AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XXVII, 25 December 1897, Page 850

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee. December 20. The compliments of the season seems the most fitting’ commencement to my letter this week, and a very hot, dry season it seems to be. However much as we want rain for gardens and crops, for our outdoor festivities this weather is simply perfection—so long as one is simply a spectator and not a worker. But I have much to tell you and must not bask longer in the tropical heat. A most ENJOYABLE AFTERNOON TEA was given by Mrs John Roach, at her pretty residence, Avalon, St. George's Bay Road, Parnell. Mrs Roaeh received her many guests on the verandah. whence they wandered through drawing and dining rooms, balcony, and verandah, the two last-mentioned being eanvased in ami furnished like rooms. Flowers of every beautiful description were lavishly placed in all conspicuous spots. Strawberries and cream, with the choicest of cakes, accompanied by tea and sweets of every variety were handed round. Mrs Roach was ably assisted to entertain her guests by Miss O’Keefe. The table decorations were of the most exquisite description. The ground-work was a white Damask cloth, handsomely embroidered, pink and green ribbons were artistically brought diagonally from corner to corner, and the centre was relieved with specimen vases of pink ivy geraniums and greenery. Amongst those who contributed towards the musical items were: Songs by Mrs Ching, Misses Mabel and Kate Hay. Miss Kathleen Thompson, etc. Mrs John Roach wore a chic mignonette green silk, veiled in white muslin: Mrs Ching, heliotrope striped costume; Miss Geraldine Ching looked sweet in white muslin, sailor hat; Mrs Lyons was very much admired in white China silk skirt, handsomely embroidered, mauve and white striped silk crepon blouse, the stri|>es running diagonally on bodice, the epaulettes on shoulders were finished with mauve chifl’on. mauve and white chip hat en suite, trimmed profusely with mauve flowers, mauve and white strijied parasol; Miss Aubrey, white India silk finished with yellow, black hat with pink roses: Mrs Thomson (Whangarei). a combination of grey ami yellow, and her daughter, white; Mrs Boucher. dark skirt, heliotrope blouse: Mrs Pollan looked very pretty in a becoming blue muslin with white lace. smart bonnet of green straw ami trimmed

with lilac chiffon, rosettes and pink flowers; Mrs Rathbone, lemon coloured Empire gown with pink epaulettes; Mrs Gordon, grey: Miss Gordon, grey; Mrs Hay, black; Miss Hay, pretty blue muslin with narrow black velvet bands, black hat with flowers: Miss Kate Hay looked chic in a pink muslin similarly made as her sister’s; Miss Shepherd, black silk, white lace vest: Mss B. O'Keefe, dark skirt, light blouse; Mrs Percy Dufaur, fawn tailor made gown; Mrs Chambers-Taylor, black silk, with lace dolman, black bonnet with yellow roses; Miss Cham-bers-Taylor, brown tailor-made gown pink vest, yellow tie, white sailor hat; Mrs Ruck, fawn flowered costume: Mrs Lucas Bloomfield looked well in grey flowered muslin, large picture hat with flowers; Mrs Harry Bloomfield, white pique, pink vest, pink straw hat. with black chiffon; Mrs Herbert Thompson, black silk, black bonnet relieved with roses; Miss Kathleen Thompson,, light summer costume; Mrs Kerr-Taylor ami her daughters were studies in white; Miss Thomson (Parnell), pink and white striped cambric with fawn lai-e, large white hat with pink chrysanthemums: Miss Von Der Hyde (Sydney), pale pink cambric, black hat with pink flowers; Miss Prater, green striped cambric, white chip hat with pale lettuce green chiffon trimmings: Mrs Tewsley, becoming pink creponette with fawn lace, red velvet toque; Mrs McCormick, grey: Mrs Ashley Hunter, chic black and white striped gown: Mrs Leathern, dark costume with shot green sleeves: Mrs Cheeseman. black: