AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue IX, 21 August 1897, Page 278

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, August 16. It is strange how lucky some people are in the weather they have for their festivities. Amongst the very fortunate ones is Mrs Charlton Dawson, whose pleasant MUSICAL ‘AT HOME’ came off at Ellerslie last Tuesday afternoon. The pretty residence, ‘ Arborfield,’ was delightfully sheltered from the keen south-west wind, and the front porch and abutting verandahs were bathed in the westering sun, and afforded a charming retreat from which to enjoy the lovely view in front, and the music which emanated from the drawing-room behind. The great treat of the afternoon was the singing of Dr. Keith, of Fiji, whose sympathetic and well-trained voice was heard to advantage in ‘ Tell Her I Love Her So,’ and ‘ Good Night, Beloved.’ Mrs Kilgour gave us the usual pleasure we experience from her songs. Other musical items were rendered by Miss Keith and Miss Thomson (Parnell), and Miss Tilley played a pianoforte solo. Tea and coffee were tastefully set out in the dining-room, the centre of the table being a pretty combination of draped and ruffled apricot silk, with a large vase of spring flowers, whilst smaller vases and flowers were scattered harmoniously amongst the various cakes, sweets-, etc., with which the table was laden. The drawing-room and ante-room were also prettily decorated, and quite filled with the numerous guests, who overflowed on to the verandahs. Our hostess, Mrs Dawson, whose manner in answering the shoals of kind inquiries after the Colonel’s broken collar-bone was a happy mixture of wifely solicitude and desire not to damp the enjoyment of her guests, was wearing a stylish combination of blue—navy skirt, blue striped silk bodice and shoulder-knots, over tight-fitting navy velvet sleeves. Several young ladies, amongst them being Miss Elliott and Miss Carter, were of great assistance in entertaining the visitors, and deftly and gracefully handing tea, etc. But I must pass on to the consideration of the fair ladies’ toilettes. Mrs Williams (Remuera) and her daughter, Mrs Pritt, were, of course, in mourning ; Mrs Thomas Morrin’s always pleasant look was enhanced by a stylish large black feathered hat and green costume relieved by a cream waistcoat with palette design, green fur-edged muff with little posies of violets on it; Mrs Owen Jones (Dunedin) was most handsomely dressed in exquisitely-fitting black satin, rich cream applique and passementerie let in the back and front of the bodice, purple velvet bonnet with lilac chiffon and flowers; Mrs McLaughlin (Papitoetoe) was in a chic last stage of mourning costume —very dark purple and white spotted silk dress, with pale purple, almost lilac, chiffon vest, bonnet en suite with purple velvet pansies ; Mrs W. Bloomfield was faultlessly arrayed in green skirt aud jacket, the latter edged with fur, opening over a cream waistcoat brocaded with roses the brocade also finishing the cuffs, white chiffon at the throat, Welsh green velvet hat with feathers and cache-peigne of brighthued flowers ; Mrs Keith, brown dress, white vest, with spray of lycopodium, black straw hat touched with red; Miss Keith (her sister-in-law), grey skirtand jacket, white silk vest, b’ack hat with feather ; Mrs(D..) Scott, stylish black skirt and jacket opening over a full vest of daffodil ottoman silk, black lisse ruffle edged with cream lace, chapeau to harmonise ; Mrs Allan Kerr-Taylor, black skirt, black velvet and fur cape, black hat with scarlet feathers and flowers; the Misses Kerr-Taylor looked attractive in coquelicot cashmere dresses and capes, the latter toned with ro vs of black braid, hat of the same warm shade ; Mrs Bull, black silk, green velvet bonnet with very becoming lilac finishings, chiffon and flowers ; Mrs James Russell, very handsome black brocaded silk, striking pink velvet bonnet; Miss Devereux, navy serge stylishly trimmed with white braid, black hat with pink roses; Miss B. Bull, green and black striped crepon, black high hat ; Miss B. Peacocke, fawn tailor-made gown ; and her sister wore a black and grey check tweed trimmed with black velvet; Miss Morrin, pink beige cloth, fawn hat with pink flowers ; Mrs (Major) George, handsome black tailor-made gown with embroidered vest ; Mrs R. D. Thomas (Christchurch), serpent green cloth ; Mrs Buckland and Miss Phcebe Buckland wore mourning costumes; Mrs Gorrie, dark costume; Mrs R. Browning, black silk with pretty red velvet bonnet; Mrs Sam Morrin, brown costume with jacket, black straw hat with tulle and red

