AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue V, 30 July 1898, Page 149

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, July 30. An extraordinary meeting of the Auckland Women’s Political League was held at the lady president’s house (Mrs Capt. Dald.y, of Hepburn-street, I’onsonby) on Tuesday last, when there was a large attendance of the fairer sex, who take a laudable interest in the politics of our little island. The PAKURANGA HOUNDS met last Wednesday in the locality of Mount Albert, a short distance of three and a half miles from Auckland. The weather was extremely cold, a sharp south-easterly wind blew-, which not only freezed us but blew away the scent and marred our day's sport. There were about twenty followers. This day was remarkable (to use a slang word) for its ‘fall-ins.’ 1 am afraid this year Mount Albert will lose its prestige for good runs if every day’s sport here turns out as this one did. We drew first in Air Stewart’s property at the back of Mount Albert, where two or three hares were started and lost. One pussie gave some of the followers a very smart run across the swampy brook, which is an outlet of the Mission Swamp and boundary of Avondale and Alount Albert, through Air Batkin’s property, Avondale, This rivulet was an awkward jump, being in a high ti-tree valley, where no run could be taken without much manoeuvring. It had also a bad taking off and a villainous mud bank for landing. The water, thickened and swollen with recent. rains, had made all the land that sloped to it miry and soft as sponge. Air Batkins, the owner of this spot was quite surprised at the riders attempting such a thing. Such a feat had never been heard of before. Our plucky huntsman (Air Selby) was the first to face his steed (Albion) at it, and had a narrow escape on the landing side, Albion’s hind feet slipping into the mire. Our huntsman had to dismount at once to assist his steed out of its intricate position. Air C. Selby (our whipper in) and Mr and Airs Bloomfield were the only ones who successfully negotiated the jump. Aliss Percival, who was next in succession, thought it wiser to ford, and, alas! sad to relate, her steed, poor Tommy, went immediately out of his depth and could not return to terra firma on account of the high, slippery bank on the other side. Seeing the perilous position of Aliss Percival, Air C. Selby gallantly hastened to the rescue, for she might have been drowned with her plunging horse beneath her, as it was impossible for her steed to gain any permanent foothold. Air C. Selby without a. moment’s hesitation seized her outstretched hands to assist her to a place of safety, but suddenly he sank knee deep into the treacherous bank, which caused him to submerge the unfortunate lady for a second in the icy stream, but at length he pulled her to terra firma, happily with only a soaking. Tommy next had to be extricated from his unhappy position, and with the assistance of the gentlemen onlookers, after five minutes’ submersion and struggling. Tommy was forced to return by tile same route he went in, looking quite a different coloured animal. Both rider and horse wisely, after this bath, made their way home. Out secretary chose a more difficult and awkward part of this obstacle to negotiate and the consequence was that on landing his steed’s hind feet slipped into this bottomless pit. and the rider dismounted just in time to save himself a drenching, as the horse slipped right back into this treacherous water hole, and all the exertions of the riders and gentlemen members could not get the animal out of it. The assistance of the neighbouring farmers had to be sought, and with the aid of ropes the united strength of these many bijieds at last brought the quadriqs'il safely to firm ground, the poor brute having endured a ten

minutes’ submersion in exceptionally chilly water. All this time the hounds and the few followers who crossed had had an excellent run through Air Batkins’ property, Avondale, ami returned via a road to Air Stewart's property. We then drew from here through Air Lees’ property, over Alount Albert, via Mr Sadgrove’s. across the Onehunga and Mount Albert Road, through ~lr Willis’, with plenty of stone wall jumping, but none of a stiff character. Here in Air Willis’ property a gorse hedge with a ditch on the off side frightened two of our ‘not-too-plueky lady riders,’ who would not venture until Air Crowe returned with a stockwhip and drove them over. Air VV. Bloomfield’s horse, who evidently wanted to pay his master out for past scores, cantered straight up to the gorse hedge and neatly placed Air Bloomfield in a sitting posture with his reins in his hands in the midst of the pricklies facing his steed; there they both calmly could eye each other, and did so. No circus horse could jiossibly have done a neater trick with such workman-like precision. We continued to draw from here, taking the double in Alberton Avenue, through a field of ploughed land, then over a. ditch which brought us into the Alberton scoria. Still no find, but we were afterwards informed by an onlooker here that a hare about a hundred yards distance from us sat and watched our movements with considerable interest as we worked our way .towards the Alission Swamp. Ah, if we had only known! as we gave up in despair, murmuring that the hares had all evidently gone on a holiday, that one was watching us, no doubt thinking ‘distance lends enchantment to the view.* So much depends upon that little word ‘if.’ ‘lt. is ever an “if” to bless or ban.’ The third I’ONSONBY AT-HOME

