THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XXXIV, Issue 24, 21 February 1914, Page 8

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

[By Myka.]

THE Medical Congress, held in Auckland last week, brought about 300 doctors, a large proportion of whom were accompanied by their wives, from all parts of New Zealand and Australia, and tiie Auckland medical men arranged a round of social functions which have given intense pleasure to the visitors, if one can judge by the audible appreciative remarks constantly heard during the various entertainments. On the Monday afternoon the Ladies' Committee save an "At Home at the kiosk in the Exhibition grounds, when Dr. A. C. Purchas (President of the Congress) and Mrs. Purchas received the guests, who afterwards took the opportunity to "do" the Exhibition. The motor drive to Titirangi on Tuesday afternoon made a great impression on the strangers, who use superlative adjectives whenever they mention the scenery on the route, or the view, from the park.

" Cintra," Symonds Street, has beautiful grounds, and these were utilised on Tuesday evening for an evening garden party, when not only the medical fraternity, but a number of our leading citizens received invitations to be present. Dr. and Mrs. Parkes received and welcomed each guest, and throughout the evening did everything possible to promote the pleasure ot everyone present. The night was perfect, a glorious full moon shone, and spread a broad band of silver across the harbour, of which there is a lovely view.

One was reminded of a lantern fete, for myriads of Chinese lanterns were used all over the grounds. They lighted both sides of the drive, outlined the lawns, the flower beds, the paths leading downing to the fern gully, and peeped out from every tree. The scene was one of surpassing loveliness, and will never be forgotten by those privileged to enjoy it. Supper was served on innumerable small tables arranged on the tennis lawn, and after walking down the sloping path, the picture that met the eye was like a scene from the "Arabian Nights," it was enchanting! Lanterns only were used as illumination. They surrounded the lawn, and were carried across overhead diagonally, while in the centre were several exceptionally large ones, and as one looked up there was the dark dome of the sky. "Oh, it was all delightful, bright as a poet's dream." ° * • •

Mrs. Parkes, who is such a capable manager, arranged a splendid programme, consisting of recitations, musical items, but chiefly of costume dances done by different parties of charming girls. The band of the 3rd Mounted Eifles played fine selections during the even ins. On all sides one heard such remarks as "The best thing I've ever been to," "Magnificent!" "Wonderfully lovely!"

The Government took a hand in the entertaining on Wednesday, and arranged a harbour excursion on the. Wakatere, when, in addition to the delegates and their families, there were also present the Hon. E. H. Rhodes and other members of Parliament, the Premier of New South Wales (Mr. W. A. Holman), and the city councillors and their wives, making in all quite a thou-

sand people. The weather was deliohtfully calm, so there was no discomfort of any sort. The Lyric orchestra played bright anad pretty music, but the guests seemed as if they could do nothing but gaze on the harbour Aucklanders are so proud of. The steamer first went up as far as Kauri Point, then turned round and proceeded along the northern shore and down the gulf as far as Waiheke, returning to the city about six o'clock. *» * ■ - » On Thursday morning Mrs. Alfred Kidd, of Gillies Avenue, Epsom, entertained a small party of doctors' wives to morning tea, which was served in the dining room, the table being prettily arranged with yellow flowers. Afterwards the guests strolled around the grounds admiring the lovely beds of flowers and fernery with the pretty ponds. In the afternoon about eighty guests were invited by Dr. and Mrs. McGuire to afternoon tea on the lawn in front of their residence in the hospital grounds. On the evening of the same day the doctors were given a dinner, while their wives had a theatre party, about 250 ladies in gay and stylish evening gowns making a brilliant spectacle.

" Mon Desir," Takapuna, was the scene of the next social function, the Ladies' Committee being hostesses. A special steamer conveyed the party round to the Takapuna wharf. At least we could not get right up, as the tide was dead low, but were taken off by the Euru. Afternoon tea was served at the kiosk, the Italian band, stationed on the verandah, playing tuneful selections. Mr. Brett kindly threw open his grounds to the visitors, who were" greatly pleased with them, and they also keenly admired the lake. **. . *

