WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 1, 6 January 1909, Page 60

WELLINGTON.

Dei. • January 1. Chri'iina* ha." brought us a batch of new engagements, al way > an interest >ng topic of conversation. Miss Vavasour only returned from England on Boxing Day by the Taviuni. bhe and her sister had a delightful year ar Home, having been presented at Court prior to going through the London season. They spent a gooo deal of time in Yorkshire, where Sir William Vavasour has a beautiful historic place, Hasle-

wood Castle. The Vavasours are one of the oldest Roman Catholic families in the United Kingdom, and held staunchly by their faith throughout the stormy period of the Reformation. The chapel at Haslewood Castle is or jreat interest to antiquarians, as service has been held there uninterruptedly for a longer period than anywhere else in England. Mr. lau Johnston was in Wellington to meet Miss Vavasour, and the engagement was announced a few days later. The wedding will not take place for about a year. Miss Meta Johnston is one of the Hawke's Bay Johnstons, and is therefore one of a big clan with many relations in Wellington and the surrounding districts. Her fiance is a brother of Mr Vivian Riddiford. whose marriage with Miss Zoe Thorne George took place in Auckland last Easter. HOUSE PARTIES AT THE COUNTRY AND SEASIDE. are very much in vogue just now. At Trentham Mr A. Pearce is entertaining many guests, including Mrs. Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. A. Buchanan (Hawera), and Miss Cooper. Mrs. Grace has been the guest of her daughter. Mrs. Dalziell, who has also had staying with her Miss Meta Johnson. Mr and Mrs Ewen have several guests, including Mrs. and Miss Kennedy. Miss Elsie Simpson. Miss Watson and Miss Stafford. Mr and Mis Dean are oeupying Mr. Tolhurst’s house on the golf links, and Mr and Mrs Young are in a cottage close by. The links are in splendid order, so play has been going on steadily through the holidays, and the Golf House is a delightful rendezvous for players and their friends. THE THEATRES. After a long spell of dulnes- in the theatrical line, everyone is welcoming the company now here. Margaret Angin's absence is deeply deplored, but in spite of this The Thief "is drawing crowded houses, and numerous big theatre parties have been given. One night Mrs. Duncan was wearing black crepe de chine and lace; Mrs. Knox Gilmer black chiffon taffetas with ivory coat; Mr-. Johnston, grey radium silk with bands of ivory guipure: Mrs. H. Johnston, apricot chiffon taffetas an 1 lace berthe: Mis.- O'Connor, black lace and net; Miss E. O'Connor, white and pale blue mousseline he soie; Mrs. Buchanan, ivory laee and chiffon; Mrs Riddiford. pastel mousseline de soie and long ermine coat ; Mrs. Nathan, opal crepe de chine and lace. ADA CROSSLEY. During her short stay in M elhngton Madame Ada Crossley had a busy time renewing old friend-hips and making new ones, and her return visit in a fortnight's time will be the signal for much hospitality. She and Mr-. E. A. Donne are very warm friends, having been students together for a long period, and on Ada Crossley's last visit. Mrs. Donne travelled throughout New Zealand with her. A very delightful luncheon party was given on Wednesday by Mrs. Donne when her distinguished friend was the guest of honour. Mr. Knox Gilmer, Mrs. Humphrey. Miss Ola Humphrey, Mis- Ward, Miss Mary an I Miss Rnbi Seddon were also of the party. On leaving for the South, Madame Crossley was presented with an exquisite bouquet of earnations bv Mrs. C roniwell Tewslev.

OPHELIA.