HASTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume X, Issue 22, 3 June 1893, Page 524

HASTINGS.

(Delayed.} Dear Bee, May 19. Things are looking up in the dancing line. I have heard rumours of two or three balls, which I believe are to come off shortly, and at which I hear smart gowns are to be worn. Now is the time lor dancing. The weather is clear and frosty, and the moonlight nights are very tempting. A bachelor's ball is to be given soon, which lam sure will be a great success, also a fancy dress ball in aid of the A theme urn and Fire Brigade is on the tapia, and I believe the annual steeplechase ball is to come off next month, so you see we have no end of fun looming ahead in spite of dismal prognostications of a dull winter, because a few families would be away for the session. Of course it makes a difference our friends going away, and we would much rather they stayed here, but the weeks and months pass very quickly, and they will hardly seem to have gone before they are back. Captain and Mrs Bussell and family leave next month for the Empire City. A great number of people mustered at the ‘ Brow,’ the residence of Mr Hastie, from which place a start was to be made. The weather was perfect. The course was from the wool-shed to near Hampden, finishing not far from the starting pemt, the distance being about nine miles over very pretty country. Luncheon was dispensed by Mr and Mrs Hastie, after which operations commenced. The fences were negotiated in first-rate style, the jumpers proving themselves quite old hands at that style of thing. After running about seven miles on the drag a check was received by the master proposing that a draw should take place for a hare. The hounds were put into cover, and soon a hare was seen to steal away. Great was the fun and the excitement now, and after a run of about thirty-five minutes the hounds made their kill in the open. There were about seventy-three riders in at the death. The drag was continued to the wool-shed, when the hunt was broken off, as people seemed tired. The master was mounted on Wi Parata. and Messrs Jackson and Hassel (whips) on Victrixand Explorer respectively. Some of those following were Mrs Joe Rhodes on Arkwright. Miss Groome (who rode splendidly) on Moe, Mrs Giblin on Barbarian, Miss Miller (looking very nice) on Desmond. Miss Mackersey on a bay, and several other ladies. Some of the gentlemen who were riding were Messrs Bridge, Giblin, Carlyon, Hastie, M. Mason. Kerr. Mulholland. M. Chambers, J. Chambers, Groome, G. Groome, Cottle, J. Groome, Nelson, Dove, Russell,. J, Douglas, W. Williams, Campbell, Howard, A. Ellingham, Burney, Rhodes, Pettit. H. Carlyon, Viliers, Rathbone, W. Robinson, Peeney, Butler, W. Ingram, J. Ingram. Mackersey, Skerman, W, Kinross, White, and Drs. Godfrey and Reid. After the hunt the usual honour was extended to the host and hostess, and then the party wended their w’ay home. We are all looking forward to the next meet; the weather is simply glorious for hunting. MAORI-LIFE. Parliament at Waipatu Pah is to be dissolved to-morrow, consequently there were great doings to-day, and for the last time a haka was danced, which seemed to afford great amusement to the on-looters of whom there were a large number. Everyone seemed to be there, the weather being most delightful. I noticed several people from town amongst them being Mesdames Balfour, Fraser, J. W. Carlile, Miss Logan, Miss Cotteril). Mrs McLean, Messrs Fraser, Com ford, F. Rhodes, J. W. Carlile, and several others. There were also a great many fashionable Hastings folk. I believe sports are to be held to-morrow which will bring matters to a pleasant termination. Miss Nelson gave a small dance, which was most enjoyable. The evening was wet, which put an end to promenading round the lovely grounds, but the large verandah made up for this, and afforded a delightful retreat for non-dancers (of whom there were very few), and also for those who liked a little fresh air after a delicious waltz. Miss Mildred Nelson looked very nice in a light coloured gown, and looked well after her young friends, who seemed to enjoy the evening immensely. Some of those who were there were the Misses Williams, Cara Russell, Busby (Pourerc), Price (Ruataniwha), Tipping, St. Hill, and Messrs Williams, Russell, Cooper, Fenwicke, Robinson, Lean, Warren, King and a few more.

Dolly.