CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 49, 5 December 1891, Page 657

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, November 18. A highly classical concert, and the first given by the reformed orchestral society, took place in the Oddfellows’ Hall. The audience was the most numerous one seen at an amateur concert for a long time. Being a viceregal night had something to do with the attendance, but the concert was worthy of a good audience. Some of the orchestral items were a little long for some ot the listeners; and there were only two songs. Mrs Burns sang an Italian Romanza beautifully, and Mr Millar gained an encore for his splendid singing of ‘ The Wanderer,’ and in response gave * Nazareth. ’ The Governor and Lady Onslow, accompanied by Mr Walrond, arrived punctually. Lady Onslow wore a black lace evening dress with knots of maize ribbon, and her magnificent diamonds, and carried a lovely feather fan. Most of the audience had the good taste to appear in evening dress, but here and there an unsightly hat or bonnet (for no matter how pretty, they are unsightly in the midst of a number in evening dress) was to be seen.

The annual ball in aid of the funds of the Ambulance Association took place in the Tuam-street ball which w as transformed with decorations almost past recognition. Flags and shields almost covered the walls and galleries, with graceful reeds and flax interspersed. The dingy pillars weie first covered with red, then garlands of green with white flowers twined round them. The stage was arranged as a drawing-room with some beautiful palms about, and azaleas in pots in full bloom. Then in alcoves at the back of them the supper tables were laid with a profusion ot flowers, fairy lamps, and good things, which gave a charming effect. The ladies of the committee are to be congratulated on their efforts. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Onslow were present, accompanied by Mr Walrond and Capt. Guthrie. Lady Onslow wore a rich cream silk with facings of terracotta, feather fan to match, and tan gloves, and beautiful diamond stars in her hair and diamond necklet. It was supposed to be a fancy dress ball, but not compulsory, and the not compulsory took the giant share. The first set of Lancers was formed by the Governor and Mrs J. T. Peacock, the Countess of Onslow and Mr C. Louisson, Mrs Louisson and Mr Walrond, and Mrs J. Gibbs and Capt. Guthrie. Mrs Peacock represented Mrs Balchristie, and looked the dearest old lady with mob cap and stick ; Mrs Louisson wore a dull green silk skirt with pale pink net over it, bodice of the silk with pink chiffon frills, and long white gloves ; Mrs Gibbs, as Mrs Hardcastle, had a very handsome dress, the bodice and train of terracotta silk, with front petticoat of white silk and lace, and white wig; Miss Matson, as Lady Teazle, looked extremely well ; the long pale blue train falling from the shoulder was handsomely embroidered with tulips, hair powdered ; her brother, as Masaniello, was one of the best dressed gentlemen in the room ; Miss A. Matson, as a Scarlet Poppy, had a very pretty dress ; Mrs Alan Scott, as Zeolide, (‘ Palace of Truth ’), and Mrs Lomax Smith, as Mirza, from the same, looked very handsome in their trained velvet gowns ; Mrs Milsom, as Magpie, had a lovely dress of black velvet and white satin, with a bird on one shoulder and one in her hair ; Miss Stratton, as Tricolour, had a very effective diess ; Miss Davie looked charming in an old English dress for a girl about a century ago ; Miss Rhodes and Miss Hutton, both as Magpie, in black and white, with a white ribbon badge across the bodice with ‘ Two for Mirth ' in gold letters; Mrs Manning, in a rich dress of electric blue striped satin and broche; Mrs C. Clark, prune merveilleux ; Mrs Matson, handsome black silk ; Mrs Tyree, pretty black lace dress ; Mrs Hacon, black evening dress ; Mrs Jennings, black, with beautiful spray of roses on the bodice ; Miss Manning, a Dear Little Schoolgirl ; and Miss C. Pratt, a charming Little Red Riding Hood ; Mrs Graham, Queen (• Palace of Truth ’); Miss Graham, Mrs