AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 20, 13 May 1908, Page 59

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, May 11. With one thing and another, there is a good deal of social news to chronicle this week. First of all in importance were, I suppose, the FESTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENTS TENDERED TO VISITING FREEMASONS. Hundreds of Masons, front all over the Dominion, attended to witness the installation of His .Excellency the Governor, Bro. Lord Plunket, as Worshipful Master of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The Royal Albert Hail was used for the ceremony, and the decorations, while on an extensive scale, were carried out so as not to interfere with the voices of the speakers. The ceremonial is, I am told, most impressive, and was carried out with much pomp and circumstance, the scene, when some twelve hundred Masons were gathered in full regalia, being really magnificent. Of course, no one of our sex was present, Freemasonry being forbidden to women, but I hear from all sides that the sight was worth coining a long way to see, and from the speeches reported in the paper it is evident that our men folk who are Masons do more than meet for social enjoyment, which I am bound to confess seems to be the prevailing belief of their sisters and wives and cousins and aunts. However, if they do enjoy themselves, besides going through mysterious rites and ceremonies, we had this week a chance of participating in their festivities. THE CONVERSAZIONE AND DANCE took place on Thursday evening, and was very largely attended — so largely, in fact, that it was impossible to see who was who, a task I speedily gave up in pure despair, the number of strangers being also, of course, very great. The Albert Hall was again used, and the installation decorations being very extensively added to, were elaborate in the extreme, nikau being, as usual, extensively used, the colour scheme,' carried out in loojped streamers, being of blue and gold. It was all exceedingly well done, and the general effect rich, yet tasteful, reflecting the utmost credit on those who did the work, which must have been arduous indeed. When we were all assembled M.W. Bro. O. Nicholson, Pro-Grand Master (I've taken care to get the titles right), entered escorting Lady Plunket, who wore a lovely dress of pale pink satin; then Grand Secretary Bro. Malcolm Niccol, with Miss Cresswell (who is staying at Government House), wearing a very becoming gown of black lace over white glace silk. Then came a huge procession of high dignitaries, with Lord Plunket at the head, and for once in a way our dresses were completely outshone by the splendour of the men, who were blazing in gold and silver over blue, red, and green collars, cuffs, and ‘’pinnies” (aprons is. I believe, the correct term). Many of then, too, wore quite a collection of gold, enamelled and jewelled decorations, something like medals of different shapes, and they all, I can assure you, seemed vastly proud of themselves, as, indeed, they had every right to’ be. The whole of one or two men’s coats were covered with these “jewels,” as they are called, and the weight must have been, 1 should think, considerable. However, it was a cool night, so it did not matter much. The presentation of the guests to Their Excellencies was a very lengthy business, and must have tired them considerably. Then came the concert, for which a good programme was arranged, and finally the dance, which seemed to he much enjoyed,

the floor being good, and the music excellent. Supper was served in the large room downstairs, and the arrangements were perfectly adequate even to meet so large an attendance. Cabs, of course, were at a premium, but an after midnight tram service, thoughtfully arranged for, saved many a walk home. It would be hopeless, as well ns invidious, to attempt a list of dresses. I have already told you of Lady Plunket’s, and must add that Mrs. Oliver Nicholson, whose husliand is Pro-Grand Muster, and

now ranks next to 11 is Excellency in Masonry, was tastefully attired in blue ninon, trimmed with rich lace.

THE GARDEN PARTY AT GOVERN MENT HOUSE.

Though perilously late in the season to venture on a function of this sort, true “Queen’s weather,” as we used once to call it, graced this kindly hospitality of the Governor and Lady Plunket.

