WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XI, 14 March 1896, Page 296

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bek,

March 5

The town has been dressed in all its brightest festive colouring for the last week. The arrival of four warships in port was a signal for a sudden burst of hospitality, which I regret to say appears to be scarcely appreciated by the would-be honoured guests. Dr. and Mrs Grace gave a CHARMING PARTY on Tuesday evening, partly a musical, and partly a garden party, and altogether delightful. I hear that a number of officers from the men o-war were invited, but on account of the high wind and raging sea w*ere unable to come ashore. This fact, however, did not spoil the enjoyment of those present, and the members of the Senate reigned supreme as guests of the evening. The house was beautifully decorated with palms and other pot plants, the conservatory being in itself ample decoration, looking as it is. lovely with varied begonias and lilies and graceful plumes and maidenhair ferns. All through the fernery and garden a soft radiance shone from swaying rows of Chinese lanterns, suspended in mid air beneath the thick green foliage. Inside Mr Prouse sang one or two songs, which were much appreciated, and Miss Hilda Williams also sang. The supper was most *•<?- eherche. and the table was very tastefully decorated with Gallardias and calliopsis. with light feathery sprays of fern. The whole evening passed without a hitch, which must have been highly gratifying to the host and hostess, who had spared no pains to entertain their guests in every particular. In one room the necessary requisites were laid out for the convenience of those who wished to indulge in a game of cards, and several took advantage of the opportunity to have a ‘rubber’ of whist. Mrs Grace was most handsomely gowned in a rich black and white striped silk trimmed with broad frills of real lace softly draped on the bodice and front of the skirt: Miss Grace wore a very becoming white gown of brocaded silk, with pearl trimming ; Miss Alice Grace wore a striking dress of black silk, the bodice being loose and entirely covered with glistening jet sequins. Among the guests were Mr and Mrs Baldwin, Mrs and the Misses Barron. Mr and Mrs Beddard, Professor Brown. Miss Burnes. Mr Douglas Burnes, Miss Calder, Mr Chapman, the Misses Chapman, the Misses Cooper. Dr. and Mrs Collins. Mr and Mrs Duncan. Miss Duncan, Messrs lan and Arthur Duncan. Lady Douglas. Mr Dy mock. Dr. and Mrs Fitchett, Miss Fowler, Mr Fraser, M.H.R.. Miss Gore. Messrs Gore. Mr Grieve, Mr E Hadfield Sir James and Lady Hector, Miss Hector. Miss Holmes, Mr and Mrs Habere*. Mrs Higginson. Mr W. Higginson. Mr and Mrs C Johnston, Misses H. and E Johnston, Mrs and Miss Joseph. Mrs and the Misses Menzies. Mrs Macartney, Dr. and Mrs Newman. Mrs Parfitt. Mr and Mrs Parfitt, Miss Pearce, Mr Pearce. Mr C. Pearce. Mr and Mrs Rhind. Mr and Mrs Rolleston, Professor and Mrs Sale. Professor and Miss Shand. Dr. Scott, Mrs Tilley. Mr and Mrs Tolhurst. Miss Tolhurst, Mr M. Tolhurst. Mr Tripp, Miss Turnb ill. Misses Williams, Mr G. Williams, etc. Mrs Baldwin wore a lovely white silk gown handsomely embroidered with pearl trimming, which composed the corsage: Mrs Barron wore black velvet, the bodice being relieved by white lace; Miss Barron, pale blue Liberty silk trimmed with a lace frill, and spray of pansies on the shoulder and on the skirt; Miss E. Barron, pale pink gauze : Mrs Beddard looked exceedingly well in a lovely gown of deep cream satin, the bodice edged and softened with full chiffon trills: Miss Burnes wore white s’riped satin with blue turquoise ornaments : Miss Calder, black satin, with folded bodice of pink velvet: Mrs Collins, black silk relieved wi' h diamond stars among the lace on the bodice ; Miss Cooper, soft pink gown ; Miss Ida Cooper, black velveteen with deep collar of real lace; Miss Chapman, prettv dress of figured yellow’ silk ; her sister looked well in a delicate pink gown of crinkled silk trimmed with lace : Miss Duncan, pale grey brocaded silk trimmed with creamy lace: Lady Douglass wore an exquisite gown of figured black silk, the bodice of pink silk with full sleeves, and lovely and ornaments: Miss Fowler was in cream—a soft material trimmed with gold braid and lace: Miss Gore looked well innale blue velveteen with folded belt: Miss Holmes, a handsome black silk with