ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1928, 2 November 1888, Page 33

ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

We have often heard tell of a bull in a China shop, and the other day we had a near approach to it. A bull who was being shipped te Melbourne objected to gopossibly ho was afraid the climate might not a^ree with him, or that he might suffer from sea-sickness on the way. Anyhow, he broke loose and careered through the streets to the terror o£ the women. Nine out of ten city ladies regard a quiet cow as a mortal enemy, and would sooner go a mile and a-half farther round a dusty road than cross a field where one is grazing. Picture their dismay when a bull ran down the street at large, upsetting a few persons as he went, and finally running into Mr Hooper's furniture warehouse. Perhaps he was exhausted, and thought a rest upon a couch would do him good. Several ladies have written to me this week asking for a recipe for removing freckles. Any chemist would supply these inquirers with lotions sold for the purpose ; but whether they do any good or not I cannot say. I knew one lady who went Home terribly freckled, and when she returned her skin was fair as a lily, but she never would say how the transformation came about, and never seemed to care about any allusion being made to the subject. But if any of my readers really do know of a remedy! I should be obliged if they would forward it for the benefit of inquiring friends. One of the recipes given is to rub a lemon] on the skin at night— the acid, I suppose, it is thought, will remove the iron of the freckles ; but I do not think it is much good.

Seeing that so much value is set on a good complexion it is a pity mothers are not more careful of their little girls. You see dozens of pretty little girls, with sweet mouths and big eyes, roasting their fair faces in the sun until" they look more like baked apples, so brown and blistered are they, than mortal children. The fair-haired fair-skinned children suffer tho most ; those who are gifted by Nature with the most delicately tinted skins are most grotesquely transfigured. Not only does it look ugly, but it is positively painful for the child. And again, in winter, too many mothers will allow tho tender skin to chafe until the lips and cheeks are quite sore. It would take leather instead of a delicate structure like the human skin to stand it, and after 15 years of baking and chafing a young givl wakes up to the fact that her face is the "colour of mahogany or covered with disfiguring spots. No wonder she is mortified, and resorts on the quiet to little artifices to hide the disfigurement. But far better than this is to patiently endeavour to restore the natural fairness of the skin by natural means .Say what they will, the practice of "getting up" her face is a horrible habit for a woman to fall into. The old fashion of girls wearing hoods was a sensible one, which mothers should seek to revive. There was of course the trouble of getting them up, but pink and blue and red hoods look very pretty ; answer the purpose of sunshades just as well as whites ones, and do not soil so easily. These hoods used to be worn until girls were quite big— much to girls' disgust of course — until they reached an age, which would enable them to appreciate the result of their protection horn the hot sun aud the cold winds ; — and every girl does reach that age, and learns to set just the same value { on her face that [her gentlemen friends do. There are some women who pretend to despise such things; {M it is all nonsense and mock modesty unless they are old or slovenly. I 1 read some time ago that the doctors joi France had put in a protest against the I mothers painting their children. Imagine a painted child ! It is repulsive enough in a Joman, but a sweet little child, that should be as fresh and pure in its body as it is in «s soul— ugh 1 I don't think we could find a colonial mother* who would do that. We jather err in the other direction— turning 'ac little ones into the hot sun without suffiCl ent covering for the head and face, which, jparfc from other considerations, is not good w their health. Many a cross, fretful child a hot day is suffering from a splitting 'eadache.

f was much amused with Sir Robert pout's remark that the only rosy cheeked "We girl he saw in a Melbourne school said *j e had come from New Zealand. Truly in pgo we have roses in abundance, so much that it is a pity we cannot trade them some of our paler sisters. What wo.uld ,Cc, Cc market value be, I wonder, of; a pan- of I y cheeks? \. «Ie action of the Daily Times in inquiring ir° th e adoption of the sweating system in followed as jt hag been by the

