ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1956, 20 August 1891, Page 37

ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Some parents make a study of their children's amusements, others think that children require no relaxation at all, and shut them away from all sight-seeing as though they were shutting them away from all evil. The child who is taught that all amusement is iad never grows up with an innocent mind, for from its infancy its judgment is warped and stunted, and it condemns all that which it has not proved to be good. More harm is , done by teaching to condemn than by allowing the participating in the pleasure which the talent of others always confers. Like a girl who is tightly laced in corsets during her growing years, and whose body, thus weakened, learns to depend upon an artificial support, so are the minds and characters of children weakened when they are taught to depend upon their parents' judgment entirely. It is the development of that which is within and not the dependence upon that which is without, however strong, that develops the positive elements of the little one's individuality. Until a bird tries its wings you cannot tell how it will fly, and while it is shut up in a cage you do not know where it would choose to build its nest — in the gutter or on the tree. The boy and girl of 15 who have been denied amusement will, almost invariably, crave for it with a far greater desire than those whose curiosity has been occasionally satisfied, and ten chances to one the former will bail the inferior with delight, while the young folks who have been educated to know good from bad, choose as a result of that education the good. Leaving the effect of the moral and mental development alone, the physical benefits also by the contact with the beautiful. We are all but the expression of mind, and one glance at a child will display almost certainly the habits and surroundings of the parents, and to what influences it has been subjected since its birth. In homes where there is an hourly manifestation of cultivated tastes and a refined mind, the reflection is seen in the refined look of the children — even in their softer voices. Where children shout as they speak they are eheuted at ; where they judge harshly they are harshly judged. The rude, bold manners of some children are a double disgrace to their parents, for not only are the children themselves a shame, but they tell no good tale of those who have had the training of them. In dancing and many other recreations courtesy is learned. The awkward, rough boy finds his first dancing lessons a horrible nightmare to him, simply because he is out of tune with the enforced and necessary gentleness. As soon as he becomes gentler and more polite he is more at his ease and enjoys himself, thus testifying that the .exercise had done him good. In dozens of games how patience, forbearance, and charity may be tried to their utmost and developed. Besides, there is a mental activity brought into play which, in its growth, leaves its mark of brightness on the face. Monotony deadens hope, and dull children look dull. Dull children are not happy, and unhappy children are never good. Do you feel good when you are miserably, hopelessly dull? When childhood is past the surprise of life .is over for ever ; and if you rob a child of its early pleasures you rob it of something the loss of which no other age can compensate for. There is no time in all the day like a sunshiny morning. The air is full of magnetism ; the birds are not tired, but sing their sweetest song ; and the dew glistens upon every -blade of grass and every leaf. Midday has its full perfection, but no illusions. The fragrance of the flowers is not so •weet, and there are no dewdrops. As a man you go to a pantomime, and it; is a pantomime— veTy clever, very entertaining, and worth your half crown. The pantomime you saw when a boy was not a bit the same. It was a chapter of marvels; a world of surprises, a dream of beauty. The angels and fairies were all real, and if it had cost you your year's allowance of pocket money it would have been worth twenty times as much. The delights of middle age pale, or become regrets ; the delights of childhood live with us to grey hairs ; so that when you provide your children with a happy hour you give them something that no one can rob them of. The children work hard. lam beginning to think they work harder than any of us, for their body is growing as well as their brain and absorbing their nutriment. Besides, life is all an unexplored field. They cannot guess what it is like ; they must make themselves personally acquainted with it. If you make your child fearful, ten chances to one he will fail. ' If you keep ever on the look-out for thorns he is almost certain to find them. Darkness never yet frightened a child— it was because it was taught to know "it was in the dark." If the night had not been as good as the day there would have been no night. The children hear too much of the evil, and not enough of the good. They doubt themselves and half the world before they are out of short clothes. Why should the children be allowed to believe in delusions ? Why have you ? All your life long your joy has come to you from your faith, where you believed you were blessed. If your friend was not the god you once esteemed him, you were happier and better while you believed than you were when you had proved his treachery. It is not the delusions of life that rob it of its sweetness and us of our strength, but the knowledge that the king in the pantomine is only an ordinary man, whom we have seen with our own eyes in a very shabby quit, and that the fairy in the daylight wears no spangles and carries no wand.

