AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 8, 19 August 1908, Page 66

AUCKLAND.

Dear Bee, * August 18. As you may imagine, we have been having a most exciting anti gay week, rushing from one festivity to another, and really we have been almost unable to fulfil some of our engagements, so if my letter to yon this week is not as “graphic” in its description as it ought to be you must make allowances. Of all the functions during the week the most enjoyable was 1 think the SMALL DANCE given at Government House by their Excellencies Lord and Lady Plunket last Thursday. It was quite a small affair, and we all enjoyed ourselves most thoroughly. Of course, the decorations were practically the same as they were at the State Ball on Tuesday, and Burke’s Band again provided the music. 1 am not describing any of the gowns worn by our local people, because space is limited, and also because they were nearly all present a x the ball on Tuesday. Lady Plunket •wore a most charming gown of daffodil chiflon. the skirt festooned with lover’s knots in a deeper shade of brown velvet, and the corsage was outlined with gold embroideries, which also accentuated the front panel of the skirt; Miss Plunket was very prettily gowned in ciel blue ehiflon taftetas lace; Mrs. Studholme, handsome ivory brocade; Mrs. Myers, lovely primrose crepe de chine with deep Vandyked flounce of gold embroidered tissue; Mrs. Cox, striking serpentine gown of black spangled net over taffeta; Mrs. Parkes, black chiffon velours with deep lace berthe; Mrs. O’Rorke, opal tinted taffetas gown; Mrs. Heaton Rhodes, shrimp pink satin charmeuse, with jewelled lace berthe caught with cluster of black roses; .Miss McLean wore a. dainty toiletfje of persimmon ninon de sqie with ceinture and sash of gold flowered tissue;,. Miss Seddbn was gowned in ciel blue taffeta finished with lace; Miss Russell (Hawke’s Bay) was becomingly gowned in black, the corsage outlined with silver; Miss Beauchamp (Wellington), floral Pompadour silk, banded with turquoise blue; Miss Johnstone. charming pale pink gown; Miss Bristow (Wellington), ivory satin, veiled in filet net. with pearl girdle and corsage adornment; Miss Russell wore a very pretty and striking gown of mauve ninon over blue shot taffeta, with waistband of shot tissue: her sister was effectively gowned in shrimp pink satin; Miss Louisson, white satin striped ninon, large red crush rose bn corsage. On Tuesday evening THE STATE BALL gi\en by their Excellencies Lord and Lady Plunket. to the Admiral and officers of the American Fleet took place at Government House. A more brilliant ent ‘retainment it would be difficult to imagine, and our natural pride in our beautiful Dominion has been greatly enhanced by its social success. It was aP most a matter of congratulation that in the early part of the evening the spacious rooms provided for dancing were almost too thronged for dancing, otherwise the temptation of perfect floor and music would have prevented our thorough enjoyment of the beautiful scene before iis. | he decorations provided an artistic' background' for the handsome dresses and varied brilliant uniforms. Masses of flowers, palms, and delicate ferns made winter a fable, and the exquisite* white blooms, so effectively placed were the source of much admiration. The marques owed a great deal of their attractive appearance to a party of the ev:*r •’handy man” of the British navy, kindly sent by Captain Fyler, of the Encounter, to assist the Government House staff’, in watching the constant procession of fair women and brave men, one could not fail to notice the interest ami enjoyment of the sailor guests, and no one could doubt that the hands extended across the sea had been cordially grasped. The spirit of “’bon comaraderie” pervaded all, and will remain with us when the Great White Fleet has vanished. At 9.15 punctually their Excellencies and the Vice-Regal party entered the ball room, and immediately

opened the ball with State Lancers. The official set comprised His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ward, Her Excelleney Lady Plunket and Viee-Admiral Poore, Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon. Kathleen Plunket, Rear-Admiral Sperry and Mrs Findlay, the Hon. George Fowlds and Mrs. Arthur Myers, the the Mayor (Mr. Arthur Myers)' and Mrs Fowlds, Admiral Wainwright (U.S.A.) and Mrs Studholme, Captain Gaythorne Hardy and Mrs Mikhelson. Lady Plunket was exquisitely gowned in an ivory Duchesse satin, with berthe and panels of lovely Limerick lace encrusted with silver sequins; Lady Ward wore a beautiful gown of ivory point d’esprit inset with lace, and hemmed with old rose velvet over old rose chiffon taffeta, white osprey in hair; the Hon. Kathleen Plunket was strikingly attired in a gold tissue Prineesse robe, with black crush rose on corsage ; Mrs. Studholme wore a beautiful gown of grey chiffon velours, diamond hair ornament threaded with pale blue; Mrs. Fyler, graceful ivory taffeta, veiled in lovely lace, finished with touches of silver; Miss Russell, striking toilette of rose pink satin charmouse, toned with lovely lace and pearls; Miss Ward’s toilette of azure blue satin charmeuse was softened with chiffon, embroidered with silver, silver filet in her hair; Mrs. Findlay, very handsome black sequinned net robe trimmed with Brussels lace and velvet; Miss Rubi Seddon was charmingly gowned in mauve chiffon over taffeta, and wore a coronet cf ivy leaves in her hair; Mrs. Louisson was tsrikingly gowned in prune coloured chiffon mounted on gold tissue; Miss Louisson, very pretty white satin striped Marquisette over glace, white ospreys in her hair; Mrs. Arthur Myers, beautiful shrimp pink satin charmeuse encrusted with pearl and silver motif, the bodice softened with exquisite lace; Mrs. Prickett wore a handsome gown of black Merveilleux silk relieved with lovely creme lace; Miss Prickett, very pretty ciel blue chiffon taffeta, toned with-velvet a shade, darker and softened with lace; Mrs; Seegner, striking gown of black jewelled lace over emerald green satin; Mrs. R. A. Carr, dainty Pompadour silk with floral design in blue, pink and heliotrope dace berthe; Mrs. Baume wore a most beautiful gown of white point d’esprit, richly embroidered with gold, ospreys in hair; Mrs. Mitchelson wore a ruby chiffon taffeta with vest of creme lace; Mrs. Heaton Rhodes (Christchurch) was tastefully gowned in a Pompadour silk; Mrs. Wolfe, pretty daffodil brocade softened with lace and touches of gold; Mrs. Bosca wen, dainty silver and white toilette; Miss Beauchamp (Wellington) was effectively gowned in primrose taffeta softened with lace; Miss Bristow (Wellington) looked very pretty in white satin Duchesse, softened with laee and finished with seed pearl girdle ; Miss Lockie, striking azure blue satin charmeuse; Miss Anderson (Christchurch), dainty lemon taffeta and lace; .Mrs. Cross (Chri. tchurch), mauve satin; Mrs. Lysnar (Gisborne) was noticeably gowned in gold spangled net over glace; Mrs. Willock (Gisborne) wore a graceful black toilette; Mrs. Mackay (Wanganui), sea blue semiEmpire gown, brightened with silver; Mrs. Davis (Wellington) was prettily frocked in white chiffon, with dainty design of palest pink; Mrs. McCardle (King Country), handsome black silk; Mrs. Crewe Wellington), strikingwhite ..net, embroidered with silver; Mrs. D’Arcy ■ Chaytor (Marlborough) Wore her' exquisite wedding gown of white satin Duchesse, finished with lovely lace; Mrs. Abbott was gowned in ciel blue satin charmeuse, softened with laee; Miss Allom, dainty black net and lace gown, mounted on white glaec; Miss Ansley, ivory satin, veiled in lovely Renaissance lace; Mrs. Alison, beautiful Prineesse gown of black sequinned net over black glaee; Mrs. Aubin, pastel blue chiffon velours, finishe'd with lace, gold embroidery; Mrs. Southey Baker was gowned in a striking liberty brocaded toilette, with shaded chiffon panels; Mrs Bedford,, charming Empire gown of moss green chiffon velours; Mrs. Benjamin, dainty black point d’esprit, inserted with lace over white glace, jet hair adornment; Miss Benjamin, pretty white and pink chine silk’, with rosebud design; Mrs. E. Benjamin, white crepe de chine, finiefied with lovely lace; Mrs. H. Bloom-