The last big social function in Auckland in connection with the Medical Congress was the ball in the Town Hall, given by the President (Dr. /Purchas) and Mrs. Purchas. Although a ball in Auckland in' summer is a most unusual occurrence, a brilliant success.was achieved, in spite of the heat. The decorations in the main hall were of a simple character, nothing elaborate being' attempted. Lycopodium was festooned from pillar to pillar, and in the space under the gallery at the back of the hall was a rustic summer house, carpeted and used as a sitting out place. Pot plants and palms decorated the stage. The supper room was brilliantly lovely. The lights had crimson silk shades, and there were long pendants of large crimson and yellow paper flowers, also garlands of crimson blossoms, while on the tables were bowls of crimson dahlias and other flowers. Meredith's orchestra supplied the music. » » »

Dr. and Mrs. Purchas received, the latter wearing a becoming robe of cerise satin, the upper part of the bodice being of cream appliqued lace. The visiting ladies included Dr. Elizabeth Gunn, wearing pale pink charmeuse satin, trimmed with white lace. Mrs. Hislop, old gold satin, with trimming of cream lace. Mrs. Mason, blue brocaded satin and ninon. Mrs. Litchfield Sydney), gown of apricot satin, overdress of handsome cream lace, the corsage finished with pink Oriental trimming. Mrs. Mills (Sydney), stylish gown of white satin, tunic of rose-coloured ninon, drape of green velvet. Mrs. Morton (Sydney), modish gown of black satin, the bodice of white satin veiled with black ninon, cerise waist belt. Mrs. Barclay, peacock green dress.

Another stylish Sydney gown was worn by Mrs. Blackburn. It was pale pink satin charmeuse, the tunic being of embossed ninon. Miss Mills (Sydney), was in a frock of pale pink satin. Miss Nash (also of Sydney), wore black satin and white lace. Miss Moxam wore black brocaded silk. Miss Scott, white satin, pink tunic. Mrs. Morris (Port Adelaide), pink satin charmeuse, trimmed with brown fur. Mrs. Foulkes, grey satin charmeuse,

embossed trimming. Mrs. Gibson, vieux rose satin, handsome brown trimming. Miss Paton (Sydney), white satin frock, tunic of vieux rose ninon. Miss Nancy Cameron (Wanganui), lovely frock of white satin, the ninon tunic being embroidered in pink roses and bordered with pink fringe. Mrs. La Praik (Thames), pink satin. Miss Field, black satin. Mrs. Hamilton, brown satin, overdress of brown lace and spangles. Miss Hamilton, pretty frock 1 of emerald green ninon.

* '* * ' Among the local ladies present were : — Mrs. Parkes, wearing a handsome robe of gold satin, the tunic of richly-embossed cream lace. Mrs. Dudley wore pale blue satin with ninon overdress. Mrs. Grant also wore a pretty pale blue gown. Mrs. Parr, cerise satin, tunic of vieux rose ninon, bordered with Oriental trimming. Mrs. Aickin, white satin and ninon. Mrs. Aubin, white satin, veiled with black ninon. Mrs. P. Cooke, flamecoloured satin, black rose in corsage. Miss Morse, grey ninon over satin, yellow velvet waist band. Mrs. Cvveet, gown of pale heliotrope satin, draped with white lace. Miss Butler, pale green dress. Mrs. Pabst, blue dress, spangled trimming. Mrs. Houghton, white satin. Mrs." Alfred Kidd wore the lovely gown in which she was presented at Court. It is of rich white satin, with overdress of exquisite French lace. Mrs. Collins was in pale heliotrope brocaded satin. Mrs. Inglis was in heliotrope satin and ninon. Mrs. McGuire, white satin, black ninon overdress. Mrs. Milsom, white satin. Mrs-. Louis Myers, black satin and lace.

Very chic was Mrs. Sharman's mauve satin robe, veiled with ninon in the same shade, a drape of white lace, and a pale blue sash. Mrs. W. E. Bloomfield was handsomely gowned in white satin, the overdress of bordered ninon. Mrs. Duthie's blue and gold brocaded gown had a touch of vieux rose. Space will not allow of a description of the frocks worn by the young folks present, but among them" were : — Misses E. Coleman, Devore (2), Tole (2), Hellaby, V. Duthie, J. Reid, M. Reid, H. Bloomfield, Brookfield, F. Scott, and S. Payton. * * •

It must not be thought that it has been all play and no work with the delegates to the congress, for they held their sessions in the mornings, finishing up on Saturday in time to catch a special train to Rotorua.

