Coronation Ball, Government House, Wellington.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue VII, 16 August 1902, Page 422

Coronation Ball, Government House, Wellington.

Probably the most brilliant and certainly one of the largest balls ever given at Government House was that held on Wednesday evening last, in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty the King. The function had been largely looked forward to for a long time past, and high as were the anticipations of a remarkably brilliant function they were completely surpassed in the realisation. The Countess of

Kunfiirly has. more than any of the great ladies who have previously dispensed Government House hospitality, a genius for decoration and a fine taste in the arranging of reception and drawing-rooms, and assuredly the rooms at Government House, Wellington, never looked better than they did on this occasion. The three reception rooms were thrown into one for dancing, and lavish use had been made of foliage, plants and acacia. Supper was served in the c. nservatory as well as in the diningroom. The tables were decorated with daffodils and narcissus, and

light refreshments were served in another room. The floor of the dancing rooms was in perfect order, and the music delightful; in fact, no more enjoyable function has ever been given in Wellington. The Countess of Ranfurly was gowned in a beautiful ivory brocade with numerous tiny frills of st't white chiffon, embroidered with gold. The bodice was fastened with an exquisite corsage bouquet of various coloured roses. Lady Constance Knox was in white satin. The skirt was frilled with white net. and the full bodice

was swathed with the same material. Lady Eileen wore a simple white silk frock, inserted with lace; Mrs Arthur Rhodes’ gown was dove-grey satin, ornamented with] steel passementerie and flounces of chiffon; Miss Julius wore a blush rose pink silk, prettily tueked and inserted with fine white lace; Lady Ward was much admired in white satin and chiffon, embroidered with crystal trimming; Lady Stout was becomingly gowned in azure blue brocade, with d’eeorations of Maltese lace; Mrs Edwards wore an effective dress of beautiful Wack and white silk ganze. inserted with rich lace