LADIES' GOSSIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2200, 30 April 1896, Page 43

LADIES' GOSSIP.

* . * Mr George M. Pullman, tha America^ raUvray-o*rrlage-bnildingmuitl-milllonalre,l< happy because bis daughter Florence haH elected to play the leading rdle in a real drama that might be called " The Romance of a Poor Young Man." Miss Pullman is 26 years of age. For 10 years she has been besieged by suitors of every clime and class. Princes, barons, oounts have bowed in rapture over her heiitaticg hand. But Mr Pullman discouraged all foreigners on marriage bent. The right man eventually turned up in the form of Mr Fiack O. Lowden, a comparatively poor but handsome and olever young fellow, who, from being a farm lad, has worked himself .up into a high position in the legal profession at Chicago. They are to be married in Jane.

• . ■ The Queen is always averse to adopting new fashions, says Woman's Life. It has frequently been asserted that she ifl disinclined to spend much upon her dress, but (says a gossip) this is far from the case, She is rather lavish than otherwise in ordering new clothes, albeit fashioned in a bygone mode. Black silks and brocades of «a exquisite quality are specially woven for her. ■ . ■ The ex-Empr«*s Eugenic has made her will, and a pleasant excitement among her numerous godsons in France is the result. She constituted herself godmother of all male children born in France on the birthday of her son, the late Prince Imperial, who was killed in the Zulu War. The number amounts to 3834, each of whom she has remembered in her will.

• . ■ The Greek girls of families of high social position make their debut at the age of 10, the occasion being a children's Court ball, held by King G3orge and Queen Olga every year at the palace towards the end o£ November. The young debutantes dress in white, and wear silk mittens, their dark hair, nearly always curly, hanging down their backs, but tied together with ribbon. After the first appearance they go to the ball every year, until they marry or are too old for this festivity. Ohaperonage is very strict, and marriages are arranged very early, most girls being manisd before they are 16.

• . • "A new and very effective lace is,* ■ays a writer in a Home paper, " being worn just now; the .foundation is black, and the pattern white.* It is used greatly for trimming opera cloaks, mantles, dresses and bonnets, &c, and makes quite a pretty effect. Another novelty is the multicolors feather, so called for its different colours, so happily blended as to produce the effect of shot silk by means of the process ' eleotro< teinture.' Some of these feathers are green shaded into mauve and crimsop, others pink and blue, and some reddish-brown and yellow. A most beautiful dress of white mirror moire, oalled militza, has jnst been made byone of our first dressmakers. The skirt, trea ftgodets, was wldo and full, and embroidsßßS^

over the hips with designs In oat steel beads. 1 The olose-nttlDg bodice was gathered in at the waist behind, and formed a blouse in front, embrowned like the skirt. Bound the collar the steel beads are mixed with uncut Wquoiees. The lotg sleeves were of one pieoe, drawn in at the elbow with a moire hovf tight-fitting to the wrist, where they finished off wlt\i email oafffi of turquoise A high inside collar oj! turquoise velvet bad two small ears of White moire, 'embroidered alao in steel beads. The waist jbelt is composed o! turquoise velvet prettily idraped, ending on the left side with a large jbow." " *V In New York society the most Jmnottant " coming-out " announoed is that ot groung-Elliotb Shepard, grandson of William 51. Vanderbilty and favourite nephew of fWQlie K. VanderbUt. Elliott's mother's (Country, house on the Hudson ftiver has cost her'niore than 2,000,000 J0], and contains about. 260 rooms. Twelve rooms belong to Elliott. He has everything there that a spoiled prince of a realm could cry for. *;■ The. Queen never removes from her jfcatfd the three rings connected with her icourtship and marriage. *;' The Empress of Japan is described as ?' a little woman, who almost disappears from ,yiew in the long-trained Worth dresses she [wears at court oeremonies." But-ehe atones jin dignity for her lack of height. She is {philanthropic, and many asylums and hosipitals owe their existence to her. ' * . * Referring to teetbology, it is generally 'laid that people who have spaoes between Itheir front teeth will become' rich, while jthose whose front teeth are concave in the Inside, forming a curve where the end of the /tongue can lodge itself, are olever and have Igooa memories. Again, as regards the hair, pi is a well-known saying that those women (Whose hair forms a peak on the forehead will [become widows, while those whose hair forms a peak in the nap 6of the neck— and this, Way -be observed in children at school who vrear their hair short — are dunces.

