THE SOCIAL SPHERE

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 17, 27 December 1919, Page 12

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

[Br Dolores.]

THE Concert Chamber of the Town Hall was well filled on Monday

night with an audience whowere highly pleased with the splendid programme presented by the pupils of Miss Aileen Beresford. "Sweet Innocence" was the opening dance, in which the ' 'Tiny Tots" of the class were lmxcli-admired all frocked in fairy-like garments. The soloists were Nancy Hanfling, Mildred Dunsford, Biddy Williams, and Pat Singer. A Dutch clog dance was well given by Eileen Davies and Flora Dunsford. Alma Warnock danced very daintily as the Butterfly and Isola St. Claire was spirited in "La Lambo Portugal." "The Tarantelle" was well executed by Vivian Watson and Little Gaby Marshall, who was quaintly gowned as Dear Grandma, caused much merriment. The "Ballet of Ambition and Love," a fairy story in danoe, was a dainty conception, and the soloists were Miss Mavis Morgan, Nellie Dawson, Mollie Bailey, Myrtle Inskip, Isabel Sapsford, and Peggy Singer. The "Ballet of the Nymphs" with Miss Aileen Beresford as the soloist, was heartily applauded.

Gladys Trevethick and Lorrie Marshall were very vivacious in their dances, "Mystery," and "The Frolic of the Gnat." The "Eccentric Dance," by Walter Beresford, was a very unique performance.

After the interval the "Pyjama Ballet" was danced, and the effect was very good, as mimbers of damsels clad in dainty silken pyjamas tripped merrily. The soloists were Eileen Skellern, Katie Galbraith, K. Arnold, Nellie Dawson, Doris Dodd, and some acrobatic feats were introduced by Connie Barry, Mavis Morgan, Vivian Watson, and Walter Beresford.

A new little Kewpie song and chorus, caused much mirth, all. the mites being dressed in pink tights with broad bands and bows of green, and looking like veritable kewpies. Jean Hickey, Mildred Dunsford, and Biddy Williams were the principal singers.

The Plantation Dance, by Gaby and Lorrie Marshall, dressed in the picturesque garb of the dusky Hawiian maids, was very pretty.

The National Dances of England, Ireland, and. Scotland were well given, and as a finale a Western scene was arranged, and was most picturesque, the garb of the wild and woolly West being adopted. The chief characters were taken by Rita Madden, Nellie Dawson, Isola St. Claire, Connie Barry, Mavis Morgan, John Madden, Ivan Squirrell, and F. Clare, who introduced the popular "Texas Tommy," "Hush A Bye," "Peaches in Georgia," "Down Texas," " Down on the Farm," and many of the modern dancfes.

An orchestra under Mies May Beresford supplied excellent music. *'. * *

Miss M. Beresford wore white charmeuse with overdress of beaten silk. Mrs. Beresford, was. gowned in black silk. ®> @> ® Both in honour of ncr guest, Mr. Arthur Gordon, of Dunedin, and lately returned from the front, and combined with a house-warming, Mrs E. H. Watts, Lower Symonds St., entertained a jolly young party on Saturday evening last. • • • The spacious rooms lend themselves to all kinds of pleasures, and altogether a very happy evening was spent. In addition to Mr. Gordon, Mrs. Watts entertained the whole of the Kiwi Concert Party, of Whom her son, Mr. Owen Cardston, is stage manager, consequently there was not a dull moment the. whole evening. • • • The Kiwi Concert Party only neturned on the last troopship, and commenced their New Zealand tour on Saturday last at the Town Hall. Many novel competitions, in addition to music and dancing, were indulged in, and great amusement was caused by the guests endeavouring to accomplish the task set them, the hoop movement being most popular, as well as a peanut maze. • • • Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Skam were the winners of the latter competition, Mrs. Mac Lean and Mr. Wolfe Thompson gaining second place. Needless to say the Kiwis kept everybody amused and delighted witlh their readiness to entertain. Mr. Ernest Graham is a host in himself, and had the guests in roars of laughtor. Mr. Gordon, one of the Dominion promising young pianistes, proved very entertaining. Messrs. Skam, Hill, and North, other members of the Kiwis, proved what a clever combination of soldiers the Kiwis are. Of the other items Miss Watts and Mr. and Mrs. Graham Watts, contributed to the enjoyment of all present. • • • Of the ladies present were Mrs. Watts, in grey crepe de chine. Miss Watts, pale pink accord eon plaited ninon relieved with pale blue roses. Mrs. Cox, navy blue crepe de chine and Paisley ninon. Mrs. Hall Graham Watts, black silk and ninon. Mrs. Mac Lean, black white ninon. Miss Mac Lean, white georgette relieved with lace. Miss Cole, pink crepe de chine. • * » Mrs. Skam, vieux rope crepe de chine. Miss Bullings, grey and powder blue ninon. Miss Clark, smart black and white frock. Miss Aickman, very nice creme crepe de chine. • • • Of the gentlemen present were:— Captain Angus, Messrs. Skam, North, Hill, Watts, Graham, Fulford, Thompson, Nelson, Worboy, Cardston, Roper, Cockayne, and Danneford. ® ® » The crowded audience which assembled at the Town Hall on Thursday evening were rewarded by hearing one of the best renderings of the "Messiah" ever given in our midst. The choir was much larger than usual, the Royal Auckland Choir having combined —this is in view of the performance to be given in conjunction with the New South Wales Orchestra next month. • • * The organ was also used, and the effect caused much favourable covnment. Mr. Colin Muston conducted with much ability,- and the soloists, Mis* Com Melvin, Miss Laura C. Stone, Mr. Edwin Dennis, and Mr. A. Colledge, were most successful m their respective numbers.

