, cousin of the bridegroom, acted as best man. The wedding party were subsequently entertained by the parents of the bride at their residence, when the health of the happy young couple was duly honoured. The Bavarian Band, stationed on the lawn, performed some delightful music, which was much appreciated. The wedding presents were very numerous and valuable, and included a cheque from the bridegroom's employers, Messrs John Burns and Co., and an oak tray, silver-mounted, and silver tea and cottee service from the firm's employees. Mr and Mrs JMckey left for Rotorua to spend their honeymoon, the bride wearing a stylish tailor-made coat and skirt of blue black cloth, white collar, and pale blue silk vest veiled in embroidered white chiffon, and blue felt hat trimmed with blue straw and blue flowers.

Mrs Cossar, mother of the bride, wore a handsome trained black silk gown trimmed with frills of net edged with bebe ribbon, and dainty black and white bonnet ; Mrs Chatfield, sister of the bride, was attired in tussore silk, elaborately tucked and trimmed with handsome silk yak lace insertion, black picture hat relieved with white and green ; Mrs T. Davies, another sister, wore a stylish creme voile gown trimmed with lovely lace, and black picture hat ; Mrs W. D. Cossar, pretty grey voile gown and becoming green and brown hat ; Mrs Harry Cossar looked very nice in silver grey silk voile trimmed with beautiful guipure insertion, and picture hat ; Mrs W. E. Cossar, black voile skirt, pretty tucked black lnerveilleux silk blouse, and white bat with autumn leaves and berries ; Mrs Kronfeld wore a dress of champagne silk voile, beautifully shirred, and large picture hat.

Mrs J. McK. Geddes was handsomely gowned in black silk brocade and black hat ; Mrs Sands, all black costume ; Mrs Ray Adams, pretty grey voile dres« and picture hat ; Mrs Gaudin, senr. , elegant black gown and. bonnet; Mrs K. Gaudin, stylish bright blue and green costume, hat to correspond.; Mrs M. McCailuiu, black silk voile

skirt, silk coatee, and stylish hat j Mrs J. J. Graham was dainty in qnoart blue and green costume, hat to correa pond j Mrs A. Le Queßrie, black voile skirt, and. pretty lemon coloured silk blouse, stylish hat ; Mrs J. C. Culpan, black brocade gown and pretty black and pink bonnet; Mrs MeManus; black silk skirt, dainty creme silk blouse, and pretty hat ; Miss Cooke, stylish navy blue and green Costume, arid pretty blue, green, and red hat; Mrs Thwaites, all black costume,

In fashionable circles, the newest and most striking gifts for bridesmaids to receive are amulets set in pearls. They are scented with cedar from Mount Lebanon, and are said to be extremely lucky possessions.

The Auckland district is justly noted for its natural wonders, whose extent and variety are unsurpassed. Indeed, so many are the marvels that tourists ami pleasure-seekers, in their rush over the beaten track, are apt to overlook sights and scenes of surpassing beauty little known or advertised. Amongst the remarkable places little frequented are the Waitomo Caves, situated in the King Country, and said to excel in beauty the far-famed Jenolan Caves of New South Wales. The caves are now easily accessible by railway, and from Auckland the trip can be comfortably accomplished in three days at a merely trifling cost. A party of ladies undertook the journey last week, and have returned delighted and amazed at the marvellous beauty and extent of the caves. They speak of them, indeed, as being much more striking and beautiful than anything they have seen in the far-famed thermal region.

Anyone desirous of making the trip will be interested to know that the Government have erected a fourroomed cottage at Hangatiki, the nearest railway station, and the caretaker, if communicated with beforehand, will provide meals, plain and homely, at a shilling each. Or visitors' may take their own • provisions, andobtain hot water at a trifling cost. Twelve stretcher beds are provided, for which a shilling per night each is charged, the visitors taking their own rugs. Traps may be engaged to convey the party to the caves, distant aboui 6 miles, at 5/- for the return journey, and the guide's fee for the visit to the caves is 2/- each. Luncheon may be had at a private accommodation house at Waitomo, or the party may take their own lunches, in which case they can picnic in a most beautiful native bush. In places the caves are wet and muddy underfoot, so it is advisable for ladies to have with them an extra blouse, short skirt, and pair of boots or shoes. I may also remark that a party of twelve can obtain conveyance on the railway in a first-class reserved carriage at second-class fares, if the department is notified beforehand. The trip can easily be made, in reasonable comfort at 33/---per head. Surely this puts it within the reach of most people.

g^A double wedding will take place on Wednesday, April 27th, at Mahurangi, brides being the Misses Cora and Olive Jackson, of •' Waldemere," Mahurangi Heads.

The engagements are just announced of Mr W. McUrae Peacock, to Miss Bessie Louisson, of Christchurch ; Mr Borlase, of Wanganui, to Miss B. Morecroft, of Napier; Mr Riemers, now in South Africa, to Miss Florence Beale, daughter of Mr George Beale, Auckland.

Miss Ivy Ansley leaves Auckland on Monday next for Sydney, en route for Europe, where she intends to continue her musical studies. Miss Ansley gave two very successful concerts atWaihi last week, and was accorded a very enthusiastic sand off. Her many Auckland friends .wish -her a most successful future,

Mr VV. Ward Baker, the local partner of Messrs Baker Brothers, property auctioneers and estate agents, has purchased the Auckland business of the firm, and will retain the firm name of " Baker Brothers." Mr Baker is also district manager of the Phounix Assurance Company.

Messrs Frank Harris and Co. notify the removal of their busUegß from Victoria -street East to "Wellesleystreet • East, and the opening of a branch at Waikutuete, adjoining the railway station. Mr J. 8. Larke, commercial agent, of the Canadian Government^ will ad* dress a public meeting at the Chamber of Commerce this (Thursday) afternoon, on the question of trade between New Zealand and Canada. "Faust," in concert form, will fee the programme at the next popular, concert of the Tree-Blitz series, to. tie held at the Choral Hall pn Wednesday, 6th April. Gounod's tuneful muittc should ensure a crowded house. Miss Rosina Buckinann, a young New Zealand soprano, lately back from English and Continental schools of music, will give a concert at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday evening next. Mrs Queree, Mr Hamilton' Hodges, and M. de Willimoff will assist. • . Rossini's " Stabat Mater "is just the work for performance pn Good Friday night. Its subject is in keeping with the spirit of the season, and at the same time its bright and tuneful music —almost operatic in character at times— makes an excellent entertainment- For the coming production at the Opera House, Madame Lillian Tree has associated with her leading artists, and a capable chorus. Herr Louis Blitz will conduct.