A WOMAN'S LETTER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7961, 12 February 1906, Page 3

A WOMAN'S LETTER.

(Specially Wiittep for the Age). WELLINGTON, February 10. For Wellington just now weddings appear to be well-nigh an epidemic, and are following eaoh other in quick succession. One's head seems foil of visions of pretty brides and dainty bridesmaids—and one's heart of good wishes; but * after three consecutive days of these happy happenings one begins to feel slightly confused and wonders vaguely •whioh group of charming frocks belongs to which bridal party. One of the prettiest weddings that has taken place here was that of Miss Gilmer to Dr Herbert, which was celebrated at St. Peter's Church yesterday. The bride, who is petite and dainty, wore a bridal gown of ivory duchesse satin, with full court train, lined with chiffon flounces. The bodice was simply swathed across a deep yoke of lace, having a bertha of lovely rose point, and the sleeves bad deep cuffs of lace. Miss May Seddon, Miss Vera ivlacdouald, JUisa Alice McOlatohie (Cbristcbuicb), and Miss Bertha Greenfield attended the bride, aDd wore pretty frocks of blue taffetas silk. Their most becoming hats were of blue chiffon, almost completely covered with rose petals and soft swathes of tulle. Each carried a pink bouquet. At the reception held afterwards, speeches were made by the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward and Dr Kingston Fyffe. Another wedding of much interest was that of Misa Pearl Grace to Mr N. Dalziell, which took place today, at the Basilica. The bride, who is the youngest daughter of the late Dr Grace, was given away by her brother, and wore a lovely gown of duchesse satin, with lace flounces. Directly following her were two little Cower girls (her nieces), frocked in rose pink silk, carrying baskets of wedding favours in the shape of tiny bouquets, which they afterwards distributed amongßt the guests. Also .in attendance were four bridesmaids, the Misses Doris and Meta Johnston, E. Haroourt and M. Eolleston, wearing graceful gowns of rose pink crepe de-cbeue and white hats, each with a trailing black ostrich feather held in place by one deep pink roso. » Mr and Mrs C. Elgar, of Feathers - ton, are leaving for England in May by the Miower«, travelling vi» Canada. Mr and Mrs H. S. Newoombe, of Masterton, leave for England next month. They have booked passages by the Orient, and travel via Suez. Despite the depressing drizzle the town has quite a gay appearance o.w ing to the great number of sailors that are in port jußt now. H.M.s. Powerful, acoompanied by the cruisers Pegasus, Cambrian, and Challenger arrived this morning. Quite a-orowd gathered on the wharf to witness the arrival and to admire the Admiral, whom, I believe, is tall and stoutly built,' with a kind genial face, and looks the popular ideal of a British admiral. Tonight the bluejackets are being entertained a't a concert given by the Mission to Seamen, and the ball given by the Navy League to welcome Vice-Admiral Fawkea will take place in the Town Hall to-morrow night. "The Rose of the Riviera" has been much enjoyed, in it Miss Beatty looka very pretty iD her various dainty frocks. Ono of palest blue satin with panels of chiffon, bordered with pink rosebuds, suits her fairness perfectly. Whilst singing "iUgypt," Miss Beatty is dressed bb a boy, and looks' uncommonly well too. In the baok ground, a drop scene represents Egypt with shadowy palms and pyramids, whilst the chorus, reclining on the dimlylighted stage, wave pampas grass and fans to and fro. Another pretty number is the "Owl" song by Miss Alice Pollard. All the stage is dark, the limelight illuminating only the singer's face, but a weird and good effeot is gained by the ohorus behind 1 having electric battevies in imitation of owl eyes performing slow movements, whilst the catoby refrain is eung. Ail women are more than puzzled to find a place for their handkerchiefs, pockets not having been given a thought in the econoaiy of modern dress. Why not have a dainty, artistio handkerchief bag inside one's parasol—something that would be fixed to the sliding piece that holds the ribs together, and which, instead of being unsightly when the article was opened, would really be an ornament. Or take a cluster bow of chiffon wo usually have above the handle. Why not design this as to contain a little pocket, in which, by the way, we may carry, in addition to a handkerchief, our train ticket and other trifles. We have the miniature purse attached by a cord to our umbrella, but this does not relieve the "handkerchief" worry. Cushions, as we all know, play the most important part in the artistic decorations of a drawing room. Quite the latest and prettiest cushions are now covered with flowered silk otk chintz, and th.ere H an inter-lining of flannel, well dusted with sachet powder of the odours of the flowers depicted on the design of the cushion. Large bunches of flowers and autumn berries made of silk and satin have sachet powder introduced into them so that a delightful odour of roses or wbat-notis actually given to anything that is decorated with the blooms. The conventional world is apt to receive many shocks in these degenerate days, when peoplo think and act for themselves, regardless of the customs of centuries. An instance ' of this occurred on a recent Sunday at a small township, way baok in Victoria, when the thermometer stood at 115 in the shade. A Btewing congregation was thrown into a state of great excitement by the arrival of their minister, who, contrary to all the accepted ideas of convention, had discarded the usual suit of black broad cloth and

ascended the pulpit attired in a pair of tennis trousers, a soft abirt with a pale pink strife, and a pair of light sbues. it would seem that the enormity ot the coatuni9 was much added to by the fact chat the pants were creased down the leg. Horror of horrors—what worldliness! The clergyman appeared as cool as possible, under the circumstances, but somewhat nervous because of bis deed of daring. The sympathies of the men of the congregation were with him; but not so those of the women They looked upon such an innovation severely and without consideration of the exigencies of the climate. Indeed, it is said, a "lady in a black bonnet" rose in her wratb £and e mpnatically protested. Be that as it may, since this memorable occasion a perfect avalanche of oriticism has fallen upon the poor, misguided parson, who considered comfort rather than convention. His brother clerics of the big city take an unsympathetic view of the matter, aud talk much of the necessity of orthodox apparel. As a rule a marrow is the most watery and insipid of vegetables, but cooked according to the recipe below it will be found delicious. Boil a marrow, drain, and put into the dish in which it is to Do served; pour over it about half a pint of good white sauce, to which has been added 4oz of grated cheese, sprinkle bread crumbs on top, and grate cheese over all; place in a hot oven till a bright fawn colour. ■ This is really worth trying,