AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XIX, 30 October 1897, Page 596

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, October 25. The weather was so extremely unpromising on Friday that we made up our minds it would be quite impossible to enjoy any of the pre-arranged, and in many cases postponed, outdoor functions to which we were looking forward. The North Shore Bowling Green decided to defer their opening, as the gale blowing on Thursday and Friday seemed by no means to have exhausted its energy. However, matters Weatherly changed for the better on Saturday forenoon, and the afternoon found us all in the best of spirits, thoroughly prepared to engage in the mimic warfare of bowls, or eroquet, or even to risk our lives in a boat or on a bicycle. The

AUCKLAND BOWLNG GREEN presented a very attractive appearance, and a smart and stylish crowd assembled to witness the skill of these veteran performers on the green. The President’s opening speech was a very happy one, and elicited a good deal of laughter. The Club cheered nobly when the desirability for such demonstration was pointed out. But I am only concerned here with frocks and fripons, so will hurry on to them. First a word about the tea. This was given by the wife of the President, Mrs W. A. Thompson, and by Mrs Gorrie. The table looked chic, the Club's colours being displayed in the snowy white cloth, on which red and blue crimped paper was tastefully arranged, and kept in place by various vases of flowers. Mrs Gorrie was not present, but Mrs Kingswell and the Misses Thompson and Gorrie were fully equal to their important duties as hostesses on such a pleasant occasion. There was an excellent band, and there were plenty of seats on which to sit and enjoy the delieions afternoon tea and cakes of every appetising variety. The Club's colours were deftly arranged over the ladies’ croquet pavilion. Mrs W. A. Thompson looked well in black crepon, striped black and white silk vest, black jetted bonnet with purple iri-deseent-edged velvet and buttercupcoloured flower; Miss Thompson, fawn skirt, lilac and cream lace blouse, chic hat; Miss Gorrie. dark skirt, narrow green-stripied blouse, white hat; Mrs Kingswell, navy coat and skirt over a drab vest, brown toque relieved with salmon roses; Miss Ireland was a study in violet, in stripes and patterns mixed with white, violet velvet under hat brim; Miss

Bell, black skirt, light blouse; Mrs Dewsbury, black faced cloth costume, white vest, toque touched with magdnta and the new black and cream lace; Miss Cuff, navy coat and skirt, paler blue vest, white hat; Miss Lewis, stone-coloured dress, lilac hat; Mrs Coleman, black and white silk blouse, golf-blue skirt, gem hat; the Misses Dewsbury, one in grey and one in navy; Madame Schmitt, black figured silk, black bonnet touched with gold and finished with a pink flower; Mrs Conolly, black, black bonnet with marsh marigold ribbon;Mrs Edmiston, fawn-drab coat and skirt, white hat with upstanding Athenian-red ribbon bows; Mrs Thomson, figured silk dress, black and lilac bonnet; Mrs Lusher, black costume finished with black and white striped silk and jet, white hat with black feather; Miss McDonald, royal blue silk bodice with ecru lace bolero, black skirt and feathered hat; Mrs Geddes, black silk, cream lace fichu, black and orange ribbon bonnet; Miss Cardno, brown; Mrs J. B. White, black, with magenta vest, these two colours combined in the bonnet; Mrs Jefferson, drab cloth coat and skirt, white pique vest finished with Cretan red ribbon, the same coloured ribbon on a gem hat; Mrs Kempthorne, black; Miss Kempthorne, grey skirt, pink blouse, white hat; Mrs Jones, black