NAPIER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XXI, 23 November 1895, Page 648

NAPIER.

Dear Bee, November 11. The smartest function of the week was a MUSICAL ‘AT HOME,' ... given by Miss Hitchings, ‘The Oaks.’ when a gathering of nearly sixty ladies took place on Friday afternoon from three till six. The day was one of the best of balmy spring, and the smart costumes worn by all were aufait with the proceedings. This rambling, ivy-covered house is well known throughout, for many delightful hours have been spent under its roof, and to Miss Hitchings can be awarded the palm of being a beau ideal hostess, and on Friday last she, together with her sister. Miss Hilda, succeeded In entertaining their many guests. The special programmes printed for the occasion contained some choice musical items, Miss Hitchings contributing six pianoforte solos, and six songs, including. 'Bid Me to Love,’ ’The Carnival.’ ‘Oft in the Stilly Night,’ -Kspanlta,' ‘Star of Bethlehem.' ‘ltosa,’ and 'Beauty’s Eyes,’ her sweet and expressive voice making each item a musical treat. Mies Balfour was set down for two songs, •By the Fountain,’ and ’The Valley by the Boa,’ and her rendering of them was greatly appreciated. Miss Birch’s cultivated sweet voice did full justice to three songs, via., • The Old, Old Love,’ ’Once,’ and 'Song of Sleep.' Miss Hilda Hltchings charmed her hearers by her rendering of Jude's ‘Better Istnd.’ After the first portion of the programme, tea, coffee and

delicious cakes of all descriptions and sweets were sei wed to all and the chatter of so many people made the afternoon very animated. The capacious room was most tastefully and artistically arranged, many exquisite bowls of floweis, draperies, and knick-knacks adding to the whole charming effect. Miss Hitch ings received her guests in a dainty blue crepon with soft fichu of lace, and Miss Hilda wore a cool pale pink crepon with lace insertion ; Miss Balfour, navy serge, with black insertion over white silk; Miss Birch was admired in flowered muslin of eau de nil. Amongst the many who were present I was told of the following : — Mesdames J. w. Carlisle. P. S. M’Lean. Tabuteau (grey silk), Fulton. Hovell (black crepon), Hoadley. Dickson. Carr, MilneThomson. Parker, Wood. Rochfort. Griffin. Cornford. Jarvis. Rutherford, Von Dadelzen, J. McLean. Hamlin, Kennedy, Bridges. White, Heath. Bower, East. Lady Whitmore, Misses Cotterill, Heath. Sutton, Lyndon, Kennedy, Balfour, Spencer (two), Tuke, Balharry, Baker, Wilson (white), Locke (stylish blue crepon and white lace), Rhodes. Hall, Page. Mesdames De LisleDavidson, Bowen (brown crepon, blue vest), R. B. Smith, Hartley, Tylee. Misses Chapman, Hughes (two). Parsons, etc. On Saturday evening a SURPRISE PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE CONTINGENT arrived at ‘The Oaks,’ and a most enjoyable evening was spent Misses Cotterill and Locke superintending affairs. Six tables were soon busily occup'ed with enthusiastic players, amongst whom were Mesdames Bridges and Hamlin, Misses Locke. Cotterill, Rhodes. Sutton, Birch, Balfour. Chapman. Heath Mr and Mrs F. Rhodes. Messrs Barron, Hughes, Bridges. Ludbrook Turrell, Kielly. Miller, Macfarlane, Parker. A. Deane, and Mr and Mrs A. Kennedy. Music followed a recherche supper. THE WHARRRANGI POLO CLUB held a very successful practice match at their new grounds at the Napier Park racecourse. A great many ladies were present, and appeared to be taking a lively interest in watching this fascinating game, which bids fair to be the popular game of the season. Afternoon tea was supplied and dispensed by the Misses Bennett and Davis, and was much appreciated by both spectators and thirsty, exhausted players. Golf has not caught on yet in Napier. I see by your columns that there are golf links in almost every other city. HITHER AND THITHER. Mrs G. Sainsbury is visiting the Empire City, also Miss Whyte of the Napier Girls’ High School, who last week was so successful in passing her B.A. degree. Mr C. Bidwell, from the Wairarapa, is at present in Napier. Dean Hovell is in Gisborne. He has given his interesting ecture on English cathedrals in that town. Mr and Mrs J. W. Carlile have returned from Auckland thoroughly restored in health. Miss Glendinning (Mohaka) is in Napier. Miss Bibby, from Waipawa, is visiting Mrs Matier, at the Bungalow. Mr W. Willcocks arrived in Napier last Saturday from England, and his many friends in the North and South Islands will be glad to hear he has derived great benefit from the sea vovaue

Gladys.