THE LADIES' PAGE. TABLE TALK. Monday Afternoon. A CHAT ON BOOKS. LADIES' GOSSIP. To Counteract Sunburn and Remove

Otago Witness, Issue 2631, 17 September 1902, Page 61

THE LADIES' PAGE.

TABLE TALK. Monday Afternoon.

A CHAT ON BOOKS.

LADIES' GOSSIP.

To Cou nteract Sunburn and Remove

The world w»t iifl — the garden >tn wild. A»* a»u, tbe Hermit, tlthcA, iIU woiatn imllMl. -CiMFHU

Eumeliac will be )>!eue<l to tecexm lc(t«r> rrou cor.-«i-c*rro<con<teni» to fee published. I.even v be id4r«aMJ

On Thursday evening the Daffodil Ball •was held in St. Paul's Schoolroom. This popular dance, which has now become an annual affair, is given under the auspices of the Cathedral Ladies' Guild, and the members of committee for this year were Mrs Robinson, Mrs Jackson, Mrs Martin, *nd Mrs Kempthorne. The Ladies' Committee were ably helped by a committee of gentlemen, comprising Dr Stanley Batchelor, Dr Williams, Mr T. Webster, and Mr R. Sise, and both committees must be congratulated on the most successful i&sue of their efforts. The dance was undoubtedly one of the most succefsful of the series of Daffodil Balls which has been given. No trouble had been spared with the decorations and arrangements, and thanks are

also due to the many willing workers who assisted the committee in their efforts to achieve a success. The hall was prettily decorated with daffodils, and the walls betwixt the windows were draped with ilags, finished with bunches of flax and sprays of feathery pine ; whilst from the centre of the hall was suspended a huge ball composed of daffodils. The stage was daintily furnished as a drawing room, decorated with daffodils ; and a most recherche supper, provided by the ladies of the guild, was served in the adjoining room, daffodils being conspicuous everywhere there also. The music, supplied by Mr Sonderhoff, was excellent, and two extras, which were much appreciated, were played by Miss and Mr J. Haggitt. Dancing was kept up till the early morning houis with great spirit.

A large number were present, amongst whom were Archdeacon and Mis Robinson, Mrs Martin, Mrs and the Misses Jackson, Mrs and Miss Kempthorne, Mr and Mrs Vox, Mr and Mrs Finch, Mits Neville, Miss Sise, Miss Maud Reynolds, Miss Mills, the Misses Farquhar, Miss Henderson, Miss G. Webster, Mi*-s Reade fTimaru), Miss De Lautour, the Misses Williams, Miss M. Turton, Miss Gould (Oamaru), Miss C. Graham, Miss Ruby Roberts, Mr and Mrs Aimstrong, Miss Kirkcaldy, Miss Inglis, Miss Forsyth, Miss Neill, Miss Campbell (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs M'Lean, Miss M'Lean, Miss Haggitt, Miss Lucy Rattrav, Miss Denniston (Cbristchurch), the Masses Mill (Port Chalmers), Dr Stanley Batchelor, Dr Williams, Rev. Mr Jones, Messrs M'Ewan, M'Lean, Hogg, Lowrie, Law, Sievwright, 'Anstruther-Thoinpson, Petre, Aburn, BarTon* J. Haggitt* Graham, §(9.

I Mrs Robinson and Mrs Jackson wore handsome black trained gowns ; Mrs Mar- J tin, handsome dress of black lace over , white silk ; Mrs Kempthorne, black broche ; Mrs Finch, black satin trained gown, the bodice draped with white lace and a touch of blue velvet ribbon, finished with spray of pink roses and long sash ends of phik ; Mrs Fox, black, the bodice trimmed with bertha of white lace and bunches of violets ; Miss Ruby Roberts, lovely dress of giey chiffon, the skirt trimmed with ! flounces of black-and-white tucked thiffon, and the bodice composed of the same, finished with a bunch of bright red, the whole having a most chaiming effect ; Miss Neville, white siik dress, the bodice finished with transparent yoke and sleeves of tucked chiffon and bunches of violets ; Miss Maud i Reynolds, dress of black crepe de chine, j trimmed with black net frills edged with I lace ; Miss Neill, white satin dress, with tucked skirt and bodice draped with white chiffon and silver sequins ; Miss Campbell (Christchurch). white, with pale blue ; Miss ; Denniston (Chribtchurch), white satin, covered with Brussels net, and pouched | bodice of net ; Miss De Lautour, black , dress, with white lace interlaced with pale , blue ribbon draping the bodice ; Miss G. j Mills, heliotrope moire velours, trimmed with bands of string-coloured lace inser- ( tion ; Miss Williams, black satin, covered with black net ; Miss Dora Williams, white j Isilk with string-coloured net and insertion, pouched bodice of lace and net ; Miss Holt | (Timaru), black, the bodice finished with a large chou of pink satin ribbon ; Miss Mill , (Port Chalmers), handsome dress of white , satin veiled in Brussels net, the bodice finished with a bunch of yellow roses ; her ?i°ter also wore white ; Miss Audrey Jack-