black and white lace; Lady Hector, grey brocaded silk with cream lace; Miss Hector, pretty white dress; Mrs Higginson wore a black lace dress the bodice being relieved with w’hite; Mrs Johnston, cream satin sprayed with red flowers pompadour fashion, and bows of red velvet on the shoulders and skirt; Mrs Joseph, black silk; Mrs Menzies, rich black corded silk, sleeves and revers of stamped brocade; Mrs Newman, black satin with large bows of green velvet; Mrs Parfitt, black silk, bodice filled in with folded chiffon ; Mrs Rhind. black silk, full sleeves of black and white silk and let edging; Mrs Rolleston. rich black silk ; she wore a lovely necklace, which caused universal admiration : Mbs Shand. yellow gown emphasised with touches of dark velvet: Mrs Tolhurst, black figured silk; Miss Tolhurst, white satin embroidered with pearls; M r s Tilley, black silk, with front of lovely o'd l ice, and handsome diamond ornaments ; Miss Turnbull. deep yel'ow gown, with full sleeves of pompadour silk : Miss Williams, white; Miss H. Williams, pink silk, the bodice being folded Pom the shoulder showing a vest of cream lace, and finished with a high collar at the back. The Wellington

GOLF CLUB held a meeting on Monday, which was well attended. The election of officers resulted chiefly in re election of those who have been in office during the past year. Mrs Bell still captains the ladies, but on the other side Mr Wardrop has given place to Mr W. Moorhouse Miss Duncan is too good a secretary to be easily replaced, and still wields the pen. and the others are much as they were before. Miss Alice Martin is staying with Mrs Gilbert. Lower Hutt Mrs H. Tilley left for Wanganui on Monday Miss Shand is a guest of Lady Stout, having accompanied her father. Professor Shand, when he came up to attend the Senate. Mr and Mrs Rolleston are staying with Dr. and Mrs Grace. Mi«s Ella Johnston is staying with her sister Mrs Baldwin. Mrs Til ey, senior (Wanganui), is also a guest of Mrs Baldwin. Mrs and Miss Greenwood have been staying with Miss Greenwood. Miss Webb (Ballarat) paid a short visit to Mr and Mrs Barron, Hobson-street. Mrs and Miss Gibson have returned from Nelson, where they have enjoyed a short visit. Miss Lin gar d has returned home after a few weeks spent in the neighbourhood of Blenheim. Mrs Abbott has also returned to town, and Miss Izard came back about the same time. Dr. Anson is back in town for a few days to see his brother, who is on board the ‘ Orlandn.’ Mrs Hislop has returned home from a prolonged visit to her relations in Sydney. Miss Davy came up from Christchurch on Sunday, where she has been paying a number of visits The Sketching Club open their annual exhibition on Saturday afternoon in the Art Gallery. Report speaks very highly of the work on view this year, which continues to improve in a most gratifying manner. We are to have another musical treat from the Court singers, who will be in town about the 12th instant, and are making arrangements for giving another concert. Miss N. Rose has issued invitations for Saturday evening, when I hear the guests will be amused with cards and other games. Miss Peirce gives an afternoon ‘At Home’ to-morrow, which I suppose will be her last entertainment to her Wellington friends. The Athletic Club hold their autumn meeting on Saturday, when if the weather is all that it should be, I have no doubt there will be a large attendance. Miss Tuckey opens her Assembly dancing class on the Bth April. These dances (held fortnightly through the wrinter months) are very popular, and are always well attended. Small and early is their motto, whiih after all seems the best way of retaining popularity. The old fashioned game of whist has again worked itself into favour, and is much affected by a number of young people here. I hear rumours of a whi-st tournament about to be played shortly. Among the devotees I may mention Mr and Mrs Baldwin. Mr and Mrs Beddard, Misses Grace, Williams, Messrs Hadfield, Tripp, etc. Yet. another child of the Press, the Southern. Cross Log. is claiming our literary notice. This deals almost entirely with the work carried on in connection with the Melanesian Mission, and really supplies a lot. nf interesting and hitherto unknown information. Mi«s Hadfield seems to be one of the leading spirits in connection lherewith, though whether she acts as editor, agent, or what I do not know’. Me ye.

