AUCKLAND

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 39, 26 September 1891, Page 419

AUCKLAND

Dear Bee, September 15. The Committee of the North Shore ‘ At Home ’ are to be congratulated upon the very successful termination of a most enjoyable season, the final dance being in every respect a most pronounced success. The attendance was large, and as there was no great preponderance of the fair sex, • wall Howers ’ were conspicious by their absence. Hannken’s Band supplied the music, which was really excellent, and the floor was all that the most fastidious could wish. To the ladies is due a special word of praise for the splendid supper provided by them, and to which I need scarcely add ample justice was done. The night was exceedingly warm, therefore the light, cool, and dainty dishes which were provided in such abundance, were both highly appreciated and enjoyed. Quite a number of visitors were present from town, a special steamer conveying them back in the early hours of the morning. The evening terminated about half-past two am., all present having spent an exceedingly pleasant evening. I must not forget to mention that extra dances were splendidly played by Misses Chapman, Buddle, Mrs Keals, Mr Barnett, and others. Many handsome gowns were worn. Amongst the most attractive were Mrs Keals, dainty sea-green gown, with black girdle, and long black gloves ; Miss Murchie looked very pretty in a lovely gown of rich cream merveilleux, the skirt finished with a pleating of fine lace, the bodice prettily trimmed with maize silk ; Miss Gascoigne, pretty amber net gown finished with aigrettes of amber and gold feathers ; Miss Atkinson (Park Road), lovely white Indian silk gown, with sash and shoulder knots of gold ribbon ; Miss Holland also wore a very pretty gown of white silk, finished with velvet butterflies ; Mrs Walker, black satin and net gown ; Miss Byliind, pretty white evening dress, finished with aigrettes of white feathers ; Miss Harvey looked nice in a pink veiling gown, with ruby plush trimmings ; Miss M. Harvey, white, with pink sash; Mrs Anthony, handsome cream satin gown ; Miss Wood, pretty gown of yellow striped net ; Miss Chapman (Auckland), very becoming black evening dress ; Miss Niccol, dainty pink gown; Miss Von Sturmer, handsome pink silk gown, with aigrettes of white feathers on the shoulders and in the hair; her sister wore a dark velvet gown, with sash and shoulder knots of white silk ; Miss Williams, pretty heliotrope evening dress ; Mrs Kelly, crimson net gown finished with ribbons to match ; Miss Kirkwood, very pretty heliotrope silk evening dress ; Miss Buddle, dainty white evening dress, gold girdle ; Miss Brown, black satin and lace gown, with blue ribbons; Miss Cave, pretty pink evening dress: Miss — Cave, white evening dress ; Miss Mays, black evening dress, the shoulders finished with knots of amber ribbon ; Miss Gordon, cream satin and gauze gown, effectively finished with yellow ribbons; Miss Fenton, pretty white gown, the corsage finished with a cluster of crimson poppies ; Miss Chapman, buttercup yellow gown finished with loops of black ribbon velvet, and yellow feathers ; Miss — Chapman, white costume, the low corsage prettily finished with green leaves ; Mrs Skardon, black grenadine evening dress ; Mrs A. Burgess, pretty crimson gown ; Miss Burgess, handsome cream satin gown ; Miss Gouchey, dainty white costume ; Miss McMillan, pink evening dress trimmed with gold bands ; Miss Steele, pretty black gauze gown, white flowers in the hair and on the shoulder ; Miss Corbett, white evening dress finished with ribbon ; Mrs W. Boak, black merveilleux, with shoulder knots of yellow ribbon ; Miss Edson, pretty pink evening dress ; Mrs Spencer, pretty cream costume; Mrs Ferrier, handsome black evening dress, with Medici collar ; Miss MeCorquodale, black evening dress ; Miss Patterson, pretty pink net gown. Many other pretty costumes were worn but the names of the wearers were unknown to me. The usual monthly gathering of the Remuera Social, Musical, and Literary Society took place in the Mount Hobson Hall, a full attendance of members and friends being present. The Chairman, Mr J. J. Boak, in a neat little speech introduced the programme, which proved an exceptionally good one. Songs were given by Miss Bursill, Mr G. M. Reid, and Mr A. L. Edwards. Mr Cottrill gave one of his amusing comic character songs, and Mr Cook amused the audience with an excellent recitation. The evening terminated with the performance of a charming little one act comedy, entitled ‘ Love or Money,’ the characters being assumed by Miss Kate Ryan, Miss Clara Steele, and Mr Montague. The piece was nicely staged, and capitally acted, while the costumes were pretty and attractive. During the interval allowed for conversation tea, coffee, and light refreshments were handed round and duly enjoyed. Very few of the ladies present appeared in evening dress,warm gowns being generally worn. Mrs Worsp wore a black costume; Miss Worsp,ctimsongown trimmed with black braid ; Miss Johnstone, dark gown, handsome plush jacket ; Mrs F. Winstone, pretty cardinal and black costume; Mrs Herbert Gould, dark tweed costume ; Miss Hardie, grey gown, half of the bodice being of olive green velvet; Miss Claudia Hardie, dark skirt, crushed strawberry silk blouse ; Miss Maxwell, peacock blue costume; Mrs J. J. Boak, datk green costume ; Miss James, grey gown ; Mrs James, black gown, white lace cap ; Miss Finlayson, pretty grey gown ; Mrs R. C. Carr, black gown, fur-lined cloak ; Mrs E. W. Burton, grey tweed gown with large spots; Miss Spiers, navy blue costume ; Miss Beale, black gown, plush jacket; Miss Harrison, brown tweed costume ; Mrs Edwin Hesketh, black gown, pretty white shawl; Miss Hesketh, brown plaid tweed gown ; her younger sister wore black. Amongst others also present were the Misses Von Sturmer, Misses Thomas, Miss Westwood, Miss Owen, and numerous others, many of whom I did not know. The Auckland Orchestral Union, under the conductorship of Mr G. A. Paque, gave the third of their delightful concerts in the Choral Hall, a large audience being present. The orchestral selections, of which the programme was principally composed, were on the whole most beautifully rendered. Mr S. Jackson gave one of his charming clarionet solos, while Miss Neilson, Mrs C. Burgess, and Mr T. M. Jackson contributed vocal selections. Mr C. Hemus acted as leader of the orchestra with his accustomed ability. Mrs Burgess wore a handsome black silk gown, the front of cream satin ; Miss Neilson, electric blue costume. As the evening was a boisterous and disagreeable one, evening dress amongst the audience was conspicuous only by its absence. Amongst those present I noticed Mrs (Dr.) MeArthur, Mrs Posseneskie, Mrs S. Kissling, Miss Kissling, Mrs P. A. Edmiston, Misses Colebrook, Miss Bastard, Miss

