AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue III, 18 July 1896, Page 84

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, July 13 . . , The weather is still very showery, but, fortunately the heaviest rainfall is at night. We are having a mild winter and most of us long for dry, cold, bracing weather. Socially we are quiet, partly due to the depression in the atmosphere, for otherwise, we are booming. Mrs McMillan’s DELIGHTFUL DANCE AT ‘ ARDSTRATH,’ Reniuera, was a welcome break in the monotony of last week’s existence. These little social gatherings are always replete with brightness and lite. There is no awkwardness or stiffness, and they are most thoroughly enjoyed by those fortunate enough to be present. The bill ot fare on Tuesday night was an excellent one-songs, a very amusing farce, ‘The Coming Woman’ and dancing, and I do not know which part of the programme was most appreciated! There was something for every taste. The musical part is described under its proper heading, so I pass to the laughable farce, ‘The New Woman, which kept the audience in roars of laughter Our clever hostess had arranged the piece so that it fairly bristled with local hits, which ail told. The parts were splendidly taken by the Misses McMillan (three), and Miss Ware, Messrs Dargaville and Tilly the ladies being especially good. Miss Ware was superb. The dress of the fair sex was masculine in style, each girl being frocked in a divided skirt and coat, and jauntily placed on her head was a man’s felt hat. Each smoked a cigarette and on the sole of the boot the matches were struck. The youngest Miss McMillan who has a lovely voice, sang ‘Come into the Garden. George. Mr Dargaville nursed the baby to perfection. He seemed to understand his business thoroughly, especially when he gave it the bottle. While baby slept he darned the stockings, but in this occupation he did not seem at all at home The large ballroom, which was gaily decorated with pampas' wattle branches, and greenery, had forms and chairs placed across to represent a concert hall. At the upper end a stage was erected, a screen doing the service for a curtain The supper table kroked pretty with its simple decorations of wattle flowers and drapery of green crinkley paper, surrounded with all attractive viands. The dreases worn were very magnificent. Our hostess was gowned in a very handsome Tuscan brocade finished with dark velvet and diamond ornaments: Miss McMillan, dome blue silk ; Miss Essie McMillan, pink surah • and her youngest sister wore a cardinal gown relieved with fawn lace ; Mrs (Major) George, black silk ; Mrs Dignan looked beauti(H 1 & re ? - broc ?de finished with pink (Mrs Dignan and Mrs Bloomfield being the rival belles); Mrs Bloomfield, rich white satin with bead trimming; Mrs Charlton Dawson, cream brocade finished with Italic trimming and ostrich plumesMrs Thomas Mornn, flowered chine silk with chiffon sleeves and glittering diamond ornaments; Miss Kissling, pretty pink surah; Mrs Stevenson (Ponsonby). black; Mrs Ware stylish combination of pale blue and pink ; Miss Ware, orange ??. ra^'\ 1 . l ! ian J 8 - White brocade with flowers; Mrs McDonald, black: Miss Flora McDonald, white satin veiled in black lace; Mrs Hugh Campbell, brocaded silk: Mrs(Maior) I. nß,ate brocade, en traine with grey silk finishings • Mrs Tilly, black lace with white bebe sleeves; Mrs Cheeseman black lace: Miss Thorpe, pink Liberty silk; MBs Flora Thorpe Eale sky blue ; Mrs Payton, very handsome cream brocade- Mrs 'uncan Clerk, cream silk with pale pink trimmings ; Mrs Archie Clark, lemon-coloured brocade trimmed with dark velvet - Mrs Moss Davis, black siik with cardinal bebe sleeves: Miss Moss Davis, black gown with buff-coloured bodice; Mrs R. Browning black: Miss Heywood, mode grey crepon; Miss Millie Heywood white Liberty silk: Miss Pierce, buttercup silk ; and her sister wore a black velvet gown with point lace; Miss Peacock bright blue crepon with velvet of a darker hue; Mrs James Russell, very handsome Mexique blue brocaded satin, en traine ■ M!SB Greenwood, grey empire gown; Mrs Upton black; Miss' Lpion, black gown with red sleeves