ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2007, 11 August 1892, Page 41

ALICE'S LETTER TO HER READERS.

" A woman's woman " has always a host of friends and acquaintances. If she is unmarried, her girl friends ar-3 never quite content unless she makes one of their party, and if she is married, her women associates have a dozen devices for filling in her time. She is an indefatigable ahapcrono of the girls. Should a difficulty arise as to their escort they run to Mrs A., who after a moment's consideration arranges everything for them in the most satisfactory manner. She takes the deepest interest in all their little love affairs, bhe does not merely pretend to do so, but shows by her animation, her smiles, and her tears, as tho occasion may give rise to, that she really does care, and in the kindness of her heart she schemes and plans for the ultimate satisfaction of her young protege, who in grateful affection adores her and esteems her the woman of all women. Young or old she is always in requisition. If she be young there are endless cnnsnltatious with her regarding parties and dress. Her opinion is eageily Bought, and her decision accounted as worth the having, and many a knotty little question of ribbon or propriety it is her delight to adjust. If she Le old she is Bought in trouble and sickness, and her prescriptions are trusted where the doctor's are not. It is well for the minister if she ia his fiiend, for her countenance or discountenance of any of his parish matters means a very great deal to him. She is one of the moving spirits at the tea-meefcing. Hho knows to a nicety just how these things should be done, and does it apparently with the very greatest ease, unruffled, and to time. The cakes are never a failure, and the tea is perfection. An atmosphere of comfort seems to reign near her, for she has a correct judgment in all the little things pertaining to bodily comfort — especially woman's comfort — an<J never fails to know just how much sugar will please your palate and which side you like your bread buttered. To take tea with her in her own home is a thing not to be despised — ■ whether she lives in a cottage and makes her own scones, or resides in a mansion And serves you with innumerable dainties to the sweet accompaniment of music. She can manage a tea like a farmer can his farm, the result evidencing the forethought. If she lives in a cottage Mrs Jones and Mrs Smith will go together upon the same afternoon, Mrs Jones taking the baby and Mrs Smith her little boj. The homely hostess has foreseen the advent of the baby and the boy and has prepared for both, and by a timely administration to their bodily comfort, the baby is kept from crying, and the boy from mischief. They talk to the womanly little vfoman^for three solid hours. Mrs Jones is not a good manager, end asks for information as to how many things are done ; Mrs Smith loves sentiment, and leads their mutual friend to talk of her courting days, which are ever fresh in her memory. Her guests depart with several little tokens of her thoughtfulness. She has saved for Mrs Jones for hatching a couple of eggs from the prize hen, and Mrs Smith rejoices in the possession of a root of the pansy she so much coveted, and a slip of the scented geranium. In tho drawing room the woman's woman makes her guests delighted with themselves and her. Within the limUs prescribed by polite society she draws each one out, and sets each woman in the room her most congenial task — either to talk of herself and her children, or to help to entertain the others. Her afternoons are declared to be delightful, and the women go away well pleased with her. For herself she "is just as pleased to have them there, and in her turn does her calling with a smiling face. As a rule she is without any great dream of life, beyond the daily accomplishment of her duty ; yet her days are very busy, and her sphere is by lo means limited. Every little thing that corals within her religious, domestic, or social circle, assumes interest if not dignity. It J5 a good deal to her that the pretty debutante that she has to cliaperotie should be properly dressed, and sho given without gruclqing many hours of her timp to this etui. Then if her uursing can restore to health your little girl, you can tell by the part proprietorship which she assumes in her afterwards that «ho really was glad to do her good. She is generally correct in her actions, and is shocked at the thought of rnnaivg counter to the opinion of Mrs Grundy for tho sake

of anything whatsoever, good or evil, and shows a worldly wisdom at times far beyond her experience and years, and saves herself innumerable mortifications and slights by strict conformity ;o prescribed rules. Sometimes she is infinitely charitable and cannot hear without a heart paDg of the less fortunate'fcf her sex. Often she busies herself in works and schemes for their good— suffering with them in their sorrows, and praying for them in their sins. Sometimes she is strangely uncharitable and leagues herself with sarcasm and suspicion against one half of a sex the other half of which she seems devoutly to love.

You can always tell the woman's woman when she goes out shopping for she is seldom without one or more of her feminine companions to keep her company, whose opinion, separately and collectively, means a good deal to her. From the ribbon of her apron strings to her new summer gown — shade, price, suitability, all must be discussed, and it is a real grief to her if what she has set her heart on does not please her feminine friends. Frequently the opinion of her husband or brothers goes in these matters for nothing. She does not believe that men " know what looks nice."