Owen, Miss Partridge, Mrs J. J. Holland, Mis J. Lusher, Mrs Boardman, Mrs Niccol, Mrs Macindoe, Miss Butters, Mrs and Miss Hoffman. It has been arranged by the Society to give a concert at an early date for the benefit of Mrs Sibbin, whose husband recently met with such a shocking death whilst playing football. I hear that Mr Colin Ballautyne formerly well known in Auckland, but at present residing in Reefton, is engaged to be married to Miss Mil tin of Reefton.

A very pretty wedding, and one that excited great interest in the district, took place at St, Peter's Church, Takapuna, the contracting parties being Miss Williamson, eldest (laughter of Mr Charles Williamson, Takapuna, and Mr Warren 31yth, of Greenhithe. The little church was beautifully decorated by the Lake residents with clematis, ferns, white camellias, and azaleas, and crowded with friends of the happy pair. The otliciating ministers were the Rev. Joseph Bates and Rev. H. S. Davis. The service was a choral one, Mr C. R. Williamson, brother of the bride, presiding at the organ. The bride looked lovely in a white silk, with long round train, trimmings of orange blossoms and clematis. The bridesmaids were Miss Florence Williamson Miss Blyth, and Miss Amy Brett. The two former had on pretty dresses of salmon pink Alpine silk, hats of fancy golden straw trimmed with gold ribbon and roses to match dresses. Miss Amy Brett’s dress was cream Alpine silk handsomely trimmed with gold galon, stylish and becoming hat of brown fancy straw, trimmed with cream and grass. Many of the guests wore handsome dresses,- conspicuous amongst them being Mrs Philco.x, a handsome black silk with gold trimmings, bonnet to match ; Mrs Lennox, blaek silk dress, exceedingly pretty black and gold bonnet ; Mrs A. Ashton wore a golden brown merveilleux silk, and very stylish bonnet of gold and black ; Mrs H. Brett had on a very handsome black moire antique, with gold brocaded front, becoming bonnet of gold and black. There were also present Mrs Ashton, Miss Moon, Mis Quick, Miss Ashton, Mrs McKean, Miss Ferguson, Mrs Millar, Miss Brett, and Miss M. Lennox. The happy pair left for Howick, where they are to spend their honeymoon. The guests, numbering over fifty, were after the ceremony, suitably entertained at the residence of the bride’s parents, ‘ Earnsclyffe,’ Takapuna. The wedding presents were numerous and costly. In the evening a party for the young friends of the bride and bridegroom was held at ‘ Earnsclyffe,’ when all present enjoyed a merry evening in celebration of the happy event. Muriel. Dear Bee, September 15. Did I not remind you that men were ‘deceivers ever?’ And has not the rejection of the Female Franchise Bill by our honourable and gallant I pper House proved the truth of my words? Ah, well, * the day will come.’ I have little news for you this week. Alas ! there have been so many deaths amongst our friends that quite a gloom has been cast over gaieties and private entertainments. The funeral of Mr Frank Dawson was attended by a veiy large number of young men from town, besides older friends. The little church of St. Luke's was completely filled. The coffin, which was a handsome one of polished kauri with silver handles, was carried from Captain Dawson’s house to the Church, where the first part of the service was held The little graveyard is at the east of the sacred building, and here, by his mother’s side, Mr Frank Dawson was laid. The flowers that were sent by his very numerous and sorrowing friends were something quite unique. There were two massive wreaths of violets quite half a yaid in diameter, and very thick and rich. Camellias, azaleas, white stocks, heath, migonette, and violets were simply heaped in various devices on the grave. We shall all miss him very much.