Dear Bee, March 6. It turned out a nice fine day last Saturday, so that a large number of guests availed themselves of Sir James and Lady Hector’s kind hospitality and spent a very enjovable afternoon wandering about their pretty and spacious grounds AT PETONE. An early afternoon train conveyed a number of town people out. and Sir James Hector had thoughtfully arranged that it should stop at his gate, which i« immediately beside the railway line, so that you see we had no distance to walk. The same arrangement was carried out on the return journey. The afternoon tea-table, which was laden with all kinds of good things, was artistically decorated with bright, red flowers and green drapery. In one part of the garden a brass band, which always, at least to my idea, sounds nice in the open air, was stationed, and played several pretty selections during the afternoon. Our hostess wore a handsome black silk gown trimmed with jet. pretty black and cream bnnnet; Miss Hector wore a pretty white Liberty silk, white hat with feat hers; her two tiny sisters were prettify dressed in white figured muslins, and drawn hats of the same. Among the guests were Mrs Andrews (Carterton), wearing black corded silk trimmed with lace and jet. jet bonnet with white flowers ; Mrs All in. white figured muslin with lace frills, large black hat with pink flowers and shot ribbon ; Lady Buckley, beautiful black crepon gown prettily trimmed with coffee laee, small gold bonnet with pink roses; Mrs Bunny, black striped crepon trimmed with bright green silk, black hat trimmed to match ; Miss Burnett, prettv light grey gown trimmed with white satin and jet. black lace hat with white feathers and ribbons: the Misses M. Burnett, white muslins with lace frills, mauve silk sashes, and white chiffon hats with mauve flowers; Mrs Bodmin, light brown tweed, bonnet to match : Miss Bodmin, white spotted muslin. Leghorn hat with bows of brown brocaded ribbon; Mrs Beattie, dark blue govn, black floral bonnet; Mrs Colbeck. very stylish peacock blue gown trimmed with silk to match, velvet and jet bonnet with pink flowers ; Miss Chapman, biscuit-coloured silk trimmed with bands of green ribbon under biscuit lace, burnt straw hat with black feathers; Miss — Chapman, pretty pale green muslin, w’hite hat trimmed with green wings and tulle : Miss Clinton, brown skirt, silk blouse to match with deep ecru lace collarette, small white hat; Mrs Fitzherbert. very pale fawn trimmed with light mauve and ecru lace, bonnet to correspond; Miss Fowler (Masterton), light fawn jacket and skirt, silk blouse, black hat with feathers ; Mrs Firth, stylish brown crepon, with pretty flehu of pale heliotrope muslin frilled with lace, brown straw hat with mauve flowers and ribbon ; Mrs Fitchett, light drab crepon with Rompadour silk sleeves, black hat with tipsand magenta roses; Its Foster. Miss Foster, dark skirt, white blouse and sailor hat; Miss Fraser, light grey and white striped crepon. black floral hat; Miss Greenwood, black figured gown silk and lace mantle, black bonnet with yellow and red roses; Mrs Grace, handsome dark blue and yellow striped silk trimmed with gold passementerie, gold and pink bonnet; Mrs Gore, black crepon with epaulettes of lace, small jet bonnet with tips: Mi-s Gore, pretty white gown with folded collar and belt of yellow satin, hat to match: Miss Hamilton, Mrs Heaton, black costume slightly relieved with white; Miss Holmes, the Misses Harding, white duck co=tumes: Mrs Humphries, soft grey gown trimmed with black satin, pretty black and pink bonnet; Mrs Howden, dark smoke grey tweed; Mrs J. Innis. white spotted muslin, black tulle toque with jet ornaments and brocade ribbon : Mrs Jackson Miss Jackson, pretty green crepon costume ; Miss Johnston, black skirt, pretty yellow muslin blouse, sailor hat; her sister wore white; Mrs Jones, black gown trimmed with white, black and white bonnet; Mrs Lee. Miss Lee. soft white gown much trimmed with lace, large white hat with feathers ; Mi<s Munro, Mrs Maskell, pretty black crepon with a vest of pink silk striped with black satin, jet bonnet with pink roses : Mrs Medley, black silk ; Miss Medley, white duck costume, sailor hat; Miss Manning, black and red figured gown trimmed with Gobelin blue silk, black