THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10, 15 November 1913, Page 8

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

[By Myra.]

AS a gathering, the first day of the Racing Club's Spring Meeting at Ellerslie was not a brilliant spectacle, for, though the racing was good and so were all the arrangements, the strike evidently affected the attendance, for never have I seen such a few people out there, and while there was a fair sprinkling of our Society dames, many familiar faces were missing. However, the silver lining to the cloud was, that instead of being nearly killed trying to board the homeward train, we all got home in comfort. As a dress display, the gathering was somewhat disappointing, there being nothing startling, nor anything distinctly new, but as far as I could judge, the ladies were all well but plainly dressed, the majority wearing coats and skirts of some summer material.

Lady Lockhart wore a black silk robe, severely plain, with some black lace'trimming, and a white straw hat with black chiffon wings. Mrs W. H. Parkes was in an amethyst coat and skirt, large hat with amethyst feathers. Miss Roie Nathan wore creme serge, and a black hat wreathed with white ostrich feathers. Mrs W. R. Holmes wore a black and white spotted gown, creme straw hat with black lace and pink roses. Mrs W. Colbeck, costume of striped coating, with black satin facings, navy tagel hat. Miss Alice Walker, nattier blue costume, hat with floral ribbon. Miss Holmes, grey and pink shot silk coatee costume, large leghorn hat wreathed with white ostrich feathers. Miss Gorrie, striped creme and blue costume, hat with purple ribbon. Miss Gorrie, white linen costume, blue hat. Mrs Hartland, coat and skirt of mole poplin, blue tagel hat. Miss Lucy Austin, grey coat and skirt, chiffon hat with blue feathers and pink roses. Mrs Dacre, navy costume, navy and white hat. Mrs Nolan, grey costume, grey chiffon hat with crimson roses.

A navy costume and black hat with pink roses were worn by Mrs E. Firth. Mrs Markham wore a chic navy costume, and hat with some tiny crimson roses on the brim and a blue chiffon mount. Mrs Gribbin was in grey, with coatee of floral voile, tagel hat with blue feather. Mrs Sinclair, grey coat and skirt, hat with yellow roses. Miss Gladys Sinclair, creme costume, large hat'with brown silk crown. Miss Evans, white pique frock, white feathered hat. Mrs Chapman, nattier blue costume, black and bkie hat. Miss Caro, costume of mole cloth, tagel hat with white brush. Miss — Caro, costume of blue sponge cloth, burnt straw hat with floral ribbon. Mrs Gavegan, costume of champagne shantung, large black hat with white silk bows. Miss M. Ralph, navy costume, smart hat. Miss Rosie 'Ralph, creme costume, large white hat, lace veil, pink roses. Mrs McCallum, grey costume, hat with crown of rose coloured silk. Mrs J. Kemp, dress of brown poplin, silk collar, panama hat with band of white ribbon. Mrs A. Harvey, coat and skirt of shantung silk, black and white silk collar, mauve hat veiled with grey. Mrs J. Fuller, nattier blue silk dress, long black silk coat, black hat with ostrich feathers. Mrs .J. Baxter, grey costume, hat trimmed with flowers.

Mrs O. Nicholson's black silk coat and skirt were worn with a blue hat trimmed with feathers. Miss Nicholson wore a pink crepe frock, with a white collar and a smart hat. Mrs Rose was in black voile, and a black feathered hat. Miss Rose, navy costume, panama hat. Mrs Watson, vieux rose costume, putty hat with vieux rose feathers. Mrs B. C Bell, amethyst gown, putty and flame hat. Miss Ettie Watson, frock of white crepe, embroidered in heliotrope and green, panama hat. Mrs W. Casey, dress of grey pastel doth, tagel hat with pink feathers. Miss Casey, saxe blue satin, hat with Bulgarian crown. Miss J. Hutchinson, white and black muslin, floral coatee, hat with white feathers. Miss Caribb, champagne dress, pretty hat. Mrs Kreutzer, grey silk robe, hat with yellow roses. Mrs Ballin, black silk poplin gown, black toque with black and yellow feathers. Miss Ballin, nattier blue coat and skirt, lace collar and cuffs, pink hat veiled with black chiffon. Mrs Reynolds, black and white striped coat and skirt, white hat. Mrs Hamley, coat and skirt of reseda green satin, white lace collar and cuffs, white lace hat having a crimson rose. Mrs Webber (Sydney), black silk gown, black velour hat with tangerine trimming. Miss Blackwood-Sewell, tussore coat and skirt, smart hat. Miss Mahoney, navy costume, pretty hat. Mrs Gallagher, black satin coat and skirt, black feathered hat. Miss Gallagher, pretty costume, creme hat with pink daisies. Miss Cronin, grey costume, hat with blue wing. Mrs Russell, tweed costume, hat with pink roses. Miss _ Russell, white linen costume, hat with white ribbon. Miss E. Morton, white silk dress, embroidered in blue and nink, white feathered hat. Mr M. Morton, costume of mole pastcloth, green velvet hat with., grey feathers. Mrs Little, white spot muslin, white hat with yellow and white flowers. Mrs Churton, tussore silk costume, hat with wbite feathers. Misses Barker, brown and blue frocks respectively, white hats. Mrs Thomson, black costume, black plumed hat.

