LADIES' GOSSIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2268, 19 August 1897, Page 44

LADIES' GOSSIP.

•.•The latest social fad in New York is the eveaiDg bicycle reception. An event of this sort does not utilise the name of the bicycle to give it standing as it were, but because it is strictly a bicycle affair. Only cyclists are invited. In fact it would be a very great bore to anyone not interested in the wheel. Like the bicycle itself, it has reached the crest of the wave of popularity in a remarkably short space of time. It seems to have come to stay. Of coarse the bicyole reception must have an objective point, as it were, and the 1897 mount of the hostess is it. Her cycling friends gather about and examine tbe new machine critically. The curves in the frame, the shape of the handlebars, and tbe make of the saddle all come in for a great deal of attention. The new wheel, if tbe hostess is not above display, is usually decorated with inlaid mother-of-pearl, or silver bands and filigree work are used to advantage. Real ivory bandies also are a new feature. When the company is assembled — for the reception has certain hours, which must be punctually observed — the discussion begins. Tbe bicycle must be the subject, and it is rapidly becoming the custom at these receptions for each guest to give her. latest and queerest experience upon the wbeel. Those who have attended events of this class say that the most charming raconteur of a non-bicycle mind would be totally unappreciated on such occasions. t The talk is of the wheel and wheeling. It is impossible to divorce the bicycle dress from the minds of the feminine contingent of cyclists, and the different styles shown by the tailors arc talked over.

• . ■ A enrious story comes from Ceyloa in connection with the King of Siam's recent visit to England. Hia Majesty, with all the devotion of a pious Buddhist, expressed a desire to ccc the tooth-relic in the D^lada Maligawa Temple, in Kandy. A royal reception was accorded him. Tbe King said his prayer?, and the priest went into ecstasies ever his presents of robes and jewels. Everything went well until bis Majesty asked to be allowed to handle tbe precious relic. This the high priest politely but firmly declined. Boyalty might look, but royalty mightn't touch. Royalty thereupon returned to his carriage in a huff, and bis presents with him, to the no little confusion of the over-zealous Unnanse. Considering that the sacred tooth was taken to Ceylon in a lady's hair, surely a Jring might touch it. • . • The Qaeen still wears the style of ahoeß of 30 years ago. Her children still address her in the way which was fashionable when they were little things. No member of tbe tipper classes ever said " Mother " then. And from the eldest to the youngest they Btill call the Qaeen "Mamma."

* . * Lady Aberdeen has been added to the very few women upon whom the degree of doctor of laws has been conferred, 1 • . • In the Queen's kitchen there are five *' tasters," whose duty is to test the Jood before it is served at the royal table, To detect poisonous ingredients. • . • Lilinokalani, the ex-Qaeen of Hawaii, is by no means a black and uncivilised savage, but a tall, graceful, and commanding person, who looks every inch a queen. She has a genius for dress, and realising her statuesque figure, she affects princeßS gowns, trimmed In long lines of jet and flowing white velvet, and white silk robes confined at the waist by heavy belts of gold work. Her hair — which is like black satin — is worn simply in a coil held in place by a gold comb. Her small brown hands with their taper fingers are ■especially noticeable, and are covered with glittering rings. The Queen is a descendant of that great Kapiolani whom Tennyson has made immortal. She, Kapiolani, was a Christian, and to show her people what Christianity meant, she with ber suite ascended a tall mountain, .and then she went down alone and into the crater, and threw with a challenge the sacred berries of the old Gauls Into the seething flame. It was a daring act, «md her brave spirit has besn inherited by Liliuokalani. Her Majesty has a very kindly, sweet, and human character, and »be loves music, and is a composer of the folk song of her people. She loves dancing, and is an export swimmer. She lives very simply, never drinking wine, and is almost a vegetarian. And like the Queen of England, she discourages all scandal and all scandal-moHgers. Her income is not large, her valuable property having been appropriated .by the new Government ; but she manages to maintain and educate 20 girls at the missionary Seminary, who ate always known as "the Queen's girls." She lives now very quietly In Washington, and, like Mary Stuart, spends most of her time in embroidery, and in music and in prayer. S* The most expensive item of a princess's dress allowance Is, strangely enough, that of mourning. Scarcely a month passes but the Boyal Family finds itself suddenly

