ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1933, 25 February 1892, Page 41

ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Dunedin has been — at least in society circles— all excitement during the week over the two fashionable weddings which took place upon two successive days.

The first was on Tuesday, when Miss Rinah Hales was married to Mr J. Herbert Jowitfc. The ceremony at All Saints' was performed by the Rer. Mr Fitchett at 2 o'clock. The church had been very tastefully decorated with wh'te flowers by girl friends, and presented a very pretty appearance. All Saint ß', nestling as it does among the tree?, is a picturesque building, and seemed to lend itself to the romance of a wedding. Long before the appointed time the edifice was crowded, and a long line of carriages in the street arrested the attention of passers-by, who loitered round the entrance to catch a glimpse of the bride. During the wait Miss Fitohett, daughter of the incumbent, presiding at} the organ, played suitable wedding selections. A little after the appointed time the bride arrived, led to the altar by her brother, Mr S, Hales, who gave her away. An audible murmur of admiration was heard as she passed along the aisle attended by her six bridesmaids. Her gown was exquisite, of rich white duchesse satin and silver brocade. The bodice was in the Empire style of the duchesse satin, with high cellar and puffed sleeves, satin and point d'esperit lace quaintly folded about the front. The bodice was also edged with a deep flounce of the same lovely lace. The petticoat, of duchesse satin, was quite plain, edged with a flounce of 'point d'esperit, caught up afc intervals with true-lovers' knots. The train was of the silver brocade, in the Watteau style, falling from the shoulders, and glinted and glistened with every movement. A spray of orange blossom on ! the corsage and another on the train completed one of tbe handsomest wedding gowns that has been worn in Dunedin. The veil was of tulie, fastened with a sprig of orarjge blossom, and a pearl spray, thegift of thebridegroom; and the bride carried a large bouquet. The bridesmaids were Misses Macassey, Nevill, A. Roberts, Tui Stephenson, I. Oarew, and Butteiworth. They were all dressed alike in pink silk, with touches here and there of a soft green, and looked like a bunch of pink roses. The dresses were made in the umbrella style, the edge being threaded with the green. The bodices were lone coat, with folded vests of the green silk ;" gauntlete, oollars, and epaulets being of the same material. With these were worn large green silk hats wilh dusters of pink roses, Eaoh bridesmaid carried a large pink poeey and wore pearl bangles (gifts of the bridegroom), and little true-lovera' knot moonstone brooches (the gifts of the bride). The groomimea were also ais— Messrs J, Wright,

W. Kettle, R. Williams, A. Bell, Butterworfcb, and W. Black ; Mr Wright being the best man.

Mrs Hales, mother of the bride, wore a lovely gown of grey Irish poplin, which fitted perfectly, and was most stylishly made with demi-trained umbrella skirt and long-coat stay bodice elaborately trimmed with silk passementerie. The collar was high and the sleeves made with gauntlet cuffs and puffed at the shoulder, the edge of the skirt cut into Vandykes. A small bonnet of exactly the same shade finished with a spray of small pink flowers completed an elegant toilet. The effect of the group as they stood at the altar was exceptionally pretty; and Miss Boughen, of the D.1.C., who made the dresses, is to be complimented. Among the wedding guests were the Hon. Mr and Mrs Fergus, Dr and Mrs Jeffcoat, Dr and Mrs Martin, Captain and Mrs Cameron, Mrs and the Misses Scotfc, Mrs and Miss Ziele, Mrs John and the Misses Roberts, Mrs Hugh Adam, Mrs and the Misses Stephenson, Mrs Piercie, Dr and Mrs Fitchett, the Rev. Mr Fitchett and Mrs and Miss Fitchett, Mrs and .Miss Ramsey, Mrs and Miss Alexander, Mrs Carew, Mrs Dick, Mrs Bothemly, Mrs L. M'Lean, Miss Livingston, Mrs Herdman, Miss Smith, and Mrs Andrew Todd.