The large "At Home" given by the members of the Mount Eden Bowling and Croquet Club on Saturday afternoon, November Ist., to mark the opening of the season was a most enjoyable function. The weather turned out gloriously fine and warm, the greens and ns were looking their best and _ Marriages's orchestra played delightful music. Streamers of flags carried across the front of the pavilion, coupled with the pretty dresses of the ladies and the spick and span white suits of the bowlers, gave a festive and gay air to the scene, which was a very active and interesting one.

•Mr Walton, sen., President, made the opening speech, and Mrs Walton threw the first jack, then the bowlers took possession of the greens and played with zest all the afternoon. 'Mrs Hill, President, of the Croquet Club, played the first ball, and the members were soon croqueting to their hearts' content. s » *

Dainty afternoon tea was dispensed by Mrs Walton, sen., assisted by Miss Macpherson, Mrs H. Walton, Mrs James Coe, Mrs Rankin, Mrs W. Bridgman, Mrs Reed, Miss Tattersall, Miss Braithwaite and Miss Esam, the last-named young lady having decorated the tables in a most artistic manner with gold drapery in the centre, and blue and gold flowers arranged in silver epergnes and bowls. During the tea interval, the bowlers grouped themselves in front of the pavilion, and under the baton of Mr Walton sang with good effect the chorus, "Roll, Boys, Roll," to the tune of " Climb, Boys, Climb.

Mrs W r alton wore a gown of black silk, with long coat of silk and lace, also a black and white bonnet with white ospreys. Mrs Harold Walton, champagne costume, coatee of floral crepe, brown tagel straw hat with mustard feathers. Miss Macpherson, dress of black chiffon taffetta, tangerine hat with roses. Mrs James Coe, gown of black crepe de chine,

black picture hat wreathed with pink roses veiled in black net. Mrs Rankin, grey poplin, tangerine and grey hat. Mrs Hill, navy costume, Bulgarian trimming, hat en suite. Mrs Bridgman, white dress, black and white hat. Mrs Reed, black velvet dress, black beaver hat. Miss Esam, creme costume, apricot silk hat with roses. Miss Tattersall, black and white dress, panama hat. Miss Braithwaite, tussore silk frock, sailor hat. Mrs Howden, black costume, grey and pink toque. Mrs Edgar Walton, grey coat and skirt, white hat with black velvet trimming. Mrs J. Young, coat and skirt of grey eponge, hat with tangerine floral ribbon. Miss Robertson, white dress, panama hat. Mrs A. E. Martin, navy costume, black hat. Miss Midge Martin, nattier blue costume, panama hat. Miss C. Jones, grey costume, panama hat. Miss M. Martin, navy costume, panama hat.

A black silk voilo, with tunic drapery of black lace and a white tagel hat wreathed with a black feather, were worn by Mrs T. Hunt. Mrs Hegman wore black silk and a black feathered hat. Miss George was in a nattier blue costume, and hat wreathed with a blue feather. Mrs Pelham, white coat and skirt, black hat. Mrs Dawes, coat and skirt of champagne poplin, brown straw hat with wallflowers. Miss Dawes, creme coatee costume, blue tagel straw hat with floral ribbon. Mrs Kneebone, coat and skirt of silver grey silk poplin, black plumed hat. Mrs Snedden, grey costume, tangerine hat. Miss Hawke, vieux rose dress made in three tiers each edged with black lace, smart summer hat. Mrs A. J. Dickinson, black silk gown, black plumed, hat. Mrs Squirrel, gown of black satin, the bodice of hand-painted chiffon veiled with black ninon, black hat with black and white ostrich feather. Mrs Norbury, navy costume, grey hat with Bulgarian trimming. Miss Barker, creme dress, hat with brown ribbon. Mrs Gill, blue dress, white hat with floral ribbon. Mrs T. Jones, blue and white dress and hat. Mrs Wilson-Smith, grey costume, black satin hat. Miss Ivy Swarm, white crystalline, panama hat.

