AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XXI, 13 November 1897, Page 660

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, November 8. The weather has been the cause of ceaseless growls this week. On Tuesday we were nearly suffocated witli the sudden heat and heavy clouds, and hastily rushed into print. By the end of the week we were glad to put on our despised woollens, and even furs. Saturday’ morning looked most’ 1 unpromising for the openings of the various lawn-tennis grounds ; but despite the heavy rain in the morning, the afternoon, though cold, was fine enough to admit of the usual formal ceremonies. At Ferndale, Mount Albert, the lawns were in excellent order, and many players and visitors gathered to admire the flowers, enjoy Mrs Garlick’s most delicious afternoon tea, and play or criticise those who were engaged in the quieter game of bowls or more active tennis. The courteous secretary, Mr Sydney Harbutt, had sent out many invitations, and from fifty to eighty people were present, a large number considering the various other attractions and the weather. Mrs Garlick, black, lace cap relieved with lilac velvet ; Misses Garlick, navy skirts, blue silk blouses; Mrs Jack Garlick, dark blue, with passementerie trimming, white hat ; Miss Larkins, n summer mixture of lilac and green, with green silk trimming, Alpine straw hat : Mrs Sellers,

black serge, braided, black tulle bonnet, with yellow and orange shaded flowers ; Mrs Isemonger, dark eostupie, white hat and veil ; Mrs Batkin, black, the bolero bodice opening over white brocaded silk, black hat, with fancy silver trimming ; Mrs Woodroffe, white pique tennis costume, with narrow blue stripe, white pique collar, white straw hat ; Mrs Wilding, brown velvet, black tulle and feathered hat ; Mrs McLean, tweed costume, brown toque, with figured coloured ribbon bows ; Mrs Tichborne, blaek, bonnet relieved with rose pink ribbon ; Mrs Rattray, tweed ; Miss Spragg, navy bine skirt, blue striped blouse, white hat ; Miss Mildred Spragg, canary blouse, spotted with black, black skirt, white hat; Miss Bailey, mixed brown costume, with figured orange ribbon throatlet, brown hat ; Miss Stevenson, stamped velvet blouse, with yellow chiffon frills, black skirt, brown hat ; Miss —■ Phillips, black skirt, blue striped blouse, black hat ; Miss Stewart, red and blaek mixed dress, black straw hat ; Miss King, black skirt, blue striped blouse, black hat ; Miss Batkin, primrose frock and hat, the former with lace and frilled bodice ; Miss Ethel Dixon, light blouse, dark skirt ; Miss Florrie Dixon, tussore blouse, brown skirt ; both wore straw hats ; Miss Priestley, dark navy costume, white vest, black hat ; Miss Maude Sellers, dark skirt, light blouse ; Miss E. Watts (Arch Hill), black skirt, black and white blouse ; Miss Brookes, fawn checked dress, white hat ; Miss Mabel Douglas (Ponsonby), pink striped frock ; Miss Ashton, grey crepon frock, white silk front, white hat ; Miss Cairns, primrose blouse, dark skirt, light hat ; Miss Leila Wilks, black and white check skirt, light blouse, white hat ; The Auckland COLLEGE AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL SPORTS were held last Tuesday in the Domain and were a pronounced success, despite the unpleasant weather. Afternoon tea was provided by the Grammar School girls, in a marquee erected for the occasion which the teachers, Misses Wallace, Blades, and Pieken, superintended, while many of the girls, with pretty politeness, flitted in and out amongst their numerous guests, bearing baskets of rich and dainty cakes and trays full of the ever-refreshing cups of tea, to which we all, 1 am sure, did ample justice. The ground was very heavy with the rain that fell during the afternoon, so that the lady visitors had almost to wade through mud to get to the pavilion. Impey’s Band contributed popular airs with their well-known