ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1949, 2 July 1891, Page 37

ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

The reports of the Southern Club are most satisfactory. Already the spacious accommodation has had to be extended, so kindly have the boys taken to the plans organised for their amusement ; and now It is suggested that a olub on similar lines should be started for the girls. Oaversham has set in this matter a most praiseworthy example — one whioh if other parts of Dunedin copied, would have more beneficial effects upon the boys and girls than all the sermons ever preached. There are anumber of ladies in the community who would be glad to lend their assistance. Ladies of a genial nature, not always those very prominent in charitable work, are the most suitable for it. A temperament that cannot bear to lose sight, or allow the public to lose sight, of its own importance is quite out of place, because it

is not the individuality of a full-grown woman that snch a work desires to emphasise, but to develop the individuality of the girls, who, perhaps, have little chance of learning what true refinement means. If such a happy event .as a girls' club comes to pass, it would be a capital idea for the clubs of the opposite sexes to give an invitation evening occasionally, for both boys and girls would throw more heart into their performances with this stimulus. The art of working up tableaux, among other things, might be shown to the girls, and a love of the better class of light literature inculcated, for girls of the half-educated class have a ruinous passion for the Young Ladies' Journal and magazines of a similar kind. They do not realise the improbability of many of the stories published in their columns, and think that if one poor pretty girl was raised by the favour of a gentleman to a position of luxury and honour, why not another — why should it not occur in their own case ? There is so much that could be taught them that they never get a chance of learning in their days of uncongenial labour. But their instructresses must not bear down upon them like the district visitor in "Bleak House," but rather instruct as much by the charm of their own personality as in any other way. Independence hates patronage, and unless somebody lifts the burden- off the shoulders of nobody, what right ha 3 somebody to dictate 1 Men as a rule have a far nicer way of doing kind things than women, because women pose too much.

The Otago University Eeview is a very interesting journal this month. An article by a Dunedin medico on "Women Doctors" does not take a favourable view at all of this recent departure on the part of our sex, and shows very forcibly the awkwardness — to say the least of it — of both sexes taking the medical courses together. The writer knows a great deal more about that part of the subject than I do, and I would not presume to offer an opinion ; but there is a general question asked, which it is easier to answer :—: —

Oar female ancestors were content to remain at home and lead useful, domestic, and cheerful lives— no euoh thought as striking out in an independent line of their own occurring to them, Now we see women in every business, trade, and profession it iB possible for them to take up ; and be it fully to their credit that they are able to show what they can do. Bat is it neoessary— with special referenoe to the women of the middle and better olassea who are not obliged to enter the lists of paid labour and skill ? Look where you may, you will see women who have relatives able to take care of them, or with comfortable homes to live in, oraving for an independent existenoe and neglecting their proper sphere by the domeßtio hearth.

Is it necessary? If the daughters of the middle and even better classes could answer for themselves individually, I think in 10 cases out of 12 the answer would be 11 Yes." Our great grandmothers had a good time of it ; their wants were simpler and more easily supplied. Tbe present generation has created necessities of luxuries, and harder mental strain and work must pay the penalty. Besides, as the masterpieces of wool work I testify, our great grandsires had time to go down on their knees to woo. Now, the men haven't time even to pop the question ; and the girls have to face the possibility of being I'left alone in the world, to engage in a hard 'fight for bread. And which class have the better chance of remaining honourable gentlewomen — those who can work, or those I who, shielded all their girlhood from- contact with the world, are thrust suddenly amid its temptations and toils? It is safer to carry your umbrella with you than be caught unprepared in a storm and chance meeting a relation or friend who will invite you to come under theirs. Besides, when you are under the shelter of anyone else's umbrella its owner has an uncomfortable knack of holding it so that all the drippings go down your neck, whi c he keeps his own hat dry. And another thing: there are some husband's even, of whom their wives might say, as the woman in fiction said, "I love to work and my husband loves to have me work, so we are both happy." The old-established idea is of man fighting the world for women, and women adorning .the home. Many women are well aware there would be no home to adorn if they did not help to maintain it, and, finding from experience that the domestic accomplishments are poorly paid for, more from necessity than ambition push into those occupations once unquestionably assigned to man, although the epitaph over many of them might read, as the washerwoman's did,

