WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7, 14 August 1912, Page 63

WELLINGTON.

August 10. Vice-regal. The-approaching departure of their {Excellencies Lord and Lady Islington was announced last week, but it had been vaguely known for some time that they would probably be leaving New Zealand at the end of this year. Although Lord Islington has visited most (parts of New Zealand during his two years here, he has not had time to go to the outlying parts of the Dominion. Perhaps the most energetic Governor in this respect was Lord Kanfurly, who explored the sub-Antarctic islands such as Macquarie, Auckland, the Antipodes, and Chathams. In addition, he took a cruise to New Zealand's possessions in the Pacific, north of Auckland. Like his .successor, Lord Plunket, he visited alhiost every out-of-the-way spot in New Zealand, and the vice-regal railway carriage was frequently side-tracked in interesting parts of the country for - an impromptu camp. As Lord Ranfurly added another year to his full term of live years, he had more time than any other Governor to investigate the country in which he represented royalty, and when he left New Zealand it was with a wide knowledge of its lands, scenery, and resources.

At present there is a distinguished visitor at Government House, in the (person of the Honourable Maurice Baring, who has made a. name for himself in literary and diplomatic circles. Mr. Baring is a son of Lord Revelstoke, has travelled a great deal, and is an exeelilent linguist, his attainments includin'' the Russian language, which was ot great use. to him while on the scene of the war between Russia and Japan. Y.W.C.A.

Of late her Excellency, Lady Islington, has personally interested herself in the tv'ork of the Voting Women’s Christian Association, and on Saturday she attended a meeting at the Association's quarters, in Herbert Street. On behalf of the stall-holders of the Antarctic Bazaar she received from the donors a. number of contributions for the stalls, and later sliQ spoke earnestly of the need for (financial support to enable the Association to do its work. The same plea was made by Miss Birch and Miss Barnes, two secretaries of the (V.W.C.A., the latter coining from Australia for a special visit to the New ZeZaland branches. 1 Aliss' (Stapleton-Cotton 'accompanied her Excellency, and superintended the Zealand branches. Boating Club Ball The Star (Boating Club ball .rather scored by being the only affair of note during the social week, so it was 'particularly appreciated. Outside the Sydney Street Hall the surroundings were appropriately aquatic, but indoors everything was •eheerTiil and exhilarating, and there was a .pleasantly-yautical flavour about things, -Rosettes of oars were effectively arranged on the walls, together with crossed rowlocks and tillers. Flags hung from every available space, and the ceiling was latticed' with lycopodium. The crowning triumph of ingenuity was overhead, where a couple ot outriggers hung motionless, like flying-machines at ■rest,. only wanting -the ‘Swings.” Many handsome silver trophies are the property of the Star Boating Club, the spoils of victory on various waters, and on Thursday these had place of honour on the supper tables, where the pale (blue and white of the club colours gave a delicate note of •contrast to the tfreesias and narcissi and jonquils used for adorning the tables. The president of the club, the Hon. H. D. Bell. K.V., was present, with Mrs. Alfred Bell and her daughter. Mrs. Bell wore vieux rose charmeuse, draped with lace: Miss Bell, white satin, the ninon tunic edged with crystal fringe. The chaperons were Mrs. Bridge, in black satin and jet; Mrs. Newton, in green chiffon taffetas: and Mrs, Fulton, who wore black velvet, with applique 'Of embroidery. ■ The debutantes who have a delightful ball to remember as their first ex(perienee— were: Miss Amy Bonder, who (wore white crepe de chine, with lace and bands of iridescent embroidery; Miss N." Haw son, in white satin, with silver embroideries on the ninon tunic; Miss E. Mack, whose white charmeuse dress had lace dra[H*ries and pearl embroiderWhite fr eosins, narcissi, and camellias con posed their ’bouquets. Bridge. ». Before Mrs Hubert Nuilmii left for .yhristehunelß with her mother, she'gave

