WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XI, 17 March 1900, Page 517

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, March 8. A very enjoyable afternoon tea was given last Monday by Mrs Professor Brown at her residence, Hobson-street. It was given in honour of the members of the University Senate and their wives, who are now in Wellington. A very dainty lea was laid in the diningroom, and Mrs Brown was assisted at the table by several young ladies. Our hostess wore a white muslin gown, the bodice prettily trimmed with frills and lace. Among the guests were Lady Hector, wearing a black satin gown, trimmed with jet and lace, and a black bonnet, with loops of bright pink ribbon and white tips; Miss Hector, fawn coat and skirt, and black straw hat, trimmed with pink chiffon and roses; Mrs Andrew (Masterton)', dark red gown, the broad collar and vest being of cream satin, veiled with

lace, black and white bonnet, with ospreys; Lady Stout, black figured gown, trimmed with chiffon, and a small black straw hat, with tips; Mrs MeGregor, black gown, and lace-trim-med cape, black bonnet, trimmed witli yellow flowers and black ospreys; Mrs Patterson, black silk gown, with lace on the bodice, becoming black and white bonnet; Mrb Fitchett, white pique skirt and pale green figured blouse, green straw toque, with white wings; Mrs W. Pharazyn, rich blacky brocade gown, and pretty black bonnet, trimmed with cream laee wings, ospreys and deep pink ribbon loops; Miss Pharazyn. pretty white muslin gown, over pale blue, and a white straw hat, trimmed with white and black plumes and cream roses under the brim; Mrs Firth, dark blue coat and skirt, with white revers, small white straw hat, trimmed with scarlet silk; Mrs Grace, dark blue and white figured silk, with yoke and front of white tucked silk, black bonnet, with pale blue ribbon rosettes: Mrs Clark (Christchurch), black coat and skirt, black straw' hat. trimmed with yellowroses and chiffon; Mrs Sprott, black skirt and green silk bodice, black velvet bonnet, trimmed with steel and tips; Mrs M. Richmond, white gown and black hat. trimmed with black tips and green ribbon; Mrs C. Wilson, black and white costume; Mrs M. Ross, grey gown, trimmed with white silk, and a white hat, with black tips; Mrs Knight, black gown, trimmed with laee. and large black hat. with tips; Mrs Powles, in black and white; Miss Hamilton, black gown, and black and white bonnet; Miss Shand (Dunedin), pretty white muslin gown, trimmed with lace, and white hat; Miss Williams, bright blue striped musTTii, trimmed with narrow white lace frills, white silk sash, and white chiffon hat, with wings and pink roses at the back; Miss Quick, cream gown, and black and white hat, trimmed with tips; Miss Harcourt, white embroidered muslin gown, vvith a belt of bright pink ribbon, large white hat, with tips; also, Sir James Hector, Rev. A. Andrew. Sir Robert Stout, Bishop Cowie (Auckland), Rev. T. H. Sprott, Professors Brown (2), Easterfield, McKenzie and Shand (Dunedin). Doctors MeGregor, Chapple, Knight. Fitchett,