Christchurch papers making similar inquiries and exposures, is the source of considerable satisfaction to the community at large. The exposures come rather curiously at the time Dr Stenhouse is advocating that women be only educated and trained in women's work. The particulars published show that there is not much encouragement for women to confine themselves to sewing and nursing babies. They have had too much bitter experience in the past ever to take kindly to the idea again. Man had his day in which to prove himself woman's protector, and prove himself pitiful and just to women ; and how did he fulfil his charge? "The children of Gideon " can reply, and now after once having tasted the fruits of independence never, never again will women go back willingly to slavery. How often did bitter, grinding, hopeless dependent poverty, end in worse than death ? Are the women less womanly than they were because of their wider knowledge ? Worse wives and mothers 1 Are the homes more neglected 1 I think not. While the love of husband, little children, and the thousand feminine tastes still exist, women j will still be women. It is only on odd one I hero and there who is masculine in her ways, and there have always been some masculine women in the world as there have always been I some men, who are all collar, cane, boots, and eye glass with no brains to speak of. But it is time I began to talk of social matters. Lady and Sir Kobert Stout were welcomed homo by their friends, who were pleased to j see them looking so well, and to hear of t the enjoyable time they spent in Melbourne. A correspondent in that gay city complains of the heat and dust, and says for some weeks past white dresses have been greatly worn. She also says she has seen Mrs Stephenson and her daughters several times doing the block, and Mrs Greenwood looking remarkably well. We content ourselves here and try to make ourselves believe we couldn't endure the climate if we did go to the Exhibition, and enjoy what little amusement Dunedin affords. We have been very military this last week. There were military sports on Saturday which attracted a large crowd, and on Tuesday evening a military concert was held in the Garrison Hall. I was sorry to see such a poor attendance, although a large number of tickets were sold. Probably tho wet night prevent many attending. The music was very good, and the selections from the Garrison and Ordnance Bands remarkably so. Miss Wooldridge and Mr Smith sang well together, Miss Wooldridge being in remarkably good voice, and looking very nice in the pink silk I have described to you before. During the evening a lovely bouquet was presented to her. Miss West, who presided at the piano, looked well in black lace, relieved with a spray of cream flowers on the corsage, and Mrs Jones' dress of biscuitcoloured lace, with pale blue vest, was pretty. The most enjoyable afternoon of the season was at the opening of the Otago Tennis Club on Saturday afternoon. A blusterous morning settled down to a warm still afternoon ; even had it been windy the grounds are so sheltered that it would not have been felt. As it was, it was simply delightful. The lawns were in perfect condition, of an emerald green, and the scene presented that of a garden party, for the costumes were most picturesque, and everyone animated and gay. Tea drinking, chatting, and laughter— interspersed with the music of the band and that of two pipers in costume— beguiled the hours, while the sun shone brightly, gleaming upon the bright silks and satins, and making the broad brimmed hats, with their wealth of flowers, look very picturesque and in keeping with the animated scene. Very noticeable was the absence of stiffness in the costumes. Bright jerseys of Liberty silk were worn. In numerous instances tho young girls' frocks of white pale blue, pink, &c. were smocked, and with these broad brimmed hats were worn, some trimmed with ribbon and flowers, others with a twisted scarf to match the dress. The married ladies were more elaborately dressed. Mrs Muir was handsomely attired in black— the dress of striped velvet and satin, the mantle of lace and jet, the bonnet also of lace and jet. Mrs Ross also looked exceedingly well in a costume of grey and red. The dress was of grey, fitting perfectly with the front drapery of the same material, interlined with red stripes forming a check, the full vest being of the same. With tins was worn a pretty red bonnet. Among the pinks, Mrs Johnson wore a charming gown of pink Liberty silk and. a pretty pink silk bonnet to match. There were a number of the new greens worn, and exceedingly well they- looked. Mrs Thompson wore a rich costume of bottle-green cashmere ; and a remarkably handsome costume among the greens was worn Mrs Brindley. The dress was made of dark green satin, with a folded front panel of shot green and gold, the best was full aud of the same shot material, and a stylish bonnet of green and gold, with untanned gloves, completed the attire. Another costume worn by a lady, whose name has escaped my memory, attracted much admiration. It was of a soft grey material with red stripes, the front panel being of grey and red shot silk, vent the same, and a pretty bonnet trimmed with red plush. Miss Fenton (of Auckland) also looked well in grey. Miss E. MacNeil wore red with side panel of the skirt, and the vest of white cloth beautifully embroidered in gold, a hat composed of red ribbon and parasol of red watered silk. Miss Hutchison's dress was of crushed strawberry, with large white hat trimmed with scarf of crushed strawberry silk and white flowers. These scarves and ribbons are twisted, knotted, and looped in indescribably artistic and effective styles that must be seen to be appreciated. Miss Henrique was in fawn cashmere, with large brown straw hat trimmed with scarf of gold. Miss Sise wore a pretty cream smocked gown with gold belt and cream hat with very broad brim. Miss Muir looked nice in white embroidered j oambric with yellow ribbons, and a large j white straw hat with yellow roses. Miss Moody wa3 also among the white— in muslin j with white tulle bonnet. Miss Roberts wore a white embroidered dress, with silver belt. Miss Helen Williams was in a simple gown j of blue check. Miss Driver, in crushed strawberry ; Miss Turton, in white serge ; i the Misses Spence in blue gingham ; and Miss ■ Macandrew in blue and white stripe, with '■ sailor hat trimmed with blue. Miss Fitchetfc | wore a pink, striped gingham, Mrs Mao<

