ALICES LETTER TO HER READERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2046, 11 May 1893, Page 45

ALICES LETTER TO HER READERS.

That old saying, " A prophet hath no honour in his own country," contains a certain amount of truth which the present day with all its advancement has not wholly outlived. There is a tendency with the ordinary mind to imagine the world's leaders and artists to be of entirely different flesh and blood to themselves, bora above the common sins and sorrows, as far above the earth as the stars are, and when the knowledge is forced upon them that the height has been climbed to, five out of ten resent the ascension. Some people in the world would disdain the light of the stars were all their mystery disclosed, and would ceaee to regard them as " the thought of God in the heavens " were it proved to their satisfaction that beyond the radius of their light the same laws rule that prevail on our planet. There is an innate love of mystery and romance in most of us. Perhaps because so mucb in life is prosaic and cold, we like better the mystical spider that weaves the silver webs than the common spider we know that kills the flies. Once I listened with great deUjht to a singer, and turning to a lady at the close of the song I said, " He is an artist," but she answered me in contempt, " Why, his father carts our coal I " The fact did not detract one iota from the melody of his rich notes. It did not lessen the spell of the music or weaken the message of his artistic interpretation of the composer. His voice rose .and fell In impasßioned accents ; he had found and gave forth again the soul of bis song, but one at least in the audience could listen unmoved because— his father carted coal 1

We hear of a neighbour's work from afar. The newspaper paragraph tells us that he baa arrested for an hour the gaze of the world, and five out of the six who read the paragraph immediately remember something that should go to prove he cannot be great. The cut of his clothes, the ' manner of his amusements or speech, the circumstances of his life, are set forth to show that it is impossible for him to be a prophet. Few will understand that he is say ing in his work, " This is the best of me ; for the rest, I ate and drank and slept, loved and hated, like another ; my life was as the vapour, and is not ; but this I saw and knew; this, if anything of mine, is worth your memory." The truth that has been delivered to his soul, he reveals to you in his book or his lecture, his music or his picture, and in thiß he lives to the highest that is in him. For the rest he is mortal man. He claims no distinction but that of keener susceptibility than the common man, and pays for this in many pains. Our prophets, like Elijah, are taken op bodily, and in the flesh, into the heavens in a chariot of fire. They do not descend from the clouds in angel guise. In their ascension they drop their mantle on vs — of their knowledge, of their faith, of their divination, for • which they prepared themselves by " toiling upward in the night." A stranger genius is welcomed with open arms. We never heard of him except through his music. His voice has always been sweet. He has produced harmony in us as well as fdr us. Th,e painter has put in living tints — a mighty inspiration ; the poet tells what God has revealed to his soul, and we idealise the three. We clothe the flesh in the garments of the spirit, and it hurts us to discover that in a divine musician's life are discords like to ours, and that there are blurs upon the canvas of the painter's days; and that the heart of the poet is not always strong. If they dwell from us long enough for us to know their best we are magnanimous enough, upon a nearer approach, to regard their faults as we do the clefts upon the mountains in our remembrance of the summit of their genius which we so often had admired, rearing its peak above intervening dead level, silvered with its eternal snow. The difference between the pan who is great and the man who is not is the difference between the sparrow and the lark— one builds its nest in the eaves, and comes down to the earth contented to twitter and feed there ; the other rises from its nest on the ground high into the air to sing. An eaglet hatched by a hen may before it is full fledged be uglier than the little chicks, but one day it will feel a strange impulse, and spread its wings and fly to its native crags, and all the little chicks will look in vain for its return. So when an eaglet of our brood shows by unmistakable signs that he will never be content to peck and scratch in the barnyard all his life — that even the highest rail on the section will not induce him to crow — but that he has another instinct — to get Into the clear air — wo are amused, perhaps disgusted. He was hatched as we were, fed on the same food, but we will not believe the soaring instinct was his till we hear of him in his eyrie, consorting with other eagles ; and even then we say he used to live with us in our yard.

