AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXII, Issue XXI, 27 May 1899, Page 738

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, May ' « V I< ’E-R EG A L MO VE M EN TS. The Government House Party have had a busy time of it since my last letter. Evidently neither the Governor nor the Countess of Ranfurly are afraid of hard work, for they have been unremitting' in their labours, social and otherwise, during the past week, while the programme right up to the date of their own ball is already crowded with events. 1 never remember a Governor and consort who were so indefatigable in their attention to the duties of their high position. On Thursday last the Costley Home was visited, an entire afternoon being devoted to this institution. On Friday the Countess had the arduous business of the ‘At Home,’ which was attended by all the world and his wife, while His Excellency inspected the local fortifications at Forts Takapuna and Cautley, his escort being Sir Arthur Douglas. On Saturday His Excellency drove io Sylvia Park and witnessed the meet of the Pakuranga Hunt Club. On Monday their Excellencies were present at the inaugural meeting of the New Zealand Historical and "Literary Association in the Choral Hall. On Tuesday Lady Constance Knox was to present prizes to children of St. Matthew’s School, and in the evening the entire Government House party were to patronise a concert in the Choral Hall. On Wednesday, the 24th, arrangements included the presentation of colours to the Auckland Battalion in the morning, a levee at Government House, and the unveiling of the Queen’s statue in the Albert Park. On Friday, May 26, the Governor will preside at the meeting of the New Zealand Society for the Protection of Women and Children, and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (of which organisation he is President); while on the same day, portion of the medical and nursing staff of the Auckland Hospital will be entertained. On Saturday, the remainder of the staff will be entertained at Government House. On Monday, the 29th, Her Ladyship will be present at a meeting of the Mother’s Union, which will be held at St. Matthew’s Schoolroom in the evening. On Wednesday, the 31st inst.. His Excellency and staff will attend the ball which will be given at the Northern Club.

Assuredly no persons in the colony can say more truly than the Governor: Something attempted, something done, have earned a night’s repose.

Now as to details: — THE COUNTESS OF RANFURLY’S ‘AT HOME.’

The Countess of Ra.nfurly’s ‘At Home,’ held in Government House, Auckland, on Friday last, was an event to be long remembered. Commencing at four o’clock, the stream of loyal citizens passed steadily through the reception rooms for more than hour. The Countess, with His Excellency the Governor, and Lady Constance and Lady Eileen Knox stood at the end of the drawingroom and welcomed the visitors as they were announced by the Hon. Hill Trevor. A.D.C. There was soon a brilliant and animated company occupying the chairs, settees, and lounges in the drawing-room, or chatting in groups, and flowing out into the dining-room beyond, where a recherche afternoon tea was served. All the appointments and adornments of the reception rooms were greatly admired. Government House has indeed undergone a wonderful transformation from the dingy place wherein Lord Ranfiirly’s predecessors have lieen obliged to hibernate in intense discomfort, or provide them-

selves with lodgings elsewhere. The daawing-room suite is a pretty combination of rose pink and light stone colour, and the furnishings and decorations, chosen by the Countess, who possesses artistic talent of a high order, harmonise happily with these predominating colours. The carpets are of Oriental colours, with a wide margin stained a bright crimson, which contrasted warmly with the light flowered wall papers and white painted woodwork. Ferns and foliage plants were employed with happy effect in the drawingroom and the corridor. When one remembers that something like 500 presentations were made in the course of an hour and a-half, one is first of all sympathetic for Lord and Lady Ranfurly, who had with smiling cordiality stood the ordeal of so many hand-shakes, and the second cause of wonderment is that there was so little actual crushing. The rooms at Government House are not very spacious, but they appeared on this occasion to have become elastic — or was it that the arrangements for the reception were so perfect, and the generalship of the aides-de-camp so skilful, that the stream of loyal citizens flowed so smoothly along that all discomfort was avoided? Captain Alexanler, the Private Secretary, and Captain Ward, A.D.C.. certainly contributed greatly to the success o/f the function, and were ably assisted by Professor Carl Schmitt, A.D.C. Music was furnished at intervals by an orchestra, under the leadership of Mr A. ?Eady. It was pleapant to teee among the visitors a number of old colonists, who must have visited Government House under very different and more primitive conditions, but never before, I venture to think, was any public reception there distinguished by a more all p,\vading air of English courtesy and hospitality. Lady Ranfurly wore an elegant black silk and broad satin striped Princess trained gown, opening in front and revealing’ a cream satin panel from semi square-cut corsage to hem of skirt, veiled loosely with Limerick lace; ruched ribbon outlined the Medici collar and either side of cream satin front; a posy of azaleas in their own foliage adorned the left shoulder; lovely diamond ornaments made a pleasing finish to this exquisite toilette. Lady Constance Knox looked sweetly pretty in forget-me-not blue glace silk, with an overskirt of white striped mousseline de soie with frills, the blue silk sleeves and yoke being tucked.