Here lies a poor woman who always was tired;

She's gone to a land where labour's not hired. Our grandmothers were happy women. Even their pleasures were simple. The ultrarefined entertainments of the present day are a frequent recurring tax upon their originators' ingenuity and skill, and the woman who has the ability and intelligence in these days to please her blase guests has intelligence for higher things. If the girls and women could speak for themselves upon this subject, many of them would say there was more necessity for them to woYk than often appeared on the surface. It is a manly sentiment for a man to wish to shut a woman out from all that is hard "for her, and liable to unsex her, and if it were and had always been the earnest purpose of every man, fewer women would have realised the necessity of striking Out independently for themselves.

It is necessary for me to make a correction this week in consequence of two paragraphs being mixed up in my last letter. I wrote that .Miss M'Laren had a girls' tea, to which were invited Misses Turton, Eattray, Eeynolds, and others; and that Airs Turnb all had a tea for married ladies at Miss M'Kenzie's rooms on another afternoDn, but it was all made to appear as the same affair — a port of joint affair between the young and married ladies. Have you ever scut anything to the press and found it come oit quite something else 1 If so, you will sympathise with the poet who wrote — " The comet swept through in the heavens with its trailing skirt," and saw it appear — " The count slept in the hay mow in his travelling shirt."

Madame Patey's concerts have been an event that no one who has heard her is likely to forget. England's greatest contralto has taken New Zealand by storm. Her voice has been no greater revelation than he* manner of singing, which stamps

her an artist of a high order. The very simplest ballad became while in her hands a story of the most thrilling interest, and even our usually cold Dunedin audience was moved to the most enthusiastic delight. Perfect ease and gracefulness, and withal pleasant smiling appreciation of her reception, won upon the audience as well as her talents. Her gowns are works of art, and as snch display the most perfect taste. They have all been of the very richest brocade and the loveliest shades. -The first night she wore a rich orange with the whole of the left side of the skirt and bodice jewelled or finely braided in jewelled braid of a very pale green and silver Bheen. The train was very long, and the bodice out low and sleeveless. Her dark hair was dressed high, with a row of diamond stars, while her necklace was of the same costly jewels. The second night her gown was of rose or crushed strawberry, the pattern being of a bold design, with a band of gold jewelled embroidery down one Bide and edging the skirt ; an exquisite spray of roses and ferns upon the corsage. The third night the gown was of that delicate green when the early spring buds just open, lovely in texture, and perfect in style. Miss Rossow must be gratified by her reception in Dunedin. It was very evident that she left a favourable impression behind her at Exhibition time— an impression which her present visit has v deepened, for she has very greatly improved. She wore some charming gownB — one of white striped silk with low neck and puffed sleeves and long trained skirt ; another of a rich dull silk with a dull gold embroidered front. There was no shine upon the dress anywhere, and it had a particularly rich effect. Still another pretty gown was of heliotrope satin, the front of the bodice and sfert draped in black lace and finished with broad black velvet Streamers. The new seats in the gallery (or circle) are scarcelj so comfortable as they might be, for they are so narrow that one feels all the time as if slipping off. They were crowded, however, with a fashionable audience; in fact there were so many present that it is impossible to give all the costumes, for many people were seated too far off to recognise them properly. On the first night I noticed Miss Gibson looking very nice in a pale green silk and a long white opera cloak; the Misses Reynolds, in dark red opera cloaks trimmed with plush; Mrs A. Reynolds, a handsome black evening dress ; Miss Hales looked nice in a pretty rosecoloured dress and a green opera cloak ; Mrs W. Murphy, a pale blue &ilk trimmed with gold braid; Miss Jago looked nice in cream; Mrs Hales, a handsome claret opera "cloak; Mrs Gray, a pretty black dress, with a red plush opera cloak; Mrs Woodhouse, a pretty white dress ; Mrs Whitson,' sen., a handsome black dress ; Miss Eva Smith looked charming in a lovely scarlet net; Miss Petre, black dress and a pretty white opera cloak ; Miss Fodor looked exceedingly vtpll in a pretty pale green, trimmed with black ribbon velvet; Miss Freeman, a handsome black lace ; Mrs Kose looked nice in a black lace and a pretty opera cloak of old gold plush ; Mrs J. Mills, handsome sage green silk. At other times I have noticed Mesdames Gibson, Bowen, Backhouse, Reynolds, Mackenzie, Melland, Ferguson, Denniston, M'Laren, Davies, Ritchie, Batchelor, Turnbull, Stephenson, Neill, Haggitt, Driver, Michie, Boyd, Oatway, Williams, Buller, Ross, De Zouche, Thompson, MacNeil, Finch, Moor, Maitland, Israel, Scott, Royse, Wright, Cutten, Macassey, Chapman, Fitchett, Ogston, Morris, and Ferguson; and the Misses MacNeil, Scott, Mackerras, Rattray, Spence, Buller, Boyd, Sise, Sievwright, Backhouse, Kenyon, Williams, Millar, M'Laren, Larnach, Roberts, Marshall, Dymock, and Reynolds.

