ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1891, 1 May 1890, Page 33

ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

The long-looked-for Exhibition ball took place on Monday night. It could not properly be called a success, for a good deal of disagreement among the powers that be had preceded its advent, and the old proverb, "A house divided against itself cannot stand," proved itself true in this case. It waß a very effective ball what there was of it, and those present — about two hundred — enjoyed themselves immensely, with the exception of at supper time, and after the sumptuous repasts of the last six months it was poor in comparison. The hall was decorated with flags, and Robertshaw's band supplied the music, which was perfect, and there being plenty of room in the large hall the dancers thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some of the dresses were not handsome, while others were remarkably so, among the gentlemen Mr Day (as Cardinal Wolsey) looked ' splendid. A cardinal's dress is always effective with the two colours scarlet and white, and every particular was carried out minutely. Miss Eeynolds, in a costume of deep crimson, with an Arabian flag which she carried in her hand, looked more than well ; while Miss R. Reynolds looked very dainty as Dresden China ; Miss Fodor made a pretty Dorothy in the evening dress act; Madame Joubert was handsomely attired in black and gold as a Spanish lady, wearing some very quaint gold jewellery ; Miss Leah " Joubert, a Tambourine girl ; Mr Louis Joubert (Melbourne), a judge; Miss Hay wood looked well as Galatea ; Mr J. Roberts made a splendid Captain Cook ; Mrs Roberts wore evening dress; Miss A. Roberts, Ophelia; Mr Justice Williams, court dress ; Mrs Williams, Elsie Maynard in the "Yeomen of the Guard " ; Miss Williams, Sister of Mercy; Mr Twopeny, Turk; Mrs Twopeny, Turkish lady ; Mr A. Towsey, conductor; Mrs Towsey, French peasant ; Miss Towsey, Spanish gipsy; Mr Shultz, jockey ; Mr H. R. Simon, Garibaldi ; Mr J. C. Penrice, sergeant 3rd Dragoons ; Mr A. S. Nicholls, yachtsman ; Miss Muriel Nicholls made a pretty little Bo Peep; Miss Violet Nicholls, Dora; Mrs Nichols, lady of the Georgean period; Mr A. M'Donald, lieutenant's uniform ; Mr F. N. Meadows, The Traitor; Miss Muir, Swiss peasant; Miss Mutch, Oriental princess; Mrs Goring, Queen Marie Antoinette; Captain Mangin Bspinasse, evening dress ; Mrs Espinasse, a becoming dresa as Florence Nightingale ; Mr L. W. Cox, a handsome dress as Hans the Boatman ; Mr E. O. Reynolds, Indian evening dress ; Mr Colchichi, Eavart soldier ; Mr A. F, Cutten, Sir Galahad ; Miss Chapman, lady graduate; Mrs C. R. Chapman, Lady Teazle ; Miss Bransgrove, Incroyable (fashionable dress of the sixteenth century) ; Miss Bird, Winter ; Miss Alexander, Dame 1 Dorothy ; Miss Anderson, Red Riding Hood. 'The avenues were lighted, and a solitary promenader here and there made the contrast of the closing night very marked. Their footsteps echoed through the silence in anything but a cheering fashion, and halfdismantled bays added to the desolateness. The programme was a long one, but I do not think many stayed till the finish (3 o'clock). At the Exhibition itself everything is in a state of break up. The sales have attracted many, and a number of ladies were present at the sale of French goods. They were, however, too costly for ordinary purchasers, some of the articles being exceedingly rich and elegant. The bidding was not brisk, and the greater portion of the goods was passed in, as the reserve price was more than that Offered. There is one objection, perhaps, in the minds of would-be buyers ; that is, that the goods, having been on show so long, may be two well known to be worn with comfort — in Dunedin anyway. Tweeds are daily appearing more and more. I noticed Miss R. Reynolds the other day wearing a very becoming one of a dark brown and red check with broad trimmed felt hat to match. A quiet little wedding took place on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at All Saints' Church. The happy pair were the niece of Professor Sale, of the Otago University, and Mr Orbell, of Waikouaiti, the Rev. Mr Fitchett officiating. The bride wore her travelling dress of dark green cloth with large felt hat to match, and looked very nice indeed. The mother of the bridegroom wore a ruby dress with velvet bonnet to match. There- were a few wedding guests present, principally members of the family. . The Exhibition Choir ball came off on Wednesday night. It was a great success, as all will be pleased to hear, for the choir have done a good deal of hard work very willingly. The hall was crowded, and there was that brightness and " go " in it that makes things of this bind enjoyable. Bright faces were to be seen on all sides. The supper was an excellent one, and everyone Beemed) satisfied. The Hon. Mr and Mrs Reynolds and the Misses Reynolds, Mr and Mrs Roberts, Mr and Mrs Twopeny, Mr and Mrs Israel, Mr and Mrs Jouberfe, Mr and Mrs Arthur Towsey, Mr and Miss Jago, and many others were among the guests. The some were very handsome. The floor was dresses were not in all instances new, but

too crowded to see them to advantage. Miss Williams wore black ; Miss Hislop, a lovely yellow dress with long train ; Miss Fitchett, red tulle ; Miss Hay, bright terra cotta silk, a very handsome dress ; Mrs Israel, black. Mr Oscar Meyer entertained at dinner during the week a number of well-known and influential gentlemen. All those who have taken distinguished positions in the Exhibition were present, and Mr Meyer was the object of some very complimentary remarks in connection with his management of the New South Wales court, which has all through been an attractive feature of the Exhibition. [To ensure publication in the forthcoming issue letters must reach the Witness office not later than Saturday night.] DAKCR AT HAWEA. A few friends met at the Occidental Hotel on Friday the 11th ult., to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Boltar. A very enjoyable evening -was spent, with songs and music Dancing was kept up till well into the small hours. Mrs Boltar's dreßS was a check silk ; Mrs Trewon, green trimmed with old gold ; Mre Oooper, plum colour velvet ; Miss Goodall, pretty light dress.— Buby.