THE Social Sphere

Observer, Volume XXIX, Issue 11, 28 November 1908, Page 8

THE Social Sphere

By Carminya,

My Dearest Sophronisba — Summer is in the air, and the rapidly lengthening days are full of promise of water picnics, yachting, white frocks, and other open air frivolities. The horn of the cyclist is heard in the land, and the vaunt of the ambitious dinghy owner betokens the fact that the days ot al fresco life have at last arrived. And, if further evidence were required, it might be easily found where the bang of the racquet is heard on the ball, what time the muscular young person dons her abbreviated skirt and exhibits her more or less attractive anKles (usually less) whilst skipping like any yonng lamb on the close shaven velvet sward. After which poetical effort you will understand that, as the musical amateur is fond of wailing, "Summer is here."

So I can discourse to you of cycling, yachting, swimming, motoring, bowling, power-boating, tennising, cricketing or rowing, and though many of these amusements may be classified as distinctly masculine, they need not therefore be dismissed as unworthy of your feminine notice. Rather should you be interested to hear that the West End Rowing Club is contemplating "upside down" trials — whatever they may be. The term reminds me, however, of a game once in great favour, in o*ir childhood's days, which consisted of repeating Tennyson's "Oriana," substituting " upside down" for " Oriana." It may sound futile, but I have seen staid elderly men convulsed with merriment on hearing that — " She stood upon the cattle wall Upside down." All of which is, of course, mere vanity.

Still, even though accounts of athletic performances may bore you, to my mind they make far better reading than one finds in that terrible column in Saturday's issue of both our " great dailies." This is the style : — " There will be seven days in next week. Roughly speaking, there are twenty-four hours to every day. Statistics show that three hundred and sixty-five of these days go to make up a year." Or " The present Edward is the seventh who has ruled over England. His predecessor of the same name was Edward the Sixth." And this is the sort of thing we purchase with our hardly-earned pennies.

And now to business. On Friday last I adventured to the Federal Club Kooms to hear the pupils of Miss Alice Luw give a private recital. Of all the more or less juvenile performers I preferred Miss Amy Thompson, who should one day be heard of on a wider stage.

To the Federal Hall was but a short step, and thither we wended our way to see the finale of the annual concert given by the pupils of St. Patricks Convent School. Naturally, we missed much that was interesting, but the cantata, " The May Queen," was well worth hearing. I have mislaid my programme, but they read like a Dublin Directory. So, with unstinted applause for Ould Oirelaod and her representatives we went home.

I believe most of the elections are over hereabouts, although I hear enthusiasts still talking of Second Ballots which are going to " upset certain applecarts." Really, the vulgarity of men is appalling. Only the other day I heard two politicians discussing events at North Shore. "I suppose," Paid one, "we'll have cheap gas over here some day."

"Never cheaper than it's been the last three weeks;" growled bis friend. And I had to ponder over this cryptic Baying for some time before realising that the gentleman was talking figuratively,

From a horticultural point of view, the Flower Show opened by the Mayor on Friday last was a huge success, and the Choral Hall was thronged by amateur and professional gaideuers and flower fanciers. 1 looked more at toe exhibits than the visitors, bo 1 nave no recollection of the frockts worn. Besides, gaudy gowns are sadly out of place at a dower show, for, by contrast, one is always reminded that " Solomon in all his glory" could not vie with the form and colouring ol Nature. And the best of us, from all accounts, must be a long way belimd Solomon — in the matter of dress, ol course, 1 mean. Yours ever, Carminya.

A wedding was solemnised at the Brian Boru Hotel, Thames, on the 18th inst., when Miss .Nellie Twohill was united to Mr A. Scandrett, son of Mr Scandrett, Mayor of invercargiil. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr 1). 1 wohill, was handsomely attired in a creme ninon voile dress over creme talteta chiffon silk, made in semiempire fashion, crossed bodice finished oft with lovers' knots and creme tassels, with sleeves and vest point d'aienoon two toned insertion. She wore a long creme chiffon ribbon sash caught at the ends with orange blossoms festooned from the lett shoulder across the bodice and falling on to the skirt. The skirt was particularly graceful, being panelled with point d'alencon. two-toned insertion, and the bottom tucked and full train. She wore the orthodox veil and coronet of orange blossoms and carried a handsome bouquet.

Her bridesmaids, Misses V. and M. K. Twohill, were also handsomely attired, Miss Kate wearing a pink filet voile over pink taffeta chiffon. The bodice was mad© French coatee style, outlined with golden brown velvet ribbon trimmed with handsome brown and gold metal trimming finished with pink tassels, while Miss Violet had a blouse of silk net over which was a drapery of pale blue filet voile, outlined with black velvet, finished with blue and gold tassels and pin-tucked skirt made semi-empire Btyle. The bridegroom was supported by Mr Jas. Twohill, while the Rt. Rev. Monsignor O'Reilly was the officiating minister. After the ceremony a large number of friends sat down to a recherche repast, which was partaken of, the usual toasts being honoured. lhe bridegroom's present to the brido was a beautiful necklet and ohain and to the bridesmaids gold brooches, while the bride presented the bridegroom with a set of gold links. .Mr and Mrs Scandrett left later for Te Aroha, where the honeymoon is to be spent.