AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 32, 9 August 1890, Page 12

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, July 30. Mr Miln ami his excellent company are still playing at the Opera House, but I regret to say the support accorded them by the public has been anything but encouraging. Mr Miln opened his season at an unfortunate time, for no doubt the want of more liberal patronage is due to the recent successful operatic season. Many, 1 know, are now denying themselves in order to make up for the large amount expended at that time. We went the other evening to see ‘Othello,' which was splendidly peiformed. Mr Miln appeared in the character of the villainous lago. His impersonation of the sly, cunning, ami deceitful friend of the jealous Moor was sustained throughout with wonderful success. Miss Kate Douglas, as the unhappy Desdemona, had a part which suited her admirably. Mr Collet Dobson as Othello and Mr Montgomery as Cassio were Imth excellent, while the minor characters were all well sustained. ‘ Romeo and

Juliet ’ was played on two evenings, and although the weather on both nights was wretched, the attendance was, I believe, very good. One evening about thirty young lady pupils from one of our fashionable private schools were pi esent, while on another evening the front seats in the circle were reserved for the members of the different Shakesjiere Clubs, many of whom were present in response to an invitation extended to them by Mr Miln. * Romeo and Juliet ’ was undoubtedly one of the best performances of the season. The different characters were very ably sustained, while the costumes, scenery, and stage appointments generally were handsome, tasteful, and appropriate. In the circle I noticed Professor and Mrs Thomas, Misses Horne, Mr and Mrs Coleman, Dr. and Mrs Idles, Dr. Purchas and his daughters, Mrs Challinor Purchase, Mrs Myres, Mr and Mrs Nathan, and many others. The meeting of the Ponsonby Social, Musical, and Literary Society was one of the most successful of the season. An excellent programme was gone through, the gems of the evening undoubtedly being the splendid vocal selections given by Mrs (Dr.) Bahnson. The attendance of members was large, and a most agreeable evening was spent. The Remuera Social I'nion gave another of their enjoyable entertainments in the Remuera Hall. I need hardly tell you the building was crowded with an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. The programme was a really good one. Mrs Cooper and Messrs T. Jackson and Dufaur were the vocalist^, while the instrumental selections were contributed by Herr Tutscbka, and the Misses < ’arrie Wright and Buckland. The entertainment concluded with a charming little comedietta entitled ‘ Ruth’s Romance,’ which was very creditably performed by membeis. Mr and Mrs Devore gave a delightful and enjoyable party at their residence, Ponsonby Road. The party was exclusively for young people, of whom there was a large number present. Dancing was indulged in until the early hours of the morning, the programme consisting of eighteen dances, twelve of which were waltzes, and two extras. The floor was in splendid condition, and the music just lovely. The host, hostess, and their daughter were during the evening most assiduous in their attention to their guests. The following are some of the pretty and tasteful toilettes donned for the occasion :—Miss Armitage wore a lovely dress of creme silk gauze with different coloured stripes over creme silk. Miss Devore looked extremely well in a handsome black net evening dress finished with aigrettes of cardinal feathers; Miss Gorrie, very pretty dress of pale pink silk ; Miss Upton, tasteful and becoming dress of white Liberty silk ; Miss Stevenson, pretty dress of heliotrope net; Miss Masefield, handsome dress of black Russian net finished with aigrettes of old gold feathers ; Miss R. Tole also wore a pretty black dress, relieved with clusters of cardinal flowers ; Miss Hughes, handsome white silk dress : Miss A. Tye, stylish black dress tastefully relieved with amber; Miss Beale, pretty pale blue net evening dress ; Miss Hardy, becoming pale pink net dress ; Miss Phillips, stylish all black evening dress ; Miss Dixon, pretty cardinal silk evening dress. Mr and Mrs George Cruickshank also gave a very enjoyable party, at which a large number of guests were present. The party was given in honour of their son, who is, I understand, leaving for the Waikato. A very successful dance was given by Mr and Mrs Darby. The family have just recently removed into their handsome new residence in New-street, and the dance was given as a house warming. A dance also took place at the residence of Mrs J. Edmiston, Wood-street. The family were surprised shortly after eight o’clock by the arrival of a large number of young friends, who at once proceeded to take possession of the house. The invaders were warmly welcomed by Mrs Edmiston and her family, and at incredibly short time the largedining-room was cleared fordancing, which was indulged in until about 1 a.m. An excellent and dainty supper was provided from the well-filled baskets with which the company came laden. The evening was spent most enjoyably, and was rendered all the more agreeable to the family because. so unexpected. Professor Carrollo’s young lady pupils gave a very interesting musical gymnastic exhibition in the gymnasium attached to the Y.M.C.A. Rooms. The exhibition was strictly private, only the parents of the young ladies being invited. Although the weather was extremely disagreeable, 1 am told a very large number were present, and much pleasure was expressed at the proficiency attained by the young ladies in their gymnastic exercises. While out walking lately I have noticed a few pretty costumes. Mrs J. Hanna wears a becoming gown of the fashionable Eiffel shade, with panels and trimmings beautifully embroidered in lighter and darker shades of silk, bonnet to match ; Miss Masefield, striking costume of grey material combined with black velvet, half of the body, which was fastened across the front, was of velvet, and the other half of grey, velvet sleeves ; Miss Brett, stylish seal brown costume, hat to match; Mrs Archie Clark, navy cloth dress, sable victorine, stylish hat to match ; her little daughter looked sweet in a Kate Greenaway frock of electric blue plush ; Mis Worsp, stylish fawn and brown plaid costume, bonnet to . match, beautiful fur pelerine; Miss Worsp, handsome Eiffel coloured dress, trimmed effectively with the border of a pinkish fawn shade, small gem hat ; Mrs T. Morrin, stylish fawn and brown tweed dress, hat to match. Muriel. t >ne of the most excellently managed balls it has ever been our good fortune to attend took place in the New Hall, Huntly, lately. It was given by the honourable order of < hldfellows, and right well given too, being a most unqualified success. On entering we were struck with the admirable proportions of the room, and the perfect way in which it was lighted and decorated. The affair commenced with a promenade. After that valse, schottische, mazurka, etc., came in quick succession. At miilnight a capital supper, to which full justice was done, was laid out on the stage. Afterwards dancing commenced with double vigour, and did not cease until grey dawn tinged the eastern sky. Some few evenings after the ball tho Oddfellows assembled to decide who should be belle. This was a most difficult task, but after much discussion the choice fell upon Miss.l. Ord. The committee will therefore present her with a suitable present. Among the many well - dressed ladies we particularly noticed Miss J.

Ord, stylish dress of blue; Miss Mildred Smith, white dress, with blue watered silk and lace trimmings; Miss Brown, creme nun’s veiling, ribbonsand lace to match; Miss Mabel Smith, white with pink watered silk and laee trimmings; Miss Hill, white dress, with silver flowers; Miss H. Ord, pretty pink dress ; Miss M. Nicol, pale seagreen net over pink ; Miss Sampson, white with pink ; Miss Rose Sampson, cream with pink ; Mrs Hardwick Smith, handsome black velvet with blue silk trimmings; Mrs Skellern, white skirt and blue satin body with white lace ; Mrs Reed, pink dress with Howers. At midnight Mr G. Skellern (secretary), on behalf of the Oddfellows, invited the guests to do justice to the good things provided by Mrs Harris. M e must also add that the string band of Adams Bros, left nothing to be desired.