CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XII, 22 March 1902, Page 564

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, March 12. This week has been quite gay, owing to the visit of the squadron. To begin with, several dinner parties were given by the Mayor and Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes. Amongst the guests were Lord Ranfttrly, Admiral Beaumont, and some of the naval officers; Mrs Heaton Rhodes, the Bishop and Mrs Julius, Mr and Mrs E. D. O’Rorke, Mr and Mrs G. G. Stead, Miss Lee. Mr and Mrs Alister Clark (Melbourne), Mr and Mrs Pat. Campbell, and Miss Muriel Elworthy.

Lady Alexander and Mrs Gough (visitors from England) were entertained last Tuesday at afternoon tea by Mrs Denniston. Several ladies had been invited to meet them, and as it was Mrs Denniston's “At Home” day, too, other callers arrived, so it became quite a reception and garden party. Mrs Denniston and Miss Helen Denniston were becomingly gowned in blue and white foulards; Miss Denniston wore brown; Mrs Arthur Denniston (Auckland), a pretty black and white toilette; Mrs Wardrop, pink and white muslin; Mrs

Julius, a black and white striped silk; Mrs Fox, a pretty grey dress; Mrs Ranald Macdonald, blaek and white; Miss Lee, heliotrope. During the afternoon, Mrs Burns sang most charmingly; she wore a grey and white muslin. Among those wearing handsome black gowns were Mrs Reeves, Mrs Palmer, Mrs Stringer, Mrs J. D. Hall, and Miss Cowlishaw. The Misses Secretan, Stead, Thomas, and Roberts (Dunedin) were also present. Another afternoon tea was given on Thursday by Mrs Beswick (Fendalton). This was also in honour of an English visitor, Miss Young. During the afternoon Mrs Beswick played and sang delightfully. She was wearing a skirt of blue frieze, strapped with silk, and blouse of pale blue voile, with lace collar. Miss Young wore a pretty blseuit-eoloured voile. Among the guests were Miss Helmore, Miss E. Hill, Mrs George Gould, Mrs and Miss Kettle, Miss M. Elworthy, Miss Cotterill, Mrs Ranald Macdonald, and several others. On Thursday evening the citizens’ ball to the officers of was held in the Agricultural Hall, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion. The Mayoress, Mrs Arthur Rhodes, wore a lovely gown of pile heliotrope satin, and diamond ornaments. The debutantes were Miss M. Louisson, and Miss G. Thomas, both wearing dainty dresses of white silk, finely tucked and lace inserted. The opening set consisted of His Excellency the Governor and Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, Admiral Beaumont and Mrs Denniston, His Worship the Mayor and Miss Wright, Captain Kingsmill and Mrs Gould, Captain Rich and Mrs Wigram, Mr F. Graham and Mrs Boyle, Hon. C. Hill-Trevor and Mrs Coverdale, Captain Walker and Mrs Allan. Mrs Louisson wore a lovely dress of cream lace over pink, trimmed with sequins. Miss Rolleston looked well in black net; Mrs Jennings, black satin, with large blue chiffon

rosettes; Mrs Alister Clark (Melbourne). pearl grey satin with blaek lace and violets; Mrs E. D. O’Rorke, a very elegant gown of white crepe de chine over pink satin; Mrs Denniston wore yellow brocade with rich black lace; Miss Denniston, white lace and pink roses; Miss Neil (Dunedin) wore brown velvet and lace; Miss Wilding, blaek with pink roses; Miss Hill, white lace and turquoise blue velvet, the tablier beautifully embroidered with turquoise; Mrs Wigram, white brocade and ostrich feather trimming; Mrs C. Dalgety, rich white brocade with violets; Mrs Beswick, cream velvet embossed with violets, cream lace skirt; the Misses Wilder wore white satin and black lace; Mrs John Anderson wore black and white; Miss Anderson, pink chiffon with frills; Miss Norah Campbel], tucked heliotrope silk; Miss Symes, white silk with cerise flowers; Miss Muriel Elworthy, turquoise blue chiffon; Miss Roberts (Dunedin) wore grey; Mrs George Gould, white and turquoise blue chiffon; Miss Lee, white crepe de chine; Miss Young, white China silk with lace; Mrs Stringer, handsome dress of white and pink brocade, trimmed with bands of orange velvet and lace; Mrs Ranald Macdonald, a lovely pink brocade; Mrs Heaton Rhodes, a beautiful gown of pink chiffon with insertions of blaek sequins. Many other lovely gowns were worn, too numerous to mention; suffice it to say, the ball was a most enjoyable one, coming as it did in the middle of a very dull season. It was really appreciated by all present. Miss Deans (Riccarton) gave a girls’ luncheon party in honour of Miss Ruby Neil (of Dunedin). The guests were: Miss Stead, Miss Roberts (Dunedin), Miss Nora Campbell, Miss Kettle, and Miss Symes. In the afternoon they played tennis. Miss Harman is getting up a ladies’ ■tennis team to play in Dunedin during Easter week, when the Christ-

church cricketers will be playing there too. The polo tournament, which was arranged for our naval visitors* amusement, unfortunately had to be postponed in consequence of the wet weather. The portraits of our popular exMayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs William Reece, have arrived. They were painted by Barret-Riviere, and are considered not only excellent likenesses, but real worjes of art. You will remember they were subscribed

for by the citizens, so Mr and Mrs Keece have kindly allowed them to be on view at the Art Gallery, before removal to their own residence. Mr George Humphreys has returned from England, and is now staying with his partner, Mr Charlewood. His youngest daughter i« the* 'guest of Mrs Hurst Seager. His son and oldest daughter remained at Home at school. Mr Humphreys intends residing again in his beautiful house at Pendalton, as soon as Mr E. 1). (Tltorke gives up possession. You will lie interested to hear that Mr G. T. Weston, who has been appointed to the position of lecturer in jurisprudence and law at Canterbury College, is a son of ex-judge T. S. Weston, who for many years resided in Auckland. Another son. Mr Claude Weston, LL.B., has at New Plymouth just been admitted by Judge Gonolly as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court. Their mother, Mrs T. S. Weston, Was an Auckland lady, daughter of the late Mr Hilly solicitor, Parnell. Next month there will be quite a number of weddings ■ to chronicle. •Mr H. M. Beeves and Miss E. Harper are to be married on April 2; Mr E. Grigg and Miss Dora Cook on April 9; Miss Garrick and Mr J. P. Newman in the following week; the Bev. Mr Hay and Miss Buckley; Mr A. Stubbs and Miss Townend towards the end of the month. The marriage of Mr J. S. Middleton and Miss Isa Scoular (Dunedin) also takes place next month in Dunedin, but they will reside in Christchurch.

DOLLY VALE.