WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue XIV, 6 October 1900, Page 653

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee. September 27. 11 ICC E PT I ON AT (iO V E R N M E N T HOUSE. Last night (Wednesday) the interior of Government House presented a very brilliant scene, when a large reception was given by the Countess of Ran furly. 'l’he decorations were very lovely, and consisted chiefly of big palms and flowering pot plants. 'l'hc ballroom was carpeted und artistically arranged with various little tables, easels, pictures. and comfortable chairs, and at the far end was a large haniboo, surrounded by handsome cinerarias. In the drawing rooms, too. were groups of graceful palms and ferns, with masses of these brilliant flowering pot plants intermingled, and one corner was banked up with a perfect blaze of red. pink and white aza leas. In every available space was n bowl of some lovely flower, either doffodils. violets or yellow broom, and the air was laden with their perfumes. The long table in the dining room, upon which was laid a very tempting supper, was decorated with small palms and broom. In the corridor, at the side of the staircase. King’s Band was stationed, and played splendidly during the evening. At half-past nine the guests began to arrive, and were received by Lord and Lady Ranfurly at the entrance to the end drawing room. 'l’he Countess wore an elegant trained gown of black chiffon, beautifully embroidered nil over with sequins and jet. a pale heliotrope chiffon sash hung from the left shoulder and fell down over the skirt, being caught at the waist with a large hunch of mauve violets. Lady Ranfurly also wore her lovely diamond ornaments. and in her hair a black jetted wing. Lady Constance Knox wore a white spotted eh inc silk flock, the skirt edged with narrow Vandyked frills of chiffon, and tied at the waist with a pale blue silk snrdi. The Don. Mr Hill-Trevor and the Hon. Mr Butler were in attendance, and were most energetic in looking after Ihe guests. Captain Alexander was also present, but we were s-'u r\ Io see him still on the sofa, and ii.*>t sufficient 1 v upnovered from his accident to be walking about*