poppies; Miss Sereta McLaughlin looked pretty in dark green, the skirt being cloth and the bodice velvet with bands of icru lace, green straw hat with green feathers ; Mrs Craigh, fawn check skirt, black velvet cape; Miss Craigh, dark grey coat and skirt; Mrs Elliot, black creponette, black bonnet with purple ; Miss Elliot, green melton cloth ; Miss Esme Elliot dark skirt, sky blue silk blouse, black high-crowned hat with ostrich tips and pink flowers ; Mrs Martin ; Miss Martin, black silk, with ecru lace billowed about the shoulders; Mrs Worsp, mixed green creponette, black velvet cape, black hat with ostrich tips and red flowers ; Miss Worsp, navy serge, red cravat, fashionable sailor hat ; Miss D. Worsp, fawn tailor-made gown, white felt hat; Mrs Thomson (Parnell), black striped moire, very becoming bonnet relieved with purple ; Miss Thomson, grey tweed ; and her sister wore black ; Mrs Ansenne, fawn gown, toque with pink; Miss Nichol, mourning costume, hat with violets; Mrs Nolan, dark green costume ; Mrs Tilley, handsome slate grey satin; Miss Tilley, fawn tailor-made gown, long boa ; Miss Stella Rice, navy serge with orange vest ; - Mrs Heather, dark green costume, black bonnet ; Miss Carter, stylish navy flecked fancy tweed trimmed with velvet, navy felt hat with navy bows; Mrs H. B. Morton, navy ; Miss Hickson, navy serge, toque with pink flowers ; Miss Cawkwell, dark skirt, fawn blouse spotted with green ; Mrs Cawkwell, black ; Miss Ware, fawn tailor-made gown, sailor hat with Polo colours ; Mrs Beatty, check tweed ; Mrs Robert Rose, Sultan red ; Mrs Archie Clark, pretty costume ; etc., etc.

THE GREENWOOD COMPANY again produced ‘ Romeo and Juliet up to Date ’ at the City Hall on Tuesday evening, with various other good musical items. Miss Maribel Greenwood sang charmingly, and was very well received. She wore a dress which had an appearance of being shot, red and blue, the blue standing out. The effect was almost purple, and suited her immensely. It was trimmed with cream lace and had a train. The trio was a great success, the voices blending well together, and the tril's being especially well executed by Miss Maribel. She wore the same dress; Miss Agatha wore a bright green satin dress covered nearly to the hem by a long white muslin overskirt; Miss Roberta was dressed most becomingly in deep yellow. Miss Maribel's recitation was truly excellent, and the duet very pretty. Romeo appeared in bright red hose, slashed sleeves, a white doublet, and white satin cloak lined with red. He made a very pretty little figure, and so active was he, so alive and charming, that one forgave him being so small. His little girl was far too big for him ; she was dressed in white after the style of Trilby. He was recalled for the serenade. Mercutio, dressed all in pale blue, makes a very good contrast to Romeo, and also acts well; Paris was dressed in blue and pink ; Tybalt, in black and yellow ; Apothecary, a very slight man, in dark coat and knickers, the coat a sort of Eton edged with white braid, a white turn-down collar and white stock (very comical, especially in the dance with the Muse, who is very fat with a peculiar nose ; she wears a sprig cotton gown and white apron,); Lady Capulet, in black velvet, looks most imposing and stately. The solos by Miss Agatha are worth hearing.