son. pretty dress of white satin, the skirt f*illed and the bodice made with lace zouave and sprays of lily of the valley ; Miss Lucy Rattray, yellow satin trimmed with string-coloured lace; Miss Gould (Oamaru), heliotrope dress trimmed with tiring-coloured lace and bunches of violets ; Miss Edith Farquhar, white silk, the "bodice finished with a large pink chou ; Miss Ruby Farquhar, smart white satin Princess dress, the bodice finished with bolero of white tucked chiffon ; Mrs Armstrong wore her wedding dress of rich white f-atin trimmed with chiffon and lace ; Mrs Kirkcaldy, black net over silk, trimmed with string-coloured insertion ; . Miss Kirkcaldy, bright yellow corded silk dress, with white lace on the bodice ; Miss Kempthorne, handsome dress of pale blue silk trimmed with bands of string-coloured insertion ; Miss Sise, white china silk dies", with pink chou on the bodice ; Mits F. M'Lean, bright pink broche trimmed with white lace ; Mrs (Dr) M'Knighf, white silk dress with pale green sash ; Miss Forsyth, pale blue silk, with lace on the bodice ; Miss C. Forsyth wore her coming-out dress of white satin ; Miss G. Webster wore black.

The same evening a large juvenile party

was given by Mrs Holdsworth in the Vie-

toria Hall. About 150 young people were present, some of whom were quite little

mites, and a few grown-up people, who enjoyed the pretty sight presented by the happy little people dancing to their hearts'

The hall was most beautifully de-

corated with flags and streamers of ever- ' preens, and the centre was prepared for dancing, the Messrs Yates contributing piano and violin music. Two corners of the

hall were carpeted and prettily arranged as rooms with chairs, where onlookers could enjoy the pleasing sight presented. The other two corners were screened off, and

within games of ping-pong and archery

were indulged in by the elder of the children. Supper was served in the adjoining room A wjbere the. taj>le #w decorated, wjtji

exquisite flowers — daffodils arranged in many tall specimen, glasses and large bowls of lovely crimson anemones."

On Friday Mrs Roberts gave a large ladies' luncheon party at her residence, Littlebourne House, in honour of Mrs W. Turnbull, of Wellington, who is at present visiting Dunedin.

On Saturday evening Dr and Mrs Batchelor gave a young people's dinner at their residence, in George street. Amongst those present were Dr and Mrs Batchelor, Dr Stanley Batchelor, Miss Constance Williams, Miss Gertrude and Miss Lucy Rattray, Miss Denniston, Mr Burke, Mi- Low - pie. Miss Buttenvorth, Dr Williams, Miss Mills. Miss C. Neill. Miss Maud Sise, Mr R. Sise, Mr Barron, etc.

The Ladies' Golf Championship meeting, being held this year in Dunedin, is taking place this week at Balmaeewan. Unfox-tu-nately the weather is not all that could be desired. However, we may hope that a happy change may yet take place. Eighteen ladies having entered for the championship, and some keen play is expected, and should the weather improve no doubt many will find their way to the links. A number of lady visitors taking part in the championship are at present in Dunedin, coming from Wellington, Christchurch, Timaru, and Oamaru. Play commenced on Monday, and will continue all the week, different ladies providing tea in the pavilion each day for the benefit of the players and those who may wish to watch the games. Miss Medley, who has been visiting Mrs

I James Mills nt " Mount Lodge," returned to Wellington by the Mokoia on Thui&day.

Mrs J. Maclean, Miss Bessie, and Mr W. Maclean all left by the Mokoia for Sydney, whence they proceed to England.

Mrs A. Morris and her little daughter snent a few days last week in Dunedin on their way fronr Timaru, and returned to Invercargill on Saturday.

M'ss Lulu Roberts returned on Sunday by the Waikare from the North Island, where she has been paying visits.

Mr? and Miss Grierson (Auckland) were also passengers by the Waikare, and purpose spending a few weeks in Dunedin.

"Mis H. Barnes (Wellington) is at piesent viMting her sister, Mrs Finch, at " Woodhead."

Miss. Cowlis-haw (Christchurch) is staying with the Misses Rattray at " Craigliall."

Miss Eily Neill returned to Dunedin by the Waikare, and is at present visiting Mrs Robert Neill, Union street.