proficiency. Mr Tibbs, the head master, was present throughout the day, .and did all in his power to promote the pleasure of the guests by giving programmes of the events and other little attentions which were much appreciated. The success of the sports was due to the untiring efforts of Mr J. Turner (hon. secretary), Mr Harrison (the starter), and the Boys’ Committee. Messrs Denniston, Devore, George, Trevithick, Morrell, Marshall, and McCullough were the judges Timekeepers: Messrs Hight, Mahon, and Professor Carrollo. Referee —Mr Sloman. Amongst the various guests I noticed the following, many of course were gowned in dark winter costumes: —Miss Blades, dark skirt, striped blouse, sailor hat; Miss Wallace, brown lustre, sailor hat; Miss Morrison, black costume; Miss Pieken, brown; Mrs Harrison, navy serge with silver passementerie; Mrs Williamson, dark skirt and coat, white vest Mrs Hay, dark skirt, blaek and white striped silk blouse edged with lace, black tulle, bonnet with yellow flowers; Mrs L. D. Nathan, Sultan red gown relieved with blaek. topue en suite; Miss Nathan, English tailormade gown; Mrs Hope Lewis, fawn tailor-made costume, bonnet with pink roses; Mrs Buddle, beige costume: Mrs Duthie, navy serge; Miss Constance Wilkins, black costume with pink bodice, veiled in black net. hat with dash of pink; Mrs Arthur Nathan black costume with dash of pink in hat; Miss Nathan, navy serge, sailor hat; Mrs Watkins, black: Miss Watkins. nnvy serge, white vest; Miss Thompson, navy serge; and her little sister, navy; Mrs Shnrlnnd, stylish grey check; Mrs Pierce, black costume bonnet, with heliotrope; Mrs .1. K. Davis, grey tailor-made trimmed with shaded heliotrope chiffon; Mrs Rice, black; Miss Stella Rice; Miss Brabant, navy; Mrs (Dr.) King, brown coat:

Miss Biss, navy; Miss Myers, fawn tailor-made gown, and her sister dark skirt, light blouse; Miss Sloman, pale green costume, white sailor hat; Miss Ball, navy; Miss Denniston, navy serge skirt, blue blouse; Miss Edith Smith, dark skirt, canary blouse; Miss — Lusk, navy; Miss Carr, navy; Miss Nolan, brown; Miss Cuff, navy; Misses Ring (2); Mrs Mowbray; Miss Morrow; Miss Hull; Mrs Blair, green costume with pink flower in hat; Miss Shepherd, celery green coat and skirt Miss Thorpe, navy serge: Mrs Frank Hull, dark skirt and light blouse;Mrsßeid,black; Miss Kensington black; Miss Philips, grey coat and skirt; Miss Stella Alexander, fawn tailor-made gown; Mrs Stone, brown, etc., etc. A GARDEN PARTY AT TARA. Mr and Mrs Kirker issued a number of invitations for the opening of the beautiful bowling and tennis lawns attached to their residence, Tara. Wallace-street, Ponsonby. The bowlers who attended the last interprovincial competition held in Auckland, pronounced this private ground the truest, and keenest in the city, and one of the finest in the colony. It has in no way deteriorated, the turf this season being in splendid condition. The invitations were chiefly sent to the older members of the several Auckland clubs, and despite the adverse weather, which did not promise well for out door games, there was a large and representative muster. Afternoon tea, with refreshments of a more stimulating character for those who preferred them, was spread in the. pavilion, which also afforded good shelter from the showers of rain which fell at intervals. The host and hostess were, most assiduous in their attentions to their guests, and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Mr Thomson, on behalf of the visitors, returned thanks for the pleasant entertainment which had been afforded them, and hoped that many enjoyable games would be played upon that beautiful green. Among the ladies present were: — Mrs and Miss Hardie, Mrs Peacock, Miss Margaret Peacock, Mrs and Miss Upton, Mrs Wolcott, Mrs Winks, Misses Winks (2), Miss Lawson, Mrs and Miss Russell, Mrs Hart, Mrs Coleman, Mrs Myers, Mrs Ross, Mrs Hudson, Misses Hudson (3), Mrs J. Court, Mrs Carrick, Mrs Furby, Miss Dobson, Miss Kelsher, etc., etc. The Auckland Choral Society gave its fifth concert of the season on Monday last. The programme included Mendelssohn’s ‘Hymn of Praise' and Spohr's ‘God, Thou Art Great.’ A chorus of 111 voices, with Mrs I,awry. Miss Gilfillan, Mrs Coates and Mr Martin as soloists, and a strong orchestra interpreted the two pieces. There were unquestionably weaknesses in the rendering of the ‘Hymn of Praise,’ due evidently to insufficient practice, but on the whole the work was well received by the audience. The best performances of the chorus were the passages beginning- ‘Ye Nations Offer to the Lord’ and ‘Let All Men Praise the Lord.’ The second part of the concert was devoted to Spohr’s work. Here the chorus was decidedly at its best, and the duet ‘Children, Pray This Love to Cherish,’ sung by Mrs Coates and MiMartin, and the quartette. ‘Walk Ye in Hundred Thousands,’ in which the singers were Mesdames Lawry, Coates and Messrs Martin and Ryan, were particularly appreciated. Dr. Cox led the orchestra and Professor Carl Schmitt conducted. The EDEN AND EPSOM LAWN TENNIS AND CROQUET CLUB opened their season with a large AtHotrih last Saturday. The shady trees surrounding the lawns, and the distance from the bustle and noise of town, make these lawns a popular and charming retreat, and the energetic committee do their best to make their guests feel at home, consequently these especial days are always looked forward to. The Italian string band played their usual delightful, dreamy music, which takes one so far away into dreamland. We did admire the six tennis and two croquet lawns, which were in capital order and always full of busy players. They represented one of the most picturesque and animated scenes one could wish to look upon. The stand has been extended to the whole length of the lawns, so that sitting accommodation can be had for those interested in croquet as well ns tennis. The pavilion or ten-room was beautifully deeo-

rated by the ladies' committee with greenery, arum lilies and pink ivy geraniums. The entrance arch was also tastefully decorated and hung with flags. The table decorations were exquisite, consisting of blue crinkly paper with vases of white daisies, surrounded with fruit and cakes, etc.; pale azure blue curtains draped the walls. Mr Hall, the hon. see., was most assiduous in his atttentions to the numerous visitors, ami they felt his kindness. Amongst those present Mrs Udy, black lustre; Miss Udy, brown; Miss Maier, peacock blue flecked with black fancy doth; Mrs Peel, navy serge, with blue let in the neck .white sailor hat; Mrs Hall, black costume, black bonnet relieved with heliotrope flowers; Miss Hall, dark skirt, light blouse; Mrs Heather, verystylish black costume, with canaryvest, black bonnet with yellow roses; Mrs Mclntosh, navy; Mrs Clayforth. striking grey tweed with cardinal linings, grey bonnet with cardinal velvet trimmings; Miss Paton, peacock blue flecked with black, white sailor hat; and her sister wore black; Mrs Dawson (Mount Roskill), fawn tailor-made gown, blue vest, sailor hat: Miss Haigh looked well in a greygown made with Norfolk jacket, sailor hat; Misses Pollan wore brown ami black respectively; Miss Rosa Bull, dark skirt, light blouse; Miss Stewart, grey camel’s hair; Miss Mary Stewart, fawn tweed; Miss Lizzie Stewart looked well in a black cashmere, with green silk let in the neck; Miss Annie Stewart, dark skirt, pink blouse; Mrs Robert Dargaville, black mourning costume; Miss Shuttleworth, black coat and skirt, white vest; Mrs Torrance, blaek; Miss Torrance, darkskirt, light blouse; Misses Nicholson, dark skirts, light blouses; Mrs Rice, navy costume, velvet bonnet: Miss Stella Rice, dark skirt, yellow blouse: Mrs Laurie, black; Miss Laurie, brown; Mrs Ball (nee Miss Dolly Dudley) navy