*.*ln the great National Museum at j&xnstefdam, one of the most interesting apartments is tbat in which may be jeen miniature houses with glass sides, Which represent the dwellings of wealthy burghers, of nobles, and of peasants during lour centuries. Each apartment is accufratwly furnished, and' the dolls and figures are dressed in the oostume of their time. It Is a valuable object lesson of the social Jrislory of Holland, It was begun by a child, continued by her father, and is now in ohsrge Of the Government*

' * . ' The univtotfty youth is supposed to jftudy seriously the exceedingly risque Comedies of Aristophanes, but hitherto the heading of novels has been treated as wastJug his time. To the American University of Yale belongs the distinction ef being the first to extend to the modern fictionist the always accorded to hie ancient predecessors. This yaar Dr Phelps has proposed a course of lectures on the modern novel, and no less than 250 have '{joined/ his class. Ten novel* have been selected for stucly. Curiously enough, no less than seven, are by non-Americans: E. G. jßla'ckmore, Mrs Humphry Waid, George Moore, Stanley Weyman, Stevenson, Kipling, bud Da Maurlor ("Trilby "). • *. ' The German Empredf drives in State in ft carriage drawn by six blaok horses, the outriders being in green-and-whlte and her guard in white uniform,

•-. . A curious little quarrel has sprung up lately between the two German Empresses, fcbe reigning Augusta and the Empress Frederic, for both have taken under their high patronage'fe poetess who is now the marvel of the literary world of Berlin, Johanna Ambro-. Bins by name. For a certain time, Johanna did not show any perf«renoe, but in her secret heart she liked best her German-born Kalserin, aud, though she knew that the Empress Frederic meant to offer her to her guests fus a novelty and a surprise on a nertein ev«nicg, she accepted the command ot her young Majesty for the day before. tb« proud dowager Empress, not caring to play seoond fiddle, would have no more of bar. Wilhelm II and his angnrt wife having secured the wonderful Johanna first, a grand oonoert wm beirg organised in Berlin under their patronage to gather a mm of money which would enable Frau Atabroftiue to live oomfortably in town. The aid of the Empress Frederic was the first to p» asked for, but her answer was character-, istic, though no oaa dares to say that it was Hpiteful. "Johanna Ambrosias in Bsrlin," •he said, " will be shut up like a nightingale in a cage ; I liked her as a peasant ; Ido not care a scrap for her as a poetess laureate ; those who have started her on that line may go. on, I shall not help them." However, and whatever happens, Johanna is sure of becoming immortal, for the illustrious author of the " Hymn to Mgto " is now setting to music some of Johanna's verses, and what more could she wish 1 * . ■ Migßon, the little daughter of Madame Emma Nevada, the prima donna, made her debut before KiDg Alphonso XIII of Spain pome weeks ago, and his nine-year-old Majesty was enohanted. When Mignon, ■who is just one year hie junior, had finished her first pieoe, the King ran out of the room, reappearing shortly after loaded with bonboßG, which ha threw Into the little girl's ' lap as she sat on the Queen Regent's knee.