veiled in b ack lace- Miss Ludwig, handsome dome blue satin ; Mrs Rose looked well in her white brocaded bridal gown ; Miss Stevenson, blue crepon • and the two younger sisters were simply gowned in white silks :’ Mrs Carr, I think, wore a cream brocade ; Miss Carr, white • Mrs Edward Russell, white silk; Mrs J. M. Dargaville, black ' with gold passementerie; Mrs Robert Dargaville. black : Miss McCrae, black; Mrs Barton Ireland, black relieved with white fichu ; Mies Ireland, pale heliotrope; Mrs Hamner, black silk with white widow e cap; Miss Kempthorne, white silk ; Miss Whyte, pink 1u rat L' Mlsß 9 han ! berß -,. bla <£ lace finished with pink roses; Mrs Robison, lilac silk ; Mrs Matthew Clark, black finished with bouton d or; Miss Whewell, brown silk; Mrs Tibbs. Mrs Tait black, etc. Messra Dignan. W. Bloomfield. T. Morrin, D. Clerk’ A. Clark. Moss Davis, Ware (two). Greenwood. Upton, Rose’ Stevenson. Carr (two), E. Russel). Harri-on. Ridings. Chambers Campbell. Bell, Kissling, C. Kissling. Fenwick. Whewell, KerrTaylor. Gould. E. Hume. Tibbs, Tait. Col. Dawson, Major Banks and many others whom I never saw. as there were so many other guests. Mr Gibson McMillan was present, but he will be returnmg immediately to his country estate. At the Misses Horne’s MUSICALE on Saturday night, in the Bonaventura Hall, Parnell, a fashionablecrowd was gathered. The hall had been prettily decorated and transformed as far as possible into a reception room. Little tables, flanked by chairs, pretty albums, etc., rugs, curtains and decoration of palms, all helped with the bright gaslight to make the place very and inviting to the visitors coming in from the storm outside. The musical part of the entertainment is described elsewhere. Supper-a very plentiful and tasteful one—was partaken of in the first interval, most of the guests sitting down comfortably to enjoy it. The Misses Horne were extremely attentive to their numerous guests, and there was a pleasant absence of stiffness and formality throughout the evening. The nice hot bouillon, served as the visitors left, was a very hospitable and thoughtful act. keeping out the cold for those who had long distances logo. Miss Horne received the visitors and introduced them to Mrs Frank Roche, the guest of the evening. Miss Horne was handsomely dressed in a rich low black silk dress, with puffs of grey satin in the short sleeves, and a fold of the same across the front of the bodice; nestling m black lace on one shoulder were flamecoloured plumes, also in the hair ; she carried a bouquet of ti-tree. Mrs Roche looked pretty in rich watered white silk, with lovely lace on the corsage: from the right shoulder hung pearl embroidery, and on the left and in the hair were Ai_ O9trich . P lu ™ eß - Miss C. Horne next shook hands with the guests, whom she introduced to Mr F. Roche. She wore a simple black silk with electrique passementerie green, shell necklet, and in her hair. Mrs Herries. black silk en traine profusely trimmed with white lace; Mrs James Russell, the handsomest gown in the room-sky blue satin with pink flower pattern, pink roses on the tUcolletagc, and finished with blue ribbons; Mrs Carr, handsome buttercup brocade: Mrs Brigham pale primrose silk with black spotted net; Miss Eva Scherff, very bride-like white satin richly trimmed with pearls; Miss Eva

Rich, cream taffeta glace ; Mias Oath waits, silver grey silk, pink flower in her hair; Mrs Kilgour, pale pink with brown stripe silk ; Mrs Arnold, black ; Mrs Lucas Bloomfield, black lace with yellow sleeves veiled in black net; Mrs Beale, pale blue brocade edged with pink roses; Mrs Walker (Parnell), black relieved with rich lace fichu; Mrs R. Walker, dark skirt, grey check blouse; Mrs Tewsley. very handsome lilac silk; Miss O'Neil, pale pink and brown striped silk with Irish diamond necklet; Miss Roskruge. black skirt, pink blouse; Mrs (Major) George, very handsome black velvet with white lace; Miss Shepherd, black velvet, decolletee. with jet trimmings: Mrs Beale, black lace relieved with white lace ; Mrs Boucher, black with sky blue sleeves and decolletage ; Miss Boucher, a combination of black and