The Social Sphere

Observer, 24 July 1909, Page 8

The Social Sphere

By Mirabel

Dear Nita — -

Mrs J. J. Craig, of Mountain Komi, Alt. Eden, entertained a number of young people at a dance on 1< riday evening last. The verandah was quite enclosed and hung with bunting, palms finishing tho decoration. The supper table looked well, with daffodils and violets and yellow ribbon tied in largo bows at each corner oi; the table. The hostess wore white net over silk, trimmed with lovely Brussels lace. Miss Craig, lovely gown of velvet in a rich shade of violet, made a la Princess and finished with Honiton lace. Aliss Connie Craig, Empire gown of heliotrope silk. Mrs H. Craig, white taiiotas.

Mrs Waller, black Kequin robo. Mrs Harry Buekleton, Princess gown oi pink satin, with laco panels. Mrs Arthur Brabant, white satin. Miss .Nellie llellaby, pale blue liinon, softened with wlute cliiifon. Miss Dorotliy Jones, white satin. Miss Nellie Douglas, heliotrope sink. Miss 11. Jones, wlute silk. Miss Sharlaml, white muslin. Miss Lily Burton, white silk, with red ribbons. Miss Dolly Stoplord, green silk. Miss M. liosketh, palo pink crepe de chine. Miss Jennie Niccol, dainty white muslin, beautifully embroidered.

Miss Nellie Itawliiisoii white glace silk. .Miss P. Baker, pale pink chiflon. Miss Aila Moritzson, mauvo crepe do chine. Miss Elsie Potter, white silk. Miss Maguire wore white silk. Miss Judy .Barnard, pale pink silk. Miss 1. Vaile, blue chiil'oii taffeta ; lier sister) white moussoline do soie. Miss May Colegrove, white silk, with Florentine Jaee. The Misses Gertie and Beatrice Olipliant botli wore silk — the. ionner pale blue and the latter pink. Others present were Misses Margaret Buekleton (2), Edwards, Thomas, Martin, P. MacFarlane, Mair and Abbott.

A quiet wedding was celebrated on Friday of last week at Holy Trinity Church, Dovonport, when Miss Helen Fon ton, daughter of Mrs Fenfcon, of Auckland, was married to Mr M. Reid, son of Mr JN'icholas Reid, Wellington. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr Gerald Fen ton, and wore a modified Directoire gown of vieux rose, creme yoke and silk ceintur-e to match ; also large picture hat and handsome set of furs.

Subsequently a reception was held at the- residenco of Mrs Simpson (sister of th» bride), Cheltenham Terrace. .Mrs Fenton (mother of the bride) was handsomely gowned in black. Mrs Simpson, tailor-made costume, and brown hat. Mesdames Poland, Kathbone and Miss Lusk wore handsome mourning costumes. Mrs duinness, navy blue, with large hat wreathed with violets. Mrs lieimers, dark green costume, and m»dish hat to correspond. The bride travelled in a navy blue tailor costume, thickly braided with black, and stylish hat en suite.

An enjoyable bridge afternoon was given on Friday last by Mrs Alex. Wyllie at her residence, Carlton Gore Road. The drawing room was beautifully decorated with yellow and white naroissi and brown birch foliage. The tea room was tastefully arranged, the colour scheme being purple and yellow, carried out by silver vases and bowls of violets and wattle, with festoons of smilax. The first prizo was won by Mrs "R. S. Holm Hiss, the second by Mrs Walnutt, and the consolation by Miss Kate Souter.

The hostess wore a dainty gown of pale blue chiffon taffeta, trimmed with nne creme lace ; Mrs H. W. Wilson, black chiffon taffeta ; Mi:s H. Keesing, light grey tailor-made ; Mrs Gulliver, black silk ; Miss Binks, grey costume ; Mrs Holm Biss, brown and white ; Mi's Colgrove, grey oostume ; Mrs Ring, black silk ; Mrs Newton, navy blue and white ; Mrs W. Bush, handsome creme gown ; Mrs Jarman, Princess robe in beautiful art shade of green ; Miss Alice Snelling, pretty gown of eau do nil, trimmed with art embroidery ; Miss Ingleton, gown of flowered mousselino do soie ; Miss M. Mac Masters, Empire gown of pule pink satin ; Mrs becoming Empire gown in light grey silk voilo, trimmed with pale bluo and cromo lace ; Mrs T. Mahony, blue and white silk striped silk, trimmed with dark blue ; Miss Soutor, brown costume and white blouse ; Miss K. Soutor, green and white ; Mrs Walnutt, creme tailor-ma-do, relieved with black ; Miss Wyllie, violet, trimmed with cromo lace.