plunged in complimentary, and sometimes deep, mourning. To take but one instance, the unexpected death of Prince H?nry of Battenberg caused mourning orders to tbe extent of £20,000 to be sent out by various members of the Royal Family within 12 hoars of the sad news. • . • It is not generally known that tbe Qaeen can write with her left hand almost as well as with her right. It was the wish of her mother that all her children should learn to do a thing two ways, and in penmanship Princess Victoria excelled. The Qaeen, however, never writes with her left hand, and the last time she did so was before the death of the Prince Consort. • . • The Duchess of Coburg'a Raseian gems are inspected from time to time by a Russian ofllcer of the Court, for the lady holds them as heirlooms, and the strict etiquette of her country makes this duty a necessity. • . • A Copenhagen correspondent writes in a Home paper : — " We Copenbageners are very sorry for your Princess Maud of Wales. Her fascinating mother was here recently for the express purpose of cheering her up, but confesses to having failed in her motherly mission. Princess Maud, or Princess Charles, as we have got to call her Royal Highnese, is suffering intensely from what seems to be incurable home-sickness. At the time of her marriage she had hoped to make England her permanent home, but, naturally enough, our good Charlie did not quite see his way toward falling in with her views in this respect. She considers herself an exile in the country of her.-adoption, and more's the pity, for we welcomed her with open arms ; and in her dislike for her present surrounding she isolates herself from society as much as possible. The Princess is rarely seen in public, and when tbe other members of onr Royal Family appear at the theatre and other places of public recreation Maud is invariably conspicuous by her absence. To bring her round, Prince Charles, who dotes upon her, has now promised her three months in her much beloved England this summer, and we sincerely trust that the holiday for which she pines will prove remedial in every way. Perhaps your Queen may be induced to give her a grandmotherly word of advice, in anticipation of whioh we Copenhageners offer her our profoundest gratitude." • . • The last excursion taken by the Queen in company with the Prince Consort was that daring which' the royal couple forded the Poll Tarff, in Scotland. On the previous night the royal party had stayed unexpectedly and unrecognised at the inn of Balwhinnie, "where," says her Majesty, writing in " Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands," " there was hardly anything to eat ; only tea and two miserable, starved Highland chickens, without any potatoes, no puddinpr, and no fun." ' . • The Queen has been presented with a bonnet of orthodox Salvation Army shape, and made entirely of tortoisesheli. This costly but inelegant bonnet was made specially for the Queen by the natives of Navigator's Island; but her Majesty, doubtless realising the true inwardness of the present, discreetly handed it over to the British Museum, where it may now be seen. •.• Queen Margherita has just presented Princess Helene, her handsome daughter-in-law, with a beautiful bicycle, enclosed in a very chic case lined with the richest red plush. The machine weighs 221b, the frame is richly gilded, and the handlebar of ivory is ornamented with the Royal Arms of the House of Savoy. The Worry of American Life. A trained nurse, wring in the Hospital, says : — The chief reason why America is so intimately associated in most minds with " restcure " is that the condition to which the "nerves" of the Americans have been brought by hurry and rnsh has necessitated the perfection and elaboration of an antidote in the shape of rest-cure. One has only to live for a few weeks in an American