Miss Cheeseman. very striking black skirt and zouave, white bodiee; Mrs Kilgour, black mourning costume: ami manv others. The ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES in connection with the King's College. Remuera, took place last Friday evening, when the Principal and Mrs Ashton Bruce gave a large At-Home, receiving their guests beneath an arch of ferns, lighted with fairy lamps, the centre of which was the King’s College coat of arms. Mrs Ashton Bruce wore a handsome costume of spuiee. toque en suite. The garden, the building, and lawns surrounding the College were tastefully illuminated with Chinese lanterns, the general effect being remarkably beautiful. reminding one of Jubilee night. After the distribution of prizes a Baden-Baden concert was given, which is quite a novelty in Auckland. The performers were stationed in an alcove in the balcony, where they could lie heard all over the grounds to great advantage. Eady’s orchestra band also discoursed their excellent music from this alcove. Mr F. Upfil gave a song. ‘I am goin’ to Dixie’ (with banjo accompaniment) and chorus by Mr Leslie Hunt’s male voice club. This song was the gem of the evening. Songs were also rendered by Mrs (Col.) Banks, Miss Mabel Tilly, Mr Tracey Hall, Mr Geo. Reid;' duet (vocal). Mrs Banks and Miss Mabel Tilly; duet (vocal), Messrs Geo. Reid and Tracey Hall: quartettes by Mr Leslie Hunt’s male voice elub. During the early part of the evening speeches by Rev. W. Beatty, the Principal (Mr Grahame Bruce), Mr Tewsley. and Mr Ranson were given from the beautiful fern-deeorated pavilion on the lower lawn, and then the school prizes were distributed. During the interval in the middle of the programme Mrs Dunean Clerk distributed the sports prizes from the main entrance of the house. Then refreshments were dispensed in the ball-room, the table decoration consisting of canary and ted crinkly paper with large vases of lilies and daisies, etc. It wotdd be impossible for me to give a description of dresses worn by guests, as 1 could not distinguish colour by the light of Chinese lanterns, and also among four or five hundred guests I could not recognise many by this soft light. The following is the list of those I noticed; — Rev. W. and Mrs Beattv: Major ami Mrs Banks; Mr and Mrs Bodie: Mr and Mrs Alfred Buckland, jun.; Mr and Mrs Cochrane: Mr and Mrs Cheeseman, the latter wore a black evening costume, white ermine eape; Miss Blades, black velvet costume; Mr and Mrs Charles Baker, the lady wore a mauve costume; Misses Conolly: Mr and Mrs Cooper; Mr ami Mrs Archie < lark; Mr and Mrs Matthew Chirk; Mr and Mrs Ching, the huh wearing a white China silk, tulle bonnet en suite; Miss Ching, white muslin. sailor hat; Misses Dudley; Dr. and

Mrs Dawson; Mr and Mrs Bews; Mr F. Earl; Miss Lucas; Mr Ferguson; Mrs Gamble; Mr and Mrs Ranson: Mrs and Miss Burns; Mr Mackay; Mr Bruce; Mr Mercer; Mr and Mrs Tewsley; Misses McFarlane; Mrs Tilly; Misses Tilly; Mr Tilly; Mr and Mrs Ware; Miss Ware; Mr and Mrs Robt. Rose; Mrs Bamford; Misses Thorpe; Mrs and Misses Walker (Ellerslie); Mr ami Mrs Younghusband; Mr and Mrs Gorrie; Misses Gorrie; Mr ami Mrs Windsor; Mrs Lennox; Misses Lennox; Mr Lennox; Mrs and Misses Tisdale; Misses Stevenson (Glenholin) ; Mr and Mrs Finlayson: Mr and Mrs Smallfield; Mrs Sam Morrin; Mr and Mrs R. A. Carr (Epsom), and Miss Carr; Mrs McFarlane; Mr and Mrs Winstone: Miss Bursill; Mr Coney; Mrs and Misses Gorrie; Misses Percival; Mrs and Misses Draper; Professor Talbot Tubbs; Miss Tubbs; Miami Mrs Lucky; Miss Goldsbro’; Mrs Payton; Mr and Mrs Alfred White; Miss Little; Mr and Mrs Heather; Mr and Mrs Ashley Hunter; Mrs Hitchcock; Misses Hooper; Mrs E. Hesketh: Misses Hesketh; Mrs Heywood; Misses Heywood; Mr Johnston: Mr and Misses Kensington; Mrs S. Kissling: Misses Kissling; Dr. ami Misses Erson; Mr and Mrs Morton; Mr and Mrs