field was beautifully gowned in ciel blue taffeta, veiled in white and black spangled net; Mrs. J. L; R. Bloomfield was strikingly gowned in daffodil brocade, with panels and underskirt of ehiflon; - Mr*. M. R. Bloomfield’s effective toilette of white and blue chine silk was finished with lovers' knots in pale blue velvet : Miss Boult, picturesque pale blue satm aiid chiffon; .Mrs. Browning was charmingly gowned in elephant grey* chiffon velours, with lovely laee berthe; Mir.ses Browning were daintily attired in white; Miss Brigham, white chiffon taffeta, with silver hair adornment; Mrs S. Brigham, ivory merveilleux, with laee panels; Miss Brodie, pale blue silk and chiffon; Miss Buckland wore a very pale mauve satin charmeuse corsage spray of violets; Mrs G. Bloomfield wore a lovely cameo pink chiffon, inserted with laee over taffeta, white ospreys in her hair'; Mrs. Beale, smart black jetted laee gown over white taffeta, pink’ roses and osprey’s in her hair; Miss Beale, rose pink silk, toned with laee pink rosetteo in coiffure; Miss Buller iilebutante), very pretty white ehiffoia taffetas and laee, and she carried a lovely shower bouquet; Mrs. Baume, sen., rich black silk toilette: Mrs. Bourne, handsome black and .silver gown; Miss Bourne, ciel blue satin and lace; .Mrs. Briflauit. dainty pearl grey ninon de soie; Miss Ivy Buddle, smart toilette of golden brown shirred chiffon over white glace, velvet ceinture: Miso Shirley. Baker was gowned in black, with white lace; and her sister wore shrimp pink taffeta, toned with velvet a shade darker; Miss Beehan wore ah elegant lace gown over taffeta, with-a coronet of for-get-me-nots in her hair; her sister, who made her debut, was ’ gowned in satin striped ninon over glace, and carried a lovely shower bouquet; Mrs. Holbrooke ( hatfield was gowned in a trained white satin duchesse semi-Empire gown; (Mrs Cheeseman wore black lace toned with ruby taffeta and applique; Mrs. \V. Coleman, princess robe of blaek talfet with deep berthe of jewelled' lace; Mrs. Colegrove, blaek velvet with Maltese lace berthe; Mrs. Colbeek, pink and white hand-painted chiffon, hemmed with taffeta, and prettily finished with lace and silver and blaek tassels; Mrs. Corbett, brocade with a white' drawn tulle tucked; Mrs. t otter, very handsome black lace robe mounted on white glace; Miss Cotter’s dainty mist’-grey chiffon was worn with chilie ribbon belt and a heliotrope chou in her hair; Miss Winnie Cotter wore a graceful.-,heliotrope ninon gown banded with taffeta and finished with a drawn lace bolero and berthe; Mrs. Munro Clark, was daintily’ gowned in white taffea and chiffon with touches of silver; Mrs. Devore, handsome black brocaded silk toilette, with lovely lace berthe; Miss Devore, green pin-triped taffeta toned with velvet laee; Miss K. Devore was frocked in rose pink taffeta with Maltese laee berthe; Miss Blanche Devore won; her dainty debutante frock of white taffeta; Mrs. Sbolto Douglas, black ehifl'on talfeta encrusted with cream laee: (Miss Carr, pretty white satin striped ninon over taffeta; Miss Moss Davis was daintily frocked in white satin and laee; Miss Muriel Mos, Davis also wore white satin with a shaded pink feather in her hair: Mrs. John Dawson was gowned in grey brocade with touches of white: the Misses Dawson wore dainty pale pink and pale’ blue gowns; Miss Sholto Douglas, white inserted mousseline over glaey, and her sister wore shrimp pink taffeta; Mrs. Dudley was gowned in white crepe de chine, with a coronet of white flowers; Miss Dudley, black talfeta with V-shaped vest of drawn net; Miss Davy, blaek lace inserted net over white glace, brightened with touches of - pale blue; Mrs. Dyer, blaek satin ’charmeuse. the square-cut corsage outlined with lace; the Misses Dyer were prettily frocked in white Louisine silk gowns softened with laee; Mrs. Devereux wore white contrasted with black velvet touches; Mrs. Derry, pale blue and pink floral ninon finished with pink satin bebc ribbon and laee; Mrs. Erson wore . black chiffon taffeta with jetted laee berthe; Miss Erson was pretfrock was finished with embroidered tily gowned in white taffeta draped with lovely laee; Mrs. Finlayson, black and silver toilette; Mrs. Alee Ferguson was gowned .in white satin and laee with touches of blaek; Mrs. Drummond Ferguson wore a graceful gown of ivory brocade ; Mrs. G. Thorne George’s creme ehifl'on, taffeta gown had a V-shapedl vest of drawn. chiffon, white ospreys in her hair; Mrs. Shayle George, handsome mauve, satin gown; Miss George wore white corduroj velvet, with toilehes of