Mrs Denniston (Christchurch) is staying with her sister, Mrs Woodhouse, at present, and Miss Helen Denniston is viMting Mrs G. L. Denniston at the Bungalow.

Mrs Collins and Mrs Pearce (Wellington) are in Dunedin for the Golf Championship meeting, and are staying at the Grand Hotel.

Mivs Reynolds is spending a few days with -Mrs Buckland at Waikouaiti. j

Mi-ss Ho'.t (Timaru) is visiting Mrs C Rattray, in Alva street.

MH gswz W^gd iChii»^hux«bi » i^gr.

ing with Mrs Bullock at her residence- in Roslyn.

Mrs Bidwell (Wellington) is in town for the golf meeting, and is the guest of Mrs Og&ton, High street.

Mrs Wigram (Christchurch) is at present the guest of Mrs Lindo (Ferguson, at her residence in High street.

Miss Gould (Oamaru) is visiting Miss De Lautour, at Andei son's Bay.

Mis'- Campbell (Chiistchurch) is in town for the golf meeting, and is staying at ' Chingioid '' 'with the Misses Neill.

INVERCARGILL, Monday. Spiing leally seems to be with us now —

we are having such beautiful bright days — and the gardens are looking so pretty, with their bright spring flowers. Mrs T. lillis is away from Invercargill at present having a holiday with her family at Five Rivers station. Mr Harold Royds has returned from his viMt to Australia. Mrs Tothill and her children arrived from Home by the Melbourne steamer last week. Mrs Menzies is the. guest of her daughter, Mrs J. L. Watson. The Orphans' Club made Mr G. C. Branson a presentation prior to his departure for Melbourne. Miss Royds. visited Dunedin during" the week to attend her brother's wedding. He has come and gone, but we have had such a treat that we never can forget. Jean ' Gerardy, the world-famous 'cellist, played to a crowded house on {Friday even-

ing. We all expected a treat, but. our expectations were more than fully realised, and Gerardy seemed to hold -his audience spellbound duung the whole evening. Amongst the large audience present I noticed Mr and Mrs J. L. Watson, Miss Menzies, Mi&s Bieinmer. Judge and Mrs Rawson, Miss Ra\v.«on, Mrs Morrah, Mrs Richard Gilki.*on, Mrs Walter Henderson, Mr and Mrs Bush, Miss N. Thomson, Mrs Robinson, Mrs John Ellis, Mr and Mrs M'Carthy, Mr and Mrs Batger, Mr and Mrs

Turnbull, Mr Gibson Smith,

man, Miss W. Royd<-, Mr J. Herdman,- , Mr and Mrs Black, Mr and Miss Henderson, Mr and Mrs Hall, Miss Crofts, Mr C. Gray, Mr W. Brent, Mr and Mrs F. Raymond. Mr and Mrs Waymouth, Mr and Mrs Miller. Mr and Mrs Oswin, Mr Hudidlestone, Mr and Mrs Stock, etc., etc. Miss Giller, of our town, was mairied

lait week in Dunedin to Mr Geoff. Royds

of Christchurch. The bride was the re- ' cipient of many handsome and beautiful mesents.

There is nothing like a varied bill of fare for maintaining perfect health, mentally. After our big interview with M. Maurice Maeteilinck last month, let us enjoy- -m quite a different fa«hion — the bieezy realism of Knight's "With the Royal Tour.''

It is> .scarcely a happy <itle, though concise enough. '"The Web of Empire," as the author, the premier journalist of the part}', has called his book, is a happier inspiration. But if Mr Knight's choice of a title is commonplace and poor lie amply atones by the charm of narration.

In such a topic as the recent toa:r of the Punce and Piince.s.s of Wales, it is difficult to avoid a certain repetition, for the constant lecurrence of receptions, pre-