There were many handsome gowM worn, and I must liegiii to dvscrilte some of them to you. lately Stout wore a rich white brocade gown, the bodice trimmed with black lace ami jet fringe; Mrs Wallis was wearing deep pink brocade, the bodice being veiled with striyed chiffon of the same shade; Mrs Grace's gown was of rich black satin, with lovely glistening embroidery, and the corsage softened with folds of white chiffon; bady Whitmore (Napier), a handsome grey and black brocade gown, with beautiful old lace on the bodice; Mrs Rhodes, handsome black satin gown, trimmed with jewelled embroidery and chiffon; Mrs Heaton Rhodes wore a pretty white silk gown, veiled with fine lace, and the bodice was brightened with narrow bands of crimson velvet. lovely diamoiwi necklet and ornament in her hair; Mis Millar, black satin, with white lace; Mrs Hemes wore a lovely gow n of maize coloured satin, the skirt draped with white lace and deep frills of chiffon, and the bodice also trimmed with lace and chiffon; Lady Douglas, black gown, trimmed with violet velvet and lace: Miss Douglas, a pink chiffon gown, trimmed with narrow black velvet: Miss M. Douglas, a cream and brown chiffon gown: Mrs Williams, rich black brocade gown, the front of the bodice a ml skirt being trimmed with white Ince; Miss 11. Williams, black satin, the bodice veiled with jewelled chiffon; Miss I’. Williams, pale pink brocade gown, trimmed with deeper pink vehet and white lace: Mrs Richmond. black silk gown: Miss Richmond. a black satin gown, with berthe of pale coffee lace: Mrs Einlay, in a pink satin gown, with lace: Mrs Bell, pale grey brocade gown, the skirt having a panel of cream embroidered satin, and the bodice softened with lace: Miss Bell, a pink satin gown, trimmed with deep chiffon frills and white lace: Mrs Brown, deep pink merveilleux gow n.trimmed with white lace and red velvet: Mrs (raw ford wore a pretty white satin gown, with chiffon on the bodice: Mrs I/ionel Abraham (Palmerston North), pale green, figured silk, the bodice trimmed with chiffon to match: Mrs Baillie, black silk, trimmed with white satin, under black lace; Mrs Edwin, black gown, with a little red on the bodice: Miss Edwin. in white satin, trimmed with laee and chiffon: Mrs \\ . S. Reid, black satin, with white laee round the corsage: Mrs I’harazyn. a grey satin gown, with deep black lace flounces; Miss Pharazyn. white satin, trimmed with chiffon: Mrs E. Brown, pale yellow satin gown, trimmed with pretty white lace ami red roses; Mrs I). Nathan wore a soft white chiffon gown, with an overskirt of lovely lace, and the bodice trimmed with lace and deep pink roses; Mrs Collins, dark red velvet, with white lace berthe; Mrs Stowe, black silk gown, with white chiffon: Miss Stowe, white figured silk, with chiffon: Miss M. Stowe, a yellow brocade gown, with chiffon to match on the bodice: Mrs. Gee. black satin and laee; Mrs. Butler, a blue sal in gown, trimmed with pretty white laee ami crimson roses: Mrs Broad, black silk, trimmed with vh’le chiffon: Miss Broad, white chine silk, trimmed with chiffon frills: Mrs Chaffy, a cream satin gown, trimmed with chiffon and blue vehet: Mrs Moss-Dans (Auckland), handsome black brocade, with black ami white chiffon on the bodice; Mrs Owen, white satin, trimmed with lace ami flowers; Mrs Dixon (Napier), black silk gown, trimmed with lace; Mrs Dunbar, white brocade* the skirt trimmed with pearls and the bodice with chiffon and turquoise velvet; Mrs Eliott, black gown, with lace on the bodice: Miss Eliott, red satin, tin* bodice trimmed with black chiffon: Mrs Friend, all black; Mrs Quirk, a black satin gown, the front of the skirt being of heliotrope silk; Miss Quick, pink satin, trimmed with lace: .Miss M. Quick, in a block gown, with white laee on the bodice; Miss Coates wore a beautiful trained gown of oyster and pink brocade, with a little mauve velvet and white lace on the bodice: Mrs Hislon. a black and white gown: Miss Hislop, white silk, trimmed with laee; Mrs Hardy, biack moire gown, with white lace: Mrs Tregear. a heliotrope brocade gown, the bodice trimmed with lace; Miss Tregear. white figured satin, with lace frills: Mrs. Morison, a black satin gown, trimmed with jet and scarlet velvet; Mrs Mclntosh, black silk and lace gown; Miss Mclntosh, also wore black: Mrs Macarthy. white brocade gown, trimmed with lace; Mrs Menzies, a black gown, with soft lace fichu; Mrs C. Pearoe. black satin, the bodice trimmed with jet and green velvet; Mrs M. Ross, pale green silk,

trimmed with chiffon; Mrs Turnbull, a black jewelled gsuze gown, with pale blue satin on the bodice; Mrs Wilfonl, black satin, trimmed with green velvet; Miss Duncan, a prett.vsea green silk gown, trimmed with chiffon to match, and white lace; the Misses Blackett in black gowns, trimmed with white lace; Miss Baber, yellow silk and chiffon gown; Miss Cooper, black satin, trimmed with lace and pink roses; the Misses Wilson ( Rangitikei). pretty pink satin gowns, trimmed with chiffon to match and white lace; Miss Rolleston, white chine silk gown; Miss Rattray ( Dunedin), black satin, with transparent laee yoke and sleeves; Miss <). (lore, a soft white gauze gown; Miss Sprott. pink silk, trimmed with velvet of a deeper shade; the Misses Johnston wore lovely white satin gowns, made with overskirts over chiffon frills.

and the bodices trimmed with lace and jewel passementerie; Miss Simpson, black gown, trimmed with pale blue chiffon; Miss M. Simpson, red satin, with fichu of white chiffon; Miss Smith. a pale blue and white striped silk gown, trimmed with lace; Miss Reid, pale pink silk, veiled with pretty white figured gauze: Miss G. Reid wore a soft white gown, with pale blue velvet: Miss Patterson, in yellow. Also Bishop Wallis, Sir Robert Stout, Hons. Messrs. G. AleLean. Cadman, Herries, 11. Rhodes, and Wilford. Captain Baillie. Colonel Pitt. Major Owen, Professor Brown. Dr. Collins, Dr. Grace. Dr. Finlay. Messrs. Coates. Pearce. Duncan. Edwin. Gee. Hislop. Johnston. Morison. Macarthy. Simpson, Tregear. Rev. Mr. Sprott. Sir George Whitmore, and others.