It had simply poured the whole of the previous night, and, despite a tine morning, things looked ominously dampish and threatening at two o’clock. However, by three, the official time of invitation, King Sol shone out in truly autumnal glory, and the really beautiful grounds of Government House, with their oaks just beginning to change colour, looked at their best. The contemplation of pretty gardens had, however, less charms for the majority of guests than warm feet (for the lawn was dampish) and the minute examination of the interior of Government House. This last was, so I thought, done somewhat over-enthu-siastically by a proportion of the guests, the handling of personal and gift photographs, etc., being—well, shall we say in doubtful taste? Still, I’ve seen worse manners with less excuse on ball nights. Tea and coffee were served in the ballroom, where the crush was heaviest. After Their Excellencies had received their guests on the drive, Lady Plunket moved about the various groups and knots of guests gathered here and there, making each and all feel the true kindliness of being received by the representative of His Majesty. This, being very quietly and unostentatiously done, struck exactly the required chord, and it is certain many a visitor from country lodges will remember the gentle courtesy of Lady Plunket, daughter of that most polished of gentlemen and most admirable of diplomatists, the late Earl of Dufferin. There was a band, and the usual appurtenances of such functions, and the A.D.C.’s and Mr. Waterfield ably seconded the Vice-Regal efforts to make their guests enjoy the afternoon. With regard to the dresses, one was in a similar quandary (only worse) to the aforementioned dance. The majority of guests were chilly, and crowded pell-mell into the ballroom, where it was almost impossible to move, and utterly impracticable to see a soul, and as to describing dresses—to attempt it would have been absurd. Many, again, were visiting Masons, whom I did not know, so I can again only tell you of Lady Plunket and the wives or relatives of one or two dig Hilaries, who braved chances of influenza and stood about the lawn. Lady Plunket was smartly gowned in a pastel blue face cloth Eton coat and skirt, with a dainty white vest, becoming toque of black crinoline straw, with long blue ostrich feather; Mrs. Waterfield, charming gown of white embroidered cloth, the Josephine skirt, outlined with old rose chiffon velours, picture hat of same material, finished with bows of pink chine ribbon, lovely white ostrich feather boa; Miss Cresswell was effectively gowned in white inserted ninon over glace, and wore a very pretty pale blue hat. crowned with coque feathers; Mrs Oliver Nicholson, beautifully fitting bronse green tailor-mnde costume, with white vest, dainty heliotrope hat, with white wings; Mrs Malcolm Nicol (Wellington) modish periwinkle blue cloth coat and skirt, and hat to match of periwinkle blue toned with touches of brown. THE PAKURANGA HUNT CLUB opened their season last Saturday, and after a short but smart run. adjourned to “ Dunkerron,” the residence of the genial Master of Hounds, Mr. 11. T. Gorrie, where Mr. and Mrs. Gorrie entertained the members of the Hunt and their friendls at afternoon teea. Quite a number of people one know rrcre there, either riding or driving. Among»t them were the Misses Nora, and Rachael Gorrie. Messrs. Gorrie, Mr. and Mrs. E. I >. O’Rorke, Miss Kelly, Miss Lloyd, Mrs. Bloomfield, Sir Rbt. Lockhart, Miss Buckland, Miss West, Mr. and Mrs. Southey Baker, Miss Kelly, Mr. and Miss llcllaby, Mr. and Mrs. F. Waller. Mr. and Mim. Nolan, Mr. and Mrs. Craig, Mr. and Mrs. Elliott, Misses Ruddock, Mum Ste-

venson. Misses Martin, Angus Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. Muir Douglas, Mr. black costume and black bonnet ; Mrs. VV. and Mrs. Chadwick, Mr. and Mrs. Firth. At the tea after the hunt, Mrs. IL 1. Gorrie was charmingly gowned in a black mcrveilleux silk toilette With velvet bands, and velvet bolero worn over a pretty floral chiffon blouse, becoming black and white hat; Miss Gwen Gorii*. grey tweed skirt, and dainty white inserted muslin blouse; Mrs. Buck lac-I, black costume and'black bonnet; Mrs. W > Gorrie was gowned in black and wore a black ajid white bonnet; Mrs. Bagnall, dark'blue costume: Mrs. Morrow wore a dark blue cloth coat and skirt, hat on suite; Miss Morrow, navy tailor-nmih gown, navy velvet hat with cluster of pink roses at one side; Mrs. Browning, smart grey and black striped tweed costume, becoming raspberry hat ; Mrs. Cai rick, bronze green coat and skirt, with hat en suite; Mrs. George Bloomfield, vio let cloth coat and skirt, pretty white hat wreathed with pansies; Lady Lockhart, grey and black shepherd’s plaid costume, and' smart little toque brightened with touches of cerise; Mrs. Jack Grey, lark grey tweed costume. Tuscan and black hat; Mrs. Smales, black silk, and black and white toque; Miss Smales, navy cos tume and white felt hat wreathed with shaded roses; Miss (’otter, chestnut brown costume, dainty wine-coloured hat; Miss Dot Biss, blue cloth Eton coat an I skirt, blue and white hat; Miss M. Doug las, navy cloth Eton coat and skirt, and brown hat; Mrs. Tonks, dark blue cos tume, hat en suite; Mrs. Richmond, black relieved with touches of white, biack and white hat; Miss Richmond, beaver col oured cloth gown with facings of velvet, of same shade, hat to match; Miss lean Richmond, navy costume with long coat, small blue hat; Miss Towle looked pretty in a blue Eton coat and skirt, with a white blouse and green motor cap; Mrs. Markham, fawn costume.