black and forget me-not blue; Miss Gilfillan was charming gowned in palest lilac chiffon, with insertions of lace over lilac-talfeta; Mrs. W.'Gdrrie wore blade silk combined with crefe lace! Miss (Pearl Gorrie, dainty directoire gown of sea green taffeta, toned with velvet a shade darker; Mrs. Angus Gordon, black Louis velvet, with a real laee berthe; Miss Gwen Gorrie, blaek chiffon taffeta, corsage outlined with silver; Miss Rachael Gorrie. dainty white taffeta ; Miss Gill, black taffeta with deep berthe of lace; Mrs. Gore Gilloil, picturesque moss green taffeta gown; Mrs. McKail Geddes, handsome black pompadour silk with design in violet and mauve shades; Miss Geddis, azure blue taffeta with V-shaped vest of gathered Valenciennes lace; Mrs. Greig violet chiffon taffeta with a net and lace vest; Miss Greig, deep primrose taffeta banded with gold; Mrs. Guinness, blaek jetted laee robe over white taffeta ;Miss Girdler wore black silk combined with ivory net and lace; Mrs. Gibson, very effective laee robe mounted on glace, with corsage spray of white roses; Mrs. Goetz, palest mauve satin

with tulle tucker; Mrs. Haake, striking gown of brown spangled chiffon over taffeta; Mrs. Heather, dainty toilette of vieux rose taffeta softened with tulle; Miss Henderson, white satin eharmeuse; the Misses Holland wore pink and blue chiffon taffeta gowns softened with lace; Mrs. E. Horton's pretty ciel blue ninon ceinture and bretelles; Mrs. H. Horton, effective blue satin with panels and underskirt of ehiffon and laee; Aliss Olive Lusk, daffodil mousseline de soie, banded with deeper shade of velvet; Mrs. Lyons, daintv grey gown,touches of palest pink; Miss Leys was picturesquely gowned in cigar brown chiffon over glace; Miss Lloyd, rose-pink brocade toned with lace; Lady Lockhart, very handsome daffodil silk toilette, finished with lovely lace; Mrs. AV. Lloyd, oyster white brocade; Mrs. H. Marsack. pretty white crepe de chine; Miss Horton: Mrs. Isaacs was richly gowned in white ninon de soie; Miss Isaacs, lovely ivory lace over glace; Miss Jones, becoming creme silk: Miss Keesing. very pretty lavender chiffon taffeta with V-shaped vest; Mrs. Lawford, pink and white chene silk with insertions of creme point d'esprit; Miss Lusk, pearl grey ninon de soie, white osprey in her hair; Mrs. Louis Myers was handsomely gowned in black and white; Mrs. Leo Myers wore a most beautiful Directoire toilette of pink chiffon velours, encrusted with silver; Mrs. Mills was charmingly gowned in mauve satin channelise, toned with laee; Miss Mills looked very pretty in a floral chiffon toilette with green ceinture and touches of black; Miss McCormick, dainty pale blue taffeta banded with chene ribbon; Miss Nathan; Mrs. Alfred Nathan wore an exquisite gown of mirror green taffeta veiled in black irridescent spangled net, green ostrich feather in her hair; Miss Rose Nathan •was daintily attired in moss green chiffon over white taffeta, green leaf coronet in her hair; Mrs. Charles Nathan, lovely 'Duchesse satin gown; Mrs. Nelson, handsome black brocade, combined with Maltese lace; Miss K. Nelson, dainty satin striped ninon de soie, with applique in blue and pink shades; Miss Northcroft was wearing whit.?; Mrs. E. D. O'Rorke, effective white satin duchesse, draped with laee; Mrs. Owen, becoming white taffeta gown, with effective fringed berthe; Mrs. Parkes wore black velvet, with a deep lace berthe; Mrs. Parr was gowned in black