yellow, and diamond ornaments in hair ; Mrs Colbeck, lilac silk; Miss Carr, blue bengaline with darker shaded velvet; Mrs Dawson, black silk; Miss Binks. black velvet with wreath of red poppies; Mrs Gordon, grey silk with pink floral brocade trimmed with black velvet; Miss Gordon, pale lilas Liberty silk with navy blue trimmings; Mrs Goodhue. cardinal satin gown, velvet blouse; Mrs Thorne-George, black silk skirt, white brocaded blouse; Miss Thorne-George, dark skirt, pink silk blouse; Mrs Munroe, dark skirt, terre blouse Miss Hull, royal blue velvet finished with white lace; and her sister, her debutante white silk; Miss Kilgour, white satin; Miss Celia Dampier, pretty pink frock ; Miss Kissling, vieux silk ; Mrs Theo. Kissling, black silk finished with bouton d’or yoke and sleeves ; Mrs Goodson. dark spotted skirt, pink blouse with butterfly sleeves, diamond ornaments ; Mrs Mowbray, blue silk; Mrs Nichol, white bridal gown, long train ; Mrs Nelson, black velvet with red poppies; Mrs Bodie, black; Mrs Lonsdale Pritt, black silk with crimson opera cloak ; Mrs Turner, black silk with Swiss belt of gold; Miss Kensington, white silk; Miss Kempthorne, white chind silk with white roses and lace; Miss White, coquelicot red ; Mrs Heywood, black ; Miss Heywood, grey crepon finished with white; and her sister, white crepon with pink; Mrs McDonald, black silk; Miss Flora McDonald, white satin veiled in black lace with black velvet trimmings; Miss Winnie Rich ; Miss Shepherd, black lace with beads ; Mrs P. Stevenson, terre silk with brown velvet; Mrs Salmon, black; Misses Kerr-Taylor, black gowns; Mrs Rattray, velvet evening dress; Mrs Ware, Egypt red with white lace; Miss Ware looked bonnie in orange silk ; Mrs Browning, black ; Miss Wilkins, black lace ; Miss White, claret silk and lace cape; Miss Whyte, white silk ; Mrs J. B. Whyte, a combination of black and white silk; Mrs Thomas, black; Miss Thomas, black with heliotrope trimmings; Mrs Younghusband looked well in white surah with pink flowers; Mrs Barton Ireland, black silk relieved with white lace; Miss Ireland, absinthe green silk with red camellias; Mrs Leathern, dark skirt, pink silk evening blouse ; Miss Grierson looked pretty in pink surah; Mrs Walker (Glenalvon). primrose Liberty silk skirt, pale pink blouse; Messrs Carr, R. Walker, Tewsley, Nichol, Chambers, Sealy, Goodhue. Watkis. McDonald, Mowbray, Thomas, Kerr-Taylor, McKellar, Gordon, Beale, Stevenson, Munroe, etc., etc. Miss Kilgour gave a large GIRLS’ AFTERNOON TEA last Thursday at their residence, 4 Burnrigg,’ Parnell. Her sister Mrs Goodson, and also Mrs Kilgour, ably assisted her to entertain the many guests. The reception room was made by throwing two large rooms into one another by the opening of folding doors, and the verandah—which was a long one—was canvassed in and finished with flags and fawn Japanese blinds, and lighted with Chinese lanterns with good effect. The tea table was placed at one end, draped very artistically with rose pink Liberty silk. A large bow was in the centre and another at the corner, and vases of wattle flowers and green bamboo, and lighted silver candlebras finished the pretty effect, which was further increased by the coloured glass with jellies and trifles, etc. The reception room was decorated with arum lilies, camellias, azalias, and roses. Now for the gowns : Mrs Kilgour wore cardinal velvet with black velvet and black bead trimmings ; Miss Kilgour. a stylish combination of nil green and white silk; Mrs Goodson (Hawera), electrique blue fancy kyrle cloth trimmed with black silk; her hair parted down the centre and over the ears (the latest fashion), was finished with diamond pins; Miss Roberts, black cashmere skirt, blue (reseda) blouse; Miss Ida Thorne George, who has lately returned from England, wore a dark green cloth, black hat with flowers and ostrich feathers, and huge bow in front; Miss Nichols, black creponette with blue vest; Miss Thorpe, brown; Miss Cheeseman, black lustre, black hat with red ; Mrs Williams, dark skirt, coral pink blouse, floral bonnet en suite : Miss Agatha Greenwood, navy sailor gown with sky blue, Tam-o’-Shanter