THE BALL GIVEN BY THE GIRLS OF AUCKLAND

last Tuesday in St. Andrew’s Hall, went with a swing from start to finish, and was a great success, and certainly thev are to be congratulated on the result u. their efforts. By the way, don’t you think the girls ought to have ca»’*d themselves THE SPINSTERS, to distinguish them from THE MATRONS, who are giving a dance next Tuesday in the Royal Albert Hall as a farewell to Mr and Mrs ( lark, who, with Miss Isabel (T.i’.k. arc leaving Auckland on Wednesday bn a year’s visit to the Old Country? To return to our spin stcr’s dance. The floor was very good, as it always is at St. Andrew’s Hall, and Burke’s band was, as usual, par excellence. The supper was very good indeed, and the tables were really beautifully decorated with crimson dahlias, zinias, and autumn leaves. The two secretaries, Miss Benjamin and Miss Kate Nelson, were indefatigable in look ing after the guests, and a great part of the success of the evening was due to them. Amongst the toilettes I par ticularly noticed were: Mrs Nelson was handsomely gowned in black silk, with Maltese lace scarf: Mrs Devore, black silk and lace, black and gold spangled chiffon rosettes in coiffure; Mrs Douglas, black chiffon taffeta toned with cream lace; Mrs Benjamin, black taffeta, with cream lace V-shaped vest and touches of pastel blue velvet on bodice; Mrs Keesing. black silk, with cream lace encrustations, black jewelled ornament in coiffure; Mrs Mackay, black "satin gown, with white chiffon fucker and handsome lacc berthe; Mrs Longuet was charmingly gowned in ivory Duchesse satin, with lace prettily draped on bodice; Mis Leslie Murray looked pretty in a ciel blue taffeta gown, with white l.ice berthe; Mrs Thomas was gowned in white chiffon taffeta, trimmed with lovely lace, gold *tissue, and in her hair; Mrs Herz was daintily frocked in a white and heliotrope chine silk, with a satin stripe, the bodice was soft ened with lace, and she wore a <Tustei of white ospreys in her hair; Mrs (.'oetz wore a most becoming toilet tv of p<*arl grey Duchesse satin, finished with Ince, hair adornment of white ospreys; Mra Sharpe, shrimp pink radium silk, with lace and pearl passementerie on Itodicc; Mrs Hughes was daintily frocked in ivory Liberty satin, with Maltese lace berthe, pale him* e<‘inliirv. and pale blue i ihl>Oß in her hair; Miss Benjamin wss gownaj