Miss Jane Eyre was frocked in white muslin, large black velvet hat with green feathers. Miss Sime, grey costume, white hat with black velvet. Mrs Wright, black satin, black feathered hat. Mrs Jacks, navy costume, hat trimmed with floral ribbon. Mrs Burfoot, black satin costume, black feathered toque. Mrs J. Burfoot, grey tweed costume, burnt straw hat with cerise ribbon. Mrs Braithwaite, creme silk dress, white hat with brush ospreys. Mrs W. Dinnie, navy coat and skirt, black feathered picture hat. Mrs Wooller, grey costume, black hat. Mrs J. Ormiston, nattier blue costume, black hat. Mrs Jones, black dress and hat. Mrs Fisher, black silk gown, black bonnet. Mrs Potter, brown silk voile, feathered hat. Mrs G. Mackay, champagne dress, hat with green leaves and pink roses. Mrs Brimblecombe, grey costume, black hat with white wings. Miss White, grey silk, blue trimming, burnt straw bat, yellow and black trimming. Miss Kirkwood, navy costume, burnt straw hat. Mrs Esam, black and white striped dress, black chiffon coat, creme and black toque. Mrs Tattersall, mole coat and skirt, black feathered hat. Miss Tapper, tan' coatee costume, brown picture hat. Miss Nicholson, grey costume, pink hat. Mrs Thorpe, grey coat and skirt, black picture hat. Mrs G. R. George, navy costume, green hat with floral ribbon. Miss Marshall, nattier blue poplin, black* hat with floral ribbon. Mrs R. Mcßride, navy costume, pink straw hat. Mrs Schischka, dress of mauve whipcord, grey tagel hat with feathers to match. Mrs Swarm, grey tweed costume, white and black hat. Mrs G. Bottrill, black silk gown, black bonnet. Mrs Little, vieux rose costume, black and pink hat. Mrs Gordon, navy costume, spring toque. Misses Clarice and Audrey Walton, dainty frocks of white hailstone muslin, leghorn hats.

A pretty wedding was solemnized on Tuesday, 11th November, at St. John's Church, Parnell, when Miss Mabel Wells, daughter of Mr James Wells, host of the Alexander Hotel, Parnell, was joined in natrinony to Captain T. C. Thomson, master of the Arrah na Pogue, and whose father is a high official of the Court of Denmark, the Very Rev. Father Patterson conducting the ceremony.

The bride looked charming in a vieux rose cloth costume, w tii oriental trimming, white feather tea, white tagel hat with i-'ink fvyt'ners, and carrying a bridal bouquet of white roses. She also wore the bi groom's gift, a lovely diamond ring. Miss Wells was brides naid, wearing a mole costume, with pink trimmings and pale pink hat with lancer plumb She also wore a neckchain and pendant, the bridegroom's gift to her. She carried a bouquet of carnations and roses, matching her hat. Mr A. W. Gordon ably carried out the duties of best man.

After the marriage ceremony, the guests assembled at the home of the bride's parents, where the toasts were drunk with musical honours, after which the bride and bridegroom departed for Wanganui to spend their honeymoon. The numerous and handsome presents were a tribute to the esteem in which the happy couple were held by a large circle of friends.

Mrs Wells, mother of the bride, wore a handsome gown of black crepe de chine, and black hat wit I - blue and'black feathers. Mrs Trusscott, aunt of the bride, elegant robe of grey charmeuse, with hat to match. Miss Blair, chic grey coswas in a pale pink costume, white feathered hat. Mrs Smith, another aunt, handsome costume of grey. Miss Stackpole, smart navy costume, hat to match. Miss Lockwood, dainty white frock a";d hat. Miss Flossie' Smith, cinnamon brown frock, point lace trimmings, hat to match. Miss Blair, chic grey costume and hat. Mrs Treanor, handsome black satin costume, bK;k hat. Miss Treanor, stylish ccfcume of champagne taffeta, hat w>'th pale blue trimmings.