She is fond of going upon short excursions with her own sex, and at every pleasure or health resort may be seen two or three of them together. With or without the children as circumstances or position suggest, they Eally forth, and judging by the way they talk and smile, they have a real good time. Every hour of the day has a fresh item of interest, and when they come home they will tell you whit all the women wore and who was with them, how they looked, and where they were going. Usually their husbands and sweethearts are not jealous of them, and plan their own holiday making away from them. " You take Miss so-and-so and go to the seaside," and they go off in another direction quite certain, from long experience, that the faithful little woman will spend the day with her own sex, and have the tea ready when they return. Very likely two or three women will be there to tea too, for where the woman's woman is there will the women be also, and many a muttered something escapes masculine lips, for when a man has been enjoying himself heartily in his own waj all day, he naturally thinks he has a light to be quiet in the evening —unless he wishes to go out again, in which case his wife's mother and sisters are very welcome.

Few people have got anything but good to say of her. She is a good wife and a good mother, and an amiable friend. No brooding, moody, remorseful hours spoil her for your company. You seldom go to see her at the wrong time, and when you are sick she is heaven's own angel to you, and when she needs comforting there are dozens of comfort erß. In the hard o~ swift, hours of life many hands are held out to remove the stones or stem tho current Ev«n in her direst desolation she is not alone, for women may revilo and ridicule one another, but they seldom stanJ aloof from a ompanionin sorrow. In the lowe. t ojun-yard in the city two women will quairel and fight, until the baby of the greatest aggressor dies — then the other will dress it for its burial, an'l walk miles for the flower that she places in its little hand. No woman's woman was ever left alone in silent sorrowing — the light kisses of the sympathetic girl may not mean much, but all they mean is hers. The words of consolation of the women may end in words, but flowers are little things, yet strewn along the pathway they make it bright.

She is safe from most of the evils that could make her life a daily cross. Into her deepest wounds kind oil is poured. You seldom meet her in the after years with eyes that say, "So tired," for all those things which she most loves the worle! has most to give. No phantom of ideal worth has flitted on before, and every simple loving deed comes back again in after years with blessing in its hands. The evening hours have quiet skies, and if no fiery golden sunset shall tell of storms gone by the stais are shining in the silver grey, and she will tell you that " Age is a time of peace ; it is not often I grieve." Flowers have gro <vn over the graves where lie her dead, and she believes what is is best to be.

On Tuesday afternoon Miss Martin entertained a large number of friends at Roslyn to an afternoon musioale, over 30 being present. A number of songs and pianoforte selections were given during the afternoon, and a most enjoyable time was spent. Among those who sang were Misses Street, Ziele, Fincker, Lily Roberts, Martin, and several others, Miss Jennie West acting as a ccompanist. The Misses Smith and Ulrich contributed a pianoforte duet. Miss Fincker wore a stylish brown velveteen, with velvet hat to match ; Miss Ziele, green velveteen and hat to match ; Miss M. Reynolds, dark blue serge and jacket to match ; Miss L Roberts, dark blue cloth costume ; Miss L. Mackerras, dark red; Miss B. Scott, dark blue with blue pilot jacket ; Miss Carew, electric blue cashmere trimmed with astrakan ; Miss A. Dymock, brown tweed costume with velvet trimmiDgs, large hat and feathers. Also present were the Misses Tewsley, Morris, A. Roberts, G. Roberts, Ulrich, Shand, Webster, Smith, and others.

On Wednesday afternoon Mrs Kennedy gave an afternoon tea in honour of Mrs Gray (Port Chalmers). Mrs Gray wore a dark tweed costume, a brown cloth jacket trimmed with handsome fur, and a pretty black and yellow bonnet; Mrs Oarew, tweed dress with long black jacket and black bonnet ; Mrs (Dr) Roberts, handsome green costume ; Mrs Moore, dark tweed with handsome sealskin jacket; Mrs Cantrell, grey and black tweed ; Miss K. Stephenson, stylish black dress trimmed with jet. Songs were given by the Misses Fincker, Tottie Stephenson, and Gilkison. Also present were Mesdame3 Fitchett, Jeffcoat, Mackerras, Graham, Roberts, Ziele, Cantrell, and Misses Stephenson, Fincker, Ziele, Gilkison, Mackerras, Low, and several others.

