WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XI, 14 September 1895, Page 333

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, September 5 The town seems to have been alive with footballers for the last few weeks, and I think none of them leave our town without a certain feeling of regret, for we have entertained the visitors right royally—dances, suppers at the Trocadero, and drives, given them in lavish style, and everything done to make their visit an enjoyable one. On Monday evening there was a delightful JUVENILE DANCE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, given by the Hon. James Boyle to his College chums from Wanganui, and including all the local young people as well; that is to say, those youthful enough to come under the heading of children. A few grown up people were present to assist in the amusement of the little guests, and for three hours the vast corridors and reception rooms at Government House were filled with diminutive white-robed figures, and rang the while with childish laughter. The great fe*ture of the evening was the Cotillon, which was really a pretty and amusing sight, and created much merriment. Lady Glasgow wore a lovely gown of rich pompadour silk, profusely trimmed with lace and bunches of pink Howers; Lady Alice Boyle looked very well in a pretty white figured silk with soft chiffon frills; Lady Dorothy wore a simple white muslin dress with lace; Mrs Menteath wore a handsome black silk gown with jet trimmings ; Miss Buller, a white silk gown striped with alternate satin stripes; Mrs W. Johnston, a rich shot gown, with full velvet sleeves of crimson shot with green; Miss M. Williams was in black satin ; Miss Miller, in green silk veiled in areophane of the same shade ; Mrs Williams was handsomely dressed in black velvet with jet edging; Mrs Arthur Russell, a pale grey satin gown. Most of the little girls were dressed in white muslin or soft silk with coloured sash and ribbons, and very well they all looked. Among the boys Eton suits seemed prevalent, though a few were dressed in velvet, and one or two looked sweet in Little Lord Fauntleroy suits. Among them were Misses Levin, Harding, Edwin, Menteath, Coleridge, Werry, Hislop, Richardson, Reid, Fitz Gerald, Williams, Bell, Hutchison. Baker, Brandon. Grace, Rawson, Elliott, Rowles, Joseph, Higginson, Wilson, Riddiford, Martin. Butts, Gore, Quick, Haseldean. and Messrs A. Cooper, Butler. Willis. Williams. Montgomerie. Johnston, White, Peake. Wilson. Haseldean. H. Cooper, Higginson, Fitzherbert, Cornford. Menzies. Hutchison, Newman, Riddiford, Rawson, Beetham, and crowds of others. THE BREAD AND BUTTER BALL in aid of the Kindergarten School is to take place on the 13th inst. in Thomas’ Hall. It promises to be a great success. Thecommittee of management have been fortunate to enlist the sympathy of His Excellency am. Lady Glasgow, and the ball is now advertised under their patronage. Mrs C. Johnston and Mrs Newman left for Auckland last Friday ch route for Rotorua, where they intend to spend a few weeks. This visit was taken for the benefit of Mrs Johnston's youngest daughter, who has not been strong for some time. Mrs and Miss Miller have gone to the Wairarapa to pay a few country visits before finally leaving for their southern home. The exhibition of the designs for the new issue of Stamps opens to-day in the Academy of Fine Arts. 1 hear the Fancy Fair is doing very well, and the evening concerts have been of a very high standard and well worth the very moderate sum charged for admittance. I hear the proceeds have already amounted to over £330. Mr Maughan Barnett is rapidly coming to the front as a com noser, there being quite a number of his works now in the market, including nursery rhymes, intermezzos, serenades, and a book of

‘ Chanson's Sans Paroles.' Mr Barnett intends to give a concert next month in conjunction with the gifted Herr Balling from Nelson, and the two friends will probably visit Wanganui and Napier on a musical tour. Apropos of music 1 may mention the success achieved by the members of the Liederkranz on Monday evening in their opening performance, which went by the name of an ‘AT HOME.’ It was held in the Art Gallery, which was most artistically decorated with ferns. Madame Mertz proved herself a most able directress, and she may well be proud of her pupils, chief among whom are Miss Parsons and Miss Mee. The former is the gifted daughter of a gifted mother, and possesses a voire both sweet and powerful. Miss Pownail's rich voice was also heard to advantage, and I have heard much in praise of Miss Ross' sweet and sympathetic rendering of two of Goring Thomas’ songs, for which she received a hearty encore. The evening came to a happy conclusion in light refreshments and genial conversation. Miss Noeline Baker has issued a number of invitation* to a dance in the Art Gallery next Thursday. This is the first lime I have heard of that room being used for dancing, but I have no doubt it will be found most suitable for the purpose, as it lends itself so well for decoration, has no awkward corners, and has also smaller rooms adjoining which will easily be converted into supper and cloak rooms. I was sorry to hear that Miss Lambeth, sifter of Mrs Janisch, who is here on a visit, met with a nasty accident while out driving on Saturday. The horse shied, sw’erved against some railings, and thus upset the occupants—Miss Lambeth and Miss Malcolm. The former is suffering much pain in the arm and shoulder from a sprained musc!e. The latter, fortunately, escaped almost unhurt. A very fine collection of narcissi is being exhibited in a room on the Quay, also a number of hyacinths, and several lovely pot orchids. The narcissi is by far the finest collection ever shown here, and has been drawing crowds of flower lovers ever since it was opened. The amateurs who played ‘our boys’ so successfully at the Lower Hutt last week gave a performance last night at the Upper Hutt. Next Wednesday they favour the residents of Petone. and I hear the citizens of the town are loud in request for the company to appear in the Opera House and give us a chance of seeing what has been accorded such warm praise. Mrs Gavin gives a progressive euchre party to-morrow evening, to which those invited are looking forward with keen anticipation, a euchre party being quite a rara arts this season. Mrs E. J. Riddiford gave a most DELIGHTFUL DANCE on Tuesday evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lower Hutt, in honour of the football team from Wanganui. Besides the u-ual dancers in the Hutt, there was a large contingent from town, and all seemed to thotoughly enjoy themselves. Those present included Mesdames Riddiford, Humphries Fitzherbert, Purdy, (Dr.) Purdy. M. Riddiford. M. Fitzherbert. Misses Riddiford, Hislop, Humphries. Lee, Rawson, Hector. Sladden, William*, Higginson, Fitzherbert. Bodmin, Jackson. Wilford, Brandon. Bell, Baker McLean, Parker, Holt Messrs Riddiford, Jackson, Bunny, Willis, Johnston, Hector. Montgomerie, Cooper. C. Cooper. Cornford. Peake. White, Fitzherbert. and many others. Miss K. McLetn has returned to her home in Dunedin. Mrs H Had fie'd has also returned home, taking with her Miss (Captain) Rose for a few weeks’ vi-it. Miss Hawdon is staying with Mrs Levin, who will probably give a small dance shortly in her honour. Next week there are several afternoon teas, Mesdames Stafford and Gavin being two of the prospective hostesses.

Meye

Dear Bee, September 5. THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S BALL at Government House was very enjoyable. The cotillon charmed all. and many pretty gifts were received by each little guest. The mantelpiece in the ballroom was very effectively decorated with white broom, pink and white camellias, and pots of ferns. In the corners of the reception room were huge pots of bamboo There were several ladies helping to entertain the children, among whom were Miss Williams, who wore a black accordion gown ; M iss Mil er, pale green cr£pe trimmed with black velvet bows ; Miss Johnston, green striped gauze with jewelled embroidery and violets; Mrs A. Russell, grey satin trimmed with velvet of a darker shade ; Mrs Empson (Wanganui!, black silk and white lace. Among the young folk I noticed a number of little girls wearing pretty white muslin frocks triinmed with lace and finished with coloured sashes. Others were the Misses E. Levin, cream silk trimmed with black velvet ribbon : J. Hislop, pretty cream nun’s veiling frock with honey combed yoke; C. Higginson, pale green silk frock with collar of white lace ; N. Baker, cream crepon trimmed with white lace ; — Haselden. pale blue crepon : E. Hutchison, pale blue silk and white lace; — Butts, pink veiling trimmed with white lace ; D. Werry, white satin Empire frock trimmed with lace; G. Joseph, pretty white silk frock ; — Bowles, black velvet; — Sprott. pale blue Empire frock. A great many of the Wanganui College boys were also present. On the same night THE WELLINGTON LIEDERKRANZ gave a large ‘At Home’in the Art Gallery, which was