AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VII, Issue 10, 7 March 1891, Page 10

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, February 24. A wedding of some interest eventuated in All Saints’ Church, Ponsonby, when Miss Mary R. Leighton, second daughter of Mr J. F. Leighton, was united to Mr R. A. Bent, second son of Mr Robert Bent, of Lamb Hill, Waiuku, the Rev. W. (.’alder being the officiating clergyman The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a tasteful electric blue travelling costume trimmed with bands of dark blue velvet, pretty little hat composed of creme ostrich feathers, white tulle veil and white kid gloves, and carried a beautiful bridal bouquet, from which depended streamers of white ribbon. She was attended by her two younger sisters as bridesmaids, wearing pretty gowns alike of soft pale pink material with tiny stripes, large hats trimmed with creme ostrich feathers, and each carried a very pretty bouquet. At the conclusion of the ceremony the bridal party drove to the residence of the bride’s father, Colling-wood-street, where a sumptuous wedding breakfast was provided, and where the many handsome presents were displayed and duly admired. The happy wedded couple left by the afternoon steamer for their new home at Waiuku, taking with them the congratulations and good wishes of their many Auckland friends. I have yet another interesting and fashionable wedding to record, the bride being Miss Frances Emma Rich, youngest daughter of Mr F. D. Rich of Patetere, and the bridegroom Mr A. R. Hine, son of Dr. Hine, of Ilminster, Somerset, England. The church, which was very tastefully and beautifully decorated for the occasion with tree-ferns, palms, evergreens, and Howers, was filled with the many friends of the young couple. The Rev. T. P. Hewlett performed the ceremony, the service being choral. The bride was attended by four bridesmaids, and my correspondent tells me the wedding was an exceedingly pretty one, but she has omitted to send me a description of the gowns worn. At the conclusion of the ceremony the guests drove to Fernleigh, the residence of the bride’s father , where they were most hospitably entertained. The wedding presents were both numerous and beautiful, the display being an extremely handsome one. The marriage of Mr Frank Mason to Miss Bartley takes place at the North Shore. I will give you a description of the wedding in my next epistle. The Opera House is now occupied by the ‘ Fun on the Bristol ’ Company, and nightly the building is filled to excess in all parts with audiences who are kept in a constant simmer of merriment with the absurd sayings and doings of lire extremely unladylike Widow O'Brien. Most probably you have witnessed the performance, so I will not describe it but will give yon a description of some of the toilettes worn amongst the audience. MrsT. Hope Lewis, handsome black lace gown with vest of white satin ; her sister, Miss Fenton, wore a pretty coral pink evening gown ; Mrs P. A. Edminston, very pretty evening dress of erfime silk effectively trimmed with revers and bands of moss green silk; Mrs McArthur, black silk and lace evening dress, aigrette of pale blue feathers in the hair ; Mrs Innes, handsome black lace gown, with trimmings of jet ; Mrs Fairclough, black costume; little Miss Fairclough, pretty creme frock; Miss Easton, stylish gown of erfime Liberty silk ; Mrs Hanna, fawn costume ; Miss Watson, very pretty white cqstume trimmed with embroidery; Miss Cameron, handsome creme flowered silk gown trimmed with bands of ruby velvet ; Miss Mason, pretty dove grey gown trimmed with ribbon velvet to match ; Miss Scott, pretty creme costume ; Miss Nearing, crushed strawberry gown ; her sister, Miss J. Nearing, stylish white costume ; Mrs J. Reid, black costume, dainty little ruby and erfime bonnet; Miss M. Chapman, black skirt, pale blue blouse bodice, gem hat banded with blue and white ribbon : Mrs Hall, black silk gown ; Mrs Durance, black silk gown, pretty little bonnet composed of foliage ; her daughter, Miss Grattan, wore a pretty white gown, anil gem hat banded with cardinal ribbon ; Miss Harrison, handsome ruby silk gown, small liat covered with crCme ostrich feathers ; Miss Daveney, lovely gown of silver grey silk effectively trimmed with bands of pale blue ribbon velvet, grey hat trimmed with feathers to match ; Mrs H. Millar, dark green silk gown, dainty little erfime hat composed of feathers ; Mrs J. McK. Geddes, black gown, erfime bonnet, handsome erfime feather fan ; Mrs Burton, pretty heliotrope flowered delaine gown ; Miss Briton, grey gown, crflme hat ; Miss A. Briton, black costume ; Mrs Harry Niccol, crushed strawberry gown, stylish hat trimmed with feathers to match ; Mrs Cashel, blue dress, white vest; Mrs Jackson, ficelle costume, brown velvet sleeves and collar; Mrs D. Cruickshank, figured brown silk, white silk front, seal plush wrap ; Miss Cashel, white, black hat.

The annual picnic of the Auckland Yacht Club, proposed to be held at Lake Takapuna, was, unfortunately, spoilt by the downpour of rain, which very suddenly commenced to fall about the time fixed for the yachts to leave the wharf. The ball to be given by the citizens of Auckland to His Excellency the Governor and Lady Onslow during their visit is the all absorbing topic for conversation in social circles at present. The date has not yet been fixed, many considering it would be inadvisible to hold it during the season of Lent. An excellent committee, comprising His' Worship the Mayor (Mr I'pton) and a large number of influential and representative citizens, has been appointed to carry out the necessary arrangements. The ball is sure to be the best held in Auckland for years. Sir George Grey is about to leave us for Australia to take part in the Federation Conference. As he has done so much for Auckland—his munificent gifts to the Art Gallery and Free Library standing forth as mute witnesses of his generosity—many of the grateful citizens are going to present him with an address wishing him bon voyage and a speedy and safe return. I regret to have to mention a fatal boat accident to a party of young fellows who left Ponui Island for Wairoa South, a distance of only six miles or so, in very rough water. It is believed the sail was too large for the boat. She is supposed to have shipped a heavy sea and have foundered. One body has been washed ashore, which was at first decided to be that of young Mr Hale. Subsequently it was discovered to be young Whitney’s, son of Captain Whitney, and brother of the Mr Whitney whose marriage with Miss Wilson I lately described. Great sympathy is felt on all sides for the friends of the unfortunate boating party. The bodies of Messrs Stevens and Burnside have also been discovered. We are very pleased to welcome His Excellency the Governor and Lady Onslow amongst us once more. If only that dreadful Captain Edwin, whom Tom says must really ‘ get the sack ’ if he goes on as he is now doing, sending rain, rain, rain, will kindly allow us a little Auckland weather, they ought to enjoy their stay in our lovely city. Government House has been tidied up, the garden put in order, and flowers and foliage are looking their best to greet Her Majesty’s worthy representative. I am sorry to say that Miss Wright, sister of Mr A. B. Wright, surveyor, has broken her collar-bone, being knocked down by the horse, whose blinkers fell off as she was getting her brother’s children out of the buggy. The horse had been frightened by nearly running into a train at one of the two dangerous level crossings which, unfortunately, exist in Mount Albert.

Muriel.