• . • Sit Philip Ourrie is to leave Constantinople about the end of April, and affair remaining in England for a short time he Will return to Constantinople In order to present to the Sultan his letters of recall, and then he will go to Paris as British Ambassador to the French Republic, in succession to Lord Dufferin. Although, of course, everyone will be very sorry to say good-bye to Lord and Lady Duffsrin, the advent of Lady Carrie will certainly bo a pleasing event in Parisian eooiety. For many years this gifted poetess was, as Violet Fane, in correBpoadenoe with Victor Hugo, Renan, and raany other noted French men of letters, and this melange of tsondaice and literary tac!y fa. always popular iv the Ville Lumiere. So there is little or no doubt that the amiable, charming, and gifted siiter of Sir Archibald liamb will make the Hotel Borghese an even more brilliant place of meeting than it is npw. .• . • Apropos of the Transvaal, the following is the manner in wbiah a young couple's fianoaiQee take plioe. A young man, having reflected on the list ot glrLn to be married in the «afjro&4 peta a wattiw into his bat)

takes a box of plums sfnd a candle, then, jumping on horseback, goes to pay a visit to the family whioh is" No. 1 on his list. On entering the. house the young man offers the plums to the mother, which are always accepted. If his offer is also, accepted, the oandle brought by the would-be bridegroom is lit, and Mamira Transvaalian makes with her finger a mark in the wax, and then retires. So long as the flame has not reaohed the mark traced by the mother, the young man and girl are left together. The engagement and the wedding are the scenes of great rejoicings for tha families whom' this marriage concerns, bunting^and shooting, parties, races, festivities, dances, &a., truly primitive manners which have good in them, perhaps.

'«,' Miss Bboda Broughton, the novelist, is a lover of roses, and her little old house in a little old street in Oxford has a walled garden which is overran with rose bushes and latticed vines.

*.' The house at Broadstairs which the Q*ueen occupied when a little girl is for sale. The dwelling is just a good-sized villa, surrounded by pretty grounds, situated on tha billy road leading from the station to the High street of the little town. Princess Victoria, as she was then, was accompanied by her mother, the Duchess of Kept ; and, according to local tradition, the future Sovereign of England devoted most of her time to riding a donkey -on the sands.

' .* A Paris correspondent writes as follows in a Home paper:— "l have heard from a reliable source that' there is to be a obange in fashions. Dress akirts will be narrower and Btrafghter than formerly, with only two or three godets behind. Sleeves, already less voluminous, are likely to become more and more so as the spring advances, and will derive their style from the trimming, pleats, gathers, and ornaments plaoed on the upper part in preference to the back or front. The reign of crepon, too, is over. Dull mohair of all shades, and, for dress costumes, glazed taffetas, antique green and antique pink, according to the fashions of the last ceutury, and pekins, with narrow stripes, will be much in favour. Two materials for dresses will be used, the foundation of one and the trimming of the other. Louis Quinze and Louis Seise styles will be much in vogue, as also fronts in lace, muslin, lawn, and mousseline de sole."

*.'A woman of fashion has conceived the brilliant notion of a new weddingbasket instead of the usual white paper wedding box. These small .affairs are made by the doasu. They are of narrow white straw, an inch wide, and caught together by ribbon of the same width and of the same tint. On both sides of this ribbon is a silver or gold cord, which is very ornamental. These receptacles are a trifle larger than the common wedding box. In the centre will be a large piece of wedding cake completely hidden by an inside lace arrangement. This basket is very gorgeously ornamented on the outside by a croaru ribbon two inches in width, which is put around tho middle, terminating in a v/011-made bow with ends. This ie a new departure, and exceedingly pretty. - Miss Gertrude Vanderbilt. AN AMERICAN PRINCESS. The rumour of the engagement of Miss Gertrude Vanderbilt, daughter of the present head of the house of that name, suggests in the secrecy which is maintained regarding it the red tape connected with the marriage of a princess royal. No daughter of the Prince of Wales ever had an engagement of marriage more carefully guarded until time to announce it, and no princess of England ever had the luxury surrounding her life from birth that this Americas princess enjoys.

Miss Gertrude Vanderbilt, be she engaged or not, is at this time tho naosl striking figure in > American society. She ie hedged in by oeremony and guarded by family pride until the irorld seldom sees her. Yet from her originate countless charities, numerous employments for poreons who would lack them but for the " American prinoesa," and entertainments for young and old Americans and strangers who vieit this country.