M. Gard’ner, Miss Machell Clark, Miss Kiver, Mrs H. Murray-Aynsley, Miss Tabart, the Misses Cunningham, Mrs Thomas, Mrs Chynoweth, Mrs Lewin, Miss Pratt, Miss Pheney, and a good many more were there. Mr Pitman looked splendid as a Beaufort Huntsman ; Mr Walrond wore Windsor Court dress ; Dr. Thomas, as Father Christmas, had one of the most effective dresses there ; Mr Palairet, black and white. A good many gentlemen were in uniform, and some of the oilicers from the warships were present, which all added to the brilliancy of the scene. The gallery was well filled with spectators, who again for the most part were in evening dress, but some few still kept to the hat or bonnet. Imagine going to a ball even to look on and wearing a bonnet ! At the first ball given by Lord and Lady Onslow, about three hundred people were present. The Countess has won all hearts here by her gracious manner, and everyone pronounced this ball a perfect success "in every particular. A large marquee was greeted for the dancing alongside the house, with pretty little alcoves opening into the garden, which was like some fairy scene with Chinese lanterns hung from the trees and seats for the weary. Lady Onslow’s dress was very handsome—a rich white silk, front petticoat beautifully embroidered with sprays ot Howers, train of lemon-coloured satin striped gauze over silk, bodice of the silk, diamond tiara and ornaments, and a lovely bouquet of yellow azaleas. Colonel Gordon led the Countess out for the first dance, the Governor and Mrs E. C. J. Stevens being visa-vis. Mrs Stevens wore a turquoise blue silk veiled with black lace, and knots of black velvet, black velvet train, blue feather head dress ; the Hon. Mrs Parker, a most becoming dress of pink and white silk ; Mrs Lance, an apricot silk covered with some exquisite black lace ; Mrs Alan Scott, white satin, with gold bands in her hair; Mrs Rhodes, a rich black dress ; Mrs Heaton Rhodes, a deep cream silk, and diamond necklet ; Miss Rhodes, a dress of vieux rose ; Miss E. Rhodes, turquoise blue; Mrs Pyne, an orange coloured dress with lovely golden butterflies on the bodice ; Mrs Boyle, a pretty pink dress ; Mrs Leonard Harper, Etruscan red satin ; Mrs Campbell, lavender colour ; Airs Bullock, black lace ; Mrs Prins, a very handsome dress of bronze Bengaline silk, white vest embroidered with gold ; Mrs Palmer, bronze satin and velvet with gold trimming; Mrs Walker, in black ; Mrs Banks, lemon-coloured brocade with chiffon ; Mrs Kimbell, black satin and brocade; Mrs Bowen, in black; Mrs J. Barker, a rich white brocade; Mrs'G. Gould, a handsome white silk trimmed with cowslips ; Mrs Acton Adams, a lovely nink brocade ; five debutantes—the Misses Mabel Gould, Lily Bowen, Grace Cowlishaw, Bessie Campbell, and Banks—who all looked charming in their crisp white gowns, and each carried a lovely bouquet of white flowers; Miss Maud Williams (Wellington) wore white satin underskirt covered with chiffon of a pale shade, and profusely trimmed with primroses ; her sister, white with bronze bands ; Miss Lance, white and gold ; the Misses Wilson (Culverden), white chiffon trimmed with pink poppies, and white brocade trains; Miss Campbell, smoke grey striped gauze ; Mrs Gordon, black satin. Several of the officers from the two warships, Tauranga, and Ringarooma, were there. Dancing was kept up till between one and two o’clock. The third black and white exhibition of pictures was opened by Lord Onslow in the Art Gallery, ami was well attended. Lady Onslow was present, and looked as animated and pleasant as usual, notwithstanding two balls in succession. Her dress was an evening one of pale tan, with bows of ribbon. Mr Beetham ami Captain Garsia escorted her ladyship round the gallery, and after Lord < Inflow’s opening remarks some songs were sung by Miss Hilda Williams, Miss B. S|>ensley, and Mr Maitland Gardnei, ami the Misses Meeson and Williams played. Mrs Garsia wore black; Miss Garsia, white ; Mrs Collins (Kaikoura), handsome black velvet dress with train, white cloak ; the Misses Wynn-Williams wore white, and their pretty cloaks ; Mrs