THE SECOND REMUERA SOCIAL UNION took place on Wednesday evening last, and was very successful, but the hall was a little crowded for perfect comfort in dancing. The night was especially brilliant, and the moon was determined this time to show us her brightest side—a welcome change, for on prior evenings we have been hastened on our journey to Remuera by a hailstorm or some other equally unpleasant freak of the elements. The ladies were a little in the majority, but the energetic secretary, assisted by his sister, did all possible to remedy this by introducing the visitors to one another, and finding partners if possible. To say Burke’s Band supplied the music is sufficient to known what delightful strains and well-known airs were played. The supper-table was decorated with orange silk drapery , and a high centre-piece of red camellias, while small specimen glasses of pink and red camellias finished the table, surrounded by dishes of oysters, tongues, trifles, jellies, etc. The stage was decorated with large pots of arum lilies and their foliage, and draped in red flags, while red cohi were placed on the floor round the pots. The hall was adorned with tall branches of bamboo, and the gas chandelier was shaded with a large red Japanese umbrella. Flags were hung from corner to corner in triangulars, which had the effect of darkening the hall, and though pleasant, no doubt, for dancers, it was rather inconvenient for those who wished to see the gowns. The committee were Mesdames Jackson, Rose, Cotter, Bamford, Misses McFarlane, Stevenson, Whewell, Lennox, Jackson, Hay (two), Messrs Rose, Cotter, Marshall, Lennox, and the Hon. Sec., Mr J. R. Whewell. Amongst the pretty dresses I saw Mrs Robert Rose, in pink shimmering silk ; Miss McFarlane, black costume with red poppies on shoulder and in hair ; Miss Stevenson, Tuscan silk; Miss D. Stevenson looktd sweet in a maize silk ; Miss Whewell, black lace costume with white chiffon, red flower in her hair ; Miss Lennox, canary silk with red roses; Miss Jackson, bouton d’or silk; Misses Hay (two) were much admired in ivory satin with red flowers; Mrs McFarlane, black silk brocaded in blue ; Miss Meta Aickin, dainty white silk with chiffon; Miss Brodie, white silk with red geraniums; Miss Davy, bright pink silk ; and her sister, a pale Tuscan silk finished with ruchings ; Mrs Cheeseman, black lace over silk, and slashed with claret ribbons ; Mrs Finlayson, dark bottle green brocade ; Mrs Thorne George, black silk finished with white ; Miss Ida Thorne George, black gown finished with lace ; Mrs Bassett, black silk ; Miss Mason, pale blue silk with fawn lace, old gold opera cape; Mrs Henderson, black silk with silver passementerie ; Miss Henderson, black lace ; and her sister wore white gown with pale pink brocaded sleeves and finished with green ribbons; Mrs Coates, black ; Miss Coates, white; and her lady friend a spuice pink silk ; Mrs Goodwin, black gown with grey let in, and finished with black and white chiffon ; Mrs Robert Browning, black skirt, grey silk blouse; Miss Goodwin, bright pink silk ; Miss Winnie Goodwin, canary silk with red

