LONDON LETTER

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 40, 4 October 1890, Page 12

LONDON LETTER

Dear Bee, j uly n I will not dwell on the various places of interest that we have attended during the season, which has. been most exceptionally brilliant, but will proceed immediately to tell you about Henley regatta. I think I mentioned liefore that we possessed a commodious house-boat. This, was put into perfect older, re-carpeted, and decorated very tastefully. Lottie, Fred, ami I undertook the floral adornments, which we decided should hold their own with our neighbour's. In this respect we were successful. Palms and ferns were growing everywhere, and garlands of real flowers were festooned wherever available, and interlaced with Chinese lanterns. Small coloured lights completely outlined the boat, and in the evening looked extremely pretty. Our supper table was not neglected ; indeed, it was 'made a special item, and called forth loud approval. In the centre was placed tall palms, ferns, and bulrushes in crystal glasses. These were placed on a long narrow piece of' looking-glass, and resembled a small island on a peaceful sea. The edges of the glass were fringed with short grasses -, here and there were placed water lilies in flat saucers filled with water; those receptacles were covered with large nasturtium leaves. At eight different points at the edge of the grasses we deposited candlesticks (gilded ones) containing primrose candles and old gold satin shades. Strawberries and oranges were arranged on the table, and, I assure you, enhanced the entire”effect Dad and the mater are always so good. They only remind us of their pockets, of which fact we are not neglectful, and it was on this special occasion not our intention to do thetlnng by halves ;enfre nous we spent our own pocket money in hiring pretty little boys, and dressed them as sailors. One was a half caste ; it was so delightful to see them dispensing the refreshments. Their appearance was both charmin” and original. Fred had carte blanche to invite the male members of the community, and availed himself of the permission by inviting a score of his college chums (awfully nice fellows), and Lottie an<l I dispensed our favours to some really go'od-looking and distinguished girls, and not one sent a refusal. I must say they did lis homagein point of donning their most becoming attire. The general aspirations seemed to favour the nautical ami sailor collars, and a few hats with their concomitants, made a brave show. One or two of the girlswith dark hair and complexions chose white gowns and sun hats. The ladies of maturer years donned more costly and heavier material, such as brocade and shaded silks, but all seemed to adopt as airy an appearance as convenient, resorting in the case of darker costumes to light vests and headgear ; whilst the sunshades were all of a most filmy nature. 1 he men in their flannels looked well—delicious I heard one lady remark, but she was married, and therefore privileged to express her opinion ; though she only endorsed the conviction of the single girls. The rowing was more than good, in fact it was the best on record, and now, ma cherie. Air re voir !

Butterfly.