skirt, crimson and black mixed blouse edged with crimson passementerie, bonnet with pink shaded to crimson carnations; Miss Jones, Erin green cashmere with satin waistband; Mrs Leo Myers,a harmony in buff-slate and pink; Mrs Tewsley, black, green and black silk vest, ma-genta-tipped bonnet; Mrs Bloomfield, a mixed broche silk, with varying tones of crimson, brown, and bronzegreen, black jet and lace-winged bonnet; Miss Rattray, black cashmere, trimmed with silk and jet, toque of brown shades; Miss Cooper, black; Mrs King, two shades of grey, black hat; Mrs Moritzon, speckly green costume, pretty hat with a good deal of veil; Mrs Reed, black skirt, grey blouse, white hat; Mrs John May, black silk, jet and lace trimmings, black hat with tulle and Recamier flow’ers; Mrs Hazlett, spring costume, I think, of grey; Mrs Hoskings, aluminium grey with passementerie, black jet bonnet; Mrs Fenwick, black, black and white striped bodice, jet bonnet, salmon pink roses; Miss Hilda Wells, black velveteen, straw hat; Miss Philips, grey dress, black hat; Miss Hoskings, brown velveteen, brown felt hat with feather; Mrs W. Cruickshank, blaek figured dress, with white under blaek insertion finishings, black and white bonnet; Miss Biss, dark skirt and coat, white hat; Mrs W. Rattray, dark dress, black hat with coloured flowers and lace, etc., etc. Amongst the many gentlemen 1 noticed Messrs Thompson, Conolly, Rees George, Stitchbury, Aicken, Thorne, Gittos, etc. If any ladies’ names are omitted from the tea, I can only plead that information was not as plentiful as refreshments. PONSONBY AT-HOME. The last dance of the 1897 season of the popular Ponsonby At-Homes took place on Friday evening, and was attended by a larger company than usual, between 60 and 70 partners answering to the call for the opening dance. The Committee had taken even more trouble than usual in their preparations, and Mr Norman Baker, to whom a special meed of praise is due for the manner he has discharged the onerous duty of Secretary during the present season, was most assiduous in his attention to the large company. ‘Powder and patches’ with fancy dress is the rule for this closing function, and the ladies had conformed to the custom with martyrlike zeal. Some people are not great admirers of this form of adornment, however dear it may have been to the hearts of our great-grandmothers. On a warm evening the powder is apt to be changed into streaks or little muddy rivulets, and the materials usually employed for fancy dress (unless at a great ball, when extravagance may be justifiable), are not always of a very substantial nature. However, the Ponsonby ladies did the best that was possible, and their originality displayed itself in the various costumes, which showed no little ingenuity and taste in their make-up. The supper table was prettily decorated with Nil green silk and vases of hawthorn and arum lilies. Dancing was prolonged by extras till close on 3 o’clock, when the company dispersed, tired, but regretful that another seven

months must elapse before they will have an opportunity of enjoying another similar reunion. Before separating, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and ‘God Save the Queen’ were sung with great enthusiasm. Mrs Devore, Spanish lady; Mrs Dufaur, pink satin, large black velvet hat with white plumes; Mrs J. R. Hanna looked exceedingly well in yellow satin brocade with black lace applique on skirt and bodice; Mrs Upton, rich black silk gown finished with jet; Mrs Littler, pretty Nil green brocade satin gown; Mrs Collins was very graceful in a lovely white satin gown en traine, low corsage adorned with pearl garniture and lace; Mrs Ralph, black