and white; Miss Peacocke wore creme silk, with touches of black, and her sister was prettily gowned in cameo pink ninon de soie: Mrs. Charles Pollen, black chiffon over glace, with Greek design of gold embroidery soutache; Mrs. Price, ivory satin, veiled in lace, with touches of black; the Misses Price wore white silk and white satin respectively, finished with gold key pattern embroidery; Mrs. Payton, black point d'esprit. with a white drawn tulle tucker: Miss Sybil Payton, sea-green satin, combined with lace; Mrs. Pritt, rich black chiffon taffeta gown; Mrs. Ranken Reed, vieux rose taffeta gown, toned with velvet. dainty gathered net V-shaped vest; Mrs. Rathbone, black ehiffon, finished with lace and touches of black and pink over white glace; Mrs. Reid, black and white gown; Mrs. Rayner, beautifully embroidered shrimp-pink chiffon, with a handsome design in silver; Miss Rhodes, dainty sea-green Louisine, toned with lace; Mrs. Segar, heliotrope and white embroidered chiffon over glace ; Mrs. Sharman, lovely heliotrope chiffon velours, finished with guipure lace; Miss Shepherd was gowned in black : Miss Flo Smith was gowned in white satin and lace, with corsage spray of pink roses; Miss Eve Smith, dainty rose-pink silk, with deep lace berthe; Mrs. J. Spicer was effectively gowned in chine silk; Mrs. St. Clair, Striking black and white striped toilette; Miss St. Clair, ciel blue silk, finished with jewelled laee; Mrs. Steele, black chiffon taffeta, the corsage outlined with silver; Miss Steele wore pink chiffon taffeta; Miss Hilda Steele, dainty pal? blue silk and chiffon; Miss Minnie Steele wore her pretty debutante frock of white taffeta, softened with lao?; Miss Zara St. Clair, white satin striped ninon; Mrs. Suggate wore white, tastefully combined with pale yellow; Mrs Savage; Mrs Sweet was effectively gowned in a pale periwinkle blue chiffon velours, with lace berthe; Airs Corbett, handsome black brocaded silk, toned with white laee; Miss Audrey- Stubbs wore a very pretty lilac satin, with Valenciennes lace bolero; Miss Ida Thompson looked charming in pale blue chiffon taffeta, white ospreys in her hair; Miss Nellie Thompson wore sea-green silk and lace; Mrs Tole wore an exquisite oyster white brocade, with panels of lovely opalescent sequin embroidered lace; Miss Nesta Thomas wore white silk, veiled in chiffon; Mrs Turner was gowned in

black: Miss Turner, pretty white frock; Miss Towle -was daintily frocked in white, and her sister wore primrose taffeta; Mrs Archdale Tayler, white silk with green leaf coronet in her hair; Mrs Upton, handsome black silk gown; Miss Upton wore a graceful toilette of sea-green taffeta, finished with lovel ylace and touches of gold; Mrs Kerr Taylor was gowned in ivory silk, veiled in beautiful laee; her youngest daughter (who made her debut) was much admired in white Louisine-silk, softened with ehiffon, and carried a lovely shower bouquet, and wore white choux in her hair; Airs Tewsley was gowned in creme satin eharmeuse, toned with green velvet; Aliss Doris Tewsley, dainty heliotrope sequined net over glace; Miss Florence Walker, pretty pale blue taffeta;; Miss Watkins also wore a dainty pale blue toilette; Airs Wilson was gowned in black chiffon velours, with white laee berthe; Mrs T. C. Williams, wore a very handsome chiffon velours toilette, finished with exquisite lace; Aliss Williams wore a most beautiful gown of shrimp pink miroir velvet ; Aliss — Williams, sweetly pretty sea-blue satin eharmeuse and laee: Miss Willoughby, moss green velvet with deep lace berthe; Airs Wheatman, handsome black silk, with black and white embroidered v-shaped vest; Airs Watson, dainty white silk; Airs Fred Wallers, pretty sea-green toilette, lovely lace on the bodice, finished with gold touches; Aliss Alice Walker, beautiful white crepe do chine, laee toilette, with touches of rose pink miroir velvet; Aliss Tole, dainty white marquisette and ivory lace gown; Mrs D. Tole was gowned in black, and her daughter, Aliss Al. Tole, wore her debutante frock of white ehiffon taffeta and 1-iec. MAYORAL AT HOME. It was all very delightful and wondrously inspiriting. the visit of our American cousins from over the seas. Most of us lived in an atmosphere of patriotic sentiment the whole week long. The flags, the decorations and illuminations, the music, the speeches, the associations, the mood of the times, all had their due effect. True British patriotism and hospitality have been the dominant note in everything social since the arrival of the American Fleet in our har-

bour. and the attendant festivities have established a record in the annals of the city, the memory of which will rise to challenge the achievements and social triumphs of generations yet to come. One of the functions to our" distinguished visitors was the "At Home" given bv the Mayor and Mrs. A. M. Myers on Tuesday afternoon at the Military Hall. The scene was a brilliant one; "the place was elaborately decorated—flags, ferns, and palms transforming the usually bare walls into a scene of beauty. An ever moving, ever-changing picture presented itself to the onlooker; the blue, gold, an I scarlet of naval and military uniforms mingling with the more delicate tints oi ladies' costumes and the orthodox sever ity of the civilian dress of the men. Besides the Admirals and officers of the American battleships. Sir Joseph Ward and other members of the Ministry were present. MAYOU S AT HOME. Airs Alyers received in a lovely and graceful white crepe de chine, enhanced with Irish lace encrustations, and a laee coat, worn with a large black velvet plumed hat: Lady Ward was stylishly gowned in white crepe de chine with a long black taffeta coat and black toque; .Miss Eileen Ward wore a smart hyacinth blue tailor-made, and a large blue hat, with golden brown velvet and roses; Miss Rubi Seddon's white and black striped cloth coat and skirt was worn with a white hat, with ostrich plumes, and white fox furs; Mrs Donne was attired in bottle green silk, and green velvet hat with grey feather; Mrs (Hon. Dr.) Findlay was in black silk voile, white crinoline hat, with black plumes, and beautiful ermine furs; Mrs Hamer wore a lovely pink cloth confection, touched with gold, and a toque with shaded pansies; Mrs Louis Myers, rich steel grey and black pin stripe liberty satin, white bonnet, with gold and black velvet; Mrs Priekitt, blacksilk toilette; Miss Priekitt wore a vieux rose costume, and white toque; Aliss (Hon.) Millar was in an electric blue costume, and electric blue hat, with golden brown; Mrs Louisson (Cheh.), purple cloth, with Oriental galloon, and cream hat, with shaded roses and white osprey; Mrs. Leo. Myers was charmingly

