WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3, 17 July 1912, Page 63

WELLINGTON.

July 13. At Government House. The ball at Government House ou July 25 is for children who are to appear in fancy dress, so it will be quite, an event for the small people invited. As a rule vice regal entertainments do not vary' very much and are rather of a stereotyped official character. But society people can recall the really brilliant fancy dress ball given by- Lady Ranfurly somewhere about ten years ago. ißepresentatf ve people from all over the colony were invited. There was a friendly rivalry between the contingents from various big towns as to which should distinguish themselves most. Since ithen there seems to have been nothing of note, but a good deal further back there was a similar affair given by Lady Glasgow to ■celebrate the debut of her eldest daughter, Lady Augusta Boyle, who went as a Rosebud. In Lady Plunket’s time there was nothing Of so frivolous a character at Government House, but a fancy’ ball under vice-regal auspices was held in the Town Hall in aid of the Veterans’ Home, which was founded by Lord Ranfurly prior to his leaving New Zealand. ‘Lady Plunket’s set—.people were invited to form sets of sixteen all dressed in a similar period—was in the pompadour style, and there were others representing Quakers, Pierrettes, and so on, a particularly well got-up party coming from

Hawke’s Bay. So far as children arc concerned they have been much better off, and most little boys and girls nowadays have fancy dresses in their wardrobes all ready to wear. Children’s Party. Airs. Johnston’s children's party was followed by another a fortnight Inter given at the Hutt by Mrs. Riddiford, in honour of her grandchildren. It was a most festive affair and thoroughly enjoyed by all the little guests, wh > loose 1 aery charming in their quaint and pretty costumes. Some quite tiny ones wen’, out from town by train with the attendant relations, and very tired they must have been before they got safely home again. Gn August 24th there will be a fairey dress ball—-again for children—in aid of the Richmond free kindergarten. Her Excellency. Lady Islington, is taking i special interest in the idea, and is getting up a set in which her little girl, the Hon. Joan Dickson-Povnder, is to take part. Musical Evening. For so long there has been a dearth of musical parties in Wellington, that invitations ito one came as quite a novelty, a most pleasant change after the monotony of bridge. The programme was excellently arranged, and of exceptional merit, some of the performers being amateurs of the highest rank. Mrs. Gerald Fitzgerald's piano solo was bril liantly played, and a violin solo by Mrs. Arthur Myers gave a great deal of pleasure. A tenor song appeals to many' people otherwise unaffected by music, and Mr. Stephens’ beautifully trained voice enchanted bis hearers. Tire very latest London eomic songs were capitally rendered in Mr. Wilford's fine baritone (he is justback from England), and his hearers couldn't have enough. Mrs. Elgar wore cameo pink ninon draped to di-elo.se a dessous of satin and embroideries. Her daughter, Mrs. Hamilton, was in black velours with chiffon sleeves; Mrs. Myers, a subtly shaded gown of ninon satin and lace: Sirs. Fitzgerald had delicate lace on her high-waisted gown of charmeuse, Rhododendrons and japonieas were massed effectively while wonderful violets from the Wairarapa filled the rooips