gown, heliotrope silk sleeves, cluster of violet flowers on bodice; Miss Dunnett was distingue in heliotrope satin, brocaded with a design of large white poppies and marguerites; Miss Devore proved a very charming mandolin girl in white dress with vivid red hat, zouave and sash; Mrs W. Morpeth looked dainty in her bridal gown of white silk, chiffon berthe caught with knots of flowers; Mrs Goodwin wore a combination of black and yellow silk; Mrs C. J. Owen, Empire gown of pink mousseline de soie, clusters of pink roses caught in short bodice; Miss Masefield was much ad mired as a Grecian lady in pink with silver bands; Mrs Hitchcock, black silk, white satin epaulettes; Miss Hooper, cream, with spangled net over sleeves; Mrs Crawshaw,emerald green velvet gown; Miss Aitken (Westland) looked charming in pink satin, square cut corsage outlined with jet, accordian pleated chiffon surmounted the sleeves; Miss Thomas made a bewitching representative of America in : gown of Stars and Stripes; Miss Rathbone, Carmen; Miss Laird made an attractive Elsie (‘Yeoman of the Guard') in black with many-coloured ribbons; Miss Tueker looked pretty as Marguerite with many dusters and trails of that modest flower on her hat and frock; Miss Hickson; Miss Jaggar, white; Miss M. Peacock, yellow silk, gloire de dijon roses nestling on berthe; Miss E. Holland, fancy dress of white, large black velvet hat; Miss Percival made a fascinating Carmen; Miss Kennedy, pink lustre, white chiffon fichu, powder and patches; Miss Butters, rose pink erepon, satin sleeves and long ends; Miss Langs ford, cream silk, sere-leaf green silk sleeves; Mis Lelia Langsford made a pretty gipsy ueen in black velvet dress, scarlet .ouave with profusion of sequins; Mbs Kelsher, pink erepon finished with chiffon; Miss Caldwell, yellow gown; Miss Goodwin, white lady,dressed all in white; Miss Winnie Goodwin made a graceful Duchess of Devonshire in black velvet; Miss Vaile was dainty in white silk finished with chiffon and pale pink silk sleeves; Miss Upton, yellow silk, sunray chiffon on low corsage; Miss Atkinson, yellow silk with touches of red; Miss May Whitelaw looked eharming in white silk, white lace falling from low bodice; Miss Boyd, pink erepon, clusters of deep red roses on shoulders: Miss Morri n made a sweet peasant girl in white skirt and floral paniers; Miss Raynes’ Record Reign was one of the richest and most original fancy costumes in the room: white satin skirt with red satin stripes, blue satin apron and revers with V.R. and 18371897; Miss Stephenson, Yvonne; Miss F. Hart made a bright tambourine girl in white with scarlet sash and zouave; Miss Hemus, Queen Victoria. 1837; Miss Martin, white silk; Miss O’Mera, red, white, and blue; Miss Cardno; Miss Berry, Duchess of Devonshire; Miss A. Berry made an interesting representative of th< ‘Queen’s Navee;’ Miss Campbell, ‘My Sweetheart;’ Miss M. Campbell, tambourine girl; Miss Merritt, rose pink silk; Miss K. Merritt, white silk trimmed wnth Maltese lace; Miss Preece, roseate erepon and white lace; Miss F. Preece; Miss Bell, Swiss peasant girl; Miss B. Bell, Court lady in yellow silk; Miss Haven, pink; Miss Trendell. Grecian lady; Miss K. Morpeth, Bluebell; Miss Hill, pink with silver.

Among the gentlemen were Dr. Parkes. Messrs Dufaur, Hanna. Hatton, Collins, Littler, Jackson Palmer, De Montalk, Baker. Owen, Langsford, Lawrie, Hewitt, Vaile (2), Hooper, James, Airey, Johnston, V. Masefield, Mnrriner, Philips, Wilson-Smith, Wylde-Blood. Caldwell. Hemus. Ralph, Shortt. Fleming, Upton, Gwynne, Peacock (2), Holland, Morpeth. Thomson (2). Dawson. Haven, Jourdnine. Cruickshank. Paterson, Cardno, C. Hay, Simpson, Harrison, etc., etc.