On Wednesday night Mr J. Wright gave one of his enjoyable little dances, at which there were about 30 present. Among them being Krs Hooking and the Misses Scence, William?, Haggitt, Cutten, Gilkison, M'Laren, Sise, Macassey, Roberts (2), Butterworth, Neill, Mackerras, and other?. On Friday night a medley entertainment was got up chiefly by Mrs J. Davidson and Mrs Sp?n<^ in aid of the fuuns of St. Paul's Church. The entertainment was on the

lines of those of the Savage Olub. Innumerable tables were arranged about the room. Part of the audience were in evening dress, Mrs Davidson wearing pale grey silk with long train ; Mrs Sale, black and pale green ; Mrs Woodhouse, bright red cashmere with trimmings of black velvet ; Mrs H. M'Neil, black silk and lovely soft red silk blouse ; Mrs Fiuch, black silk ; Mis 3 Farqahar, pretty white nun's veiling ; Miss B. Farquhar, pale heliotrope nun's veiling ; Miss Gordon, handsome white opera cloak; Miss G-. Roberts, rose coloured silk -with chiffon trimmings ; Mrs Fitchett, handsome black velvet princess robe, with Medici collar and square-cut neck; Mrs Galloway, red cashmere with black lace trimmings. Among those who were not in evening dress were Mrs H. Mackenzie, bright red dress with red and black hat ; Mrs G. L. Denniston, handsome black silk with white silk vest ; Mrs Moore, stylish sage green costume; Miss Smith, pale grey costume; Miss Carr, brown and gold costume. Among others present were Mesdames J. S. Williams, Haggitt, Cutteu, Ulrich, F. Chapman, Hazlett, Scott, and the Misses Cutten, Weoster. and Rattray. The hall was crowded with a large and fashionable audience. An agreeable variety was made to the concert by a tableau, the characters of which were taken by the Misses Stanford, Haggitt, and M. Maitland. These three young ladies wore rose-coloured kilted silk skirts and pompadour polonaises, with muslin aprons and kerchiefs and large muslin caps. Miss Sievwright saDg the songs to illustrate the fact that they were intended to rcpreient young ladies of GO years ae;o, Miss Maitland meanwhile being engaged at the spinning wheel, and Miss Stanford at the churn. Miss [.Haggitt, with a loaf of bread in her hand, was intended to represent the domesticated member of the trio. The entertainment was brought to a close by a domestic drama, which was the best item on the programme, the characters being takea by the three Misses Cargill. Miss A. Cargill took the part of a lady in great trouble over her servants ; Miss I. Cargill that of a lady help, with more " lady " than

"help" about her; and Miss Cargill that of a funny little Chinaman coming to the rescue. She was so well got up that she really looked like a Chinaman. Mrs Jones, who sang, wore a haudsome green velvet gown with chiffon trimmings; Miss Gordon Rich, black*; Miss Rennie, white with chiffon trimmings; Miss Hevwright, white striped silk.

To ensure publication Im the forthcoming isnue letter! anon reach the Witness offloe not liter than Saturday night.

[.Descriptions of bulls, ka., must bo endorsed by either our own correspondent for the dlatriot or by the scoretary to the ball committee. The SIS. of any correspondent! who do not oomplj with thin rule wjll bo sent to the icorot»fy for endorsement prior to appearing.]

MARRIED LADIES' DANCE AT IIAKATERAMEA.