The la3t musical evening given by the Bishop and Mrs Nevill was a very enjoyable affair. The night was moonlight, and some took advantage of this and walked out to Bishopsgrove, while those who drove found it very pleasant also. Among the guests were Mrs and Miss Macassey, Miss Garrat, Miss MacNeil, ( Miss Scott, Miss Hales, Miss Jones, and Miss Mackerras.' Miss Marshall sang "Call me back," with violin accompaniment by Miss Howell ; Mr Pickering sang " Only once more" with great taste ; and Miss Nevill sang ''At even." Mr Pasco also sang, and Miss Howell played a very pretty piano solo. Miss Ross looked well in black lace dress with high Medici collar lined with yellow ; Miss Macassey, a pretty pink net dress; Miss Nevill, a stylish black velvet with long train. On Wednesday Mrs G. L. Denniston gave a very enjoyaole luncheon party, which was followed on Friday by another given by Mrs Sinclair Thompson. On Thursday Mrs Boyd gave an afternoon tea at which among the ladies were Mesdames Ritchie, Bowen, Melland, Denniston, Buller, ",and Grierson, and Misses Ashcroft, Stephenson, Sise, Cargill, Loughnan, and Ross. Mrs Monkman sang two songs very sweetly, and Miss Marshall also sang with gieat taste. On Friday Mrs H. Mackenzie also gave a large afternoon tea and musicale. Mrs Mills and Mrs Rose delighted everyone with one of their duets, and Mrs Ferguson played a piano solo. Among the numerous guests were Mesdames Reynolds, Colquhoun, Driver, Nevill, Outten, Williams, Pym, Gibson, Hosking, Bowden, and Misses Caigili, Driver, Stephenson, Backhouse, Dymock^jjßoberts, Kenyon, and M'Laren. At Monday night's concert Madame Patey wore a superb dress of blue silk, the front richly embroidered and jewelled with gold. Miss Rossow also wore pale blue silk, the front of white, flowered with gold. Miss Wood has won golden opinions by her exquisite playing. Her memory seems to be marvellous, for she always performs without music. Among the audience I noticed Lady Stout wearing black braided satin with pale blue satin opera cloak edged with swansdown; Mrs Jeffcoat, handgome black satin with a V-cut bodice, with electric blue plush opera cloak ; Mrs Lindo Ferguson, black dress and very pretty cream brocade opera cloak edged with ewansdown ; Miss Mackerras, pale blue dress and cream opera cloak ; Mrs Towsey, brown satin and red velvet front ; Miss Alexander, pale pink nun's veiling and long red-hooded cloak; Miss Grierson, very pretty pink Liberty silk dress with low neck and short sleeves, white opera cloak; Mrs Grierson, handsome black satin and dark green plush opeia cloak edged with swansdown; Mrs Mills, blaok lac© over green silk; Miss

Mabel Maitland, pretty red dress; Miss Dymock, sage green silk, the bodice beautifully draped with white lace.