One of the PLEASANTEST DANCES of the season was given by Mrs Hope Lewis in her charming house, Karangahape Road, lust Wednesday evening, the night being just delightful for amusements of this kind. The floor of the ballroom and the music were just perfection. Our admirable hostess had so arranged that ladies and gentlemen were about equal, if anything the gentlemen were in the majority, which saves the useless adornment of wallflowers, which is often in Auckland such a painful sight. Dr. and Mrs Hope Lewis both made ideal host and hostess, introducing the guests, etc., and attending to their comfort in aeharmng manner that was very much appreciated. A pavilion at the back of the house beautifully decorated with ferns and cabbage trees and enclosed with flags, had seats arranged for sitters out. This ‘happy thought’ was in much request. Here claret cup with cakes and other light refreshments were dispensed during the whole evening. Other rooms were thrown open for the use of wearied dancers, one upstairs, while downstairs were the drawingroom, Dr. Lewis’ consulting room, and the verandah enclosed with canvas, so we had plenty of retreats. The supper table which was simply and sweetly decorated with yellow nasturtiums and buttercups,surrounded with the usual dainty and tasty things one receives at a good house. I do not think I shall be able to give you a brilliant description of gowns, as I was having such a good time myself that I had not any spare moments to note my neighbours’ frocks. The honours of belle must be divided between Miss Brabant and Miss Kathleen Thompson. They were both looking very well. Mrs’ Hope Lewis, pale blue striped moire; Mrs Robert Rose, white brocaded silk; Miss Eva Eirth, pink silk, finished with cream lace and pink roses; Mrs Mercer, combination of blaek and white; Miss Devereux, white silk; Mrs W. Bloomfield, white brocaded silk with bands of silver passementerie; Mrs Alfred Nathan looked well in white silk, with diamond necklet; Miss Ware, eau de Nil shimmering, with pink roses; Miss Pierce, green gown, and her sister. I think, wore blue; Mrs Challinor Purchas, black lace costume relieved with white; Miss J. Reeve, blue gown with black insertion; Miss Fenton, pink silk; Miss -— Fenton, blue costume. I think; Miss Brabant, pale canary costume, which suited the wearer admirably; Miss Stevenson, blue silk; Miss Minitt, canary brocade; Miss Churton black; Miss Gillies, white; Miss Wilkins, black; Miss Constance Wilkins, white silk with black velvet bands; Miss M. Thompson, blaek, and her sister, white; Mrs Buddle, I think wore a canary costume; Miss Kerr Taylor, white; Mrs Greenway; Miss Beatrice Bull, blue with pink roses; Miss K. Isaacs, blue; Drs. Parkes, Purehas, Pabst, Prof. Egerton, Messrs Philson, Fielding, Fenwick. Anderson, Chambers, W. Bloomfield. Mercer. Buddle. Gordon, Rose, Fenton (2), Ridings, Lawford, Alfred Nathan, Gillies, Daveney, etc. Miss Walker, of Green Hills, Ellerslie, gave a very large GIRLS’ AFTERNOON TEA last Saturday as a farewell, as on the 27th of this month she will be quietly married by the Rev. W. E. Gillam, at Christ Chureh, Ellerslie, to Mr McCallum. If the weather had been made to order it could not have been better. The gowns worn by the guests were a delightful mixture of spring and summer, while the trimming of the hats was noted for brilliancy of colouring. On arrival we were received by Miss Walker and her mother in their usual courteous manner. We first made a tour of inspection of all the lovely presents, laid out in a small ante-room, in which, of course, all the guests were very much interested.

A most tempting and tasty afternoon’s refreshments we found spread in the large dining-room of trifles, jellies, cakes, sweets, etc. The table decorations of purple crinkley paper, relieved with vases of purple flowers and Banksia roses, was quite a novelty in colouring and a work of art, being the handiwork of our little hostess, and which brought forth many expressions of admiration. The Italian band discoursed sweet strains during the first part of the day in the hall, and the latter part on the lawn, where the guests wandered a<l lib, listening to the entrancing music