Lady Eileen Knox was frocked in a dainty cream silk with smocked yoke.

Among those present were:—The Bishop of Wellington; Mr Goldie, Mayor of Auckland; Mrs Goldie, pale blue trained gown veiled with black silk grenadine, velvet toque; Miss Goldie, green costume; Rev. D. Runciman, M.A.; Mrs Runciman, black silk gown, black bonnet with violet ostrich tips; Mrs Devereux, powder blue cloth coat and skirt, black velvet toque with touches of orange; Miss Devereux; Canon Nelson; Mrs Nelson, blaek silk gown; Mr Wilfred Taylor; Mrs Taylor, black gown, bodice and skirt trimmed with trellis of narrow black ribbon, edged white, black Trelawny, hat with pink Madam Schmitt, silver grey costume; Dr. Campbell. Mrs Campbell, handsome black silk gown; Mrs Chamberlain. black gown; Mrs Shalto Douglas, blaek costume; Mrs Goodhue, blaek gown, white vest: Mrs O’Neill, black costume; Mrs Thorpe, black; Miss Flora Thorpe, dark green coat and skirt, white; Mrs .Tames Russell, black moire; Mrs Dargaville, blaek mourning costume; Miss Flossie Dargaville, moss-green coat and skirt; Mrs Chambers, black silk; Mrs J. M. Chambers, bin’s coat and skirt; Mrs Denniston, Lincoln green, pink floral hat; Mrs Thorne George, blaek silk relieved with white; Mrs Lyons, very handsome English navy costume with Elizabethian collar, eream vest, violet toque with feathers and flowers: Miss Russell, slate grey coat and skirt; Miss Aubry, navy costume trimmed with silver braid, white beefeater hat; Mrs Ruck, black coat and skirt, cream vest; Mrs Montague, black skirt; plaid blouse; Sir Maurice O’Rorke. Lady O’Rorke, rich black gown; Mrs Fitzroy Peaeoeke, peach-blossom pink silk; Mrs (Prof.) Thomas, black silk trail rd gown with cream lace bolero; floral toque; Mrs S. Kissling, black silk; Miss Kissling, royal blue trimmed

with black braid; Miss Kyall; Mrs Holland, black; Miss Holland, brown and white check; Miss Essie Holland wore a combination of black and white; Mrs Kensington.black silk with touches of ciel blue, bonnet en suite; Misses Kensington, dark skirts and plaid blouses; Mrs Keogh, black with mauve trimmings; Miss Keogh, rose pink under fawn spotted muslin; Mrs McMillan, very handsome black gown; Mrs L. D. Nathan, stylish English costume; Mrs Scherff, black silk; Mrs Suggate, black with fawn lace; Mrs Lawson, gobelin blue skirt and coat; Mrs White, claret silk gown; Rev. Larkins, Miss Larkins, shot green silk alpaeca, bonnet to harmonise, black jacket; Mrs .James, black silk, green velvet bonnet with osprey; Mrs Martin, black silk; chapeau relieved with shaded colours; Miss Martin, tabac fawn coat and skirt, white hat; Mrs Rattray, black; Mrs Woodroffe, green coat and skirt, green velvet and chiffon toque. Others present were: — Mrs Lusher, Mrs Ledingham, Miss Lush, Mrs Luckie, Mrs Wallace Laws, Miss Lusk, Mrs Lindsay, Mrs Lawler, Mrs Laurie.

