A LADY'S LETTER FROM WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9154, 8 September 1888, Page 1 (Supplement)

A LADY'S LETTER FROM WELLINGTON.

\tOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] September 3. PENSIONS.

At the last meeting of the Diocesan Synod it was decided to allow Archdeacon Stock a pension of one hundred pounds a year after his thirty-two years of faithful service in St. Peter's parish in this city. They added that this was the highest pension they had the power to grant. Does this not seem a paltry and insignificant sum when compared to the pensions diawn by the old Civil servants, many receiving from four to six hundred a year? Truly a man must have the well-being of his fellowcreatures at heart before he will accept " a cure of souls," which holds out no better prospect than the possibility of in his declining years rt.ceiving a pension such as this. With regard to old Civil servants who are drawing large pensions, I was surprised to see how many there are who are resident in England—Mr.Gisborne, for instance, who annually draws over four hundred pounds. I do think that when pensions .are granted, it should be stipulated that they should be spent in the colony. It does seem a little absurd that our wretchedly impecunious Government should be sending so much money every year to England. AFTER DEATH. What is to be done with our poor bodies when we have departed this life is agitating the minds of many of our townsmen. One idea which I think is very objectionable is that the much-talked-of destructor which is to arrive hei e shortly should cremate cats and dogs on the one side, and on the other side human beings. Although Edna Lyal appears to think that there will be cats and dogs in the great hereafter, I think even this popular authoress would think there was something incongruous in sending them on their long journey in company with the human race ; but, of course, it is seldom that a new idea is at once received with acclamation, and we may live to see this suggestion carried out. Another idea is '""that the bodies should be placed in concretecoffins and then filled with concrete, which should be allowed to set. Then each of these should help to build a pyramid to be placed in some spot consecrated to the purpose. Or a better idea would be to build a church of these peculiar blocks, so that a man who in life was metaphorically "a pillar of the church," in death might literally be one, or the portion of one.

BECOMING DUMB. A short time ago a terrible infliction befell a man here, who, when walking along an unfrequented road, happened to meet a man who spoke to him. Upon his attempting to reply he found it was impossible, and the fearful conviction came upon him that he was dumb. For several weeks, nay, months, I think he remained in this state, with the doctors doing everything in their power to loosen his tongue, but "quite without effect, till one morning the sufferer succeeded in. making a slight sound. Through all that day and night he strove to speak, and at last his voice returned to him almost as suddenly as it had left him. Does it not seem an extraordinary thing?

THE COLLEGE BOYS. On Thursday night an entertainment was given, at the Theatre Royal by the College boys to which an immense number of people were invited. Most unfortunately, the night turned out a dreadful one, with continuous showers and hailstorms, but notwithstanding this the theatre was filled to overflowing. The boys looked very well, dressed in white flannels with neat slippers, and went through their free arms and club exercises with wonderful grace and precision. The bayonet exercise was also considered to be very good. Several songs and recitations were given during the evening, Miss Richardson being the accompanist. His Excellency the Governor, with Miss Jervois and suite, was present, also Mrs. ■ Mackay, the principal's wife, who was dressed in a primrose silk with smocked sleeves. Miss Richardson wore a black bress pointed back and front. There were several pretty plush opera cloaks wore, as the night was very chilly : Miss Hadfield's, of crimson plush, being noticeable ; a pale pink one worn by a stranger was also very pretty. ONE ADVANTAGE OF A SEA TRIP.

I have heard of yet another engagement which has been arranged during the passage of one of the direct steamers to England. I really think the directors would be quite entitled to call their line of vessels "The Steamship and Matrimonial Bureau Company," and to advertise " special advantages to passengers desirous of securing a suitable life partner." By the Ruapenu, which leaves for England on Thursday, Lady Hall is booked as a passenger.

THE PREMIER AND THE AGNBWS. Much to the relief of the poor faggedout members, the session is at last at an end, and they have all gone trooping back to their homes as pleased as boys who have just begun their Christmas holidays. However, the persevering Agnews decided to have one more struggle for their rights, so Mrs. Agnew accosted Sir Harry Atkinson in the street, and held forth at considerable length on the subject of their grievances. Sir Harry told her if she did not go away he would call the police to his assistance, and this he was eventually obliged to do. So this morning, at the Magistrates Court, this lady was bound over to keep the peace. The Premier said that he had carefully considered her case, and he considered that she and her husband had been very liberally dealt with. Regularly every session this couple appear in Wellington, and wait about outside the Parliamentary gates, ready to seize upon any member, into whoso unwilling ear they pour their oft-repeated tale. Not very long ago they were brought before the Resident Magistrate for molesting one of the Civil servants. THE EARTHQUAKE IN WELLINGTON. The earthquake felt here on Friday was very slight, but exceedingly prolonged, quite one of the longest I nave ever felt. No damage whatever was done, although the news did reach Melbourne thai} our town was destroyed. Altogether, we seem to enjoy a wonderful reputation. We are supposed to manufacture sufficient wind to supply the whole of New Zealand, and are now said to have perished in an attempt to have the biggest earthquake.

FASHIONS. Leghorn is apparently to be the thing of the season as far as hats are concerned. I have already seen several which are lying perdu, waiting for the first warm day to blossom forth upon the heads of their owners. One of Tuscan-coloured Leghorn had a large flat brim turned up at the side, and fastened with extremely broad bows of satin ribbon intermingled with green leaves. Another was lined with gathered crepe and ornamented with white watered ribbon and ostrich tips. The bonnets appear to be of most ethereal material, such as delicate lace, tulle, crepe, and lisse. One of white la*» had two bands of folded white silk crossing the crown, which was surmounted with a bunch of leaves. The high peak in the front was filled In with pale pink lisse frilling. A very delicate white muslin gown had a pleated front of rich embroidery with pale green ribbon bows, and ends arranged at the side ; the bodice of this was gathered at the neck and confined with a waist belt—in fact, ail the washing materials appear to be made in this way. Some of the dull gold belts which I have seen would look very well with a white gown. Dorothy.