or admiring the pretty flowers round the garden. The cynosure of every eye was the arch at the entrance door, covered with a beautiful and rare pinkey eream rose creeper in full blossom, which made many break the tenth commandment. Miss Tilly’s rich contralto voice was heard to much advantage, as it floated over the lawn, stopping the girls' gay chatter, and they immediately clustered round the window. Other songs by Misses Maliel and Kate Hay, Dolly Walker, and Edna Bell, were also very much appreciated. Amongst those present 1 noticed. Rev. W. E. Gillam. Mr R. Walker; Miss Gypsy Walker looked very pretty in white pique skirt, primrose taffeta silk blouse, finished with cream lace, latest style of white sailor hat; Miss Dolly Walker, green serge trimmed with velvet; the two youngest daughters looked dainty in pink muslins, finished with white lace; Mrs Walker, rich blaek mirror silk, relieved with black lace; Mrs Barter, electrique blue, with ecru lace; Miss Wylde-Brown, dark skirt, pink silk blouse, blaek hat, with shaded pink roses ; Miss A. WyldeBrown, white pique skirt, striking spring green silk blouse, finished with chiffon; Miss Reay, dark skirt, striped blaek and white silk blouse, large blaek hat. with feathers; Miss McCallum. fawn tweed, with yoke and sleeves of lighter shade, eape sleeves; Mrs Forbes, dark skirt, pink blouse; Miss Cashel (Sydney), blaek and white striped zephyr, blaek hat; Miss Cawkwell, dark skirt, light blouse: Miss Johnson, absinthe green flowered silk, hat with blue convolvulus ; Miss Nolan, dark costume; Miss Mitchelson. dark green costume; Miss Leece, shaded grey costume; Miss Hickson, navy; Miss Edna Bell, black; Miss Bailey, black; Miss Taylor, black: Miss Hesketh, dark grey skirt and coat style; and her sister, black skirt and satin blouse: white point lace, white sailor hat; Miss Elliot, black, with vest of pink and black chiffon; Miss Martin, grey check; Miss Morrin, riding habit; Misses Kerr-Taylor, white flannelettes; Miss Worsp, brown tailor-made costume; Miss D. Worsp, crushed strawberry lustre, trimmed with green; Miss Cotter, fawn tailor-made gown, with variegated chiffon tie, a Sydney hat of brown straw, relieved with rose pink ribbons; Miss Tilly, chocolate silk; Miss Pittar, navy; Miss Hay, pale, blue flowered taffeta silk, trimmed with green velvet, toque, with flowers; Miss Kate Hay, violet serge, with laee applique, large hat, with floral decorations. 1 have only been able to mention half who were present, as 1 did not know the names of the rest. Mrs Andrew Hanna, of Remuera, gave a small but very enjoyable DANCE on Friday evening last. Dancing was kept up with great spirit until about 12.30. A very recherche supper was laid out in the dining-room. The table decorations were very pretty and consisted chiefly of nasturtiums and grasses, with a high standing lamp in the centre of the table. Mrs Hanna wore a pretty grey satin blouse with a black satin skirt; Miss Jackson, pale blue blouse, black skirt; Miss Rose Jackson looked well in pink; Miss C. Jackson, white; Miss Cotter, pale yellow silk; Miss W. Cotter, cream; Misses Morrin (2) both wore white silk frocks; Miss M. Dargaville, white; Miss D. Hay, blue; Miss Ruddock, pretty flowered silk; Misses Gorrie (2) white silks; Misses MacFarlane (2), one in white and the other in blue; Miss Fenwick, white, etc., Messrs Hanna, Cotter, Tonks, Dargaville, Morrin (3), Tilly, Ware, Fenwick, Pritt, Whewell, Waymouth, Ruddock, Devereux, Nolan, etc., were some of the gentlemen present The REMUERA BOWLING GREEN was opened on Saturday afternoon last. There was a large number of bowlers present, also a large number of ladies. Mesdanies Dowell, Hardie, Finlayson, and Bodie entertained the visitors to a very’ sumptuous afternoon tea. The Italian band was in attendance and gave some very pretty selections during the afternoon. Amongst the ladies present were: — Mrs Beatty, green tweed costume; Mrs Hardie, handsome black satin; Mrs Williams, black; Mrs Pritt, blaek serge, large black hat; Mrs Heywood, black silk; Miss Heywood, grey costume; Mrs Finlayson, heliotrope; Mrs Jus. Russell, brown; the Misses Russell were similarly attired in fawn costumes; Mrs R. Bodie, pale blue