serge, bright butttercnp silk vest, white sailor hat; Mrs Horace Walker, black; Mrs Barnard, black costume, hat with pink roses; Mrs Oberlin Brown, black; Miss Oberlin Brown, dark skirt, light blouse; Mrs Johnstone, grey; Mrs Chapman, dark skirt, grey blouse; Miss Gorrie, dark skirt, dark green striped blouse; Miss Taylor, celery green: Misses KerrTaylor, shot costumes with white braid; Mrs Richmond, dark gown: Miss Edna Bell, black; Miss Garland, Miss Frost, Miss Clark wore dark skirts, light blouses; Misses King (2), navy serges; Miss Hooper, navy costume, pretty hat with blue forget-me-nots; and her sister wore a sultan-red gown, hat with yellow buttercups; Mrs Turner (nee Miss Reed), grey; Miss Reed, navy; Mrs Mahoney, a summery costtime of red and white striped batiste muslin girthed in with gold belt; Mrs Hudson, dark skirt, shot brown silk blouse: Miss Trevithick, dark skirt, blaek and white striped blouse, red belt and collarette, black velvet toque; Mrs Yates, dark skirt, grey check blouse, large picture hat; Miss Watkins, dark skirt, skyblue blouse; Miss Barstow, grey and blaek striped corduroy silk; Mrs (Dr.) King, dark skirt, pretty soft muslin blouse trimmed with blue, blue floral toque; and many others too numerous for me to mention. The first day of the AUCKLAND RACING CLUB’S SPRING MEETING took place last Saturday. The weather was by no means a thing of joy, as a boisterous cold wind blew in gusts, which rather unsettled one’s head-gear and frolicked with the skirts. The attendance was not as large as usual, no doubt owing to the many counter attractions. As for this Saturday, I had so many invitations, I did not know which to accept. 1 should have liked to have gone to everything, but that was impossible. The dresses worn at the races were not of a very striking character, as many had donned their winter ones. Sailor hats, with white spotted net veils were en evidence. Navy and dark green were the prevailing- colours, which became rather a weariness, as there was nothing in them to brighten up the sombreness of the day. Amongst those present I noticed Mrs Thomas Morrin, fawn costume, large hat, with large bows veiled in tulle, pink flowers ; Mrs Mercer, periwinkle blue tailor-made gown, with white braiding, white sailor hat ; Mrs Devereux, stylish combination of black ami white, bonnet with yellowflowers ; Miss Devereux was much

admired in dark skirt, pink blouse, large hat with pink flowers ; Mrs Snodgrass, very effective costume of sflot green, with blue facings, hat en suite ; Mrs Ansenne, fawn tailoi-made gown, pink vest, hat trimmed with pink ; Mrs Armitage looked well in a unique costume of blaek striped broche relieved with pink, white chiffon toque ; Mrs Dufaur, very fashionable stone grey relieved at the neck with pink silk and faw n lace : Mrs Masefield, dark costume, velvet cape ; Miss Masefield looked sweet in royal blue ; Mrs Hope Lewis, blaek and white taffeta silk, bonnet with pink roses ; Mrs Nolan. Lincoln green costume, pretty green hat profusely trimmed with violets ; Mrs Hay, black ; Miss Kate Hay. violet gown, with cream applique, hat with variegated roses ; and her sister wore green, with a similar picture hat ; Misses Kerr-Taylor, shot green costumes, with white braid ; Mrs Andrew Hanna, grey tailor-made gown ; Miss Jackson, navy ; Miss Witchell and Miss Little wore navy serges ; Miss Otway, green ; Mrs Otway, black ; Miss Bush, butcher blue, with white applique ; Miss Noakes, green : Mrs Archie Clark, navy : Misses WyldeBrown, dark skirts, light blouses ; Mrs Walker (Ellerslie), dark green; Mrs Elliot, blaek ; Miss Esme Elliot, dark skirt, blue flowered blouse, large blaek hat, with pink roses ; Mrs Masfen. fawn check, with brown military braid ; Miss Beatrice Bull, navy ; Miss McLaughlin, dark green ; Mrs Seceombe. dark brown tailor-made costume ; Mrs Ranson, elegant gown of grey, trimmed