chip hat with pink roses; Mrs McGowan, Mrs Purdy, becoming black crepon and silk costume; Mrs R. Pharazyn, Mrs and Miss Powles, the latter wearing blue and white , Mrs E. J. Riddiford, black crepon skirt, very pretty pale green and heliotrope silk blouse trimmed with cream lace, black beefeater hat with green ospreys and heliotrope flowers; Mrs Rees, Miss Shand (Dunedin), pretty white costume: Mrs and Miss Sladden. Mrs Stowe. Miss Stowe, a pretty green gown with pink silk folded collar, black hat trimmed with pink ; Mrs Scales, black crepon skirt, and pretty pink snrigged blouse trimmed with lace, black hat; Mrs Turner, Mrs Travers, white piqu£. becoming black lace hat with pink shot ribbon loops and jet ornaments ; Mrs Treadwell, neat blue tailor made costume ; Mrs Tolhurst. handsome black gown trimmed with bands of black satin ribbon, bhirt velvet cape, and pretty black and pale green bonnet: Mrs Tolhurst, yellow striped crepon. hat to match; Mrs Wilford. Mrs T. Wilford. the Misses Wilford looked very nice and cool in white muslins white feathered hats: Mrs Ward, smoke grey covert coating skirt and jacket, soft white silk blouse, and small white hat with wings anti tulle rosettes. Also the Bishops of Auckland and Dunedin. Rev. J. Jones. Professor Shand (Dunedin) Brown (Auckland*. Brown (Christchurch). Drs. Fell,

Purdy. Harding. Palmer (Christchurch). Grace. Messrs Pharazyn. Fitchett, Scales. Turner, Maskell, Jackson. Rolleston, Howden, Gore. Buller. Chapman. Innis Lee. Foster, Fitzherbert. Treadwell. Riddiford. Tolhurst, Powles. Richmond. Sir Patrick Buck ley. Sir Robert Stout, and many others too numerous to mention. Dr. and Mrs Grace entertained a number of their friends, including the members of the Senate, at A RECEPTION on Tuesday night. Several rooms w ere thrown open and beautifully decorated with all kinds of flowers and pot plants. The large conservatory was lit up, and attracted many admiring guests, for it was looking its best. Another attraction was the beautiful fernery, which is situated down the garden under high trees, from the branches of which hung numbers of large Chinese lanterns. I can assure you the scene was quite fairy-like. A splendid champagne supper was laid out in the dining-room, and in another room coffee, ices, and grapes were to be had. Dr. and Mrs Grace received together. The latter wore handsome black velvet with panels and sleeves of white satin striped with black velvet, the corsage softened with lace and fastened with diamond ornaments: Miss Grace wore a very pretty white striped satin and moire with chiffon sleeves; her sister wore black satin with a pouch bodice of sparkling jet-work, and pink chiffon sleeves. Some of those present were Mrs Andrews (Carterton), who wore rich black brocade with a bodice of yellow silk striped with jet; Mrs Beddard looked very nice in thick white satin with pearl embroidery; Miss Hector, soft cream crepon with satin sleeves; Mrs Habens, black brocade trimmed with jet; Miss H. Johnston, very pretty old gold brocade with chiffon to match; Miss S. Johnston, black merveilleux with white chiffon frills; Mrs Joseph, black brocade much trimmed with beautiful white lace ; Miss Joseph, pretty cream and pink figured silk; the Miste« Menzies were dressed alike in cream crepon trimmed with silk to match ; Mrs Maskell, lovely black brocade, trained and trimmed with jet; i-lrs McCarthy, becoming cream brocade gown; Mrs Paterson, black with pretty cream lace tichu : Miss Pearce, pretty black trimmed with deep silk lace; Lady Stout, black brocade prettily trimmed with jet fringe ; Mrs A. Smith, handsome pompadour silk; Miss Shand (Dunedin/, black silk skirt and pale yellow silk bodice trimmed with jet embroidery: Mrs Tolhurst, handsome brown plush gown, with wide panel down the front of the skirt of lovely gold and cream brocade, the sleeves and high collar were also of this material ; Miss Tolhurst, soft white silk trimmed with lace; Mrs Tilly, handsome black velvet, trained and trimmed with jet. white lace flehu and cape; Miss Turnbull, pretty gown of old rose pink material, with pompadour silk sleeves to match ; Mrs Travers, black and pale pink ; Miss Williams, becoming pale blue satin trimmed with soft while lace; Miss H. Williams, black