city to be able thoroughly to realise why rest-cure is a national necessity, for all celebrations of a mercantile, social, and patriotic nature are honoured by noise. Gans fire "crackers," and every sound-producing kind of ammunition iB let off recklessly daring large and small town and village rejoicings, and there is no question that every true-born American would dearly love to celebrate all tbe birthdays, weddings, and christenings occurring in his particular district by the firing of 81-ton and Gatling gans, were these not somewhat rare and expensive playthings. Unquestionably all this noise tells most terribly from one generation to another on the nervous systems of the people. And " rest-cure " homes will need to be built more and more eaoh year until the nation realises the healthfulness of quiet, and that some degree of "dulness " is an essential of daily life. It is curious bow many Amerioan "improvements" and practical every-day useful time-savers and Inventions we are Importing to England, And we are at the same time, quite unconsciously, l&prosimßting the typo o{ oar

English women to the American type— and ] this can hardly be reckoned among the " improvements." " Your English women used to be quiet, comely, and restful to mind and eyeß," said a very j great American nerve specialist to me not 1 long since. " But when I come to London now j I might almost as well be on Fifth Avenue, for your women are becoming haggard and sallow, jerky in their movements, incessant talkers, and in perpetual motion. They never seem satisfied unless they are using their faculties to the utmost — bicycling, rushing to theatres, shops, and parties ; always seeking, seeking, apparently never finding what they seek, but going on like the restless waves of tbe sea. Looking at the surging crowds of restless women in London," he went on, "I see before me whole generations of neurotics to come. I 6ee children with chorea and epilepsy and every form of nervons disease. Time was," he concluded, " when I vannted tbe English mother as producing as fine a race of men as did ever the Roman matrons. But you won't get efficient motherhood from these hipless, rushing women," he said despondently, as he looked at the bicyclists in Battersea Park. " They're almoßt as bad as the Americans. lam going to Scotland to see if there are any boonie women left in the world." Housewives are Trained. Belgian authorities recognise the fact that one of tbe best qualifications for a wife is the ability to manage a well-ordered home, and have undertaken to supplement home training in housewifery by the establishment of classes in both the primary and secondary j schools, where the whole system of housekeeping is taught, beginning with the smallest children and continuing until the girls are graduated. One of the largest of these classes is hjeld in the basement of a Brussels house. One room is sat apart for lecture purposes, and in i it talks are given on domestic economy, nurs- ' ing, care of children and invalids, and | hygiene. Another room is furnished as a j kitchen, and tbe cooking utensils are pre- } cisely suoh as would be found in the cottage of any respectable working man. On the walls are odd-looking pictures of joints of meat, with prices attached, and notes stating whether it would be most economical to roast, boil, stew, or fry in each case. Members of the class take turns in cooking the dinner every day. They are made to go through the form of purchasing all materials for the meal, which must cost under two shillings, and must be sufficient for six persons. Both judgment and economical management are required to feed six persons at a cost of about one and eightpence, but it is stated that the girls turn out very fair meals, each dish being well made in every way. The girls go through a regular course in the laundry as well as in the kitchen, and order everywhere is especially insißted upon. Two hours a week are given to instruction in making dressea, darning stockings, and all kinds of needlework. Lessons ou how to take care of children are also given. They are taught in other classes how to bind up wounds, dress burns, and treat the aimple kinds of ailments. Tbe result of all this is that when a Brussels maiden marries she is more likely to be a success as a wife than j any other girl in Europe. CCf Descriptions of balls, &0., must be endorsed by either the Witness correspondent for the district or by the secretary to the ball committee. The MS. of any correspondents who do not comply with this rule will be sent to the secretary tor endorse- ' tueut prior to uppearing.