with green ; Mrs Bodie, purple costume ; Mrs (Dr.) Scott, fawn tailor-made gown ; Misses Buckland, navy serge ; Mrs Harry Tonks, navy, with black military braid ; Mrs (Capt.) Worsp, blaek ; Miss Daisy Worsp. salmon pink, trimmed with green : her sister wore a spring green ; .Mrs T. Beale, navy serge ; Mrs Hamlin, jun., black, relieved with white ; Mrs Selby, black ; Misses Atkinson, dark skirts, light blouses ; Miss Davy, dark costume ; Miss Hay- (Grafton Road), dark skirt, canary blouse, hat with yellow roses ; Miss Tanner, book green tailor-made gown, sailor hat ; Miss Dunnett. navy; Miss Percival, green : her sister. Sultan red ; Misses Dowell, dark skirts, light blouses ; Mrs Markham, Mrs Greenway, Miss Firth, wore navy; Miss Eva Firth, fawn tailor-made gown ; Miss Thomas, greeny brown ; Mrs H. Gorrie. brown : her daughters wore grey ; Miss Blanche Banks, navy ; Miss Florrie Sellers, bright green costume ; Mrs Weymouth, blaek, relieved with yellow- ; Miss Thompson, navy ; her sister, dark green ; Miss Churton, a combination of black and white; Mrs ('burton, brown tailor-made costume ; Mrs A. Carrick, navy ; Mrs Crnigh, Miss Craigh, and many others. ST. GEORGE’S BAY ROWING CLUB ‘AT HOME.' Despite the threatening state of the weather, the ‘At Home' given on Saturday by the members of the St. George’s Bay Rowing Club was largely attended, and proved a most enjoyable affair. With the exception of a slight shower, there was nothing to mar the pleasure of the afternoon, for Judge's Bay is so well sheltered that the high wind which elsewhere proved so disagreeable caused there no inconvenience whatMrs Street had kindly put at the disposal of the Club the corner of her grounds adjoining the boatsheds, and there seats had been placed for the use of the guests. Tea was served during the afternoon, and the Newton Band discoursed sweet music at intervals. Afternoon tea was liberally dispensed by members of the Club. Messrs Ted Anderson. Lawton. Phillips, Stevenson. Gordon, and Palmer ably assisted in supplying everyone with tea and cakes. Amongst the ladies present 1 noticed Mrs Barton Ireland; Miss Gertrude Ireland, who was wearing a pretty blue yachting costume faced with white: Miss J. Ireland, brown velvet, white sailor hat ; Mrs Bloomfield (sen.); Mrs Leatham, in blaek and green; Mrs Hubert Cox, blouse of can de Nil silk ; Miss Brown (Mt. Eden), charming green frock; Mrs Ware ami Miss Ware (Stadercona). the former in blaek and cream, blaek hat with large eream bows and wheat ears, the latter wearing a handsome blouse of blaek and white satin, with frills of black chiffon; Mrs Stevenson, brown moire; Mrs Ruck; Mrs Salmon,

dark costume: Miss Salmon, blouse of pink ami white, sailor hat with black velvet ami white quills; Miss Horne, tailor-made suit; Mrs Tewsley, green shot with purple, cerise hat; Mrs Tom Mulvaney, navy blue; Miss Gordon. pink, with black bands ; Mrs Gillies, black silk, pink bonnet; Miss Gillies ; Mrs Seymour George ; Miss Kissling; Mrs Burness (Kemuera), dainty pink blouse of tucked chiffon ; Miss Innes, fawn coat and skirt, hat of a delicate shade of electric blue, trimmed with black and white spotted net and riblion ; Miss Von der Hyde (Sydney), navy serge coat and skirt, crushed strawberry front and black velvet hat with roses ; Mrs Arthur Monroe, grey costume ; Miss Challis ; Miss MacLymont, blouse of chine muslin and lace ; Miss Ruth Dudley, cream drill costume, with epaulets of green ; Mrs Bamford (Kemuera) ; Miss Newland : Mrs Arnold ; Mrs Goodhue : Mrs Paton ; Miss Corbett ; Miss Banks ; Miss Eve Smith ; Mrs Lucas Bloomfield, stylish fawn jacket and skirt, scarlet blouse and pretty white sailor hat ; Mrs Harry Bloomfield looked very pretty in a pale fawn dress, trimmed with pale blue silk and lace, black straw hat relieved with pale blue : Miss Ida George, navy serge costume, sailor hat ; Miss Hesketh. pretty tartan