kenzie was among .the stripes— a very fine serge it seemed to me or some other soft fine woollen stuff, as fine as nun's veiling— of lemon and pink stripes, with large hat to match. Miss Fraser wore navy blue and red stripes, with navy blue polonaise. Miss Hoyse was in crushed strawberry. The Misses Rattray were nicely dressed— one in a dark green skirt and Liberty silk smocked jersey of green, the other in blue skirt with blue jersey. Miss Walcott looked well in pink gingham ; and so also did Miss Daisy Ross in grey with jockey cap of the club colours —plum and gold. Miss Gibson wore a very elaborate costume of pale green satin with side panels of pink, satin sprayed all over. The sleeves were pleated to the elbow, then puffed to the wrists, the bodice was made with full vest; with this was worn a lovely broad brimmed hat of white straw, trimmed with pink currant blossoms. As may be imagined, very little tennis was indulged in with such costumes as these. It was the prettiest display I have seen this season. A minute description of the hats would occupy a column. Miss Wilson wore a very pretty one, so also did Miss Mackerras. The supply of tea and cakes was excellent, and great credit is due to all concerned for the manner in which the arrangements were carried out for the enjoyment of the numerous guests. The Horticultural Society's Flower Show was thronged with visitors in the evening, whoboth enjoyed gazing at thespring beauties and listening to the music. The show was a very good one, and considering the high winds we have had the display was very creditable.

We have had two dances during the week, but as so many costumes have been described already I think I must hold over tho description of the dresses until next issue. They are quite pretty enough to keep without spoiling.