The engagement is announced of Miss Gladys Gear, of Porirua, to Dr Graham Kobertson, of Jobnsonville, formerly of the Wellington Hospital. • • «

A pleasant farewell dance to Mies Winnie Strauchon, who is leaving for the ISouth, took place on Wednesday evening of last week in the Masonic Hall, Devonport. The committee consisted of Mesdarnes Napier, Kobson, Mellsop, Burgess and Boylau ; Misses Flossie Stewart, Boylan (2), Ewington and O'Loughuau. The hall was decorated with black and gold ribbon and bunting. The supper table downstairs looked lovely, massed with yellow llowers and adorned with gold ribbon.

The guest of the evening wore pale blue silk with black velvet ribbon. Miss Ivy Burgess was much admired in crimson crepe de chine, and her sister wore pale pink ninon. Miss Zara St.Clair, dainty white satin frock. Miss Moni St. Clair, pale blue Indian crepe, the sleeves and bodice inset with Paris lace. Miss Winnie Boylan, pretty soft silk in a pale blue shade. Miss Flossie Stewart, pale pink glace silk. Miss Audrey Gribbin, white muslin, with ribbon threaded through her hair. Miss Ivy Ewington, whiie silk voile. Miss Flossie Oakden, white silk. Miss Dorothy Mellsop, white muslin, with emerald green ceinture. Miss Lilian Jackson, pink ribbed silk, with Paris lace on yoke.

Mr Hector Douglas Thomson, widely known in Kugby representative football as " Mona" Thomson, is to be married on the 12th August at St. Andrew's Church, Wellington, to Miss Mabel Gertrude Dimant, daughter of Mr and Mrs E. Dimant, of " Totara," Grant road, Wellington.

The engagement is announced of Miss Ahearn, of Khandallab, Wellington, to Mr B. F. Willis, son of Mr A. J. Willis, late secretary to the New Zealand Cabinet.

Saturday, the 24th in'at., is the day fixed for the street collections in aid of the fund which the Auckland Ladies' Benevolent Society perennially dispenses for the relief of distress in the city. It is therefore the day on which the thoughtful wayfarer will take the precaution of providing himself, or herself, with a reasonable supply of small coin, in order that he or she may carry out the motto of giving early and giving often to the fair collectors who will waylay them at every place of vantage. The Society is one which fulfils an important function in the community, assisting persons in needy circumstances who do not come within the range of the Charitable Aid Board, and on this occasion it relies upon the benevolent impulses of the general public to augment its never too abundant funds. It is worth while to point out that though unemployment is not an uncommon cause of work for the Society, it is for the relief of urgent need, and not the providing of a panacea for the unemployed difficulty, that the Society is organised.

Mr and Mrs W. J. Ralph gave a delightful dance on Wednesday, 14th, at their residence, "Taitaha," Waite-mata-street, in honour of the comingout of their second daughter, Alda. It was a lovely night, and the wbole family devoted themselves to the entertainment of their guests. Early in the evening Miss Alda Ralph sang two delightful solos, " Two Eyes of Grey" and "I Hid My Love."' The drawing-ioom was given over to the dancers, supper being laid in the dining-room. The table looked particularly pretty, with an open Japanese umbrella in the centre, over which were trails of asparagus fern, and underneath a bed of violets, while yellow narcissi and violets were also in the scheme.

Mrs Ralph received her guests in a handsome black and silver robe, with black shoulder scarf heavily eniboidered ia silver. Miss Alda Ralph was charming in wbite satin charmeuse with silver trimming on the bodice, which extended down the skirt, forming a stole effect ; small guirupe of gathered chiilon, finished with a narrow chemisette of the same material. She also wore a rope of pearls in her beautifully-coiffured hair, and carried a posy of choice white flowers. Miss Ralph looked well in tangerine silk, with white silk insertion on the skirt and bodice, the latter finished with silk fringe ; gold ribbon threaded through her hair. Miss Kitty Ralph wore a pretty girlish frock of vieux rose silk, her hair tied back with black ribbon. The three youngest little girls wore dainty white frocks with coloured silk sashes. Mrs Willie Ralph, pale blue silk.