Marriner; Rev. H. Major; Mr Major; Mr and Mrs Mitehelson: Misses Mitchelson; Mrs Thomas Morrin; Misses Morrin; Mr and Mrs Cotter: Mr and Misses Cotter; Mr and Mrs H. Nolan: Mr and Mrs Roberton; Misses Pierce: Mr and Mrs John Reed; Mrs Lonsdale Pritt: Mr Pritt; Mr and Mrs J. M. Shera; Miss Shera; Miss Shepherd; Mrs Kerr Taylor; Misses Kerr Taylor; Mr Chamberlain; Mr and Mrs Hooper; Mr and Mrs Duncan Clerk; Misses Devereux; Mr and Mrs R. C. Carr, and Miss Carr. Mrs Conolly, of Remuera. gave a LARGE AFTERNOON TEA last, week in their pretty garden. A function of this kind is always more appreciated than one that is given Yyithin four walls, as the last-men-tioned is stiffer ami more ceremonious. while in the garden one always feels free ami buoyant. Chairs and sofas were placed round the lawn, and were soon taken possession of by the many guests. Strawberries ami eream, cakes ami tea were handed round during the afternoon by the Misses Conolly (two), Piekmere (two). Baber (two), ami Little, whose, attentions were much enjoyed as they flitted in and out amongst, the numerous guests with their large trays of dainties. Mrs Conolly was ably assisted to receive her guests on the lawn by her two daughters. Our hostess wore a very handsome black satin, relieved on the bodiee with pretty coloured laee, bonnet with flowers, black parasol; Miss Conolly, pretty pink striped costume; and her sister wore a dark skirt, light blouse; Airs Wigmore, verystriking cerise pink flowered material with black ground, hat with pink flowers; Mrs Tilly, peacock blue cash-’ mere; Mrs Cotter, very stylish costume of black satin, with silver passementerie, white chiffon vest, toque en suite; Airs Thomas Morrin, spring green silk, veiled in brown figured net. plaid ribbon collar and Empire, belt, black plumed hat with shaded roses; Mis Hesketh, black silk; Mrs Shipherd, grey cashmere, white hat; Mrs Worsp, dark costume; Mrs Kerr-Tay-lor. white; Miss Larkins, green shot with violet; ami her niece. Miss Baker, simple white muslin; Misses Baber, (two), dark costumes; Miss Lucas, black relieved with pink; Miss Outhwaite, fawn; Mrs Donald, dark cherry silk, veiled in black; Mrs Dr. King wore a very picturesque blue silk veiled in a fawn and blue muslin, toque of forget-me-nots; Mrs Win stone. grey lustre; Mrs Nelson Gamble; Mrs A. Carrick, heliotrope striped gown; Mrs Hugh Campbell, navy blue flowered delaine; Miss Pickmere. dark skirt, light blouse; and her sister, a white pique; Mrs Robert Rose, grey tweed: Mrs Hamlin, black; Miss Pearl Little, dark skirt, blue ami white striped zephyr nlouse: Mrs Robert Dargaville, grey muslin; Mrs John Roach, green silk veiled in white muslin; Mrs Ranson, dark skirt, lettuce green silk blouse: Mrs Tewsley. pretty soft pink ereponette trimmed profusely about neck ami corsage with billowy fawn lace, red velvet toque; Mrs Bush, black with old gold; Mrs Hardie, old gold ami black striped fancy material ; Mrs Bnume, pretty black ami white figured muslin; Mrs Coleman, absinthe green silk skirt, white silk blouse; Mrs Duncan Clerk, dark costume; Mrs Ching, heliotrope ami fawn striped costume; Mrs

Sydney Nathan was very much admired in bouton d’or silk veiled in embroidered grass lawn; Mrs Lawry, black costume; Mrs (Dr.) Beattie, very becoming mode grey trimmed ricnly with silver passementerie, grey hat en suite; Miss Hooper, white; Mrs Areher. black, relieved with heliotrope; Miss Roskruge. black ami white striped zephyr; Mrs Brabant, violet costume veiled in black laee; Mrs Bewes. white, muslin; Mrs Henry Johnson, dark costume, nlac silk vest; Mrs Hazard (Ponsonby), pretty summery pea green muslin: Mrs Clifton. Mrs Bamford: Mrs Richardson, pretty lilac flowered muslin; Mrs Williams, black: Mrs Lonsdale Pritt, black; Mrs Griffiths; Mrs Colegrove, grey, trimmed green; Mrs Laishley, dark green costume: Mrs Ashley Hunter, spuiee coloured