LIFE IN THE CITY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8207, 1 August 1905, Page 6

LIFE IN THE CITY.

Life is a, journey; on we go Through many a scene of joy unci woe,

A Invent Weddimj Flowers and Frocks

— //tune Gotnis — Char mi mj Presents — Jhi at;/ Bullous-- liesnll of Bazaar — An //iteres/imj Tea -Presentation to Secretary ■— The Two-Step Tlie 1 Vcek's Functions —Full Galleries—A n KccitiiKi Peltate—Golf Matters.

Miss Waldegravc's wedding was the social event of the week, and was the first of a number of similar functions in Wellington. The bridegroom was Mr Harry Atkinson, son of Sir Harry Atkinson, and as the. Foils and Richmonds arc relations, and the Waldegraves themselves are numerous, and have many friends, the gathering was a large one. Lady Atkinson, who rarely goes out, and Sirs Richmond, were notable figures among the guests, and the Premier, who is

Minister for Defence, of which Department Mr YValdegravc is Under-Secretary, was also present. It was a spring wedding, the [lowers and frocks having no suggestion at all of winter, and fortunately, though the prospects the day before looked gloomy, the weather was fair. The bride's and bridesmaids' frocks came from London, the former wearing a chiffon satin, exquisitely handembroidered, the latter, Miss Muriel Waldegrave, Miss Lucy Atkinson, and the two little, twin-daughters of Mr Harry Waldcgrave, wearing the loveliest embroidered muslins, made with surplice bodices and frilled elbow sleeves. The hats were of drawn white chiffon, and the pendants of enamel were presented to them by the bridegroom. A feature of the wedding was the picturesque page in blue and white, the little son of Mr and Mrs 0. Waldcgrave, of Palmerston North. White doth was worn by the bride when going away, with a simple hat wreathed with roses. Mrs Waldegrave was in champagne voile, a graceful frock, and a largo picture hat.

The presents were -as presents arc now-a-days— charming, and included some cheques. As well as those displayed, there were all the array of kitchen utensils given the bride by her girl friends, and much artistic furniture for her pretty house in Hawcra, where Mr and Mrs Atkinson are to live. A great deal of pewter was given, a beautiful set for a writing-table being noticeable, with quaint squat candlesticks and inkstand. The Premier sent a silver salver ; anil one of the bridegroom's brothers gave some handwrought silver spoons, his own work and design. A very uncommon set of butterknives were, made like small battle-axes, and some beautiful china were given. One of

the very nicest presents that can be given now-a-days is a set of buttons, gold, silver, or enamel, as the purse or fancy prompt. They suit so admirably the tailor-made coats that are again in vogue, and go quite as ■well with the frilly and fussy black voile gown that is almost an afternoon livery villi the smartly-dressed woman, A set sent from Home was of crystal and blue enamel, and is a constant joy to its lucky owner, who uses the buttons as brooches, clasps, hair-ornaments, or as a set. Worn on a white chiffon blouse, they look exquisite. The Bazaar for the Home for Chronic Invalids is a thing of the past, and its promoters ought to feel proud and happy when they handed over the £1000 last week. Mrs T. C. Williams, who has worked nobly, gave a tea on Friday, to which she invited the Stall-holders. None of the Misses Williams are at home, and the refreshment stall girls, in their pretty white linen costumes, helped to wait on the guests. Tea was served in the large hall, from little tables charmingly decorated, and a band played during the afternoon. The main object of the tea was to present Mrs Pollen, the secretary, to whose tact and energy much of the success is attributable, with a souvenir from the stall-holders. This consisted of a pair of tall silver vases, of fine design. Lady Plunket was to present them, but she has not been well, and went oil' that day with the Governor to Waikanae for a few days' change of air, so Mrs Williams performed the little ceremony, the band striking up immediately after " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Miss Beer, whose pupils' dancing was such a feature, also received a presentation. Later on the new two-step Avas practised—although there were no men. This figures on every programme now, and looks so easy that it is positively maddening to stand out and not dance it. There are many ways of dancing it, and a few most graceful exponents of it here, but, as yet, when it comes round, few " take the floor." The Hon. Kathleen Plunket was at Mrs Williams' tea, dressed in a very handsome pale blue frock and long loose coat of blue, beautifully embroidered on the fronts and the wide cults.

Mrs Travers' marriage to Colonel Wood takes place this week. News has come that the bridegroom's father in Nelson is seriously ill. Mrs Harry Burnes gave a moit successful "handkerchief" tea for ]\lrs Travers, at which Miss Lloyd-Hassell sang delightfully. About three dozen pretty handkerchiefs were brought, one lovely lace one being among the number. On Monday tea is given for Miss Vera Willis by Mrs Fulton, of the Terrace, and last Thursday Mrs Holmes, of Oriental Bay, gave a kitchen tea for the same popular girl, whose marriage to Mr Will Lawson takes place shortly. A feature of Mrs

Holmes' tea was the table decorations, holly, rata, and lycopodiuin, the hanging lamps being wreathed with moss, with the initials, in crimson, of tho bride elect set on each. Mr Lawson's gift was two aprons. The Garrison Ball takes place next Thursday, and promises to be a brilliant affair.

Never have I seen the galleries so full as on Friday night last, when the rumour of a hot attack on the Government got abroad. Ladies were sitting in the gallery long before seven, and when I arrived, about live minutes before the Speaker entered, fifty disappointed women were, clustered in the passages outside the door, which was guarded by an anxious-eyed orderly, who successfully blended courtesy with firmness in his management. These orderlies--two are appointed when the gallery is more than usually full- have a rather thankless task, but really should be complimented on the way they perform it. When the front seats are occupied—before the Speaker arrives— by a stranger, it is their duty to demand her .season ticket, and if it is not forthcoming, she has to bo politely requested to literally take a back seat.

Generally after the supper-interval, the Ladies' Gallery is empty, but on Friday it was fairly full till nearly midnight, so exciting was the discussion. A few stayed till after three o'clock. It is expected there will be some very plain speaking in the Financial Debate. Mrs Harding, wife of the member for Kaipara, is staying in Hawke's Bay- -Mount Yernon—-for a week or two. Miss Massey is a guest of Mr C. Lewis, M.H.R., in Christehurch. MrsScddon comes rarely to the Gallery now -the strain is perhaps too much for her—but Lady Ward and Miss Ward, Mrs and the Misses Mills, are very regular in their attendance.

The Palmcrston North golfers came down to Wellington on Friday, and on Saturday tried conclusions with a team from the Wellington Golf Club, on the Miramar links. It was a boisterous day, and the strong wind and cold rain prevented perfect golf; but the visitors, in common with their opponents, are a sporting lot, so they made light of the elements, and enjoyed themselves under adverse circumstances. Most of the games were very keenly contested, and the visitors acquitted themselves most creditably. The Wellington men won seven of the games, the Palmerston men four, and one was drawn. The visitors were entertained privately at dinner in (he evening, by local golfers, who are members of the Wellington Club. The Wellington men are now looking forward to a return trip early in August.