gowned in ivory point d’esprit, with chine silk empieeements and touches of nattier blue velvet, white plumed hat; Mrs. Coleman wore a stylish myosotis blue cloth semi-Empire gown, over an ivory lace bodiee, hat en suite; Lady Lockhart was in a lovely black taffetas, with touches of blue, black hat, and Alaska black fox furs; Mrs Kirker, black brocade, and black and silver bonnet; Mrs J. Kirker, navy tailor-made and violet toque; Miss Edwards, cream ninon and black picture hat; Mrs Copeland Savage, stylish cream costume; Mrs Ernest Robertson, reseda green, gown, amt ruby, high-crowned hat; Miss Louisson, smart grey coat and skirt, white hat with long ostrich feathers, and white furs; Mrs. H. W. Wilson, cream costume and brown hat with shaded roses: Mrs. E. W. Alison, lovely cream embroidered doth gown, long black taffetas coat, and hat en suite; Mrs. Leathani. brown costume, with sable eoat; Mrs. Egerton, black chiffon taffeta, and black hat; Mrs. Geo. Roberts’ black lace ■toilette had touches of white, and worn with a black crinoline hat with white and black ostrich plumes; Mrs. Petrie, dark grey tailor-made, and navy hat with pink roses; Mrs. Ma eAndrew, electric blue costume with cream lace, and olive green hat; Miss Metcalfe, brown cloth costume, and green hat; Mrs. Markham, gazelle brown tweed, and white hat; Mrs. McDowell, ruby chiffon velvet robe, and black hat; Mrs. W. Bloomfield, pale blue cloth, long black velvet coat, and black hat; Mrs. Foster, violet cloth costume: Miss Winnie Leys, smart azure blue ninon: Mrs. Alfred! Nathan, brown ami blue cheeked chiffon taffetas; Miss Roie Nathan, dainty cream costume; Mi-. Raynor, pretty pale blue spotted filet net’ over silk, black hat swathed with long pale blue ostrich feathers, and ermine furs; Mrs. Talbot-Tubbs, grey tweed, and black hat; Miss Coleman, olive green velvet costume, and white felt hat with grey feathers; Mrs. Fowlds, black taffeta, and black plumed hat; Mrs. J. A. Tole, black chiffon taffetas with transparencies oyer a white silk foundation; Mrs. Parkes, black ninon, and black hat with white and black ostrich feathers; Miss Tole, white embroidered-cloth frock, and black picture hat; Miss Courtney, almond crepe de chine, and crinoline hat with violets: Mrs. H. Bloomfiehl, navy chiffon taffeta, and grass, green hat; Mrs. Cotter, violet cloth gown with rich cream lace and becoming violet toque swathed with a lighter tone; Miss Winnie Cotter, graceful cream ninon, with stylish hat of shaded green tints; Mrs. Bedford, pearl grey silk semi-Empire gown, and black velvet plumed hat; Mrs. 11. W. Segar, navy silk, and black velvet Vandyke hat; Miss Seherff, cream costume, and black picture hat; Mrs. Norton Francis, beautiful black and white chiffon over glace, floral hat with Paradise plumes; Mrs. Major (Hawera), lovely champagne silk, and ostrichplumed hat; Mrs. J. Moir brown costume; Mrs. Minnett, navy cloth tailormade; Mrs. Lyons, mole grey chiffon velours worn over a lace blouse ; Miss Isaacs, royal blue velvet, with superb lloniton lace, and black velvet Vandyke hat; Mrs. Waller, cream ninon, hat e'n suite; Mrs. Jackson Palmer, navy silk, ar.-l pale blue tulle hat; Mrs. Courtney (Sydney), black chiffon taffeta with sequinned net and touches of white, and black plumed toque; Mrs. Lucas Bloomfield, black taffeta gown, and a golden brown hat with touches of electric blue and llowens of the tone; Mrs. Sidney Weetman, black velvet robe and blaek hat; Mrs, T. Finlayson, black taffeta, amt 'mart floral toque; Mrs. Maegregor (Wellington), eream ninon, and black brigand hat; Mrs. G. Bloomfield's cream cloth toilette was completed with a blaek aid white hat; Mrs. Mitehelson, handsome Quaker grey velvet gown, and grey hat with touches of pale blue; her daughter Mrs. Roy Wilson, wore a dainty cream frock, and hat wreathed with shaded roses; Mrs. A. Entrican, violet peau de soie, with cream laee chemisette and gold braid and tassels and violet Puritan hat: Mrs. Angus Gordon, navy cloth tailor-made; Mrs. Richmond, blaek Liberty satin with transparencies over white, and blaek velvet hat; Mrs. Fenwick, black toilette; Mrs. O’Rorke, smoke grey ,h>th and grey hat with touches of pale blue; Mrs Wallnutt wallflower silk •doth costume; Mrs. Gresham, sapphire blue silk, hat en suite; Mrs. Gray Dixon, brown velvet gown, and heliotrope floral toque; Mrs. Pat. Marshall, black with touches of pink, and black hat with pink •MM; Mrs. Cheeseman, silver grey; Miss Connolly, pale blue, and •ream satin and . . Mack hat; Mrs C. J. Parr’s, heliotrope taffeta was