satin skirt, pretty pale pink silk evening blouse with wide lace epaulettes : Mrs Wa degrave wore black silk. I must not forget to add that during the evening we had the pleasure of hearing Mr J. Prouse sing several times. He was accompanied by his eldest daughter. Unfortunately Lady Stout’s ‘AT HOME was somewhat marred by the rain and cold wind, which came on just before the appointed time—3.3o. However, over a hundred guests were present, and though at times the rooms were somewhat crowded, we managed to spend a very pleasant afternoon. A string band, which occupied a portion of the verandah, kept things merry with bright and tuneful music. Tea was laid out in the dining-room. The table decoration consisted chiefly of tiger lilies. Lady atout received in the drawing-room, and wore a pretty blue and red shot silk gown trimmed with black lace ; Miss Shand (Dunedin . who was helping to entertain, wore white spotted muslin with lace frills. Among those present 1 noticed Lady and Miss Hector, Mr and Mrs Koi estoa ; xVlrs Pynsent, who wore a handsome biack satin gown brocaded with mauve flowers, bonnet to match; Mrs Goring, pale b.ue silk spotted with black and trimmed with black satin, small black bonnet with prettypink flowers; Mrs and Miss Blackett. Sir Arthur and Lady Douglas, Mrs Butts, in black crepon with yoke and sleeves of black lace over white satin, black and white bonnet; Mrs and Miss Barclay, the latter wearing fawn tweed; Mrs W. S. Reid, in black merveilleux; Mr and Mrs W. Field, Dr. and Mrs Tripe, Mrs and Miss Blair, the latter looking very nice in a black skirt and black and white striped silk blouse, large black hat with feathers and black and white ribbon bows ; Dr. and Mrs Fitchett. Mrs Duncan, in a black and white costume; Mrs Andrews also wore black and white ; Dr. and Mrs Grace, Mrs W. R. E. Brown, Mrs Fisher, in black, black and red bonnet; Mrs and Miss Seed, Mrs and Miss Hislop, Mr and Mrs Findlay, the latter wearing black crepon. with budice of pink shot silk trimmed with chiffon and jet, small black tootle with butterfly wings of jet and scarlet ruses; Mrs C. Izard, brown tweed, small straw hat to match; Mr and Mrs Whittali. Mrs Tuckey, Mrs and the Misses Harding, Miss Harcourt, who wore a pretty blue costume; Miss Pearce, handsome gold and red shot silk, green straw bonnet with mercury wings ana brown and green flowers ; the Misses Williams, Mrs Gore, handsome brown silk trimmed with blue, brown bonnet with biueand brown tips; Miss Gore, black crepon with ecru lace insertion ; Mrs R. M. Simpsou, pretty grey alpaca jacket and skirt with re vers of black and white striped silk, jet bonnet trimmed witn black and white ribbon ; Miss toimpson. Gobelin b.ue crepon with collar and belt of black satin, black hat with pink roses ; Mr and Mrs Tolhurst. Miss Tolhurst, a pretty costume of pale heliotrope and white checked material, the cape finished off with a wide collar of pale heliotrope velvet, floral toque to match ; Mrs Leckie, Mr and Mrs Quick, Dr. and Mrs Henry, Mr and Mis Hudson, Mrs H. Rose, light grey skirt and jacket, black silk waistcoat, pretty white and gold bonnet with white tips; Miss Rose, olack crepou trimmed with jet and mauve chiffun; Miss a. Ruse, very dark blue gown, with a wide collarette of coffee lace, yellow silk folded collar, black hat with pink flowers; Mr and Mrs (_’. P. Knight the latter wearing light brown covert coating skirt and jacket pale blue blouse, and becoming brown straw hat wi u h ribbon bows and sprays of forget me-nots ; Mrs Somerville (Napier), Anand Mrs Rhind. Mrs Gavin, Mr and Miss Duthie, the latter wear inga pretty Gobelin blue crepon gown with jet trimming; Mrs McTavisb, light grey gown and black bonnet with liiac sprays • Rev. J.'Paterson, Mrs and Miss Paterson, Mrs Joseph, black silk skirt and handsome red and black figured silk blouse trimmed with black chiffon; Miss Joseph, the Misses Brandon, Mrs and Miss Griffiths, the latter wearing a black skirt, and black and white silk blouse, large black hat with flowers; Dr. and Mrs Fed the Misses Haise wore grey ; Miss Dransffeld, Count and Countess d’Albans, the latter iu white and pink figured silk, large floial ha’ ; Mrs and Miss Edwin, Mrs and Miss Stafford, the latter wearing