ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 10 July 1890, Page 37

ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

In almost all the trams one is confronted with the announcement in an advertisement, <l A woman is known as muoh by the appearance of her home as by her clothes," or words having the same sense. To the pure all things may be pure except dirt, and looked at from whichever point you will, that is, nothing but disgusting. I read somewhere— and I presume you have also— of a " lady " (?) inquiring of her mother if she was to wash for high or low neck ; and, revolting as it may appear, the skit was not out of place. At a concert a few evenings ago I sat behind a "lady" who had not washed for evening dress- The high water mark was distinctly visible, and not all the perfume that was wafted from her attire, not all the splendour of her dress, could do away with the feeling of disgust arising from the fact that she was not clean. If this applies to the person — and no refined man can long love a dirty woman— so also does it apply to the home. Who ever notices the poor furniture when a room is clean? and what elegancies in satin and plush can atone for muddle and dirt? If you are a close observer you can tell the character of a woman by her room, and if at all impressionable feel the predominating influence of her surroundings even before she enters. Some rooms show you small treasures of art —a few costly ornaments, statuettes, and pictures— among that|which is solidand good. Depend upon it the arrangement is indicative of the character of the one to whose credit the artistic appearance of the room is due. Again, with an ordinary room, whioh is thoroughly conventional, there is nothing at all in it that may not be seen in everybody else's room. Just the latest fashion in furniture and colouration. Nothing original, nothing quaint— nothing ugly even. Then, again, other rooms are tawdry. There is a superfluity of rubbish that one feeis inclined to tear down and sweep away. Depend upon it, the ones who delight in this cheap, gaudy adornment have nothing very deep or very real about them. Other rooms, again, stiike you with their Puritan bareness and plainness. Unless poverty be the cause, the occupier is sure to be void of imagination, with small love for the beautiful, though honest, ope.n, and "downright." But examine the cupboards and dark olosets. If these receptacles that are not in daily view of strangers are in a state of long-continued confusion, depend upon it the one who has them in charge has a lot of mind confusion or secret things stowed away. The man or woman who never forgets to lock a drawer or cupboard, or shut the door after on leaving a room, has a large degree of secretiveness, and when one know 3 all about either it is not of their own showing. It is curious to note the attiaction and repulsion there is tetween persons of opposite temperaments. You find the secrGtive man drawn to an open woman, and the reverse— the big, open, blustering man, thinking that quiet little wife of his the finest woman upon earth, and a meek little man looking up to and adoring a great bouncing woman who sweeps all before her. Seldom is it that the two whom admiring friends believe " are just made for one another " are attracted by any affinity of soul. If " marriages are made in heaven " there has been more mischief done in the celestial regions than can possibly be obliterated. To pass on briefly from one topic to another, I will answer the question that has remained unanswered for some weeks — viz. :

" Are lovers' quarrels harmless t " In one way they do good, for there is no greater deceiver than a happy lover. No wonder that some 'girls are so conceited, for they never hear the truth about themselves— unless from the women— until there is a quarrel, and then some plain home truths are uttered. Between two who can read between the lines, an occasional quarrel may bear no grave result. Where self-esteem is not too large to be uncardonably offended after the first heat of the" moment, reason acknowledges that there may be a good deal of justice in the condemnation ; but to natures of little depth the consequences of " a good talking to " are disastrous. Offended vanity is far too deeply injured to forgive, and, oh, how much passes for a wounded heart that is smarting self-esteem ! One does not respect the meek submission that will endure all

things, if not with a smile, with patient resignation. An everlasting submission argues a weak will. Its stands to reason that anyone with deeply rooted conclusions and opinions must encounter opposing forces some time ; then the thunder is heard, but after the electrical disturbance the sun shines as brightly as ever. But beware of continual quarrelling and fault-finding. It kills out love and esteem as effectually as a drizzling rain soaks through what a smart shower does little harm to. Married couples must always be lovers for love to live, and to be lovers they must charm and delight each other sometimes. "If I didn't tell you of your faults, who would?" the wife asks. Very true ; but it should not be always left for others to tell a man of his possibilities. Depend upon it, the things which won affeotion first will keep it, and it really is pitiable to see a young wife suffering under the first shock of a husband's changed manner. If it is not too late to mention the concert in aid of the Balaclava sufferers, those in the I country may be pleased to know that £50 was the sum raised. Sergeant-major Bevin was the hero of the night, and upon his appearance there was a round of applause. He gave an interesting account of the charge, ' and during the evening " The Charge of the Light Brigade" was recited. All the songs and band selections were of a martial character, and the evening throughout was a very enjoyable one. The Barth and Scbachfc concerts continue to be looked forward to. The last was of the same high order that has characterised those preceding. The evening opened with a quartet for two violins, viola, and 'cello (by Mr Schacht, Miss B. Joel, Messrs Barrett, and Winckleman), followed by a song, " Der Wanderer," finely sung by Mr W. Densem. Mr Barth then gave a piano solo, and Mr

Spring followed with two pretty songs— ♦' The solitary tear " and "In spring." Later on Mr Densem sang " The Wolf." We have been treated to some very nice new songs lately, and some of them will be demanded again.