Mrs Moritzson (who at present is the guest of Mrs Ralph), black silk, with chemisette of Irish crochet with touches of emerald green velvet. Mrs Ernest Davis, Directoire gown of white satin with silver panels. Miss Blanche Moss Davis, dainty gown of pale blue chiffon, the berthe and small sleeves of guipure. Miss Blanche Devore was gracefully gowned in Limerick lace over white silk, with sleeves of tucked creme net ; tiny coronet of violets in her hair. Miss Nellie Douglas, pale pink silk. Miss Lily Moir, effective creme frock. Miss Oliphant, pale pink ninon. Misa Hazel Lindsay, white silk, the bodice swathed with white chifton. Miss Kita Moritzon, white silk with silver trimming, dark heliotrope ribbon in her hair.

Miss Brown, white duchesse satin with scarlet flowers on the berthe. Miss Hilda Johnson, heliotrope silk. Miss Flossie Duder, white Liberty satin, the bodice inset with gold sequins. Miss Casey, mauve satin, with berthe of silver spangled net. Miss N. Kennedy, becoming pink silk. Miss Milla George, stylish Princess frock of white velvet, the bodice outlined with narrow black net, large cluster of pink roses on corsage. Miss Foote was in pale pink chiffon, with a band of silver round the skirt and straps of the same trimming on bodice, the small white chifion guimpe worked with narrow silver braid. A large pink rose with green foliage tucked in the ceinture completed the costume. '

Former members of the now defunct Auckland Amateur Opera Club will regret to hear of the death of Mrs Sam Dawson, who, as Miss Florence Maxwell, was one of the most prominent active members of the club, The late Mrs Dawson was the possessor of an excellent and well-trained voice, and took leading parts with conspicuous success in many of the operas that were staged in past years by the amateurs. She sustained leading roles in " Princess Ida," " Pinafore," " Madame Favart," " Maritana " and " The Mikado," and also appeared as Paris in " Komeo and Juliet." In addition to doing sterling service for the Amateur Opera Club, Mrs Dawson was always ready to come forward and lend her vocal gifts in the aid of charity, rendering valuable assistance at many a benefit concert. Ever of a bright and winsome disposition, her premature decease is to be deeply deplored.

St. Francis' Church, Thames, was filled to the doors on Wednesday of last week, on the occasion of the marriage of Miss A. McEnteer, fifth daughter of Mr and Mrs J. McEnteei, to Mr David Twohill, second son of Mrs K. Twohill, the popular proprietress of the Brian Boru Hotel. The service was choral, and the Rev. Father Tigar officiated. Th« bride was^, given away by her father, and wore a handsome creme pastel cloth gown, made in the latest Directoire style, with closely tucked sleeves. The bodice was stylishly trimmed with silk yak, with yoke of fine Oriental net inserted with rich silk guipure, and a panel of silk yak extended down the skirt. She also wore a wreath of orange blossoms over a massive veil. Her hair, which was beautifully coiftured, was wreathed with orange blossoms, over which fell a massive veil, while in her hand she carried an ivory prayer-book, with flowing creme streamers.

The bridesmaids were Miss L. McEnteer and Miss V. Twohill. Miss McEnteer was in a duck-egg blue Venetian cloth Directoire gown, with strappings of creme guipure and introductions of black velvet, while a girdle of black velvet fell gracefully from her waist. A black basket hat, with creme bands and blue and black osprey, completed a graceful toilette. Miss Twohill's dress was similarly made, but was of shrimp pink Venetian cloth, and her hat was garlanded with foliage and pink roses. Both bridesmaids wore handsome gold bamboo bangles, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr J. Twohill supported his brother, and Mr Martin McEnteer attended as groomsman. The bridegroom's gift to his bride was a handsome opal ring. By the afternoon train Mr and Mrs Twohill left for Te Aroha, as the eorrmencement of an extended honeymoon trip.

The marriage of Miss Katherine Fraser, daughter of Mr J. C. Fraaer, of Coromandel, to Mr A. F. Steedman, will be celebrated at St. Andrews Presbyterian Churcb, Coroman^e), on Thursday, 12th Augnst.