flowers; Miss Dowell, black gown with blue spotted chiffon finishing the neck and sleeves ; and her sister looked sweet in a white gown ; Miss — Noakes, white debutante silk with lilies of the valley ; Miss Bush looked very well in white silk with red flowers ; and her sister was much admired in a dark skirt with azure blue silk blouse ; Miss M. Buckland, very striking white silk ; Miss Cotter, bright pink silk; Mrs Griffiths, handsome white silk with yellow corselet bodice ; Mrs Griffiths looked distinquee in black skirt, dome blue blouse veiled in grey chiffon and profusely trimmed with red roses; Miss Ryan, dark skirt, buttercup blouse ; and her friend, a dark skirt, pink blouse ; Miss Proud was simply gowned in white ; Miss Jagger, white debutante frock ; Miss McFarland looked very pretty in white; Miss Lizzie Gorrie, dome blue silk; Miss Little looked chic in white silk with wreaths of flowers; Miss Otway was a study in azure blue ; Miss Beatrice Bull, white silk with red flowers; Mrs Winstone, stylish combination of black and white ; Miss (Frank) Buckland, dark green velvethandsomelytrimmed with silver passementerie; Miss Hatdie, orange silk ; and many other ladies whose names I did not bear. Messrs Otway, Griffiths (two). Rose, Winstone, Lecky, Lennox, Brodie, Bloomfield, Findleyson, Gould, Wynvard, Hume (two), Buckland, Bailey, Aubel, Wilson, Herrold, O'Halloran, Lawford, Simpson, Tilly, Robertson, Whitson, Doug’as. Reynolds, Anderson, Lecky, Daveney, Philips, Goldsbro, Airey (two), Webb, Cotter, Major, Whewell, etc., were among the gentlemen. We missed Mrs Cotter, who is quite a moving spirit in these dances. She intends to return from Sydney by the * Moana,’and it is rumoured that the Misses McMillan will also return by that boat. Mrs Cromwell Tewsley gave a most enjoyable

MUSICAL ‘AT HOME’ last Thursday afternoon at her beautiful residence, * Sheen House,’Parnell. The glimpse of the harbour from the verandah is just perfection. Many of the guests lingered here before entering to gaze upon this beautiful scene. This function was given in honour of our hostess’s sister, Miss Kempthorne (Dunedin), who is staying in Auckland with her. Mrs Tewsley was quite one’s ideal of a hostess, making every one of her guests feel at home directly they entered the large reception room by her natural and charming manner, as she greeted her guests and introduced them to her sister. Mrs Holmes also assisted her to receive. * Sheen House ’ is admirably adapted for entertaining, Mr Tewsley having had the house lately remodelled on the latest English style. There is a large roomy entrance hall with tiled fire-place, and from here we wandered ad lib to'the large reception room through a curtained archway, and then on through another to a smaller room. The large grand piano was placed near the window of the reception room, so that the music given in the afternoon was heard to much advantage, as the musicians were forced to face the audience, and their voices thrown into the room. Amongst those who contributed were :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Millie Heywood ; song by Miss Kempthorne, whose rich contralto voice was much appreciated that she was requested to sing two or three times ; Mrs Kilgour kindly sang; her singing, you know, is quite a treat to listen to, she having such a cultivated voice. The vocal duet sung by Miss Flora Thorpe and Mrs Kilgour was very much admired. Miss Nathan sang very sweetly, and Miss Kate Hay sang ‘ Ask Me no More ’ with great feeling. The wonderful execution of Mrs Walker’s pianoforte solo drew much attention. Afternoon tea was served in a very large dining hall, having two square tables prettily decorated with high glass vases of white jonquils and yellow daffodils mingled with their foliage, and small glasses of violets and snowflakes, surrounded with the daintiest repast imaginable of fruit salads, trifles, jellies, sweets, and cakes of every description placed on the most picturesque of delf. Mrs Tewsley wore black satin skirt with band of black beads, pretty soft pink muslin blouse edged with white lace ; Miss Kempthorne, white brocaded silk finished with chiffon and bands of silver passementerie, white kid shoes en suite ; Mrs Holmes, grey tailor-made gown, black high-crowned hat; Mrs L. D. Nathan, an English costume of black brocaded satin trimmed with gold silk and ecru lace, toque with high feather trimming at one side ; Miss Nathan, stylish Gobelin grey English costume with bolero, black Empire band, loveliest hat imaginable of violet straw profusely trimmed with heliotrope double primroses and finished with ribbons and velvet en suite; Mrs McMillan, an exquisite robe of brown and grey shot silk, bolero of brown velvet, brown velvet braiding, becoming peacock green feathered bonnet; Mrs Thomson (Parnell), black striped silk and crepou, black bonnet relieved with purple ; Mrs Thompson, black silk ; Miss Thompson, navy serge coat and skirt, red vest, white sailor hat with red quill ; Mrs Gillies, dark costume ; Mrs W. Bloomfield, Lincoln green gown ; Miss Hardie, navy serge; Mrs Ashley Hunter, dark costume ; Mrs Upfill, I think, wore a green gown ; Mrs Barton Ireland, black silk ; Miss G. Ireland, grey gown with cardinal vest; Mrs Kilgour ; Mrs Seegner looked quaint in navy serge with red vest, hat en suite; Mrs Thorpe, black silk ; Miss Flora Thorpe, dark green costume, fawn felt hat ; Miss Millie Heywood, navy serge ; Mrs (Capt.) Worsp, green creponette ; Miss Worsp, navy serge tailor-made gown ; Mrs J. H. Upton, black silk ; Mrs Walker, grey gown in coat and skirt stvle, red plaid vest ; Mrs Theo. Kissling, navy serge ; Mrs O. R. Younghusband, dark green costume ; Mrs Chatfield, black gown ; Mrs Lonsdale Pritt, black merveilleux, black bonnet relieved with purple ospreys ; Mrs Kempthorne, black silk ; Mrs Kenderdine ; Mrs Preston Stevenson, handsome brown gown ; Mrs Colegrove, navy ; Mrs Goodhue, dark green ; Mrs J. Chambers, black silk ; Mrs S. Morrin, navy serge ; Mrs Winstone, Havanna brown costume ; Mrs Ashton Bruce ; Miss Kathleen Thompson, bronze green costume ; Mrs Dutbie, dark green, black sailor hat with large bows and violets ; Miss Reay, green gown with fox fur ; Mrs and Miss Kerr-Taylor; Mrs Clifton, dark brown costume; Mrs Wilfred Rathbone, stylish Lincoln green serge; Mrs Laishley. black silk with cerise brocaded vest, bonnet with pink flowers ; Miss Laishley looked chic in a