An enjoyable entertainment in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul Society was given in St. Joseph's schoolroom a few evenings ago, Mrs Angus, Miss Poppelwell, and Miss Drumm being among the vocalists and delighting the audience. Mrs Angus and Miss Poppelwell's voices are, of course, well known. Miss Drumm sang very sweetly.

' A bazaar in aid of the Caversham Presbyterian Church was opened in St. Andrew's school on Wednesday by the mayor, Mr John Eoberts, Mrs Roberts being also present, Dr Stuart gave an interesting address. The stalls presented their usual attractive appearance.

Under Mr 3 Reynolds' able supervision the free kindergarten school is progressing, but there is a great deal of perseverance and assistance needed to ensure its success and growth. If the ladies will only throw themselves into it with a quarter of the zeal displayed by Mrs Reynolds all will be accomplished that is desired. It is no use trying to begin reformation with those old in vice — the stiff, gnarled branches will not bend, tcjensure a perfect shape the young twigs must be trained. Many think there is very little poverty and crime among the lower classes in our fair land. One night's stroll along the poorer streets would, however, dissipate the idea. Wi etched, comfortless homes, dirty children crying inside or playing in thegutter, no beauty ,no sweetness any where tor their senses to enjoy and from it to be led on to better things. A love of the beautiful may be instilled and cultivated until not only the body but the soul is beautified. I remember hearing a "gentleman who worked for years in the Earl of Shaftesbury's ragged schools say that a long experience bad shown him that the first sign of reformation was an attempt at cleanliness. On Friday and Saturday nights there were very good houses at the theatre, the occasion being the production of the " Octoroon," by amateurs, for the benefit of Mr J. S. Willis,

the scenic artist. A number of the names upon the programme were those of wellknown amateurs who have received wellearned laurels in connection with both music and comic opera, and every one thought the production would be presentable, but none, I think, anticipated the excellent performance that was presented. During the Darrells' last season the " Octoroon" was one of the plays produced, Mr Darrell taking the part of Salem Scudder, but all through the piece one never lost sight of the actor's personality. On the present occasion Mr 0. Umbers appeared as Salem Scudder, and it was impossible to recognise Mr Umbers in the part. It was a revelation as to this gentleman's ability at acting, and # those present were not slow to appreciate his success, nor to testify to their appreciation. The same remarks apply to the Jacob M'Olosky (Mr W. Young), and the other characters were also ably represented. Of the ladies so much cannot be said. It was not possible for a moment to forget who they were in private life. Mrs Angus has a good stage presence, and looked very well as Mrs Peyton in rich black silk relieved with gold Bilk panels, but she never lost herself in her part. The same with the Misses Home. It was amateur acting throughout. Miss Home as the Octoroon wore a simple white muslin frock and sash of dark red. Miss M. Home, a stylish Parisian costume of pale blue. The scenery was particularly gocd — one scene especially so, where Wahnotee is tracking down Jacob M'Olosky. The river is edged with natural rushes, which rustle with every movement. All those who were present were astonished and pleased, and had but one regret — viz., that on account of the late hour they were obliged to walk home. BAOHBLOBS 1 BALI, AT WAITAHUNA. A most enjoyable bachelors' ball wa» held in the Good Templar Hall on Friday, 26th ulfc. Invitations

were issued to several married ladles and gentlemen, nnd every arrangement made by the baohelors Hkely to conduce to the comfort and entertainment of the guests. Refreshments of the choicest description wero provided by Mr M'Millan, and the music (violin) by Messrs Pennell and Ryan was excellent. The room wsb nioely deoorated, and the pretty dresses worn helped to make the soene a very brilliant one. Mlis M. Williamson (who was certainly the belle) wore a white embroidered robe, with pale blue sash, the bodice trimmed with pale blue ribbon, silver necklet and bracelet, holly berries ; Mies M. Miscall, white dress with crimson breast bouquet ; Miss Jessie Williamson, white embroidered robe with ivy leaves, handsome tartan sash, pearl necklet, and white fan ; the Misses M'Gorklndale (2), pink cambric ; Miss A. Ward, black dress, tastefully trimmed with white ribbon, elbow eleeves, white flowers, fan ; Miss Marianne Sheehy, black dreas trimmed with white laoe and pale blue ribbon ; Mrs Yorke, China silk drees, richly trimmed with white lace. Mrß Sheddon (Lawrence), cream embroidered dress with tartan sash and holly berries ; the Misses Korr, book muslin, with crimson bodicps, ribbons to match. Songs were rendered at intervals during the evening by Messrs Yorke, Allen, and Montgomery. Mias M'Kenzie, who also favoured the company, receiving quite an ovation for her rendering of that beautiful song. " Gathering up the sheila by the sea shore."— Mybtlh.