It is said that Miss Vanderbilt has entertained daring her two first seasons in society more families of governors and. presidential aspirants than any other young woman that ever lived since .the colonial days of General Lafayotte, when one'young woman was hostess for the nation. Tho American priuoeqs has a thousand times the luxury of the old-world princess.

The subject of this sketoh is a young woman about 20 years of age. She is of medium height and dark in style. She is very brunette and is npt a handsome girl. Her hair does not lie in natural ripples round her face, and her eyes are a little too far apart for great beauty. There are flaws in her appearance, but this only makes her more like an every-day yourg woman with the halo around her of actual gold— all the money and possessions that a young woman could have.

Take these conditions and you have the American princess as she is to-day.

MUs Gertrude Vandtrbilt possesses the first requirements of a prino«ss in that she has a castle. Yes, and more than one. The marvellous residence in New York city was built for her special use alone. For years the older house, itself the grandest that up to tbat time had ever been seen, served the family very well. But as soon as the daughter grew old enough to come out in society, a new one had to be built.

At a cost of half a million for the property ell the adjoining houses were bought and torn down, and on the plot upon the rear was constructed a lawn which lies under the girl's windows and keeps her view clear to Central Park. This property is opposite the open plaza by which the park is entered, and to estimate the coat of this American princess's lawn would be stepping into figures that would not be believed. Suffice to say that it ia the most expensive double plot in the world. Even the Bqaare in front of Windsor Castle would cell for less in dollars.

The 6oite of room 3 overlooking the plot are fairyland it«elf. Below them lias won* derful plants, kept ever-glorious by a trained gardener, and inside there is a dream in white and blue deooratJons. It is said that famous painters frescoed these walls. And this must be the truth, for such beautiful frescoes as surround the many miirors set in the walls were never seen before, Them an mnny rooms ia ttt« f Bite, ao4 the

bathroom is an eastern idol in onjx, white and ooloured atones, and semi-preoious gems. Th« Amerioau princess is here only a month or ao in the year, bub her suite awaits her always.

L'ke all prlaoesses Bhe has more than one castle. In Newport there is a mansion so stately that reports of it were cabled around the world as its work progressed. Fountains play inside ; conservatories shed their bloom through the house; statues that were made in Rome, and are either the aotual ohlaellicg * ot the Old masters or great reproductions, stand around. The two colossal figures that support the slab in the grand salon ate declared worth a fortune to any poor man. la getting up all this the father of the American princess has been very liberal to his own countrymen, and he, like the father of all princesses, delights in knowing that his daughter's popularity is due largely to the number of people he supports in giving luxuries to her.

In London there is another place. It is occupied yearly, unless forgotten for a busy season ; and down on Long Island is another. Some idea of the elegance of this last-named little country house may be had when one considers that the twin house to it was selected for a grand honeymooning for the Duke and Duchess of Marlborongb. It occupies acres of land with its summer houses, outhouses, butter houses, and arbors ; and the American princess, when she rune down bore with her young companions, can forget she is a princess and be a girl again.

As princesses are known not so much by what they have as what they give, this American prinoess steps far over the royal boundary in her benefactions. These, besides being numerous, are generic She has certain set charities which she supports herself.

In St. Bartholomew's Cburoh, where she is a member, there is a obarity for small children which looks to Misa Vauderbilt yearly for its sustenance. She gives.it not only clothing and cast-off things, but money, cheques, gold, and dollars — aotual dollars.

Another charity — and this one is said to bo almost entirely sastained by her — is the institution of St. Bartholomew's mission. This occupies a large building, and reaches out its arms in every conceivable direction. Men will find work and children find food. Nothing but oan be obtained here. Educations are the smallest of the gifts. References of character and recommendations are given as merely so many gracious words.

To this charity Miss Vanderbilt goes often in person. Aad to it she gives immense sums. It would not be fair to say that she supports it, for this would cost perhaps a million a year, but if her private contributions were withdrawn a year the mission would lack all things sadly.

