WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIX, Issue 7, 12 February 1913, Page 63

WELLINGTON.

February 7.

Wellington Club At Home. Club men have the reputation of doing things well when they entertain, so there was no doubt of the success of the “At Home” given by the President and members of the Wellington Club. The. guests of honour were their Excellencies the Governor and Lady Liverpool, who were attended by Captains Shaw, Eastwood, and Mr. Gavin Hamilton. Invitations were limited to club members, who were each allowed to invito two ladies, so there was no overcrowding. The suite of rooms on the first floor was thrown open, all the rooms being delightfully decorated in an unusually effective style. Tall spikes of orange tiger lilies and the more vivid flame colour of montbretias had an artistic background of dull green walls, and were further enhanced by masses of blue hydrangeas. Palms and ferns were grouped in corners, and in the big room, with its soft rose hues, the flowers were in delicate shades of pink—roses, asters and graceful sprays of larkspur predominating. The supper-room had a bold arrangement of eosmea, daisies, and spiky grasses, while the tables themselves were done with sweet peas and centaurea in delicately harmonising tones. A delightful place of resort was the. winter garden —an addition to the club-house last year in honour of its jubilee—a cool

grove of green plants with immense, windows looking seaward. A string band played discreetly at intervals, and in between there was a capital musical programme by the leading musicians of Wellington.

On arrival, their Excellencies were met by Mr. Skerrett, the president of the Club, and Miss Skerrett, the latter wearing palest opal brocade, the corsage embroidered in dull gold, with opals and turquoise, and a jade green velvet band and aigrette in her hair. Lady Liverpool looked exceedingly well in kingfisher blue satin lumineux, the draped overdress of chiffon in the same changeant hue being caught up here and there with diamante motifs; her jewels included a diamond tiara and a chain of diamonds. Mr and Mrs J. Studholme (Ruanui), who are staying at Government House,

came with the viceregal party, Mrs •Studholme wearing myosot is blue chiffon with a sash of black velvet, and appliques of Renaissance lace. The Ministry was well represented, and among the guests were: Mrs Massey, wearing black snowball net over oyster charmeuse, with jet embroideries; Mrs Fisher, black Liberty satin draped with Brussels lace; Mrs Herdman, in ivory lace veiling pink satin; Mrs Rolleston, black chiffon, with jet embroideries; Miss Fraser, blue charmeuse, with draperies of dull gold net; Lady Stout had on Parma violet brocade, with velvet rouleaux in a deeper shade arranged in scrolls; Miss Janet Stout, who was presented at Court before she left London, was in a white tulle dress with dewdrop embroideries; Lady Findlay, ciel blue brocade, the design accentuated with tiny crystal beads, the draperies caught up with a black plush rose. Yellow, a colour for long absent from our ballrooms until last season, was a good deal in evidence, Mrs Bethell (Canterbury) wearing a gracefully draped dress of primrose ninon sewn with crystals and draped with lace. Another gown of amber satin had effective drapings of black Chantilly lace, 'hie or two ladies wore emerald green. Hie vogant colour accentuated by sparkling crystal embroideries, and a noticeable toilette was of rose du Barri velours with dull gold embroideries, the tali wearer being coiffee with gold net. Bands of fur appeared on some of the smartest frocks, one of malniaison pink ninon being bordered with mink and

draped over silver brocade. A girlish wearer in white ninon had narrow bands of fur on the fichu draperies, and had tucked in a big pink rose; while a lady in grey velours had a deep hem of grey fox and narrow bands outlining the decolletage.

One noticed that draped effects were immensely popular, but paniers were not plentiful, although the idea was suggested cleverly, mostly in ninon the same tone as the dessous. Two exceptions were a rose and white brocade with paniers of delphinium blue chiffon, and a white satin draped with black lace, over which came paniers of Irish green ninon.

Children's JParty. Mrs Knox’s children’s party was a most cheerful affair, with real pleasure for the small people, and much diversion for the grown-ups who were helping. Not long ago Colonel and Mrs Knox moved from Karori to a house at Kelburne, where a big lawn is surrounded by a sweet pea hedge of immense 'height and length, of which the whole neighbourhood is proud. The house stands on the top of a high, steep knoll, with a long, zigzag path leading to the laws below, and it was the quaintest sight tc see this zigzag alive with children all skipping gaily along en route to the lawn, where games and sports were held. After tea there were other pleasurable excitements, including presents for everybody. Mrs Knox wore a shantung dress and a hat with black velvet bows.

*arden Party. Mrs Coverdale’s garden party «i very enjoyable affair, an added attraction being a fortune-teller, whose mysterious predictions lured many guests from the bright and sunny flower garden to a dark room in the house. When afternoon tea was ready the shady sum-mer-house became a great centre of interest, tlie hostess’ sous and some of her girl friends assisting her. Egyption embroideries appeared on the hostess’ dress of draped charmeuse in saxe blue, and the colours were repeated in her hat. Personal. The Kemuera was a full ship on her arrival from England, although this is not the most favoured time. However, a fine ship and an immensely popular commander have a good deal to do with it. As for the homeward trip, every berth was booked as long ago as last October. Returning passengers included Mrs and Miss Dalrymple, who have been away about a year. Mrs Montgomerie and Miss Anderson (Wanganui) have been absent for aliout the same time. Mr ami Mrs Gold and their family came out by the same steamer, and have now gone on to their home in Christchurch, Mrs and Miss Gawith were also passengers. The Hon. Trevor Ogilvie-Grant and Mrs Ogilvie-Grant have left for England, where they will remain for an indefinite period. They are taking their two children with them, the boy especially being an important small person, as after his father he is next male heir to the Earldom of Seafield and the Barony of Strathspey. Miss Helen Mackenzie left for England by the Turakina to join her parents in London. Miss Coila Brown (Dunedin) is travelling by the same steamer. Miss Eva Butts was a passenger on Friday to Sydney, en route for England and the Continent, where she will spend a year’s holiday-.