WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XXI, 24 May 1902, Page 1039

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, May 15. We have had another of the most perfect musical treats by the visit of Mdlle. Dolores. She gave three recitals in the Opera House, Mr. John Prouse and Mr. Clarence Newell (pianist) being the only other soloists. Every night the house was crowded, and on the last night there was standing room only available for late comers. Such a songstress as Mdlle. Dolores seldom visits these parts of the world, and the Wellington audiences, at least, show’ed her that when suc.i a one does come she is appreciated. Mdlle.’s voice seems to be, if possible, even more beautiful than ever, but perhaps this is because it is so long since we heard her, and because we have been living for this visit for many months—now we are living for the next. On one night Mdlle. Dolores looked very sweet in a lovely gown of yellow brocaded satin, the large design being in a slightly darker shade; the-train-ed skirt had a panel of white satin, beautifully embroidered with gold and steel, and the bodice was finished with handsome lace and flowers and diamonds. Another night she wore a most uncommon gown of rich crimson satin, brocaded with white flowers; the front of the skirt was caught up at the sides in the old style, showing an underdress of little white net frills, each edged with red ribbon, the yoke and elbow sleeves were of the soft transparent net, while a spray of pink roses and an exquisite diamond necklace and ornaments completed the toilette. Among those I saw in the audience

during the season were: Sir Robert and Lady Stout, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. and Miss Prouse, Mr. and Mrs. Pearce, Lady Ward, Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy, Mr. and Mrs. Quick, the Misses Quick, Mrs. and Miks Butt, Mr. and Mrs. M. Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Embling, Mr. and Miss Fraser, Mr. and Mrs. Maughan Barnett, Mr. and Miss Harcourt, Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Gould, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Sprott, Mrs. and Miss Brandon, Mrs. and Miss Simpson, Mrs. Fitchett, Mrs. and Miss Joseph, the Misses Williams. Mrs. and the Misses Hislop, Mrs. Pharazyn, Mrs. Wallis, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. and Miss Stowe, Mr. and Mrs. Loughnan, Mr. and Mrs. Warren, Mrs. Deane, Mr. and Miss Gore, Mrs. and Miss Parker, and others.

A very jolly little impromptu dance was got up by a number of g.'rls and given in Miss Richmond's School last Thursday. A very nice and simple supper was provided by the energetic organisers, and King played gooff music. The party was chaperoned by Mrs. Dr. Rod, wife of the doctor of H.M.S. Phoebe, which is now in port. Some of those present were the Misges Hislop, Rawson (3), Fitzgerald (2), Higginson, Brandon, Twigg, Harcourt. McTavish, Riddiford, Haseldene, Atkinson, Fell, and the Messrs. Harcourt, Turrell, Fitzherbert, Sloman, Higginson, Cooper, several “Phoebe” officers, etc.

At the meeting of St. John Ambulance Association last Tuesday evening Lady Ward presented the certificates and medals won during the last examinations. The Sydney-street Hall was crowded, and a very pleasant evening was spent. Among those who spoke were Rev. Mr. Patterson, Dr. Newman, Dr. Henry, Dr. Chappell, Mr. C. P. Powles and Mr. E. B. Brown. An interesting"exhibition of “first aid” was given by several members of the society at the conclusion of the evening.

On Wednesday Mr. and Mrs. John Prouse were “at home” to a large number of guests at their residence, Clifton Terrace. Mdlle. Dolores was the. guest of the afternoon. She was staying with Mrs Prouse during her visit here. Tea was prettily laid in the dining-room, the table being decorated with autumn flowers and leaves. A very enjoyable musical programme was greatly appreciated by the guests, and with such performers as Mr. Prouse, Miss Prouse, Herr Hoppe, and Mr. R. B. Williams, it is not to be wondered at. Mrs. Prouse received In a trained black skirt and pretty cream pompadour glace blouse, trimmed with lace. Mdlle. Dolores wore a beautiful gown of maize silk, under a lace overdress. Among the many present T noticed: Sir J. and Lady Ward. Rev. T. H., Mrs. and Miss Sprott, Mr. and Mrs. Embling, Mrs. and Miss Quick, Mr. and Mrs. M. Barnett, Mrs. Ward. Mrs. Derry, Mrs. and the Misses Stuart, Mr. and Miss Butt. Mrs. and Miss Beere, the Misses Haise, Mrs. and Miss Lee, Sir. and Mrs. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. M. Ross, Mrs. McCarthy, Mrs. Batham, Mrs. Rotheram, Mrs. and Miss Shannon, Miss Myers and others.

The first of Mr. Maughan Barnett and Hei r Max Hoppe’s series of three chamber concerts was given in the Sydney-street Hall to-night. There was a very good audience. The gems of the instrumental items were a duet for piano and violin, sonata in B flat (op. 42), by Hans Huber, splendidly performed by Messrs. Barnett and Hoppe, and Mr. Barnett's piano solos; a nocturne by Field and Rachina innoff's prelude in C sharp minor, bracketed. The pianist was loudly encored, and responded with a spirited little piece, of which I did not know the name. Other instrumental items were a trio in A (op, 112) for piano, violin and ’cello, by Rheinberger, played by Messrs. Barnett. Hoppe and Hammerton. and a nocturne by Hollander and Sauret's “La Capricieuse” bracketed, played by Herr Hoppe. Mr. Prouse was the vocalist, and sang “Infelice” (“Ernani”). by Verdi for his first number, and later two little songs, bracketed, “Since We Parted" (F. Allitsen) and “Absence,” by the same composer. For these he received a. decided encore. and gave as a response a charming little ballad, “I’ll Love Thee Till I Die.” Miss Prouse and Mr. Towsey were the accompanists. In the audience I noticed Lady Stout, Mrs. Barnett, Mr. and Mrs. Enabling, Mrs. Tripe, Mrs. Kemp, Mrs. and Miss Stowe, Mrs. Fitchett, Mrs. and Miss Prouse, Mr. and Miss Fraser, Mrs. and Miss Butt. Mrs. Fell, Mrs. and Miss Somerville, Mr. and Mrs. Ward, Mrs. and Miss Richmond. Miss Greenwood, Judge and Mrs. Cooper, Misses HardyJohnstone, Gore, McTavish, Newton and others.

Among guests to Wellington just now are Miss Fraser (Dunedin), a visitor to Lady Ward; Mrs. Stilling (Dunedin), staying with her sister, Mrs. Lees; and Mrs. Broad (Blenheim).

Mrs. Tweed and her children have gone into the country for the holidays, and also Mrs. Burses and her family. Miss Harding has gone to stay with Mrs. Graham in Dunedin.

OPHELIA.