- EMMELIXK. , To ensure publication in the forthcoming issue, letters should reach the Witness office if possible on Saturday nifht, but on no account later than Jloud.y ni.-ht. .. WEDDING BELLS AT MOONLIGHT. Dear Emmeline,— A very pretty wedding took place at the residence of the bride's parents on the 21st ult. in the p*eje"nce of a large concourse of relatives and friends, the contracting parties being Mr Robert Neil Mills, second son of Mr H. N. Mills, j of Newthorn, and Miss Mary Roy. third daughter I of Mr John Roy, of Moonlight. The Rev. Panton Brown, Dunback, officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a beautiful dress of white silk, richly trimmed with tulle and orange blossoms. She also wore a beautiful gold brooch, the gift of tha brid- groom. She was attended by Miss Roy as bridesmaid, who •wore a very pretty blue nun's veiling-, nicely trimmed with white silk. Mr E. Mill*, brother of the bridegroom, acted as groomsman. The wedding party then sat down to a most recherche dinner, full justice being done to the good things provided by Mr and Mrs Roy. Mr H. N. Mills in appropriate terms proposed the health of the bride aud bridegroom, aud the toast was enthusiastically received. The Rev. W. P. Brown also delivered j a neat and concise speech. Three ringing cheers were then given for the bride and bridegroom. Thereafter innumerable and multifarious games were indulged in, such as twos-and-threes, etc. Tbe bride's mother wore a handsome black brocade ; Miss Bessie Roy, a becoming navy blue costume with white silk tiimmings; Miss Esther Roy, a very pretty maroon with oream silk trimmings, which suited her admirably ; Mrs Mills (bridegroom's mother), black cashmere with kilk trimmings ; Miss Mills, pretty navy blue tweed relieved with white silk veiled in black net ; Mrs Sligo (bridegroom's sister), slate •coloured silk; Miss M'Lean, black serge with white ribbons ; Misses Hay, dark tweed with jet trimmings ; Miss E. Bradbrook, navy blue tweed with navy blue velvet trimmings ; Mips Borthwick, black skirt, with dark green velvet bodice relieved with satin ; Mrs Lee, green costume with plush trimmings ; Mrs Rendle, black costume. The presents were both numerous and costly, of which I include a few : Two silver teapots, silver breakfast cruet, silver-mounted album, silver butter knife and plate, tea set, vases, lamps, butter dishes, cake plates, teapots, milk and slop basins, cheques, photo, frames, candlesticks, cutlery of all sorts, set of flatirons, pillows, tablecloths, napery, stove, dresser, wedding cake, and others which would take far too much space to mention. In response to invitations issued by Mr and Mrs Roy, a large number of the residents of Moonlight and its environs congregated at the sehnolhouse in the evening. Dancing commenced at half-past 8, and was kept up«till midnight, when a cessation was made to replenish the fagged energies and partake of the sumptuous refreshments supplied by the host I and hostess. Thereafter dancing was resumed with increased vigour, and was kept up until 5 a.m. The onerous duties of M.C devolved on Mr J. Peddie, while Mr Gr. Griffin officiated as instrumentalist with conspicuous ability. Mr J. Borthwick, the king of the Moonlight vocalists, rendered "Maid of Athens" with freedom and effective articulation. Miss Borthwick gave a capital interpretation of " Marguerita," with which ended a very pleasant evening. The happy couple left next day for their home at Nenthorn with all good wishes for their future happiness.— Semper JTidelis. railway ball at oasiaru. Dear Emmeline,— The railway employees held their annual ball in the Theatre Royal on Thursday, August 12, there being 120 couples present. Speeches were made by Messrs Piper (stationmaster), Smith (locomotive department), and ! Miller (inspector of permanent way). Mr and ■ Miss Piper led off the grand march. Among the ! ladies present I noticed Mrs Piper in a black ' skirt, heliotrope bodice ; Mrs Carter, black silk ; > Miss Piper, black skirt, blue bodice ; Miss B. 1 Piper, grey skirt, pink bodice; Miss Newman, i cream nun's veiling and silk ; Mies Reid, cream ' with .chiffon (bellalj Miss O'Briea, heliotrope.

