WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 8, 22 February 1908, Page 64

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, February 14. Charitable affairs are figuring largely in the social programme at present, and scarcely a day passes without a fete of some sort, it is certainly ideal weather for that kind of thing, and one can lay plans for some weeks beforehand to count upon a good day without fail. The only difficulty about a garden fete in Wellington is to get the garden. That is where Karori comes in, and two successive Saturdays have been booked for these festivities. Hast Saturday Mr. Bristowe's garden ■was a gay scene, with flags flying, band music, and a big crowd of people. •ST. MARYS HOME FOR GIRLS was the object, and it benefited by over '£3o, so the party of school girls who organised it should be very pleased with their success. Karori people were there in strong force, ami 1 noticed a number of people from town. Mrs. Bristowe wore a white broderie dress, with lace insertions, and a smart black and white picture bat; Miss Bristowe was in palest gieen, with lace yoke and sleeves; her youngest sister was in white, with a pretty white hat; Airs. Ballance, black ami white chiffon taffetas, and white picture hat; Mrs. Finch, black lace and chiffon, white vest, black and white toque; Mrs. Hump, white muslin, with lace bolero, white hat with black bows; Mrs. A. Hume, white and black spotted mu-din, and black hat; Mrs. L. Blundell, deep blue chiffon voile, lace yoke, and

smart blue hat; Mrs. Mae Ewan, white embroidered, muslin, shaded red hat; Mrs. Holm wood, black chiffon voile, and black.toque; Miss Coates, wine red taffetas, cloche hat of the same shade; Mrs. A. Young, raspberry pink marquisette, and black picture hat; Mrs. Webster, dull blue voile, ivory lace vest, and shaded blue hat; Mrs. Moss, grey glace, veiled ill grey voile, black hat; Mrs. Symons, black tailor-made, and black crinoline hat; Mrs. Riley, mauve linen, white vest and sleeves; Miss Riley, pale pink chiffon voile, white hat with ostrich featner; Mrs. J. Blundell, black crepe de chine, and Maltese lace; Mrs. Robertson, grey chiffon taffetas, and black hat. There is a good deal of discussion still going on about the future locality of GOVERNMENT HOUSE. It is said that his Excellency is experiencing great difficulty in finding a suitable house anywhere near Wellington. One residence, in Hobson-street, which would have done very well, is unavailable, as the Government will not agree to the terms asked. One or two good places in the Rangitikei district have been inquired after, but the owners are not inclined to move, and at present negotiations are on foot for a house near Palmerston. Quite a simmer of excitement was caused by the circular describing the competitions and scope of the fete in aid of the HOME FOR OOMUASSION at Island Bay. Miss O’Connor is indefatigable in her efforts as hon. secretary, and she has the assistance of Mr. Crombie. As for the competitions, they beggar description, ranging from cookery to Limericks, and from diabolo to matchboxes and millinery. Mesdames Moorhouse, Turnbull, Fisher, Bolton, Johnston, Ross, Rylands, Gilruth, Bunny, and Pearce are among the stallholders, who also include Misses Eileen Ward, O’Connor, Kennedy, Devine, Stafford, Scully, Pirie, Whelan, Fitzgerald, and Nathan. Among other attractions is a baby show, which is to be a special feature. BREWSTER’S MILLIONS drew crammed houses up to the very last night, when the surplus audience stood in rows at the back of the seats. Mrs. Brough was very warmly greeted, and the three principals were recalled at the close of the play. Among the spectators were: Mr. and Mrs. Bucholz, Mr. and Mrs. Mantell, Mr. and Mrs. Miles, the Misses Miles, Mr. Dalziell, Mr. and Mrs. Martin, Colonel and Mrs. Campbell, Dr. and Mrs. Webster, Mrs. and the Misses Marchant, Captain Edwin and Miss Edwin, Misses Stafford, Miss Ewen, Mr. Robertson, Misses O’Connor, Mr. and Mrs. W. Blundell, Mrs. Skeet, Mr. Webster, and many others.

OPHELIA.