a bridge party in honour ofcher sister, Mrs Kohn. There was auction bridge for those who liked excitement, white wlio preferred the old-fashioned kind.had tables at their disposal. Several of the guests, as well as the hostess and her mother, Mrs Louisson. were going South for the Grand National, so in between the rubbers there was plenty to discuss. Crimson and purple anemones in silver vases decorated the tea tables, and the rooms were scented with violets. The bridge prizes, charmingly bound books, were won by Mi's Mac Ewan and Mrs Kohn, the latter's being for auction bridge. The hostess wore lotus blue crepe de chine, with delicately tinted embroideries; and her mother was in shot taffetas, with a hat having greeny-blue plumes; Mrs Kohn (Dunedin) was in blue ninon over pale rose taffetas. At Mrs Hayman’s bridge party on Thursday the first prize was won by Mrs Birkett, and the second by Mrs Louisson. Freesias, violets, and rose-coloured camellias decorated the rooms, ami the teatables were done with spring flowers. Mrs Hayman wore black lace over white satin; and Miss Hayman was in palest, pink eolienne. Benefit Fund. Tragedies on the tramway line have been painfully frequent lately, and in one particularly sad case a young woman was a mother ami a widow on the same day. To aid her and her child, and also to assist another case of bereavement from a tuain accident, arrangements are being made for a benefit fund. On Wednesday there was a big concert in the Town Halt, His Excellency the Governor and a party from Government House being present among the audience, which •was large and sympathetic. .So many other entertainments have been planned for the same purpose that other fixtures have been set aside for a week or two. Reform League. The Reform League had a gala night on Saturday, political speeches, dancing, songs, and supper combining to make it a most festive and enjoyable- occasion. Of course, the hero of the evening was Mr Massey, and everyone was glad to welcome Mrs Massey, who has been so little in Wellington until lately. Their elder daugllter, who used to come down for the session before her marriage, has many friends here who are glad to see her again. On the platform as well were new Ministers and their wives, and the leading officials of the Reform League and other important people. Special stress was laid by speakers on the importance of-the work done by the women’s branch, and the president was warmly applauded before and after her speech. Mrs Fisher was-presented with a bouquet by her husband's constituents, .who also gave him a testimonial. During supper the hall was cleared for dancing, which went on with great zest until',the end of an evening which was quite a memorable event. Airs Massey wore black crepe de chine and lace, and her bouquet-—the gift of the League—was of jonquils, violets, and bronze birch; Mis Taylor was in amber , ninon de soie, and Miss Massey had a girlish frock of white mousseline inlet with lace; Mrs Newman, black Liberty satin, with embroideries on the corsage;'Mrs Morison, black satin, wjth applique of. lace; Mrs Herdman, white lace, with a dessous of satin- Airs Fisher, ivory net, with a tinge of blue on the embroideries. The committee which was responsible for the notably successful At Home was composed of Mrs Earle, who wore smoke-grey ninon over geraniumpink satin ; Mrs'llawson.. jade green chiffon taffetas; Mrs Darling.'.white silk, with a tunic of black ninon bordered with chenille fringe; Airs .Robinson, black satin veiled in jeted net. Children's Parties. The epidemic of children's fancy dress parties continues, last week's hostess living Mrs Gilmer, and next week's Mrs Young. Thpi'e /wore all’, sorts of amusing games besides dancing, ami Mrs Gilmer and her trio of small children enjoyed themselves as much as their guests. One was a quaint little Puritan, the boy a cricketer, and the wee girl, in white satin and rosebuds, looked quite fascinating. There weye'rt good many grown-ups pre sent to help amuse, the children. Dr. Mackenzie’s magic lantern proving a very special joy to the little ones. Mrs Gilmer wore delft blue taffetas, with a net guiuipe and embroideries in hydrangea tones; Mrs H. Gilmer, black penu de sole, and a black and white toque; Mrs K. Gilmer, dark bluc cloth, and a blue hat: Mrs Herbert, paon hlpc taffetas, with bauds of shot'velours, black plumed hat.

- PERSONAL. Miss Margaret Simpson is receiving many good wishes on the announcement of her engagement. Lately she has liei'H staying with her sister, Mrs Young, as Airs Simpson is away in Australia. In England this month t he .marriage of Miss Rita Simpson is to take place; her father will give her away, and her sister. Miss Elsie Simpson, will be one bridesmaid, and Miss'Miles (Wellington) is to be the other. Mr Simpson and Miss E. Simpson return to Wellington about the end of the year.