I learn from the Canterbury papers that on the 24th an interesting wedding took place at Kaiapoi, when Harry Uru, a well-known football player, was married to Ruth Te Aik at the Roman Oatholio- Church by the Rev. Father Melu, assisted by the Rev. Father O'Connor. The bride was attended by two maids, who were dressed in white, the bride herself being extensively dressed out, and wearing a handsome white veil. There was a large concourse to witness the marriage ceremony, and a long procession of buggies, containing the parties and their friends, started away to the native pah, where the breakfast was laid. A dance was held in the Town Halt in the evening.

[To enaar* publication In tho forthcoming I»»ue letter* should retail tho Wltn«s« office not lattr than Saturday night.) ODDFKU.OWB' SOCIAL AT POBT MOiYHBUX.

A most enjoyable concert, soiree, and danoe was held under the auspices of the Port Molyneux Oddfellows' Lodge, on Friday evening, 10th June. There was a large attendance, although the inclement state of the weather during the day prevented a few from putting in an appearance. The following are a few of the dresses worn by the ladies on the occasion. They were almost invariably in dark colour*, and contrasted strongly witb the brilliant regalia worn by the Oddfellows : —Miss Cramond wore a navy blue serge, bodice finished with French plush same shade ; Miss Pafcerson, light brown costume trimmed on bodice with velvet of a darker shade ; the Misses Melville, black cathmere dresses trimmed with blaok ribbon velvet, relieved by pretty cream ve«ts and cream kid gloves ; Miss Williams, fawn merino anil broobe-silk of a slightly darker shade; Miss Sutherland, dark brown oostume riob.lv faced with velvet ; Mist Jessie Wyiie, white fancy muslin, frills of laoe, old gold Liberty sash and long gloves ; the Misses Wilson, one in maroon merino and velvet, the other in black merino and white tulle front, and silver adornments ; Miss A. Wilson, stylish dark brown tweed skirt, finished with deep band of velvet, knot of salmon pink at neok, tan gloves ; Miss Gunningham handsome black cashmere richly trimmed with moire and jet; Mrs Walker, blaok cashmere rovers and sleeves of blaok velvet ; Miss Watt, light fawn dress, bodice nicely faced with satin of the same shade, high sleeves slashed with satin, and Medioi collar ; Miss Maud Jaokman, blaok cashmere skirt, full-drawn ruby bodice.— Ruby.

WEDDING AT KAITANGATA.

The morning of the 18th ult. was very foggy, but before mid-day the sun shone out in bright

ness, so that the day seemed more like spring than mid-winter, which I trust is a good omen for the couple united in wedlock on that day. The contracting parties were Miss M Donnell, daughter of Mrs Fairley, and Mr A. W. Aitchson. The ceremony was performed by the Bey. .Mr Fairmaid. Ihe bride fulfilled the old Soatch saying, "A braw bride is easy bu&kit," She looked lovely in oream cashmere. The front of the dress was white watered silk trimmed on the bodice with point lace and orange blossoms, a wreath of orange blossoms and beautiful veil completing her costume. She carried a lovely bouquet of white chrysanthemums aud maidenhair fern. She was attended by two bridesmaids. Miss Aitohison, as chief, was very prettily dressed la oream silk ; Miss Blakie in white nun's veiling, with blue Liberty silk, looked very nice. Mr Aitohison was attended by Mr George M* Donald as groomsman. Mra Aitchiion, sea., was handsomely dreasad iv rich blaok silk with bugle ornaments on the skirt , Mrs Fairley, blaoksilk, velvet front trimmed with bugles ; Mrs Kelly, blaok silk; Mrs Gornith, very stylish dress of light brown satin beautifully trimmed with cascades of shaded lace ; Mrs Johns tone, black e;uhmere; Mrs M'Laren, oream nun's veiling; Mrs Allan Blakie, brown velvet ; Mrs G. Aitohison, black dress of broche; Mrs G. Houliston, black dress trimmed with velvet. Ihe presents to the bride were numerous and beautiful Mr and Mrs Aitohison, sen., gave a dance at their residence in the evening. Among the guests I noticed Miss Paters on, in crimson satin, the shirt covered with black fisher's net ; Mlsb Beid, in heliotrope sateen covered with a lighter shade of Usher's net ; Misses Muir (3), dark dresses; Miss Taylor (Stirling), black with white flowers ; Miss Hitohon, oream with cardinal sash ; Miss Sinclair, black skirt, velvet bodice ; Miss Tuok (Wellington), black dress trimmed with golden brown. There were many more pretty dresses worn, but> the names of ihe fair wearers being unknown to me I cannot describe them.— Misiy.