white silk sleeves ; Miss Leslie, oream and gold ; Miss O'Kaue, heliotrope, white satin sleeves ; Miss Lynch, stylish dress.of black and gold ; Miss L. Brown, cream ; Miss Brown, heliotrope ; Miss ■Nicol, black, and pink sateen blouse ; Mrs Gordon, grey with silver passementerie : Mrs Calcutt, cream nun's veiling ; Mrs Archibald, dark skirt, cream blouse; Miss Duncan, cream, red velvet sleeves ; Miss Steel, pink with cream lace ; Miss J. Steel, black relieved with red ; Miss Smith, black skirt, silk blouse ; Miss Feat, pink crepon ; Miss Halpin, black skirt, pink bodice ; Mrs Porter, brown skirt, pink blouse ; Mrs Moloney, pretty blue nun's veiling ; Miss Buick, green, dark velvet sleeves ; Miss Anderson, cream ; Miss Croft, pink nun's veiling; Miss Sullivan, pink and black chiffon 5 Mrs Messenger, black and heliotrope; Mrs Rusbatch, grey, shot silk trimmings; Miss Waterworth. black and gold; Misi Davie, heliotrope silk ; Miss Morrison, black skirt, salmon pink bodice ; Miss K. Morrison, heliotrope ; Miss Grant, pink with cream lace ; Mrs Latirner, black skirt, cream blouse ; Miss Falconer, electric blue satin ; Miss M. Falconer, white and gold ; Mis 3 Fairley, black skirt, scarlet blouse ; Miss Aitkenhead, prey silk, pink sleeves ; Miss Fr*nklyn, cream nun's veiling ; Miss Sherwood, cream velvet, red Batin sleeves ; Miss Jenkinß, cream ; Mis* Boyland, pink, black trimmings ; Miss J. Boyland, white muslin ; Miss Reid, dark Rkirfc, cream blouse ; Mias F. Reid, pink ; Miss Manton, white, with violets ; Mrs Hunt, black skirt, blue bodice ; Mrß Drummond, dark tweed ; Misses Clelland, dark skirts, cream blouses ; Mrs Meek, black skirt and bodice, creem vest ; Mrs Reid, steel grey ; Miss Bruce, brown . velvet, cream chiffon ; Mrs Robertson, brown velvet ; Misi Sidon, pink nun's veiling ; Mi«s Fraser, black velvet, white chiffon tleeves ; Mias A. Jenkins, sea green nun's veiling; Mits Hodgetts, cream costume, gold satin sleeves ; Miss Pockliugton, cream skirt, pink bodice ; Miss j Nightingale, black ; Miss J. Aitkenhead, yellow j nun's veiling; Mrs Frame, black costume; Miss Forrester, dark skirt, cardinal bodice. The hall presented a gay appearance with its flags and evergreens. The catering, in the hands of Messrit Milligan and Bond, was all that could be "desired. ' Meldrum's band supplied capital music, and Mr J. Porter made an efficient M.U. The ball, which was a great success, terminated at 4 a.m. — Onlooker, j BACHELORS' BALL AT WAITAHUNA. Deab. Emmeline. — The bachelors of Waitahuna held their annual ball on Friday evening, 6th ! inst. There was, as usual, a large attendance, many travelling long distances to be present. The grand march was led off at 8.30 by Mr Kirby and Miss Wall, the latter wearing a black costume relieved with chiffon and pink roses ; Miss Auld wore cream relieved with sea green ; Miss Paterson (Milburn), cream ; Miss Fair (Lawicnne), pink ; Miss K. Wall, white, pink sash ; Miss Murray, cream costume, heliotrope silk sleeves and sftgh ; Miss M'Murtrie (Milton), cream ; Miss Auld, black relieved with old gold ; Miss Black (Lawrence), sea green relieved with white ; Miss Williamson, black skirt, blue bodice relieved with j white lace ; Miss Lawrence, cream ; Miss Whelan (\Vetherstone»), white ; Miss Ryan, navy blue ] skirt, white bodice : Miss Carr, black relieved j with white lace; Miss M'Kenzio. blue relieved with white lace ; Miss Oudaille. cream relieved with pink ; Miss M'Kenzie, sea green relieved with white lace ; Miss C. Carr, navy blue skirt and bodice veiled in white; Miss Brown, black relieved with red; Miss M. Ryan, nsvy blue; Miss K-jll, cream, blue ribbons; Miss J. Kell, cream; Miss