I see from a Home paper that brides' dresses are now worn very plain ia design,

while tbe material is so rich, that, like " Katisha's " tooth, it almost stands alone. Of course everyone cannot afford the elaborate material, and unless the purse is equal

to the strain, the simpler the material the

better. I have noticed invariably that brides whd are the simplest arrayed always

look the nicest. The puffing and flouncing and draping and adorning with too many flowers and much jewellery takes away instead of adding to the effect. Too muoh pains cannot be taken with the dressing of the hair, the fit of the bodice, and the cut of the skirt, for it seems to me the chief thing to be desired in the effect of a bridal robe is not so much richness as gracefulness. The Grecian mode of dressing the hair is particularly becoming to a bride if her features be refined. Under the veil the shape of the head is softly outlined, and under the same soft covering the well-fitting bodice half hides and half reveals the figure. There was always to my mind something very objectionable about the low necks for bridal robes. The soft chiffon frills that are now worn on dresses make a particularly graceful finish to the bodice of a bridal robe. In the dress of a debutante, too, the greater the simplicity the more the effect is heightened. The girl is supposed to come fresh from the schoolroom in all her innocence, and to dress her in the rich fabrics and elaborate styles that Buit a married woman is to mar completely the effect of her first appearance. The years, as they bring their dignities, will also make it permissible for her to appear in any rich attire she may fancy, bat only once in her life can she make her debut. Every eye that night is upon her, and the daintier, simpler, and more child-like she looks the greater her success. Even the flowers she wears should speak of simplicity or spring. White violets, daisies, small lilies— some simple flower of this kind is the correct thing, but never full-blown roses. I once saw a girl at her first ball dressed in soft white orepe with a wreath of snowdrops. The gown was gathered at the waist and finished at the edge with several rows of narrow white ribbon, the effect being dainty in the extreme. To send a girl to her first ball in a rich silk is a mistake— it makes her look far too old, and women grow old too soon without any assistance. A girl should lay claim to her girlhood, in her attire, to the very last day, even to that which adorns her as a bride. If Nature were taken as a monitress in these matters women would not so often err. Spring is all simplicity, summer all bloom, and autumn all rich tints. No girl should be at a loss to match herself in a spring garden, especially no girl with fair hair and blue eyes. The Ladies' Savage or "Kahanga Club" met at Mrs Oolquhoun's on Tuesday evening, Mrs Davidson being president for the evening. A capital programme was provided, the musical contributions including a piano solo, vooal trio, double quartette, and vocal solo. Mrs B. Turnbulland Mrs Monkman sang. Other ladies taking part were Mesdames Robo, Williams, DeZouche, Pym, and Misses Williams, Sievwright, and Dick. There were interesting readings by Misses Dick and S. Webster and Mrs Davidson ; a recitation by Miss M. Oargill, and a wellacted]; comedietta by Misses Hodgkins, Lnbecki, and G. Battray. There was a large assembly, among whom were Mesdames Mackenzie, Sinclair, Thomson, Rattray, Melland, Bridges, Ferguson, 0. Turnbull, Bathgate, G. Denniston, Hosking, De Zouche, and the Misses Battray, Webster, Spence, Stephenson, Sise, and others. On Tuesday Dr and Mrs Oolquhoun very kindly entertained the members of the Juvenile Opera Company to a picnic at Tomahawk. They were taken out in drags, &c, and the day being a glorious one the children enjoyed themselves immensely, running races on the beach, &c. Upon their return to town their kind hostess entertained them to afternoon tea at Mrs Mackenzie's tearooms, where the clever little strangers made a happy party. Mrs Stanford gave an afternoon tea on Satarday. There were present Mesdames Williams, Buller, Bhind (Ohristchurch), Melland, Batchelor, Pym, W. Oargill, and Miss Reynolds, and others. Mrs Robert Turnbull gave a delightful dinner party on Wednesday evening. The table was beautiful with early spring flowers. Among the guests were Dr and Mrs Lindo Ferguson, Dr and Mrs Davies, Dr and Mrs Scott, Mr and Mrs Sinclair Thomson, Mr and Mrs Rose. Mr and Mrs B. A. Reynolds.

The concert got up by tbe Catholic Literary Society in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and which came off in the City Hall on Wednesday evening, did credit to all concerned, and was, both musically and financially, a big success. Miss Morrison gained golden opiniocs by her singing, as also did Miss Kate Blaney, of whom it is foretold we shall hear more.

The University students had a very pleasant social on Saturday night. The earlier part of the evening was devoted to music, &c, the latter part to dancing. As it was Saturday night, and necessary to break up early, proceedings began at an early hour.

Mrs Eoyse gave a luncheon party on Friday, which was a most enjoyable affair. Among those present were Mesdames Driver, Webster, C. TurnbuH, Gillies, Mackerras, Fotheringham, Denniston. Boyd, and Dymock. The table looked very pretty and uncommon with decorations of moss, with small bunches of primroses*-and violets tied with narrow white ribbon, giving a unique effect.