Strange that we do not always love our prophets, whether we have seen or have not sfcen their faces ; for whether their voice be harsh or sweet they are honest to ua. They have in their wanderings in the defert stumbled over a well of sweet water, and their cry, " Ob, every one that tbirateth come ye to the waters," is no pretension. They have beheld one bit of truth that we have never seen, and tell us so ; or, trippiug their foot against a stone, they cry out to those who come, "Take carel" or, like Moses, they have been face to face with God on the mountain, and bring down the tables of the Jaw to the children of men, although, like Moses, they fling them to the ground, and by reason of their own imperfections do not enter the promised land. We do not hesitate to pluck the rose that

grows upon a prickly tree. We admire the lily none the less because it is scentless, and shall we cast aside the fragrant act of a man because it blossomed on a blighted- stem, or turn from the pure thought because it came from scentless leaves 1 If we are to be rich we must gather of the best, and it is our privilege to wander in the garden of the world and fill our hands from the diverse good things we come in contact with. A thousand blossoms grow on bushes-that have the roots embedded in manure. The prickly nettle produces its purple bloom, and on the stinging holly bright berries come. It is our delight and blessing to pluck the flower of each man's life — our loss to keep the leaves and throw the flowers away. We gather up thoughts rich in tint and sweet in" fragrance, and decorate the chambers of our heart ; we fill the empty space with harmony — the music of another man's creation— and then go our way thinking how fragrant and melodious is our soul's dwelling, forgetful of the plants on which the blossoms grew, and the mind that made our music. I wonder if we were stripped of all that tbe artists of the world have done for us how we should look in our bare sleeves. They have woven our silken robes for us, breathed life into our souls, and crowned our brows with the garland of their thoughts. To any man who diverted us with his fancy, or instructed us with his wisdom, or gave us a reason for his hope, or strengthened the wing of our faith, or soothed' the discord of a jarring day, or by his divination discerned beauty that we could not see, we owe our gratitude. Known or unknown, he has been more generous to us than we to him, for he has given us his best. An interesting wedding took place at the Jewish Synagogue on Wednesday, May 3rd, when Mr "William Ginsberg, of Naseby, was united in tbe holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Hannah Pollock, of Hokitika. From an early hour crowds of people directed their steps to the synagogue, which was nicely decorated for the occasion, and filled before the bridal party arrived. At the hour appointed the bride, leaning on the arm of her brother, Mr J. Pollock, entered the building, where she was received by the bridegroom, accompanied by Mr Berman as groomsman. The bride, who was attired in a lovely pale grey corded silk, with feathei trimmings, with the ever-becoming wreath and veil, looked very charming. She carried a lovely bouquet.- The Misses Agusta and Hose Pollock were the bridesmaids, both wearing slate corduroy velvet trimmed with shot silk, and hats to match. Tbe niece and nephew of the bride, Dolly and Joseph Berman, acted as train bearers, both being dressed in cream, with hats to match. They carried bouquets, and looked a perfect picture. The sister of the bride, Mrs A. Berman, wore a veryhandsome costume of shot-green silk, and fawn felt hat trimmed with green tips. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr Harrison, and the "Wedding March" was played by the organist. At the conclusion of the ceremony the wedding party and. guests drove to the residence of Mrs Berman, where a reception was held. Mr and Mrs Ginsberg then left for Palmerston en route for Naseby under a shower of rice and ancient boots. The bride wore a travelling dress of navy velvet trimmed with beaver, with hat to match. The wedding presents were both costly and numerous, and included a handsome Wertheim sewing machine from Mr H. Ginsberg ; pair oil paintings from Mr and Mrs F. Berman; Mr Mendelsohn, mounted oak biscuit barrel; Mr Edward Bennetts, case of silver carvers ; Mr Lange, silver sugar scuttle ; Miss Rugg, case silver teaspoons; Mr Hayman, handsome lamp ; Mr atd Mrs Levy, inlaid chess table ; Misses Oohen, handsome p^ir vases ; Miss A. Pollock, cheque; Messrs Thompson and Bridger, massive brass tray; Mr and Mrs Rominson, handsome biscuit barrel; Mr Andrew, case of candlesticks, inkstand, and paper knife ; Mrs Silk, plush tea cosey ; Mr and Mrs Selig, case silver napkin rings ; D. Benjamin and 00., biscuit barrel; Mr Sargood, case silver spoons; Mr Fairbaim, case of carvers ; Mr S. Pollock, cheque ; Mr Witt, handßome biscuit barrel ; Miss Moss, hand-painted plaque ; Mr Max Kohn, case silver jam spoons ; Miss Flanagan, inlaid writing desk ; Mr Batterworth, silver eggstand and spoons; the bridegroom, handsome walnut piano ; Mr J. Pollock, two bandpainfed plush cushions; Miss R. Pollock, handsome plush - mounted oil painting ; Messrs J. and D. Berman, pair plush brackets. There were many other presents, but they are too numerous to mention all. Te eniore pablioatlon in the forthcoming isino ietteri ihonld rosoh the Witness office not later than Baturdny night. IDescriptlonn of balls, &0., must he enfiorsea by either our own correspondent for the distrlot or by the secretary to the ball aoaimittee. The MS. of any correspondent! -who do not comply with this rule Trill be lent te the secretary for ondonement prior to appearing.] WEDDING AT DUNTROON. A very pleasing ceremony took place on Wednesday, 19th ult., at Duntroon, the occasion of the marriage of Mr J. Johnston with Miss Francis, eldest daughter of Mr B. Francis. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr Hay, of Duntroon, at the residence of the bride's parents, where also an excellent wedding breakfast was laid, a great number of old friends being present to partake of it. The bride looked exceedingly handsome in her bridal dress of white cashmere trimmed with rosettes of white satin and orange blossoms, epaulettes of white yak lace, wreath, and veil. The bridesmaids, the Misses J. and E. Francis, were tastefully dressed in pale blue grenadine, low neck and short sleeves, prettily trimmed with white ribbons and lace, gloves to match. The mother of the bride wore a handsome dress of lavendercoloured silk trimmed with yak lace, and very pretty cap to match ; Mrs Johnston, mother of tkebridegroom, stylish black cashmere, with handsome whitelace cap trimmed withheliotrope velvet; Mrs Hay, a very becoming dress of black poplin relieved with old gold ; Mrs W. Stringer, neat brown cashmere ; Mrs Falconer, stylish tweed ; Mrs Scott, handsome brown silk; Mrs Emrnett, neat dress of tan cashmere, with white ruffle ; Mrs M'Nair, pretty black Italian cloth, with white lace collar and cuffs ; Miss Niven, cream Liberty silk, relieved- with pale blue ribbons ; Miss Livingston, a pretty tweed dress ; Miss Emmett, a simple dress of plaid cashinerette, prettily trimmed with brown broche satin ; Mrs Poison, stylish tweed costume, pink silk vest ; Mrs Innes, elegant costume of black satin ; Mrs Lester, neat black figured cloth, with stylish, pink silk blouse ; Mrs Nicholson, brown figured satin costume, gloves to match ; Mrs M'Millan, stylish tweed costume, white lace cuffs and collar; Mrs Bailey, handsome black silk with white lace trimmings ; Mrs J. Taylor, black cashmere, with black chiffon ; Mrs Fenton, black cashmere, gloves to match ; Mrs A. Don, steel grey cashmere prettily trimmed with lace, gloves to match ; Miss Leonard, pretty black cashmere ; Miss Robertson, pretty black cashmere, relieved with black silk. A ball was held in the evening iv the Duntroon Hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The music was supplied by Misses M'lvor and Bailey (piano), and