hat to match; Miss Nora Greenwood, grey tweed trimmed with black velvet, large hat with feathers; Miss Heywood, sultan red cashmere trimmed with black; Miss Towsey, black cashmere; Miss Dolly Davis, black relieved with purple; Miss Whyte and her sister were similarly gowned in brown; Miss Bursill, terre cashmere, hat to correspond; Miss Gordon, dark skirt. Oriental blouse: Miss Kissling, slate grey gown, black hat; Miss Thomson (Parnell), black gown relieved with red; Miss Thompson, navy serge; Misses Kerr-Taylor, a combination of navy crinkley and white ; Miss Celia Dainpier, sky blue cashmere with white muslin pinafore; Miss O’Niel, black ; MissMulvany, dark grey tweed, fawn vest; her sister wore brown; Miss Laishley. black ; Miss Ettie Ireland, black skirt, green velvet blouse, black hat with ostrich feathers ; Miss (Barton) Ireland, dark gown ; Miss Kempthorne, electric blue alpaca: Mrs Williamson, black gown and hat with a touch of red ; Miss Holmes, dark skirt, brown silk blouse : Miss Amphlet, grey check : Miss Chambers, buis tailor-made gown ; Miss Ada Dixon, beige tailor-made gown, sailor hat; and many others were also present. Miss Roberts and other girls handed round the tea and cakes with charming alacrity. This week I have the pleasant task of telling you all about a most ENJOYABLE DANCE ven by Mrs J. Stodart in the Ponsonby Hall last Thursday evening. Despite the great rain which fell, many assembled from different suburbs to take part in the evening’s amusement. The music was well rendered by Adams’ string band, and a choice supper was prettily laid out on the stage. I have tried to remember some of the prettiest dresses worn. Mrs Osmond looked well in black silk and lavender ribbons; Mrs Ballintyne. pretty black dress and white lace; Mrs J. Stodart. stylish combination of black net and cream bodice, sprays of pink roses; Mrs VV. Cleghorn, stylish black lace, pink roses, bodice nicely trimmed with jet; Mrs J. Cowan, rich cream ivory satin: Mrs Mouzer, pale blue satin, bodice trimmed with sprays of blue violets ; Mrs Brabant looked nice in pale heliotrope and white; Miss Ella Howard looked pretty wearing pale blue net. spray of cream roses; Miss Coffey was prettily dressed in cream satin and lace, the bodice finished with cream chiffon and purple pansies; Miss Lawrence (Melbourne) looked remarkably pretty in pure white: Miss Carte (Wellington), pale pink and green silk (effective) ; Miss C. Bell, very pretty black lace with pink silk puffed sleeves ; Miss — Bell, pretty white dress; Miss Moore, pretty rose coloured Liberty silk, bodice handsomely trimmed with chiffon and rosebuds: Miss Bowes (Napier) wore a pale green crepon prettily trimmed with black lace ; Miss Hues, stylish blue and cream costume; Miss M. Osmond, white dress, gretty old gold sash: Mrs Kelly, handsome grey velvet; Miss Owering, pale yellow and black. Amongst the gentlemen present were Messrs Brabant, Bedford, Reece. Cashel. Lewis. Busby, Dawson, Rev. E. Cowie. Messrs McCormack. Cramond, Gore, Cleghorn. Ballintyne, Osmond, Foster, Airy. Bowes, Frances, etc., etc. PRINCE ALBERT COLLEGE—NEW COLLEGE FOR GIRLS. A new impetus seems to have been given lately to secondary education in Auckland. While the roll numbers at the Auckland College and Grammar School show a considerable increase, the newly established secondary schools at Remuera and in Upper Queen-street receive a most encouraging amount of support. The trustees of the Prince Albert College, finding that their efforts to combine religious and secular instruction for boys were widely appreciated, resolved to extend the operations of the College so as to include girls. With this object in view a commodious schoolroom has been erected. Its dimensions are 52 feet by 53 feet. One of the class-rooms is 35 feet by 20 feet, a sittingroom 20 feet by 15 feet, and a lavatory 20 feet by 12 feet. The upper story of the building is divided into bedrooms and living-rooms for teachers and boarders. The rooms are lofty and well ventilated, and are varnished. Provision has been made in connection with the girls’ school for a gymnasium, which is under the direction of Professor Carrollo. The opening of the college for girls was attended on Saturday by a large audience of ladies and gentlemen, including a considerable number of clergy men of various denomination. The Mayor presided. Mr Thomas Jackson. M.A. (Headmaster), mentioned that-the girls’ school was begun in a room placed at their disposal by the authorities of the