blouse, trimmed with frills and narrow lace, dark skirt : Miss Violet Daere looked lovely in a stylish electric blue crepon blouse, over dark skirt, white sailor hat ; Mrs Jervis, becoming black serge, with fawn waistcoat ; Miss Cuff, black serge jacket and skirt, stylish black straw hat. with dark magenta roses ; Miss E. Atkinson, pretty old rose coloured blouse, trimmed with lace insertion, green skirt ; Miss M. Whitelaw looked stylish in a Nil green shower muslin blouse, black skirt ; Mrs Mueller, black, black bonnet ; Miss George (Epsom), navy ; Miss Devereux, pretty green and white blouse, trimmed with grass green ribbons, white felt hat. with green band and black tips ; Miss Ross, brown costume : Miss Hattie Brigham. electric blue : Mrs Brigham, black : Miss Dudley, pale green striped blouse, white sailor hat : Mrs MacDonald, electric blue and black striped silk, black bonnet relieved with blue ; Mrs F. W. E. Dawson, light blouse, dark skirt ; Miss Chatfield, navy : Miss Cameron, black : Miss May Cameron, cream serge blouse ; Miss Stevenson (Kemuera), navy blue flowered dress ; Miss — Stevenson, plum coloured dress : Misses McMillan. fawn costumes : Mrs Lyons, cream drill costume : her sister wore a stylish navy serge jacket and skirt, small white gem hat ; Miss Thomas, navy and white striped dress ; Miss E. Smith, heliotrope blouse, black skirt : Miss Preece, black serge ; Miss Fanny Preece, pale blue blouse ; etc. Among the gentlemen were Messrs Laing. Hogg. Lyons. George. Mac Neil. Lawford. Orbeil, Sutton, Dargaville, Tewsley. Younghusband, Anderson, Lennox, Stevenson. Quite a large crowd gathered on Friday evening at the opening of the HAGEY INSTITUTES NEW PREMISES. About -100 invitations had Iveen sent out. and I was much surprised, as there is a good deal of gaiety this week, to see that at least threefourths of them had been accepted. We spent a very pleasant evening, as the whole of the new building (Dr. Purchas* late residence in Pitt-street) was thrown open for inspection. There are twenty-two rooms, each beautifully furnished. The social hall is particularly handsome: the paper and dado are very pretty, and the new staining (pollard and maiden oak) of the doors, etc., is effective. This room holds about a hundred |*eople. The two billiard tables in the billiard-room made us quite envy the men. and the kitchens would almost reconcile one to cooking even in the hot weather. The sanitary arrangements are excellent. The dining-hall is upstairs, so that the smell of cooking does not pervade the reception-rooms. The house and spacious grounds were beautifully decorated, Chinese lanterns, also a huge Chinese umbrella, which was used as a tent, flowers, and foliage l>eing en evidence in all directions. Music. vocal and instrumental, was provided, also addresses by Mr Mellveen. President of the Social Club. Dr Wolfenden. D.D.. Mr J. P. Caulfield. and Dr Purchas, senior. Sandwiched between the items were

various refreshments, good to look at. and better to taste, provided from Mr MeEwin's best supply of such dainties. The success of this marvellous cure for alcoholism and narcotism seems assured, as, though it has only been opened six months in Auckland, close on one hundred patients have been treated and cured. There was so great a erush, and my list of frocks at other functions is so full, that I cannot give the names of any present. Mrs T. Brassey gave a charming AFTERNOON TEA at her pretty new house. Epsom. Mrs Brassey looked remarkably well in a lovely amber figured silk blouse and black skirt; Mrs Puckey. handsome black watered silk ; her daughter, black skirt with light silk blouse; Mrs James Russell, black moire antique, large white hat; Mrs Cochrane, very becoming black costume with ecru lace, bonnet covered with roses; her daughter, pretty light dress with large hat: Mrs Bodie, black skirt, black and yellow striped