blouse, black skirt; Mrs F. Bodie, brown relieved with blue; Miss Stevenson, navy serge costume; Mrs Bold, black silk; Mrs R. Rose, grey tweed; Mrs MacMillan, handsome shot silk; Misses MacMillan, one in pink and one in blue; Miss Pickmere. fawn; Mrs Hay, black silk; Miss N. Hay, navy costume; Mrs Foster, green; Miss W. Cotter looked very stylish in a green cloth costume, sailor hat; Miss Carr, grey; Miss Cochrane, green, hat to match; Mrs Brown, handsome green silk, black bonnet relieved with white: Mrs Shera, navy; Miss Lennox, navy serge, black sailor hat; Miss Hardie looked well in a simple print dress, white sailor hat; Mrs Carr, electric blue cloth trimmed with fur; Mrs Payton. brown silk; Mrs Gamble, black; Mrs N. Gamble, blue blouse, black skirt; Mrs Ranson, blue serge; Mrs Cotter looked handsome in stylish mourning costume; Mrs Ching, stylish blue and white costume; Miss Ching, navy serge: and a large number of others whose names I did not know. I paid a flying call at the combined studio of Signor Nerli and Mr Douglas Perrett, who have issued invitations to visit their artistic premises from Monday to Thursday this week. Some of the pictures are very pretty, including paiutings and studies by pupils. several of which are extremely good. Signor Nerli has l>een happy in his figure painting, his pictures being chiefly heads, one of Miss Ireland and one of Miss Jessie Reid being very good. Mr Douglas Perrett is exhibiting pretty pastels, also a charming oil painting near Dunedin, with sundry other pictures. Mrs Osmond's FANCY DRESS BALL for her adult pupils on Tuesday night was a great success. The hall was beautifully hung with flags, Japanese fans, etc. The march, which was led by Miss Connolly and Mr R. Bach, was very well done and looked extremely pretty, the costumes being very varied and lovely. Some fancy dances were gone through during the evening, the French cotillion being especially admired. The supper, which was an excellent one. of every variety of jellies, trifles, cakes, etc., was much appreciated. The tables were prettily decorated with the Jubilee colours. red. white, and blue, Burke's band supplied excellent music. Mrs Osmond looked well in a black net dress trimmed with moonlight beads: Mrs Calder. powder and patches, a charming blue brocaded and pale pink silk, with diamond ornaments: Mrs Connolly wore a blue shot silk dress: Mrs Hanna, black satin trimmed with pink brocaded silk: Mrs Rainey, grey silk with sequin trimmings; Mrs Carder, a delightful combination of black and grey silk: Mrs E. Bedford, powder and patches, a nice black silk with a cream lace fichu; Mrs Bach wore brown satin: Mrs Raynes, a handsome black silk: Mrs Stitchbury. black lace and silk: Mrs Gillett, black satin: Mrs Bell, black lace: Miss Harrison, grey silk: Miss Osmond, a modern Lady Teazle: Miss Connolly made a delightful Carmen: Miss M. Raynes. evening star, a white satin covered with silver stars: Miss Odium looked very well as Tessa: Miss Cartier, gay as harvest: Miss L. Williams, sweet Juliet: Miss J. Yates. Nancy Lee: Miss Hanna, a gipsy countess, a lovely black velvet, red brocaded silk: Miss Raynes. cream, bordered with gold, Grecian lady: Miss L. Baker, dark blue satin skirt, white blouse, as Tessa: Miss Rainey looked well as red white and blue: Miss Stitchbury made a graceful Duchess of Devonshire: Miss I. Vousden made a splendid Samoan princess: Miss E. Hanna. French belle: Miss A. Brigham, a picture after Sir Joshua Reynolds: Miss Oswald, yachting costume: Miss A. Mackenzie, Christmas: Miss V. Francis, Portia: Miss Gillett, white silk with lace: Miss Williams, white lace: Miss Hudson, pale pink silk: Miss C. Bach, skirt dancer: Miss Simpson, simple white dress: Miss Campl»ell. pretty cream dress relieved with red roses: Miss T. Bach, blue with lace trimmings: Miss Stuart, cream: Miss Wilson, white lace: Miss F. Hudson, bine silk: Miss S. Campliell. green with satin sleeves; Miss Trendall. white silk with lace; Miss I. Bowring green; Miss Merritt, white silk: Miss Bach, pink crepon and silk dress: Miss Sloane, white relieved with pink roses; Miss P. G. Clare made a lovely