Baptist Tabernacle. Commencing with 36 girls there were now 43 on the roll. He warmly eulogised the work done by the lady teachers—Misses R. W. McKerrow, M.A.. and E. Rainsforth, M.A., and remarked that in the short period over which their experience extended, the work done by the girls was more accurate and thorough than that on the boys* side. This he attributed to the fact that boys have so many more things to distract their attention than girls. He introduced to the audience two new members of the teaching staff—Mr B H B.A., and Mr H. O. Craddock. M.A . New Zealand University. The Revs. Scott West. H. Bull. H. R. Dewsbury. and Rabbi Goldstein, and Mr Muir (Chairman of the Board of Education) delivered addresses. Afternoon tea was served in the large class room in the new College, presided over by Mrs Jackson, wife of the Headmaster, assisted by lady friends. The table and window sills were tastefully decorated with flowers and grasses, with orange and green paper twisted together down the centre of the table. Over the mantelpiece was the appropriate motto, ‘ Principium sapientia ; posside sapientiain.* Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather the afternoon was spent very pleasantly, and everyone heartily congratulated the trustees and masters upon the excellent work which is being done by the institution. Among these present I observed Mrs Jackson, in speckled grey tweed gown with a velvet vest, fur pelerine, black straw hat with a large bow at the side of black and white striped ribbon; Mrs Holland, black gown, becoming bonnet trimmed with groen velvet; Mrs Arthur, mourning; Mrs (Dr.) Dawson, black merveilleux, brocade sleeves, bonnet trimmed with black and white ribbon ; Mrs VV. Thorne, fawn cloth gown, brown velvet sleeves and vest, violet velvet bonnet; Mrs St. Paul, mourning; Mrs Rees, black serge trimm d with velvet, black bonnet with posies of violets; Mrs Dacre, black with a green silk yoke veiled with black lace, brown velvet cape, pink and brown velvet bonnet; Mrs Clark Johnson, black serge gown with black and gold vest, stylish brown cloth cape with vandykes of jet from the collar, black bonnet with cyclamen flowers; Mrs Gittos. b'ack; Mrs Ashton Bruce, black crepon, bodice trimmed with black silk flecked with white, black hat with large velvet bow dotted with steel beads and an osprey; Mrs Buddle, black; Mrs Crump, black, velvet cape, black bonnet trimmed with magenta velvet ; Mrs Massage, black gown, black hat; Mrs W. H. Smith, brown boucle cloth gown trimmed with brown velvet, handsome fur pelerine, brown and pink velvet bonnet; Mrs Cameron, fawn Sown, velvet sleeves, bonnet to match ; Mrs Chiel, black: Its M. McLean, brown and black boucle cloth, shoulder cape of violet velvet cut in squares to form tabs edged with brown fur, brown and black bonnet with violet flowers; Mrs Hudson, black, brown cloth cape, hat trimmed with green; Mrs A. Thorne, black, pink velvet bonnet; Mrs Tribe, black gown and cape, bonnet with heliotrope; Mrs E. T. Hart, fawn tweed; brown velvet hat; Mrs Oxley, navy serge, black velvet toque; Mrs Gilbert, black and white check tweed, black velvet bodice, black velvet hat with full silk crown ; Miss Colegrove, brown: Miss Holland, stylish navy cloth skirt and jacket, vest of fawn cloth with red spots, black felt Alpine hat with tomato red satin bows; Miss Buddle, peacock blue tailor-made gown, white vest, black gem hat; Miss Kennedy, navy, white vest braided with black braid, black velvet toque; Miss Sommerville, electric blue blouse, black skirt; Miss Gilbert, black and white stripe blouse, dark skirt, black hat with black and white feathers, etc., etc. There were a good many gentlemen present, including Messrs Thos. Allen, Douglas, W. H Smith, Rees, McLean, Cameron, etc.

Phyllis BROUNE.