silk blouse; Mrs Mercer, blue; Mrs ITitt, black; Mrs Williams, black: Mrs T. Morrin, tailor-made light grey cloth costume, large black hat: Mrs Beatty, green; Mrs Hardie, very handsome black silk and laee costume, with lovely floral bonnet: Mrs Heather, dark green silk covered with black grenadine; Mrs Uice. black: Mrs Haines, purple and green costume, floral bonnet: Mrs L. D. Nathan, black with deep orange colour trimmings: Mrs F. Bodie, brown and blue, with bonnet to match: the Misses Alexander wore pretty brown costumes; Mrs Barstow, handsome black silk: Miss Barstow, black relieved with white: Mrs Richmond, black: Mrs Jackson, grey, bonnet to match: Mrs Carr, very stylish light costume: Mrs A. Nathan, black; Miss Isaacs: Mrs and Miss Buddle ; Mrs and Miss Stewart: Mrs and Miss Whewell; Mrs and Miss Smith: Mrs Aitken Carrick: Mrs and Miss Ruth: Mrs and Miss Herrold; Mrs Ware; Mrs G. Morton; Mrs Greenway, very stylish green cloth gown: Mrs Rees George: Mrs Hamlyn: Mrs Lennox: Mrs Whitney: Miss Shepherd: Mrs S. Morrin; Miss Owen; Mrs Bamford; Mrs Ching; Mrs Gamble; Mrs Ranson: Mrs Whyte: Mrs Otway: MrsWoolcott; Mrs J. B. Whyte; Mrs Kempthoroe; Mrs Brassey: Mrs Cheeseman: and many others. The rooms were all profusely decorated with flowers, roses and poppies predominating. Tea was served in the dining-room, the table being most beautifully decorated with yellow laburnum. Songs were sung during the afternoon by Mesdames Laurie. Ching. Nelson. Gamble; piano solo. Miss Cochrane. Mr and Mrs Henton. of Denholm. Mount- Eden, entertained a large number of their friends at a PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE PARTY on Friday, November sth. A delightful evening was spent. The host anti hostess, who were ably assisted by their charming daughters, left nothing undone that could add to the enjoyment of their guests. The large drawing-room looked like fairyland with the lovely flowers, brilliant lights and handsome dresses of the ladies. About 50 guests were present. Amongst the prettiest dresses, I noticed: Firstly, that of our hostess and her daughters. Mrs Henton looked stylish in a handsome black silk with buttercup blouse; Miss Henton quaintly pretty gown of myosotis blue nun’s veiling and figured silk: Miss G. Henton. charming blouse of petunia silk, lovely pearl bertha: Mrs Haslett, artistic gown of black silk and white lace: Mrs Edininston. handsome costume of dove-grey silk; Mrs T. Read, black silk and crimson: Mrs T. Cousins, becoming blouse of buttercup silk and lace; Mrs J. E. Baker looked extremely well in electric blue silk blouse; Miss Choyce. dainty gown of white silk; Miss Henderson, pretty costume of cream and pale green: Miss Ella Choyce. stylish costume of black velvet: Miss E.’Holland, becoming frock of salmon pink silk: Miss Hall (Thames), pretty blouse of seafoam green silk: Miss Westwood, handsome gown of black and crimson velvet; Miss F. Harrison, coral pink nun’s veiling and silk laee: Mrs Hall, silver grey satin, handsomely trimmed with passementerie and lace. The ladies’ prize, a handsome fern stand, was won by Mrs Haslett: gentlemen’s prize, double inkstand, by Mr F. Sanderson. The booby prizes created much fun and laughter. The ladies', a Japanese doll, was awarded to

Miss E. Holland; the gentlemen's, a comical donkey, was awarded with much merriment, to Mr T. Read. The supper was of the most recherche kind. The table decorations were most artistic, roses of every variety in profusion. The guests did full justice to the dainties, and about midnight we all bid Mr and Mrs Hentou good night, declaring the evening to be a great success. Mrs John May, who is shortly leaving Mount Albert for the Waikato, gave a pleasant little AFTERNOON TEA on Thursday, to say farewell to a few of her friends. Country cream, fairy sponge, sandwiches, and other cakes, made excellent refreshments, while friendly chat