Privately, this American princess gives away stacks. No other word tella it. Clothing, musio lessons, railroad tickets—everything that the straggling can .want— come from her. She gives these things incidentally aB they are asked for. It takes up none of her time. It is done by a word to her secretary or oompanion or maid. A word from the princess carries almost a fortune to those who want.

After her regular charities are counted comes the benefactions whioh she doeß by her own luxuries. No young woman owning so many equipage*, employing so many maids, presiding over so many sets of golf links, and having at her call so many 'kennels of dogs, can help supporting many a family in oaring for them. This American prinoess is allowed )to pay liberally for all she gets, and to be in her employ is to be assured of a comfortable support for life and a security for one's family afterwards. To this there are many in snug homeß around New York who oan testify.

The American prinoess is very fond of dogs. An artist, seeing her once with a longlegged hound snuggling by hereido, sketched her with the serious look upon her faoe she commonly wears. Her wealth is to her a matter of course, but she feels the responsibility of dispensing it, young as she is. Fabulous stories are told of her private luxuries. It is said that she has four sets of golf links for her favourite game wherever she may be— in London, at Newport, down at the country plaoa on Long Island, or up the Hudson. Her kennels of dogs and packs of hounds are dwelt upon by those who see her. It she were to let loose her dogs of war, according to those who have seen her with her animals, she could stand in a field four miles square and have hounds gathered around her until they faded off in the distance like toy dogs, bo many are her kennels.

H«r horses and equipages are wonderingly described in the same way; but to all is added the fact tbat men have constant employment caring for them. Though the princess may not use them for seasons, they never are rented or loaned to throw anyone out of work.

A small green enamel piano, costing 15,000301, went the rounds of the whispers a few days ago, and was visited and listened to with joy. And there are tales of what she is doing now for a Now Year benefaction to all.

The latest rumour is that this American princess is engaged to be married. There is splendid foundation for the story. It is almost safe to say that it is true. Bat like the Princess Maud of Wales, this American princess is protected from embarrassment until the news is ready for the world, and then all will rejoice that the most favoured girl of the nation is going to take a step which means the consummation of all things for a princess.— Helen Wakd, in ths Free Press. 05" Descriptions of billi, &0., must be endorsed by either tb Witness correspondent for the district or by the socretar; to the ball committee. The MS. of ao) correspondents wht do no comply with this rule will be sent to the icoretarj for endori-t ment prior to appearing.— EMMELlNE. To ensure publication in the forthcoming Issue, letters should reaoh the Witness office If possible on Saturday niiht, but on no acoount later tbat Monday nielit. FASHIONABLE WEDDING AT WESTPORT. The desire to sea a pretty wedding seems to be paneral everywhere, but the manif natation at > v t. Johu'a Church on Tuesday, April 14, ha=i not besn approsehed before in Westport. On this occasion the Rev. H. W. Cowx solemnised the mairiace of MrT. Alexander Askew, of Nelson, to Miss Minnie Morris, eldest daughter of Mr John Morris, of Holly Cottage, We tport. Long before the hour announced, the church was crowded, and the stroet and entrance to the church had their share of eager spectators. Seats had been reserved for the invited guests (who numbered over 100). The church was beautifully decorated in honour of the bride (who had long been a leading and popular member of St. John's choir), and combined With t&t bright colours viwux by the. ladies pasent