costume; Mrs Bassett, heliotrope striped costume; Mrs Jones, very stylish mauve silk, veiled in mauve and green flowered muslin: Mrs (Major) George, handsome shot alpaea; Miss Aubrey, and many others whose names space forbids me to mention. On Tuesday night next Mrs Conolly will entertain the unmarried girls in the garden. Mrs J. Y. Stevenson gave a large children’s party at her pretty residence, Glenholin, Remuera, on the same afternoon as Mrs Conolly gave her garden party, and many of the mothers left their little one’s at this rendezvous while they went on to their own grown-up entertainment. The members of St. Peter’s Church. Hamilton, held a VERY SUCCESSFUL SALE OF WORK in the Volunteer Hall, on Tuesday. 14th inst. Numbers of useful articles were disjiosed of during the afternoon, and a brisk trade in sprays and buttonholes was carried on by several young ladies. Delicious afternoon tea was dispensed 011 the stage. The proceedings were brought to a close in the evening by a most successful concert arranged by Miss Sandps. anil to this young lady great, praise is due for the novel and extremely pleasant entertainment. Much regret was felt that Mr Schatz (Auckland), who was advertised to sing, was unavoidably absent. The breaking up of the Hamilton Convent School for the Christmas holidays and the distribution of prizes took place on the Ifith inst. There was a great number of visitors and relatives of the children present in the large schoolroom, which was prettily decorated for the occasion. After the pupils had gone through a short, programme of vocal and instrumental music, and some pretty action songs, by the younger children, the prizes were distributed by His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Dey). A quantity of plain and fancy 'work, paintings, drawings, etc., were exhibited, the work of the pupils for the (last year, which reflects the greatest eredit. on I Kith pupils and teachers. Miss Milly Heywood and her pupils gave a LARGE AT-HOME last Wednesday in St. Luke’s Hall, Remuera. A programme of various pretty and difficult pianoforte pieces was most creditably gone through, viz.:—Duets by Misses I. Hardie and Rose, Misses J. Draper and M. Dargaville, Misses E. Percival and J. Ireland, Misses N. Sibbald and E. O’Halloran, Miss D. and Master L. Gilfillan, Misses G. and N. Russell, Misses J. and K. Stevenson, Misses Cotter and Moss; pianoforte solos by the following lady pupils: Misses Queenie Nelson, Grace Endean, Alice Morrin, Nellie Russell, Elsie Gilfillan, Dorothy Ware, Daisy Hay, G. Ching. Esme Elliot, C. Draper, W. Cotter, Lily Rose. The hall was beautifully decorated with branches of bamboo, rata flowers, pink hollyhock, roses, (link ivy geraniums. etc. The stage was banked with white lilies anil daisies finished with greenery; in the centre was placed a charming picture, a Christmas present to Miss Milly Heywood from her pupils with a ease of gold sleevelinks. Mrs Heywood and Miss Heywood received the guests as they entered the hall. There must have been about 70 to 80 present. Forms, ehairs, and tables were placed about the. hall in conversazione style. Tea. cakes, and sweets were handed round to the guests by Miss Heywood and her pupils, who were all most charmingly gowned in white, and many of the guests came to the conclusion that not a prettier l>atch of girls has ever been seen in Auckland. Mrs Heywood, handsome black costume, white lace cap with pink

