WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 11, 12 March 1892, Page 251

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, February 19. I hardly know where to begin this week, for there is so much fashionable news that I fear you will tire of it before you have heard all. Everything, of course, was given as a ‘farewell’to bis Excellency the Governor and Lady Onslow, who must have been <)uite tired of shaking hands and bidding good-bye by the time it was all over, for, as you already know, they have left us. First of all came the banquet given by our Mayor (Mr H. D. Bell), and Mrs Bell, and this perhaps was the most brilliant affair of all. It took place at Bellamy’s, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Mr Bell received in the hall at halfpast seven o’clock, dinner being announced about eight, and was not over until nearly midnight, there were so many speeches and toasts to be got through. His Excellency made a particularly happy speech, as also did Mr Bell. Mr Bell" took Lady Onslow in to dinner, taking the head of the table,' with the Earl and Mrs Bell at the opposite end ; then the Chief Justice, Sir Janies Prendergast, took Mrs Ballance; the Premier (Mr Ballance), Mrs Grace ; Mr Justice Richmond, Mrs Charles Johnston ; Captain Bourke, of the Ringarooma, Lady Hector; Mr Pearce and Madame de Bachone; the Hon. J. McKenzie and Mrs Robert Hart ; Mr Fitzgerald (Controller General) and Mrs Richmond. Others present were the Hon. A. J. Cadman, the Hon. J. G. Ward, the Hon. W. P. Reeves and Mrs Reeves, the Hon J. R. Seddon, the Hon. Dr. Grace, the Hon. Charles Johnston, the Hon. R. Hart, Dr. and Mrs Newman, Mr G. Hutchinson, Mr W. McLean, Mr and Mrs Castendyk, Mr and Mrs G. Fisher, Dr. de Bachone, Sir James Hector, Mr J. Duncan, Mr and Mrs Cooper, Mr W. Reid, Mr and Mis G. Beetham, Mr W. Booth, Mr and Mrs Travers, Captain Guthrie, besides most of the city councillors and leading citizens. King’s band was stationed in the lobby, and played at intervals during the evening, and a guard of honour was formed by the Permanent Artillery, under Major Messenger, as the Governor and Lady Onslow, accompanied by Capt. Guthrie, entered. His Excellency wore his vice regal uniform, and the other uniforms, including the naval, military, and Consular, greatly added to the brilliant scene. The menu was most highly spoken of, and also the wines, which were especially procured by the steward at Bellamy’s. The menu may prove interesting Hors d’oeuvres, Saumon de Norvege and Caviare ; Potages, Tortue and Printaniere ; Poissons, Turbot, Sauce homard, and Morne Anglaise aux Concombres; Entrees, Supreme de Volaille a la Toulouse and Cailles a la Financiere ; Releves, Selle d’agneau a la Duchesse and Dinde Truffce a la Perigeux ; Gibier, Canard Sauvage ; Entremets, Gelee de Peches au Noyau, Kanglauffe au Sabazon, and Salade de Fruits ; Releves d’entremets, Canapes a la Prince de Galles, and Petits Ranraquins en Caisses ; Glaces, Fraises and Ananas. The following night the Governor was entertained at a farewell dinner at the Wellington Club, Mr Ed. Pearce, the President, being in the chair, the guest of the evening being on his right and Sir James Prendergast on his left. Captain Guthrie was also present, and the Hon. W. P. Reeves, the Hon. P. Buckley, Captain Bourke, of the Ringarooma, Mr Wythes, of the yacht St. George, and Sir A. Stepney—about sixty altogether. The next night the vice-regal party was entertained at supper by Dr. and Mrs Newman, but this was not a very large affair. The Ladies Gwendoline and Dorothy stayed with Mrs Newman on their arrival at Wellington, His Excellency and Lady Onslow staying with the Hon. Charles and Mrs Johnston until they finally left Wellington. The following afternoon the Earl and Countess held a farewell reception at Government House. There were not a large number of guests, but it was very pleasant, except, 1 might add, that there lurked a tinge of regret throughout the assemblage. Lady Onslow received in a dark grey gown softened with white chiffon ruffles down the front, and