comfortably filled with guests, both ladies and gentlemen, and the pretty music was greatly appreciated by all. Songs were sung by Mrs Parsons, Miss Mee, Miss Maude Ross. Miss Pownall, and Miss Parsons, several of which gained heartyencores. During the interval light refreshment in the shape of delicious hot coffee, cakes, and home-made sweets were handed round. The stage decorations were exceedingly pretty and artistic. Here and there were pots of nikau palms, etc., each draped with flags and decora ti ve paper, and at the back of the stage was a huge gold harp standing out from a background of scarlet cioth. Madame Merz ir the conductress. and she certainly deserves great credit for the way she has filled that capacity, the choruses being extremely well worked up, and her pupils as soloists, have come to the front in a wonderfully short time. Most of the chorus ladies on this occasion wore pretty white dresses. Madame Merz wore tomato red silk trimmed with wide black lace. Among the audience I noticed Mrs W. H. Levin, who is president of the Society, and who was wearing a handsome black gown and opera cloak bound with black and white ostrich feather trimming ; Miss Hawdon. who was with her, wore a pretty salmon pink cloak trimmed with white fur; Mrs Stafford wore black silk trimmed with lace, and Howers on the corsage; Miss Stafford, pale pink and white lace; Lady Stout, handsome black brocaded cloak, the cape of it edged with cocks’ feather trimming; Miss Pearce, black gown trimmed with lace; Mrs (Dr.) Fitchett, pretty pale lemon silk blouse and dark skirt, grey opera cloik bound with brown fur; Mrs Foche, white silk evening blouse and black skirt; Miss Gwen Davies, pretty black gown brightened with jet; Miss Gibson, white accordion silk gown ; her sister wore a pretty white fur-trimmed cloak ; Miss Hall, crushed strawberry go wn prettily trimmed with black lace; Miss Frankel; Miss Rose, pale helio trope silk ; Mrs Courtney, handsome black brocade gown and paletlue cloak ; Mesdames Butt, Tuckey. Barber, Dowling, Kirkcaldie. Williams, Haines, Smith, and the Misses Richardson. Haise, Reid, B. Gibson, Gore, Tuckey, Simpson, Reynolds, Grady, etc. The Scandinavian Society gave their ANNUAL BALL in the Princess Theatre last Friday night, when there were nearly a hundred and forty couples present, who appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. 'There were several Consuls among the guests, including Mr Edward Pearce (Norway and Sweden), Mr George Fisher (Italy), and Mr H. D. Bell (Denmark*. Others were Mr and Miss Duncan, the latter wearing a pret.ity gown of light mauve satin with frill of white lace on the b. >Jice ; Miss Pearce, black silk, with sleeves and bcrlhe oL'Vieep white lace; Mrs H. D. Bell, black watered silk, wi<tu stripes of jet on the skirt and soft cream frilling on th»© bodice; Miss Seddon, pretty white silk trimmed with lac'x. ; her sister wore cream ; Mrs Peterson wore a pretty yellow riAik gown relieved with white lace ; Mrs H. Crawford, lovely c .roam silk, the skirt and bodice trimmod with while chiffon csraght with red velvet bows; Miss Johns ton, bright blue satin trimmed with handsome lace; Mrs Fisher, handsome blsttck gown trimmed with lace and jet; Mesdames IL

Petersen. Levey. Lamburg, Taylor. Fielder. Harris. Johnston, Hansen. Ingram. Brown, Collins. Dixon, and the Misses Hansen. Ritson, Ah rad sen. Levey. Wright, Wood. Johnston, Young, etc. Captain Campbell Preston and Mr Gathorne-Hardy were also present. During the evening some national dances were danced, and proved another source of interest to the onlookers. The pretty little theatre was decorated very nicely, and hung with Hags, etc. There was a very pleasant AFTERNOON *AT HOME AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE to day. Some of the guests were Lady Hector, who wore a black serge costume faced with silk, small black bonnet trimmed with tip** and violets : Miss Hector wore a dark skirt and pretty blouse of sage green silk, large hat to match: Mrs G. Hutchison, very stylish black silk gown trimmed with jet. pretty bonnet trimmed with wings of ecru lace and pink and cream tulle rosettes; Mrs Quick, black gown and mantie handsomely trimmed with jet ami lace, and jet bonnet trimmed with red and black pompoms; Miss Quick, pale heliotrope corduroy gown with velvet cape and collar of violets, toque to match trimmed with violets; Mrs A. Pearce, black gown, and lovely sealskin jacket, small black velvet bonnet with jet ornaments; Mrs Menzies wore a black costume; Miss