in a very pretty heliotrope chiffon taffeta. with a V-shaped chemisette of gathered Valenciennes lace outlined with narrow velvet bands; Miss Nelson wore black, brightened with touches of scarlet: Miss K. Nelson, white silk and lace, with touches of scarlet on bodice; Miss Pearl Gorrie, dainty white chiffon taffeta; Miss Brigham, white silk, with satin bands. the bodice finished with lace and pearl trimming; Miss Devore wore a picturesque gown of green and white striped silk, with pipings of velvet a shade darker, and white lace vest; Miss K. Devore, pretty white silk and lace, with pastel blue velvet ribbons on bodice and in her hair; Miss Hudson looked pretty in a pale blue semi-Empire chiffon taffeta toned with lace; Miss Sylvia Hudson, very effective pink ninon de soie over taffeta, rouleau of pink chffion, and a pink spray in her hair; Miss Sharland wore a picturesque gown of daffodil silk, with lace guimpe; Miss Florence Walker, pretty pale pink chiffon taffeta, with laee encrustations; Miss Nesta Thomas was daintily gowned in white chiffon taffeta, with silver tissue and tassels threaded through her hair; Miss Lusk, white chiffon taffeta, with net tueker, ami sleeves brightened with silver; Miss Jean Lusk (Dunedin) was gowned in a pretty old rose taffeta, toned with cream lace; Miss Kirker, very pretty white silk, with large crimson crush rose on corsage; Miss Upton, very pale eau de nil taffeta, with white lace berthe; Miss Wingfield was strikingly gowned in black ninon de soie, with touches of gold ; Miss Moir, pretty cream point d’esprit. mounted on pink taffeta, Miss Keesing, dainty toilette of cream laee over glace, touches of scarlet on bodice and in her hair; Miss Caro (debutante) looked very pretty in white chiffon taffeta, the corsage draped with laee caught with silver, ami silver lovers’ knots on hem of skirt; Miss Kitty Clark, black taffeta and red roses; Miss Daisy Wallace (debutante) was charming in white silk, with very pretty laee on bodice; Miss Roie Nathan, pretty shade of pasted blue taffeta, with a tiny spot on it, silver belt, and in her hair; Miss Miles (Wellington) looked pretty in cream laee. with sash of pink ehine ribbon bordered with blaek, pink ribbon in her hair; Miss Bell looked sweet in pale heliotrope silk, toned with velvet a shade darker; Miss Young, pretty pale blue taffeta, finished with white laee: Miss Alison wore a lovely gown of peach pink Liberty satin, with lovely lace; Miss Butler wore white yilk, prettily trimmed with laee and touches of pale blue wreath of pale blue in her hair; Miss Metcalfe was dainty in old rose taffeta, with white lace, and band of velvet at foot of skirt; Miss Dolly Metcalfe wore an effective toilette of chocolate taffeta. trimmed with lace and touches of pink velvet, pink crush roses on corsage; Miss Buller, dainty white tucked Oriental satin; Miss Dyer, primrose silk and lace; Miss Carrie Dyer, white silk, with red roses; Miss May Hesketh. white taffetas; Miss Ruddock, sea green taffeta, daintily finished with laee; and her sister wore heliotrope; Miss Myra Reed, pretty pale green silk, with laee berthe; Miss Walker, very pale heliotrope silk, toned with velvet of a darker shade: Miss Prue Walker, dainty eau de nil silk, with dark green velvet; Miss Henrique (Melbourne), white chiffon taffeta, with lovely lace berthe, white osprey in coiffure; Miss Cotter wore a becoming pink radium silk gown, with lace and pink roses on corsage; Miss Gwen Hill, ivory Oriental satin, with cluster of red roses on corsage; Miss Foote, very pretty ehine silk with design of pink roses; Miss Culpan looked pretty in white silk, with laee ami silver tissue brctelles; Miss Douglas was charmingly gowned in ivory chiffon taffeta: Miss Ziman was gowned in an azure blue taffetas toned with lace; Miss Tote looked pretty in a white taffetas picture frock, with large crimson crush rose in front of corsage; Miss —. Tole also wore a pretty white silk softened with laee; Miss Sybil Paton was wearing a blue ninon gown with white face berthe: Miss Oliphant. very pretty pale blue taffetas, AT HOME. Mrs Ewen Alison, Junior, gave a delightful at home on Thursday afternoon at her pretty residence, •‘Rosstrevor,” "Lake Tnkapunn. During the afternoon two competitions took place, the first being a girls’ name competition. For instance. "How does an nnny cross a riverf They bridged (Bridget). Another question was “What kind of white material rtpreaenta * girl’a name (Jeano) Jean,