Mrs John Roberts wore a slate-coloured silk veiled in black lace, and black bonnet ; Mr 3 Cameron, Tery handsome sage-green Ottoman silk, with bonnet to match trimmed with gold; Mrs Jeffcoat, stylish dress of dark caidinal silk, with large black hat trimmed with silk and plumes the same shade as the dress ; Mrs Stephenson, handsome black brocade, with jet bonnet; Mrs Fred Fifcchett, very pretty cream delaine flowered with red and trimmed with white lace, bonnet trimmed with rod, and white feathers; Mrs Herdman, black merv. relieved with lemon colour; Mrs L. M'Lean, fawn and brown costume, brown bonnet with pink feathers; Mrs Bothemly, cream serge trimmed with gold, hat to match ; Mrs Walcott, black costume ; Mrs Ziele, brown merv., bonnet to match ; Mrs Scott, black silk and velvet, and black and gold bonnet ; Mrs Macassey, lovely costume of black and red, hat to match ; Mrs Fergus, French grey and white broche trimmed with white lace ; Mrs Adam, terra cotta silk veiled in black lace, black bonnet with gold aigrettes ; Mrs Martin, terra cotta silk trimmed with cream lace; Miss K. Stephenson, dress of fawn tweed, large white hat trimmed with feathers ; Mrs W. Hislop, light check tweed, hat with cream feathers ; Miss Smith, goblin blue Liberty silk trimmed with lace, hat to match ; Miss Ramsey, buttercup muslin ; Miss Alexander, pretty green dress and cream hat ; Miss M'Donald, dark red dress ; Mr<3 Mackerras, black dress, black Jace mantle, black bonnet with autumn leaves ; Miss L. Mackerras, red dress, black and red hat ; Mrs W. Roberts, fawn tweed ; Miss Dick, brown costume; Mrs A, Todd, fawn costume; Mrs Ramsey, fawn and brown; Miss B. Scotfc, handsome navy blue; Miss Scott, grey striped with black, grey felt hat ; Mrs Piercie, peacock blue velvet ; Mrs Gilray, French grey ; Miss Stephenson, green flowered delaine trimmed with green silk, white plumed hat; Miss Ziele, yellow flowered delaine trimmed with yellow silk, hat with buttercups ; Miss King, grey summer tweed.

After the ceremony the guests drove to the residence of the bride's mother at Heriot Row, where an "at home " was held. After the usual congratulations the newly-wedded couple left amid a shower of rice and rose leaves, en route for the Lakes, where they spend their honeymoon, upon their return leaving agin for England on a lengthy visit to Mr Jowitt's people.

The wedding presents were numerous and handsome, among them being gifts from Dr and Mrs Jeffcoaf, hancsome silvei and ivory fish knife and fork; Mr and Mrs J. Wright, handsome case of silver-monnted toilet brushes ; Mrs J. Robe r ts, case of silver and gold fruit tp^ons; Messrs Vivian and A. Mason, travelling clock ; Professor and Mrs Gilray, handsomely bound set of Shakespeare ; Mrs Martin, Dresden and silver fruit dish ; Mr and Mrs Fetgus, silver and glass dessert dish ; Mr Herbert Park, handsome oak and silver table gong; Mrs J. M. Ritchie, case of silver napkin rings; Mr Hales {brother of the bride), lovely little gold watch ; Captain and Mrs Cameron, silver and ivory jam spoon, butter knife, and pickle fork ; Mr and Mrs Ziele, Dresden and silver salad bowl ; Mrs Alexander, silver asparagus tongs ; MrandMrs F. Fitchett, case of very handsome silver and gold saltcellars ; Mrs Hislop, silver fish knife and fork; Mr and Mrs W. R. Preston, silver button hook and shoe horn ; Mrs Scott, silver crumb scraper; tho Missas Scott, lovely red plush album flowered with silver; Mr and Mrs G. Moody, case of silver aftercoon teaspoons and tongs ; Mrs Carew, red and silver saltc liars ; Miss Carew, pansy leaf and silver jelly dish ; the Misses M-ic-donald, pan-y and silver-Jeaf saltcellars ; Mr J. Roberts, ivory opera glasses ; Mr and Mrs Andrew Todd, Dresden and silver biscuit jar; Miss Smith, silver and ivory bread fork; Archdeacon Beaumont, silver, gold, and pearl jam spoons; Mrs Walcott-, silver and cut glass butter dish ; Mr H. Walcott, silver toast rack ; \lr J. Wright, silver button hook and shoe horn ; Mr W. Anderson, silver and gold smelling bottle; Mrs Harper, silver-mounted scent bottles; Mrs L. M'Lean, silver and cut glass jam cruet ; Mrs Olive, case of silver teaspoons ; Mr and Mrs Grey, silver and gold Scotch thistle sugar basin; Rev. Mr Fitchett and Mrs Fitchett, very handscme church service; Mr H. Butterworth, Dresden and silver jam dish ; the Misses W. and L. Smith, silver butter knives ; Mr T. Moody, gold and silver fruit spoons ; Mrs R. Gillie", handson c set of carvera ; the Misses A. and L. Rol erte, handsome green and gold fan with frame of scented sandalwood ; Miss Alexander, Dresden strawberry and cream dish with cream jug and sugar bowl attached ; Mrs and Miss Orammond, tortoiseshell dressing case ; Miss King, very pretty fan ; Mra and Miss Macassey, pair of vases ; Mr A. Bell, pair of handsome pictures ; Mr and Mrs Ramsey, bamboo afternoon tea table ; Miss G. M'Lean, handpainted mirror; Miss Nevill, photograph case; Messrs Kettle, Williams, and Black, massive black marble clock ; Mrs Herdman, silver-mounted oak pepper boxes; Mrs Adam, scent bottles, watchstand in a gla3s case; Mrs Stephenson, handsome afternoon