formed a gay and effective scene. The service was choral, a full choir attending ; Miis Larsen officiating ■as organist. The bridegroom was attended by Mr Scott, of Nelson, who acted as best man t assisted by Mr T. Cross (Wallington). The bride, leaning on her father's arm, and looking very charming in her bridal attire, walked slowly up the aisle, the cynoaure of all eyes. She wore a handsome gown of cream surah Bilk, with square train edged by a full ruche. The high bodice, was made with a plain back, the front plightly full and lightly draped with creim chiffon and ornamented with a garniture of bridal flowers ; sleevea of the new butterfly shape, finished at the wrist with falling chiffon ; a pretty butterfly bow at the nape of the neck gave a becoming touch to an elegant bodice. A coronet wreath of orange blossoms was worn under the long embroidered veil, secured by a beautiful crescent-shaped jawelled brooch, the gift of the bridegroom, who also gave the bride a handsome curb bracelet of gold, a double jubilee Eovereizn brooch, and an exquisite shower bouquet of choicest white flowers with streamers of white ribbon, which completed her toilet. Bhe was attended by four bridesmaids, her two sisters (the Misses Veda and May Morrif) in pretty dresses of a delicate shade of heliotrope crepon, made with cream velvet basques and ribbons ; large creim velvet picture hats trimmed with upstanding bows of shot heliotrope ratin ribboa aud jewel buckles. Two dainty maidens (Mis 3 Winnie Hughes and Mies Rubie Askew) wore empire frocks of eau de nil crepon trimmed with lace, and pink and eau de nil ribbons ; large pink velvet picture hats trimmed with eau de nil frill and loops. They carried crooks prettily decorated with streamers of the same colours. All the brideama!ds wore handsome gold and atecthyst brooches, the gift of the bridegroom, who also give the two eldest lovely bouquets of white flowers. At the conclusion of the ceremony a move was made to th 6 vestry iv order to append signatures, after which they left the church to the joyous strains of the Wedding March." The bridal party then adjourned to the Victoria Theatre, which had been beautifully fitted up as a reception room for the occasion, and tastefully decorated with artistic drapings, flowers, ferae, and pot plants Mrs J Morris thf-re held a reception, to which about 100 guest*, chiefly relations and friends of both families, were invited Refreshments, delicious in kind and variety, wera served, and a most enjoyable time was sp 'nt. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by Mr R. A. Young and responded to by the bridegroom. The beat man proposed the health x>f Mr and Mrs Morris in a few appropriate wordo. The weather being brilliantly fine, the town was quite en fete, and the shipping in the harbours both of Westport and Nolson was g>y with bunting. The happy couple left the same evening by the Graftoa for Nelson, bearing with thorn the good withes of everyone. Farewell rockets were fired from the steamer as she glided gracefully down stream.

Mrs J. Morris (mother of the bride) wore a dress of rich black nierveilleux with vest and cuffs of cream brocade, jet bommt with pink roses ; Mrs Askew (mother of the bridegroom) wore a dark green moire gown with mantle of lace and jet, and pretty spangled bonnet ; Mrs J. S. Cross (Wellington), heliotrope fhke tweed trimmed with gold and heliotrope Bilk; Trilby velvet bonnet with osprey and wallflowers; Mrs Hughes handeome gown of electric blue cloth, with bodice of pompadour silk trimmed with cloth and passementerie of the flame shade, full bishop sleeves of the cloth, small hat to match. Viewed from the gallrry the scene below— especially in the evening when the hall was brilliantly lighted — was extremely pretty and effective, the elegant toilettes worn by the ladies in conjunction with the bright background of flags and palms making a charming picture. The bride went away wearing a handsome costume of brown fUke tweed, the bodice trimmed with blown velvet, vest and cuffs of red Indian silk veiled with yellow lace, tweed cape, and toque hat en mite. An accomplished vocalist, combined with a rare gift for orgauising entertainments in furtherance of public objects, charities, <6c, with a will'ingnesti to respond to every call upon her time and talents, Mrs Alexander Askew will tie much mi'sad in Wen tport. She loaves a blxuk in musical citcles which will not easily be filled.

