AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 26, 23 December 1908, Page 42

AUCKLAND.

Dear Be*, December 21. The Auckland Choral Society opened their new season on Friday last with THE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE OF THE “ MESSIAH.” The soloists were Miss Lizzie Knight, Miss Katherine Grelict, Mr. W. Aspinall and Mr Hamilton Hodges, and their rendering of the most difficult music was much appreciated, Hamilton Hodges especially winning for himself fresh laurels. The chorus work was particularly good, ] thought, also the orchestra, though once or twice it was rather too loud and drowned, the singing somewhat. The Chora! Hall was crowded, but alas, very few had paid the performers the compliment of appearing in evening dress, though why I cannot imagine, as quite apart from their appearance, the heat. List night would have driven most people into their daintiest and lightest garments I should think in such a crowd it was lather hard to discover anyone one know, but I noticed Miss Lizzie Knight was gowned in a rich cream .satin gown, with berthe of real lace caught up with a large pink rose; Miss Katherine Grelict wore a pretty Empire gown of pale green filet over silk pink roses on corsage; Mrs Hamilton Hodges, grey duchesse satin, with cream lace on corsage; Madame Wielaert was gracefully gowned in white satin, softened with chiffon and lace; Mrs. 11. Wilson wore a black velvet Empire gown, with real lace berthe; Mrs. Kissling, handsome black silk, with black luce and silk coat; Miss Hargreaves, black satin, softened with lace; Miss Ansley was gowned in black Ixmisine, with cream Maltese lace scarf; Mrs. Bush wore a lovely black pin striped chiffon over white taffeta, fine white lace outlining corsage, long white coat; Miss P. Butler, handsome black taffeta, relieved with white, lovely silver scarf; Airs. Brigham was gowned in pale mauve with long blue silver Mrs. Cooke was wearing a dainty white embroidered muslin, red opera coat; Miss C. Cooke, pretty white inserted gown, threaded with pale blue ribbon. GARDEN PARTY AT MOUNT ALBERT The Hon. George Fowlds and Mrs. Fowlds gave a garden party on Saturday at their residence. Mount Albert, which proved a great success, as the arrangements were excellent, and the weather all that could be desired. Invitations had been forwarded to 1500 members of Air. Fowlds* election committee, private friends, and also members of both Houf.es at present in Auckland. The Hon. Geo. Fowlds arrived in the morning from Wellington to be present at the function. Special tiains were engaged by Mr. Fowlds to convey the guests to and from Alount Albert. Large marquees were erected, at which ample refreshments were dispensed. Musical selections by an efficient orchestra contributed to the enjoyment of tlie visitors. Air. ami Airs. Fowlds welcomed each guest upon arrival in front of the entrance to the residence.

PERSONAL. Judge MacCormiek returned to Auckland by the Victoria, accompanied by his daughter. Miss Marjorie AlacCormick, who has been visiting Mrs. IL J. Lewis, Gisborne.

PHYLLIS BROUN.