ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1920, 4 December 1890, Page 37

ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

I should like to draw the-attention of my lady readers to the Dunedin Amateur J Athletic Club's sports, to be held at the j Carisbrook grounds on the 6th inst. It is expected that a large number of ladies will be present, as the ladies have been good enough to give a prize, the race for which is the two-mile run. Mr Kerr, the secretary, has taken all care that the ladies' comfort shall not be neglected, and afternoon tea will be provided. There are so many attractions just now that one •is rushing about from one thing to another, with intervals for eating, Bleeping, and dressing — a good big interval for dressing — for the weather changes so suddenly from broiling heat to rain that one toilete will not suffice for the day. On Saturday Wirth's Wild West Show took a great crowd out to the Caledonian grounds. Hearing that it was a cruel performance, I had not attended any of the previous shows, but in all honesty I must admit that I was agreeably surprised, and feel convinced that should the animals be hurt it is not out of | the wanton crnelty of the cowboys, but from an accident. To say that the performance is j interesting is to say little. It is simply marvellous, and no matter how prejudiced anyone might be at the beginning, it arouses interest, sympathy — even admiration, for the dexterity and courage displayed are far from common. Ib gives a feeling of pleasure, too, to witness how completely man is master of the brute, if he knows how to use his power. Fiery, high-blooded, untamed horses, which, with flashing eye and flowing mane, and heads held high, pranced along the green, as though conscious of their strength and beauty and the powerlessness of man to control them, were in a short space of time captured and subjugated — not by brutality, but by skill — and made to feel a stronger will than their own. It was interesting to note the surprise they evinced when a man was actually on their back, and all the proud, indignant attempts to get rid of the restraint ; then, as little by* little, the utter impossibility of it dawned upon them they seemed to be like creatures humiliated and ashamed, and became quiet. The bulls were infuriated at the degradation of haying j a man astride them, wounded in spirit beyond any way of showing, and if only they could have got loose for a moment or two what a lively time the cowboys would have j had 1 As it was, there was plenty of room for laughter, a quick drawn breath of alarm, I which gave place 'to new admiration of the wonderful courage and smartness of the men j who hourly risk their lives to earn their bread. The one thing that seemed unnecessary was the Roman chariot racing. There was too much risk attached to it to make it enjoyable, or even desirable. One's blood ran cold till it was over. Exacting as a public are, they scarcely like to assist at what may | be sudden death. Even those who clamour j most for excitement and something new would be satisfied with the show minus these unnecessary items; bub that does not detract from the courageousness of the performers, who do these things as coolly as though they were doing nothing at all. I must admit to a great love of bravery, and when one sees men and women facing death every hour without a wince, what can one do other than respect them ? It is all the same thing |whether on the battlefield or within the arena of a circus ; one can detect every now and then the limp or the stagger from some hard blow, but they will not give in. The hardship is to the children, who are familiar with fatigue and pain, and have faced death a thousand times before other children are well out of the nursery. It is amusing to see the children in the streets trying to reproduce what they have seen, playing at wild horses and lassoing one another. The other evening I came across a group who, after infinite labour and pains, had built a very creditable arena with soft dust to fall upon, and circled with stone. A 3 outhful brave had just been upset from an old copper, which was doing duty for a Roman chariot. At the circus the other night I watched the boys. They were in fits at the clowns ; all sorts ofghideous contortions were the outward visible signs of inward invisible laughter ; but later on when the Wild West Show was in progress and the orchestra played " The old log cabin in the lane," they were < calmed by the pathos. The old log cabin was erected before their eyes, but not in the laneyout in the Far West, and a solitary old man with white beard entering had all their loving sympathy. - Every youthful hand was quietly folded as they never are in church, or thrust dispairingly down in the deepest recess of their pockets. The music grew more and more affecting, and the solitary old man (and the boys) grew! sadder and sadder, when th rough the dim light ajnumber of Indians were seen stealthily approaching the hut. And when, with wild cries, they approached and stabbed the white-headed wayfarer, I believe every* boy had a lump in his throat which was not indigestion. The next joke of ■ the clowo, was hailed, with uproarious appreci.

atibn,jbringing!relief from what a boy seldom experiences — a painful and silent quarter of an hour.