G. Rhodes, a very handsome cloak of deep cream embroidered with gold ; Miss Rhodes’ was of cornflower blue with gold embroidery; Miss E. Rhodes, deep cream with gold fringe ; the Misses Williams (Wellington), pretty grey dresses ; Miss Hennah, giey striped gauze ; Mrs Campbell and Miss Clarke, in black ; Miss Campbell, white Liberty silk ; Mrs and Miss Worthy, Mrs and Miss Robison, Mrs and the Misses Stoddart, and many others were present. I must confess to a feeling of disappointment in the exhibition, but the want of colour and the very young efforts must be answerable for that.

We had not at all a nice day for the opening of the yachting season, and those bidden by the members of the Corinthian Club for a cruise to Puran Bay did not all put in an appearance. Amongst those who braved the weather were Mrs and Miss Kimbell, Mr and Mrs Clifford, Mr and the Misses Maude, Mr and Mrs R. J. Scott, Mrs and Miss Campbell, Mrs Wilson, Miss Lean, Miss Beswick, Miss Studholme. Five yachts and two steam launches went across, and the weather cleared sufficiently to make it pleasant immediately after the start. The tea was much enjoyed, and a few dingy races got up both for ladies and gentlemen.

With the Tongariro Mrs Flavell returned to New Zealand, and gave her friends quite a thrill of pleasure, as no one knew she was coming, but it is only for a short visit, as I hear she returns to England after Christinas. We had such a day as we would have had if it had been specially ordered for Cup Day, not too glaring sunshine, yet delightfully warm and bright. Never before has such a wealth of beauty and fashion gathered on the Riccarton lawn, the lovely dresses worn by the ladies being displayed to the best advantage. The Earl and Countess of Onslow and party drove out in a perfectly appointed four-in-hand, and were conducted to the stand by the stewards to the strains of the ‘ National Anthem ’ from the Garrison Band stationed on the lawn, and which gave some very enjoyable music through the day. The stewards entertained His Excellency the Governor and Lady Onslow and friends to luncheon on the grounds in a marquee at the rear of the stand. The Countess looked extremely well in a cream silk dress with pale pink Hoi al design, the tabs at the foot lined with pink, and bonnet of pink heather, cream gloves, and chiffon parasol ; the Hon. Mrs Parker wore a skirt of cream silk with prune silk short paniers, the bodice of cream and prune and gold tinselled brocade, gold and cream bonnet ; Mrs E. C. J. Stevens, dark heliotrope silk, long circular mantle of black lace, black and heliotrope bonnet; Mrs Rolleston, handsome terra-cotta brocade, black lace mantle, black bonnet with cream roses ; Mrs Boyle, a lovely goldenbrown shot silk covered with black lace, bonnet to match ; Mrs Wilder, a charming costume of pale figured silk and chiffon, with brown velvet streamers, bonnet to match ; Mrs Pitman, a white Howered silk, with dark green silk sleeves, and vest covered with rich guipure lace, white bonnet with tips of pink and green, matching the flowers in the dress ; Mrs Alan Scott, blue silk trimmed with black velvetand lace, bonnet to match ; Mrs Stead,soft cream dress trimmed with gold embroidery, pretty cream bonnet with black velvet strings; Mrs Rhind, French grey dress with pink vest, bonnet to match; Mrs Henry Mackenzie (Dunedin), grey striped dress with flounce of cornflower blue silk round the skirt covered with black lace, sleeves of the blue silk ; Mrs Daigety, soft white silk ; Mrs <l. D. Milton (of Birch Hill), fawn coloured brocade trimmed with thick lace; Mrs Heaton Rhodes, an exquisite dress of dove-coloured merveilleux trimmed with silver, and a long velvet cloak of a darker shade also trimmed with silver ; the Misses Williams (Wellington), pretty grey dresses with hats to match, one with white (lowers, the other with cornflowers ; Mrs R. Wilson, buttercup silk with deep