well-fitting grey cloth tailor-made gown, white brocaded silk folded vest, black velvet high-crowned hat with ostrich feathers ; Mrs E. H. Lyous, very handsome violet gown with canary vest, black velvet hat with violet pansies beneath brim at back ; Mrs Reid Bloomfield, autumn brown brocaded silk; Mrs Ranson, dark green serge ; Miss Cuff, navy serge coat and skirt; Mrs Ching, black silk ; Miss Ching, peacock blue fancy material ; Mrs (Prof.) Egerton, brown gown ; Mrs (Dr.) Lewis, dark green ; Mrs Thorne George, black silk ; Mrs C. Pollan, dark costume ; etc., etc. A very

ENJOYABLE DANCE was given last Thursday evening by Mrs Aickin at her residence, Park-street. Two large rooms down stairs were used for dancing, the floors being put into firstrate condition. Music was ably supplied by Burke’s band, and dancing was kept up till close on two o’clock in the morning The verandah was covered in with canvas, and in a room off this an excellent supper was provided. The library was used as a sitting out room. Mr and Mrs Aickin were ably assisted to entertain their guests by Miss Aickin and Miss Fisher. We spent such a

pleasant afternoon at Mrs Dignan’s, Mount Eden, last Friday. Our hostess received us in her usual courteous and gracious manner, putting us at once at our ease. You know Mrs Dignan makes such an excellent hostess, and she looked distinguee in a black satin skirt, black bugle belt, canary figured silk blouse, black zouave ; Mrs Reed, brown figured fancy cloth ; Miss Flo. Reed, green Melton cloth trimmed with fox fur ; Mrs Street, black silk ; Mrs Gillies, black skirt, velvet cape, black bonnet ; Mrs Firth, black ; Mrs Markham, handsome black and white costume, black hat with high sky blue trimming; Miss Eva Firth, fawn tailor-made gown ; Miss Clara Firth, navy ; Mrs Greenway was much admired in black skirt, grey check blouse, large black Parisian chapeau with bows and pink roses; Mrs Kerr-Taylor, black; Miss Thompson, navy serge ; Mrs (Major) George, black serge with cream vest; Mrs R. D. Thomas (Christchurch), dark green costume; Mrs Arch. Clark, navy serge; Mrs Robert Rose, dark Sultan red with black trimmings ; Miss Beatrice Bull, green and black striped crepon ; Misses Kerr-Taylor, and many others. I forgot to mention Miss Mona Thompson sang. One of the