Mr. Donald McDonald, the war lecturer, opened his season in the Opera House last Monday night. The house was crowded with a most appreciative audience, who listened intently to this c ever lecturer, and would gladly have heard more of his very interesting experiences in Africa. Mr. McDonald appeared on the stage neatly clad in khaki, and without the slightest effort talked to his audience in a delightfully natural way. Every night the Opera House is crowded with an audience all eager to see and to hem- this "one who has been there.” On Monday His Excellency the Governor. Lady Constance Knox, and the Hon. Mr. HillTrevor were among the audience. Lady Constance was wearing a simple white frock and opera cloak, bound with white fur. and she was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers. Others I noticed in the audience were Sir Robert and Lady Stout, Dr. and Mrs Finlay. Mr and Miss Coates. Mrs Abraham. Mr and Mi’s Dunbar. Hon. Mr and Mrs Seddon. Miss Seddon. Hon Mr and Mrs J. G. Ward. Mr and Mrs Gee. Mr and Mrs. and Miss Simpson. Mr and Mrs Al. Ross. Dr. and Mrs Martin. Mr and Mrs Field. Mr and Mrs Her-

ries, the Misses Johnston. Mr and Miss Gore. Mr and Mrs Barclay. Miss Atkinson. Colonel Pitt, Miss Pitt. Mr and Mrs Loughnan. the Misses Ranson, Rolleston, Hewitt, etc.

THE TABLEAUX VIYANTS which are being got up by the Misses Williams in aid of St. Mary's Home, are to take place next Monday and Tuesday in the Sydney-street schoolroom. J hear that seats are being rapidly booked, so that the entertainment should prove a great success.

Mrs T. Young entertained a. large number of guests at AN AFTERNOON AT HOME on Friday last. The fine, large house in Grant Road, better known as Mr Tolhurst's, but which Mr and Mrs Young are occupying during Mr and Mrs Tolhurst's visit to England, was charmingly decorated with spring flowers, chiefly jonquils, daffodils, and clematis, while the tea tables were arranged with bowls of lovely primroses. A band was stationed outside the drawing-room anti dining-room windows, and played merry music during the afternoon. It was a lovely spring day. so that many of the guests were able to stroll about the garden. Delicious afternoon tea was laid in the dining-room, and the tables were laden with every imaginable kind of dainty eake, sandwich, sweet, and ice. Mrs Young received in a bright red gown, with yoke of tucked silk to mutch. Mrs Dr. Young wore a royal blue Eton jacket and skirt, with vest and revers of prettily tucked white muslin and lace, dark blue and white hat: Miss Young, a dark blue gown, the bodice lightened with cream lace. Amongst others present I noticed Mrs Rhodes, wearing a rich blaek silk gown and lace trimmed cape, black ehiffon bonnet; Mrs Richmond, black gown and cape, black straw bonnet with black and white chiffon; Mrs Grace,

black coat and skirt, and black and pink vehet bonnet with lace wings; Mrs Barron, dark green gown with white tucked yoke, black toque trimmed with lace and pink roses; Miss Barron, dark blue gown, and blaek and red toque; Mrs Heaton Rhodes, blue Eton costume with white laee vest, and black hat trimmed with chiffon and lined with pale blue; Mrs MePherson. grey Eton jacket and skirt, and small blaek and white hat with tips; Mrs Embling, a dark blue gown, and blaek and pale blue toque; Mrs Herries. dark violet gown, and a yellow’ straw toque with blaek tips and flowers; Mrs Ixt’kie, blaek gown and velvet cape, black and white bonnet; Mrs Bell, blaek coat and skirt with blue and white revers, pale blue hat trimmed with silk to match, tend pink roses under the brjm; Miss Bell, blue tailorsuit. and a white hat trimmed with pink chiffon and roses; Mrs Eliott, brown costume, and bronze and cream bonnet: Mrs Owen, grey jacket and skirt, and black and white toque with tips; Mrs Simpson, black coat and skirt, and white straw hat with ribbon; Miss Simpson, a dark green figured gown trimmed with green velvet, and a green toque with violets: Miss M. Simpson, a dark maroon gown trimmed with velvet, fur toque with blue velvet and ospreys; Mrs Crawford, black tailor gown with cream revers, red toque with feathers to match; Mrs Dunbar, fawn cloth gown trimmed with violet satin, blaek hat with tips; Mrs Hislop, black jacket and skirl, and black and violet bonnet; Miss Hislop. black tailor suit, and blaek and green toque with wings; Mrs Adams, dark coat and skirt, and toque trimmed with red flowers; Miss Riley, blue jacket and skirt trimmed with fur, and a violet hat to match with tips; Mrs N. Reid, blaek gown, and bonnet trimmed with pink roses and aigrettes: Miss Reid, a dark blue gown trimmed with narrow white braid, black hat with tips; Miss G. Reid, blue coat and skirt, cream straw hat with pink and red roses; Mrs Travers, dark tailormade suit, and turquoise blue toque trimmed with fur and ospreys; Mrs Biss, dark blue gown, and black hat with tips and red roses; Mrs Millward, a blaek gown and cape, black and white toque with tips: Mrs Butts, in a black gown and black and white bonnet: Miss Butts, a fawn jacket and skirt, and eream hat: Mrs Tuekey,

