LIFE IN THE CITY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXI, Issue 9699, 2 November 1909, Page 7

LIFE IN THE CITY.

bile is r journey; on we go Through many a scene of joy and woo

-dtoharitij Bridge—A Successful Entertainment — Two Dances—At the Premier s— Miss Coales I — Pretty Frocks — Dull Entertainment — Varied Supper Parties —About People. The Bridge Tournament, got up— iv aid of the funds of the Sfc. John Ambulance Fair—by Mesdames Morison, Tweed, aud Alex. Crawford, was not only a, very large aifair, but most; successful, both financially and socially. Over two hundred sat down to bridge iv Kircaldie's tearooms, which wero lent, for the purpose very generously by the proprietors. The room was decorated witli lilies, palms, pink-shaded lights, and when the women in their smart evening gowns took their places, the scene was brilliant. There were, of course, all kinds of bridge played, good, bad, and indifferent, and some enthusiasts complained that the necessary concentration was impossible, owing to the movement and hum ot talk. But it was excellent diversion aud much enjoyed. Those who had the highest score at the cud of five rubbers were -Jtfrs Chas. Pearce aud Mr M'Oosh Ifpiark. the next pair beiug Mrs Kane Mrs A. Abbott. The prizes took the form, the first of aa order for three guineas and rhe second of one guinea, on the bazaar. Some lovely gowns were worn. The Mayoress, who is always beautifully dressed, was iv champagne aud white striped niuou, with jewelled lace aud gold tissue. Miss Eileen Ward wore a handsome gown of sky-blue satin with crystal bugle embroideries. Mrs Louissou's beautiful gown was of piuk chiffon over gold tissue with wonderful embroideries. Mrs Arthur Duncan wore a charming coat of pink silk, the full skirts hanging from a shortwaisted bodice all made of diamouds of silk set together with iusertiou. Frills of lace were seen uuder the hem and the edges of tlie sleeves. The idea of the tournament was so successful that it is a surprise that it is not more often arranged. Each player .arranges her owu table, or more tables if she chooses, aud eacli player pays 2s fid. Supper is Is. In tins way quite a goodly sum may be gathered without begging. * * * jtfh Last week there were two dances, **Rne given by Miss Ward at the Premier's residence, the other by Miss Goates in the Sydney-street Hall. The first was a charming affair, the big drawmg-room—which was really built ou springs tor a ballroom—beiug cleared of carpets and furniture and prettily decorated with arum lilies i and foliage, while supper was laid in the billiard-room amoug wouderful masses of orauge azaleas and silver candelabra. To Miss Goates' dance a hundred and eighty guests were asked. The decorations were elaborate. Yellow aud white was the combination chosen for the ball—broom, lycopodium, aud yellow aud white nius'iu being artistically arrauged. Iv the supper room each table was a different scheme of colour, nbbous, flowers, and even bou-bous-all harmoniziug. •while the large centre table was brilliant with niaguificeut gladioli aud crimson shaded silver candelabra. Mrs Elgar wore, perhaps, the loveliest gown in the room—a gold tissue of gold embroidered, made with a tunic, a swathed belt of bine silk giving contrast. Miss Elgar's fancy-like frock was of tulle strewn with crystal, a heavy friuge of pearl aud crystal beads falling below her waist from the #edge of tlie bodice. Mrs Keuueth t)uucau's gown of sky-blue satin with crystal and gold embroideries svas hue, and Mrs Russell Dymock, in au elegant frock of white satin, plain,except for a tiny vest of jewelled net, was uot.able. Miss Gore, in white tulle gown with tunic of tulle edged with satin, and a flowered sash, looked pretty, and a charming white satin with long crystal embroidered sleeves, was worn by a debutante, Miss Houghton. The hostess' handsome frock was of striped silver and white niuou. with heavy Irish laces outlined iv black. Among the guests were Sir James Mills, and the two Miss Abrahams from Palmerston North. The House has been crowded, albeit tiie entertainment has beeu of the dullest, mainly ou mcanipn. heusible financial matters. Womeu come in crowds, and some even stand or sit ou the steps rather thau miss the debate. Of course the supper-hour is then a time of great excitement, and so popular has ibis become that the attendants have to lay relays. The little coteries are interesting to watch. Here may be Mr Massey with a knot of his Reform League women, there Mr # Allen with some Bruce electors, aud there a member or two with some distinguished visitor, though—as a Tule, if the latter be masculine—he may scorn tea. There really has been nothing exciting this past week, unless we except the moment when Mr Eisner, called to look after his Bill while in the midst of dressing for Miss Uoates' ball, arrived panting, having to fiuish lacing his boots in ills seat. In tlie meantime Mr Wright was ably holding the fort. Many of the Parliamentarians have gone to Blenheim, and if weather signs be sure, they will have a fine trip. * -_• * Mr and Miss Elder, of Wellington, leave on Tuesday for a month at Rotorua. Mrs Sharmau, wife of Dr Sharman, of Auckland, is visiting Wellington. Miss Hitchings, of Levin, is in Wellingtou. Mrs D. Caselberg has returned from Masterton. Mrs and Miss Lucie Ehreuiried, of Auckland, have left by the Main Trunk line for home. Mrs D. Munro has gone to DunediD, ant', later, visits JNelson. Mrs Cliffe, who has been staying with Mrs David Nathan, has gone to | Greymouth. Mrs Cunlili'e. of Greyimfnoutb. is visiting her sister-in-law, iHJblrs Seddou. Lady Ward has gone to Invercargill to see her little grandsoD, who has been christened Joseph. The engagement is announced of Mr Thomas Harrison Horrax, second son of Mr John Horrax, of Karori, to Miss Constance Corkill, daughter of Mr F. P. Corkill, New Plymouth. Mr and Mrs Gerald Tolhurst, of Otaki, have been visitors in Wellington Mrs Sydney Nathan and Miss Nathan, of Auckland, are expected back by the lonic to-day (Monday). Mis 3 Gertrude Mills is also a passenger. Sir James Mills is here to meet her, and also her sister, Mrs Be?wick, of Christchurch. Mr and Mrs Harold Beauchamp are back from their Auckland trip, and Mrs Maurice Richmond and Miss Richmond have returned from Samoa. Mrs E. Denis O'Rorke. of Auckland, has been visiting Wellington, and is at the Grand, where also Mrs Guy Williams, of Masterton, and

Mr and Mrs Tothili, of Uhristchuroh, are staying. Mrs and Miss Vallance, of Masterton, came back ou Wednesday from a trip to Christcbruch. Miss Humphrey is a guest of Mrs Deans, at Riccarton. Mr Hicksou and Miss Lulu Hicksou are spending some months in Auckland. Dr aud Mrs Webster are back from their trip to Sydney. Mrs and Miss Buick, who have been enjoying the session, went home on Saturday. Miss Bennett, of Masterton, is staying at the Grand. Miss Ella Cooper, daughter of Mr Justice Cooper, returned by the lonic from a two years' visit to England. Mr aud Mrs James Hutchison, of Dunedin, are at the Grand. Mrs Hutchison, leaves this week for Mastertou, where she visits Mrs Vallance. Mrs Alex. Roberts, of Central Otago, is a guest of Mrs Rhodes. Mrs C. J. Kent-Johnston aud her family (from Featherstou) are staying at Seatoun. Miss O. Butts aud Miss N. McDougall are guests of Mrs H. Hume, Mastertou.