HASTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 44, 4 November 1893, Page 379

HASTINGS.

Dear Bee, October 23. The children’s FANCY DRESS DANCE given by Messrs Fraser and Robinson, Hastings, was an immense success, and must have been a very pretty sight. About forty children were present who seemed to enjoy the evening exceedingly. Indeed, although the dance is a thing of the past now, they are talking about it still, which is wonderful for children to do, as they generally forget everything as soon as it is over. A special feature of the dance was the orderly and good behaviour of the boys, which speaks volumes for the teaching of the masters. There were all kinds of different costumes, from a clown to an officer. The little Masters Fitzroy, lam told, looked very quaint as officers. Miss Majorie Russell took every heart by storm ; she made such a sweet ‘Cherry Ripe.’ I am sorry I cannot give you all the dresses, but as I had a bad cold. I was not able to be present, and news at second hand is never the same. lam told that the Misses Fitzroy, Olive Vickerman, and Violet Russell, all looked remarkably well. The boys were got up in all sorts of fantastic costumes, the clowns being positively immense. The young people danced until ten o’clock when they w’erc called to supper, to which they did full justice. After this they drove home, one and all delighted with the evening’s entertainment. After the departure of the young folks THEIR ELDERS TOOK POSSESSION of the ball-room, and seemed to enjoy the fun as much as the youngsters. lam sorry not to be able to give the gowns worn, but I hear all the ladies looked well, and everything went off with great spirit. There were present most of the nicest people in Hastings, including Mesdames Russell. Nelson, J. N. Williams, Fitzroy. Bestham, Brathwaite, Vickerman, Loughnan, Galwey, Chambers, Williams, Kettle. Logan. Rainbow, and the Misses Russell (2). Williams (three), Hilda Williams (Wellington). Johnston (Wellington), Logan, Cotterill, Nelson. Pattison, Holroyd (Wellington), McGowan (two) McLean and several others. As usual, Messrs J. A. Fraser and Robinson made capital hosts, and everything was most satisfactory. I must not forget to tell you that the excellent dancing of the children was most favourably commented on. I believe they are all Mr Fraser’s dancing pupils. I believe this will be the last dance of the season as the weather is really getting too warm for any such exertion. I suppose tennis will shortly be in full swing. OUR PEOPLE. Miss Holroyd has left Hawke’s Bay for Gisborne, where she intends staying for the races and show. Miss Johnston (Wellington) is staying at Frimley. Miss Busby (Pourere) is stopping at Waikoko. Mr and Mrs Gordon and Miss St. Hill have gone on a visit to Christchurch, I presume to be present at the races and show. Mr Charlie Gordon is back from England, and looks very well. Mr Harry Brathwaite looks most cool and nice in a white drill suit, wide-a-wake hat. Ido wonder more men do not wear these light comfortable clothes, they are so eminently suited to our hot climate. Mr Muir also looks cool and neat in very light grey suit, light grey felt hat with white puggeree; Mr Nelson, grey suit, large white boater. Miss Hodge wears a neat black and white checked gown, white hat: Miss Pattison, grey gown, white sailor hat with pink band ; Mrs E. Tanner, navy gown, light blouse, bonnet with blue bowsand feather; Miss Russell looks well in navy skirt, pink shirt, black hat with red band: Miss Cara Russell I admire in a grey gown, white sailor hat; Miss Gertrude Williams looks well in a black skirt, white blouse with frill, black hat with green; Miss Edwards wears a grey gown, black bonnet with pale pink flowers; Mrs Howard, a stylish pink checked gingham, small bonnet, (black) with pink poppies. polo. Polo, I think, will become a most popular game here. Already I hear there are about forty members. BOWLING. The new bowling-green is open and looks very nice. A number of people were present on the opening day, including a number of ladies. CHOIRMASTER. We are all very sorry to lose Mr J. A. Fraser as choirmaster. He finds that as his school has increased so very much lately, he has not time to take any outside work, and although w’e quite agree with him. we are yet exceedingly sorry to lose his valuable services. He has been most painstaking during the time he has undertaken the conducting of the choir, who have improved considerably under his baton. A meeting was held at the parsonage to consider the resignation of the choirmaster, when one and all expressed their regret at his decision, at the same time hoping at some future time that he would again be able to find time to conduct. Miss Percy has charge of the choir for the present. It is somewhat novel to see a lady conducting the choir, but I do not see why they should not do it as well as the men, especially in New Zealand now that the franchise has been granted. Dolly.