I have a number of items from the country districts, and must again impress on correspondents the necessity of cor fining their remarks to one or two dresses and not sending in a dozen or so. Surely there are always three, or four worthy of being selected for special mention. To begin with :— ' WEDDING AT CAMDHIANS. One of the prettiest weddings I have seen took pliico at this picturesquo villago last Wednesday, 171 h inst., the principals being Miss AmeliaDungey, daughter of Mrs CalebDungey. of that township, and Mr William Leeder. The bride wore \ lovely dress of ivory white cishmere and plush, made very ufettilyand fashionably afc the D.I 0., Dunedin ; long veil, falling from a lovely wreath of orange blossoms; brooch and earrings of carbuncle:., the gift of the bridegroom. The bride looked altogether charming, and the bridegroom was, I am sure,jnstly proud of her. The ceremony was to have taken ( place on the lawn under the trfes, but owing to 1 some hitch in the arrangements, this intention could not be carried out, therefore the service was held in the house, the bride being given away by her [ father. The bridegroom's best man whs Mr Ha<ry Dungey, brother of the bride. The bridesmaids i sisters of the bride and bridegroom— were dressed ' respectively in pure white embroidery dresses and grey nun's veiling, and looked extremely well. The bride's mother wore a dress of brown cashmere and velveteen. About 40 guests were present, and I can only give some of the dresses, although there were many worth a full description. Mrs Beattie wore an exceptionally handsome dress of black merveilleux satin, richly trimmed with jet. Mra Burnet, a black dreßs which was covered withastylishdustcoat. Miss Nicholas wore a handsome black cashmere dress, trimmed with moire antique. Mrß J. Davis' dresi was very handsome, being of lavender figured silk and raaitese lace. Miss Burnet, in white embroidery dress, with salmon pink ribbons, looked pretty and girlish. There were a 'number of ladies present whose names I do not know, but who looked very happy and pleasant, as indeed did all I those who were there. After the ceremony young i and old were invited to go into the gardens or sit on the verandah while they drank the health of the happy young couple, and thus the time was pleasantly passed, while tea was being prepared on the lawn under the trees ; and nothing could have beeu prettier or more inviting thau the sumptuous repast offered us, and nothing more pleasatt than tho happy rosy children playing on the grass thoroughly enjoying themselves, all smiles and good temper. It is a treat to Bee these country children ; they are so free and joyous, and seem to enjoy their life to the full. In the evening a ball was held in the Victoria Hall, which was very prettily decorated ; the newly-married couple opening it by dancing a quadrille made up of their most intimate friends, and they certainly looked a very handsome pair. It was a most enjoyable dance, everything going off with eclat. — Julia. PRIVATE BALTi AT MERTOX. A very successful party that came off at Mr Peter K-ine's Forrio farm in honour of Mr John Kane coming of age. The barn was beautifully <lecorited and hung with Chinese lanterns. Over 70 gnests were present, and some, good songs, duets, and stfp d*ticing were rendered through the evening. Dancing was kept up till 5 o'clock, and all went home well pleased. Miss Kane's dress was a very becoming one of claret-coloured cashmere, embroidered with old gold; Mibs ISannie Scott (of Braes) looked very stylish in a coffee-coloured loop canvas cloth dress ; Mi«s M'Mahan (of Dunedin) wore a very pretty dress of Indian silk; Miss M'Keen looked charming in a very becoming black dress ; as did also Miss Marion Porteous in a dark dress and white flowers. LKAP YEAR DANCE AT TKAQUAIH. This event came off on the 19th. The ladies of the Lee Stream deserve great ci edit for the manner in which their arrangements were carried out. The evening was everything that could be wished for, and the hall was beautifully decorated, which said much for the taste of the ladies. One feature in this dance I must not omit to mention— there were no " wallflowers," which are so common in our ballrooms ; and I hope for the future the gentlemen will take a pattern from the young ladies at Lee Stream ball, Miss Hollands acted as M.0., and wore an Indian muslin of a pale pink tinge, which looked very nice j Miss Peat, pink with black velvet and white flowers, acted her part as hostess amiably ; Miss Whinam, in a navy blue dress, short sleeves, and long white gloves, white flowers, looked very stylish ; Miss A, KempshpH's costume-pale blue oatmeal oloth, trimmed with blue sateen and cream lace and white flowers— was very becoming; Miss Weir, in a blue sateen print cream lace, looked very pretty ; Miss Kempsheil, cream and cardinal, looked very neat. As for the momentous .question as to who was tho belle, Ido not think it was decided. I trust it will not be long before the bachelors give a return ball, as the dances up-country are so enjoyable.—Laura. ODDFELLOWS' BALL AT TAPANUI. The Oddfellows' ball held on Friday evening, October s,'proved a greatsuccess. Amongthemostnoticeable costumes were those of Miss Wolfe (Heriot), who was most becomingly dressed, and looked very well in cream with cardinal plu?h vest and collar, ribbons and lace, gloves to match ; Miss Milling looked well In cream with cardinal ribbons ; Miss B. Patterson, navy blue, and white lacej Miss K. .Patterson in cream costume j Mies Todd (Heriot) looked very well in a sea-green costume ; Miss Eskdale, in white, looked very nice ; Misses Boyd, in cream and pink ribbons. There were many other nice dresses, but- it would take too much apace, to enumerate them.— O.H. > LEAP YHAB BALL AT KASEBY. The young ladies of Naseby gave a leap year ball on the 18th in«t. The hall was verytaatefully decorated for the occasion with evergreens, and a very en j lyable evening was spent. There' were 60 couples . present. The ladies looked very charming and were handsomely dressed, and the affair was altogether a great success. I have not, however, heard of any fresh matrimonial engagements resulting from the entertainment,. I subjoin a few of the most striking costumes :— Miss, Dorley was dressed in a pale blue sateen with a satin stripe, richly flowered, and neatly trimmed with cream lace up the side. Aided by her graceful danoing she carried off the palm of the evening. Miss Stewart, in a pa'e blue sateen trimmed with maroon velvet and whit* lace, looked very nice. Miss Bradley wore a maroon velvet trimmed ,-wlth cream lace, which formed a Very pretty, eoptmge. Wits I^GregorwaJ' flresseci to a

