A LADY LETTER FROM WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9142, 25 August 1888, Page 1 (Supplement)

A LADY LETTER FROM WELLINGTON.

[from our own correspondent.] August 20.

METHODS OF DANCING. I don't know when I have had such a thoroughly amusing evening as Friday proved to be. You must know that the Naval Brigade holds an annual ball to which a large number of invitations are issued, some being asked to pay whilst others are invited by the officers at their own expense. A very large number of people met together on this occasion, and amongst them I recognised several of my friends' maids, some of whom looked very well in white cashmere dresses. I think a mixed ball of this kind is one of the most amusing sights. You there discover in how many different ways it is possible for a lady to bo held by her partner. A favourite way the other evening was for the gentleman to place his hands upon the lady's shoulders, and vice, versa, and then for the couple to convert themselves into a species of merry-go-round, observing a solemn silence during the performance, and being quite regardless of the blows which they are dealing to their neighbours and having returned with interest. In the lancers, the partners catch each other round the waist and whirl violently for some few minutes. It is somewhat agonising to have to set to partners with one of these performers; but you laugh heartily when you liud your partner has done as the Romans do and rotated in the same

manner with his corner lady. There were several captains present, amongst them Captains Medley, Duncan, and Humfrey; Lieutenant-Colonel Butts was also there. Rather a larger number than usual of people whom one knows were present. The hall was very prettily decorated, and the floor was sui'dcently good to warrant people staying until about three o'clock in the morning. MEASLES. Measles are paying a visit to almost every house at one end of the town, and it is quite unusual to meet anyone who has not had them. A great number of the patients are gentlemen, who chaff each other unmercifully until they themselves find the little red danger signals appearing, when they precipitately hide their disfigured faces in the solitude of their chamber. The idea is evidently fallacious that one cannot have measles twice, as I have known of

several people who have succumbed to this tiresome complaint who have declared themselves invincible on account of having had them before. The most disagreeable part about it is that one cannot have the consolation of your neighbour's sympathy during your convalescence, as no one will come near you until you are quits recovered. THE AMY SHERWIN OPERA TROUPE. I was so sorry tc "near of Miss Amy Sherwin's failure with her opera troupe, especially just now when I suppose she had hoped to do so well during the Exhibition time. There was quite a large house assembled to hear " Der Freischutz" when the orchestra refused to proceed unless their salaries were paid, so the money had to be repaid to the audience and the theatre closed. It seems very strange that they could not have paid the musicians some portion of the money received from the audience, a great number of whom must have taken their tickets at the door. How very sad it must have been for Miss Slierwin, who was recently received here with such enthusiasm, to be behind the scenes all dressed in readiness to take her part in the opera, and then to hear the audience leaving the theatre and learn why this was. The following day Mr. Gorlitz, her husband, was adjudged a bankrupt. It would appear to have been better if Miss Sherwin had been content with her concert company, with which she must have made a great deal of money, as there is very little expense attached to a small company of five people with no scenery or wardrobe, compared to the cost of a travelling opera company.

LADY JERVOIS' RECEPTIONS. Lady Jervois, since His Excellency's return, has announced that she will again receive upon Tuesdays. When her ladyship gave up her receptions at the time of Sir William's departure for Melbourne, a number of people made somewhat unfavourable comments upon Government House being closed during session time. Possibly one of the reasons why this was done was because in reality Lady Jervois was not Governor's wife after His Excellency had left the colony, and so, therefore, did not see why she should hold her vice-regal receptions. Miss A. Jervois is going to remain a short time in Mel bourne, and may thus possibly be able to see something of the exhibition, which, during the first week or two, the guests at Government House, Melbourne, must have been too much engaged to have time to spare for, although in reality that was what they were supppsed to go and see.

THE RINK. The collar, apron, and tie competition at the rink was a very mirth-provoking sight; it looked so very ridiculous to see young men with their neckties sweeping the ground and their collars rearing themselves above their heads. The prettiest apron worn by a lady was composed of the most lovely Samoan shells of peculiar shapes and delicate tints, fastened upon a handsome background; this was very much admired. Another original one was made of straw, with tiny teacups and saucers in the same material sewn upon it. The prizes were a pretty crimson plush work-box and a very convenient little work-bag made of the same coloured plush. One necktie was composed of a portion of an old saddlecloth with a racehorse's delicate shoe as a breastpin. Several of Queen Bess' monstrous ruffs were worn by the ladies. TIRED PREACHERS. I have often heard clergymen apeak of the Sunday services being so fatiguing to them, but I never before realised how intensely tiring it must be for them, however deep the interest they may take in all that is going on. Did you ever think that during the sermons —which we often think so long, and begin to become restless and weary of our seats —-while it lasts, that they are standing the whole time and also during the collection and the hymns ; in fact, they are never seated, except for a few minutes. After thinking of this I came to the conclusion that Sunday is not a day of rest to the clergymen. THE MELBOURNE EXHIBITION AND SERVANTS. I have seen several advertisements in the papers lately of young women applying for places as maids to families going over to the exhibition. I suppose the reason is because there is such a demand for servants in that city in consequence of nearly -ill the domestics having left their situations to serve at the exhibition refreshment bars, where they will have less drudgery, with considerably more life —better than trundling along a perambulator in which is a fretful baby ; and also, I suppose, considerably higher pay. The only drawback to it all will be the late hours ; but then, on the other hand, I do not suppose they will have to be at their places very early in the morning. Can we wonder, then, that the housekeepers of Melbourne are bemoaning their housemaidless and cookless state, and thinking that exhibitions are not all joy ? AMATEUR PERFORMANCES. I hear the amateur theatricals have finally decided to perform the " Mikado" for their next piece. I suppose they are rather encouraged to do this by the success this piece has had inChristchurch, where it also was performed by amateurs, and wag received with enthusiasm. Dorothy.