On Friday, 29th ult., the married ladies of the Upper Waitaki entertained their friends-at the Sandhurst Hall. Although the weather was intensely cold it did not prevent a very large and representative gathering, many of the guests trayelling 40, and even 60, miles to do honour to thoir_ hostesses. The usually very unornarnental interior of the hall had been transformed into a marvellously prettily decorated ballroom, and every accessory for the pleasure and comfort of their guests had been carefully thought out and provided for by the ladies. The music, which was unusually good, was supplied by Messrs Kemshed Bros. (Oamaru), their efforts being supplemented by a judiciously devised programme. A most unselfish and attentive M.C. (Mr William Munro)and a really good floor left little or nothing to be desired ; in fact everything apparently combined to make the married ladies' ball not only a distinct success but the most enjoyable dance ever held in the district. The bachelor who expressed the thanks of the guests was emphatic, even to selfishness, on this point. Being about to take a trip Home, he made a most earnest and pathetic appeal to the ladies not to countenance any more dances until he returned, on the ground that he would for ever regret an enforced absence from any gathering similar to the present. His speech was followed by a storm of cheers from the guests for their kind entertainers. One of the features of the evening was Jthe exquisitely danced Scotch reels to the music of Mr M 'Donald's pipes, the stirring notes of the latter incitingmany a Highlander to Terpsichorean feats to whom the Sassenach music had appealed in vain. Mrs James acted as hostess, and being ably assisted by the other ladies of the committee, left nothing to be desired to ensure the happiness of the guests. All the ladies looked well, but among those specially worthy of mention were Mrs Mackellar in a charming blark lace dress, draped and relieved with red chiffon ; her sister, Mrs Mitchell, in an exceedingly handsome sprayed black satin with yellow flowers ; Mrs Nicholls (Duntroon) also wore a black satin and lace_ dress, relieved with bows of dark red on bodice, which had a peculiar and striking elegance of its own ; Mrs Cameron, black silk and yellow ribbons ; Mrs Hayes, pretty dress of pale blue ; her sister, Miss Ross, pale pink ; Mrs Macfarlaue, very becoming dress of claretcoloured satin, the bodice trimmed with beaded fringe to match the dress ; Miss Barclay, very pretty cream colour ; Miss Hille, ■ white with blue spots, trimmed and relieved with ruchings of blue silk ; Miss Thiele, pale blue ; Mrs Sutherland (Oamaru), dress of bright red satin and chiffon, the satin being of a beautiful shade, and the dress very well cut ; Mrs James, black satin, with an exquisitely embroidered gold net over skirt, and scarlet flowers ; Mrs Delargy, rich black silk with lace overskirt of same colour ; Miss Sutherland, pretty pink frock ; Miss West, tasteful black dress ; Miss Ross(Haka), gracefully draped cream muslin ; Sirs Emmet, a dress of pale brown and a most coquettish cream and pink cap ; Mesdames Wilson and Green, handsome black dresses ; Mrs M 'Cully, grey ; Mrs Menzies, handsome fawn coloured costume relieved with gold ; Misses Watkins and Young (Timaru), both wore pretty dresses, the former white, and the latter heliotrope silk ; Mrs W. Munro, stylish dark blue relieved with maroon ; Miss Paterson, very pretty cream dress ; Miss Orr (Otiake), dress of a delicate shade of grey ; Mrs Molloy, very handsome dark red dress ; Mesdames Durward, Chapman, and Hille, black. In addition to' these the costumes of many others, with whose names I am not acquainted, were well worth mentioning.—The Ballroom Ornament.

THE LAWIIEXCE QUADRILLE ASSEMBLY'S BALL. This event came off in the Town Hall on Thursday, 4th inst. There were about 30 couples present, and a very enjoyable evening was spent, breaking up at 4 a.m. Kefreshments were supplied at intervals. The committee are to be congratulated on having brought the season to such a successful ending. Mr Leary, as M.C., was the right man in the right place. The music was supplied by Misses M. Thompson (piano), D. Jeffery (violin), Messrs Sheddan (cornet), Smith (clarionet), and Stenhouse (violin), assisted by Mr Woods (violin), Mrs Woods (piano), and Master Woods (cornet), and was all that could be wished for. It would be invidious on lr.y part to name any special lady as being the belle, suffice it to hay one and all excelled in their pretty costumes. The following are particulars of some of the dresses : — Mrs Alexander Morris, salmon pink with streameis, train bordered with loses; Mrs Woods, black hroche silk \\ ith train ; Mrs Diekson, white with, pink train, ribbons to match ; Mrs H. P. Thompson, hl<ick and silver flowera ; Mrs Tyndall, peacock blue with white swansdown ; Mrs Revell, black lace and cardinal ; Mrs Brown, black figured silk; Miss Airey, black and cardinal; MissM. Airey, white and terra cotta; Miss Bushell, black fisherman net with maize trimmings ; Mi 1 -? lirook, pale pink cashmere ; Mib3 Falck, cieam lace and pink chiffon ; Miss Hindmarsh, cream nun's veiling, pale blue