The other morning I took a stroll through Liberty's Showrooms in the City Chambers. Their silks are really lovely, but what struck me most were the stencilled curtains and jewelleiy. Then the opera cloaks were just dreams, ranging from four guineas upwards. Here one may also procure drawing room chairs and ornaments, to say nothing of the dainty fire screens and handsome floor rugs —in fact, most things in the furnishing line can be procured at Liberty's.

At St. Mark's Church, Paparoa, the marriage took place of Miss M. McCarroll, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs J. McCarroll, of McCarroll'a Gap, Mareretu, to Mr D. W. Hill, son of Mr and Mrs H. Hill, of Wairere. The church, which was tastefully decorated by the friends of the bride, was thronged with interested spectators. The bride was given away by her father, and looked charming in a handsome dress of creme brocaded satin, trimmed with silk embroidered insertion. She also wore a tulle veil and orange blossoms, and instead of a bouquet carried a silver - mounted ivory-backed prayer-book, which, with a handsome pendant Bet with amethysts and pearls, was the gift of the bridegroom.

The bridesmaids were her sister, Miss A. McCarroll, and Miss N. Hanson, of Remuera, both attiied in pale tnrquoise blue silk Directoire dresses?, trimmed with creme silk net insertion, and silk Maltese lace, and carrying bouquets. Two pretty gold brooches, set with pearls and amethysts, were the gifts of the bridegroom. The groom was supported by his brother, Mr J. Hill, as best man, and Mr T. McCarroll, brother of the bride, as groomsman. After the wedding ceremony, which was performed by the Rev. F. Latter, the guests were entertained at "Jennymount" by the parents of the bride, and Mr and Mrs Hill were driven to Pahi, en route to Auckland and Wellington. The bride's

going-away dress was a tailof-raade costume of brown tweed, and brown beehive hat trimmed with brown and gold silk, relieved with a brown wing.

The marriage of Miss Lewis, daughter of Mr T. M. Lewie, of Otara, Opotiki, to Mr E. F Snell, of Hukerenui, Wbangarei, was celebrated on the 6fch inst. at St. Stephen's Church, Opotiki. The bride was given away by her father, and the Rev. W. H. Bawden officiated. Mr Lewin Lewis, brother of the bride, acted as best man, and Miss Nellie Hedley was bridesmaid. Both bride and bridesmaid were dressed in travelling costume. The honeymoon is being spent in Rotorua and Auckland.

The marriage of Mr James HamiltOD, of Paeroa, to Miss Elizabeth S. Smith, second daughter of Mr George Smith, took place at St. John's Church, Waihi, on the 7th mat. The Rev. A. S. Buckland officiated The bride was attired in a Paris lace gown over satin, handsomely decorated with orange blossoms. She also wore a coronet, and veil, and carried a floral horseshoe bouquet. There were eight bridesmaids — Miss J. Hamilton, sister of the bridegroom, in a pretty dress of creme silk, with hat to match ; Miss T. Smith, creme taffeta, with hat to match ; Miss T. Johnston, pretty blue silk, with hat ; and five little maids — Misses Eunice Whitley, in pink silk ; L. Smith, heliotrope silk ; R. Muir, plain green silk ; V. Delaney, buttercup silk ; and M. Penno, violet silk. They also wore veils and wreaths of snowdrops, and carried prettily decorated shepherds' crooks. Mr J. Hamilton acted as best man, and Mr Smith as groomsman. After the weddiDg breakfast, Mr and Mrs Hamilton left for Hamilton, en route for Rotorua and Auckland. The bride's travelling dress was of winecoloured silk striped velvet, with floral toque to match. In the evening 200 guests were entertained by the bride's parents at the Miners' Union Hall.

The feather boa is to appear next summer in all the glories of new and delicate colourings. Yours ever, Mirabel.

Purchasers of boots will note that a salo is now in progress at Pritchard's boot emporium, Enclean's Buildings, Lower Queen-street, and excellent lines of the best footgear are on offer. Mr Pritchard makes a speciality of repairs, and his establishment is well situated to suit the* convenience of across-harbour residents and those who travel from the tram terminus. Overworked men take Steams' Wine of Cod Liver Oil Extract to renew their strength and vigour. It gives them a good clear thinking brain and youthful vigour.