The Racing Club held an "At Home " at Ellerslie Racecourse, on Saturday afternoon, when members of the congress who had not gone away were present besides the members of the club and their friends. A heavy shower of rain just before starting time prevented there being as large a crowd as usual, but those who ventured out spent a very pleasant afternoon, even though.-heavy showers sent them hurrying for shelter. The flower beds and borders were looking beautiful, and the lawns were so fresh-looking after the heavy rain of the previous night. Afternoon tea was dispensed in the new lunch room, also in the tea room. The band of the 3rd Mounted Rifles played delightfully all afternoon.

Noticed were: Lady Lockhart, dresed in navy satin and a hat with yellow plumes. Mrs. McDowell, white satin overdress of royal blue ninon, black feathered hat. Mrs. Deny, brown and gold spot silk dress, bat with yellow roses and black feathers. Mrs. Parkes, reseda green satin gown .overdress of crepe de chine, black plumed hat. Mrs. Purchas, grey crepe de chine gown, view rose belt, white tulle hat. Miss Morse, grey and white check dress, large white and black hat. Mrs. Langgiifli, black, satin gown, modish purple coat behdod in black, black hat. Mrs. Alfred Kidd, dress of champagne cloth with a smart touch of green; hat en suite. Miss Caro, frock of white satin, with tunic of blue ninon, stylish hat. Mrs. A. Burt, navy shot silk, bue

hat with pink roses. Mrs. L. Longuet, pretty dress of white crepe, with rose-coloured coatee, white and black hat. Mrs. Walter Massey, dress of blue foulard silk, cerise hat, hat wreathed with a long white feather. Miss Louguet, white embroidery frock, white hat with blue tulle. Mrs. Coleman, nattier blue brocaded silk, hat with view rose feathers.

A cream lace dress and hat with upstanding pink feathers were worn by Mrs. Markham. Miss Firth wore a cream dress and pink hat. Mrs. Hartland wore an amethyst and silk gown and black hat. Miss Isaacs, costume of vieux rose shot silk, hat with floral trimming. Miss Shepherd, navy silk dress, navy straw hat. Mrs. Grant, yellow satin dress, blue ninon drape, black hat with blue trimming. Mrs. R. Wynyard, vieux rose satin dress, black hat. Mrs. Shaman, dress of white Broderie Anglaise, sash and ends of Bulgarian silk, black hat with upstanding blue feather. Mrs. Myers, cream silk costume, black hat. Mrs. F. Baume, stylish dress of black and white silk, black ninon draped tunic, black hat. Mrs. Eavestaff, royal blue satin with cerise trimming, grey and cerise hat. Miss Benson, old gold satin, black hat. Mrs. Adkins, navy and cerise toilette. Mrs. Alexander (Te Kuiti), cream dress and hat. Mrs. G. Wynyard, pale pink crepe de chine, grey and pink hat. Miss JR. Raynes, creme corded costume with Bulgarian finishings, hat with black ruche. Miss M. Raynes, champagne costume with Bulgarian facings, white hat with tangerine roses. Mrs. Kemp, black crepe de chine, sash of pink silk, feathered hat. Mrs. Baxter, champagne costume, black hat. Mrs. Fuller, black dress, black silk coat, hat with pink roses. Mrs. Hendry, while dress and hat. Mrs. Rossiter, dress of white silk with crimson stripe, black and blue cloth coat, green and blue hat. Mrs. Mackervie, black satin dress, coatee of black and gold satin, tomato red hat. Mrs. Pilkington, frock of white chiffon taffeta, blue straw hat with roses. Mrs. Nolan, grey dress, floral coatee, amethyst hat. Mrs. Higgins, pink satin, lace overdress, white feathered hat. Mrs. Gavegan, black satin, lace tunic, feathered hat. Miss E. Ralph, white satin and lace, hat with pink roses. Mrs. Kneebone, black costume and hat. Mrs. Snedden, grey brocaded silk, hat with tangerine trimming. Miss Hawke, flame satin, black velvet hat. Miss Suggate and Mrs. C. C. Hutchings, pink crepe de chine, and a Leghorn hat with tulle frills. Miss Haigh, white muslin and guipure lace, Panama hat. Miss Suggate, yellow ninon frock over satin, tagel hat wreathed with roses.