sent-ations, and functions of welcome aft every port of call would naturally, even. in. the most skilled hands, become monotonous reading. Thus masses of detail concerning ceremonies which were at the time .described by scores of- pens have wisely been omitted from the book, and all that remains is delightfully interesting The little glimpses of life on board a man-o'-war are very good. Mr Knight was on board the Juno. "Such of us civilian guests as had not enjoyed the experience before began to understand and appreciate what life in a British man-o'-war signifies, became initiated into the wonderful routine, marvelled at the incessant orderly bustle, and came to realise . . . the extraordinary organisation on this fighting machine : the' amount of work that every officer and man on board is daily called on to perform. There may be some people who think that this cruise was a prolonged picnic for the officers of the escort. They would not hold that opinion had they passed two days at sea on either of these ships." There were over 500 souls on board the Juno, and from time to time we hear of extra drills and gunnery practice among the marines en the voyage, and always and every day the busy routine of duties and wort — classes for instruction in. "gunnery, small arms, torpedo, seamanship ; the calls to general quarters ; the clearing^ of decks for action, and so forth. Then." there is the firing practice : thus after we " left Gibraltar the two ships of the royal escort twice put the targets overboard . . . and, steaming round them, openedfire with all their guns ; .-. . - while below Suez we ran out our torpedos, making good practice at the targets when moving at high speed. . . . Whatever will have to be done in the hour of battle is diligently rehearsed in time of peace. A British man-of-war in commission is certainly the busiest of the world's ships ;,and one soon realises that of all this constant work there is none that is not useful: work has not to be made in order to findoccupation for the men and to maintain ' discipline." , All of which is good i - eading for the croakers who grumble that the British navy is on the down grade! Both of the escort ships were fitted with the Marconi apparatus, and used it frequently in communicating with ports they were approaching, when at distances of from 40 to 20 miles from shore, and in conversation with other ships. At Singa- • pore the decorations were marvellous, and. the description of them rends like a fairy tale. "The Chinese town had been decorated in a marvellous fashion, and most effectively. The fronts of all the shops were hung with festoons of silk and wreaths of flowers. Innumerable paper lanterns depended- from the eaves or spanned the streets, sonfa of these representing - huge" grotesque' fu?h " and otter- " hideous monsters. There were weird triumphal arches, too, up whose , columns enormous dragons wound their scaly folds. There wero clock-work models of queer figures that nodded their heads or performed other antics. These streets, moreover, were roofed entirely over for miles with thin, very transparent Chinese silks of pink, light green, and other delicate tints, through which the vertical sun, shining, cast a diffused but very brilliant light over all this wealth of crotesqueness and brilliant colour. At night all these thousands of lanterns were lit, and the Duke and Duchess drove in rickshaws through, those tunnels of light, colour, and fantastic forms. The effect was extraordinary in tae densely-crowded, silk-roofed streets. One could easily fancy oneself in some subterranean City of the Magicians. The dwelling houses, theatres, and joss houses -all stood open, so that one could see a good deal of the fantastic life of the Celestials as we passed through." On the succeeding night a wonderful procession of lanterns, organised also by the Chinese, Tamils, and Malays, passed through the grounds of Government House, where the Duke and Duchess of York wer« staying. "It was an enormous procession of weird masks, of transparent monsters illumined from within, of long crawling dragons, of which the hundred feet were the men concealed in them, of cars bearing models of illuminated ships and temples, of quaintly-attired dancing and leaping figures — an orgie of monstrous- shapes, [ bright colours, movement, fire, the din ol cymbals, and drums and shouting." But to all these barbaric splendours succeeded a greater, perhaps more heart-stirring note. " Five thousand little school children had > been gathered together to see the Duke and Duchess as they passed. They were all Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian children. . . Then all these mission babies commenced to sing lustily ' God save the King ' in quaint native accents that produced a stiangely pathetic effect." The desciiption of the decorations and festivities at Colombo and Kandy is delightful. One feels so inclined to quote, and quote again, the word-pictures of "the enchanting beauty of the red streets . . . as we saw them, arched and festooned with the delicate native decorations," and it seems impossible to tear oneself from thh " debauch of colour.' '"Over the red earth, under the blue sky, through the brilliantlydecorated streets, and between the rich tropical foliage were ever pressing to and fro those rrowds of people robed in every bright tint." Not less vivid is the description of the progress of the Ophir and her escort across the Arabian Sea. "To vessels passing us at night and not knowing who we were the squadron must have been a cause of wonder, for rarely does a ship sail the seas covered with such a blaze of light as did this mighty Ophir. Along nearly her entire length ran the two rows of electric lights, illumining her uninterrupted line oS, double-storeyed, balconied white deck houses, and the dazzling light streamed out; too from her large square ports, ko that; f.he looked like a street with the houses, illuminated within and without on some*, night of public rejoicing. Whether by day, ! when one" clearly saw that stately whitepainted ship and the two attending black- \ hulled men-of-war rabidly traver.%ijist. fc v «s

Jark-sapphire waters of the Arabian Sea, t 9T in the moonless nights, when the South- | era Cross was raised in the heavens on our right, and the two men-of-war loomed ( dimly . . as they silently followed that column of white light which was the Ophir, the spectacle was a strangely impressive one, appealing strongly to the imagination and tending tc keei ever in one's mind the great significance of this cruise.' 1 In New Zealand, naturally, the visit jo Rotorua and the Maori gathering there 'Hade by far the most striking impressing on the writer, and his description and the illustrations accompanying it are very good. It is pleasant, too, to read how deep an impression was madt on Mr Knight by the whole-souled and generous loyalty and patriotism which animated the whole of these colonies in their reception of the royal guests and their attitude to the Motherland. |

