THE HUTT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue IV, 28 July 1894, Page 90

THE HUTT.

Dbab Bib, July 19. Our little township was thrown into quite a state of excitement last Tuesday evening when Mrs (Dr.) Purdy gave an

‘ AT home ’ at the new Oddfellows’ Hall. A special train was laid on from town,in order that the guests invited from thence might come out special coaches also being sent to meet them at the station About thirty people came out from town, and apparently enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Dr. and Mrs Purdy received at the entrance, Mrs Purdy looking extremely well in a pretty black gown with large sleeves of sage green, and a sage green sash, and green silk also on the corsage. At a quarter past eight, by which time everyone had arrived and were comfortably seated, a short Elay was given, the principal part -that of Margaret—being taken y Miss Maud Grace, and taken, I may add. with great success Miss Muriel Burnett took the only other lady’s part, and acted very prettily. Dr. Purdy and Mr Ross Gore taking the two remaining parts with dist inct success. It was called ' Dream Faces ’ and it revealed to us a very clever quartett of actors and actresses. 'I his play was followed by another, the ever favourite • Betsy Baker,’ in which Mrs Purdy took tho part of ‘ Betsy’ very cleverly and she was ably supported by MrsT. M. Wilford, Dr. Purdy and Mr Ross Gore, who filled in their parts admirably. Mr Peter’Parfitt was stage manager for both pieces, and also deserves a word of praise for the efficient way in which be had trained his materials

In the first play Miss Grace was splendidly got up in a black silk gown with a white fichu, and of course grey hair and a cap In the same act Miss Burnett looked exceedingly well in a pretty soft grey gown, with full sleeves and a bow across the corsage a yoke and epaulettes of coffee lace. In ‘ Betsy Baker ’ Mrs Wilford wore a beautiful white silk gown spotted with black, and made with large puffed sleeves. At about ten o'clock the theatricals were over, so the floor was cleared for dancing, which was kept up until half-past twelve o’clock, at which hour the special train conveyed its passengers back to town again. It was a very interesting and enjoyable evening, and both Dr. and Mrs Purdy are to be congratulated. Amongst the guests were Lady Buckley, wearing a very handsome sage green merveilleux brocaded with pink flowers, the long train being prettily made in Watteau style; Lady Hector, a dull, eopper-coloured silk train and bodice, over a petticoat of pink silk veiled with white lace: Miss Hector wore cream with broad lace falling over the shoulders ; Mrs E. J. Riddiford, a handsome black gown, trained ; Mrs Newman, a brown silk and velvet gown with a petticoat of pink and fawn: Mrs (Dr.) Grace, a handsome black silk gown trimmed with gold fringe: Miss Grace, black silk; Miss Alice Grace, a pretty yellow accordion gown: Mrs Molineaux, black, trained ; Mrs Sladden. black ; Mrs C. Kirk, a handsome salmon pink brocade: Mrs Jackson, black : Miss Jackson, a pretty black and yellow gown: Mrs Bunny, white silk: Miss Ida Johnston, pink brocade trimmed with lace and fur; Miss Hilda Johnston, a black and white pown ; Miss — Johnston, white brocade; Miss M. Gore, white silk and lace; her sister, black satin and lace; Miss Baker (Napier), black net: Miss (Sidney) Johnston (Hawke s Bay), black silk with pink lapels covered with white lace: Mrs G. Pearce, white silk and lace; Mrs (Dr.) Coates, black; Miss Holmes, black and yellow ; Mrs Field, ruby velvet trimmed with jet: Mrs Mowbray, black: Mrs Stansfield, blue silk, and a gold butterfly in her hair; Mrs Howden. mauve watered silk and diamonds; Miss Burnett, pale blue silk ; Miss M. Burnett, mauve; and her sister, green striped gauze : Miss Bodmin, cream gauze* Miss Wilford, bright pink silk; Miss K, Wilford, white, prettily veiled with gold and white gauze, yellow sash; and her sister, white; the Misses Johnston wore cream; Miss Fairchild, black and red : and her sister, black and yellow; Miss Lee. pretty Sellow silk ; the Rev. Mr and Mrs Jones, Mr and Mrs Lee, Mr and Irs Seaton. Miss Clinton, in pale blue and black velvet. I think these are all I can remember.

The hall was prettily decorated with wattle, camellias, and greenery of various kinds, and the stage looked very pretty, but it required, at times, a little more light to show up the dresses, etc. The music was good, and the supper excellent, the latter being decorated with lovely camellias. The floor was good, and everyone enjoyed winding up with dancing. Several familiar faces were missing—Dr. and Mrs Whitehead’s, for instance ; they have gone en a visit to England. Dr. and Mrs Lamb have settled down among us. and also Dr Scanlon, and some two years ago Dr. and Mrs Coates and family been kept alive with progressive euchre parties lately,’ Mrs Riddiford entertaining a good deal in one way and another We have lost Lady Buckley for a while, for she and Sir Patrick are living m town for the session.

Goneril