The Art Society's concert on the closing night; proved to be a treat. The room was full, but not so densely crowded as on the previous occasion. Miss Poppelwell sang "The fairies" and "Hear the wild winds blow," and looked very nice in a cream nun's veiling spotted with blue. Miss Joel sang " Star of Bethleham " very sweetly, besides rendering several excellent piano solos. Miss Irwin played " Trintte " splendidly. A pleasing feature of the evening was' Mr Corrigan's clarionet solo. Mr Hunter's fine voice was heard to perfection in " I fear no foe." Mr Blenkinsopp sang "She wore a wreath of roses." "For ever and for ever," by Mr Smith, shared the honours with Mr Den3em's " The wolf." Mr H. Martin sang something that was very sweet, but I did not catch the name. There were a number of familiar faces present, for these are just the sort of sociable evenings to bring the people together, where between the music one can move about and chat.

The people's day of the show was one of great excitement, the election of the new mayor adding to it, as everyone knows long before this Mr Carroll being the man. Conveyances of every kind were flying about in all directions, and the cabbies evidently had a good time of it. In spite of the fair promise of the morning the afternoon became cold and cloudy, with a disagreeable wind. Tahuna Park and discomfort seem to be synonomous. I can't recollect spending a truly pleasant time there. Sand and wind seem to obliterate all other recollections, but perhaps some of my readers have been more fortunate. The Women's Temperance Union were doing a brisk trade with fragrant tea and coffee, and other nice things.

It is no use my attempting a criticism on the show; all my country readers would be laughing. I knew that the animals and the produce were of the very finest description, but in what way they excelled I do not know. I saw a crowd of interested, indus-trious-locking people comparing notes and apparently enjoying themselves. They have every reason to be proud of this exhibition of ' their skill and industry. It is all a very simple, real thing to farmers, but a great mystery to half the town folk. I remember trying to milk a cow once. She turned her head quietly to look who was making such a bungle of it, and I upset the bucket— not frightened, of course not — but the language of cows is unintelligible to me.

There were crowds of townsfolk present, many ladies being interested in the jumping contests. Miss Taggart received a special prize for the best lady rider, and Mr W. H. Taggart the prize presented by Messrs Kettle Brothers for the best lady's hack. Mrs Myers was doing some splendid jumping, looking part of the horse she sat. The Engineers' Band enlivened the scene with excellent music, and the appearance of Wirths' Band was also an improvement. Miss K. Maunsell won first prize for the boy's pony — a pretty little animal it is, toe — and the young rider and pony are both well known, often being seen in oompany. J. L. P-assmore came second, and Master J. Roberts third.

There were several private pariies during the afternoon and evening, and the shower, which damped the proceedings at an early hour, passed off later in the evening, leaving the public at liberty to roam abroad. It is a remarkable fact that at holiday time there is seldom anything good at the theatre, leaving our country visitors quite dependant upon report for knowledge of the plays. At Mr Millar's concert of pupils I noticed Miss Mouat received praise for her singing, also Miss Millar and Mrs Strain.

The new Art Gallery at the Museum was formally opened on Thursday afternoon by his Worship the Mayor. On account of the rain, there was not so large an attendance as there might otherwise have been, but there were a large number present, comprising most of our locol artists and their friends. Mr Oddie, of Ballarat, when on a visit here some time ago, took a keen interest in the subject, and was most anxious that Dunedin should have its properly established Art Gallery. He as well as many others will now doubtless be happy, on that point at least. It has fallen to Mr John Roberts in his eventful season of office to preside at the opening. Mrs Roberts was also present, and dear old Doctor Stuart, who always regards any progressive step of Otago with undisguised delight, Professors Sale, Shand, Gibbons, Scott, and Parker. The Mayor-elect (Mr Carroll), Messrs Parker, H. F. Hardy, Swan, Rev. A. R. Fitchett and Mrs Fitchett, Messrs J. M. Ritchie, Bathgate, D'Arcy Haggitt, G. Fenwick, W. M. flodgkins, and D. Hutton. The ladies were well represented, as indeed they ought to be, for it is mainly owing to their exertions that sufficient funds were forthcoming to make the addition to the works of art. Those that were purchased from the Exhibition have greatly added to the value of the gallery, which is a most attractive extension of the Museum.