West End Rowing Club held an " At Home " on Saturday afternoon, when Trial Fours were held, and grea/t interest was taken in the races by a large number of friends, including many ladies. The afternoon was pleasantly fine, the sea smooth, and the outlook from the club's verandah very pretty indeed. The Bavarian Band played lovely music, and afternoon tea was served in the boat-house by a committee consisting of Mesdames Fairs, Wardell, Mansfield, Salmon, Miss Ballantyne and several young girls.

Mrs Fairs wore a black dress and black plumed hat. Mrs Wardell was in a green foulard frock and creme hat. Mrs Mansfield wore a light dress and hat. Mrs Salmon was in black velvet. Miss Ballantyne in creme. Miss Matthews wore a black dress and hat. Miss Walsh, navy costume, black beaver hat with tangerine trimming. Miss Manning wore a light dress' and hat. Miss Hunt, creme toilette. Miss E. Atkinson, brown crepe dress, creme straw hat. Miss M. Young, grey costume, large velvet hat wreathed with a blue feather. Miss M. White, white muslin, white hat. Miss L. White, creme costume. Mrs W. Moore, white dress and hat. Miss Hoffman, blue dress, panama hat with black velvet ribbon. Mrs Hoffman, black satin, with overdress of black and white voile, stylish hat. Miss Ross, white frock and hat. Mrs J. O. Blakev, black satin gown, feathered hat. Miss Wykes, crimson frock. Mrs Ivil, black silk gown, smart hat. Miss Ivil, champagne voile, hat to match. Miss E. Ivil, creme frock and hat. x Miss Tattersall, creme serge egstume, large straw hat. Miss Blakfey, creme frock and hat. Miss Shar-p., creme costume. , : .JMrs "grey toilette. Mrs Keane, champagne dress and hat. Miss N. Hanna, light dress and hat. Misses Aickin (3), summer costumes, panama hats.

A smart wedding was celebrated on Wednesday, November sth, at St. Mary's Cathedral, Parnell, when Miss Nesta Somerset Thomas, eldest daughter of Dr. and Mrs Thomas, Parnell, was united to Captain Doug-

las Russell Kirker, third son of Mrs J. Kirker, Ponsonby. The service, which was fully choral, was conducted by Canon Mac Murray, vicar of St. Mary's Parish, assisted by the Yen. Archdeacon Calder. Arum lilies, also white and pink roses, further beautified the church, while c floral wedding bell was suspended where the bridal couple stood.

Dr. Thomas gave away his daughter, who looked very sweet and graceful in her bridal robe of white charmeuse satin, with a beaded overdress, the bodice being trimmed with lace, the orthodox wreath and veil, and carrying a lovely bridal bouquet. The two bridesmaids were Miss T. Thomas and Miss Queenie Kirker, who were frocked in heliotrope muslin de soie, draped with white lace. Their white hats were trimmed with feathers and their bouquets were o f pink roses. Captain MeGilp acted as best man and Captain Shera as groomsman, wearing their uniforms.

Mrs Thomas, mother of the bride, wore white crepe de chine and lace, a white hat with tangerine roses, and carried a bouquet to match. Mrs Kirker, mother of the bridegroom, was in a grey crepe de chine gown, a black plumed hat, a scarf of white Suanish lace, and carried a bouquet of roses. A large reception was afterwards held at the residence of the bride's parents.

The Orchestral Society gave one of its brilliant and classic concerts on Thursday evening, 6th November, in the Town # Hall, when a highly appreciative audience listened with rapt attention, and judging by the expression on most of the faces, keen enjoyment was experienced by all. Mr "Wallace Atkinson proved himself very popular and was deservedly encored for his two songs. Miss Evelyn "Wyman was vociferously encored for her pianoforte solo, which was played with wonderful brilliancy and expression. She wore a simple white lace frock, with a crimson rose tucked into the waist. Mrs McAndrew, who played the pianoforte accompaniments, was in a white satin gown, while the ladies of the orchestra, as usual, were robed in black.