worn with a white crinoline hat with touches of blaek velvet; Mrs G. Murray, blaek peau de soie with eream lace entredeux and black hat; Mrs Runeiman. black satin and blaek and white bonnet; Mrs Pond, black brocade, and brown felt hat, with shaded blue ostrich feathers; Miss Ada Loekie (Wellington), watergreen ninon semi lEmpire frock, with tucked net chemisette, and Leghorn hat, wreathed with roses; Mrs R. Anthony Carr, royal navy silk, and blaek toque; Mrs Rose, grey striped silk, and navy crinoline hat; Mrs A. G. Buttle, rich blaek taffetas and black toque wreathed with foliage; Mrs Frank Williamson’s pretty heliotrope silk, with superb ecru Maltese lace, and white tulle "Charlotte” hat, wreathed with sweet pea, was very effective; Mrs Dettmaim, navy silk with white guimpe, and smart pale pink chine high-crowned hat; Mrs McCosh Clark, black crepe de chine, and black hat with pink roses; Mrs Buckland, black silk toilette; Miss Buckland, cream serge: Mrs Easton, blaek toilette; Miss Gorrie, navy cloth tailor-made; Mrs Ernest Burton, navy silk and heliotrope Napoleon hat; Mrs (Major) Harris; Miss Eva Bagnall, cream silk and blaek hat; Mrs Lusher, pale grey' costume; Misses Holland; Mrs Archdale Tayler, pigeonwing grey velvet robe, .smart black crinoline high-crowned hat; Mrs F. W. Gordon, cream ninon; Miss A. Whitelaw, electric blue costume; Miss E. Whitelaw, stylish cream serge coat and skirt, and electric blue hat; Mrs N. McKay Grant, violet silk and violet velvet hat; Mrs Keesing, dove grey liberty satin and blaek hat; Mis Moss Davis, electric blue costume; Mrs H. Tonks, violet costume; Miss Browning, pearl grey, hat en suite; Miss Dagmar Gilfillan, cream costume; Mrs Hay. blaek silk, black bonnet with gold roses; Miss Gore Dillon; Mrs W. E. Hutchinson, ruby silk; Mrs. A. Donald, smart ruby silk with pale blue hat, and lovely white ostrich feather boa; Mrs. Hudson Williamson, black silk with rich tinted point lace, and French hat with short green plumes and autumn foliage; Dr. Florence Kellar, black costume, and black high-crowned hat; Miss Alice Walker, aluminium grey shimmering silk, and black Vandyke hat; Mrs. C. Buddle, pale blue cloth costume; Miss Goldie, navy costume; Miss Elsie Goldie, smart cream filet net frock over silk, and white felt hat; Mrs. R. Frater, royal navy silk, and black hat; Mrs. Gribbin, black silk costume; Mrs. Biss, blaek toilette; Mrs. Devore, black peau de soi, black velvet coat and black bonnet; Mrs. Oliver Nicholson, cream costume; Mrs. Brett, black silk toilette, and bonnet of shaded) wallflowers; Mrs. H. Kinder, stylish black silk over a cream lace corsage, pale green hat; Miss Eva Kinder, pretty pale grey frock with pale blue ribbon velvet, hat en suite; Mrs. Vigor Brown (Napier), black silk toilette; Mrs. Tewsley, heliotrope costume, and violet floral toque; Mrs. Black, black and l white checked costume: Mrs. Dignan, olive green gown and blaek toque with violets; Airs. Ranson, navy’ cloth tailormade; Mrs. Chatfield, cream gown, floral toque of Parma violets; Mrs. Keogh, navy eostume; Mrs. Marsack, vieux rose and cream laee; Mrs. W. Somers, pearl grey crepe de chine, over pink with opalescent effect, and black hat; Mrs. E. Horton, navy, and lovely' black Alaska fox furs; Mrs. Murdoch McLean, ruby cloth costume, hat en suite, Miss Gwen Nathan. graceful eream ninon frock and violet hat with eerise roses; Mrs. Marsack, blaek and white costume; Mrs. H. Munro Wilson, myrtle green tailor-made gown; Mrs. (Dr.) Kenny (Te Aroha), black silk, white felt hat, and white furs; Mrs. A. Ferguson, olive green silk, and brown hat, with marabout feathers; Mrs. Rathbone, handsome black chiffon over white taffeta, with pink and gold touches, and black and gold hat; Mrs. Pollen, smart vieux rose marquisite with touches of eream lace and blaek satin, toque eit suite; Mrs. Houghton; Mrs. Longuet, pearl grey; Miss Stella McLean, claret cloth skirt and coat with soutaeh, and smart cerise hat; Miss Madge MeLean, brown cloth tailor made and green hat; Mrs. Willouby Kenny, blaek silk with touche's of white; Mrs. R. Isaacs, smart eream cloth costume; Mrs. Pritt, black ninon, black hat, and ermine furs; Mrs. F. B. Winstone, pretty heliotrope silk, with velvet of a darker tone, and heliotrope Napoleon hat; Mrs. Kerr-Taylor, dark violet costume, hat en suite; Miss Kerr-Taylor, crimson cloth frock, and' wlrite fur toque; Mrs. Smeeton, black and pale blue hat; Mrs. Aubin, pearl grey, and pale blue tulle hat wreathed with pink flowers; Mrs. Peacock, blaek silk, applique silk coat; Miss Campbell, electric-blue silk and black toque; Misses