MOST DELIGHTFUL DANCES of the season was given by Mrs W. Culpan at her residence, Selwyn Terrace, on Friday evening last. Two large rooms, which were beautifully decorated with flowers, evergreens, and flags, were devoted to dancing. The verandah was also enclosed and prettily hung with Chinese lanterns, and used as a promenade. Mrs Culpan received her young guests in a handsome black satin skirt, green silk bodice covered with black lace. She was ably assisted in her duties by her two daughters, Misses Linda and Ruby, the elder looking very pretty in pale pink, and the younger in heliotrope. The following are a few of the numerous guests who assembled. Among the elder ladies looking on at the young people enjoying themselves were Mrs Somerville, in a handsome black satin ; Mrs Winks, black silk ; Mrs Braithwaite, black satin, and pretty red cloak ; etc., etc. Miss Wright looked lovely in black tinselled net dress, the corsage trimmed with silver sequins (this very pretty dress had no further adornment and needed none); Miss Flossie Hay looked charming in black velvet the bodice trimmed with lovely point lace ; Miss Moss, black velvet ; Miss Winks, black velvet; Miss Nellie Winks, white and prune; Miss Lottie Winks, white; Miss Ida Thompson, pretty pale blue silk ; Miss J. Ireland looked very pretty in brown velvet, puffed sleeves ; Miss Nelson, white ; Miss Cooper looked pretty in daffodil satin and muslin; Miss Ethel Black, a daintily-made brown velvet ; Miss Tanner, pretty white muslin with blue spots, blue satin puffed sleeves; Misses Maggie Hastie, Hattie Ross, Minnie Holland, primrose yellow ; Miss Whitley, pretty pale blue silk ; Miss Windsor, white, scarlet poppies ; Miss Gilmour, pink silk bodice and black velvet skirt; Mi s Freda Harrop, white ; her younger sister in pink ; Misses Richmond (two), one in white and one in pretty pink ; Miss Louie Atkinson, white ; Miss Maude, white and yellow ; Miss Marion Frater, eau-de-Nil nun’s veiling; Miss Hattie Davy, white ; Miss Jessie Reid, pretty white silk ; Miss Maria Reid, pink ; Miss Maud Howard, white ; Miss Mary Geddis, white and pink; Miss McEwen, white, and many others. Among the male gender were Messrs Culpan (three). Hay, Saunders (two), Sellers (two), Nelson, Cooper, Howard. Bain, Partridge, Wiseman, Burningbam, Winks (two), Robertson, Whitley (two), Johnson, Murray, Reid, Hastie, Horne, Flower, Ireland, Craig, Atkinson, etc., etc. The supper-table was indeed a thing of beauty—a ‘ dream.’ The flowers chosen were daffodils and snowdrops most artistically arranged. From the centre of the table was suspended with daffodil ribbons a lovely basket of daffodils and snowdrops. Some lovely vases filled with the same flowers supported the basket on either side. The table, a very long one, was crossed with yellow crepon silk from end to end, each corner being finished with a fan of the same prettily arranged with daffodils. The lamps were shaded with daffodil shades, and here and there on the table were pretty little yellow baskets containing every kind of sweets. The table was laden with every delicacy one can think of. Dancing was kept up with great spirit until an early hour, when all the guests departed after a thoroughly delightful and enjoyable evening.

Phyllis Broune.