Menzies, dark blue gown, black and white straw hat trimmed with lace and black roses; Mrs Harding, black gown, and handsome jetted mantle, pretty mauve and black bonnet; the Misses Raid ing, neat black costumes, fur boas, and very stylish black hats trimmed with pink and green Howers; Mrs Clement Kirk, light brown decked tweed costume with cape, soft felt hat; Miss Moorhouse, black gown, and black hat with large pink bow ; Mrs and Miss Ashcroft. Mrs and Miss Mason, Mrs and Miss Holt. Mrs Paterson, handsome black mantle, and violet and jet bonnet ; Mrs and Miss Kennedy, Mrs (Dr.i Henry, grey tweed costume, small black velvet bonnet trimmed with violets; Mrs Maxwell, hand some black gown, and velvet mantle trimmed with fur and jet ; Mrs Mcsteyer. the Misses Morrah. Hamerton, Nunnerly, Mrs and Miss Hislop, the latter wearing a pretty black costume trimmed with jet and Gobelin blue silk. Mrs John Duncan gave A VERY ENJOYABLE DANCE on Thursday night. The decorations were particularly pretty, and consisted cniefiy of heaps of violets and narcissus. Our hostess wore black brccide with handsome panel of white satin veiled with black lace and jet embroidery ; Miss Duncan wore a pretty grey satin gown trimmed with chiffon and pink Howers on the shoulders. Among the guests were Mrs Levin, in black brocade with long train, and trimmed with folds of white chiffon; Miss Levin madj her debut, and wore a very prettywhite merveilleux gown trimmed with chiffon and wreathes of white heather; Mrs Arthur Russell, lovely cream brocade; Mrs H. I). Crawfold very handsome cream brocade of a large pattern, and trimmed with quantities of pretty white lace ; Mrs Bell, pale green and yellow brocade slightly trimmed with moss green velvet; Mrs Johnston, black satin brocaded in a red and green design, rainbow' sleeves of velvet, to match ; Miss Johnston, old goid brocade; her sisters wore prettywhite silks with full bodices of accordion chiffon ; Mrs A. Pearce, very pale heliotrope brocade trimmed with lovely lace; M ss Pearce, lovely oyster satin brocaded with pink and blue flowers and trimmed with pink chiffon frills ; Mrs Baldwin, pink pompadour ; Lady Alice Boyle, white satin veiled with figured chirton and further trimmed with ecru lace; Mrs Empson, handsome black silk; Miss Williams, pretty bluesatin gown withsmall frills of white lace; her sister also wore blue sat in ; Miss Dransfleld, pink moire with jet ornaments ; Miss Richardson, becoming black silk gown with sleeves of chiffun; xMiss Grace, cream merveilleux with lace and yellow roses; Miss Friend, black sitin; Miss Cooper, pink silk with bows of black velvet; Miss I. Cooper, very pale pink silk; Miss Reynolds, deep cream pompulour silk trimmed with chiffon; her sister wore heliotrope silk ; Miss Haw don, cream silk brightened with bows of red velvet ; Miss To! hurst, white silk and lace; Miss A. Gore, pieity orange velvet gown with revers of white openwork lace; Miss Williams (Hawke’s Bay), pretty black gown with rainbow chiffon trimming • Miss Harding, pretty white pompadour silk ; Miss Acland. white surah silk with berthe of while lace. Among the gentlemen I noticed Captain Campbell-Preston, Messrs A. Russell, GathorneHardy, Williams, Higginson. Turnbull, Coates. Morrah. Gore Minnitt, Dymock, Webster, Jackson Roberts, Pearce. McLean’, Cooper, C. Cooper, Dransfield. Kebbell, Empson, Fitzgerald, and Reid. An excellent champagne supper was daintily served in the dining-room. King's band supplied the music. Mrs W. H. I evin is giving a dance next Tuesday. Quite an EXHIBITION OF FASHION was made at the well-known drapery warehouse, Te Aro House, on Friday evening. 'The entire establishment from top to bottom* was brilliantly lighted and beautifully dressed with the very latest fashionable novellies, and was throw n open to the public from 7.30 to 10 p.m. It is estimated fully 4.000 persons availed themselves of the opportunity of inspecting some of the most charming goods that have ever been seen in Wellington. Particularly admired was the magnificent show of Parisian millinery which was really superb, a suite of rooms in the upper flat win utilised to display a wonderful lot of Japanese goods of all descriptions, while every department of the main warehouse had its own show of the latest fashionable importations. King's band played selections during the evening, and every visitor who entered the house was supplied with a handsomely got up programme of the musical items. Taken altogether, the exhibition was a brilliant success.

Ophelia.