Peacock; Mrs. Buller, black silk, seal cape; Miss Buller, navy tailor-made gown; Mrs. Tudehope, eleetric-blue brocade, hat en suite; Mrs. Sholto Douglas, smoke-grey cloth tailor-made; Mrs. Caughey, brown chiffon taffeta, adorned with cream laee, hat en suite; Mrs. Bullock, Nattier-blue costume; Mrs T. U. Wells, black satin gown and black hat; Mrs. Oliphant, silver brocade, and black picture hat; Miss Milne, black silk, and peacock-green bonnet; Mrs. W. Hamley, stylish champagne eolienne, with brown velvet and rich cream lace, hat en suite; Mrs. T. Mahoney, pale blue silk, trimmed with a darker tone; Mrs. Edmund Mahony wore a brown taffeta skirt, smart brown velvet cut-away coat, and hat in shades of brown. There was a tremendous crowd at THE RACES last Wednesday', though not so many as were expected. Evidently our American cousins are not such keen sportsmen (or should I say gamblers) as our New Zealanders are, for many of them left quite early in the day. preferring the pleasures of town to the excitements of the racecourse. All the arrangements for the entertainment of our guests were admirably carried out, and though the racing itself was not quite up to “Grand National” and Auckland Cup form, still it was quite good enough to afford us all as much excitement as was good for us. A good deal of amusement was derived by the Auckland public from the Americans’ inability to understand the "ethics” of the tote; but they were “all there” when they arrived at the “bookmakers’ corner.” The glorious weather tempted many of the fair sex to don spring attire, and some very eharming toilettes were worn, among which I particularly noticed: Lady Plunket was gowned in a blaek eolienne costume, encrusted with creme lace, lovely black taffeta Empire coat, and a smart pansy-blue hat crowned with ostrich plumes; Lady Ward’s gown of elephant-grey ninon de soie was hemmed with a wide band of taffeta, and was worn with a smart black sealskin coat and a grey miror velvet hat finished with green plumes, very handsome set of mole-coloured furs; Mrs. Studholme wore an elegant white cloth toilette and a picturesque Tuscan hat with shaded feathers; Miss Plunket wore a beautifully fitting pale grey doth tailor-made costume, smartly braided, small grey hat to match; Mrs. Fyler, smart periwinkle blue cloth gown, hat en suite; Miss Russell, old rose cloth, with blaek picture hat; Mrs. Arthur Myers was modishly gowned in a prune-coloured cloth coat and skirt, picture hat of same shade lined with pale blue, and crowned with ostrich feathers, ermine furs; Mrs. Louis Myers, dark coat and skirt with white vest, pretty little blaek and white bonnet ; Mrs. Leo Myers wore an effective toilette of biscuit cloth, with dainty hat to match; Mrs. Derry, heather mixture tweed eostume, smart little mole and eerise hat; Miss Beauehamp ( Wellington) was gowned in deep mauve taffeta, with hat to match; Mrs. Louisson (Christchurch), striking gown of pansy cloth, with laee vest, dainty flower w'reathed hat; Miss Louisson was wearing a pale grey coat and skirt, faced with white and heliotrope embroidered cloth, and small rose-wreathed hat; Miss Ward’s gown of black and white striped chailie was finished with striped inserted bands of blue and white, white hat, and lovely white fox furs; Miss Rubi Seddon, very pretty sea-blue doth Empire toilette, picturesque white plumed hat, and white furs; Miss Gorrie, dark grey tailor-made, with rose-pink and green toque; Miss Gwen Gorrie, smart biscuit coat and skirt, with motor cap of same tweed; Miss Rachael Gorrie wore brown; Miss Anderson (Christchurch), green heather-mixture tweed, with motor cap to match; Miss Winnie Leys, dark prunecoloured cloth gown, with becoming hat to match; Miss Loekie (Wellington), duck egg green cloth with facings of a. deeper shade: Mrs. Wilfrid Colbeck, peri-winkle-blue chiffon velours, with hat to match; Mrs. F. Waller, pansy cloth belted Eton costume, dainty brown tulle and isable toque with touches ptf violet; Mrs. Walker, dark grey cloth tailor-made gown, with violet toque; Miss Walker, light striped tweed coat and skirt, pretty Tuscan and white hat; Mrs. Wallace Lawson, cinnamon cloth tailor-made, with red hat; Mrs. Keesing, pale grey costume, and dainty crimson toque; Mrs. George Blomfleld, violet cloth tailormade gown, white hat with chine ribbon

bands; Mis. Edwin Horton, navy blue ninon over glace, with embroidered bands, hat to match; Miss Horton, striking heliotrope frieze gown, with plumed hat of same shade; Mrs Aubin, pretty pastel blue doth, with hat to match; Mrs. J. R. Reid wore red doth, with smart velvet jacket of same shade, hat en suite; Mrs. Lawford, dark blue costume; Mrs. Mitehelson, blaek chiffon taffeta, with creme net, lace V-shaped vest, black plumed hat; Mrs. Wilson wore a Burgundy doth gown, with a small felt hat of same shade, wreathed with shaded roses; Mrs. McCosh Clark, black taffeta, relieved with white, black hat; Mrs. Ross (Hamilton), white doth tailor-made gown, pretty violet hat; Miss Paton wore white doth, with a pale blue hat; Mrs. Cross (Christchurch), black Eton costume, white hat, banded with blaek velvet; Miss Rooke, very' pretty smoke-blue toilette, with hat to match; Mrs. H. T. Gillies (Hamilton) wore a lovely old rose chiffon velours gown, picture hat; Miss Gillies, green and white pin-striped taffetas, with lace vest, green and pink hat; Miss Williamson, very pretty blue doth, blue hat to correspond; Mrs. W. R. Bloomfield, striking costume of pastel-blue doth, with a blaek velvet coat, plumed hat en suite; Mrs. Rathbone, black eolienne gown, with ereme, black V-shaped vest, black furs, and pretty violet and cerise toque; Miss Lusk, creme serge Eton coat and skirt, with eerise floral toque; Miss Olive Lusk wore white, with a pink-rose hat; Mrs. Browning was gowned in a heather mixture tweed tailor-made gown, pretty hat to correspond; Miss Lulu Browning, ivory doth costume, and pretty hat, crowned with emu feathers; Mrs. F. E. Baume was strikingly gowned in blotting paper-pink cloth, banded with blaek, black and pink plumed hat; Mrs. Mackay (Wanganui), white cloth tailor-made, finished with silk braid, and faced and slashed with pale blue, and black and white picture hat; Mrs. Willock, green and white striped silk toilette, with darker velvet trimmings, hat crowned with shaded wisteria; Miss Moss Davis, very pretty smoke-blue cloth, with large black picture hat with shaded plumes; Miss Murrel Moss Davis was attired in a plaid tailor-made gown, chic ha.t with blue shaded ostrich feathers; Miss Gwen Nathan, dainty white gown, pretty violet hat, wreathed with shaded roses; Mrs. J. R. Bloomfield wore a Burgundy cloth costume, with a Vilrvril- 4- . tf.. - I'l*ll -. ■szciva. mm. uure vxinoil was gowned in grey, with creme net vest,, small hat to match; Miss Jones (Wanganui), pretty white doth, smart little biscuit and brown hat; Miss Ida Thompson, very pretty mauve cloth Eton costume, hat to match; Mrs. Alison’s striking gown of pearl grey cloth, embroidered with heliotrope, was worn with a smart black coatee and blaek hat ; Mrs. Fotheringham, dark plaid tailor-made gown, blaek hat with white ostrich feathers; Mrs. Devore, handsome blaek silk gown, black velvet coat, dainty black and white bonnet; Miss Blanche Devore was charmingly gowned in a brown cloth tailor-made costume, with creme vest, brown hat to match; Mrs. Collins (New Plymouth), buff doth tai-lor-made costume, white felt hat; Mrs. Marks was gowned in white and wore a black picture hat; Miss Bristow (Wellington) was prettily froeked in white; Mrs. Savage, effective ivory cloth costume and blaek picture hat; Miss Cooper was attired in a violet face cloth Empire gown, modish hat Of same shade, combined with touches bf cerise; Mrs. Russell was strikingly gowned in shrimp pink eolienne, large pink hat to match; Mrs. Holgate was wearing white with a small black hat; Mrs. Mason (Wellington), striking periwinkle blue cloth tailor-made, small blue hat; Lady Lockhart was gowned in a becoming violet cloth gown with lace vest, small purple toque to correspond!; Mrs. Horton Rhodes (Christchurch), wore a pastel blue chiffon velours, and a picture hat; Mrs. Dyer, dainty moss green costume with velvet jacket and hat to match; Miss Eileen Dyer, dtainty moss green costume with velvet jacket, hat to to match; Miss Eileen Dyer was in pale Beryl Keesing. white doth, brown hat swathed with tulle, cerise flowers; Miss Isaacs, lovely royal navy chiffon velvet, toned with ivory lace, picture hat; Miss Lloyd, violet cloth costume, with hat to match; Mrs. Foster wore a pansy cloth Eton costume, with white furs and a pretty.violet toque; Mrs. Fred Minnitt Was gowned in white cloth, with a brbwn corduroy velvet jacket, smart little hat in shades of brown and cerise;' Mias Ivy Buddle wore a checked browned .skirt, and a brown eloth jacket with hat to match; Mr*. O’Rorke, ivory cloth gown with a small blaek hat; Mrs. Raynor, pretty green cloth braided coat and skirt,