COHOBBT AND BALL AT THB HEAD OF THB LAKE. A concert and ball in aid of the Glenorchy school funds was held at the Alpine Olub Hotel on the 22nd ult. The concert was over at 10.30, and dancing commenoed. Mr J. Oronin aoted as M.O. in a very efficient manner. I will attempt to describe a few of the dresses worn:— Mrs Cr. Heller (Arrowtown), blaok satin petticoat and overekirt trimmed with satin ribbon, broche velvet bodice with bugle trimmings aad flowers; Mrs M'Conaohy, blaok cashmere dress with bugle trimmings; Mrs George, dark greeu oashmere with velvet trimmings and flow era ; Mrs Horn, black ca-htaere; Misa Birley, grey dre-s with neatly arranged muslin vest, and flowers ; Mica Edith Daniel, dark browu dress with white lace vest aad pink ribbon ; Miss Amy Daniel, black cashmere with white silk veth mid cvimsou ribbon ; Jilts B. Boulfc, dark green dresa and pi»k v<;st ; Miss Bryant, handsome blaok cashmere with plußh tri^miaga ; Miss Moiklejobn. dark skirt, pink -.odice trimmed with pink embroidery; MUs Kennarl, navy serge with oream muslin vest.— Damon.

BACHBLORI' BAIL AT NHW RtVKB,

One of the most successful dances ever held iv the district was given by the New River bachelors on the

19th ulfc., in a barn kindly lent by Mra Butler, and beautifully deoorated bj the bachelors, to whom great praise 1b due for the excellent way they oarried out all arrangement* for the comfort and enjoyment of their visitors. The weather was not very promising, a fact which no doubt Kept a great many away ; nevertheless at the call of the M.G. for the grand march about 30 couples graoed the floor. Among so many preoty dresses it was hard to decide who was " belle," but I think Miis Forbes in a pretty white evening dress, black velvet Swiss baud, and gloves to match, deserves the place of honour. Among the others present were : — Mis* Tomlimon, white dreaa, pale blue trimming; Miss OrosWe, blue relieved with maroon, gloves to match; Misses Morton (i), white muslin, cardinal sashes, and evening flowers ; Miss Cuff, white skirt, dark evening bodice trimmed with swanrdown, fan to mutch ; Miss Qorman, white embroidered dress, cardinal streamers, and gloves to match; Miss Bankin, white skirt, maroon bodice and sash, pearl necklaoe; Miss A. Forbes, white evening dress, pink trimmings, silver neoklacje, gloves to matoh ; Miss J. Forbes, stylish brown cashmere, plush trimmings, gloves to matoh ; Miss Sneydz, cream, relieved with pale blue, tartan sash; Misfl M. Rankin. white skirt, pink bodice, pearl necklace, feather fan; Miens Baldy, dark skirt, white bodice, gloves to matoh ; Miss B. Baldy, pretty black o&shmere, gloves to match ; Miss Sutherland, navy blue cashmere, white linen vest, gloves to matoh ; Miss O. Forbes, dark skirt, white bodice, pretty front ; Miss Butler, white embroidered costume, maroon trimmings, and real holly; Miss Clarke, blaok dres*. white silk front, gloves to match; Miss Knight, white ekirt, dark bodice, and feather fan ; Miss Wakling. white lace skirt, black bodice; Miss M. Butler, maroon dress, gold trimmings. In another part of the building an excellent spread was laid, and ample justice was done to the good things provided. A number of uougs and reoitations were given durmg the evening. Muaio was supplied by Messrs Riasi (flutioaj, Blythe, Blue, and Bankin (cornet) ; ana Mr J. Qorman aoted as M.C.-A.E.D.