Mrs Mariner, Mrs McCormack, Miss Mowbray, Miss Daisy Mowbray, Mrs McDonald, Mrs Travers McLean, Mrs McDonald and Miss McDonald, Mrs Mahoney, Mrs H. H. Morton, Mrs A. Myers and Misses Myers, Mrs Malcolm, Mrs Morris, Miss Maclaughlin, Mrs Wm. McKinnon, Mrs Archie McKinnon, Misses McKinnon, Mrs Moss, Mrs Alex. McKay, Misses Mulvaney, Mrs McCullough, Mrs Morrin, Miss Marshall, Mrs Mulgan, Mrs Moritzson, Mrs McConnell, Monsignor McDonald, Miss Murray, Miss McAndrew, Mrs Ernest May. Mrs McDonald, Mrs Macarthey, Mrs Alex. Mackay.

Mrs Newton. Mrs Nichol, Mrs Sydney Nathan. Mrs Robert Neil, Mrs Dr. Ne l. Dr. and Mrs Naylor, Mrs Arthur Nathan, Miss Nathan.

Misses O’Neill (3). Mrs Jas. O’Brien, Miss Outhwaite, Mrs Oliphant, Mrs and Miss Owen.

Mrs Pirie, Mrs Preece, Mrs M. Purchas, Mrs Partan, Mrs and Miss Pearce, Mrs Pegley, Mrs and Miss Purchas, Mrs Power, Mrs Parker, Miss Peaeoeke, Mrs Page, Mrs Prime, Dr. Pennefather.

Mrs Malcolm Ross (Wellington), black, fawn cloth jacket, fawn beaver hat. turned up in front, with coque feathers; Colonel Dawson; Mrs Dawson, grey shimmering broche; Mrs Rainger, sage green gown, white silk yoke, with trellis of black velvet, black and white ostrich feather boa, black hat; Miss Brett, black crepon, dove grey cloth jacket, dove grey ostrich feather boa, black velvet hat, turned up in front, with orange and black coque feathers; Mrs (Dr.) Parkes, black moire gown, white hat, with pink plumes; Mrs (Prof.) Thomas, black merveilleux, cream lace on bodice to form a bolero, bonnet to match; Mrs J. Murray (Sydney), black; Mrs Brabant, black; Mrs T. Peacock, electric blue and black figured satin, black velvet cape, black bonnet, trimmed with black chiffon, edged cream lace; Miss Peacock, black skirt and jacket, revers and full vest of cream satin, black ‘Trelawny’ hat, with black plumes; Miss Brigham, powder blue cloth gown, fawn cloth yoke, with castlated revers from yoke; Miss Hattie Brigham, eleetrie blue costume, black hat; Mrs Moss Davis, violet costume, violet floral toque; Miss Moss Davis, Neapolitan blue gown; Miss — Moss Davis, black and white shepherd’s plaid skirt, blaek velvet bodice, red velvet toque, with feathers; Mrs Upton, black; Miss Rita Tole, sage green cloth skirt anil coat, black basket straw bat, with Czar blue flowers; Mrs Noakes, black; Miss Noakes, stylish black serge, a la militaire, violet velvet ‘Trelawny’ hat, with plumes; Miss Buddle, black; Miss Kempthorne, fawn cloth jacket, dark skirt; Miss Dunnett, black merveilleux, red straw ‘Trelawny’ hat, with black feathers; Miss E. Percival, silver grey shimmering satin broche gown; Miss Percival, powder blue cloth costume, jacket edged with beaver: Mrs Dewsbury, cream serge costume; Mrs Jackson, electric blue cloth skirt and coat; Miss Otway, fawn; Mrs Hunt, electric blue, cream vandyke yoke, bat to match; Mrs Ashley' Hunter, black skirt and jacket, pink full vest; Mrs McArthur, black, with touches of white; Mrs Ingall, grey broche bodice, black skirt; Mrs Arch. Clark, black skirt, fawn cloth jacket; Mrs Tilly, electric blue and black figured broche; Mrs Oxley; Mrs