— All the beautiful women in England, so it is said, were at the entertainment at the India House. Lady Essex, Lady Windsor, Lady Helen Vincent, the Ducht«s of Portland, the Duchess of Sutherland. 1,-idy Dufferin, Lady Warwick, Lady Fitzailham, Lady LaakLowav 2bl .QfutieUt IMx „

Moyra Cavendish, Lady Dudley, and the Duchess of Westminster were present. The Duchess of Wellington's diamonds were magnificent, as fine as anyone's ; but none were finer than Lady Londonderry's, who was as beautiful as ever. The Princess of Wales looked handsome in white, with such a lot of diamonds. Princess Christian looked well, the Crown Princess of Kouinania very beautiful. The royalties all sat upstairs in a great balcony, from which they could see the show. Only the Duke of Connaught accompanied the Prince of Wales. He looked very well, and bore himself with great dignity ; and, though he is a small man, his presence is good, and he carries himself well. He and the Prinoess were very much cheered as they went away. — Japan has done great things of late. She has made pianos, she has extended her railways, she has enlisted an army, and she has beaten China. But the latest development of all in Western civilisation has now invalid her coasts. — she has had a VKit of the "new woman. ' Hitherto Japanese wives have been the meekest and mildest of mortals. They h;ive done ■what their husbands told ihem. ;m.l soiiminus said husbands, like all husbands, have been mo-l unr€a < -onib>. But a week 01 t\i o ago a bold -nile actually lfefused to olif-v heiu partner. Tae latter was almost betide hims?lf with rage. He rushed in hot ha'-te to ih» niagi&tufcej,. aa4 jttuotfUatels: dg-

manded a divorce. But to his infinite surprise he found no pity at the judgment seat. The magistrate had read Western books, and decided that the wife was not bound to obey "when the husband was unreasonable. This decision will create quite a revolution in Japan.

— Lady Ancaster, who takes a prominent part in connection with the Lidies' League, is a much appreciated London hostess, and is also well known in Scotland, where, at Drummond Castle, she and Lord Ancaster dispense a bounteous hospitality to royal and distinguished guests. The Duke "of Cambridge is a yearly visitor, and the Prince and Princess of Wales stayed for a considerable time two years ago. Lady Ancaster, who is blessed with a commanding presence, speaks very well at the Ladies' League meetings. She is a sister of Lord Hunt ley and of Lord Granville Gordon, but has had the misfortune to lose five brothers. One of her sisters is the wife of Lord Lonsdale, "the friend of the German Emperor."

— Madame Adam, the founder of the Nouvelle Revue, and in many ways the most remarkable woman in Paris, is "a pleasant lady with a clever, humorous face fringed with upstanding, silvery hair. It was the misery of her first marriage, as a child of 15, to a French notary that drove her to writing as a solace ; and since those days of the fifties few women have plied a busier or more able pen. Madame Adam is perhaps the most popular hostess in Pans, and gathers round lier the most eminent men and women in Europe. —It is said that nothing can induce Mmc Calve to appear without an amulet from Hindustan, which she wears around her neck. A few years ago she had her tomb designed, explaining that she shuddered to think of the possibility of being buried amid inartistic surroundings ; also that she did not wish to give her mother the trouble of having a headstore made for her. She had the tomb designed by Denys Puech, and its principal features are the two statues of the prima donna herself which flank it — one as Ophelia and the other as Carmen.

— The wonderful attraction or repulsion a woman can excite in a patient is the surest sign of her nature. Some_ women love a sick room ; they like to soothe and tend and arrange the pillows. They are the bom comforters and healers ; the woman who moves noiselessly and speaks softly — the good woman, the domestic woman. The modern woman is noisy ; her clothes rustles, her bangles and chains jingle ; she is an element of agitation. She is restless, she hates the dark and the quiet and the absence of excitement. Consequently, she hates nursing, and is a bad nurse. What unfortunate patients often have to suffer from the presence of women, perhaps dear to them at other times, and whose feelings they fear to hurt, will, perhaps, never be known. — Lady Violet Greville.

— There was an interesting little debate in a London West End club the other afternoon as to who was the most -popular hostess in society. The vote seemed to lie between the Duches^s of Devonshire and Lady Crewe, though many other names were mentioned. It was agreed that in conducting an entertainment of what may be called the " semi-official " character on a large scale the Duchess of Devonshire was pre-eminent, and she possesses the rare knack of making even her political functions agreeable. In this direction probably she is only approached by Lady Lansdowne. For giving enjoyable entertainments of a somewhat lighter and less formal nature Lady Crewe occupies a very high position.