The Arcadian Fete being held in the Town Hall in aid of the G.F.S. building fund was formally opened on Tuesday afternoon by His Worship the Mayor, who made some very apt remarks. Bishop Averill and Mr. B. Kent also spoke bri )fly and to the point. The stairway leading to the ground floor is lined with Nikau palms and the hall itself looks very pretty indeed. The front of the stage is completely hidden by tall palms and pot plants, while at the back is a garden-border with flowering plants, shrubs and palms, a green trellis framework being covered with graceful wisteria. There are fourteen stalls arranged with rustic woodwork entwined with lycopodium and coloured paper flowers, giving a very attractive appearance. • « • The lady attendants of the stalls are all dressed as Watteau Shepherdesses and look not only picturesque but very handsome, the older ladies wearing grey silk with bunched panniers and their hair powdered, while the younger ones have gay dresses with pompadour panniers, powdered hair, and hats tied coquettishly under the chin with black velvet ribbon. Mrs. W. H. Parkes, President of the G.F.S. was strikingly, attired in a dress with pompadour silk panniers, and a large white feathered hat with pink roses and black velvet ribbon.

There was a good attendance of the public in the afternoon and some brisk business was done. On the stage a number of children went through Swedish drill, Spanish dance and Maypole dance, all of which were encored. In the evening the hall was crowded, when business was Tery good indeed, and a splendid programme was presented, consisting of a G.F.S. Pageant, Victoria League Tableau, and a number of pretty and novel dances, all being given on the stage without any extra charge.

The Stall Holders were as follows :— G.F.S. — Mesdames Rattray, Dewes, Munro, Livermore, Bramwell, Littler, Swan, Miss Brown, assisted by members of the G.F.S. branches. Victoria League —Mrs. Dawes and twenty-four assistants. Shilling Stall —Me dames R. Duder, Cubbitt, Cooke, Pacey, Eagell and nine assistants. Dolls—Mesdames Napier, Benjamin and Miss Marks. Kitchen and D'Oyleys—Mesdames Calder, Bordman, Culpan, Dufaur, Easton, Gulliver, Goldie, Hodgson, Hunt, Keary, Upton; Misses Langsford, Phillips, Thompson and Owen, with fourteen assistants. Parcels —Mesdames J. Frater and P. Butler with -five assistants. Gentlemen's Stall — Mesdames W. R. Holmes and E. Anderson, assisted by seven young ladies.

Although the Sweets are all homemade, they are very professional in appearance and quality. Those in charge of this stall are: — Mesdames Gillam, Streater, Hancock, Fricker and Haythornthwaite, seventeen young ladies assisting. The Flower Stall was in charge of Mesdames Hugh Campbell, J. P. Campbell and Miss Westwood, with fifteen assistants. Liberty and Art Stall—Mesdames Cole, Gilfillan, Devore, Aubin, McGregor, Colgrove, with nine assistants. Native and Beoks—Mesdames Nairn and Morse and Miss Cooper, three assistants. Produce —Mesdames Richards McLachlan, Briffault, Hudson, Baker, McNair, Kenderdine, Kinder, McFarland, Seddon, Heath, Beattie, Udy, Stericker, Moginie, Brown, Orbell and Yates, with eleven assistants. Refreshment Cafe — Mesdames Payton, Keeble, Culling, Major, Ashton, Dettman, Laurence and Oliphant. assisted by nineteen young ladies. Children's Clothes—Mesdames Nelson, Kent, Montague arid Wright, with five assistants.

The Fete will be open to the public all the week, when there will be entertainments both afternoon and evening, and on Saturday at both sessions there will be a Grand Floral Festival.

, The Watchmakers' and Jewellers' Ficnic will be held at Motutapu on Saturday, February 21. The s.s. Albatross leaves Northeote Tee (Auckland Ferries) at 9.30 and leaves Motutapu at 6 p.m. The Bavarian Band has been engaged. Every child gets a prize. That very game institution, -the Waitemata' Boating dub, had its sheds swept away three _ years ago and set to work again with characteristic vim. It has now erected a fine substantial new building which it will open with great eclat, festivity and sport on February 2nd, at 3 p.m. It is only by the hard work of a very capable committee, aided by the unselfish secretary, Mr H. Madden, that the Club's hopes have been brought to fruition and it is only for the young people to put their shoulders to the wheel to wipe off the existing debt on the building. There is to be a fine programme of acquatic events.