It has been one continual whirl of gaiety this week, and brings to mind this time last year. Friday was the first of four days' rases, and on Friday night the bachelors gave a ball. It was very good of them, seeing that they had already given their usual ball this season, and it was doubly appreciated because it came as such a surprise ; indeed, they were only two days preparing the whole thing, and great praise is due to the secretary, Mr R. S. Williams, and to the committee. The ladies, judging by the supper, must have been hard at work too, for the trifles, jellies, cakes, &c , among the hundred other good things at supper, were delicious, and nothing like hurry was discernible either at the table or in the hall. The Choral Hall was the scene of festivity, and was very prettily decorated, French flags flying among others. This was a tasteful compliment to the French officers, who were the chief guests of the occasion. They were not slow to acknowledge the compliment, but seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly, notwithstanding the fact that only a few could speak English, and as few among those who were invited to meet them could converse easily with them in their own language. Their manners are certainly perfection, and made our native abruptness seem almost uncouth.

They danced, too, not in our solemn manner, but with smiles and chat as though the present hour was the most delightful they had known. With one thing'j and another the ladies declared it | the nicest ball of the season. Robertshaw's band.' was in attendance, so you may be sure the music was good. The barn dance created great amusement, being so new here. Some had never danced it before, while others had the step to perfection. The bride, Mrs E. Reynolds, was among the guests, and looked lovely in a long trailing white satin striped brocade draped in front with tulle. She very good-naturedly played several extras. Mrs F. Fitchett also looked very sweet in white silk and net with pale pink poppies. She carried an exquisite bouquet of roses of all shades. Mrs JohD Roberts wore handsome black, and Miss Roberts a striking dress of red and blue Bilk. Miss Nevill in white looked well. Miss Ross wore a handsome gown of yellow satin and white lace. Miss Marshall, rose and white silk. Miss Fodor looked particularly well in a very pale shade of green nun's veiling, with V-shaped back and front, edged with dark green ribbon velvet; Miss Larnach, red net; Miss Reynolds, very handsome brocade of pale blue and gold; Miss Rachel Reynolds, a pretty white; Mrs Mackenzie, green velvet and terra cotta; Miss Williams, black lace and jet; Miss Mary Williams, blue; Miss Henriques. white ; Miss Bird, stylish white silk draped with fisherman's net, and finished with a profusion of red poppies; Miss Stephenson, white; Miss Tottie, black tulle spangled with silver ; Miss Hales, crushed strawberry silk ; the Misses Macdonald (2), white dre3ses edged with narrow ribbon ; Miss Gilkison, white with heliotrope ribbon ; Miss V. Maitland, pale green ; Miss Dymock, brown silk with pale blue flowers; the Misses Sievwright, one in black fisherman's, net with lovely pink roses edging the skirt and bodice ; Mrs O. Fenwick, lovely blue brocade and net with white flowers ; Mrs Bowen, black lace; Miss Gibson, eau de Nil net and white flowers— an exquisite costume ; Miss Kenyon, heliotrope, covered with white fisherman's net ; Miss King, soft white satin with gold girdle; Miss Turton, white wibh white poppies ; Mrs Gibson, black and gold ; and Miss Tui Stephenson (I think) in pretty black. There were a number of other pretty gowns in the room, but these are all I managed to note. At the races on the following day everybody was talking of the ball. " It was a love of a ball," and such like feminine expressions were wafted in the air, which was warm fortunately, for the opening day was bitterly cold. There were a larger number of ladies present on the first than on the second day. Two pleasant incidents marked the first day — the reappearance of Mrs James Mills, after her trip Home, looking very well in sage green ; and of Mrs J. Stephenson and her daughters, who during their year of mourning have been missed. Many welcomes were given .Mrs Stephenson. It was so nice to see her occupj ing her old place on the 3tand. Most of the' dresses were hidden under cloaks (very wisely). Among those who were looking very nioe was Mrs E. Reynolds, in a soft dove grey tweed, with a dear little pink bonnet, with narrow pink strings. Miss Gibson wore one of her charming Paris costumes that are so difficult to describe well. The Misses Sievwright, Jones, Mrs Batchelor, Colquhoun, the Misses Stephenson, Mrs Maunsell, and many others were there. Wraps being dispensed with on the second day, it was easier to see the dresses. Mrs M'Master looked charming in a sort of puce, with a darker shade of velvet trimmings ; Mrs Stephenson, very handsome black silk ; Miss Stephenson and Miss Tottie were dressed alike, in pretty grey and white stripes, sprigged over with black, and finished with velvet ribbon, drawn tulle hats of black and white ; Miss Tui, in black ; and Miss Kate Stephenson in pretty grey, finished with white frilling about the bodice; Mrs Finch, a very stylish fawn tweed flecked with dark red, and velvet cuffs and collar to match ; Mrs Whitson, long cloak of golden brown plush ; Mrs Maunsell, lovely grey tweed, tailor made ; Mrs Spring, pretty blue ; Miss Isaacs, stylish dress of a dull blu6 cashmere with dark green velvet sleeves and turn down collar, white shirt front and floral hat of black lace and buttercups ; Miss Ethel Jones, a remarkably stylish dress of old gold check silk elaborately trimmed with lace about the bodice ; Mrs W. Neill, handsome black brocade ; Mrs Michie, fawn cashmere handsomely braided; Mrs Fenwick, heliotrope with velvet sleeves; Mrs Batchelor, very pretty heliotrope; Mrs Ireland, black with white vest. The dresses worn on St. Andrew's Day, and all that day's festivities, must 3tand over till next letter, as Monday is the last day copy can be sent in for the following Thursday's issue.

