Our Wellington Letter.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXXII, Issue 63, 9 August 1906, Page 3

Our Wellington Letter.

THE VICE-REGAL BALL.

It was an absolutely horrible evening when the iirst ball of the season at Government House took place. A bitter wind blew perpetually, and brought icy squalls of rain that made the mudoy streets muddier. Indeed, at halfpast nine, the hour fixed, many did not dare to face the cold and wet. But tha brilliant warmth and beauty of Government House was only intensified by the teurpest without, and the moment one stepped on to the crimson carpet in the hall, the winter was forgotten, for the scent of spring from many flowers was in the air. The ball-room has quite a perfect floor, with such spring that, as one stands at the end when the floor is full the surface sways (mite alarmingly. It is a beautiful honey colour with assiduous; polishing, and reflects a vivid frock charmingly. The pure white

ttaJS and white framed mirrors were urideeoratod, bill the 'mantie shelves" were laden with blossorua, and the hreplaees massed with foliage and iiowers. U» one chimney-piece sprays of a delicate scarlet llower set in greenery and on another exquisite dail'ouds were reflected in the mirror, their pots hidden in a* bank of wattle, tree lucerne filling up the lire-place.. In the drawing room were set the magnificent palms, with artistic arrangements of bronze and silver Japanese plum, and against huge clumps of bamboo on the staircase blazed the scarlet stars of the poinsettia. The supper was served on a number of small tables, each with many candles in candelabra and clusters of rhododendrons. The music was excellent though King's band i« perhaps a shade too rapid in its waltzes. About four two-steps, two polkas, and two. sets of lancers diversilied the perennial waltz. Still about the correct way of dancing the twostep there seems much variety of opinion. Lady Plunket dt xued in the official lancers, and only took one turn later in a waltz to test the floor. Mr Waterfield does not dance,' and Captain Braithwaite, who has been ill with pleurisy since last season is at present forbidden the exercise, but Miss Plunket and Captain Bingham are indefatigable.

SOME SMART FROCKS

Lady Plunket wore one of the handsomest gowns she has yet been sera in, the material a cream satin that was. capable of "standing by itself," so rich and t'hick was it. Exquisitely cut, with a short square train, the skirt was embroidered with a wide gold embroidery, in which large gold; roses were set at intervals, The draped bodice was finished with the same lovely trimming, and diamond ornaments were worn, a tiara, necklace, and long ear-rings. These suit Lady Plunket admirably. The Hon. Kathleen Plunket, was in tomato-red chiffon with a lace berthc oVer white" silk, and Mrs Waterlield wore palest pink crepe-de-chine, the skirt made with many oordings, and the high, draped waist-belt of < silk. Mrs Wallace was in white silk, draped with lovely old lace, and finished with clusters of roses and pink tulle, while Mrs Collins' white hair and dark eyes were admirably suited to the pale blue satin with laco appiiquets that she wore. Perhaps ttie most etfective frock in the room—setting aside Lady Plunket's—was Miss Duncan's. It was a moire velours of a blush-rose tint, the skirt opening over a petticoat of tulle frills, eacn hemmed with silver tissue,, th;q short sleeves, being all silver-edged frills, and the bodice bordered with exquisite crystal and silver embroidery. Mrs David; Nathan ■s always a noticeably well-dressed woman, and wore at the ball a pink .silk made after an old picture with long stoles and draperies of jewelled net. Her diamonds are splendid and suit her beautiful colouring and dark abundant hair. Miss Izard was in pais grey crepe-de-chine, with a most liecoming coronet of white llowers in hfcr hair. Miss Thompson, from Auckland, who is a guest of Miss Williams wore white, aiitl had a Wreath oi gold wheat ears in her hair. A wonderlul frock of tulle, embroidered with silver was worn by Mrs Wilford. Some of the black silk frocks ware extremely smart and nearly all had the wide, plain skirt, all the ornament,, such as it was being reserved for the bodice. The latter always had a lace or chiffon tucker, the silk itself only; coming to the shoulders. Two guests who wore handsome frocks of this description were Mrs Rankine Brown, wife of the Professor, and Mrs Arthur iYoung, a handsome daughter of the handsome Simpson family. Quite yomng girls wear these same black silk froews.

SIR JOSEPH WARD AND FAMILY. They are all back with the. exception of Cyril, the eldest, who is remaining in ilingland, for a year or so, and they look as if their trip had done them much good. The second son is brown and much stronger in appearance than when ho went away. Miss Ward is slighter, and looks charming. Indeed they are all thinner with the travelling and the rush. Lady Ward herself looks younger, and as fascinating as ever, and Sir Joseph is stiil as cheery and pleasant though destiny has weighted him with fresh responsibilities. At present Mrs Henderson, from Invercargill, Lady Ward's sister, is staying with them. She took charge of little Pat while they were away. Her likeness to her sister/ is remarkable.