mohair, richly flowered and neatly trimmed with pale blue ribbou aud cream lace. Miss Gallagher 'a dress was of llama, richly draped with cream lace and maroon ribtfon. She acted as M.C. in a very able and charming manner until 12 o'clock, when she handed over her duties to Mr 14. Hall. The affair was a great success in every respect. — A LOVEK OF THE BEAUTIFUL. BATCITEI.ORS' BALL AT MILTON. The hall' was nicely decorated for the occasion, and about 50 couples took part in the grand march, and spent a most enjoyable evening. Among those present I noticed Miss Gardner, who looked very nice indeed in a handsome dress of cream cashmere ; Miss S. Cunningham looked to advantage in a cream skirt and body, with cardinal plush vest and cuffs ; Miss Kavanagh (Manuka creek) looked charming in a nice dress of cream and cardinal ribbons ; Jliss Ityan (Waitahuna) looked well in a beautiful dress of black velvet : Miss Mary Sinclair (Adam's Plat) Looked very wall indeed in white and cardinal; Miss Mary Oorston looked nice in a white dress with blue sash and ribbon; Miss Mary Reid, in white muslin skirt and black velvet bodice ; Miss S. Fryer, in a very pretty blue dres3 ; Miss H. Hardwick, in white, with pink ribbons; Miss Honeyman, in white; Miss J. Corston looked nice in bine.— Wkka. FASinOffABCK WEDDING AT BALCLUTIU. Since last writing to you we have been somewhat startled from our usual routine hy a fashionable wed1 ding, which took place nt St. Mark's Church on the i,he2ith 1 the happy bride being the eldest daughter of Dr Gibson Smith arid the bridegroom being Mr Alan Bishop, manager of the Balclutua branch of the National Bank. The bridesmaids were Misses Smith, Turnbull, Hutchins, Douglas, Shaw, and Florence Smith; the groomsmen being Messrs Bishop, Newton, and Stephenson. The bride's dress was of wliite Liberty silk, trimmed with tulle and orange blossoms. The veil was of white tulle, with orange 'blossom wreith. She looked very nice. Her travelling dress was of dark navy blue cishmere with hat to matcb. The bridesmaids' druss u s wcro of white stripped muslin, whte tlille veils, each carrying a wrtiilh of flovvers. The bribe's mother's dress was of black satin, with black lace over it, und bonnet to match. Among the guests' dressc'3 I noticed Mrs Ji. Taterßon's in pirbiQular.it being a beautiful black satin with long train, relieved by cream eatin bow and bonnet to match ; Mra W. S. rillar.a, black silkdress, jet head trimmings; Mra Mitchell, brown velvet skirt and Garibaldi smocked jacket to match ; Miss Denniston, goblin blue dress, white v st, and white hat; Miss Taterson, cream trimmed with light blue; Miss M. K. Allen, white lace dross ; another young lady I noticed looked very well In light grey. Mr and Mrs Bishop left by the afternoon traiu for Dunedin, sailing next day in thn Mararoa for Melbourne.— Adbla.