[To ensure publication in the forthcoming Issue letters must reach the Witness office nob later than Saburday night.] A DANCE AT COAL OBEEK PLAT,

A dance was given bore by Mr W. Snell and Miss Courtier (his niece) in their barn on the 7th November. The barn was beautifully decorated with evergreens and flowers, the walla being draped with cretonne. I think I may safely say that ib was one of the most enjoyable entertainments ever held at Coal Oreek. Among those present I noticed Miss Courtier (hosteaa), who looked very protty in white relieved with salmon, Liberty vest and gloves ; Mies Tamblyn was nicely attired in cream muslin, proves to match ; Miaa Maxwell, white bodice, black skirt, and pretty canary sash ; Miss Hayes, pretty black grenadine, pale pink Liberty trimmings ; Miss A. Tamblyn, white muslin and plaid snsh ; Miss Jones, very neat blue striped gingham ; Miss M'Laughlin, pretty grey dreßs, gloves to match ; Mrs Shaumann, a light gingham ; Miss Craie, cream stripod skirt, black velvet bodice ; Mr.i Bastings, black dress and cream rosebuds ; Miss Jennio Bircb, white drass and cardinal sash; Miss K. M'Lay, white dross. Tfcere were several others present, but I tun afraid I am encroaching too couch on your valuable space. I shall therefore draw my re marks to a close by mentioning that splendid' muaio was supplied by Mr Landerkin, assisted by Mr Mitchell and Mr Bastings. Dancing was kept up until daylight, and everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves to their hearts' content. — Tootsib. , CONCEET AND DANCE AT LIMESTONE PLAINS.