Atkinson, black moire; Mrs Andrews, dark gown, fawn jacket; Mrs Barter, grey coat and skirt, with black military braid; Mrs Lueas Bloomfield, black and iheck encrusted with black braid; Mr Boscawen, Mrs Boscawen, black skirt, red plaid blouse; Mrs Baume, green tailormade gown; Mrs Bankhart, handsome black silk gown; Mrs Archer Burton, buis cloth tailor-made gown. Mrs Richardson, Mr and Miss Rice, Mr and Mrs Rice, Mrs Reid, Mrs Russell, Mrs Robinson, Mrs and Miss Reynolds, Miss Roberton, Mrs Edwin Rich, Misses Rich, Mrs Reid, Mr and Miss Reece, Mr and Mrs Geo. Roberts, Mrs Rathbone, Mrs Roach, Mrs Rose, Miss A. Reeve, Mrs Robertson, the Rev. D. Mrs and Misses Runciman.

Mrs Sibbald, Dr. and Mrs Scott, Mrs Smith, Mrs Shepherd, Mrs Steele, Miss Camelia Steele, Mrs Segar, Mrs J. A. Shand, Misses Scherff, Mrs Carl Seegner, Miss Savage, Madame Schmitt, Mrs Gideon Smales, Mrs J. C. Smith, Mr and Mrs C. Suggate, Misses Smales, Mrs Shillington, Miss Savage, Mrs Stevenson, Miss Stewart, Miss Spicer. Mr Philip Turner, Miss Townsend, Mrs William Thomas, Miss Tilly, Mrs Tetley, Mr and Mrs W. Taylor, Professor and Mrs Talbot-Tubbs. Miss Von der Heyde. Mrs Williams, Miss Weyland, Mrs Worth, Misses Worth, Canon Walsh, Mrs Walsh, Miss Willoughby, Mrs and Miss Watt, Mrs Norman Williams, Mrs Williams, Mrs and Miss Wilkins, Miss Williams, Misses White, Miss Williamson, Mrs and Miss Wynyard, Mr Walker, Mrs and Miss Watson. Mrs Young, Mrs Yates. Mrs Allom, Mrs Ansenne, Mrs and Miss Alexander, Mr and Mrs Arnoldt Miss Annesley, Miss Ambury, Mrs Aveney. Mrs Captain Brodie. Mrs Arthur Benton, Mrs L. Brett, Mrs Bambury, Mrs Bramwell. Mrs and Miss E. Brown, Mrs Boardman, Mrs Bamber, Miss Binnie, Mrs Bedlington, Mr and Mrs Baume, Mrs Brassie, Mrs W. R. Bloomfield, Mrs Beehre, Mrs Bond, Mrs