Messrs Cohen (Christchurch), Powles, Wilson. Ross and others. It was indeed unfortunate that on the occasion of the large Patriotic Fete, held in Government House Grounds on Wednesday, the weather did not behave in a more considerate way. Dark, threatening clouds hung about all day, but, luckily, no rain fell, and it was blowing terribly, and clouds of dust arose in all directions, making it most unpleasant to be out of doors. But. in spite of this, hundreds of people were present at this interesting affair. By three o'clock the lawn in front of the house was crowded, this spot iteing the chief centre of attraction. as it was known that the Young Ladies' Contingent was to go through several performances on the lawn. The Premier, who arrived at about three o'clock, was received with a salute from the Ladies' Contingent, and, after briefly addressing them, declared tho Fete opened. A large space was kept clear on the lawn by means of a rope, and in this the Young Ladies’ Contingent went through their drill; the greatest praise is due to them and to Captain Davis, who, with Lieutenant Tuckey, instructed and trained the fair contingent for this occasion. The uniforms consisted of neat khaki skirts and tight-fitting coats and felt hats, turned up at the side, with black cock’s feathers, and they carried rifles. The contingent consisted of the following:—Captain. Miss A. Edwin; Lieutenants, Miss G. Williams and Miss M. Douglas; Colour-Sergeant, Miss S. Johnson; Sergeants, Misses G. .Reid, M. Seddon. Harcourt and E. Page; Corporals, Misses Curtis and Tabuteau; Lance-Corporals. Misses Winder and Davis; Privates. Misses Butts, Burnett, Gill. Slater. Mount, Hannah (2), Pender. Fox. Waldegrave, Salmon, Mce, Lewis, Macintosh, Stavely, Stevenson, Staples. Johnson, Richardson, Prouse (2). Curtis (2), Stafford, Runcie, Kirkealdie (2). Taylor, Eliott. Bannister, Durant, Willis, Morshcad (2). Somerville. Williams, Nelson, Cart, Simpson, Gaudin, Waldegrave, Tabutea u, Marsh and Chatfield. At about a quarter to four o'clock the Rough Riders' Contingent arrived from the camp, headed by a band; they were received by the ladies in khaki, and, after being inspected by

Colonel Collins, and giving their war cry, were inarched on to the lawn, where they were put through some drill performances by Lieutenant Pringle. The entries for the decorated bicycles were very numerous, and some of them were really very prettily got up. Mrs Firth was successful in obtaining first prize for the best decorated bicycle in the open class. Miss C. Orr being second. Mrs Firth arranged hers with lovely mauve asters and light greenery, the effect being most pleasing. Miss Orr appeared as "The Geisha,"’ and her machine was quaintly decked with red. white and blue ribbons and tiny Chinese lanterns. For ‘"girls under sixteen,” Miss G. Ewen was first and Miss V. Fulton second, and for the most original design Miss C. Orr came first. Decorated go-carts: Mrs F. Dyer first and Mrs King second: both of these were very pretty. Miss J. Reid was first in the chil-

dren's toy earts, and Miss M. McKee second. Miss Howlett and Mr Westbury were awarded a prize for a decorated tandem. Some very clever trick riding by Messrs Westbury and Gay, on the lawn, attracted a good deal of attention. At the far end of the lawn a stage was erected, and during the afternoon Mr A. H. Jones gave some exhibitions of heavy weight lifting. Mr J. Browne sang "The Man Who Carries the Gun,"’ and Miss Pollock recited "The Absentminded Beggar." being rewarded by a shower of coins. In the large ballroom (indoors) a most, attractive concert programme was arranged for. being under the management of Mr E. J. Hill. The vocalists were Miss Wilson. Miss Jeanne Ramsay, Miss Violet Mount, Mrs Levi. Mr J. Prouse, Mill. Smith. Mr J. W. and Mr E. J. Hill, while instrumental pieces were given by Miss J. Moran and Herr Hoppe. In the evening the wind had increased to almost a gale, yet there must have been at least 4000 or 5000 people in the grounds. The lawn in front seemed one moving mass of humanity. The grounds were lit with electric light, and from the balcony a very powerful light shone out brilliantly, making it seem almost like day. The performance of Shakespeare's pastoral play, "Midsummer Kight's Dream,” took place on the stage at the end of the lawn, and a very pretty sight it was. Owing to the great crush and the high wind, it was. of course, impossible for many to hear or to see very much of what was going on. but I was fortunate enough to get a close view of the whole thing, and quite enjoyed it. The different characters were taken by the Messrs P. Fordham, Johansen, Levi (also stage manager), Nicholls. Lyon, Bastin. Zachariah, Parsons. W. Parsons, and Plimmer, and the Misses Burnett, Dimock, Wrigglesw orth. Frankel, Bannister, Runcie. Mount, and-Tabuteau. The evening's entertainment was brought to a close by an imposing tableau representing Britannia (Miss Pender), surrounded by daughters of the Empire in khaki—the contingent. The Garrison Band, which was in attendance during the evening, plaved "Rule Britannia” and "God Save the Queen," all present joining in with enthusiasm. In one corner of the lawn the everattractive sweet stall was carried on in a tent, being presided over by Mesdames Quick and Brown. Tea was obtainable during the afternoon in a marquee at the side of the house, but the arrangements here were hardly as good as they might have been, probably owing to the very large demand there was. Lady Douglas ought to feel gratified with the success of this original idea she so energetically organised. The financial result is not yet known, but, judging from the immense crowds Who patronised it. I should think a remarkably handsome sum would be realised. It was most generous of Lord and Lady Ranfurly to give the use of the Government House grounds for this function, as I should think that considerable damage must have been done with such a. number of people, besides the erecting of the stage, marquees, etc. 1 must now try and remember some of those I saw there in the afternoon, but among so many it was a hard task to see what the ladies wore. Lady Douglas wore a gown of blue figured silk, with revers and vest of white silk under lace, and a large black straw hat trimmed with black and white feathers, and yellow roses under the brim; Miss Douglas had a navy blue linen Eton suit with red belt, and her white straw hat was trimmed with red, white and blue; Mrs Seddon, grey gown trimmed with black braid, black bonnet with lace wing®, roses and black tips; Miss Seddon, white gown V - lnme4

