WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XVIII, 1 May 1897, Page 551

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, April 23. the social which was given to the Premier and Mrs Seddon the evening before their departure was a most pleasant affair. The Drill Shed was made to look quite bright and pretty with bunting and pot plants, etc. A comfortable pavilion was arranged with easy chairs, and across the top was the motto of the women’s social and political league, ‘ Advance with courage,’ in gold letters mounted on a crimson ground. During the evening recitations were given by Mr A. S. Patterson and Mrs Plimmer, after which dancing was indulged in up to an early hour in the morning. Mrs Wilson and Mrs Schoch, both members of the League, received the guests. Mrs Wilson was wearing a black silk gown relieved with yellow silk ; Mrs Schoch wore black silk and lace ; Mrs Seddon looked well in a handsome black satin gown, the bodice trimmed with old lace; Miss Seddon, scarlet figured silk gown trimmed with black velvet ; Miss Mary Seddon looked very nice in a sky blue silk gown trimmed with chiffon to match ; Mrs F. Dyer, black silk gown trimmed with net and satin ribbon ; Mrs Hall-Jones, prune-coloured silk trimmed with black lace ; Mrs Fisher, black silk trimmed with jet and lace; Mrs J. K. MacDonald, handsome black and white brocade trimmed with jet embroidery ; Miss MacKenzie, cream silk and lace; Mrs Hamer, black silk skirt, pretty pale pink evening blouse ; etc. Mrs MacDonald, after making a very suitable fare veil speech, presented Mrs Seddon with a lovely bouquet of flowers. Mrs Seddon replied, and Mr Seddon also made a short speech. Mrs John Duncan gave a very jolly little dinner party on Thursday night. It was given as a farewell to Miss Eila and Mr Alga Williams, who are leaving for England next week. A few of the guests were Mr and Mrs lan Duncan, Mr and Mrs W. Turnbull, the Misses Williams (2), Ro-e, and Messrs Williams and Higginson. Mrs Higginson is giving an afternoon ‘ At Home ’ on Friday.

Ophelia.

An attempt was made to introduce a new dance into England last winter. It goes with a musical composition known as the ‘Washington Post.’ The music is very pretty, and was heard throughout the London season when any of the great bands played ; but it appears to be reserved for the country to bring it into vogue for dancing. It is, in its way, unique. Those who take part in it start in couples, not face to face, but one behind the other, touching each other’s hands with arms fully outstretched, the right higher than the left. The step is quite easy, and accords well with the music ; a glissade twice over, each way, and then outwards. The drawback is that a tiained dress is apt to be trodden on. AT the Chrysanthemum Show held on the 23rd of last month at Napier under the auspices of the Napier Horticultural and Florists’ Association, some very fine blooms were shown. The most successful among the exhibitors was Mr Vigor Brown, who, in addition to carrying off three champion prizes, was to the fore in all departments. He was first in no fewer than ten classes, the beauty of his flowers being much admired. Mr Theakstone and Mr J. B. Teychenne were also very successful. The proceeds of the exhibition go to the Flood Fund. The fifty-mile championship of Victoria has been won by J. Megson on Dunlop tyres.