baby; Miss F. C. Clare looked well as sweet 17; Miss Bell, games; Miss Gilter, French officer; Miss Bowring, fortune teller; Miss M. Baker looked well as a Cachucha girl; Mr R. Bach, British admiral; Mr G. Stokes. Roman centurion; Mr C. Connolly, Dutch peasant; Mr P. Upton, tennis; Mr B. Calder, College Cadet; Mr B. Rainey sailor; Mr Skeates. gondolier; Mr Booth, midshipman: Mr W. Haven, a Frenchman; Mr G. Rainey, yachting costume; Mr J. Caldwell, tennis; Mr B. Osmond, Spanish hildago: Mr W. Macindoe, cricketer: Mr Leyland, tennis; Mr Montgomery, officer: Messrs Stephenson (2), Allen, A. M. Paterson. Arey, Finch, Johnson. Rylance (2) Madill. Gilbert. J. Mackenzie. Dye, V. Masefield, B. Haven, Baker, Povey, Sands. Oswald, etc., etc. A brilliant and very enjoyable function took place at the beautiful seaside residence of Mrs Ralph. Waite-mata-street. Mount St. Mary. Ponsonby. on Tuesday last. The invitations indicated •CARDS, MUSIC, AND DANCING,’ and as one who is rather weary of the monotony and sometimes rather unpleasant rivalry of progressive euche. I hail with pleasure a diversion in favour of more artistic entertainments, giving play for greater originality in their arrangement. No doubt such a programme is more troublesome to the hostess and requires a good deal of tact to carry it through effectively, but when well done, the result repays the effort. Mrs Ralph's musical evenings are always successful, and the items on the present occasion were particularly choice. The chief reee;>tion room is a very fine salon, at least 40 feet long, overlooking the sea. and opening out on a balcony from which a splendid view is obtainable of the harbour, the wharf, and shipping lights and the city spread over the uplands rising from the margin of the bay to the encircling ridge. All the rooms were illuminated with incandescent lamps, and the balcony was lit up with Chinese lanterns. The music room looked lovely draped in olive green and gold hangings. The walls were covered with pictures, panels of bevelled glass and musical objects. viz., lyres, tambourines, and wall pockets, all appropriate to a music room. The flower decorations consisted of arum lilies and pampas grasses. There were between 40 and 50 guests, who were received by the hostess in the music room. Mrs Ralph wore a black lace gown with heliotrope silk sleeves. About, half the guests, electing to play euchre, passed on to the drawing-room where six tables were ready. Here they could enjoy the musical items in the adjacent room without interruption to their games. Vocal and instrumental pieces were contributed by Mesdames Ralph and Johnston, the Misses Tole (2). Lynch (2). XVhitsted. and Darby, and Messrs Ralph and Adams. At 10 o'clock every one adjourned to supper, consisting of all kinds of light delicacies. The table decorations were sea-foam green crinkled paper, pink roses and grasses, which really looked very pretty. After supper dancing commenced with ‘My Polly' waltz, which was played by Miss Rita Tole on the piano. Mrs Ralph on the harp, and Mr Ralph on the violin. The company dispersed about midnight. after a most enjoyable evening. Mr and Mrs Devore. Mr and Mrs Collins. Mr and Mrs Cussen. Mr and Mrs C. Owen. Mr and Mrs Hanna. Miss Devore. Mrs Crawshaw. Mrs Johnson. Mrs Bedford. Misses Langsford (2). Misses Tole (3). Mrs McCabe and son. Miss McCabe. Misses Lynch (2). Misses Darby (2). Mr Darby. Mr Baker. Mr Philips. Miss Philips. Messrs Marriner Thomson. Shera. Smales. Carrigan. Lewis. Misses Hobbs. Matthews. Carrigan. Staunton. Lewis. Mrs Owen and Mr Owen. On the following evening (Wednesday) Mrs Ralph entertained a large and merry company of JUVENILES at a dance at which the excellent rule of an early start and seasonable close were observed. Dancing began at 7.30 and was kept up with spirit till II p.m.. with an interval for supper at half-past nine. Besides the usual dances, the minuet and cachucha were very prettily performed. The large ball-room afforded abundant space for the dances, and the children evidently spent a very happy time. Among the young people present were: — Misses Devore (2), Hanna. Hickson

