FEMININE FANCIES.

Evening Star, Issue 8154, 1 March 1890, Page 3 (Supplement)

FEMININE FANCIES.

As there were two private balls during tho racing week, the usual race ball did not take place. It will probably be held later on, which is a good arrangement, as it is a pity to crowd our amusements close together. Each one will be more appreciated if it has a little margin of quiet left on either side of it. At the first of these balls were some very beautiful costumes. The one that struck me most was worn by an Oamaru visitor, who has lately returned from England with her daughters. It was one of the new brocaded satins, which equal in richness and splendor those worn by our grandmothers or great-grandmothers. The design was of chrysanthemums in silver, upon a dark blue ground, the flowers standing out with much distinctness. The bodice and pstticoat were of this exquisite material, and the train plain. Two Sydney women, a married lady and her sister, also wore lovely gowns and very fine jewellery in the shape of pearls and diamonds. The former had a mixture of pale lemon and lilac; the latter white, with a green scarf and cluster of green violets. A bride from New South Wales was in her wedding gown of striped brocaded satin, and had some handsome diamond sprays. From Melbourne were, as usual, some pretty dresses. One girl wore a delicate combination of pink grey, another white with pink roses, while a third had a notable gown of bright red with poppies trimming it. Amongst the Dunedin young people were some very dainty frocks. Several wore white—one relieving it tastefully with green moire ribbons and sash, another with a sash of red watered silk. Our hostess wore black, with clusters of scarlet poppies and wheat ears ; and her sister looked remarkably well also in black, with touches of crimson to lighten it. A married lady had a simple white gown with a quantity of violets on the bodice. Two girls lately returned from the Old Country looked particularly well—one in pink, the other in a dark shade of terra cotta. Every tint and shade was to be seen, some of the utmost deioacy—the faint green of sea foam, the pink of a blush rose or seashell, and blues from pale “sky” to deep “royal.” With the exquisite fabrics and hues given us now it is our own fault if we don’t dress prettily and becomingly. Such latitude is allowed, too, in shape and style that all can be accomodated. I heard a Melbourne woman remark upon the excellent taste displayed in dress here, which by its simplicity reminded her more of England than her own colony. Having described so many of the gowns at the first ball, I will give none at that which followed it the next evening, as it is very possible to have too much of these good things. This, too, was a most enjoyable dance, and the arrangements were admirable. The floor from the outset was perfect, and was not left for the guests to polish, as is sometimes the case when too much wax is used. The flowers, too, were quite a feature. They were not only in great profusion, but to beautifully arranged; the chimney-pieces in particular looking lovely with masses of blossoms and trailing greenery. Those who felt their complexions needed merciful treatment afeer so much gaiety as two race days in succession and a dance the night before could keep in the half of the dancing room that had shades of a tender Eink over its lights, whilst those who could rave the brighter glare from the golden ventured to the other end. The dancing was in two rooms thrown into one. Plenty of Chinese lanterns brightened the hall and passages, and in every way the capabilities of a good house were made the very most of. This ball and that given by the members of tho Fernhill Club will remain in our memories as specimens of what one may call “ a real good time.” For those of my readers who, like myself, think there arc other subjects of interest besides our various amusements I must say a little about Mrs Baeyertz and her mission in Dunedin. I first met her at a friend’s house, and she quite won my heart by her genuine delight in Dunedin, its beauties, and its climate. I went to hear her in the Choral Hall, and was very much interested by her address. She certainly is a good example for her creed, with her happy face and bright cheerfulness, showing that her religion is one which brightens her whole life, and does not necessitate a long face and austere manner, lam quite sure that anyone, once hearing her, would wish to go again, and will bring away much that will help and cheer them on their way through life. I confess that lam not fond of such meetings generally, nor of hearing a woman speak in public, but when anyone has such a real and attractive gift as Mis Baeyertz possesses, it would seem a pity for her to let it lie dormant, especially as it may do so much to help and lead her fellow creatures in the right way. The Ladies’ Challenge Cup, which I mentioned in my last letter, is to be rowed for on the loth of March, I find—just a fortnight hence. There will be an afternoon tea for the ladies. Ido hope we shall have a fine day and a goodly gathering for this our new departure, by which we show the interest we take in the sports of our men folk.

I saw something new in the way of notepaper the other day which took my fancy very much. Each sheet has a short quotation from Shakespeare printed upon it. One for a fluent writer was : “ Faster than spring - time showers come thought on thought.” Another appealing one was “ For my sake read it o’er”; while several were affectionate or sentimental. A box of it had beep bought in Hobart for the small sum of eighteenpence, and contained two dozen sheets and envelopes, so I hope it may soon come within reach of both us and our purses.

The excellence of the afternoon concerts at the Exhibition is shown by the great increase in the audience. The orchestra no longer plays to empty chairs. We should bo hard to please were we not satisfied, for we are not only given a good programme each day, but Mr Towsey is most obliging in putting in any items one may ask for ; so that we may all hear our favorites if we will only take the trouble to ask for them. curious fact, but the only adverse criticisms on these concerts that I have heard lately are from people whom I never by any chance see at them ! Martha.