of the season was held in the I’onsonby Hall on Friday. The popularity of these social gatherings was put to a severe test, for about the hour of assembling the rain came down in such torrents as to make one hesitate whether or not to brave the elements on the. chance that there would be a sufficient number of enthusiasts to make up a set. Wonderful to relate, there was really a good average attendance. and the brightly-lit hall, the music, and pretty dresses made a cheerful contrast to the scene outside. The dancing was perhaps the more enjoyable because of the unpleasantness one had braved in order to participate in it. The supper table, with its pretty floral decorations and inexhaustible variety of dainties, reflected great credit on the taste of the committee of ladies. Mr Norman Baker did all in his power to promote the enjoyment of the visitors. Mr Burke’s admirable band played the dance music. Airs Devore wore a handsome black silk gown, the bodice and sleeves were of rich figured silk dotted with sparkling sequins; Aliss Devore was charming in pink silk veiled with soft net, black velvet belt and round low bodice, long rucked sleeves of pink chiffon; Airs Dufaur. stylish black evening gown with touches of crimson satin; Airs Littler looked dainty in yellow striped satin, bodice profusely trimmed with rich pearl ornaments; Airs Hanna, rich black mervilleux satin with rows of jet on bodice; Mrs Goodwin, black silk trimmed with jet; Aliss Ethel Goodwin looked winsome in white, full bodice of chiffon dotted with gold sequins; Miss Winnie Goodwin. black velvet evening gown with crimson roses on her shoulder and hair; Mrs Edgar wore an elegant gown of gold brocaded satin, bertha of rich lace and pearls: Miss Leila Langsford, cream silk with flame-coloured sash liebe ribbon crossed round bodice; Miss Thomas, maize-coloured gown; Aliss Morrin looked pretty in a yellow flowered silk, soft white lace bertha; Miss Bertha Atkinson, white silk frock, long sleeves of white chiffon; Miss Preece, yellow erepon with crimson roses on shoulder, white lace bertha; Aliss F. Preece, pretty blue dress with frill of white lace round low bodice; Miss Laird, black satin, full vest of grey satin veiled in black chiffon; Miss Essie Holland, yellow silk.wreath of violets round bodice, long yellow chiffon sleeves; Miss Martin, rose pink silk, clusters of roses round bodice; Mrs Ziman wore a striking costume of black velvet brightened with silver; Miss Davis was much admired in a white silk: Miss Aubin, pretty white silk, soft frills of chiffon round the low square cut corsage and short sleevew, spray of violets on her shoul-