— The Grand Duke of Hesse is very proud of his skill in embroidery, and, in fact, in all kinds of fancy needlework. He composes music and plays it beautifully ; and spends much of his time in upholstery. In striking contrast to the Grand Duke's effeminate accomplishments, the Grand Duchess loves every kind of manly sport, is a, daring rider, a skilful whip, and has a perfect passion for all things military.

— Miss Irene Vanbrugh is one of the clever daughters of Prebendary Barnes, and is msrried to her former manager, M. Dion Boucicault, whose wonderful character studies are the delight of every playgoer. Her sister, Violet, who is the wife of Mr Arthur Bourchier, does not rival her in any sense of the word, for each one undertakes roles which die other would not dare to essay, and there is absolutely no comparison between them.

— The Empress of Japan is a very clever and accomplished woman, and takes a great interest in everything that can forward the interests of her country ; she is SAid to be particularly well informed about cereals and rice-growing, that important feature of Oriental industry. Her Majesty ha« also certain literary talents, and occasionally writes little poems, some of which have been printed and distributed among the scholars in Japanese schools. — Women have their phases, like the moon and other creations of the gender, but, unlike the lunar planet, they never repeat themselves. The early Victorian girl was a simpering, giggling, blushing, fainting, ringleted, champagne-bottle shouldered, white-stoekiuged, cloth-booted, impeccable nontntity. The mid-Victorian Miss was a thing of bustles, chignons, sprightliness, archery meetings, and dawning emancipiition. The later Victorian New Woman was composed of platform phrases, cropped hair, th:ck boots, foimless arguments, affected animadversion of the tyrant man, and despair of the matrimonial estate. We to-day are full of "smart"' ambitions, oveifioving with smait slang, weighted down with smart bills for ?mart clothes, compelled to live in smart streets, to the great attenuation of our less '•jnn.t incomes. Never, in fact, lias there b:r-n mvcli an O'.d Man of the SeR; as this fetish of smaiinpss that we have been hugging to our souls — or what represents I'.ieiii — -for the lust d.'zcn ye;irs. Not to be s.nu. is to bi socially dead — "Sybil,'' in the Sketch.

--Li'lv I.j'i-do'.ir.LS reception to meet i he roloi.iil iiiid Indian guests was one of Ike iiustk iioi».uu,u* ksatk i£ h^mdou eiAce

the Diamond Jubilee. The magnificent grand staircase was congested with a throng of the most brilliant women in London, ablaze with jewels, and with their gleaming shoulders exposed to the astonished Oriental eyes. The ballroom, was beautifully decorated. Though court dress was not worn, the gorgeous Eastern costumes of some of the strangers struck an unusual note of colour. The Duchess of Aosta, who wore wonderful diamonds, had a very long conversation with Princess Henry of Battenberg, while Lady Lansdowne was absolutely regal as hostess, and her tiara was an Aladdin's dream of de!ight. It was recalled to my mind (writes a London correspondent) the Shah's advice to the present King when he saw the Duchess of Leinster in a blaze of jewels : "Cut her head off j no subject should have such possessions."

— Mrs Roosevelt, the wife of the American President, has established what is known as the '• Women's Cabinet,"' consisting of the wives of some of the chief Government officials. These ladies meet to discuss questions of etiquette, social precedence, attire, and other weighty matters of feminine interest, and their decisions are law to all those who attend the receptions at the White House. Even the President himself is accustomed to bow to the decisions of this tribunal, who decide many questions which are quite outside the province of " mere man," but which, nevertheless, need to be settled in some authoritative way. Their rule is said to have had the effect of making the assemblies at the White House far more, select and exclusive than in the old free-and-easy days.

— The Grand Duchess Helena Vladiimirovna of Russia, whose betrothal to Prince Nicholas of C4reece recently took place, was born at Tzarskoe-Selo, and is only 20 years of age. She is a beautiful girl, with lovely dark eyes. Her education has been the subject of her mother's greatest care, and she is keenly intelligent, widely cultivated, enthusiastic over all matters of sport, and a fearless huntress. The wedding will be celebrated at St. Petersburg.

—If they know how to make dresses in Paris, it would apDear that they know how to charge also. A lady who has paid her dressmaker £12,400 in the course of four years applied for a reduction of £500 in the charge for repairs and alterations, which, it was contended, was excessive. One of the items disputed was £4 for repairs, which consisted of simply sewing on a button ; and another was £30 for slight alterations of a dress. The court adjourned the case for expert opinion. There may, therefore, be another side to the dispute. As the matter stands, however, the lady appears to have some reason to complain.

