ROTORUA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 26, 28 December 1910, Page 64

ROTORUA.

December 23. At Home. Mr and Mrs L. Birks gave a delightful "At Home” last Wednesday afternoon, when a large number of guests were invited to meet Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. Fortunately the day was fine (the weather has been so dreadful lately), and the pretty old garden at Pukeroa Cottage was seen to advantage. Mrs Birks’ residence on the slope of Pukeroa Hill is an ideal place for garden parties, and an added charm is the lovely view of the lake. The house was bright with sweet peas and carnations and poppies, and a most delicious afternoon tea was served. Mr and Mrs Bartlett (piano and flute) and Mr Pawson (’cello) gave some delightful music, and Dr. Crooke accompanied. Vocal solos were given by Miss Eileen Ward. Lady Ward was exquisitely gowned in heliotrope uinon over satin, and a large blaek picture hat; Miss Eileen Ward and Mrs Cyril Ward both wore dainty white hailstone muslin frocks, and blaek hats. Mrs Birks received in a soft white silk gown, mueh tucked. She was assisted during the afternoon by her sister-in-law, Miss Charlie Birks, and her cousin. Miss Johnston. Bonnie little Baby Birks received a full measure of attention, and Master Pat. Ward appeared to thoroughly enjoy himself. Amongst the guests present were: Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, Miss Ward and Mrs Cyril Ward, Dr. and Mrs Findlay, Hon. A. E. and Mrs Guinness, Mr and Mrs Erie Gold' Smith (Auckland), Dr. and Mrs Wohlmann, Mr and Mrs J. A. Empson, Mrs R. W. Dyer, Mrs F. Rhodes. Mrs and Miss Malfroy, Mr and Mrs W. R. Blow, Mr and Mrs Troup (Wellington), Rev. and Mrs and Miss Scott, Rev. F. Bennett, Mr and Mrs Bruce (Adelaide), Mr Reakes (Wellington), Mr J. Hislop (Wellington), Mrs Flower. Mr and Mrs Carter, Mrs Gianville Hicks, Mrs Gardner, Mr and Mrs Carter, Mr and Mrs Urquhart, Mrs Knight, Mr and Mrs Moorhouse, Miss Pownall, Mrs A. D. Maxwell, Mr and Mrs W. Hill, Mrs Ann Robertson, Mrs D. Lundon, Mr Reynolds, Mr Kirkby, Doctors Crooke, Endletzberger, Bertram, Hay, and

Childrtll’l Party. On Wednesday evening Mrs. Flowed gave a most delightful children's part* at the Bank. About 30 children weM present, and there was a gorgeouslylighted and arranged Christmas tied (from which every child received a pre. sent), a supper, endless games, and soma jolly grown-upa to help make them “go” J and, in fact, everything needed to make a child’s party delightful. Personal. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, Miss Ward, Mrs. Cyril Ward and her infant son, Mr. Gladstone Ward, and Master Pat Ward are all staying at the Grand Hotel. Sir Joseph is accompanied by, his private secretaries (Mr. J. Hislog and Mr. F. Matthews). Other visitors at the Grand just now; are: Hon. Dr. and Mrs. Findlay ami family, the Hon. J. A. Millar, the Hon. A. R. Guinness, and Mr. A. E. Glover, M.P. Mr. Poulton accompanies Dr, Findlay as secretary. Mr. and Mrs. Eric Gold Smith, of Auckland, were here, and have gone oir to Tauranga on a visit. Dr. and Mrs. Aubin have returned t<M Auckland. Mrs. Troutbeck, of Napier, is here. Mrs. Larner and her family are herd for the holidays. Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P.. of Wellington, is staying at the Geyser Hotel, Whaka. Miss Rook, of Auckland, is here. Mrs. Street, of Auckland, is staying at the Grand Hotel.

RATA.