Miss Melvin was particularly ,ood iv "L Know That My Redeemer Liveth." Miss Laura Stone was also htertily applauded for her rendering of "He Was Despised," and Mr. Dennis made a good impression in 1m recitative, "Comfort Ye," and iv the air, "Every Valley." • • ■ Mr. Colledge's fine bass voice was well suited to the work required, especially in "Why Do the Nations." The choruses were given with much vifi<»ur, and were most stirring, the "Hallelujah Chorus," "For Unto lh," and "Behold the Lamb of God," being the most conspicuous. * * • Mr. Edgar Randal presided at the organ with much taste and sympathy. The orchestra, led by Miss Edith Whitelaw, also accompanied with much feeling, and much enjoyment was obtained by their rendering of the Pastoral Symphony. &> ® & Dr. and Mrs. Fitchett have gone to Taupo. ® ■ Gg> ®

Mr. and Mrs. L. Blackwood, who have been on )a,n extensive tour through Canada and the States, returned by the Niagara, and are proceeding to Sydney for the 'Xmas season. Q> Q> Q> Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Spedding, accompanied by the Misses Ida and Hilda Spedding, returned by the Niagara, having spent a delightful tiino in the States. Q> @> . © The headmaster and staff of the Northcote Public School entertained Mrs. Hale and Mr. Duke Play ton. of the Technical School, to a farewell afternoon tea, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent. Mrs. Hale is; leaving shortly for Dunedin. ' ■ ® o> q> The golden wedding of Mr* and Mrs. Alex A. Smith, of "Canbria, a " Renmera, was celebrated at their residence last week. It was purely a family gathering of their children and grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the recipients of favours from members of the family, besides the hearty congratulations of many old Auckland friends. Q> Q> Q> Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Beddoe returned to Auckland by the Niagara. 0 0 0 A wedding took place at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church,. Natpier, on Friday, December 19th, when Miss Myra Ringland, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Ringland, of Napier, was united in matrimony with Mr. Trevor M. Geddis, elder son of the Hon. W. J. and Mrs. Geddis, of Napier. The church had been tastefully decorated for the occasion by the bride's friends- •*• • . ■ The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a charming gown of ivory tinted georgette and satin, the corsage being daintily embossed with roses, and the skirt a mass of tiny frills, the whole being worn over a lining of shell pink georgette. "With this was worn tlie orthodox veil and orange blossoms. A beautiful shower bouquet of white flowers, with a touch of pink, finished an exquisitely dainty toilette. The bridesmaids were Miss Rita Ringland, sister of the bride, who wore a pale pink silk net frock, and Miss Kathleen Geddis, sister of the bridegroom, dressed in a frock of eau de nil silk net, both wearing white hats with pink velvet streamers. Both carried beautifcil , bouquets.