— The Countess of Lichfield, whose eldest daughter is shortly to be married, is herself ! a beauty of the court. The beauty of the Ansons is as remarkable as that of the Hamiltons, Jlardinges, Fortescues, and I other favoured families. Lady Lichfield wa« nee Lady Mildred Coke, the youngest daughter ,of the Earl and Countess of Leicester, who, says the Tatler, are old and valued friends and neighbours of the King and Queen. She married quite young, being only 24 at the time of her wedding, ■while Lord Lichfield. tb_en known by the courtesy title of Visccmnt Anson, had not long left Trinity, Cambridge. — The Duke of Connaught is devoted to dancing, and is going out a great deal with the Duchess and Princess Margaret, who seems to be quite enjoying herself in London. The Duchess is a daughter of the Red Prince, and her marriage to Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, took place on March 13, 1879. Their Royal Highnesses have one son, Prince Arthur, who, like his father, is a keen soldier, and two daughters, Princess Margaret and Princess Victoria Patricia, aged 20 and 16 years respectively. The Duchess of Oonna-ught has never been a really prominent figure in society, but she is a great favourite with the few who are intimate with her. — Everyone began to think at the end of last year that sequins and sequined gowns had outstayed their welcome, but they are more to be worn than ever. The Queen has proved herself a good friend to all workers in sequins., for her Majesty's evening gowns are all a-sparkle with the most beautiful embroideries in paste, silver. ' steel, and gold. Her graceful figure sets off her pretty gowns so well that, seeing them on her, every woman wants a copy of them for herself, apart from the natural desire to have something like what the royal and beautiful Alexandra has worn. The Piincess of Wales, too, is very fond of sequined gowns, and never looks better than when her finely-moulded shoulders and beautiful arms emerge from the sparkling blackness of t\ jetted gown. — Our young men will set to work dreaming dreams and our old people will see any number of visions when they hear of the success of Mrs Izard, of Croydon. Mrs Izard is an old lady, the wife of a railway porter ; and in the watches of the night she di earned that the Queen had presented her with a chair, a shawl, and a Bible. 'Wh'Mi the vision was repeated she thought thc-re really ought to be something in it. But as the occult requires, as a rule, a little material shove, the old I lady wrote to the Queen an account of her i remarkable dream, and her Majesty was so much interested that she aent down a chaplain to look into the matter. In the result Mis Izdid's dream, carefully managed, came true. For she now rejoices in the possession of a beautiful warm wollen shawl and a handsome Bible with an inscription on the fly-leaf saying that it is sent "By command of the Queen." The dream was wrong about the chair, it seems. But, perhaps, if Mrs Izard dreams again — ! Croydon, w e fear, will now go to bed as one man and dream of ca-es of champagne und boxes of cigars and New River Company shares airiving by command of the Queen. — Lord Francis Hope, whose financial ;md matrimonial affairs have for so long b'.en before the public, is engaged to be j/Mrriid +o l"s .second cousin, Miss Beatrice Kathtrine P.' k»tt*. Loid Francis, who is tae only b: other and the heir-presumptive of the Cuiw tf* ijT-BWcastkn vfas bs££ ja

1866, and 20 years later assumed the stff« name of Hope on succeeding to the property and estates of his maternal grand* mother, Mrs Henry Hope, of Deepdene.. Miss Ricketts, to whom Lord Francis is engaged, is a charming young lady of 18, the only daughter of Mr Frederick Ricketts, who was formerly in the Scotta Guards.

— Miss Bates is a lady scientist to whom the Royal Society has granted some financial assistance to aid her in her researches. She is at present exploring the caves of Cyprus, where, besides bones of known but; extinct animals, she has actually unearthed remains of some creatures that have hitherto been quite unknown to naturalists. On these finds being forwarded to the South Kensington Museum, the bones of a dwarf hippopotamus were discovered amongst them.

— Princess Charles of Denmark — better known perhaps as Princess Maud — has mastered the art of dressing well. She is also very proud of her jewels, among them being a magnificent waist-belt, containing a hundred large emeralds and diamonds, a present from the late Queen Victoria. The Princess is also a good linguist, speaking and writing the most difficult of languages — Russian. Probably no member of the Royal Household has more hobbies than Princess Charles. Bookbinding and photography, spinning and chess, form forH>he most part her indoor occupations. Outdoor amusements afford her endless enjoyment, and s*he is a fine horsewoman, a keen c-clist, and a first-rate croquet player. The King's daughters, as may be supposed, were not allowed to make indiscriminate friendships, but each had her own chosen companions, Princess Charles of Denmark's favourite being the Marquis d'Hautopoole. In Princess Maud's unmarried days she often travelled with an old and trusted governess, under the norn de voyage of "Miss Mills."