A concert in aid of the funds of the band was held in the Exchange Hall on the evening of the races. The concert was really a very good one. The leader of the band (Mr Wyllie) ocoupied the chair. The namea of those who

contributed to the evening's enjoyment were Messrs M'Naught, Wilson, Christie, Hagerty, M'Oormiok, Lithgow, and Coup, Mrs Wilson, -and Misses Porteoue and M'Kenzie, the latter from Inveroargill. This young lady was decidedly the gem of the evening. She wore a lovely blaok satin draped with laoe, low neck, elbow sleeves, and a wreath of scarlet poppies. She also played a piano solo and was loudly applauded. The ooncert wound up with a farce entitled "Paddy's Mistake." The hall was then cleared for dancing, about 40 couples taking part in the grand march. I will try and describe a faw of the dresses worn : Mrs M'Leod, black costume, white satin front, and white gloves ; Mrs Wilson, fawn satin bodice, fawn cashmere, skirt and gloves to matoh ; Miss M'Leod, white costume, fan and gloves to match ; Misses Gibson, white costumes and red sashes ; Miss Smith (belle), a lovely white embroidered dresa with blue trimming, fan and gloves to match. The music was supplied by Messrs Christie, Baird, Young, and Coup. Mr D. Jenkins officiated as M.C. in his usual efficient manner. The dance broke up at halfpast 4, and all departed having, I am sure, spent a moHt enjoyable evening. — Fiddle and I.

WEDDING AT KOKOW.

t The event of the Kurow district for some time past was a wedding whioh took place laßt Wednesday, and whioh had been looked forward to with considerable interest among the people here. The bride was Miss Effie Anderson, eldest daughter of Mr T. Anderson, a well-known resident at Awakiuo. The bridegroom was Mr Gaorge Huxford, connected with the looal rabbit department. Shortly before the appointed hour vehicles began to appear in all directions, and the roads en route to tha home of the bride's parents, where the event took place, presented quite an animated appearance, which plainly told some uncommon event was about to break the monotony which usually predominates here. The Rev. P. S.Hay was the officiating clergyman on the occasion. The bride looked very becoming in a cream Indian Bilk with orange blossom, and a very pretty veil. The bridesmaids were Misses Barolay and Isabella Anderson, and both looked exceedingly well in cream nun's veiling. Mr W. Anderßon acted aa beat man. After the nuptial ceremony the guests, who had come from far and near, Bat down to a most sumptuous repast. After the jollity which naturally abounds at this stage the usual toasts were given. The presents wero handsome and numerous. In the evening a dance was held, at which a considerable number were present. Some of the dresses showed great taste, and the various colours gave a sparkling effect to the soene. The following is a description of some of them : — Mra Cain, brown silk, pink silk vest; Mrs Hay, black corded silk with pretty vest of white silk alid lace j Mra Anderson (mother of the bride), maroon dress with plush trimmiDgs ; Mrs Thiele, rioh dress of black broche with white ribbon ; Mra Hille, a black silk costume ; Mrs Smith, black dress ; Mrs Fiddes, black cashmere with satin trimmings j Mrs Somerville, maroon oashmere, plußh vest, collar and ouffa ; ; Mra Allen, silver grey dreßS with pale blue ribbon ; Mrs Taylor wore her wedding dross of white; Miss Aubrey, white embroidered dress with crushed strawberry ribbons ; Miss M. Aubrey, white dress and black sssh ; Miss Dick looked well in lavender oashmere, and in the evening a white dress with bows of pale bisouit coloured ribbon; Miss Wright, a very pretty dark striped dress with Liberty silk, cuffs and collar; Miss Thiele, fawn dress with panels and revers of shot silk, in the evening a white dress, cardinal collar, cuff?, and sash ; Miss Barclay wore a pretty pale blue dress in the evening ; Miss Lane, fawn cashmere ; Miss E. Thiele, fawn dress, with panels and revera of shot eilk, and in the evening a white dress with cardinal collar, cuffs, and Bash ; Miss Gray, fawn cashmere, white Bilk vest ; Miss Emmet, pale blue stripe with cardinal; Misa Glass, black cashmere with white Bilk vest ; Miss Short, a becoming dress of blaok lace with Medici collar ; Miss Cunningham, a pale blue skirt with white bodice ; Miss Bain, a crushed strawberry dress ; Miss Cissy Ross, a pretty cardinal costume ; Miss Milmine, pretty cream dress with pale blue sash. The happy pair were pelted with showera of rice, &0., as they left the station next morning on their honey-moon.—-Cindebslla.