tea kettle on bamboo stand ; Miss Logan, silver bedroom matchbox; Mr M'Lellan, silver and gold smelling bottle ; Mrs Piercie, pair of Paris dressing slippers worked on blue cloth ; Mr and Mrs Tombs, large frilled silk cushion ; Master Robert and Malcolm Gillies, green plush tea cosy ; Miss Weldon, workbasket ; Miss Battetworth, green plush bag for opera glasses, mounted in gold. A number of presents, being personal work, in knitting, cross-stitch, crewel work, &c, were presented by Mesdames Stephens, Muir, and the Misses Tui Stephenson, Sproul, J. Moody, and Muir. Among a number of other things were a gold and silver afternoon sugar and slop basic, the name not being attached to the card. The bride's present to the bridegroom was a sapphire and diamond pin and stud, and the best man's present to tho bridegroom a gold guinea case. May it always be full I and all other happiness and prosperity attend the happy couple. Through the courtesy of Captain Anderson the flags on the shipping were flying in the harbour, giving quite a festive appearance to the wharves.

The bride's going-away dress was a very stylishly made brown check cloth, with long coat bodice and umbrella skirt, and a large brown hat to match.

The following day, Wednesday, at tbe same hour, 2 o'clock, the marriage of Miss Georgia Constance, the second daughter of the Hon. George M'Lean, M.L.C., to Mr T. M. Wilford, of Wellington, was celebrated. Quite an hour before the ceremony every seat in Knox Church was occupied, and a great crowd thronged the aisles and approaches, so that when the bridal party arrived it was a difficult matter for them to push through the crush. The bride looked charming, leaning on the arm of her father. Her gown was of duchesse satin and silver brocade, the petticoat of the silver cloth, and the long c jurt train of duchesse satin. The petticoat was edged with silver maidenhair fern and white chiffon ; the back of the bodice was duchesse satin, and the frout of silver brocade, with full sleeves of chiffon fastened with satin. The bridal veil was fastened with a spray of diamonds and pearls, the gift of Mrs and the Misses Buckley (cf Christchurch). The bride also wore a present from Lord Cranley, sent from Home, a broach in tbe form of a wishing bone, of gold and pearls; and a gift from the bridegroom, a pearl and diamond bracelet.

There were four bridesmaids — Misses I. M'Lean, K. Wilfor3 fsister of the bridegroom), E. M'Lean, and K. M'Lean. Their dresses were of a pale pink Indian cloth, finished with pink ribbon, velvet, and lace. The skirts were made plain and tucked round the bottom, the sleeves were puffed, reaching to the elbow The hats of the two chief bridesmaids wore pink velvet, with white ostrich plumes, and the two younger of white drawn chiffon trimmed with pink feathers. The bridesmaids all carried large posies, and the bride a lovely white bouquet.