etc. The first prize w-as won by Mrs. Williamson. The other competition was a “Memcry Tray.” The tray was laden with a large number of articles of a varied character that it proved no easy task after a two minutes’ peep to remember, and subsequently note them on a card. A pretty prize, crowning one’s efforts, was won by Mrs. Willie Wilson. Miss Ivy Alison sang very sweetly, and gave a recitation, and Miss Minnie Maetier contributed a pianoforte solo with much expression. Later a delicious tea was enjoyed. Y.W.C.A. SALE OF WORK. The late autumn in New Zealand is not usually a favourable time for holding a garden party, but Mrs. J. L. Wilson, of "Roselle,” Remuera, President of the Y.W.C.A., was favoured with fairly good weather on Saturday last, when a Sale of Work in aid of the Society was held in the extensive grounds of her residence. The stalls, which were prettily decorated with arches of lycopodium, were arranged round the drive in front of the house, and were laden with beautiful fancy work of all kinds, and most of the goods were sold before the rain set in. There was a good attendance of ladies, who enjoyed music provided by the band, the fresh air, and beautiful prospect of land and sea obtainable from various points of outlook in the garden. Mrs. Wilson had provided conveyances to meet the tram-cars for the guests, and every arrangement had been thoroughly made for the enjoyment of those present. Delicious tea was served in the spacious morning room. Mrs. Wilson was ably assisted by her daughter (Mrs. Witney) and Mesdames J. L. Roy, Liston Wilson, Williams, Hume, Prosser, C. Tilly-, and Misses Hume and Tilly. Among those present were: Mrs. Thorne George. Mrs. Main, Mrs. Kingswell, Mrs. and Miss Mactier, Mrs. S. Morrin, Mrs. Caughey, Mrs. and Miss K. Nelson, Mrs. I. Buttle, Mrs. Dargaville, Mrs. and Miss Thorpe, Mrs. McDowell, Mrs. S. Gilbert, Mrs. and Miss Abbott, Mrs. D. Clerk, Mrs. J. J. Craig, Mrs. Brabant, Mrs. F. B. Winstone. Mrs. R. Frater, Mrs. and Miss Hellaby, Mrs. Wigmore, Mrs. Mueller, Misses Ryrie, Mrs. C. Owen, Miss Rattray, Mrs. and Miss Moore-Jones, Mrs. Culpan, Mrs. Horton, Mrs; Dawson, Mrs.

AUCKLAND Y.M.C.A. PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION

One of the most Important social events in connection with the Auckland Young Men's Christian Association is the annual reception tendered to members and friends by the President. This very pleasant function took place in the Y.M.C.A. Building last Wednesday evening, 6th inst., when, notwithstanding several other important functions being held elsewhere, and also the unpropitious weather conditions, a large number of members and lady friends availed themselves of the invitation sent them. Numerous apologies for absence were received. among them being those from the Hon. G. Fowlds and Mr. R. B. Shalders (the founder of the local Y.M.C.A.). The President (Mr. A. C. Caughey) and Mrs. Caughey were both present, and cordially received the guests as they entered the hall. At the subsequent meeting Mr. Caughey, in some well-chosen remarks, touched upon the work of the Y.M.C.A. He spoke of the great need for such an institution among our young men, and in introducing the Rev. R. H. Catherwood (recently appointed General secretary) said that the Association had been very fortunate in securing his services at this time. Mr. Catherw-ood, in response, said he hoped to gain the confidence of the young men, and that he would do all that lay in his power to help the Association along. Mr. J. W. Stewart (Secretary of the Building Committee), in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to the Prekident for the splendid reception he had given aT) that evening, said that when Mr. Chnghey was asked, several months ago. to accept the Presidency, it was at the unanimous request of the Board of Directors, and since he had accepted the position the Association was receiving his very earnest interest and support. The Rev. W. A. Gillam (a Vice-President) seconded the proposal, which was carried by hearty acclamation. Tlie Hon. Geo. Fowhls having given a cup (for running) to the Association, to be competed for annually, and to be known n» the Y.M.C.A. InterCollege Challenge Cup, and the President's eup (for running), also given this year, for annual competition by members of the Auckland Y.M.C.A., these were presented to the winners, the former go-

ing to King's College, the latter (with a gold medal) to Mr. W. H. Colbeck. During the evening an excellent musical and elocutionary programme was rendered by the Y.M.C.A. Orchestra (Mr. W. J. England conductor), Messrs. W. Aspinall, H. Blakeley, A. McElwain, J. W. Ryan, Miss E. Moon, and Dr. Keith. The Y.M.C.A. Camera Club exhibited a splendid collection of work done by its members (all amateurs). Some microscopic instruments and slides shown by Mr. A. Waterworth, and an electric battery, in charge of Mr. Richardson, also eanie in for a fair share of attention. A display was given by members in the gymnasium. The building was very tastefully decorated throughout, and a plentiful supply of refreshments was provided. Altogether the evening proved in every way successful, and was enjoyed by all present. PERSONAL ITEMS. Miss Kirk, who has been on a three months’ visit to Auckland, left for Napier on Monday. Miss Bagnall, of Shelly Beach-road, Ponsonby, Auckland, leaves for a two years’ visit to Canada and the United Kingdom. Mr. Roy Binney is leaving Auckland on Saturday next, by the Waikare, en route for England, where he intends studying for the profession of architecture. Mrs. G. W. Binney and Miss Binney, who accompany him, will remain in the Old Country for a year or two. Mr. Binney will be awav for several years.

PHYLLIS BROUN.