WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue XVII, 22 October 1904, Page 52

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, October 14. Such weather as we have had for the last few days has not been known for years and years—und a good thing too. Under the circumstances the muchadvertised FETE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE has been put off till next, week—rather a misfortune, as there will ba a counterattraction in the shape of races. Captain Hughes' hat stall will be one of the features of the function, and so many people pride themselves on their millinery skill that there will surely be great difficulty in judging. 1 hear of several exhibitors, among them being Mrs Alan Strang and Mrs Walter Strang (Palmerston North), the Misses Williams, Mrs and Miss Abraham (Palmerston), and Mrs L. A'jraliam, Miss Reid, Miss Wilson, Mrs Russell, Mrs and Miss Riddiford. Miss Hewitt, .Miss Brandon, Miss Fell, Miss Richmond, Miss Izard, and Mrs Johnston. The. hats trimmed by men will be few, but choice. A whisper is going the rounds that Mr Buller has evolved a creation which is vary chic, but no one has been allowed a glimpse of it yet. Although the fete itself was

put off, the management decide’ n having the theatricals in the ever . o as aria ng ,d. In spite of the weather a good many people were present, and formed an enthusiastic audience, everything going off very well. The Government House party scored a success with “Old Gooseberry," Mr Waterfield taking the name part. The Hon. Kathleen plunket brought down the house as “Matty,” giving an animated and amusing rendering of Hie character. “Which is Which?” was played as a curtain-raiser, and was capitally done. The principal honours fell to Dr. Mason and Dr. Purdy, who were well backed up by Misses Fell and Fitzgerald.

The curious irony of fate! Every out door function His Excellency has

attended has been spoilt by the weather, while the last indoor one, the opening of the FINE ARTS EXHIBIIION was graced with a gloriously fine day. The Governor was accompanied by I-ady Plunket and the Hon. A. Bingham. Lady Plunket wore a dress of pale grey cloth, with an Empire belt of silk in the sniue shade, and her toque was of chiffon with an upstanding osprey. Airs Fell (wife of the president.) had a blaek voile do soie, with motifs of Paris lace; ■Mrs Wallis, dull purple cloth and floral toque of violets; Mrs Field, grey moire and black glace coat; Miss Richmond, canvas voile and blaek bat; Mrs Wiliiants, black voile de soie; Alias Williams, ivory cloth; Miss R. Williams, cornflower blue voile and hat to match; Afrs Maearthy, cream canvas voile and black hat; Miss Stuart, navy tailor-made; Mrs Larnaeh, black poplin voile; Miss Branddon, black doth and smart hat; Miss Hodgkins, grey tweed and black hat; Airs Johnston, navy tailor-made; Miss Atkinson, blaek coat and skirt; Aliss Blackett, blaek voile and smart black iiat. THE LITTLE PLAY got up by Air and Miss Grace went off very well, and was followed by a small dance. The audience was limited in number owing to the exigencies of space, ■but it was very appreciative. The

quaint costumes of the period were very becoming to the players. Mrs Grace received her guests in a black velvet gown with a berthe of handsome lace.

Elsewhere you will see an account of the wedding of Aliss Lydia Blundell and Air Henry Digges Smith. It is interesting to note that less than a year ago there was a wedding between the same two families, when Miss Lydia Blundell’s elder sister married Mr Agmen Smith. A third sister is now Mrs Tringbam. Yet another Blundell wedding will be celebrated next month, but the bride, Aliss Ida Blundell, is a cousin of Airs Digges Smith, being the daughter of Air John Blundell.

A novel and charming entertainment was Alias Beere’s Apres-Midi on Tuesday. As may be guessed, it was primarily a children’s affair, but most of the mothers and relations were invited to see thp little ones perform. The graceful exercises and elever and spirited dancing were the theme of much admiration. Several new dower dances were given, besides the old favourite jigs and reels, and the ever-popular cakewalk. The Hons. Helen, Eileen and Moira Plunket were among the dancers, as were also little Misses Duncan, Kiddiford, Henry, Donned Goring, Tanner, Fell, Johnston, Brandon, Gore, Doughnan, Brown, Dyer, Greville, Field, Stout, Izard, and others too numerous to men-

lion.

OPHELIA.