Burton, Mrs A. Barker, Mrs E. Benjamin, Miss Brabant, Mrs Blair, Mrs Batchelder, Mrs Brett, Mrs Blyth, Mrs Baxter, Mrs Bull, Lieut.Colonel and Mrs Banks, Mrs Beehan, Mrs Beetham, Dr. and Mrs Baldwin, Mrs Buddle, Mrs Bold. Mr, Mrs, and Miss Creagh, Mr and Miss Cuff, Miss L. Cole, Mrs and Miss Corcoran, Miss Coleman, Mrs Caldwell, Mrs and Miss Coates, Mrs Alfred Chatfield, Mrs Hugh Campbell, Mrs R. Coates, Miss Carpenter, Mrs Dunean Clerk, Mrs Anthony Carr, Miss Carr Mrs Colegrove, Miss Cooper, Mrs D. Craig, Mrs Crombie. Mrs Walter Daw, Captain and Mrs Daveney, Miss Dudley. Miss De Costa. Mrs C. Davis, Mrs R. W. and Madame de Montalk, Mrs Duthie, Mrs Davis, Sir A. Douglas, Mrs Dawson, Mrs and Miss Donald, Mrs and Miss Dacre, Mrs Dignan, Mrs Dawson, Mrs Denniston, Mrs Dillingham. Miss Elliott, Professor and Mrs Egerton, Mrs Erson, Mr C. I. Eller. Miss Firth, Rev. Fitz Gerald. Mrs Angus Gordon, Miss Gordon, Miss Rees George, Mrs Glennie, Mrs Harold Giles, Mrs Nelson George, Mrs Chas. Grierson, Miss Goldsborough, Mrs Goldwater, Mrs Gillies and the Misses Gillies, Miss Gudgeon, Mrs Godall, Mr and Miss Gill, Mrs and Miss Gorrie, Mrs Gutteridge. Mrs Hewson, Mrs and Miss Hewie, Mrs Heather, Mrs Harold Heather, Mrs Hogan, Mrs J. J. and the Misses Holland, Dr. and Mrs Hooper, Miss Hooper, Mrs A. W. P. Hewitt, Mrs Hendry, Mrs Leslie Hunt, Mrs Hansen, Miss Hill, Miss Hazlett, Mrs Hay, Miss Hay, Mrs Hutchison, Miss Hall, Mrs Hall, Mrs Henshaw, Miss Hobbs, Mrs Hardie, Mrs Holmes, Mrs C. Haines, Mrs H. Haines, Miss Hargraves, Mrs H. Horton, Mrs Hunter, Mrs Huntville, Mrs Hunt, Mrs Holt, Mr T. Hodgson. Miss Ireland, Miss Jeannie Ireland, Mrs E. Isaacs and the Misses Isaacs. Miss M. Jones, Mrs and Miss Jones, Mrs Jones, Miss Johnstone, Mr and Mrs Moore-Jones, Mrs and Miss Johnstone.