The best man was Mr W. H. Field, of Wellington. The Rev. Dr Stuart performed the ceremony, Mr Barth presiding at the organ. Mrs M'Lean (mother of the bride) wore a handsome dress of Irish poplin of a b'uish-grey shade, beautifully trimmed with Irish point lace, the petticoat flounced with lace, and made with a long train, the bodice also being trimmed with the same lace, bonnet to match ; Miss M'Lean wore a red silk and velvet trimmed with Honiton lace, large white felt hat; Miss Wilfred, silver grey, braided with silver, large white hat. The church was prettily decorated with white flowers, and the numerous company of wedding guests gave the large edifice a veiy bright appearance. After the ceremony the guests repaired to Hazlewood to an "At Home." Among3t those present were : — Mr and Mrs J. White, Dr and Mrs Colquhoun, Miss Holmes, Miss 0. Mackenzie, Mrs J. Davidson, Mr and Mrs Ewing, Mr arid Mrs J. Mill?, Mr and Mrs Spence, Mr and Mrs A Pearce, Mr and Mrs E. C. Reynolds, Mr and Miss Cargill, Miss Oumine, Dr and Mrs Batcbelor, Mr and Mrs P. C.Neill.Mrand Mrs H.Mackenzie, the Hon. MrandMrs W. H. Reynolds, Mr and Mr.- Mason, Mr and Mrs Hosking, Mr and Mrs J. Roberts, Dr and Mrs Shand, Mr and Mrs F. Chapman, Mr and Mr 3 Houghtori, Mr and Mrs Sinclair, Mr and Mrs T. Whitson, Mr and Mr 3 Michie, Mr and Mrs Joachim, Mr and Mrs Dymock, Mr and Mrs Ridings, Mrs Webster, Mr J. Blacke, Me Cran, Mr Sleigh, Mr and Mrs A. P Davidson, Mr and Mrs Reid, Mr and Mis Watson, Mr F. Perry, the Misses A. and J. M'Lean, Mr and Mrs Rattray, Mr and Mrs Spencer Brent, Dr Scott, Dr and Mrs Roberts, Mr and Mrs J. Holms, Judge and Mrs William', Mr and Mrs Sise, Miss K. Neill, Mrs Maitland, Mr Viger;=, Mr J. Buckley, Mr and Mrs Hodgkins, Mrs and Miss Macassey, Mr and Mrs Driver, Mr D jnniston, Mr and "Mrs Rose, Mr W. C. Smith, Mr D. Crawford, Mr and Mrs D Reid, Captain and Mrs Cameron, Mr A. Bell, Miss N. Driver, Mr D. Matson, Mr and Mrs Sale, Captain Easther, Miss Bell, and Mr and Mrsßodmine. After the usual congratulatory speeches, &c, the wedding group were photographed upon the lawn by Mr F. L. Jones.

It is impossible to g - >ye a full and correct description of all the guests' dresses, but among those I remember were Mis Henry Mackenzie, gold brocaded sloth and black striped velvet, with sailor hat to match ; Mrs Rose, pretty grey and white costume ; Mrs Driver, grey flowered with black ; Mrs T. Whitson, a costume of violet and gold, the dress of violet corded with gold, very handsome cream lace Dorothy cape, and gold and purple bonnet; Mrs Michie, helio'rope cashmere and salmon pink s-ilk ; Mrs Bat del >r, back \e vet with front of white silk beaded with black ; Mis E 0. Reynolds, fawn tweed tiimmed vith brown velvet; Mrs Coughtrev, black lace with heliotrope bonnet ; Mrs Rattray, plum colour and long blick lace mantle ; Mrs Dymock, black ; Mrs Joachim, wallflower brocade, bonret to match ; Mrs F. Chapman, *l^te cashmere and velvet, bonnet trimmed with forget-me-nots; Mrs Dr Roberts, brown, large hat trimmed with brown; Miss Macassey, the pink bridesmaid's diess already described; Mrs William", fawn and pink; Mis Cameron, frags green silk; Mrs Colquhoun. black dress black bonnet trimmed with cornflower; Mrs Laidlaw, black serge and red silk trimmings, black bat and red feathers, and a bouquet of dark red flowers; Mrs. John