Messrs Sutherland and Bailey (violin). About 60 couple took part in the grand march, which was led off by the bride and best man, Mr Smillie, followed by the bridegroom and first bridesmaid, Miss J. Francis. Very pretty dresses were displayed on this occasion. Miss Johnston wore a pale fawn nun's veiling trimmed with lace and ribbons ; Miss Smillie, dark green costume ; Miss B. Smillie, stylish grey dress, with cardinal moire sash ; Miss M'Auly, cream-coloured dress trimmed with pale blue ribbons and lace ; Miss M. M'Auly, green cashmere; Miss Davidson, delaine dress, with lovr bodice trimmed with pink ribbons and lace ; Miss Bailey, very pretty dress of pale blue nun's veiling trimmed with white yak lace and ribbons ; Miss Fenton, black contume, low neck and short sleeves, trimmed with lace ; Miis Neil, white .train, with evening bodice of pink silk, fan; iMiss Grant, white dress, low bodice, prettily trimmed with swansdown and ribbons ; Miss M'Neale, dark costume trimmed with white lace, fan ; Miss M'Bean, pretty black dress, fan ; Miss L. M'Bean, white dress, low neck with sagegreen sash, fan; Miss J. Carlon, white embroidered skirt, with evening bodice of pale blue satin ; Miss M'lvor looked very nice m black, relieved with white ; Miss Nellie Richmond, goblin blue dress, low neck and short sleeves, relieved with white ; Miss Fridd, cream nun's veiling, with brick-coloured sash ; Miss L. Green, white embroidered dress, low neck and short sleeves, trimmed with pale blue ribbons arid lace ; Miss Salmon, dark blue costume with white lac«; Miss Lawrence, white dress ; Miss Adams, white dress ; Miss M'Gillvery, dark green costume ; Miss M'Vicar, pink dress, relieved with lace and ribbons ; Mrs More, strawberry braided costume ; Mrs A. Grant, black grenadine with pretty lace vest; Mrs Sutherland, pretty costume of heliotrope muslin delaine; Mrs Morris, black cashmere, pale blue silk vest ; Mrs J. Grant, neat tweed costume ; Mrs Welsh, elegant black silk trimmed with jet and lace ; Mrs F. Stringer, black cashmere with velvet trimmings ; Mrs Dewar, beautiful black silk, white satin vest, cuffs, and collar ; Mrs Parkes, white, relieved with scarlet. Mr R. Smillie, who was best man, also acted very ably as M.O. during the evening. A few songs were well sung by Mesdames Morris and Emmett, Messrs Holmes, M'Nair, Smillie, Sutherland, iVTIvor, Miller, King, and More. The singine of ' ' Auld lang syne " brought a very enjoyable evening to a close, all joining in three cheers for the i vide and bridegroom, and for Mr and j\;rs Francis for the liberal and kind way

