Few Signs Of Spring

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30213, 19 August 1963, Page 2

Few Signs Of Spring

Taking no chances on tlie weather, women race patrons left their new spring bonnets at home, ami braved the bitterly cold wind in their warmest clothes when the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club held the first day of its National meeting at Addington on Saturday.

The only indication of approaching spring was the occasional straw hat, usually of fine black Swiss straw, worn with a warm coat or suit.

This season there is a noticeable swing away from the frills, flowers and tulle of recent years to more masculine trends and sombre colours. The effect on Saturday was of sophisticated, streamlined elegance. Bowler hats were again very popular, and many women chose versions of the

trilby in checks, tartan or a combination of black and white. One woman even took a hint from Ascot, and wore a top hat. This was in a soft, becoming shade of smokey - lavender, trimmed with net. “Boxy Swing” Most women topped their suit or dress with a coat. Although the colours were mostly in black, brown, and the gold range, interspersed with a lot of blue, the lines were soft and loose to relieve some of the severity. Notable features were low-placed pockets, stand-away collars self-scarves slung casually over one shoulder, wide boxy “swing” to many coats. Several were collarless.

One woman carried a Russian astrakhan muff to cheat the cold.

Mrs J. K. Davidson, wife of the club’s president, wore a tailored suit finely checked'in resida green and light brown. Her suit was cut on slim lines and belted at the waist. With it she wore a light brown hat with an upturned brim, swathed with silk

velvet in the same Shade of resida green. Mrs R. W. Saunders, wife of the club's vice-president, chose a topcoat of black facecloth. cut with a wide, graceful swing. She teamed it With a small turban of midnight blue. Club’a Guests Guests of the club in the women’s box included the following: Mesdames C. S. Thomas, W. M. Ollivier, C. E. Hoy, A. L. Matson, G. W. Blaxall, R. E. Booker, C. E. Evans, D. McCormick, E. T. McDermott, G. W. A. Green, D. C. Parker, J. M. Louisson, O. Hutchinson, W. E. Desmond, S D. Shubart, T. A. Leich and J. D. Robins.