with large black hat crowned with pale blue, and finished with long blue ostrich feather; Mrs. Alfred Nathan was charmingly gowned in pansy cloth, and wore a most becoming hat to match, wreathed with pansies; Miss Roie Nathan, dainty ivory cloth, semi-Empire gown, pretty dove-grey hat; Miss Miles (Wellington), invisible plaid tailormade gown, braided with black, small hat finished with mirror green eoque feathers; Mrs. J. A. Tole’s gown of violet eolinne toned with creme lace, was worn with a becoming toque of same shade; Miss Tole, white cloth gown and a white and blac khat; Miss Bay Tole, grey and black striped tweed tailor-made, and smart prune coloured hat; Mrs. Cotter wh»t*» gown relieved with touches of heliotrope, hat to correspond; Miss Winnie Cotter: Miss Mills, green braided tailormade with green hat to match; Miss Marjory Towle wore white, with a white felt hat, wreathed shaded roses and tulle; Miss McLean, smart violet invisiblestriped tailor-made picture hat, and her sister was gowned in periwinkle blue; Miss Geddis, toliae brown cloth with hat to match; Miss Shepherd, black chailie costume with a blue grey chiffon scarf, and blaek toque; Mrs. Sharman, tobac brown cloth coat and skirt, brown hat to match; Mrs. Black was strikingly gowned in blaek and white cheek, and wore a black hat with black and white wings; Mrs. Charlie Brown's tailor-made costume of green heather mixture tweed was worn with a green hat wreathed with shaded roses; Miss Roy (New Plymouth), pretty white corduroy velvet costume; Airs. R. B. Lusk, bottle green cloth and dainty blue hat crowned with emu feathers; Miss Webster (New Plymouth), reseda green cloth with green hat of same shade; Airs. Alarsack, ereme Eton coat and skirt finished with braid, small rose pink hat: Alias Bee Sellars, bottle green corduroy velvet, and white hat; Miss Greig, dark tailor-nwde costume and pretty brown hat trimmed with shaded ansturtum rosettes; Mrs. R. A. Carr was gowned in a dark checked tweed coat and skirt, and wore a small dark hat to match; Aliss Airini Carr, white cloth, white hat crowned with coque feathers; Miss Walker, smart blue cloth gown, blaek picture hat; Airs. Gotz, beautifully fitting mole grey embroidered cloth gown, with a grey and violet toque and lovely white furs; Airs. W. R. Holmes, dark blue cloth coat and skirt, blue hat; Airs. Newton wore a royal navy face cloth, black hat; Airs. Alahoney, brown chiffon taffetas with a brown velvet coat, small brown hat; Aliss Benjamin Hannah, brown striped tweed coat and skirt, brown hat with eoque feathers; Airs. Barter (Pukekohe), navy cloth coat and skirt, small hat wreathed with shaded roses; Airs. F. Bayly, brown striped tailor-made costume, with dainty violet toque; Airs. Alosse, white cloth gown and pretty' green hat; Airs. W. Mood ward, dark striped tweed tailor-made costume faced with brown and red, black hat. In return for the hospitality shown them during their stay in Auckland, the Commander-in-Chief and the officers of the United States Atlantic Fleet gave a large and enjoyable AT HOME on board the U.S.S. Louisiana on Friday, August 14. The guests were conveyed on board b.y smart, trim little launches belonging to the different ships of the fleet, and on arrival were warmly welcomed by the officers, who seemed delighted to show their colonial visitors all over the ship and point out to them anything of special interest on board. During the afternoon delicious light refreshments were dispensed, and the pleasure of the guests was much enhanced by the lovely music provided by' the band of U. 3.5. Virginia. Amongst the distinguished visitors were his Excellency Lord Plunket, accompanied by Lady Plunket and his staff and house party; Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, Aliss Eileen Ward. Airs Fyler (wife of the commander of the Encounter), and many southern visitors, the Mayor and Mayoress of Auckland, and also all the notable people of our own fair city. IMPROMPTU RANCE. Mrs Edward Mahony, Arney-road, Remtiera, gave an impromptu evening to some of the America* fleet officers, which was thoroughly enjoyed by those fortunate enough to be present.

PHYLLIS BROUN.