The Rev. J. A. Asher officiated, and Mr. 0. Roy Spaakman, presided at the orffcan. * * • The bridegroom was attended by his brother, Mr. 0. S. Geddis, and Mr. L. J. Stevens, of Auckland. •' • • The bride's mother was effectively attired in an oyster eoleine frock with pink, and carried a beautiful bouquet of lavender and pink carnations and sweet peas. * * * The bridegroom's mother was attired in navy silk poplin, with large navy hat. * * * After the ceremony the relatives of the parties gathered at the residence of the bride's parents, where the health of the newly-wedded couple was toasted. * * • Later in the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Geddis left by car en route for the Cold Lakes, where the honeymoon will be spent, the bride wearing a smart tailor-made costume of putty gaberdine, with hat to match, and .carrying a beautiful fur coat, the gift of the bridegroom. 8> @ ® Mrs. Arthur Bullock invited last Monday a number of friends to meet her sister-in-law, Mrs. Rupert Simson, who is an English war bride. The guests were entertained at afternoon tea at a fashionable tearoom in town. The tables were decorated with beautiful yellow blooms. • • « Amongst those present were Mrs. L. B. Marriner, Mrs. H. C. Fenton, Mrs. Fotheringham, Mrs. De La Marl, Mrs. Hector Simeon, Mrs. MacCardle, Mrs. McArthur, Mrs. T. A. Low, Misses Murray, Misses Marriner, Miss A. Fowlds, Miss M. Connolly, Miss Hook, Miss Jean Moore, Miss Kathleen Foughey. • • * Mrs. Simson is the wife of Lieut. Rupert Simson, who has been on active service since 1914, and previous to her marriage was an enthusiastic war worker, being a V.A.D. for some time at the beginning of the war, and afterwards held a responsible position in the Minister of Munitions' Office in London, and on leaving to arrange for her marriage she was presented with a handsome gold-mounted bag) and pard case to match. • • • Lieutenant Rupert Simson is one of a family of four brothers who all saw active service throughout the war. $ @> ® An exceedingly pretty wedding was solemnised at St. Paul's Church on Wednesday, December 3rd, by the Rev. Gillam, when Miss Winifred Lilian Dean, only daughter of Mrs. Dean, and the late Captain T. A. Dean, 15th Hussars, was united to Mr. Joseph W. Oowley. • • » The bride, who was given away by Mr. James Steele, a very old friend of the family, looked very charming in a beautiful frock of ivory Brussels lace, the lace having been handmade over one hundred years ago. The underdress was of soft ■white silk, silver embroidery introduced on skirt and corsage. At the waist was a horse-shoe of silk and orange blossoms. The long square tram was of palest pink brocade caught on the shoulders with pearl buckles. Her veil was embroidered Brussels net with a wreath of orange blossoms, and she carried an exquisite shower bouquet. • * * Six bridesmaids were in attendance: Miss Mattie Steele, Miss Mary Steele, Miss Nora Steele, the Misses Grey (2), and Miss Gladys Mills. They were all frocfced in dainty -vrhite

silk with not overdresses, and "worm veils of tulle arranged in tb« new American Coronet style. Their bouquets were beautiful. Two were composed of red roses, two of white roses, sweet peas, and carnations, and two of blue sweet peas and delphiniunis. The colour scheme was in compliment to the bridegroom, who has lately returned from the front. They wore dainty brooches, the gift of the bridegroom. The gift to the bride was a beautiful set of acquamarine and pearl necklet and pendant, earrings and brooch. • • • The bridegroom was supported by Mr. Arnold Whalley, Mr. E. Whalley, Mr. D. Steele, Mr. J. Steele, Mr. Alex Masefield, and Mr. Jack Coates.

Two little train-bearers, Jean Riddle and Dorothy Grey, were frocked in frilly frocks of white tulle. • • » Mr. Praston presided at the organ. Afterwards a reception was held at Wynward House, Eden Crescent, by Mrs. Dean, who was gowned in a handsome frock of shot gold and brown silk with Paris tinted overdress of Duchesse point lace. The breakfast was served in a large marquee, which was prettily decorated with nikau palms and flags. The table was artistically decorated with pale pink blossoms, and a beautiful dessert service was used of pink and gold, which had been used at the christening of the bride. a • * During the afternoon Meredith's orchestra discoursed sweet music. A dance was given in the evening for the young people. Mrs. Cowley, mother of the bridegroom, wore a brown costume, brown hat, with ostrich feathers.