If one fears to use drugs on the skin, ifc is pleasant to realise that few of them are more efficacious than simple remedies to be found at hand in all homes. Of these there is nothing better than fresh buttermilk for removing tan, freckles, -and sunburn. It has the great advantage that it does not injure the skin, but makes it soft, white, and smooth. Take a soft cloth or sponge, and bathe the face, neck, and arms thoroughly before retiring for the night ; then wipe off the drops lightly. In the morning wash thoroughly and wipe dry and rub the skin with a crash towel. Two or three such baths will take off the tan and summer freckles, and occasional applications of the buttermilk will keep the hands soft and smooth. If ifc is necessary to have the hands in dishwater or suds, rinse in buttermilk and dry with oatmeal or finely-ground cornmeal. An old-fashioned cosmetic for tan and sunburn which is agreeable to use is the juice of crushed strawberries, or the milky juice from the stalks of flowering lettuce. Ifc should be well but gently rubbed into the skin at night, and if persevered in for a week or more the change ■will be markedly, for the better. Vegetable compositions are much better for the skin than other kinds, and will not make it flabby, as animal oils often do. To ensure publication in the forthcoming isiue ettrrs should reach the Witness office if possible 0» Saturday ninht, but on no account later than Monday W Descriptions of balls, &c, must be endorsed Iry either the Witness corrrspondent for the district 01 by the secretary to the ball committee. The MS of any correspondents who do not comply with this rieie will be sent to the secretanj for endorsement prior to pearing.-EUMELINti WEDDING AT INVERCABGILL. Dear Emmehne, — On Monday, August 18, Margaret Marion Milbanke, third daughter oi Mr George Challis, of Avenal, ex-Mayor of that borough, and one of Southland's oldest residents, was married to Mr A. Masters, second aon of Mr Masters, draper. The ceremony, which took place in St. Paul's Wesleyan Methodist Church at 9.30 a.m. 7 and was witnessed by a large number of spectator, was performed by the Rev. S. F. Prior, the bride being given, away by her father. She was attired in a handsome dress of figured muslin, trimmed with valencieunes lace, and wore a veil and wreath oi orange blossoms, and carried a shower bouquet, The chief bridesmaids were Miss EuJalie Challis (cister of the bride) and Miss Annie Masters (sister of the bridegroom), who were dressed in cream silkette dresses trimmed with cream silk and wore cream hats trimmed with cream and ostrich feathers. The other bridesmaids were Misses Gertrude and Grace James (nieces of the bride), Mis 3 Nellie and Ada, Masters (sisters of the bridegroom), and Miss D. Sherriff. The Misses James wore shaded fawn dTesaes trimmed with white silk braid, white felt hats trimmed with white silk and ostrich feathers ; the Misses Masters, slate-coloured dresses trimmed with white oatin, white Legborn hats trimmed with white silk; Miss D. Shernfi, pink cashmere trimmed with lace, white felt hat trimmed with tilk. The bridegroom was attended by his brother, Mr Harry Masters. After the ceremony the wedding party drove to Camobeil's, where they were photographed. The bride's travelling dress waa a very pretty blue, trimmed with silk to match, with a white pilk vest, toque of black silk trimmed with black chiffon and a spray of cornflower, and a large buckle of brilliants. The happy couple left by the express for Dnnedin, en route for Christchurcn, where they intend to spend their honeymoon. In the evening a social gathering was held in Ashley's Hall to celebrate the happy event, over * hundred guest 3 being present. The programme took the form of a euchre party, followed by a supper catered for in Kirgsland and Son's beso style. Then came recitation?, songs, and dancing. During the evening Mr W. N. Stirling presented prizes to the winners of tbe euchrs party and Messrs Challis and Masters also made a few remarks. Mr M. Hawkins made an efficient M.C. at the dance, for which the best of music was supplied by Mrs Blue and Mr Edwards. A recitation vas given by Mr IX Farr.ie, and songs by Misses E. Challiß and Ross (2), and Mr King. At the close Au.d lang syne " was heartily sung, and three cheera were given for Mr and Mrs Challis and Mr and llrs Masters, bringing to & close a moat enjoyable night. The popularity of the young couple was attested by the costly and valuable presents received, there being over 100, some comirg from Manapouri, Rivtrton, Dnnedin, Cheviot, and Wellington.— Gubst.

Always bear in mind that if you are suffering from Chilblains WITCH'S OIL will

Mrs Herd-