WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 1, 4 January 1908, Page 56

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, December 27. Christmas passed oft' gaily to the tune of toy trumpets and various squeaky balloons. There were more people than ever in town this year, a great many of them being strangers, and the trams were crowded. A great many residents feave gone off to the country and seaside for the next few weeks. Apropos of this, it is interesting to note how rapidly the tNlarlborough Sounds are coming into .favour. Pict on is the headquarters of ninny parlies, who camp in the picturesque bays of Queen Charlotte Sound,

or find accommodation in some of the many farmhouses about there. Others go further afield into Pelorus Sound, while the French Pass and D’Urville Island each claim a contingent. The last event of any importance in social affairs was THE BIG CONCERT GIVEN BY THE MUSICAL UNION as their final of the season. “Israel in Egypt” was the work chosen, and the performance was most satisfactory. There was scarcely standing room in the big hall, and if the audience had had their way, several items would have been encored. Mrs. Mitchell, who was very successful in the contralto solos, wore pale blue taffetas, with a good deal of guipure lace about it. Mr. E. J. Hill received quite an ovation for his tenor solo. Atfiong the audience were: Lady Stoue, wearing black crepe de chine, with a collar of Maltese lace; Mrs. Hsilop, black taffetas; Mrs. Cachemaille, white crystalline, with lace yoke; Mrs. Sprott, black crepe de chine; Mrs. Coleridge, black chiffon taffetas, and ivory lace; Miss Van iStaveren, white muslin, and lace bretelles; Miss — Van Staveren, white crystalline; Mrs. Quick, black brocade ; Miss Laing-Meason, ecrue lace blouse, and taffetas skirt; Mrs. Burnett, black chiffon glace; Mrs. Richmond, black crepe de chine; Miss Hursthouse, white muslin, with lace yoke; Miss Hennah, ivory satin and lace; Mrs. Painter, white crystalline, with lace bretelles; Miss Harding', ivory eolienne; Mrs. Wilson, black chiffon, glace and ecrue lace; Mrs. Webb, black crepe de chine, with lace yoke. It was with dismay that we learned that Government House is to be given up next session to Parliamentary purposes. It will certainly affect social affairs a good deal, even if his Excellency does occupy a private house meantime. One shudders to think of Lady Plunket’s dainty boudoir and the charming living rooms invaded by a horde of men, who would be indifferent to their surroundings, and would the odour of tobacco smoke ever be expelled? It is a relief to hear that the sesion will probably be a very short one in view of the general elections. I believe that the Government are trying to secure Mr. T. 0. Williams’ residence in Hobson-street for his Excellency’s occupation, but nothing is yet definitely known. OPHELIA.