and white straw hat trimmed with black tips; Mrs Williams, grey brocaded silk gown, black satin cape striped with jet and steel, and a jet and steel bonnet; Miss Williams, white pique skirt and a dark blue silk blouse trimmed with white lace, blue straw hat with large rosette to match; Miss 11. Williams, a scarlet cloth gown with wide revers of white laee, black velvet toque with plumes; Mrs Duncan, black gown and cape, and pretty black and white bonnet; Miss Duncan, white sprigged muslin gown, and white straw' hat trimmed with chiffon and pink roses; Mrs Fitchett, white and green gown, and a green toque with white wing's; Mrs Newman, tdack skirt and pale blue blouse, black hat trimmed with blue ribbon; Mrs Edwin, black tailor made costume, black and pink bonnet; Miss Edwin, in a light gown and hat; Mrs Andrew (Masterton), dark red gown, with cream laee revers, black and white bonnet; Mrs Andrew, junr., blue coat and skirt, black hat trimmed with tips: Mrs Grace, blue and white soft silk, the revers of white lace, chiffon vest, and a gold bonnet with green and blue ribbon and white ospreys; Mrs Firth, pretty white muslin gown trimmed with insertion bands, and sailor hat; Mrs Menzies, black figured gown and black bonnet trimmed with violets; Mrs Richmond, mourning costume: Mrs Riddiford, black tailor made costume, black toque trimmed with pink flowers; Miss Riddiford, fawn coat and skirt, sailor hat; Mrs Rhodes, black cloth costume and black chiffon and jet bonnet; Mrs Anson, white pique skirt and pink sprigged muslin blouse, small maroon hat trimmed with chiffon to match; Mrs Eliott, black and white figured gown, and bonnet to match; Mrs Bell, pale grey coat and skirt, and white straw hat trimmed with white feather and red roses; Miss I-. Bell, white blouse and skirt, and a straw hat trimmed with shaded pink ribbon: Mrs Finlay, white jacket and skirt, black and white toque; Mrs Tuckey, black gown and bonnet trimmed with pink roses; Mrs F. Dyer, pink gown trimmed with black, and a pink straw hat trimmed to match: Mrs Gore, black and white costume; Mrs H. Gore, pale grey coat aud skirt, and toque to match; Miss O. Gore, white blouse and skirt trimmed with pink, white straw hat trimmed with flowers and black tips; Mrs Butts, black figured gown and black and white bonnet; Miss M. Butts, white gown and sailor hat; Mrs Clark (Christchurch), pale green . muslin skirt, the bodice of white satin, having a rich jewelled zouave jacket, black straw hat trimmed with yellow chiffon and roses; Mrs lan Duncan, white flowered muslin gown and white chiffon toque with wings; Mrs Barclay, black gown with a green yoke veiled in black laee, black bonnet trimmed with pink roses and tips; Mrs N. Reid, rich black brocaded gown and bonnet trimmed with pink roses: Miss Heid, deep violet cloth gown, and velvet hat to match with tips; Mrs Fitzgerald, black coat and skirt, black hat with violets; Mrs Joseph, black tailor made costume, and black bonnet trimmed with blue; Miss Joseph, brown jacket and skirt, and pink straw hat trimmed with chiffon and wings to match; Mrs Robert Brough, dark blue coat and skirt, and sailor hat; Mrs Douglas McLean (Napier), lovely pink silk gown veiled with cream embroidered chiffon and trimmed with rows of narrow black velvet. black velvet toque with plumes; Mrs Wilford. black tailor suit, and black hat with tips; Mrs Marchbanks, blue figured silk skirt and soft white blouse, white straw hat with chiffon and pink aigrettes: Mrs Collins, black coat and skirt, and black toque with tips: Mrs Biss, mauve figured muslin gown trimmed with lace, black hat; Mrs Hislop, black costume: Miss Hislop. white muslin gown and sailor hat: Mrs L. Pharazyn. brown coat and skirt, and brown and pink hat; Mrs Turnbull, neat black tailor suit, and mauve straw hat trimmed with mauve shaded ribbon; Mrs Stafford, black gown and toque; Miss —. Stafford, white gown and sailor hat; Mrs Riley, white gown, and white straw hat trimmed with yellow roses; Mrs T. Young, soft white silk and lace gown; Mrs (Professor) McKenzie, mourning costume; Mrs A. Pearee. black coat and skirt, and red toque trimmed with black tips and poppies; Mrs C. Pearce, white muslin gown and white hat trimmed with blue ribbon; Mrs M. Barnett, cream figured gown and black and yellow toque; Mrs Crnwford. cream figured gauze gown trimmed with narrow black velvet, straw hat trimmed with flowers: Mrs Fulton, fawn coat and skirt, and black straw hat trimmed with mauve flowers and lace; Mrs E. Izard, blue figa , ..