a pretty pale fawn costume; Professor Brown, Admiral Bridge, and several officers of the Squadron. THE BALL given by the members of the Wellington Club to the Admiral and officers of the Squadron last night was voted by all as being perfect. The floor was in excellent condition, and the music from King’s Band of five performers left nothing to be desired by the dancers. A splendid champagne supper was most beautifully laid out in the billiard-room, and you may be sure was done full justice to. There was plenty of sitting-out accommodation, and just enough guests present to be aole to move about comfortably. There were some very handsome frocks worn, so I must proceed at once to tell you about some of them. Mr Edward Pearce the President, received at the top of the first flight with his sister who wore a lovely pale blue brocade gown trimmed with soft white lace, and sne carried a beautiful white bouquet; Mrs Abbott’s gown was very much admired; it was of thick black merveilleux brocaded with pink, red, and yellow flowers and trimmed with pale pink satin; her daughter, MDs Daniell wore black satin trimmed with jet and embroidered with white chiffon frills; Mrs Andrews, black brocade with paieyeilow brocade bodice edged with jet; Miss Armitage (Melbourne;, pretty white silk with bodice of pale blue silk under white lace; her sister wore a stylish black satin gown with lovely white lace fichu • Mrs Butler, sky blue silk slightly trained and trimmed with cream silk lace; Mrs Bell, very pale green brocade trimmed wi h moss green velvet ; Mrs Beddard. lovely shaded pink brocade with white lace bodice; Miss Beddard, white rilk loosely veiled with light mauve embroidered chiffon ; Mrs Buddle, black silk with full sleeves and frills round the corsage of pale pink chiffon • Mrs Biss, pale pink silk and striped gauze gown; Mrs Barron black velvet; Miss Barron, pale blue silk and white lace- her sister wore soft white net with corded silk bodice edged with pearls : Mrs A. Brandon, pretty grey and pink striped merveilleux trimmed with pink ribbon and white lace ; Miss Brandon, crushed strawberry silk prettily trimmed with white lace insertion ; Miss A. Brandon, blue silk with a cluster of pink roses on one shoulder ; Mrs Collins, very lovely brocade, the ground of which was oyster

colour, brocaded with a design of pink and green flowers, the bodice trimmed with lace ; the Misses Cooper wore pale pink silk gowns; Miss Calder (Australia), black satin trimmed with cerise velvet and ecru lace; Mrs H. Crawford, lovely white brocade tri named with quantities of white lace, and red roses brightened the corsage; Mrs A. Crawford, very pale mauve satin with narrow gold passementerie ; Miss Chapman, white duchesse satin, the bodice trimmed with lace: Miss — Chapman, white brocade trimmed with lace and pretty paste buckles ; Lady Douglas, handsome black brocade; Miss Duncan, pretty white silk figured with tiny bunches of pink rosebuds and trimmed with white chiffon ; Miss Duthie. mauve silk slightly trimmed with black chiffon; Miss Dransfield. pale pink moire with jet trimming; Mrs Edwin. Miss Edwin, pink silk trimmed with white lace frills; Mrs Elgar (Featherston), very pretty white pompadour silk gown trimmed with coffee lace; Mrs Findlay, black silk, with puff sleeves of pink shot silk ; Miss Fowler (Sydney), very pale pink silk trimmed with white lace : Miss Fairchild, black merveilleux ; Miss N. Fairchild, white silk with chiffon frills: Mrs Goring, black satin with berthe of pretty white lace; Miss Gore, pale blue satin trimmed with yellow lace over pink silk : Miss Hislop, white surah trimmed with white chiffon and pink roses ; Miss L. Haise, light mauve silk with berthe of very wide white lace; Mrs Harding wore black brocade; Miss Harding, pretty cream pompadour silk ; Miss D. Harding, black brocade skirt and sleeves, white satin bodice edged with jet: Mrs C. Izard, maize satin; Miss Izard, sky-blue silk, the bodice veiled with pink chiffon; her sister wore pale lemon silk and chiffon; Miss Krull (Wanganui), white corded silk, with berthe of lace under pale lue silk ; her sister wore a similar gown, except that it had pink silk instead of blue on the bodice ; Miss Morrah. white silk ; her sister, pale blue silk