bows; Miss Heywood, white batiste ■uusliu, slightly figured in black, yellow shaded ribbon round neck: Miss M.. Hey wood, simply gowned in white, bouton d’or ribbon round neck: Miss Lily Rose looked well in white muslin ; Mrs Conolly, black silk with black beads, bonnet witli green rosettes; Miss Conolly, pink striped costume with fawn lace; Miss Inez Stevenson looked sweet in white muslin with cream lace, white beefeater hat with red poppies; Miss J. Hardie, white muslin; Mrs Nelson, blaek silk, coloured vest, pretty sea-blue ribbon in bonnet; Mrs Thomas Morrin, green silk veiled in brown; Miss Morrin, white; Mrs Robert Rose, canary silk veiled in muslin, sailor hat en suite; Mrs Clark (Mount Eden), black gown, black bonnet with violet flowers; Mrs Buddle, black; Miss Allie Buddle was tery much admired in black mourning costume, black hat with ostrich feathers; Mrs Archer, black and white striped muslin, blaek toque; Mrs Ranson, navy flowered delaine; Miss Horne, grey eheck silk, floral toque: Mrs Lonsdale Pritt, black silk, black tulle bonnet; Mrs S. Kissling, black silk, bonnet with blue; Miss Tilly, cream flowered muslin; Mrs Tewsley. black silk, old gold brocaded bodice* veiled in blaek tulle, geranium red velvet toque: Mrs Bassett, pink and black striped fancy cloth ; Mrs Daere, black; Mrs Ashton Bruce, very striking peacock blue cambric with white stripe, black hat with forget-me-nots; Mrs Reed (Kohimarama), fawn gown trimmed with green; and her daughter, dark skirt, heliotrope striped blouse; Miss Ruth Jackson, white gown with narrow black stripe, sailor hat; and her sister, dark skirt, pink blouse; Miss Batger, white muslin; Mrs J. M. Shera, black costume with orange silk vest, hat en suite; Mrs Devereux, black silk with grey tulle, toque to match; Miss Devereux: Misses Kerr Taylor; Mrs Cochrane, black; Mrs Draper; Mrs Lennox, black; Miss J. Ireland, white; Miss Colbeck, pretty black and white striped costume; Miss Elliot, white pique, burnt straw hat with pink roses beneath brim and blaek feathers on the top; Miss Esine Elliot was distnguee in white; Mrs Ware, mode grey alpaea, white vest finished with silver passementerie, black hat relieved with white; Miss Ware, pink flowered silk, black plumed hat; Miss Dorothy Ware, white muslin; Misses (1. and N. Russell,white tucked muslins trimmed with embroidery; Miss N. Sibbald. white; Miss Baber, grey; Miss O’Halloran, white; Misses Kate and Mona Hay wore white muslins, blaek hats with various coloured flowers: Miss Daisy Hay, white: Mrs Ching, heliotrope striped gown; Miss Ching.white: Mrs Archie Clark, white silk with narrow blaek stripe: Mrs Sam Morrin. grey; Mrs Robert Dargaville, grey muslin, hat en suite; Miss Shuttleworth, blue cambric; Miss Outhwaite. fawn gown, plaid vest: Miss Lucas, black with pink; Mrs Cotter, striking cream flowered alpaca, passementerie vest, black toque trimmed en suite; Miss Cotter, exquisite Sydney costume of fawn and lettuce green striped gown, black plumed hat with floral decorations; Miss Millie Cotter, blue and fawn striped gown similarly made as her sister’s, blaek plumed hat; Miss Winnie Cotter looked very pretty in white muslin; Mrs James Russell, grey flowered silk, large black hat with blaek and white ostrich feathers; Mrs Browning, blaek : Mrs Robert Browning, grey alpaea. POLO was played in Hunter and Nolan’s paddock on Saturday. Mrs Harry Tonks, Mrs Andrew Hanna, and the Misses Hay gave the afternoon tea. There was a very large attendance of the gentler sex. The marquee was placed in the centre of the field, with its entrance facing the polo players, which was a decided improvement from the prior Saturday. Amongst the many present, were : —Miss Hay. blue flowered cambric, black lhat. with floral decorations ; Miss Kate Hay. pink cambric, black hat. with floral decorations: Miss Mona Hay. white muslin ; Miss Daisy Hay, pink striped zephyr ; Mrs Harry Tonks, white zephyr, with blue stripe ; Mrs Andrew Hanna, black and white striped muslin ; Mrs (Col.) Banks, black silk, striped bodiee ; Mrs Mercer, very stylish fawn and blue combination, pretty hat, with blue forget-me-nots; Mrs Foster, red and wliite striped cambric ; Mrs Buddle, white flowered muslin; Mrs Fred Purehas (Englund), white muslin, white beef-eater straw hat ; Miss Purehas, dark skirt, light