Roberts, silver grey costume; Miss Neill, dress of peacock blue braided wilh silver, cream hat ; Mrs A. Holmes, black dress, black and green bourn t; Mrs Pearce, very stylish costume of pongee silk, vest of green silk, lovely bouquet ; Miss Bell, cream serge braided with gold; Mrs Reid, black silk, panels of jet over heliotrope ; Mrs Oliver, dress of biscuit colour, bonnet to match ; Miss Gualter, black dress and bonnet ; Miss Gibson, fawn relieved with red ; Mrs Shand, green merv., with mignonette bonnet.

The bride's going-away dress was of electric blue corduroy clotb, with white silk waistcoat, hat to match. The wedding dresses were made at Herbert-Haynes' by Mrs Campbell.

After the "at home " the bride and bridegroom left amid a shower of rice and rose leaves for Warrington en route for the Lakes, where they will spend their honeymoon.

The presents were unusually numerous and handsome, being more than 200 in number. I will enumerate a few. The Countess of Oaslow's present was a very handsome hall clock; Lord Onslow, a massive silver toilet set ; the little Ladies Gwendoline and Dorothy, satin pincushions of their own working; Mr P. 0. Neill, silver revolving breakfast dish ; Mr M'Lean's cousin, silver tea service; Mrs M'Lean, very handsome ivory and silver dressing bag ; Mrs J. M'Lean (Napier), painted mirror; Mr and Mrs J. Reid (Elderslie), Indian footstools ; Mr Hodgkins, a picture painted by himself; Miss Hodgkins, also a picture of her own work ; Mrs Turton, silver framed mirror ; Dr and Mrs Sharif, ebony and silver mounted tray ; Miss Potts (Christcburch), handkerchief sachet ; Miss N. Driver, also a handsome sachet ; Miss Connie Richmond (.Nelson), bags for toilet ; Mrs Matson, 18 white and grey ostrich leathers ; Mr and Mrs E. Hpence, grey ostrich feather fan ; Mr 3 Richardson (Wellington),- table ornaments; Mr J. A. Mxson, ornaments; Mrs Stevens (Christchurch), painted mirror; J. R. Jones, silver kettle; Dr and Mrs Truby King-, Russian leafher desk ; Mr and Mrs J. Roherts, casket of silver saltcellars ; Miss Hales, silver- mounted toilet bottles in glass case ; the Misses A. and L. Roberts, gold and alabaster candlestisks; Mr and Mrs Ridings, afternoon teaspoons ; Mr and Mrs K. C. Reynolds, also silver spoons ; Mrs E. drierson, silver cake basket; Mr and Mrs A. W. Morris, silver kettle; Mr W. Cantrell, silver cheese and butter stand ; Mr and Mrs F Chapman, mother o' pearl opera glasses ; Mr J Douglas, moonstone and pearl bangle ; Mr J. Buckley, diamond and pearl bangle ; Captain M'intosh, sapphire and pearl bangle ; Dr and Mrs Lindo Fergu^n, gold bangle ; Mr Pearce (Wcl'ington), gold and pearl brooch; Mi and Mrs Travers (Wellington), ruby and diamond ring; Mr and Mrs J. M'Leod (Aastralia). handsome jewellery; Mr J. M'Guinness (trainer), tea Bet; the manager of Warringfcon, handsome vases; Mr and Mrs David Mills (Melbourne), silver butter dish and knife; Mr and Mrs Bell (Wanttvood), Dresden saltcellars; Miss K. Neill, jam spoon and butter knife; Mr P.O. Neill, jun., two silver butter knives; Mr G. G. Russell, butter dish and two silver spoons ; Mr J. Blake, picture ; Dr and Mrs Roberts, clock ; Captain and Mrs Cameron, travelling clock ; Mr and Mrs R. Oliver, handsome vases; Mrs J. Davidson, handsome vase ; Mr and Mrs Joachim, tall Japanese vase; Mr and Mrs H. Le Cren, vases ; Rev. Dr Stuart, Bible in four volumes; Rev. Mr and Mrs Davidson, Tennyson's Poems ; Mr A. Bell, framed scenes ; Miss G. Neill, Honiton lace handkerchief: Mr and Mrs J. White, carpet ; Mr and Mrs J. Mills, pearl penda&t; Mr aad Mrs H. Mackenzie, miniature lamp and silver oandlesticks; Mr and Mrs Watson, beer jug, goblet, and tray, silver and gold • Mr and Mrs Calder (Melbourne), pair of blue and silver lamps ; Mr and Mrs R. Ewing, silvermounted dessert dishes ; Mr and Mrs Ritchie, silver fish knife and fork ; Mr and Mrg B. C. Haggitfc, dessert knives, forks, spoons, and nut crackers.