Mrs Kempthorne, Mrs and the Misses Kerr-Taylor, Mr and Mrs Knight, Mrs Kenderdine, Mrs 11. Kenrick. Mrs W. Kenneth, Mrs Kent, Miss Kent, Mrs Keene, Mrs King.

THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BALL announced for June 2nd promises to be an exceedingly smart affair. The committee, which includes the professorial board and the wives of the professors, are sparing no money or pains to make the function a success

iu every particular. Already a very large number of acceptances have been received, and the dance seems likely to prove the most brilliant tunctioil of a brilliant season. The Northern Clubhave issued all the invitations for their HALL TO THE GOVERNOR on 31st of May. Owing to the crush on previous occasions the list for this year has been strictly limited. The invitations are in this instance particularly those of the individual subscribing members, cards being sent to the nominees of the subscribers. I hear several good stories of bold attempts to procure invitations. Miss Churton has, I understand, been entrusted with the decorations, so they are certain to be lovely. Floor, music, supper, and general arangements at bte Nortern are always beyond criticism, and the ball will doubtless take rank amongst its brilliant predecessors. Owing to pressure on the space of the paper I cannot refer at length to Mr J. L. Wilson’s highly successful reception at the Y.M.C.A. on Friday evening, but that it was one of the most enjoyable affairs of its kind ever held in Auckland all are agreed. Last Wednesday afternoon Mrs Kelly, wife of the Rev. Hugh Kelly, M.A., assisted by several of the ladies connected with Knox Church congregation, entertained the workmen at the new church by giving them afternoon tea in honour of the roof of the church being completed. The church is expected to be ready for divine service the first week in August. A very enjoyable dance was given by Mrs E. Bartley last Tuesday evening. It was held in the Foresters’ Hall, Devonport, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The music and floor were all that could be desired. The supper table was tastefully decorated, and laden with all manner of dainty dishes. The following are some of the dresses I noticed: Mrs Bartley, black satin; Mrs Mason, cream silk; Misses Bartley, pretty cream crepon costumes; Miss Aubin, pink silk and net; Miss Wynyard, dainty cream; Miss N. Philcox, yellow, black trimming; Miss M. Garrett, white; Miss Pearson, white silk; Miss L. Smith, sea green; Miss V. Smith, white muslin, satin trimming; Miss Russell, white silk; Miss D. Russell, pink; Miss Cotes, pale green silk; Miss Durance, pale grey and cream chiffon; Miss A. Durance, cream; Miss Creagmile, pink and black; Miss Reid, cream, pearl trimming; Miss Bush, white; Miss Lind, black and cream; Miss Hanken looked well in cream; Miss Hall, black and white; Miss Clark, black silk skirt, blue chiffon blouse; Miss Bonnar, cream; Miss Bryant, pale blue; the Misses Fountain, white; Miss May Alison, white silk covered with net; Miss Duder, pink and black; Miss M. Duder, pale blue and white; Misses Alison, cream; Miss Dacre, blue; Miss Harvey, yellow and black; Miss M. Harvey, white silk; Miss Law, white; Miss Chapman, white; Miss S. Chapman, yellow; Miss Q. Williams, cream and gold.

THE FIRST PONSONBY ‘AT HOME.’ of the 26th season on Friday last began auspiciously. There was a large gathering, and the sexes were so equally balanced that everyone had a fair share of the dancing, and the seats around the walls lacked the floral decorations which are so undesirable a feature at many Auckland functions, owing to the unwillingness of the young men to do their duty in the social sphere. One of the charms about the Ponsonby ‘At Homes’ is the meeting of friends and neighbours, and the membership this year shows that these annual dances are appreciated by those who know them best. The arrangements were carried out as usual by a committee of ladies and gentlemen, Mr Norman Baker again acting as secretary and head of the executive. That very important branch of every evening entertainment, the supper, received due attention, and was cordially appreciated by the company. The musical programme was under the able direction of Mr Burke. Altogether a most enjoyable evening was spent, the precursor of many more. DRESSES AT THE PONSONBY ‘AT HOME.’ Mrs .1. R. Hanna, rich black satin gown, fold on square-cut corsage, and vest of yellow velvet, jet garniture; Mrs Littler, black gown, black mousseline de soie elbow sleeves; Mrs Purchas, pretty roseate pink figured