in which they had entertained such a large gathering—perhaps the largest that had ever been seen in Duntroon. The presents of the bride were both costly and numerous— Mrs Innes, handsome silver cruet; Mrs More, silver cruet; Mrs Emmett, a case of one dozen silver teaspoons ; Mrs Bailey, a case of one dozen silver dessertspoons ; Mrs W. Stringer, handsome silver butter cooler ; Mr R. Smillie, very pretty silver butter plate and knife ; Mr A. Hutchison, pretty silver butter cooler; Mr D. Hutchison, suspending coloured glass sugar basin in silver mountings ; Mrs Fenton, silver butter cooler; Mrs J. Orr, a very handsome Princetown lamp ; Mr J. Bradford, pretty lamp ; Mrs Lester, half a dozen China cups and saucers, half a dozen plates, a pair of cake dishes, and a pair of vases ; Mrs J. R. M. Taylor, a beautiful Japanese tea tray, butter cooler, teapot, lamp, water-bottle and glass, coloured glass flower boat, and fire screen ; Miss Livingston, very pretty tray cloth and suitable text ; Mrs Livingston, very pretty enamelled amber flower basket ; Mrs Hay, a very useful present ; Mrs A. Don, also a very useful present. Two very handsome parlour tablecovers were presented by Mrs Falconer and Mrs F. Stringer: Mrs M'Nair, a very nice cushion and other useful articles; Miss Pryde, two handsome vases: Mrs Poison, two hot water jugs and a pair of coloured glass dishes ; Mrs Johnston, a very handsome parlour clock ; Mrs Geddas, a very useful present ; Miss Niven, handsome water colour picture ; Miss Salmon, two handsome vases ; the Misses M'Bean, two pretty glass ornaments ; Mrs Scott, some very useful articles ; and a great number of other presents too numerous to mention.— One op the Guests.