(2). Margaret Tole. Eileen Tole. Nelly Tole, Margaretta Tole, Crawshaw (2), Cussen (3), Harris (2), Lynch, Carrigan, Hilda Johnson, Masters T. Devore. Hanna (2), Jack Tole, Haven, Bedford (2), Carrigan, Johnston. OPERA HOUSE DRESSES. All the ladies at the Opera House on Monday night were enthusiastic in their admiration of Miss Alma Stanley's exquisite gowns worn in ‘My Friend from India.’ Her first costume was the early Victorian style, a black gown with several net flounces on skirt to meet a wide design of white lace applique, and the usual poke bonnet trimmed with pink ribbons, such as our grandmothers used to wear. In the second act Miss Stanley wore a lovely heliotrope silk gown with a brocaded design of butterflies on the skirt, frosted with spangles, bolero bodice of orchid mauve velvet, black ceinture, a very stylish white lace hat profusely trimmed with roses of the same colour resting on her hair, and erect clusters at the back. She looked lovely in her third gown which was white silk spangled all over with a. quaint design in silver sequins, which certainly set off her graceful figure. Her jewellery consisted of a magnificent coronet of diamonds and diamond necklace and bracelets. The handsome mantle worn with this elegant dress, was of heliotrope silk brocaded with white flowers. Among the audience I noted:—Mrs (Dr.) King, cream chine silk with touches of apple green silk; Mrs W. Bloomfield, black brocade and soft black net; Mrs Thorne George, black, covered with sequin net: Miss Ida Thorne George, white silk skirt, pink satin corsage profusely trimmed with cream Maltese lace, posies of violets; Mrs Blair, green silk, trimmed with narrow black lace: Miss Cheesman. black satin, ecru lace bolero, and round low corsage: Mrs Hope Lewis, black evening dress; Mrs Rainger (nee Miss Brett), white silk; Mrs Porter, vieux rose silk theatre blouse, dark skirt-: Miss Porter, soft white frock: Mrs Houghton, velvet gown trimmed with ecru lace; Miss Earl, pink silk with white lace deftly arranged on bodice; Mrs Mercer, white silk, black velvet, sleeves; Mrs A. P. Wilson, grey Ottoman silk. white lace fichu; Mrs Recnagel. pink and black stripe silk blouse, dark skirt: Mrs Walnutt. pink silk blouse: Miss Langsford, pink silk: Mrs Hansen, pink silk veiled with black net: Mrs Buddle, combination of yellow and black: Mrs Tewsley in pink silk, etc., etc. What was a genuine SURPRISE PARTY took place on Thursday night, the surprised ones being Mr and Mrs A. H. White, of Epsom. The secret had been well kept till within an hour or so of the arrival of the guests, when Mr and Mrs White were informed of the honour which awaited them. The originators were Miss Little and Miss Otway, and the idea was well taken up by about 30 people. The evening was devoted to progressive euehre. seven tables being arranged for this fascinating game. A very enjoyable time was spent: the prizes and supper were very good, and the merry party dispersed in excellent spirits. A nice account of the girls’ tea at the Grammar School reached me after we had gone to print last week, so I insert it to-day. hoping that all correspondents will remember that news must be sent in by noon on Monday. The present girls of the school gave an afternoon tea to former pupils of the girls' side. The large hall of the school was transformed into a draw-ing-room by means of draperies, ferns, and bowls of flowers, all charmingly arranged, while the forms were replaced by chairs placed in sociable groups. The piano was on a raised stand near the centre of the hall, and musical items were renderd during the afternoon: piano solos by Misses Myers and Anderson, songs by Misses Armstrong. Dudley. Aickin. Adams, and Pickmere. an instrumental trio by Misses Myers. Trevithick, and Rice, and a mandolin solo by Miss H. Fountain. The tea was served in one of the class-rooms, and the decorations of the tables, which were entirely the work of the girls, were much admird. There were five tables, each with its own colour, the most noticeable being the centre one. a study in reds. That decorated with lilac also deserves notice, as well as one with tall glasses

of cream roses and small bowls of yellow and purple pansies. Nearly two hundred ‘old girls' were present during the afternoon, all pleased to renew old friendships with each other and the masters and mistresses of the school.

PHYLLIS BROUNE.