WINTER FASHIONS IN MELBOURNE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2209, 2 July 1896, Page 44

WINTER FASHIONS IN MELBOURNE.

By Oigabette.

The oold weather now reigning in Melbourne has brought tweeds we'll to the lore. "Powder" and sapphire blue appear to be the favourite hues, and sequins and velvet the most popular trimmings. Tabbed collars outlined In sequins are very much worn. These give the necessary breadth to the shoulders, and take the place of epaulettes. The neck band worn with them is aleo cut out in tabs to correspond. Figured velveteen has had its day, and is now befog got rid of at the sales at a Bbillicg a yard. Striped black and white velveteen is still popular,- and white satin is introduced on black dresses with a very good effect ; but it must be sparingly used or it does away with the chic appearance of the gown.

Tailor-made gowns are always fashionable, but not always becoming, the lines being too severe for some women. However, for lady bioyclists they are a sine qua non. Capes are very much worn this winter, and are to, be purchased at from 12s Gd upwards. Thibet fur Is the most popular trimming* It is put round the neok only ; double capes are a thing of the past.

And now a word about sleeves. Quite a 'reaction is setting in, and instead of the huge stiffened balloon sleeve, so unbecoming to short, stout people, we find a tight-fitting, wrinkled sleeve is the latest thing oat, the necessary fullness at the top being obtained by means of three frills falling one above the other. The effect in a soft, thin material is very charming, and doubtless this style will be a favourite for spring and summar blouses. A novel feature of this sleeve also is the point which falls over the waist in imitation of the ludor period. Golf jerseys, no doubt, have found their way toDunedin. These were very fashionable in England last winter, but do not seem to have caught" on as yet in Melbourne. Millinery this winter is almost Indescribable. Flowers are much worn, and some very glaring colours are Introduced— vlplet and petunia, for instance, find their way into the same hat with anything but happy effect. There were some lovely bonnets and toques at Madame Trebelli's matinee— one composed of crushed roses, pale lemon chiffon, and an aigrette was almost charming enough to divert one's attention from the prima donna herself. Madame Trebelli has become a great favourite in Melbourne. She scored a great success at the final matinee, eaoh song being greeted with rapturous applause, and whan ehe sang the famous laughing song i.he whole of the immense audience in the Town Hall responded with audible laughter. MrProuae, too, met with a warm welcome, and Miss Maggie Sterling, looking very nice in a brown costume and hat with a duster of pink roses at her breast, was very loudly applauded for her singing of "The braes of Balquhidder." Bat to return to oar "moutons," just a word or two about evening dress before I cease. „ Evening blouses are, if possible, more dressy than ever. There is very little of the blouse about them except the name. Square fronts are the most worn, and shoulder straps of passementerie give a jewelled effect to the garment.' Silk creponß in black make most useful Bkirte for evening wear, and a ooloured silk evening dress which has seen its best days can be made quite up-to-date by covering it with an overskirt of the same ooloured net made with half a dozen tiny tucks at the hem outlined in narrow satin ribbon to matob.

ANNUAL RAILWAY BALL AT INVERCARQIIX.

Dbak Emmeune,— The railway employees of Invercargill district held their annual conversazione, supper, and dance in Hanan's Hall on Thursday evening, 18th ult. There were about 60 couples present, and the hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens and flagß. Miss A. Peters (piano) and Mr J. M'Gregor (violin) sup< plied excellent mubic, assisted' at intervals by Mr William Macleod ou tha bagpipes. Mr Arthur Haslemore performed the duties of M.O. in a creditable manner. The office-bearers of committee were Messrs William Macleod (Traffic department), hon. secretary; John Bras3(Locomotive department), chairman) ; and A. Nisbet (Locomotive department), treasurer. During the evening capital songs were sung by Misses Morrison and Robiu«on and Mr Whitmore, and Messrs Blackwood (Gore) and Thomson (luvercargill) gave step dancesin capital style. Supper waslaid in the room below the hall, and was partaken of at midnight, when everyone seemei to enjoy the good things which were laid before them. When supper was over Mr Whitcombe.'district traffic manager, who was a guest, made a capital Bpeech, which was much appreciated by those who listened to him. Mr Brass briefly responded. Dancing was again begun, and was kept up till 5 o'clock, when all dispersed for their home 3, hiving enjoyed themselves heartily. The catering was in the hands of Mr Kwg&land. who is voted for the excellent manner in which he carries out his work. Among the ladies present I noticed Miss Eva Mair in a pretty moss-greon velvet, with n bodice relieved with pale green brocade ; Miss Mackenzie, pretty dark skirt, silk blouse ; Miss Aggie Mackenzie, pale^green cashmere and plush ; Miss Roche, pretty cream dress trimmed with satin ; Miss Anderson, pink nuu's veiling; Miss Lily Camp, bell, cream cashmere; Miss Reid, pretty white dress; Miss Morrison, black; Miss Kavanagh, cream dress trimmed with pretty lace; Miss Robinson, pale green ; Mis.'es Brsss, pretty cream crepon dresses; Miss Millie Peters, cream dress; Miss M'lvor, green and pink ; Miss Trewick, black and green ; Miss Gilchrist, black and pink ; Miss Ritchie, pale blue ; Miss Thomas (Kingston), black velvet, with old gold sleeves and sash : Mrs A Mackenzie, haud?ome black velvet and jet; Mrs A. Rankin, dark brown and old gold velvet; Mrs J. Brass, black and pink ; Mra A. Hislop, black satin ; Mrs M'lnerny, black silk, with spray of red poppies on bodice: Mra Wm. M'Lood, cream surah; Mrs.D. M Killop, black velvet; Mrs J. W. Ailken, cream cashmere. There were several other very pretty dresfes worn, but I did not know the wearers.— Onlooker.