But life is not all sorrow, and despite the gloom, the tickets for * Princess Ida ’ are selling rapidly, as the opera promises to be a great success. I hear there is a dance in Remuera, but I fear I cannot get particulars for you in time for this letter. Our hunting season is drawing to a close, and we are making the most of the too-quickly-denarting Saturdays. conspicuous by their absence. We waste no precious time now in looking for shy pussies, but start a drag at once. The last meet was at Panmure, and the usual visitors and members assembled to see the fun and to be seen. For you know, Bee, that a pretty woman with a good figure shows to advantage on horseback. I saw Mrs Bews, Mrs Bloomfield, the latter riding Mr Halstead’s horse; Misses Buckland (3), Banks, Percival, Garrett, Dunnet, Dartmoor, Ireland (2), Kerr-Taylor (3), Hesketh, Wilkins; Messrs Percival, Garrett, Shera, Yonge, Lockhart (who seems to have recovered from his broken collar-bone), Stubbins, Gilmore, Ware, Bloomfield, Stewart, Tonks (2), Kerr-Taylor, Dunnet (2). I missed the genial face of our gallant colonel. Amongst those driving I saw Misses Gould, Grey, and Yonge, who seemed to be having a very good time looking on ; Mrs D. Tonks and family with Mrs Browning; Mr Halstead and his wife in a dog-cart; Mr Bloomfield and Miss Ruck, and also Mrs Ireland and family. For the first drag we had nothing but walls of every description—a delightful series of jumps. The second was through Sylvia Park, where the fences were very still. They were Hobart Town four railed, and too well made to allow any chance of their smashing if your horse’s feet touched them. No, horse and rider must come to grief, not the fence. Very few followed. Three ladies gallantly started—Mrs Bloomfield, Miss Kerr-Taylor, and Miss Dunnet. The latter was riding her father's horse, who was somewhat too much for her to hold. When he became unmanageable she was heard to say : ‘lt’s no use, I can’t hold this gentleman.’ Only one lady kept on, ami she bravely followed her brother, who came to grief himself at one of the fences. She, though narrowly sharing his fate at another, held her own to the end, winning some flattering remarks on her riding, which her modesty would not like me to repeat, lam sure. Mr Shera was riding Mr Lockhart’s Eros. The animal at first ran away with its rider, and then decided it could go even faster without him, so quietly disposed of him, and enjoyed a good gallop. Meantime poor Mr Shera wandered disconsolately about looking for his treacherous steed. Mr Kettelwell lamed his horse, ami was forced to ride along the roads to catch a glimpse of hounds ami red coats disappearing over hill and dale. < )ne bad accident happened to Mr Paul (winner of the point to point steeplechase). He was riding at what looked like racing pace, which is very dangerous, ami more so when your horses are tired, as his

was, because we had had a very stiff day of it. His horse fell over the last wall and rolled upon him. He lay unconscious for some time, but he recovered, and I hope there will be no ill effects, and I hope also it will be a lesson to many others. We rode through Otahuhu, and a drag was then laid from there to the Royal Oak, Onehuuga. Many started, but only a few came in at the finish. Only one lady again was seen to last through this. It was the best and stiffest hunt we have bad this season. Many came to grief, and many a stone wall was partly demolished. A most enjoyable juvenile party was given by Mrs H. Laidlaw Thompson at her resilience, The Firs, Ellerslie. About sixty invitations were issued, and the whole affair was a brilliant success. The decorations were most effective, consisting of quantities of flowers, ferns, and pot plants, brilliantly lit up with fairy lamps and Chinese lanterns. The verandah was enclosed, and lined with South Sea Island Tappa. The hall, drawing room, and other rooms thrown open were also decorated, the effect upon the juvenile guests as they arrived being most bright and pleasant. The music, consisting of two violins and harp, performed beneath a bower of evergreens, was excellent. Some of the dresses were exceedingly pretty. Miss Thompson wore a lovely dress of white crepe ; Miss K. Thomson looked pretty in pink silk ; Miss McMillan had on a handsome green plush with pink sash ■ Miss White (Ellerslie) was most effectively dressed in scarlet; Miss Kate Hay looked very handsome in pink, with bouquet of white arums ; Miss Alice Morrin looked very well indeed in an uncommon brown velvet costume : Miss Winifred Russell looked exceedingly well in blue ; Miss Grace Russell had on a very elegant old gold with Watteau back ; Miss Sybil Davis looked charming in a flowered delaine, which was most elegant; Miss Mayne wore a pretty blue dress ; Miss Marshall looked very well in white net over pink; Miss Law wore black and gold ; Miss Elliott, very pretty white costume ; Miss D. Thomson had on a charming white dress with pink trimmings. A most pleasing feature of the evening was the minuet de la court, most gracefully danced by Misses Thompson, M. Law, K. Thompson, and D. Thomson.

Hinemoa.