In the evening Mrs 3. Morris gave a dance at the Victoiia Theatre, which fittiugly closed the wedding festivities. The following is a" list of the handsome presents received by the bride and bridegroom : — Mr aud , Mrs J. Morris, salad bowl and servers ; bridegroom, handsome m'zp»h ring ; Mrs Aflkew, cheque ; Mr and Mra Hughe9, silver cake basket ; Mra Pryde and daughters (Melbourne), silver bread platter and knife ; Muses E. and L Morris, silver tea kettle, pillow ehania, sach -t, brush pocket and d'oyleys ; Mr and Mre Morris, cheque ; Misa A. Morris, silver-mounted biscuit barrel; Mr and Mra G. Craddock, silver toast ra"k ; Mrs Kerr, plush tea cusy ; Misses B and S. Morris, wicker fern stands ; Mrs Cross (Wellington), embroidered pillow shuns; Mr T. Cross, gold and arnetbyst brooch ; Mr and Mrs Bundle, Japanese table and silk handkerchief; Mrs J. Suisted, satin and xaacrame bed sachet ; Mr and Mra Weston, silver jam spoons and butter kuife ; Mr and Mrs Sheath, cake basket; Mr and Mrs GiHon, silver card receiver ; Mr and Mrs Harden, silver serviette ringa ; Mrs Cochrane, album ; Mrand Mrs Bkck, lady's companion and saucers; Miss and Matter Bundle, naif a dozen eggshell china cups and saucers; Mrand Mrs Greenland, silver and pearl butter knife ; Mr and Mrs Murdoch, silver card tray ; Mr and Mrs Munro, silver butter dish and knife ; Westport Harmonic- Society, gold and rooonntons Brooch ; Mr Kawosley, fish servers ;,Mr and M>s Struthera, double jam dish ; Rev. and Mrs Baine, silver cruet; Mr and Mrs Davidson, embroidered Oriental silk drapery ; Mrs Richardson, silver jam spoons ; Mr Coote, silver bread foik ; Mr and Mn Townson, lace and ivory fan ; Mr and Mrs O'Leary, nilver serviette rings ; Mr and Mrs Lipgins, silver carver rests ; Mrand Mrs Wilson, honey jar ; Mr and Mra Sowerby, bi-ictut barrel; Mr and Mrs Marahall, silver inkstand ; Mr and Mrs Turner, Japanese bowl; Mr and Mrs W. Wright, band-painted mirror; City Council (Nelson), silver hotwuter kettle ; Shipping Department (Nelson), gold pendant compass : Mr and Mis Robinson, painting ; Mr and Mrs Emeison, silver inkstand ; Mr and Mrs Cossgrove, Roman jar and Doulton jar ; Misses Richardson, silver sugar spoons ; Mr Griffen, hand-painted picture frame ; Misa Cooper, cream jug and sugar basin ; Misb Jacobsoo, handprinted picture frame ; Miss Maddison, honey jar and card tray ; Miss Munaon, marmalade jar ; j Mise Smith, picture frame ; Miss Enright, picture I frame ; Mis* Price, pillow shams and toilet cover ; Mr G. F«lla (Hokitika), volume Longfellow's poems: Mrs Easson (Greymoutn), river bread fork ; Mr and Mrs Dobson, silver cream jug ; Mr Waita (Christchurch), silver-plated fruit stand ; Mra Tyrell Phillips, oak and silver sugar bowl, gold s'fter, and set of monogram serviette rings ; Miss Poole. pair fancy vases; Mesdames Muntz and Srnallbone, travelling trunk ; j Mr and Mrs Barrowman, bed spread ; Mr and Mra Guineas, silver toast raok: Mrs Young, handbag and purie to match ; Mr and j Mrs Pickering, silver-mounted vases; Mr F. i Morris, fish slice and fork; Misses V. and M. Morris and Messrs S. aud B. Morris, silver tei and coffee service ; Mra Whyte, pickle jar, silver salts, mustard and pepper ; Mrs Dawson (Waimangaroa), silver sugar basin and tonga ; Miss Adam- j son (Wanganui), daraaak cloths ; Mrs R. Falla, drawn thread cosy ; Westport Lawn Tennis Club travelling rug; Mr and Mrs W. Gothard, footstool; Miss Butland, fern basket; Mr and Mra Larsen, fruit and flower stand ; Mr and Mrs J. S. Peterkiu, double silver inkstand ; Miss Lloyd, cheese knife and pickle fork ; Mrs Colvin, netted d'oyley : Miss Burns, pickle jar and fork; Mr and MrsT. P. Williams, silver breakfast cruet; Messrs E. W. Mile», pair silver candlesticks ; Mr and Mr.< Dale, plaque; Rev. and Mrs Cowx, silver purse and volume ; Mr and Mrs Bailie, si'ver jam dish ; Mrs Leech, set of handkerchiefs. SPINSTERS' BALL AT PEMBROKE. Dear EMMEUNE,-On the night of Wednesday, Bth inst., the spinsters of Pembroke gave a most enjoyable ball m~Mr Sachtler'g Hall. It proved a most undoubted success, and was complete in all details. Unfortunately it was raining hard, but this did not seem to affect the attendance in any i way. Fully 50 couples took part in the grand march, which was led off by Miss E. Hedditch, who was an efficient M.C. The committee consisted ef Misses. M'Guirk, Mary Mackay, Laura