water-waved glace silk, low eut corsage adorned with cream silk lace; Mrs Black, Nil green silk, square cut corsage edged with iridescent passementerie; Mrs Goodwin, black silk gown; Miss Winnie Goodwin, black velvet, black net frilled sleeves; Miss Preece was pretty in a pink floral gown, corsage softened with pink chiffon: Miss F. Preece, azure blue, trimmed with white lace, roses in her coiffure; Miss Hooper, white, lace on bodice and long lace sleeves, blue satin belt; Miss Ethel Atkinson looked graceful in white spotted muslin, with yellow moire bow in front of corsage and sash; Mrs Baker, pretty rose pink silk gown, pink and white accordeon-pleated chiffon bodice with satin straps over shoulders and puff sleeves showing top of arms, spray of red roses; Miss Morrin looked dainty in white silk with lace frill on hem of skirt, and lace deftly arranged on bodice, cluster of pink poppies on shoulder; Miss Haven, sapphire blue gown, niched ribbon in vandykes on skirt; Miss Hemus, white striped silk; Miss Kennedy, shell pink silk trimmed with chiffon; Miss Florence Hart, white under white and silver gauze, jewelled passementerie round square cut corsage; Miss Aubin, pink silk veiled with white chenille spotted tulle; Miss Curtis (Wellington) wore an effective blue and white bayadere striped accordeonpleated chiffon, the skirt was composed of three kiltings; Miss George, blue and white bayadere accordeonpleated chiffon gown; Miss Muriel George wore sage-green tulle over white satin, ruche on hem of skirt, spray of red poppies on corsage; Miss Mclllvray, pretty salmon-pink satin bodiee trimmed in stripes with lace encrustations, white skirt; Miss Stevenson, forget-me-not blue lustre, skirt trimmed in vandykes with white silk frills, white fichu; Miss Thomas wore a striking gown of emerald green silk trimmed with white ribbon; Miss Cousins, white figured silk, bodice finished with yellow ribbon velvet; Miss Caldwell was graceful in white silk, pearl garniture on corsage; Miss Langsford, black spotted net gown, long lace sleeves showing top part of arms; Miss Lelia Langsford, green, white satin fold round low corsage dotted with pearls; Miss Cook, white silk, posies of buttercups on bodice and on her coiffure; Miss Campbell, white silk, blue velvet, ‘Louis’ bows in front of bodice and on shoulders; Miss Martin, white figured silk, sprays of pink flowers; Miss Raynes wore a combination of pink and green sun-ray-pleated chiffon; Miss Bell wore a pretty rose pink silk gown with tucked bodice, short sleeves edged with ruching. Drs. Purchas, Aubin, Williams, Owen, Messrs Hanna, N. Baker, Littler, Black,C Leys, Masefield. Williams, Caldwell, C. Owen, Vaile, Dawson, Benzoni, Jourdain, B. Baker, Thomson (2), Palmer, N. George, James, Madill, Foster, Hooper, Hemus, Frost, Garlick.

THE MEET AT SYLVIA PARK. The meet of the Pakuranga Hunt Club at Sylvia Park on Saturday afternon last promised to be a more than usually brilliant event in hunting circles, as His Excelency the Governor Lord Ranfurly and party had promised to be present. Unfortunately, however, the weather proved very unfavourable; but in spite of the rain the Earl and the Countess of Ranfurly, with Lady Eileen Knox, Captain Alexander, Private secretary, and Captain Ward, A.D.C., put in a welcome appearance punctual to time. The party drove in a waggonette, the Governor himself acting as whip, and handling the ribbands in a very Workmanlike manner. When they arrived at Mr J. G. Ralph’si residence, from which the meet started, the occupants of the vice-regal carriage had been so badly treated by the weather that it is not to be wondered at that they made a shorter stay than they had originally intended. There gas a good muster of members, including Mr H. T. Gorrie, master of the hounds, on Jimmie; Mr J. Selby (huntsman), the whip (Mr Selby, jun.), Mrs W. R. Bloomfield on Blue Peter, Miss Gorrie on Pat, Miss Dunnett on Jim, Mr W. R. Bloomfield on M’liss, Colonel Dawson on Ike, Misses Kerr-Taylor, Percival, Gorrie, Bull, Tanner, Olive Buckland, Captain Ward, and Messrs V. KerrTaylor. Carmina, Seager. Buckland, N. Markham, Moody, F. Shera, Kinloch, Lewis, T. Morrin, jun., Rothwell and Harrison.