trimmings ; Miss Henry, blue and black : Miss Alice Henry, cream and pink ; Miss A. Henry, pink ; Miss Harrop, pearl grey silk ; Miss Hart, black relieved with pink ; Miss Jeffrey, fawn sateen and lace ; Miss D. Jeffrey, white and terra cotta ; Miss Johnson, black with pink streamers ; Miss N. Johnson, black and old gold ; Miss London, pale blue ; Miss Leech, white with pink train, riVbons td match, black velvet band round neck ; Miss Miller, white dress ; Miss Nicoll, pale blue corduroy ; Miss lie veil, white cashmere, red ribbon ; Miss Robertson, cardinal and cream ; Miss Sutherland, 'white with marguerites ; Miss Smythe, black skirt, velvet bodice, white trimmings ; Miss Shury, pretty French grey ; Miss Thompson, black silk with train and cardinal trimmings : Miss H. Thompson, white nun's veiling with blue sash; Miss Tanton, pink lace, chiffon trimmings ; Miss Ward, white fisherman net, pink satin bodice ; Miss M. Thompson, black cashmere. On dit the ladies intend to give a leap year ball at an early date.— Bachelor.

BACHELORS' BALL AT SHAG POINT,

The bachelors of Shag Point and Allandalo held a social gathering in the Shag Point Town Hall on Friday evening, sth inst., which fairly surpassed anything of_ the kind yet held in tho district. It was Considerably enlivened by the presence of visitors from Oamaru. The hall was decorated alntost to perfection with flags, bannefs, and ferns, &c. ; and a word of praise is duo to Messrs Martin, Grey, M'lntosh, Blathwayte, and M'Callion for their efforts in that direction. During the evening vocal items were rendered by Messrs Hudson, Weston, and M'Callion, sailors' hornpipe by Mr Sidey, of Oainaru, Mr J. Andrews, of Shag Point, contributed a harp solo, Mr G. Leslie, of the Oamaru Garrison Band, gave a baritone solo, and a plantation breakdown in character was given by Messrs Hudson and Sidey, a Lancashire clog dance by Mr Kinraid, and a bone solo by Mr bidey. Mr Barber's string band supplied excellent music, and Mr A. Weston officiated as M.C Proceedings terminated about 4 a.m. Very pretty costumes were worn by the majority of ladies present. Popular opinion was divided between Miss Broome (of Oaraaru) and Miss M. M'Leod as to who should have the honour of being belle. The following is a description of some of the costume? worn : — Miss 8011, pretty white flowered dress, heliotrope sash and ribbons ; Misa Ross, stylish brown tweed dress ; Miss M. 8011, white muslin, blue sash ; Miss M. Smith, black dress; Miss Fanny Everest, white, with pink silk trimmings ; Miss Phillips, stylish black dress, with terra cotta sash and ribbons ; Miss Eva Weston, sailor costume ; Miss Day, dress of terra cotta, relieved with silk of darker shade ; Miss S. Campbell, white dress, Swiss belt ; Miss Mary Day, cream dress ; Miss Jamieson, claret dress ; Miss C. Barter, dark brown dress ; Miss M. E. Clark, maroon velvet, velveteen sash ; Miss Fergusson, dark dress ; Miss Edie Everest, black and green sash ; Miss M. Broome, lemon coloured cashmere with Liberty silk sash ; Miss M'Kenzie, stylish black dress relieved with pink chiffon ; Miss Nellie M'Kenzie, pretty grey dress relieved with white ; Miss Fraser, stylish black relieved with white chiffon ; Miss Wills, navy blue skirt, white bodice ; Miss Smith, white Liberty silk relieved with pink ; Miss Fleming, stylish grey dress relieved with white ; Miss Annie Fleming, grey flowered skirt, white bodice ; Miss M. M'Leod, royal blue cashmere with pink trimmings ; MissM. M'lntosh, combination of gobelin blue satin, white lace ; Miss Susy M'lntosh, white flowered dress with flowers ; Miss Leslie, dress of Beagreen veiling relieved with white lace ; Miss Hollows, white muslin bodice, flowered skirt relieved with black ; Messrs A. M'lntosh, grey tweed; Mrs Irvine, black dress ; Mrs Smith, black dress ; Mrs S. Hollos, black lace over white silk ; Mr 3W. Hollos, white flowered dress ; Mrs J. Hollos, black cashmere ; Mrs C. Weston, dark grey dress ; Mrs W. Everest, grey tweed dress ; Mrs Beattie, cream, relieved with black velvet; Mrs Fraser, grey dress ; Mrs Goodsey, black satin and lace ; Mrs J. Kenyon, dark brown travelling dress ; Mrs Roberts, black dress, crushed strawberry satin sash ; Mrs D. M'lntosh, grey dress ; Mrs Fretwell, cardinal skirt, cream bodice ; Mrs Duguid, claret cashmere ; Mrs 8011, black dress.— M,C.