a small jet bonnet, and carried an exquisite bouquet of hothouse flowers. I believe they are in mourning for the Duke of Clarence. Captain Guthrie was helping to entertain. Afternoon tea and all sorts of good things were served in the dining-room. Amongst those present were Mr and Mrs Travers, the latter in fawn and brown silk, and brown tulle bonnet with yellow roses ; Mr and Mrs G. Beetham, the latter wearing a very quaint, new-looking gown, the skirt of fawn with a very broad edging of brown stripes, and a long bodice of brown figured satin, under which was a vest of striped brown, and a tiny buttercup bonnet. I noticed buttercups and cornflowers on every side ; they are evidently the prevailing flowers. Miss Johnston was in black silk, the long tabs edged with jet ; Mrs Grace wore blue figured foulard, and bonnet of cornflowers ; Mrs Newman also wore blue ; Mrs Reeves, white and black, and large white chiffon tie spotted with black, flat black hat with white flowers ; the Misses Grace, grey ; Mrs Collins, a pretty combination of grey and white silk, large white hat; Miss Gibson, a visitor to Mrs Collins from Dunedin, a very handsome dress, the prevailing colour being pink, which was trimmed with brown and gold ; Mrs Williams, a veiy pretty cream chiffon bonnet; the Misses Williams, grey; Mrs Cooper, Miss Cooper, white delaine figured with black,

black hat with grey feathers ; Mrs I’arhtt, cornflower blue, trimmed with gold braid ; Mrs Gore, Miss M. Gore, brown silk, and transparent cieatn hat with Howers ; Mrs Medley, Miss K. Hadfield. M. and Madame de Bachone, Mrs Mantell, grey ; Miss Dranstield, fawn ; Miss L. Izard, cream ; Mrs Gillon, a pretty black dress, and bonnet embroidered with steel ; Miss Quick, crushed strawberry silk with Bounces of black lace ; Miss Morrah, the Misses Haise, Trimnell, Fairchild, Allan, Barclay, Canon Howell (of Dunedin), and many others. The Ladies Gwendoline and Dorothy Onslow were present, being dressed completely in white, and Lord Huia, who was also taking leave of his many friends, being in his nurse’s arms. The evening of the same day Mrs Charles Johnston gave a dinner party, and afterwards an * at home,’ as the last farewell to the Earl and Countess. It was a delightful affair, the guests of the evening apparently thoroughly enjoying everything. Mr and Mrs Johnston received in the hall, from whence everyone passed on into the drawingroom and shook hands with Lord and Lady <lnslow. Dancing was kept up until nearly two o’clock, when all assembled and said good-bye to the host and hostess and the Earl and Countess. Mrs Johnston wore a very handsome dress of palest pink brocaded satin, made in the new redingote style over a petticoat and long train of pink crepon, the lining being of turquoise blue satin : puffed sleeves and a high collar, and a lovely bouquet of pink tiger lilies and maiden hair fern, completed an elegant costume ; Lady Onslow was in black satin and lace, made with a very long train, and brightened only by quantities of diamonds on the low corsage and -hair, and carried a huge bouquet of white tiger lilies and maiden hair tied with streamers of broad white ribbon. The Bishop of Christchurcli and Mrs J ulius were there, and Lady and Miss Hector, M. and Madame de Bachone, Mr and Mrs Tolhurst, the Hon. I’, and Mrs Buckley, Mr and Mr Werry, Mrs Richmond, the Hon. Dr. and Mrs Grace (the latter in white silk striped with black velvet, and diamonds), Dr. and Mrs Newman, the Hon. VV. I’, and Mrs Reeves, Mrs Williams. Mr and Mrs Travers, Dr. and Mrs Collins, Miss Johnston, sister of the host, who wore pale blue gauze studded with turquoise beads and turquoise buckles ; Miss Williams, in pale blue scattered with buttercups ; Miss H. Williams, wearing a very pretty pink satin brocaded with true lover’s knots ; Miss Alice Grace (the only debutante), wore a lovely gown, the white satin train and bodice worn over a petticoat of lace, and carried a beautiful bouquet ; Miss M. Grace, pale green with heliotrope chiffon sleeves; Miss Izard, white ; Miss Gore, pale blue silk