with fragrance, which was added to by White and yellow jonquils set in slender vases. Silver bowls of anemones decorated the supper tables, giving a vivid touch of colour. Women’s LeagueIt was a great disappointment to the Women’s Reform League that their president, Mrs. Newman, who has been snct> an ardent worker for the victory just attained, should have been too unwell to be present at the congratulatory meeting. In her absence the vice-president took the ehair, and resolutions were passed expressing the League’s delight of the success of the Reform party. It was decided that a letter should be sent to Mrs. Massey, felicitating her on her husband’s victory. Captain Shannon. Seldom has an aide-de-camp had s-ueh a prolonged career as Captain Shannon, of the Itsth Ijancers, who has just left for the Old Country to rejoin his regiment. It was under Lord Plunket’s regime that Captain Shannon, first came to New Zealand, and he remained on that Vice-regal staff until Lord Plunket’s appointment expired. Then there was rather an unusual procedure—as regards this Dominion, at all events —as Captain Shannon did not return to England with his chief, but remained out here, transferring to the staff of his Excellency Lord Islington, when the latter arrived in June, 1910. Since then there have been several changes in the personnel, and for over a year Captain Shannon has been the senior A.D.C. Many warm friends he made during his long stay, and it is pleasant to think that he was sorry to leave this country, and hopes to revisit it. His departure has been very much regretted. It is interesting to note that two of Captain Shannon’s colleagues married in Wellington during their sojourn in New Zealand. Captain Hamilton’s wedding with Miss Elgar took place last year, while Captain the Hon Cl. G'athorne-Hardy married Miss Doris Johnston. Captain Gatho --Hardy was on the staff of H.E. Lord I lunkot. Ministerial Residences. With two new Ministers in the last few months there will be yet another general post at the official residence. As a rule there is not very much competition for the Prime Minister’s official residence in Tinakori Road, which became known as Awarua House during Sir Joseph Ward’s long stay. Although the building itself is large and well planned, and the grounds are good, the situation, hard up against the Tinakori hills, is considered damp, and in winter is very sunless. Ear more bright and sunny is the house out of which Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie are now moving to make room for their successors. Originally it was not large, but in Mr. S. ddon’s time the grounds were very n : h extended ami improved, and are now nacious and well kept. A now wing, h. Isomely furnished, and im-lmling a 1 lliard room, was nearly finished when t' e news came of the former Premier’s sudden end. The third residence is in Tinakori Road —a short distance from Awa-rau House, but on the sunny sale of the road. It is comfortable., though rather old-fashioned, ami being some way back from the street is sheltered and secluded. Like the Molesworth Street house, it is generally in demand, and until a few- months ago was occupied by the Hon. Mr. Millar. So far no one has heard of any allotment being made among the new Ministers. The three Wellington men are, of course, already in houses, except the Hon. Mr. Herdman, who not long ago let his house at Kelbnrne, and, with Mrs. Herdman ami their family, are in ksb.-imr.s on the Terrace. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher list year moved to Fitzherbert Terra -e. after some years in Hawkestone Street. 'I l.e Hon. H. D. Bell, some years ago, I! I- - place in Hill Street, anil sines Hu i has been living at h'- country hou-m at I r.wrv H tv. which is 15 miles by road from Wellington, and some distance off train or ferrv. For the last eighteen months Mrs. Pell and l> r two younger d.ni'.'hfrrs hive boon travelling in England ami on the Continent. Although the Hon. Mr. Fraser h member f< r W.ikalipn. he and Miss Fraser hive rr- ded in Wellington for ten years rr »o. but they have no settled home bore. Girls’ Tea. There were only g’r’ omc of them marred, it. ir true —at ’ Pearce’s tea on Thursday afternoon. Caleb was a