E. Ryan, white ; Miss L. Wall, white ; Miss Moore, dark skirt, white bodice ; Miss Hammond, blue relieved with pink: Miss A. Hammond, blue with black lace ; Miss Roughan, rream with pink silk ; Miss Rowe, cream ; Miss Ryan, grey ; Miss Moloney, grey ; Miss Cameron, dark skirt, blue bodice ; Miss Chant, dark skirt, cream bodice. Amongst the married ladies present were Mrs J. .Auld, Mrs M'Kenzie. Mrs T. Ryan, Mrs H. Auld, Mrs Oudaille, Mrs Thomas, all in dark costumes. Sours were rendered at intervals by Mrs M'Kenzie and Messrs Pearson, Wilson, and Brown. The music was supplied by Messrs Robertson and Carruthers, of Milton. — Veuonica. bachelors' ball at hampden. Deak Emmeline,— The bachelors' of Hampden held their annual ball in the Hampden Athenasum Hall on Friday evening, 13th inst , and this niuch-talked-of and long-looked -for dance proved, as usual, a most successful affair. Perhaps on no previous occasion has this ball proved so successful and enjoyable in every particular, and great credit is due to the bachelors' committee for the excellent arrangements that were made for the comfort of their guests. The hall looked particularly cheerful with ifß gay array of bunting, flags being the principal decorations used. These were gracefully festooned on the walls and mspended from ropes arranged crosswise from the ceiling. Ferns and cabbage trees were also placed along the walls, and these helped greatly in bringing about the pleasing effect. The stage was tastefully arranged as a card room, being liberally provided with easy chairs and card tables, and more than one non-dancer took advantage of this comfortable retreat. It would be invidious on my part if I failed to mention the great treat of the evening— viz., the excellent and-* inspiriting music as was supplied by Mr Yates'a band. For the last three years the Hampden bachelors have secured the services of this band, and upon every occasion they (the band) seem to eclipse any previous effort. Non-dancers for miles around who seldom < nter a ball room now roll up in great numbers to sit and listen to the sweet music as discoursed by Messrs Yates, Brundell, and Flint. If such music is fascinating to a nondancer it must be doubly so to a dancer, and I for one never wish to danre to better music. Mr Yates is now so well known to the Hampden public, and his music thought so much of, that it will be a bad day for the Hampden bachelors when his services cannot be obtained. Apart, fiom being excellent musicians, Messrs Yates, Brundell, and Flint are always obliging and courteous, and would play ou till daylight if asked. Fiftytwo couples took part in the grand march, and as the floor was in splendid condition dancing was kept up with unfhgging zeal until 3.30 o'clock in the morning. It is simply out of the question for me to try and particularise the dresses that were worn by the ladies present, and I shall not venture an opinion as to who was belle. A number of stylish and handsome dresses were worn, and among the ladies present I noticed the followin? :— The Minses Little, Miss T. Budge (Herbert), Miss Booth, Mi^s Culling, Bliss Mather (Maheno), Miss Rankin, Miss Annie Thomson, the Misseß Ross, Miss Brown, Miss Watt, Miss Barraclough (Mali-no), Mies Ross (Kartigi), the Misses NicolBon, Miss Robertson, Miss Given, Miss Franklyn, Miss B. Patterson (Herbert), the Misses Anderson, the Mitses Murcott. Miss Mewhinney, Miss Lefevre, and Miss Brett. There were a number of ladies present whose names I did not know. An excellent siipp-r was provided and done ample justice to. Messrs Munro and Caldwell made efficient M.C.'b, and Mr Howie aleo kindly aisisted in this capacity. — Terpsichore.