blouse ; Miss Mildred Purrhas (who luus just returned from her trip to the Auld Coun>t.ry) wore a white pique, pink rutile round neck, burnt straw hat ; Mrs Chiallinor Purchas, dark skirt, blue blouse ; her little boy wore absinthe green ; Miss Heisketh, dark skirt, green blouse ; Miss Devereux, grey skirt, blaek and white striped blouse ; Mrs Creag-h, grey ; her daughter also wore grey ; Mrs Worsp. dark skirt, pink blouse ; Miss I). Worsp, dark skirt, white blouse : Mrs Jackson (Wanganui). white pique, black toque, with pink ribbons; Miss Jackson, pink cambric ; Mrs Hoj>e Lewis, black and white striped batiste ; Misses Kerr-Taylor, white : Miss Mabel Ghurton, dark skirts heliotrope blouse ; Miss Stevenson, pale blue muslin ; Miss Daisy Stevenson looked sweet in white, with yellow ; Miss ('otter, dark skirt, white blouse : Miss Winnie Cotter, white ; Mrs Torrance, black ; Miss Torrance, green and white striped gown ; Miss Beatrice Bull, red and white striped cambric ; Miss Ware, riding costume: Miss Wilkins, lavender and white striped gown ; Miss Maud Wilkins, white pique ; Miss Elliot, black and white striped gown : her sister, pink cambric ; etc. Messrs Becky, Ivan Craegh, Bunns, etc., were amongst the gentlemen. The GRAFTON WHIST CLUB EVENINGS were brought to it. close on Tuesday evening last, when Mrs (Judge) Smith entertained between 50 and 60 members and friends’ at her residence, Watea, Grafton Road. This Whist Club was inaugurated last winter, and the weekly meetings have proved most enjoyable during the past months. The club’s meetings have been held one evening in each week at the homes of Mesdames Smith, Brabant, C. ('. Baker. A. McCredie and Dacre respectively. and it is with a general wish that they may be continued next year that they have come to a close now. Amongst those present on Tuesday evening were Mesdames Keogh. Brabant. H. Williamson, Hudson. Lindsay, A. Kenderdine, C. C. Baker, Snell. Watkin, Sloman, Dacre. Ashton, Misses Brfabant. (2), Snell, Dudley, Watkin. Pierce (2), Sloman, Von Der Hyde, Brown. Biss, Aickin. Girdler. Choyce (2), Blades, Williamson, etc.: Messrs Dacre, Lindsay, Brabant, A. Kenderdine, McCredie, C. (’. Baker. 11. Ashton, Sloman. Hudson, Lusk. P. Marshall. Ferguson. Biss, Kai lender, Hay, Williamson, Sloman (2). Kissiing, Connell. McCormack. Pierce, etc. The young people indulged in •Progressive Flip’ while the club members kept the whist tables well occupied until, and after, supper was dispensed. 1 must not omit mentioning that. Miss Ruth Dudley and Mr Fred. Sloman were the fortunate winners of first prizes at the ‘Flip' Progression. A very successful CHRISTMAS TREE AND FETE was held in Waite’s Hall. Mount Eden, recently in aid of St. Barnabas' Church. The Hall was arranged to represent scenes and localities from Dickens, and looked remarkably well. Mrs Heather, assisted by the Misses Coates and Trevithick, had a. refreshment stall representing the Blue Dragon Inn and Gardens, and seemed to be doing a big business. Mrs Barnett. assisted by Miss Chatfield ami the Misses Brown, had a lollie stall representing Hungerford Bridge; Mrs Dawson, the Old Curiosity Shop, ami it certainly was what it was supposed to represent. Mrs Bloak had Bleak House, and the two Christmas trees were in the hands of the Misses Cooper. Williams. Rice and Stone, and looked ver\ pretty. All the ladies assisting were dressed to represent characters from Dickens, amongst whom were Mesdames Heather. Johnston. Barnett. Hill, Bloak. Beaumont, .lames, Littlewood, Drury. Misses Hague, East gate, Drury, Aiken, Rice, Coates. Trevithick. Brown, and others, all looking ven nice in their old-fashioned costumes. The Fete was successful in every way. and the promoters. Mesdames Heatner. Johnston ami Miss Rice, must have been well pleased with it financially, as everything was disposed of before the fete closed.

PHYLLIS BROUNE.