WELLINGTON RACES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 137, 16 July 1914, Page 4

WELLINGTON RACES.

From Our Special Correspondent. WELLINGTON, July 15. Cold, almost to bleakness, with alternate drizzling showers and glimmers of welcome sunshine, was the first race day, nevertheless large numbers of people journeyed to Trentham and spent a very enjoyable day. The racing was good, and was not marred by any serious mishaps. Of course, from a dressy point of view nothing much could be expected, but the hats in most cases realised expectations, and although not always ' becoming, they were novel and chic. Several improvements have been made by the elub, for one thing, conci'ete terraces have been built fronting the stand, and running the length of the lawn, and this lessens the congestion on tliei promenade. The Vice-regal box was draped with flags, and with their Excellencies came a large house party consisting of Mr and Airs J. Grigg, of Longbeach, Canterbury, Aliss Rhodes, Afiss Gould, Aliss Grigg, Afiss Helmore, Lieutenant Rhodes, Air Gould, and in attendance were Captain Mutton and Captain Eastwood. Lady Liverpool wore a long brown fur coat over a cedar brown frock and a brown plateau hat with wheat ears and tiny posies. Mrs Grigg

wore a black hat with osprey and long fur coat, Miss Harcourt, daughter of the president, wore a violet cloth costume, white furs, and a violet straw hat. Mrs Massey wore a fur coat and blaek hat. Lady Godley, blue cloth gown and blue straw hat with tiny pink roses. Mrs C. J. Johnston wore black fur coat and black hat with one beautiful golden feather. Mrs Arthur Duncan, sable coat and black hat. Mrs F. M. B. Fisher wore a black ponyskin coat and black and white hat. Mrs Algar Williams, black and white check costume with faint pink stripe and a small black sailor hat with very large pink roses. Mrs Allan Strang, long sable coat and black hat with ospreys. Mrs Vivian Riddiford, sealskin coat and hat of corded silk in lime colour. Aliss Thorne George (Auckland), long coat of moleskin and pretty mole hat with large rose. Miss Skerrett, a long black caracul coat and blue hat with violet osprey. Mrs Fitchett, mauve hat with fur coat over a violet cloth gown. Aliss M. Rhodes (Christchurch) wore a black and white hat and long coat. Miss Grigg, violet floral hat and dark tailormade gown. Mrs Charles Pearce, molecoloured tailor-made gown and hat the same shade. Airs C. Tringham, a coat of black ponyskin with ermine collar and blaek and white hat. Wellington is crowded with visitors,

the hotels are over-crowded, and more than one has refused accommodation. for one hundred people. Guests for the race ball on Thursday have come from all over New Zealand, and some exquisite frocks are going to be worn. The amateurs have had a most successful week's season with "Paul Jones." On Tuesday evening they were honoured by the presence of their Excellencies the Governor and Lady Liverpool, who were accompanied by their house party of Canterbury guests. Her Excellency wore a coat. il 'of deep rose velvet with wide bands of fur on collar,and cuffs. Mrs Grigg wore a pale blue silk coat embroidered in delicate shades and a lace scarf; Miss Khodes, a beautiful white fur coat over a net and satin frock; Miss Gould an ivory satin coat and white silk frock; Miss Grigg, violet, and Miss Gould peach satin theatre coat with bands of embroidery. • Visitors to Wellington at present include Mrs and Miss Vallance, of Mastertoii; Mrs Ernest Davis, Auckland; Mrs and Miss Mcßae, Martinborough; Mr and Mrs Pettie, Gisborne; Mr and Mrs E. I'. Lee, Oamaru; Mr and Mrs Ehvorthy, Tiuiaru; Mr and Mrs Bond, Christchurch; Mrs Allan Strang, Palmerston: Mr and Mrs Erl Williams-, Masterton.