der; Miss Cussen, pink net gown, long racked sleeves of white silk; Miss Bell, green veiled with tinselled gauze; Miss Kennedy, white silk with crimson belt and Howers; Miss Haven, pink trimmed with black velvet bebe ribbon: Miss Caldwell, yellow silk, black jet corselet belt; Miss Muriel George, white satin, the bodice was finished with fascinating frills of chiffon; Miss Florence Hart, gold silk evening blouse with bands of black velvet, white gauze skirt; Miss Campbell, white silk, long sleeves of crinkled chiffon, crimson roses on shoulder; her sister also wore white silk; Miss Stephenson, blue; Miss E. Tanneg, shrimp pink silk with pretty short puffed sleeves; Miss Hooper, pink gown, with moss-green silk bands round the skirt and bodice: Miss Kaynes, white striped satin, frills of chiffon, red berries round bodice. Gentlemen: Messrs Hanna, Littler, Dufaur, Norman Baker, Jackson Palmer, Dr. Aubin, Messrs F. Leighton. Caldwell (2), Hatton, G. Williams, Simms, Lewis, Jourdain, Davis, Vaile, Martin, Dawson, Foster, Hooper, Winks, Haven, Myers, Masefield. James, Thompson, Waddell, Patterson, Tovey, etc. Mrs Hudson had a pleasant juvenile gathering ut her residence, Australbion, Ponsonby, on Saturday evening last. There were about a score of young folk present, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the little impromptu dance on the spacious verandah. The hours were whiled away so quickly that- the approach of the hands of the clock to midnight and the dawn of Sunday was a surprise to all. Mrs Hudson makes a charming hostess, and she was more than ably assisted by her two eldest daughters, Miss Mabel and Miss Fannie Hudson. Mrs Edwin Bamford gave a second AT-HOME at her residence, Armaroa, Remuera, on Thursday last. The guests passed through the drawing-room, and were received by their hostess in the curtained archway leading into the ballroom. Both reception-rooms weretastefully decorated with tall jars of arum lilies and ferns, and the little tea tables, which were scattered about, the rooms, were loaded with all sorts of dainty cakes and sweets. Mrs Bamford, who was wearing a becoming blouse of dark green silk, was assisted by the Misses Thorpe, Dargaville, and Salmon; and during the afternoon different ladies contributed vocal items. Among the guests I noticed Mrs G. Koberts in a green silk veiled with black lace; Mrs Goodhue, striped blouse and black skirt; Mrs Swartz Kissling. handsome black costume; Miss E. Kissling. navy coat and skirt; Miss Mowbray, black costume, with which was worn a stylish hat in black and white; Mrs C. Tewsley, black satin with yoke and revers of white chiffon; Mrs Salmon, rich costume of grey brocade, black velvet bolero, and dainty bonnet of black and silver; Miss Salmon, fawn coat and skirt, bow and front of pink chiffon; Mrs Talbot Tubbs, stylish coat and skirt; Miss Dargaville looked well in a prune costume; Mrs Arthur Monroe, black costume, Russian blouse faced with blue, picture hat; Mrs Turner, frock of grey with vest of pleated silk; Miss MacLymont, blue tailormade costume, front of pale pink silk; Mrs Sidney Nathan, dark coat and skirt; Mesdames Gudgeon. Arnold, Gordon, Hose, Thorpe; Kilgour, Sealy, Nieholl Rich, and many others whom I did not know were present. On the evening of Wednesday, the 2<»th inst., Mrs Dr. Coates, of Symondsstreet. gave a very pleasant dance in Mrs Sowerby’s hall. There were about a hundred guests, and dancing was kept up till the early hours of the morning. On Saturday afternoon the attraction at Epsom was the football matchy between the Auckland fifteen and a team representing the Waihi and Ohinemuri Unions. A special interest was taken in this match as it was the last opportunity afforded of gauging the merits of our players preparatory to the final selection of the Auckland representative team. Added to this, It might be mentioned that the Ohinemuri team recently succeeded in playing a draw- with the Thames, who in turn defeated Auckland. There was a large attendance. The road to Epsom was seething with masses of vehicles of every description, and the deafening cry of the Jehu plying for his hire with ‘All aboard for Potter’s Paddock ’ere' was heard on every side. The trains, brakes, and omnibuses passed by with a shriek and a whirl with

people jajnlied inside like herrings in a barrel. Horses in a reeking and foaming condition, some of them cruelly marked with a whip, that one could not help a shudder at the barbarous treatment that they had undergone to bring their passengers out in a record time. This large erowd was full of varied interest to the observer. There were a great many ladies present; whether they really love football or only go to see their gentlemen friends and show off their pretty toillettes remains an open question. There is no doubt that open air festivities of any kind are gradually ousting indoor gatherings. Amongst the ladies at Potter’s Paddock I noticed the following:—Mrs (Dr.) King, dark pine green cloth coat and skirt, black toque, relieved with cream silk; her friend looked distinguee in a dark skirt, red tartan blouse, black sailor hat; Miss Watkins, stylish harebell blue skirt and blouse, with belt to match, trimmed with black braid and pearl buttons, plain sailor hat; her lady friend wore a brown tweed costume, hat with eanary rosettes; Mrs Mahoney, striking Lincoln green cashmere. having applique of black, made with Russian blouse, fox fur boa, black velvet hat, with upstanding black ostrich plumes and red roses round crown and beneath brim; her friend, a prune skirt and coat, with gold buttons, sailor hat; Miss Spiers, navy serge, with white collarette, black hat, with black ribbons and variegated roses beneath brim; Mrs Ernest Burton, dark skirt, fawn cape, black toque, with violets; Miss Caro, navy natte serge neat-fitting costume, black velvet picture hat, with beefeater crown; Miss Stella Alexander, lizard green eashmere skirt and blouse, with belt, white straw sailor hat, Turkey red parasol; Miss Otway, green fancy cloth, flecked with black, made with Eton jacket, white vest, with large and effective blue sash ribbon tied in bow at neck, sailor hat; Miss Witchell, Lincoln green coat and skirt, sailor hat; Mrs Barrington Keesing, black lustre skirt, brown jacket, with fur round neck, red turban straw hat, with black ribbons and quills; Mrs Thomas Cotter, navy serge, with white collarette, large black picture hat, with ostrich feathers and profusely trimmed with violets; Mrs Goodwin, mouse grey skirt and coat, relieved at neck with white lace, white blouse, black lace bonnet, with petunia ribbons; Miss Winnie Goodwin, navy natte serge skirt, made with Norfolk jacket and belt, black straw hat, with red flowers round crown and beneath brim; Miss Jessie Savage, navy diagonal serge, black deer-stalking hat; Miss Thomas (Parnell), brown cloth coat and skirt, black hat, profusely trimmed with red and yellow roses; Mrs Langsford, dark pine green coat and skirt, black deerstalking felt hat; Misses White (2), black frocks, with capes, black sailor hats, mourning costumes; Miss Carter, Lincoln green skirt, made with reefer jacket, grey felt hat, with green velvet hands and wreath of violets under brim, resting on the hair; Miss —