Among the visitors were Mrs P. L. Dignan. Mrs Markham, Miss Wilkins, Miss Williams, Rev. Father Walter McDonald. Mr Gorrie, Mr R.Browning. Mr and Mrs T. Craig, Mi’s Colonel Dawson, Mr and Mrs H. C. Tonks, Miss Elliott, Mrs Dr. Scott, Miss C. Taylor, Miss Percival, Mr C. E. Purchas, Miss C. Wilkins, Mr and Mrs T. Ching, Mrs N. Brassey, Mr Adam Broek, and others. Mr and Mrs J. G. Ralph, assisted by Miss Percival, entertained their guests with their customary hospitality. The first throw off was from the paddock opposite Mr Ralph’s house, and the huntsman proving unsuccessful there, a move was made towards Bayley’s Hill, over some stiff country. There the hounds got on the track of a hare, who made off in the direction of Panmure. To follow her necessitated the negotiation of several difficult wire fences. One of these proved such an awkward obstacle that the top wire had to be removed before those who had followed in the chase so far were able to circumvent it. At this point only four outside the huntsman and whip were in the track of pussy, to wit, Miss Kerr Taylor, Mrs W. R. Bloomfield, Mr W. R. Bloomfield, and Mr Kinloch. This venturesome party were afterwards rejoined by those they had left behind, and a spirited chase resulted over post and rails. Success, however, was denied the hunters,- for towards Bayley’s Hill pussy managed to elude her trackers. Later there was another run, which, though like its predecessors, resulting in nothing, afforded some sport to the ardent sportsmen and women who waited so long. THE LADIES’ BOWLING CLUB AT WAPITI, Epsom, wound up its season last week. There was a large attendance. Play started at one o’clock, to compete for a. prize presented by the President of the Club, Mrs James Russell. It resulted in a win for Miss Maud Wilkins, her sister, Miss Constance, running her very close. The prize was a handsome looking-glass, mounted with silver. Afternoon tea and cakes were served inside the house on account of the cold wind which was blowing, though the sun was particularly bright. Most of the ladies had wisely donned their winter gowns. Those who still clung to their summer toilettes looked cold. Major and Mrs George welcomed their numerous guests in their usual warm manner. Amongst those present I noted: — Mrs Nelson George, very handsome black moire, ' with black ribbons, black chine blouse; Mrs James Russell, very stylish green and pink brocaded material, black fur cape, pink bonnet; Misses Russell (3), navy natte serges; Mrs Ware, navy cloth with black braid; Miss Ware, dark skirt, white blouse; Miss D. Ware, navy blue; Miss Bull, white cambric, pink silk tie, sailor hat; Miss Wynyard, prune serge; Miss Little, bronze green coat and skirt; Miss Bleazard-Brown, navy serge with black military braid trimming; Mrs Robert Browning, slate grey coat and skirt; and her daughter wore brown; Miss Bailey, navy; Miss Dargaville, absinthe green costume; Miss M. Dargaville, navy blue; Miss Ruddock, navy; Mrs Murray, striking green-figured costume, black cape; Mrs Dignan, brown eoat and skirt; Miss Chambers (Samoa) looked very pretty in a biege costume made Russian bodiee, and finished with braid; Mrs A. Walker, black and white cheek, finished with bands of blaek braid; Miss Lucas, navy serge; Miss Shuttleworth, black skirt and coat, white blouse; Miss Devereux, purple costume; Miss Otway, mouse-coloured coat and skirt, black feathered boa, sailor hat; Miss Wilkins, green skirt, green and white striped blouse; Miss Williamson, navy serge; Miss Maud Wilkins, dark skirt, white blouse; Miss White, navy coat ami skirt; Mrs Fitzroy Peacocke, chrv-santheinmn-eoloured coat and skirt; Miss Peacocke, green, trimmed with fox fur; Miss Draper, blaek skirt, blue blouse; and her sister, navy; Misses Kerr-Taylor, dark skirts, red blouses; Mrs Reed, blaek costume; Miss Heywood, green costume: Rev. Mr FitzGerald, Mr Murray (Babylon Flats).

Our Hamilton correspondent writes: The second of the series of euchre parties came off at the Volunteer Hall on Friday evening, under the management of Mesdames Oldham and Cussen, and was very successful (12 tables). First prize (a pretty Japanese tray) fell to Miss Sandes. The

gentleman’s prize (a letter raek) was won by Mr Purdie, after a most exciting ‘play off’ with Mr T. Jolly. Mrs Sharland and her sister (Miss Brookfield, Onehunga) are staying with their brother (Mr K. Brookfield, Bank of N.Z., Hamilton).