quickly whiled away the time. Our hostess wore black silk, pretty pale blue silk blouse; Mrs Hoskins, Mount Eden, black satin and lace; Mrs Motion, Western Springs Lodge, mourning dress; Miss Larkins, black crepon finished with shot silk and lace at the throat; Mrs Sellars, black costume; Mrs Reals, mourning dress; Mrs Rattray, black and white striped dress, etc. The Guild of St. Mary’s, Parnell, held a capital SALE OF WORK last week towards reducing the debt (£9O) on the church. The Parish Hall was very prettily decorated, and the sale was attractive and successful. The stall-keepers at the various stalls were properly costumed, and were as follows: Christmas tree. Mrs H. B. Morton; assistants, Mrs Munro. Misses Challis, Gillies, and Whitson, also five little flower maidens. English art, Mrs T. Kissling. with the aid of Miss Ethel Wynne, Miss Kissling. and Miss Bailey. Refreshment and produce, Mrs A. V. Macdonald assisted by Mesdames W. W. Philson and Shrewsbury, Misses Cuff. Aileen Hull. E. Kissling, Grant, and Alexander: Chinese art. Misses Horne and Ronayne; . sweets. Misses Abbott (2). Burcher.' 1 * and Hewson; pinafore stall, Harry Gilfillan, D’Arcy, and Colgrove:rJ flowers. Mrs Ruck, assisted by Mes-K dames Ward, Hugh Campbell. Leath-K am, and Misses Mowbray, G. Rosk-I ruge, and Gertrude Kempthorne. WEST END ROWING CLUB’S 1 ‘AT HOME.’ - But as 1 have said, how can one dorN airy or spring dress in an climate like ours, with one day fairlyß fine, and the next quite wintry andll cold. However, on Saturday the* opening ‘At Home’ of the season ofQ the West End Rowing Club was moreß favoured than other Saturday func-EJ tions lately. Quite a number of vis-K itors availed themselves of the Club’sK invitation. The little bay where thej rowing club has its anchorage and* pavilion was sheltered from the high > wind that, prevailed on the high roads of Ponsonby. Delicious afternoon tea was dispensed to the visitors, a number of ladies presiding over the tables which were prettily decorated. Some of the dresses I noted were: —Mrs (Dr.) Bedford, in a handsome black silk crepon gown trimmed with jet. cream silk vest, large black hat with eream bow: Mrs S. Hanna, black and white striped print, white sailor hat; Miss Devore looked stylish in black velvet skirt, eream blouse, fawn cape, blaek velvet picture hat; Miss Colley, pretty pink and white crepon, white hat, black band; Mrs Wilson Smith looked pretty in black merveilleux satin, black hat with touches of red; Miss Harrison, blue tailor-made costume. soft lace blouse; Miss Kaynes, pale blue blouse trimmed with moss green, crepon skirt, small hat: Miss Oldham, black serge tailor-made gown, red and white blouse, blaek hat: Miss Lena Owen, fawn skirt, blue and white striped blouse, white sailor hat: Mrs A. B. Reynolds, black crepon finished with jet. white hat trimmed with cream lace and ribbons;. Miss Muriel George looked charming in a heliotrope costume; Miss Nellie Graham, navy serge tailor-made white vest, white sailor hat; Miss Kennedy, navy serge, white vest under black braid, brown sailor hat; Mrs T. Mahoney. heliotrope dress; Miss Lena Butters, stylish fawn costume, floral pink silk blouse, white hat; Mrs H. Griffiths, black silk skirt, pretty blue blouse, sailor hat: Mrs C. Griffiths, blue velvet, blouse, dark skirt; Miss Kelsher looked pretty in pink floral muslin, chic white hat: Miss Edmiston blue velvet, cream jabot, black Ima. white hat; Miss Nellie Edmiston looked dainty in black serge, fur l>oa; Mrs MacArthur, dark green and

black silk trimmed with jet fringe. Aural bonnet; Mrs Morpeth, navy blue tailor - made costume, orange silk blouse, navy and white hat; Miss F. Hudson, white pongee, white sailor hat; Miss Mauel Hudson, heliotrope and white muslin; Mrs Metcalf, black serge, jet bonnet; Miss Laura Huven, pretty maize muslin blouse, black skirt, sailor hat, etc.

PHYLLIS BROUNE.