(To ensure pnblio»tlon In the forthcoming Issue fatten should reaoh the Witness office not later than Saturday night.) [Descriptions of balls, &c, must; be endorsed by either our own correspondent for the dittriofi or by tbs secretary to the ball committee. The M.S. of any correspondents who do nob comply with this rule will be sent to the secretary for endorsement prior to appearing ] BACHELORS' BALL AT KAITANGATA. The bachelors' annual ball oaine off on Friday. evening, 7th inst. Though the weather was unfavourable, about 40 couples promenaded for the grand maroh. The music was supplied by Messrs Oletntnts (piaaoforte), 0. Bisect (violiu), and P. Kelly (violin). Tbe following are gome of the drewes worn:— Miss J. Eeid. plum coloured Bet dress and trimmings to match ; Miss J. Llndtay, pretty white dress ; Miss Henry, white muslin, pink trimmiDgs; Mlao M. Kelly, white dress, pale blue trimmings: Miss A. Lawion, white, trimmings to match ; Mist Q. Taylor, black brocaded silk ; Mies M Bell, white ; Miss Mackie, white and pink ; Miss Duncan, black; Miss B. Watson, pink, fan and *rosted flowers to rnatoh (I should award the honour of belle to this young lady) ; Mrs Brown, white dre:s and pink sash ; Mrs Baynes, pale blue and white net

Kempihell. blaok cashmere, wa*-ered silk and jet trimmings; Miss -Popham, blue tweed costume; Misses Campbell (2), brown and brown plush trimmings; Miss Gordon, grey tweed and black velvet; Miss Grey, black velvet; Miss Murray, brown costume ; Miia Orosian, blue and blue velvet ; Miss Farquharson, brown ; Mrs Bobinson, brown tweed costume; Miss M'Donald, blue cashmere; Miss Beattie, black cashmere ; Miss Drew, dark costume, pink sash. There were many others worthy of notice, but space will not allow of further details. Music was supplied during the evening by Messrs Matheson (3), Boss, Marshall, and Byan, the instruments being the aocordeon, violin, and pipes. Mr Matheson acted as M.O. Dancing was kept up until the early morning, and all went home Jwell pleased with their night's amusement.— Molly

BACHKLOBS' BALL AT WAITAHUHA.

The second annual bachelors' ball took plaoe on the 6th in the Good Templars' Hall, Waitahuna, and despite tbe wet, cold weather and bad roads the large hall was densely paoked. By 9 p.m. dancing under difficultiei had commenced and was kept up with slight intermission until 4 am. The musio (violin), by Messrs Byan and Kerr, was excellent, and the refreshments were all that could be desired, Mr M'Millan being the caterer. Songa were given at intervals, the gem of the evening being " The Silver Rhine," by Miss M'Kenzie. The dresses worn were very pretty, white, as usual, being the prevailing colour. A shrimp beige dress richly trimmed with ooffee coloured lace, worn by Miss M'Kenzia, looked very nice; also a blaok merveilleux, worn by Miss Hart, of Wetherstones— her hair, done in Grecian style, suited her admirably ; Miss Annie Auld, pink velvet bodice, feather trimming, tulle skirt, aigrettes in her hair ; Miss Dora Byan, pale blue nun's veiling trimmed with silk ruohing and white ribbon ; Miss Nellie Ward, white embroidered robe, wild flowers and ferns ; Miss A. Ward, blaok dress with scarlet sash, the flowers worn being bright red poppies, and tbe effect extremely pretty; Miss Damon, (Blue Spur), white embroidered robe with tartan sash and pearl beads ; Miss Alrey (Lawrence),- blaok dress with cream vest and lovely white flowers ; Miss Nellie Wall, dark green cashmere relieved with white ruohiog and ribbon ; Miss Williamson, cream nun's veiling tastefully trimmed with ribbon of the same tint ; Miss Jessie Williamson, pretty white embroidered robe; Miss Kerr, green velvet; Miss Oudaille, shrimp muslin with pretty girdle. There were of course other pretty dresses worn that I am sorry I cannot mention, but the wearers were strangers whose names it was Impossible to learn. Amongst the married ladies present were Mrs M'Kenzie, Mrs John Sutherland (the Gorge), Mrs Murray, and Mrß Watson.— Myrtle.

SOCIAL BKUNION.