Carter, fawn tailor-made costume, lovely green velvet hat, with beefeater crown, with white plumes; Miss Blun-dell-Wright (Mt. Albert), grey tailormade gown, white sailor hat; Miss Leila Wilks, peacock blue gown, brown cloth cape, brown sailor hat; Mrs McArthur, dark green fancy flecked cloth, trimmed with black velvet, bonnet. to match; Miss Rose Bush (Thames), navy blue natte serge, sailor hat; Miss Ruth Goodwin, navy serge; Mrs Angus Gordon, claret fancy tweed, flecked with black and trimmed with black Astrachan. black deerstalking hat; Miss Niccol, brown tweed, large black felt hat, with old gold ribbons and red roses beneath brim; her sister, navy serge, red tie, black sailor hat, with red band; etc. STREET DRESSES. Mrs (Dr.) Scott, brown skirt, reefer jacket, brown velvet bonnet, with pink flowers; Mrs McArthur, black Alpaca, relieved at neck with white lace applique. black bonnet, with red and white rosettes; Mrs Alfred White, pretty absinthe green costume, with cape, and hat en suite; Miss Little, brown tweed, with reefer jacket, white sailor hat: Mrs Hamlin, blaek brocaded skirt, velvet cape, black bonnet; Mrs Cooper, red tweed gown, flecked with blaek, black velvet cape, sailor hat; Mrs Thomas Cotter, navy natte serge, white vest, canary tie, black hat. with violets; Miss P. Buckland, navy serge; Miss Sarita McLaughlin, navy serge tailor-made costume, white

sailor hat; Miss Blanche Banks (Waikato), brown cashmere skirt, brown velvet blouse; Miss Kate Hay, navy se'rge, sailor hat: Mrs Holland, black lustre, cloth cape, with (black fur round neck, gold beaded bonnet, with black ostrich feathers and pink roses; Mrs Sharland, navy serge, stylishly trimmed with plaid bands; Miss Berry, Lincoln green cashmere coat and skirt, felt hat to match; Miss Towsey, black cashmere skirt, red and black striped velvet blouse, black hat, with red and black band; Miss Hardie, navy serge; Miss Dargaville, violet cashmere, black hat, trimmed with violet; Miss Lennox, brown skirt and coat; Miss Carr (Remuera), cheek tweed coat and skirt, white front; Miss E. Bellairs, dark skirt, peacock blue blouse; Mrs Thorne George, black fancy spotted Alpaca, fur boa, black bonnet, profusely trimmed with violets; Mrs R. C. Carr, chocolate brown costume, trimmed with velvet to match, bonnet of black velvet, relieved with pink; Miss Carr, navy serge, made with Norfolk jacket; Mrs Gabriel Lewis, black fancy spotted lustre, black bonnet, relieved with pink; Mrs Jervis, black lustre, with, revers, faced with royal blue velvet, black hat, with violets beneath brim, as well as on crown; Mrs J. Dawson, greeny grey coat and skirt of Melton cloth, black deer-stalking hat; Miss Noakes, dark green; Miss Flora Thorpe looked as fascinating as ever in her gobelin blue tailor-made gown; Mrs Suttie, black mourning costume; Miss Kissling, navy serge; Miss Atkinson. navy coat and skirt; Mrs Hanson, navy tailor-made gown, black hat, with red wing; Miss Tanner, brown cashmere costume, with threequarter cloth jacket, brown turban hat, with pink flowers beneath brim; Miss Kate Hay, Lincoln green coat and skirt, red straw hat, with red ribbons and bows; Mrs Leatham, black Alpaca, black hat, with green beefeater velvet crown; Mrs Horace Walker looked very well in soft grey, with white fur collarette, sailor hat; Mrs (Capt.) James, black mourning costume; Mrs Markham, black; Mrs Reed, black skirt and coat, red plaid vest; Mrs Myers, black; Miss Larkins, green, shot, with purple Alpaca, black cloth jacket, large black hat. with faney silk trimming; Mrs William Coleman, navy lustre skirt, red flecked with black, fancy cloth jacket, becoming toque, with violets nestling on hair; her little daughter wore a smart cardinal costume; Misses Davy (2) wore smart navy serge bicycling costumes, relieved with red, sailor hats; Miss Gray, stylish navy serge, braided with black, made Russian style, white linen collar and vest, black gem hat.

PHYLLIS BROUN.