DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 35, 29 August 1891, Page 324

DUNEDIN.

Dear Bee, Avgust 11. I told you in my last of Miss Gibson’s engagement to Mr Baring. Mrs Gibson gave a dance to emphasize the joyful occasion. Quite a number of married people were asked, so that not all the young folks could be crowded into rhe rooms. It was a most successful affair, and dancing was indulged in till two o’clock, with a respite for a delicious supper. All the rooms presented a most charming appearance, being beautifully decorated with flowers. The hostess was attired in a rich black gown, and Miss Gibson looked charming in white, which always suits her. Among many pretty dresses Mrs Haggill wore a pearl grey broche; Mrs E. C. Reynolds, a lovely gown of green silk ; Mrs Hosking looked charming in white silk, and Miss Ethel Maclaren, who made her debut, wore a lovely soft - looking frock of white silk and tulle, and excited a good deal of admiration ; Mrs Batchelor wore a rich pink silk broche: Mrs Robert Turnbull, yellow watered silk and tulle ; Miss Stanford pale blue ; Miss Ross black; Miss Nevill, a pretty white; Miss Butterworth looked well in pale pink silk : Miss Williams, a handsome terra-cotta silk ; and Miss Mary Williams, green fisherman’s net over white silk. Others among the guests were Mr and Mrs Mitchie, Mesdames C. Turnbull, Gallaway, Pym, Melland, Denniston, Ogston, Colquhon, Davies, H. Mackenzie, and the Misses Williams (2>, Spence (2), Tni Stephenson, Cutten, Reynolds, Fulton, Rattray, Webster <2>, Sievwright, McLaren (2), Roberts (2), Butterworth, Hunter and Macassey. Miss Tui Stephenson looked very pretty in black lace ; Mrs Ogston, bine moire, trimmed with white lace : Miss Cutten, white satin and fisherman’s net ; Miss Fulton black; Mrs Gallaway, pale terra-cotta tulle relieved with dowers ; Miss Sievwright, white silk trimmed with gold embroidery ; Miss Spencer, white satin and tulle.

The Ladies’ Savage Club met as usual. The first number of their journal appeared, of which there was only one copy. I have not seen it. so cannot tell you of its contents, but I ra’her fancy these ladies will get tired of the journalistic attempts ; perhaps, though, as it is only an amusement, it will carry with it its vigorating influence, like other amusements do that need exertion. The gentlemen and original Savages have got a big ladies’ evening on the way. They are always delightful, and I think a supper a week or so later is to close the season. But to return to the Ladies’ Club. Mrs Robert and Mrs Charlie Turnbull were present, also Mesdames Boyd, Davis, Rose, A. Bathgate, Pym, Hosking, Lindo Ferguson, Stilling, Melland. Bridges, Driver, also the Misses Driver, Mrs and the Misses Sise, Mrs Sinclair Thomson, Mrs and the Misses Spence, Mrs Eardley Reynolds, Mrs L. Denniston, Miss Roberts, and Miss Reynolds. Among those who contributed to the enjoyment of the evening were Miss Cargill, who gave a reading from Dickens, and Mrs Rose, who sang with her well-known sweetness. Mrs Ferguson and Mrs Monkman sang a pretty duet, Miss Rattray gave a reading, and Miss Sievwright also sang. Mrs Hosking occupied the chair upon this occasion, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Now that the violets are coming in again, ladies who are anxious to have pretty complexions can utilise them after they have done service on their gowns, by pouring boiling milk over them and bathing their faces and neck in this preparation for a quarter of an hour each day, as hot as they can bear it. A little violet powder will take off the shine that the milk is sure to leave.

The Juvenile Opera Company still continues to charm. Every night there is a good audience, while the Saturday afternoon matinees are crowded with delighted children, who perhaps never saw an opera before. A grand conceit given by Mr A. J. Barth drew a large audience to the Garrison Hall. The soloists were Mrs Murphy and Miss J. Joel, Messrs Blenkinsopp, J. Low, F. L. Jones. A. Adamson, J. Jago, W. Manson, W. Ibbotson, and W. Densem. Of these I enjoyed Mr Manson’s song, • Will o' the Wisp.’ and Mr Blenkinsopps rendering of the beautiful and difficult music that fell to him in • The Desert.’ This weird and lovely piece, which I told you of once before, occupied the latter half of the programme, a second hearing making one more in love with it than before. The Liedertafel are to be complimented. Herr Winckelmann and Signor Squarise contributed some of their exquisite pieces, Herr Winckelmann upon the ’cello, Signor Squarise upon the violin. Miss Busk also performed a lovely violin solo. Miss Blanche Joel, who looked very sweet in pale blue, both sang and performed in the orchestra. Mr Timson accompanied during the performance of ‘ The Desert,’ his excellency in this capacity being well known. Mr Densem gave a grand rendering of ‘ Honour and Arms’ i Samson). Mrs Murphy’s name was down for *ln the Chimney Corner,’ but was obliged to abandon it as she was suffering with an extremely bad cold. She is always a favourite, and while sympathising with her, the audience were also disappointed. She wore a very pretty gown of cream silk, her hair dressed in Grecian bands. Miss Busk played a violin solo, and Mr Barth a pianoforte solo, • Grand Fantasia ’ on Mendelssohn's music to ‘ The Midsummer Wight’s Dream.’ Dr. and Mrs Colquhon most kindly entertained the Juvenile Operatic Company to a picnic. They were taken out in drags, etc., to Tomahawk, where they spent a delightful time running races, etc., their host and hostess leaving nothing undone to make the day a pleasant recollection of their visit to Dunedin, and one cannot help wishing that they may meet with many similar pleasures on their trip north. When they returned to town they were entertainer! to tea at Miss Mackenzie's tea room, Mrs Colquhon waiting most kindly upon them. Mr Tom Pollard has added another to his many successes in the production of this juvenile Company.

Maude.