The fourth annual social of the employes of Messrs Innes and M' Far lane came off in the Choral Hall, Dunedin, on Friday eveniDg. and proved very enjoyable, upwatdi of 100 couples being present. The programme of 24 danoes was relieved by a number of vocal items, and the music was all that could be de* stred. The young ladies were all very tastefully dressed, and among those present I noticed Miss 0.

dress ; Mrs G. Duff, blaok velvet and red rotes ; Mrs Frazer, white dress and pink trimmings ; Mrs Black* more, lilver grey dress. A pleasant time was spent, the ball breaking up at <t.30 a.m.

BACHELOR* BALL AT CLINTON.

The Clinton bachelors gave their annual ball in the Athenajum Hall on Friday, 7th inst. The hall was nioely decorated with evergreens, and the floor, sapper, and music were very good. The eveniDg was varied by singing, step-danoing, &o. About 100 couples rose to the grand maroh, but the room was so crowded that I could not fee the ladies' deeuea very well, and there were a number whose names I did not know. Amongst those present I noticed Miss M'Farlane (Balolutha) wearing a pretty white cashmere dress with ruobing to match ; Miss Henderson, foam coloured gauze Liberty silk bodice nicely trimmed with pink ; Miss Oarrington (Artburton), psleblue evealng dress with beads; Miss Button, dark blue trimmed with a lighter shade; lulu Mason (Balolutba), pink embroidered dress ; Miss Bobinson (Dunediu), pretty pink nicely trimmed with satin ; Miss Finlayson, navy blue with oream silk vest and sash ; Miss Steel (Wairuna), pale blue with cream lace ; Miss Blaok, white cashmere; Miss Bsdale (Tapanui), terra cotta ; Miss Sandford, pink ; Misses Murray (2) (Waipahi), blaok relieved with pale blue, and grey skirt with cardinal bodice ; Miss Ellison, blaok velvet ; Miss Oorbett, oream bcdioe with black skirt ; Misses Cameron (2), blaok relieved with pink ; Misses Brown (3), white dresses ; Miss Sycamore, pink and white; Mrs Sheddan, foam-coloured satin covered with net, made with a demi train; Mrs Lawsoa, pink; Mrs O. Lange, blaok satin with white lace ; Mrs Drummond, slate grey; MrsOlark (Waiwera), blaok; Mrs Simmons, black ; Mrs Davis (Warepa), navy blue velvet ; Mrs Thompson, red and white ; Mrs Stock, white and salmon.— Vixen.

DA.NOK XT WMT TAIKBI.

A very enjoyable evening was spent on tbe sth inst. at Granton farm, when Mr and Mrs Eobineon held a social gathering to bid farewell to their PJain friends. Although tbe weather was not all that oould have been wished for, it did not keep tbe fair sex baok, and about 60 couples sat down to refreshments. I shall try to describe a few of the dresses worn:— Miss Robinson, black cashmere and velvet; Miis Minnie Bobinson, navy blue cloth relieved with elephant grey, Miss Wilkinson, cream muslin and cardinal ribbons ; Misses Kempshell (2), oream muslin relieved with pale blue; Misses Boberion (2), white sateen and blue sashes ; Miss Sanderson, cream| and pink flanalette, oardinalj sash ; Miss Wyllie, peacook blue ; Miss Ford, blaok cashmere ; Miss Petrie, pale bine; Mrs Marshall, blaok oasbmere and watered silk trimmings; Miss

Jenkins In crashed rose nun's veiling, white lace ribbons, gloves to match ; Miss A. Gartahorn, electric blue cashmere and oream Liberty silk ; Miss A. Methvin, lavender grenadine, gloves and trimming to mafcohe ; Miss A. Omand, pale green nun's veiling, white lace and pink poppies; Miss M. A. Kennedy, pale green and pink nun's veiling, pink roses and gloves to match ; Miss 0. Ferry, (tbe belle of the ball) pale pink cashmere trimmed with swansdown, gloves to match ; Mist M. Burgess, blaok laoe over oardinal ; Miss L. Bustaoe, pale blue nun'a veiling, ribbons and gloves to match ; Miis Oapstiok, pale pink nun's veiling; Miss M'Oorkindale, pale pink, ribbons and gloves ; Misses Phillips (2), pale pink and point lace; Miss M. Davles, maroon and pink; Miss Ledgerwood, cream laoe over navy blue. Great credit is due to tbe committee (composed solely of young ladies) who inaugurated and carried out the sooial to a successful issue. A word to the members of tbe sterner sex who were present may, however, be in season. I think the least compliment they might have paid to their partners was to wear gloves for the oocailon. This was not, however, the rule, and many a pretty dress as a consequence bears marks which cannot be effaced, and whioh renders it useless for future wear. I trust it will not be necessary to make such a comment on a future occasion. — Camellia.