and white lace: Miss Medley, cream satin ; Mrs Parfitt, black brocade slightly trimmed with white lace ; Mrs Rolleston, very handsome black satin much triinmed with jetted tulle: Mrs Rhind. pale yellow silk prettily trimmed with black lace and jet ; Miss Richardson, black satin with chiffon sleeves ; Lady Stout looked very well indeed in pearl brocade slightly trained and trimmed with handsome white bead fringe and embroidery: Miss ‘Shand, cream silk trimmed with pink striped gauze ; Miss Skerrett. very pale green brocade with te wl trimming: her sister wore lemon brocade: Mrs Tolhurst, Miss Tolhurst, white muslin figured with pink and trimmed with pink silk : Miss Townend, pretty white silk with frills of chiffon : Miss Williams, pale pink gauze trimmed with ecru point lace and pink roses ; Miss H. Williams, light grey corded silk, with pale pink chiffon bodice; one lady whom I did not know looked nice in white satin. Among the gentlemen I noticed the Admiral and about thirty officers. Sir Robert Stout, Sir Arthur Douglas, Messrs Rolleston. Tolhurst. Izard. Williams, Werrv. Pearce, Rhind. Webster, Hodson, Gore. Duncan. Hanna. Dy mock. Skerrett. Beddard, Anson, Turnbull, Harcourt, Butler, Dr. Martin and others. Mrs Wallis gave an AFTERNOON TEA at Bishopscourt last week for the members of the Senate. Mrs Wallis received in a pretty smoke blue crepon trimmed with shot pink silk and lace. Some of those present were Sir James and Lady Hector, Miss Hector, Sir Robert and Lady stout. Miss Pearce, Mr, Mrs and Mi«s Fanconrt. Mrs C. Johnston. Mrs and Miss Duncan. Mrs H. Hadfield, Mrs and Miss Quick. Sir John and Miss Hall, Mrs and Miss Izard. Mr and Mrs Tuckey. Mr and Mrs Sprott, the Misses Greenwood. Mrs Elgar, the Misses Williams, Mr and Mrs Tisdall, Mrs and Miss Ashcroft, etc. A few of those present at the CONVERSAZIONE given by Dr. Walters at St. Patrick’s College were Sir James and Lady Hector. Miss Hector. Sir Robert and Lady Stout, Mr and Miss Shand. Dr. and Mrs Grace Mr and Mrs Rolleston, Mr and Mrs Maskell, Miss Grace, and others. A nice musical programme was gone through, and duly appreciated by the guests. Bishop and Mrs Wallis have gone for atrip to the Southern Lakes. AUTUMN FASHIONS AT TE ARO HOUSE. Although we can scarcely be said to have bid farewell to summer yet. signs are not wanting that, as far as fashion is concerned, autumn is upon us. On Friday evening last the first important display of the new season’s novelties was made at Te Aro House, usually the first on the field on these occasions. The fine frontage of the establishment presented a brilliant appearance, the large window, brightly illuminated, being filled with a wonderful variety of beautiful goods most tastefully arranged. Perhaps the admiration of the crowd of visitors was most attracted by the lovely show of trimmed millinery. James Smith and Co. import very largely in this line from some of the most famous Parisian houses, and many of the model hats and bonnets shown on the occasion were literally marvels of beauty. There were also displayed novelties in the shape of the new ‘ Trilby ’ toque, sailor hats with beefeater crowns in wonderful shot straws, and an admirable selection of untrimmed shapes. The mantle window contained a profusion of handsome garments. Much admired were the new golfing jerseys, which are certain to be extensively worn this season, combining as they do a most elegant appearance with the greatest amount of comfort to the wearer. Golf capes, beautifully trimmed and in the newest styles, lace and silk mantles of most apparent richness, jackets handsomely trimmed with many varied furs, went to make up a really splendid effect. There is no space to describe the wonderful new dress materials. Nothing need be said beyond the assertions that the show indicated that the coming season will be remarkable for the beauty and novelty of the fashionable dress fabrics. The trimmings exhibited included a magnificent stock of the new ‘Trilby ’ velvets, in some patterns of exquisite beauty, and an exceptionally fine lot of gimps and edgings. Half of the exhibits have not been even mentioned, but enough has been said to show that the incoming season bids fair to be one of joy to the fair devotee of fashion. Ophelia.