black lace flounce, bonnet to correspond ; her daughter, twine coloured silk with brown velvet Swiss belt; Mrs Smithson, white dress, black velvet trimming; Mrs G. Lee, white cambric and embroidery ; Mrs Wardrop, a fawn costume ; Mrs G. Roberts, a grey dress with brocaded front, grey bonnet; Mrs John Anderson, black and white check dress ; Mrs Lewin, fawn and brown, fawn bonnet with pink roses ; Mrs Bruges, a flowered green delaine, gold girdle, aerophane hat with white silk poppies ; Mrs R. D. Thomas, heliotrope grey with large spots, gold embroidered vest, black and gold bonnet; Mrs Burns, a creamcrepedress with chiffon and bands of pale blue silk embroidery, gold and white bonnet with pale blue ; Mrs Acton Adams, ahandsomegrey wide-striped satin, grey bonnet with coronet of silver, grey cloak embroidered with silver ; Mrs DevenishMeares, serpent green silk with brocaded front, cream lace and gold trimming, bonnet to match, Mrs Common, brown with fancy spot, silk brocaded front, brown three quarter cloak with gold braiding, brown and gold bonnet ; Mrs P. Cunningham, blue silk with cream vest ; Miss Cunningham, pale grey dress with cream vest, grey hat : Miss Helmore, cream Liberty silk, cream hat and feathers; Miss E. Helmore white dress, braided with gold, white hat ; Miss Delamain, canary-coloured Liberty silk, fancy straw hat with ostrich tips ; Mrs Wilding, white dress, black lace mantle and bonnet ; Miss K. Tabart, heliotrope flowered delaine with velvet yoke, black hat with heliotrope ; Miss E. Tabart, grey dress and hat with pink roses ; Mrs 11. Burns, black dress and three-quarter cloak embroidered with gold, blaek amt gold bonnet ; Miss Stephenson (Dunedin), a lovely dress of pale blue merveilleux with silver trimming, black net hat ; Miss Otterson, pale green with gold cord trimming ; Miss Brett (Auckland) prettysoftgrey princess dress, black hat with pink roses; Miss Campbell, cornflower blue flowered delaine with blue silk yoke and trill to the bodice, black and blue bonnet ; Mrs Greenwood, navy blue silk, black lace mantle ; the Misses Green wood, grey dresses and hats; Miss Stud holme, heliotrope flowered delaine, white hat with Howersto match; the Misses Wynn-Williams, black and white check dresses, white hats ; Mrs Wynn Williams, black ; Mrs Cowlishaw, blue corduroy velvet, black bonnet with flowers to match : Miss Cowlishaw, grey dress ami hat with yellow wing ; Miss I. Cowlishaw, blue flowered delaine, white hat with blue flowers ; Miss Way, a fancy check summer tweed of fawn and brown, straw hat trimmed with fawn ; Miss Fairhurst, sage green plush and silk dress, grey hat and parasol ; Miss Palmer, pale pink satin with frills of white lace, white hat; .Mrs Rhodes, handsome grey brocade, black lace mantle, black ami gold bonnet; Miss Rhodes, white muslin and very fine embroidery, white hat ; Mrs Birch, an embroidered costume of electric blue, cloak and bonnet to match ; Mrs J. T. Peacock, blaek ; Mrs McCrae, heliotrope and white spot dress trimmed with lace, white hat ; the Misses Bowen, pretty blue dresses trimmed with white lace, black hats

with cream roses ; Mrs H. Murray-Aynsley, white; the Misses ynsley, flowered delaines ; Mrs Tyree, green flowered delaine ; Miss Mcßae, pale grey dress, white hat with feathers. There were many more beautiful dresses, the gold embroideries make such handsome trimmings and most of the bodices in thin materials have a frill round the bottom of lace, I noticed. The three-quarter and princess capes find much favour too, and the bonnets are airy, fairy things. Altogether Cup Day of 1891 was a more brilliant one than any of its predecessors. There were more strangers present too, both from North and South. The racing was an unexpected win in almost every race, none of the favourites coming in first. The C. J.C. ball is to be the. ball of balls this year, so I shall be able to tell you in my next

Dolly Vale.