Id the evening a large dance was given at Hazlewood. The large dining and drawing rooms were devoted to the dancing, and the rooms were beautifully decorated with white flowers and maidenhair ferns. A marriage bell of white blossoms hung bitween the doorway and the conservatory, a horseshoe and other mottoes were hanging on the walls, and the conservatory was draptd with the U S.S. Company's flags, and decorated with white flowers. Lounges were here arranged, and with the soft shaded lights had a remarkably pretty effect. The hostess received her guests in a handsome green silk relieved with pink ostrich feathers. Miss M'Lean wore white silk and net with white water lilies, and Mias I. M'Lean her bridesmaid's dress ; Miss Wilford, bkek velvet with white chiffon trimmings ; Miss K. Wilford also wore her bridesmaid's diess.

The guests were Mr H. S. Holmes, Messrj Spence (2), Mr and Mrs White, Mr R. Cook, Mr W. Cantrell, Mr J. B. Reid, • Miss Dick, Mr Mills, Mr Lawford, Mr Sleigh, the Misses Reynolds (2), Mr M'Donald, Misses W. and A.Reynolds, Mr and Mrs A. Pearce, the Misses Cargill, Mr M. Cook, Mr and Mm L. Reynolds, Mr and Mrs E. C. Reynolds, Mr C. Butterworth, Mr Sidney Oook, Mr M'Gowan, Mr and Mrs F. Chapman, Mr and Mrs J. A Mason, Mr J. Blacke, the Misses M'Lare", Miss M'Kinnor, Miss A. Robert?, Drand Mrs D ivies, Mr A. Gutter, Dr and Mrs Ogston, the Mi-pcs Shand (2), Mr Henry, Mr Gibbons, Mr and Mrs H. Mackenzie, Miss Butterworth, the Mis 3 Webster (2), Me R Dymock, Messrs Webster (2), the Misses Dymock (2), Professor Parker, Mr and MrsJ. B.Ridings, Mr and Mrs Lintott, Dr and Mrs Liodo Ferguson, Dr and Mrs Batchelor. Mr and Mrs Wooihouse, Mr and Mrs Michie. the Misses Stanford (2), Miss Neill, Messrs Spence (2). Mr F. Perry, Miss Bell, Mr A. Bell, Mr Vigera, Mr P. C. Neill, jun.. the Misses Buckley (2\ Mr Cropby Morris, Misses Carr, Miss Johnston, Mr Stoke", Mr C. Rattray, Dr Scott. Mr and Mrs M 'Master, the Misses Sise, Mr G. Sise, Dr anl Mrs Roberts, the Misses Rattray, the Miss -s WilUams, Mr B. Williams, Miss N. Driver, Mr J. Buckley, Mr W. Black, Mr and Mrs Petre; Miss Hacassev, the Misses Cutten, Mr Spencer Cook, Mr and Mrs Ewinp, the Mi-ses Hodgkins, Miss Sp-ince. Mr D. Crawford, Mr W. Hodgkins, Miss M> rris, Mr G. Morris, Captain A. Cameron, Mr R. Driver, Mr and Mrs Fenwick,

Mr P. M. Sargood, Mr D. Mat&on, Mr J. Kettle, and Mr H. Kettle.

The supper was laid in a loop room and at the end of the hall, and the tables looked remarkably prettr, decorated with red and white flowers. The dance was in every way a success.

Mrs White, of Anderson's Bay, gave a garden party on Thursday, at which all the wedding guests were present.