and pink crepon : and her sister, white silk with trails of white roses ; Miss Richardson, white silk ; the Misses Barron, pretty cream and pink chiffon gowns ; the Misses Cooper, white ; Miss Medley, cream with bronze passementerie ; Miss Gibson, a pretty pale blue crepon gown, trained, the basque effectively trimmed with jewelled embroidery ; Miss Menzies, blue silk ; and her sister, old gold. Amongst the gentlemen were Captain Guthrie, Captain Bourke, of H.M.S. Ringarooma.andseveralof hisofficers; severalofficersfromthesteam yacht St. George, and Messrs Baker, Cooper, Richmond, Turnbull (2), Tripp, Brown St. Hill, etc., etc. The whole house wasmost beautifullydecorated,chiefly with quantities of sunflowers. A delicious champagne supper was served shortly befoie midnight, and the strains of * John Peel ' brought a most enjoyable dance to a close. On Wednesday Lord and Lady Onslow and suite left by a special train at eleven a.m., and the railway station was thronged with people wishing to say good bye. They drove down with Mr and Mrs Johnston, and Lord Huia wore an imitation Huia bird in his hat as he said farewell to the town of his birth. Lady Onslow was dressed in a dark travelling dress and black bonnet, and took affectionate farewell of Mrs Johnston and other of her intimate friends before leaving. Captain Guthrie, the Hon. P. Buckley, and Mr G. S. Cooper travelled with them part of the way. A quiet though very interesting wedding was celebrated a few days ago—that of Mrs Rawson, daughter of Mrs Borlase, and Mr Walter Pearson. I must say a word about the Star Boating Club Swimming Sports before closing. They were held in the presence of about four hundred guests at the Star Sheds, and very interesting they were for those looking on who knew all the competitors. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies, and proved most acceptable. I noticed Dr. and Mrs Adams, Mrs W. Ferguson, Miss Moorhouse, Mr and Mrs Ogle, Mrs Wardrop, Dr. and Mrs Rawson, Mr and Mrs Mantel), Mrs and the Misses Cooper, the Misses Grace, the Misses Gore, MissL. Izard, the Misses Harding, and many others. Ah, something else too—we have been gay. An ‘At Home ’ was given on board the private steam yacht St. George by the owner, Mr Wythes, who has been visiting Wellington for a few weeks. The weather was lovely, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent, our numerous hosts proving most hospitable. I have not space to go into details, but you shall hear a few of the guests. The Hon. P. and Mrs Buckley, the Hon. J. McKenzie, the Hon. It. Seddon, Mr and Mrs W. P. Reeves, Mrs and the Misses Cooper, the Misses Williams, Mrs and the Misses Grace, Dr. and Mrs Collins, Mrs and the Misses Gore, and a great many of the Star Boating Club. Amongst our distinguished visitors this week have been Lady Jersey, Lady Galloway, the Hon. Rupert Leigh, Sir A. Stepney, the Countess of Meath, and Mr Wythes. Except that it was given in honour of Bishop and Mrs Julius, I will not be able to tell you anything about the Rev. Mr Water’s large garden party, for 1 am afraid I have already overstepped my amount of space. Ruby. Dear Bee, Febkuaki 2b. Bentley is the talk of the town, and deservedly so, for he is a splendid actor, and merits all the praise

showered upon him. He played * Hamlet 'on his opening night, and then gave * David Garrick,' and in this latter 1 think 1 liked him the better, the character apparently suit ing him to perfection. I believe the fact of the matter is that his company are not good enough for Shakesperian works—at least they do not appear to help him out with his difficult parts, which must be a great drawback. One good actor is a great deal, but he cannot do everything, and it struck me again and again that he was not well supported in ‘ Hamlet.’ Up to the present he has had crowded houses every night, and they are likely to remain so considering the enthusiasm with which Bentley is nightly received, until the end of his season. Altogether I did not eh joy * Hamlet ’ nearly as well as I did • David Garrick,’ the latter apparently being better staged, and more within the compass of the performers. The drunken scene by Bentley was an exceedingly clever piece of acting, and evoked roars of laughter, and the horror of Ada (Miss Hansen) was also very realistic. The company assembled at Mr Ingot’s dinner-table was very amusing, and one of the best things was the quarrel between Ada and her would be lover. The dresses worn by Bentley as David Garrick were very handsome. I liked him best in a handsome bluish-green plush eoat braided with sparkling silver, white satin waistcoat braided with silver, white satin breeches, white silk stockings, and lace rutiles studded with diamond brooches . but in all his costumes he looked a tine handsome fellow. Miss Hansen, the heroine had an tin grateful part, but made the most of it, and brought tears to the eyes of many with her sobs when she was renounced by her father. First she wore a very pretty pale blue brocade with a Watteau train falling from the shoulders, and then afterward at the dinner party she was dressed in cream satin, made also with a Watteau train and cascades of lace. Ariminta, the authoress (Miss May Thorne), was splendid and was capitally got up, and so also was the stutterer, but Mrs Brown (Miss Deorwyn) I thought rather overdid her part. In • Cramond Brig ’ Bentley, as Jock, the Scotch Farmer, was so good, and was quite unrecognisable from the courtly David Garrick. Surely he must be a Scotchman : his accent was perfect. Miss Han sen had a small part only in this, but did it well, and looked quite the Scotch lassie. The king (Mr Aiderson), acted remarkably well in this, but Bentley was simply inimitable. He is so natural and seems to thoroughly enter into his parts. The dinner scene where Jock unconsciously entertains the king is most amusing : indeed, the farce altogether is worth seeing if only to have a good hearty laugh. Amongst the audience on both nights were Dr. and Mrs Grace, Mr and Mis Hislop, Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald, Miss Fitzgerald, Mr, Mrs, and the Misses Tolhurst, Mrs Buckley, Mr and Mrs Loughnan, the Hon. Mr Seddon and Mrs Seddon, the Hon. J. McKenzie, Mrs Edward Richardson, Miss Johnston, the Misses Grace, Mrs Collins, Miss Gibson (Dnnedin), Mrs Leckie, Mr and MrsJellicoe, Mrs and the Misses Gore, Mirand Mrs W. Moorhouse, Miss H. Moorhouse, Miss Izard, the Misses Cooper, Dr. and Mrs Gillon, Mrs (Dr.) Pollen, Miss Williams (Gisborne), Mr Tanner and Mrs Gordon (Hastings), Mr and the Misses Burnett, and many others. We are to have ‘The Bells' next, and then several more Shakespearian pieces. The Flower Show is now open at the Columbia Rink, and is an excellent display. The weather was kind, and allowed the Howers to be picked quite perfect the day before. I think the dahlias are the finest ever exhibited, but the hothouse Howeis are very beautiful. There is one table entirely covered with exhibits from Government House, chiefly remarkable for the exquisite maiden-hair ferns. The bouquets are one and all so very old-fashioned —tightly tied, and with so little greenery. Nothing could be more beautiful and natural than the new large, loosely-arranged bouquets, arranged with just Nature’s green leaves and grasses, and yet one never sees them at a flower show. One epergne filled with rata and variegated grasses was exquisite, and the roses and lilies were lovely. I have never seen such a magnificent display of vegetables. The collections of flowering begonias exhibited by Mrs Burne, Mi McKay, and Mr Charles Izard (junr.) are wonderful. Amongst the prize- takers are Mrs Burne, Mrs McNab, Mrs H. D. Bell, Mr Eberle, Mr Wilkinson, Mr W. Moorhouse, Mr C. J. Hill, Mr C. H. Izard, Mrs Stuart, and for bouquets in various classes the prize-winners are Miss McNab, Miss Cooper, D. N. Wilkinson, Miss Crease, Miss Salmon, T. H. Sewell, Mrs Wills, ami W. H. Taylor. Lady Hector is giving a garden party at Petone very soon, and there is to be a conversazione at the Museum in honour of the University Senate which is sitting in Wei-

lington now.

Ruby.