Some of the guests present were: Miss Shepherd, black satin relieved with old gold, black hat. Mrs. Maughan, brown silk, hat to match. Mrs. Montgomery, fawn costume, black hat with ostrich plumes and ostrich feather boa. Miss Montgomery,grey silk, leghorn hat with roses. Mrs. Thomson, black satin relieved with lovely old lace, hat to match. Miss Bartley, fawn gabardine costume, white hat with ostrich feathers. Mrs. Postles, pale buff costume, white hat with red berries. Mrs>. Chas. Grey, black lace with touches of nattier blue, hat to match. • • * Mrs. Paterson, navy blue taffeta silk costume, blue silk hat with roses. Mrs. Shepherd, nattier blue silk, white crepe de chine hat with roses. Mrs. Mather, white gabardine costume, blue hat. Mrs. Grenheld, black satin gown with gold embroideries. Mrs. Dynan, black velvet cqstume Irelieved wfith old lace, hat to match.

The weather has been especially favourable to the growth of tropical vegetation. Mr. Clement Wragge s well-known tropical gardens and institute at Birkenhead are at their best just now. The celebrated meteorologist himself personally conducts the holiday-maker around the gardens and explains the curiosities with which his museum abounds. » 9 $ We heartily reciprocate seasonable good wishes from the following:— The Mayor, Councillors, and Municipal Staff; Dr. H. Cleary, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland; Messrs. J. J. Craig and Co., Sir Thomas Mackenzie, High Commissioner; Messrs. Smith and Caughey; H.M.s Repatriation Department (Mr. Frank H. Burbush, distriot officer); Mr. Ohas. F. Griffiths, bar-rister-ftt-law; the Officers of the G.P.0.; the Head Office of th« Northern S.S, Co., Ltd.

The Fullers w« to invade Western Australia, at Christinae with 6 dramatic company, which ia to include Pearl Hellmrioh, who scored bo many successes at tho Melbourne Palace some months ago. This season will mark the Fuller firm's debut in drama in the West. ® © * ® "De Luxe Annie" and "Eyes of Youth," first proved Miss Emelie Polini's great talent to tho public of Australia and New Zealand, but presently she will appear in an entirely new production, which J. and N. Tait have secured in London. The piece presents a singular problem, and is. considered to demand the powers of a clever actress, and there is no doubt that Miss Polini will succeed in making it a popular success. The play will probably be staged in Sydney at Christmas. GB> ' 8> 9 Florence Young is again talking of retiring -next year. If she does —but, after all, why should she?— she will go with a record of 30 years' successes behind her. She made her stage debut in 1890, and for at least 25 years has been the most consistently popular figure in the Williamson musical shows. 9 9 © Mr. Abel Howe, who is touring with the cinematograph presentation of "The Sentimental Bloke," and whose singing of the appropriate number, "Doreen," has given great pleasure to Christchurch audiences, is well-known in musical circles, especially in Auckland and Wellington. In Auckland Mr. Rowe was for many years connected with the Amateur Operatic Society there, and appeared in the tenor roles of many of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas produced by the society. More recently Mr. Rowe's Quartette Party gave successful seasons in Welling-

ton at the King's and Empress Theatres, Wellington. In 1912, while in Queensland, Mr. Rowe assisted with the formation of the Brisbane Amateur Operatic Society. Since hie return from Australia, Mr. Bowe has made Wellington his headquarters. The present is his first visit to Ohfistchurch, with which, it is almost unnecessary to say, he is much charmed. ®0 ' $ Operas by British composers continue to be staged in London. The Carl Rosa Company has reoently given Mr. Reginald Somerville's "Antoine," Mr. Isidore de Lara's "Les Trois Masques," and a new one-act opera, "Pro Patria," by Mr. Percy Colson. The libretto of "Pro Patria" has been adapted by Mr. Alfred Kalisch from Mr. George Cornwallis-West's play of the same name written for Mrs. Patrick Campbell, and produced early in the war period. Mr. Colson is the composer of a number of songs and instrumental pieces, but has not previously composed opera. A coster comic opera, entitled "Cherry," has been written for London production by Mr. Edward Knoblauch, of "Kismet" note, with, music by Mr. Melville Gideioifc The coster has seldom figured on the stage in recent years, though he had a long term of popularity. , © © <© THE SAME, ONLY DIFFERENT. "I want to know," said the grimfaced woman, "how much money my husband drew out of the bank last week." "I cannot give you that information, madam," answered the man in the cage. "You're the paying teller, aren't you?" "Yes. but I'm not the telling payer."