A LADY'S LETTER FROM MASTERTON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1157, 4 May 1894, Page 14

A LADY'S LETTER FROM MASTERTON.

(From our Special Correspondent.) t, A. whirlwind which visited Masterton last Monday week took hold of a lady who was at the time crossing Ctapel street, and lifting her off her feet, flung her with some force to the ground. She was much shaken and cut, but fortunately no bones were broken. She was helped up by some men who heard her cries, and soon recovered from her alarm, Her umbrella was completely wrecked, and her handbag carried by the wind some dis tance into a paddock.

Mr Hathaway also suffered from the effects of the severe gale when sitting in a room in his house in Colo street. A piece of iron footing was tom from an outhouse and flung with such force against the window that the frame was broken to splinters, and glass was thrown about in all directions* some of it cutting Mr Hathaway veiy severely about the head, and very much frightening the other members of the family who were in the room with him.

A beautiful meteor was seen here b} several people on the evening of the same day. It travelled in a horizontal direction, was oval in form and of a pale blue tint. After keeping in sight for about 30 seconds it appeared to explode.

A lunar rainbow was visible here one evening last week, the primary colours being very distinct and clear.

Two good specimens of fossilised wood, picked up in Tasmania, have been given to the Masterton Museum by Mr Hilsoii.

Many bright and happy faces were gathered in Bfc. Mark’s, Carterton,Sunday School last Sunday week, when the prizes for good attendance and well learned lessons were distributed by Mr J. Brown. Some good and well-bound books were received by tho eager scholars. Tho parents and friends were also present.

Dr Johnston, of Carterton, has very generously begun a course of ten lectures on ambulance work in that township, the tenth leeture to be devoted to examination. The series are to consist of different subjects, viz., bones, muscles, nerves, circulation ; faints, epilepsy, apoplexy, hysteria ; how to treat haemorrhage ; broken limbs, dislocations ; poisoning, different kinds of poison and how to treat; how to restore the drowned ; different bodies in eyes, nose, ears; how to carry the wounded, how to fix up before attempting to carry ; how to get a helpless heavy man on to a horse.

These are the chief subjects to be treated on, and the lectures will, I am sure, prove of great and real valuo to the learners. Th s was a splendid idea of Dr Johnston’s, and shows ho must have tho good of his fcllowcreatures at heart. To be able to act with promptitude and knowledge in cases of emergency, instead of standing helplessly by while medical aid is sought, will be a great boon, and will tend not only to the lessening of suffering, but probably to saving life itself. I believe many Masterton people would wel come such lectures.

k A farewell -‘social” was given on Thursday evening last week when a large gathering of friends met to bid farewell to the Rev. W. E. and Mrs Paige. The St. Matthew’s schoolroom, where Sunday after Sunday Mrs Paige has for may years devoted her time and talents to teaching the young people, was most tastefully decorated, being under the management of Mr W. Wight Smith, assisted by some of the ladies. The refreshments were presided over by Mrs Yates and Mrs Nicol, and a busy time they had of it seeing that everyone present should be served with tea, coffee, cake, Ac.

The guests, who were received by Mrs F. G. Moore, began to arrive about 7.30, and by 8 o’clock there was hardly standing room, Many guests from other denominations also came to bid God-spcetTto Mr and Mrs Paige. Music and singing was contributed during tho evening, the artists being Mrs Butcment, who sang very sweetly, “An Old Garden/’ A pianoforte duet by Mrs Ankctell and Miss G. Meredith; “ Off to Philadelphia, ’’ by Dr Douglas ; “ Remember Now Thy Creator,” b t Mr Astall; violin sffo, by Mr Ginders ; “ Romany Lass/’ Mr J. Simms; “ Elfin Call,” dnet by Mrs Anketell and Miss Rockell; Miss Corbett also gave a song. Mrs Paige in most cases accompanied on the piano. Tho last item was the whole company joining together in singing “ Auld Lang Syne,” when all shook hands with Mr and Mrs Paige, and wished them goodbye.

On Saturday evening last a little gathering was convened at Oxford House, the residence of Mrs Sheppard, to give a parting token of regard from the Sunday School class to their teacher, Mrs Paige. The present consisted of a very nice handbag, with which the recipient was much pleased. At the same time a large photograph, nicely framed, of the whole staff of teachers in St Matthew 8 School was presented, accompanied by an illuminated and framed address. Mr Paige responded in touching words on behalf of Mrs Paige. ,

Most of our shops are now showing their new winter goods, and a very choice selection it is. Triple capes are very much patronised, especially by young married ladies, they are of a soft warm material, some of them being lined throughout with some harmonizing colour. Dress goods are also being shown in great variety, hopsacks, tweeds, and other rough material being the favourites.

Dresses are now being made rather shorter in the skirts, which will be far more convenient than has been the fashion this past aummer of having them just touching the ground. Blouses ate still as much in favour as ere* bat they Are no longer liningless and

boneless, bclhg made on a tight foundation, fitted just like a bodice, preserving but its blouse like characteristics so far as the loose front and the belt round the waist arc concerned. A charming blouse is made of velvet, the fulness reaching only three inches below the bust, extending thence perfectly plain, and a broad sash of black watered silfc wound twice round the wais*, and fastened in the front with broaches at tho top and bottom.

This, of course, preserves the outlines of the figure at its best, and needs a goo 1 dressmaker to ensure its charm, ft is rather difficult to got the velvet blouse comfortably beneath the tight-fitting jacket which fashion ordains should bo ours this winter, but still for those who wear a semi-fitting coat or a capo it may be highly recommended. Very delightful bodices are made of watered silk, cerise being the most popular shade, and bcantiful this looks with the mins; and lace so invariably connected with all this season’s costumes.