most cheery affair. The competition was on the subject of butterflies and, granted a piece of white paper, some blobs of oil paint and a clever thumb, it was astonishing what a collection soon appeared. Sizes varied, but tihe colour combinations were gorgeous, and often unique; and some of the butterflies were voted a great improvement on anything Nature has accomplished for this country. It was difficult to decide on the best, but Miss Elsie Watson’s was finally declared the prize winner. The hostess wore a graceful dress of crepe de chine with touches of ornamental embroidery; Miss Pearce was *in marine blue resilda with soutache and guimpe of net; Miss Agnes Pearce wore a lingerie "blouse of filmy lawn and lace, with a close-fitting corselet skirt. Card Tournament. Always a very sociable institution, the Wellington Bowling Club invariably gives a party every winter. This time it took the form of a, card tournament in the big pavilion, the upper storey being devoted to jovial games of euchre, while the bridge players were established on the ground floor. There was a break in the play at 9.30, when songs and supper took up half an hour or so. and then play was resumed. The prize-winners were Mrs Hamilton, Mrs Churchward, Miss Phelps, and Messrs Frost Blundell and Hamilton. Farewell Dance. On Wednesday Mrs Herbert Rawson gave a farewell dance. In future Mr and Mrs Rawson are going to five at their Seatown house, at least for the next year or two; they have let the house on the Terrace to Mr and Mrs Charles Griffiths, who will occupy it on their return from their journey to Australia and the Islands. The band was placed in the hall, and both dining and drawing-rooms were arranged for dancing. Jonquils and nareiosus from Seatown were used in profusion for decoration, and the dance was voted a very jolly one. The hostess wore »hot taffetas in tones of subdued violet, with jewelled embroideries; Miss Rawson dahlia red ninon over gleaming tissue; Mrs Holmes, a fuchsia-tinted frock of charmeuse and ninon. Students’ Dance. The dance given by the students of the Wellington Technical School went off very successfully on Friday night. Green draperies screened the walls, and the lights were shaded with yellow, and a row of pot plants was banked on the stage. Mrs La Trobe wore black ninon over white silk, with touches of pink; Mrs Me Vicar, black charmeuse and jet; M.ns Riichardson, pale turquoise satin veiled in floral ninon; Mrs Pitcaithly, mauve crepe de e chine with a fichu of lace; Mrs Robertson, white satin embroidered with crystals. The two secretaries, Miss Frederick and Miss Caddick, both wore white taffetas, and of the other ladies of the committee, Miss Gyles wore pale blue charmeuse, and Mins Welsby satin striped ninon. lonic Passengers. Although it is the wrong time of the year to be returning to New Zealand, there were a number of passengers on the lonic. The Hon. Mr Herries made the round trip in that steamer, as, owing to Mrs Berries’ illness terminating fatally on the voyage Home, he shortened his stay in the Old Country to three weeks. Wireless messages kept him’acquainted with the excitements of the political situation, and there were many friends on the wharf to meet him. Peculiar sad ciri umstanres surrounded Mrs Abbots return by the lonic, as her husband, Lt.-Colonel Abbot, died at sea near Teneriffe. and a great deal of sympathy is felt for her. SCII another traveller by the lonic is Mrs Hector Bethune, who had veen away from New Zealand over two years. Most of her time was spent in England, I.ut she also visited many places on the Continent, and .nafle a long sojourn in Switzerland. Mrs Bethune means to spend si mp months in New Zealand, but will probably return to' England about the now year, unless she alters her plans. Mis Walter Bethune joined the lonic at. Hobart, and returned to Wellington in her. Personal. Miss Marjorie Michie, who has been paying a long round of visits to her friends and relations in New Zealand, was here lately staying with Mrs Wateon. She will be back in Wellington

again before taking her departure for England by the Rotorua. Mr Maeassey, whose recent appointment has brought him to live in Wellington, has taken the house at Kelbourne occupied by Mrs Salmond. Mrs Macassey, who has been paying visits in the South Island since they left Dunedin, is expected here next week. Sir William and Lady Russell have feme to Wellington for two or three weeks, and will be here over the races. Miss Hoby, whose marriage to Dr llatherleigh Deck, of Sydney, is to take place before long, received many charming and dainty handkerchiefs at a tea given in her honour at Island Bay. The hostess was Mrs Charles Colline, and after the gifts had been presented there was a competition. Another bride-elect, Miss Newlande, was principal guest at a tea given on Saturday by Mrs Petheriek at her house at Kelburne. Mrs and Miss Thorne George have arrived in Wellington for the session. Miss Neville Thorne-George staying at the Hutt with her sister, Mrs Vivian Rid diford. Mr and Mrs Stott have taken rooms in town for the rest of the winter, going •back to their house at Silverstream in September. Mr Stott is just back fror? a round-the-world trip, which took ~hinr as far as Japan, and Mrs Stott went to Sydney to meet him.