black silk gown with lace, black bonnet wit'll roses; Mrs Martin, violet cloth gown and pretty violet toque; Mrs Joseph, black gown and cape, blaek hat with plumes: Miss Joseph, a black gown trimmed with white silk, black and white hat: Mrs C. Pearce, dark tailqi- suit, and blue hat trimmed with tulle.and flowers to match: Mrs Quick, black silk gown, and black bonnet with white tips; Miss Quick, pale grey gown, the bodice trimmed with white lace and silk, black hat with tips; Miss M. Quick, fawn jacket and skirt, blaek hat with crimson flowers: Mrs McCarthy. a grey skirt and short- black velvet coat, small black and white hat; Mrs Dean, blaek gown and toque; Mrs Fulton, fawn eoat and skirt, and toque ♦ rimmed with cerise ribbon and flowers; Mrs .Firth, a violet coat and skirt, and violet velvet and fur toque; Mrs Knight, pale grey gown and cape trimmed with heliotrope silk and a grey hat with tips; Mrs Friend, black costume; Miss Friend, blue coat and skirt, and sailor hat; Mrs Rose a brown gown and bonnet trimmed with eream; Miss Rose, dark blue gown, black hat with feathers; Mrs Ward, blue jacket and skirt, and pale blue hat; Mrs Ritchie, maroon coloured coat and skirt, aud maroon velvet toque with white wings; Mrs Tanner, black coat and skirt, and toque trimmed with flowers; Miss Morrah, brown coat and skirt, brown toque with fur; Miss Fraser, a blue jacket and skirt, and cream hat: Miss Brandon. b'.iwk skirt and blue figured silk blouse, blaek and white toque; Miss A. Brandon. a slate grey gown and a hat trimmed with cerise velvet and tips; Miss Pharazyn, pale grey gown with white vest, and a grey hat with feathers aud violets; Miss Ashcroft, brown coat and skirt, cream and black hat; Miss Stowe, grey gown trimmed with red velvet, and a black toque with lace aud pink roses: Miss AL Stowe, pale biscuit coloured canvas gown, and pretty black hat; Miss Cooper, blue coat and skirt, blaek hat trimmed with pink silk; Miss Johnston, blue coat aud skirt, with white collar, and a pale blue toque trimmed with fur; Miss A. Johnston, a similar costume with a crimson toque trimmed with white wings; Miss O. Gore, a pale grey gown trimmed with white, pink straw hat with roses; Mrs McGregor, black

gown and eape, and a black and pink bonnet; Miss M. McGregor, black coat and skirt, and black hat trimmed with pink silk; Miss Duncan, black Eton gown and black velvet toque with yellow roses and tips; Miss G. Henry, brown coat and skirt, and a green hat; Miss Alien (Dunedin), pale greenish grey canvas gown trimmed with narrow white ribbon, black hat trimmed with pale blue velvet and black tips; Miss Medley, blue coat and skirt, and blue velvet and fur toque; Miss Fairchild, a blue braided tailor gown and cream aud pale blue toque; Miss Sprott, aj»red gown and small black and white hat; Miss Smith, green coat and skirt, and sailor hat; Miss Edwin, red figured gown, and black hat; Miss Seed, black skirt and light silk blouse, toque trimmed with flowers; and Miss Davy in a dark coat and skirt, and blaek hat with tips. OPHELIA.