Parsons, B. Sachtler, and Edith Reddftcb. Visito 8 from all parts of the district were present Mm Hedditoh supplied the mnaic on the pfeno ana Mr It. Miller on the violin. The following is » list of the principal dresses, but there were many others, all of which it Is of course impossible to mention :— Miss Mountney (Cromwell), yellow silk ; Miss Margaret DL-kie, pink nun's veiling trimmed with pink chiffon ; Miss Jean Dickie, white dresfl trimmed with green velvet 5 Misa Grace M'Guirk (Arrow), pink ana's veiling trimmed with pink chiffon ; Mi*B Gilmour (Arrow). fawn dress, bine silk trimmings ; Miss Stockweli (Cardrona), whit* satin tummed with white fisher's net ; Misa M'l.eod (Sandy Point), heliotrope crepon trimmed with black velvet'; Miaa Cayford, blue sateen with cream trimmings ; Miis B. Russell, pink net with green ribbon trimmings ; Miss D. Mackay, cream cashmert, silk trimmings ; Miss May Russell, cream and heliotrope delaine trimmed with heliotrope silk; Miss M'Guirk (Arrow), heliotrope nun's veiling trimmed with bows and ribbons to match ; Miss Mackay, white satio, pink silk trimmings; Misa Sichtler, whit* embroidered dress with white chiffon trimmings ; Mies Parsons, salmon crepon trimmed with white chiffon ; Miss Amy Pareonp, white muslin relieved with red ; Miss Hedditcb,' heliotrope satin trimmed with cream lacej Mi«s Swing, erey dress ; Miss Kane (Grandview) r dark skirt, blue blouse ; Miss Knowles, durk skirt, cream blauae ; Miss Low (Arrow), fawn skirt, heliotrope.htonse ; Mius Howejohn, dark skirt, green blouse ; Miss B. Howejohn, black ; Miss Fox, black with whits trimmings ; Miss King, brown ; Misses Drake (2>, white and navy dresses; Mias Haliday, dark dress; Miss Haggle Cameron, dark skirt and pink Mouse ; Miss Mary Miller, dark skirt, pink blouse; Miss Walsh (Cardrona), dark skirt, pale blue blouse; Mi«sTrevathen(Luggate) | darkskirt, white blouse ; Miss E iith Wilson, white dras ; Miss Anderson, white dress ; Miss T. Evring, white dress; Miss Leal, dark ekiit, white blouse;- Mrs Craig, black lace drew trimmed with old gold silk ; Mrs ATaider (Cromwell), black satin trimmed with white lace ; Mrs Birker, dove-coloured drws % with gimp trimming ; Mra Austin (Oardroca), bl*ck ; Mrs P«raons, brown ; Mrs Hedditch, black ; Mra Semens, cardinal trimmed with black finher'i net ; Mrs Reroer, black ; Mrs P. M'DongftU, fawn trimmed with l*ce and flowers : Mra C. J. Ruuell, black-; Mrs Anderson (Luggate), black. The lady committee wish to think those bachelors who co kindly assisted.- Correspondent.