WIDDISG AT TOKOIIAIRIRO.

A wedding took place here on the sth ulfc., when Mis* Edith Annie Dunn, eldest daughter of Mr William Dunn, of fiiveridale, Tokomairiro, wa» married to Mr John Miller, farmer, Tofeomniriro. The bride looked onarmlng her gown being oream silk mohair. She wore a long tulle veil fastened by a pretty wreath, and carried a lovely bouquet. The bridesmaids were the two sisters of the bride. Miss Emily Uuun wore white with pink trimmings ; Mies Elizabeth Dunn, white trimmed with blue, and they both looked very nice. Mrs Dunn, mother of the bride, wore blaok lilk trimmed with white silk luce, oream cap and feathers ; Mr* Porter, mother of the bridegroom, blaok silk dress, white laoe cap trimmed with blaok. Among those preseut at the wedding breakfast I noticed Mesdames Ohisholm, Charters <Ury Park). Shaw, Moore, M'Farlane, Marrayatta, Martin, Hamilton. Yule. Johnsfcone, Thornton, Noble, Kinlocb, Miises Porter (9;, Martin Gillies

(Dunedin), Oharters (Ury Park), Gillies (Timara), •nd Falconer. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by a very old friend of the family, Mr John L. Gillies (Dunedin), in a humorous speech, and was feelingly responded to. The health of the host andhostess was proposed by the Eev. James Ghisholm in a style which made all present feelat home, and was responded to in an equally felicitous manner. The weddiDg presents were numerous and very handsome. The evening was spent in muslo and songs until the young friends invited to the supper and dance had arrived, when an adjournment was made to the granary, which was nicely decorated for the occasion. Dancing was kept up with spirit until 12 o'clock, when an adjournment was made for supper, after which danoing was resumed and indulged in till a reasonable hour in the morning. Before leaving all present joined in wishing long life and prosperity to Mr and Sirs Miller, and also to Mr and Mrs Dunn. Among those present in the evening I noticed Miss Porter in a white dress, black silk ve»t, cuffs, and whitefan ; Miss M. Gillies (Dunedin), handsome blaok lace evening dress ; Miss Gillies (Tlmaru). black laoe ; Mlis Oharters (Ury Park. Mosgiel), oream nun's veiling and white fan : Miss Janet Porter, white dress, blaok silk ve»t and trimming, white fan; Misses Martin (2), white with blaok trimmings ; Miss M'Lean, lovely white pink vest, white fan; Miss M'Leod, black satin, white vest and trimmings; Miss Straohan, salmon pink ; Miss Martin (Southbridge), black natiu ; Miss Ferguson, light terra ootta, salmon trimmings ; Miss Oarson, pale pink, whitefan.

BACHELORS' BALL AT KOSLYN BUSH.

The annual bachelors' ball took place last Friday in the Eoslyn old schoolroom. I cannot say who was the belle, but Mi*B Mary Irving looked very nice, as did also Miss Madge Coupland and the two Misseß Soandrett. The barn dance appeared to ba a favourite, but waltzing and set dances were well distributed throughout. I have one complaint to make : the supper was delayed altogether too late. It was 1 o'clock before thoße present were invited for refreshments. When the invitation did come, however, everyone thought the supper worth waiting for, the caterers excelling themselves on this occasion. I don't think there was one wallflower, except from preference, the whole evening, and there must have been about 75 persons pressnt. The bachelors deserve credit tor co fairly dividing their gue3ti.— A. O.