white hat; Mrs Ewen, fawn jacket and skirt, and black hat; ’Mrs Bucholz, black skirl and grey silk blouse, black hat with tips; Mrs Pro use, fawn costume;. Miss Coates, blaek coat and skirt, white feather boa and black velvet toque; Miss Turnbull, deep royal blue gown, and blue straw hat trimmed with checked ribbon; Miss Barron, white gown and sailor hat; Mi.-s Izard, dark skirt, fawn jacket, and black hat trimmed with bright pink silk; Miss Johnston, white muslin gown with insertion bands, white hat trimmed with pale blue; Miss A. Johnston, goblin blue cloth gown trimmed with darker velvet, burnt straw hat with scarlet ribbon; Miss Cooper, grey coat and skirt, and white sailor hat; Miss Chatfield, black skirt and black and white silk blouse, small white hat trimmed with black tips; Miss Smart, grey gown, the bodice tucked and trimmed with narrow lace, white hat; Miss Fairchild, pale fawn coat and skirt, and black hat; Miss F. Brandon, black skirt and grey check silk blouse, black and white toque; Miss O’Connor, green gown trimmed with white tucked silk, white strawhat with deep pink ribbon; Miss Atkinson, black coat and skirt, and black hat with violets, and tips; the Misses Seed, white skirts and muslin blouses, toques trimmed with flowers; Miss Rolleston, blaek coat aud skirt, and sailor hat; Miss Skerrett, old gold brocaded gown, and small toque to match; Miss J. Skerrett. blue striped silk princess gown, the front ' and sleeves being of yellow silk veiled with lace, fawn felt hat with wings; Miss Simpson, dark skirt and fawn jacket, and large pink .straw hat trimmed with chiffon to match: Miss Heywood, white gown, and hat trinjmed with bright pink: Mrs and Miss Wilson, Mr and Mrs Wardell. Mi ss Malcolm, Mrs and Miss Blundell, Miss Wrigglesworth, Miss Scully, the Misses Morrah, and a number more. Mr and Mrs Robert Brough are again in our midst, and. as usual, are drawing large audiences at their performances in the Opera House. Last week ‘'The Liars” had a most successful run. "The Adventure of Lady Ursula” is now being staged, and oil Friday the first production of “The ' Gay Lord Quex” will take place.

OPHELIA.