Among the audience were noted : Dr. and Mrs W. H. Parkes, Mr and Mrs J. J. Holland, Mr S. Nathan, Mr and Mrs A. Coutts, Captain and Mrs C. C. Hutchings, Miss Haigh, Misses Tole (2), Mr and Mrs Earle, Mrs Prime, Miss T. Mackay, Mrs

Lonsdale, Mrs Keesing, Mrs W. Arey, Misses ATey (3), Miss Coldicutt, Miss Dorothy Coldicutt, Mrs Eavestaff, Mrs Dunnett, Mrs Bankhart, Miss Gillett, Miss McCrea, Mrs and Miss Hutson, Misses Thompson, Miss M. Mann, Mrs Keary, Mrs James Coe, Mrs and Miss Wakhorn, Mrs Lovell, and Mrs Drummond Ferguson.

Miss M. Martin and Mrs F. Hedge, of Otahuhu, gave their pupils their sixth annual "At Home" on Friday, October 31st., when there was a large attendance. The hall was beautifully decorated. The spectators viewed the dancing from the gallery, and Meredith's orchestra supplied excellent music. The supper tables were decorated with black and gold, and arum lilies and daisies, while streamers of black and gold with Chinese lanterns attached formed arches over the tables. The programme opened with the grand march, which was led by the small children, who deserve great praise for the manner in which they carried it through.

The chaperones were Mrs Martin, sen., who wore black silk ; Mrs Madigan was in black silk ; and Mrs J. Martin in pale blue stripe. Miss M. Martin wore pretty green silk. Miss F. Madigan, heliotrope silk,

overdress of ninon. Miss E. Madigan, pink silk, beaded trimmings. Miss B. Coutts, white silk. . Miss A„ Coutts, white silk. Miss L. Martin, pale blue velvet, swansdowntrimming. Miss T. Irvine, white serge. Miss D. Willsted, blue poplin. Miss Lockhart, brown 6atin. Miss L. Evester, blue satin, fur trimming. Miss Lily Martin, tussore silk. Miss A. Madigan, pale blue voile. Miss Haydn, creme silk,, lace overdress. Miss Escott, heliotrope silk. Miss Murphy, blue satin, beaded trimming. Misses Lowe (2), champagne frocks. Misses Barker (2), white silk. Miss M. McElroy, tussore silk. Miss Willburn, pink satin, pearl trimming. Miss E. Escott, pink silk. Mrs Boyd,, green silk.

The Northcote Athenaeum held a very successful evening on Friday, the 31st ult., in Tarry's Hall, when there was a large audience. The chair was occupied by Mr Arthur Greenslade, President of the Society, which has had a very successful session, of which two moreevenings remain before the society hibernates. A bright item on Friday's programme was the fancy dancing (in costume) of some of Miss Vera Burmester's young pupils, who charmed the audience by the grace of their movements, and the plaudits that followed the conclusion of each dance amply demonstrated the appreciation of those present. The " Padoana " was given by Misses Dot and Marjorie Turner ; Miss Peggy Windass danced an Irish Jig and alsothe "La Bebe," Miss Dooie Shrewsbury being precluded owing to illness from sharing a partnership in these dances with ber as intended) ; while "The Vera" skirt dance was given by the Misses Dot and Marjorie Turner and Rene Barron. All theseitems reflected the greatest credit upon the performers and their teacher alike. During the evening, Mr B. Angus sang "There's a Land" with great expression. Mrs Burmester presided at the piano.

An original burlesque, "A Breach of Promise Case," very largely of an impromptu character, followed, and provided a great deal of mirth for the audience, while the participants threw themselves thoroughly into the piece and apparently enjoyed themselves immensely. At times the opposing King's Counsel seemed on the verge of serious conflicts, only the steadying humour of the Judge, and the demand of the Registrar for " Silence in the Court," appeared to turn these crises into constitutional channels, though the judge counselled the disputants to "go outside and settle the argument " on at least one occasion. Mrs F. T. Jeffery sustained her character right through as mother of the plaintiff, and kept the audience amused. The characters were well taken, as follows : Judge, Mr F. Fitt : Plaintiff, Miss Elsie Jennings : Plaintiff's Solicitor, Mr D. D. Metge : Defendant, Mr Walter Carter ; Defendant's Solicitor, Mr H. T. G. McElroy ; Rigistrar of Court, Mr A. W. Potter ; Jury, Messrs Valentine (foreman), H. Blackburn, and Madames J. R. R. Bethwaite and J. T. Fearnley ; Witnesses, Mrs F. T. Jeffery (a lodging-house keeper), Mrs A. E. Greenslade, Mr F. T. Jeffery, Mr G. H. Graham and Master Cyril Greenslade. A verdict in favour of the defendant was returned.