A LADY'S LETTER FROM DUNEDIN.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9124, 7 June 1895, Page 3

A LADY'S LETTER FROM DUNEDIN.

On Thursday the death was announced of Biihop Moran, he having passed peacefully away early in the eveuiug before. For many months he had been suffering from a wearisome illness, which he had borne with a patience and fortitude that must have been a lesson to all bis flock and everyone who know him as an example of piety and courage. Over and over again he had overcome the illness which so harassed him, until at last it was hoped he would once more be able to take his part in the duties of his church which was so dear to his heart. His death will cause a great blank, for he had gained the respect and admiration of everyone with whom he came in contact. The unflagging zeal with which he devoted all his energy and time to the labours of his church was untiring, and surely no man ever filled this high position more worthily or honourably. He was a wonderfully capable man of business. He took a keen interest in the building of seyeral churches, first and foremost among these being the Cathedral of St. Joseph's, but he was always most particular that on no occasion should any debt be incurred, only advancing with the work when the money was in hand. Much sympathy ia felt for those, who have lost in him, the kind and sympathetic guide and director of all their doubts and difficulties. The funeral is to take place next Wednesday, and during the days Avhich precede the remains of the late Bishop will rest in state in the Cathedral.

On Wednesday Mrs Bowden gave a small afternoon tea party. Tbe tea table was artistically arrauged with some beautiful specimen chrysanthemums. The afternoon passed off most pleasantly, and was very much enjoyed. On Wednesday evening Mrs Ritchie gave a juvenile dance, which went off very gaily, and at which a good many of the more advanced were most delighted to be present. On Friday evening Dr. and Mrs Lindo Ferguson gave a large dance in St. Paul's schoolroom. The hall was most beautifully decorated, thick festoons of green leaves and ferns being brought from all the corners of the ceiling to the centre, where they were all connected with a huge ball of chrysanthemums, which made a most imposing appearance. All the appointments which go towards making a ball a success were present. The floor was as smooth and polished as a sheet of ice, the music was excellent and the guests undoubtedly in the very best of spirits. Mrs Ferguson looked very well iv a dress of pale blue brocade trimmed on the bodice with scarlet velvet ribbon; Miss F. Butterworth wore an empire dress of cream surah; Mrs C. Butterworth wore her wedding dress, which is very handsome, of white satin, with deep cream lace yolk, edged with chiffon ; Mrs Tower wore black, with very full putted sleeves of white satin covered with chiffon ; Miss Izard (Wellington) wore a very pretty costume of white brocade ; Mrs Ritchie wore a moat becoming costume of deep yellow liberty silk ; Mrs Batchelor wore black velvet trimmed on the bodice with white lace; Mrs Barnett wore white silk, very prettily trimmed on tbe bodice and skirt with yellow silk; Mrs Roberts wore black, trimmed slightly on the bodice with gold ; Mias R. Reynolds wore a very pretty cos-' tume of yellow liberty silk, with a small pink flower all over it, made quite plain, with a short bodice and large puffed sleeves; Miss V. Reynolds wore a handsome white brocade, trimmed on bodice with spotted chiffon ; Miss Mills looked exceedingly well in white silk, with large puffed sleeves of pink silk covered with white spotted net; Miss I. Rattray wore a very pretty pale pink silk; Miss Shand wore a stylish costume of pale blue silk; Miss R. Webster was in pale pink silk, trimmed on the bodice with jet. Amongst others who were present were Dr. and Mrs Davis, Mr and Mrs Eardley Reynolds, Dr. and Mrs Roberts, Dr. and Mrs Ogston, Dr. and Mrs Colquboun, Miss Haggitt, Miss Cutten, Miss R. Neill, Miss Hay, Miss Bathgate, Miss Wright, Miss Greenwood, Mr and Mrs Hosking, Mr and Mrs Boyd, Miss Grierson, Miss Sise, Mr J. B. Reid. Mr Pasco, Mr Cook, Mr Turton, Mr Gibbons, Mr Perry (Tirnaru), Mr Morris, Mr T. Webster, Mr P. Wright, Mr F. Cutten, Mr E. Cutten, Mr Edmonds, Mr P. Maca-Sey, and many others. On Friday and Saturday the Birthday Race Meeting was held, but owing to various reasons, there was a very small attendance from a society point of view. Amongst others who were present were Mr and Mrs Sinclair-Thomson-, Mrs Otterson, Miss Elworthy (Tirnaru), Mr and Mrs Lintott, Mr and Mrs Stephenson, the Misses Stephenson, Mr and Mrs Lawson Johnstone, Mrs Alexander, Mrs Bottomley, Mrs Webb, Mrs Kettle, Miss Cargill, the Misses Webster. On both days the racing was very good, with some very exciting finishes, Skirmisher particularly distinguishing himself by coming up at the last moment and beating the horse in front of him just by a nose. The weather was very satisfactory, not sunny, but warm with no wind, which is generally the most enjoyable when the day is being spent out-of-doors. Shirley. The Mikado wishes to get a European Princess for his daughter-in-law. The various Japanese Ambassadors at the European capitals have been instructed to look out for a bride for the Crown Prince of Japan. If a Princess cannot be secured, some daughter of a noble hou.e is to be negotiated for ; or if that also fails, a rich American heiress will not be despised. The Crown Prince of Japan is only seventeen, and is not to marry until he is twenty, so the Mikado is looking out for bis son betimes. The bride will be allowed full liberty as to her religion. The Japanese Crown Prince belongs to an unbroken line of Rings of a dynasty which has reigned for two thousand years, so that the family pedigree is unexceptionable.