WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XII, Issue XIX, 12 May 1894, Page 451

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee. May 4. The Hutt Park Race Course was crowded on THE FIRST DAY OF THE RACES by a fashionable gathering, the weather being perfect. The lawn looked very pretty with the gay dresses of the ladies and the band stationed on the lawn in front of the grandstand, and the various tents, etc. erected. The day was altogether a most enjoyable one, but the second day was quite the reverse, being showery and windy all day, the bleak look about the course contrasting vividly with that of the previous day. In spite of the weather, however, a number of people were present the second day. and the grandstand was half full of ladies. On the first day I noticed on the course Mrs H. D. Crawford, wearing a stylish gown of red and black corduroy velvet, prettily made hat to match; Mrs A. Crawford wore dark bottle green, the epaulettes edged with beaver, black hat; Mrs Purdy looked well in a pretty brown costume, large hat to match: Mrs Bell also wore a becoming brown costume; Miss Elfie Williams wore black and pale blue corduroy, black boa, black velvet hat; Mrs W. Moorhouse, a drab costume, small hat to match; Miss Maud Grace, brown figured gown trimmed with black silk, long brown jacket braided at the waist and hem with black braid, brown felt hat with black quills; Mrs W. Johnston and the Misses Johnston wore black costumes: Miss Tolhurst, light brown diagonal tweed made with a long basque, waistcoat of old rose cloth, hat to match: others also present were Mrs Collins, Mr and Mrs Riddiford. Miss Cooper, Mr and Mrs Donolly (Napier) and Miss Donolly, Mrs Grace. Miss A. Grace, Mrs Ed. Pearce, Miss Pearce, Mrs Dowell, Miss Hilda Williams, Miss Leek. Mr and Mrs Arthur Pearce. Mr Bell, Colonel Fox, Mr, Mrs and Miss Duncan, Mrs T. M. Wilford. Miss N. McLean (Dunedin), Mrs Newman, Miss Buller, Mr Duthie, Mrs W. Crawford, Mrs Herman (Napier), Miss Moeller, Mr and Mrs Haise, Mr and Mrs Batkin, Mr H. Beetham (Wairarapa), Mr Barry Goring, etc. Invitations are out for a small dance to be given by Miss Pearce next week, and there are several things on the tapis for the following week. A very enjoyable SMALL DANCE was given last night by Mrs T. C. Williams, of Hobson-street. There were only about twenty couples present, so that there was ample room for dancing in their large hall, the floor of which was beautifully polished. The drawing-room, billiard-room, and in fact all the house was prettily decorated for the occasion, chrysanthemums and greenery predominating. The party broke up early, as is the fashion in Wellington just now. Nearly all the dances given last session were from nine till twelve o’clock, and people are still keeping to this sensible custom, which was first started by the Countess of Glasgow. Mrs Williams received in a handsome trained gown of black trimmed with lace, and the Misses Williams wore pretty white gowns. Mr Wyvern Williams was down from the country for it. Mrs Barry Goring appeared for the first time in her white satin wedding gown which is trimmed with lace and ribbons : Miss Grace wore black and white striped material softened with lace, and Miss Buller wore a pretty black gown with white sleeves and trained with jet and lace. Others present were the Misses Cooper, Izard, Duncan (Walter) Johnston, and Gore. What was termed a variety entertainment was given by Mrs Menzies, at Museum House, to a number of young people one evening last week. MUSICAL PARTIES AND EUCHRE PARTIES. have had their day for a few weeks and this novelty in the shape of an evening party was much enjoyed, and among those present besides Mrs and the Misses Menzies were Mrs W. Fitzgerald, Miss Turnbull, and the Misses Brown, Brandon. Johnston, Grace, etc. I hope this will be an idea for intending hostesses, who, of course, can nave their variety in quite a different form, in fact, there is almost unlimited scope for clever young people to successfully entertain their friends. The first concert given by Mr Alfred Hill and hie pupils was a great success, and Mr Hill is certainly to be congratulated on the general efficiency shown all round and in so short a time. Miss Winnie Holt, Miss Hirchberg, and Master Richardson all contributed solos and gave great pleasure. Mr Alfred Hill made his deb (it as a vocalist, but, though well rendered, his songs did not cause much enthusiasm, for he lacks the necessary power and quality which should be associated with them. As a violinist he has, as you know, gained an enviable reputation which he undoubtedly deserves, and it seems a pity that he elected to sins in public at all. and was not content with his violin and conducting achievements. Miss Booth was the only other vocalist, and as it was her first appearance, she was naturally nervous and unable to do herself justice, but I should like to hear her again later on when she has overcome this and has studied more. OUR PEOPLE. The serious illness of Mrs (Dr.i Pollen has caused her friends much anxiety, and I am sorry to hear that she is not yet out of danger. She has now been ill for over a month, and has been greatly missed. The Hunt Club’s Races take place to-morrow, and if fine, there will be a large gathering on the course. Dr. Cahill has returned from Napier, and though, of course, still far from well, is gradually getting over his severe attack of typhoid fever. Miss Hilda Johnston is still away, (laying visits in the Wairarapa. Mr C. B. Izard, who, accompanied by Miss Lillian Izard, left for England a short time ago in order to have an operation on his eyes, has arrived there, and on consulting the eminent oculist, Mr Cowper, finds that an operation is unnecessary, and the treatment he is now undergoing is working very successfully, and he has great hopes of completely recovering his sight. His many friends will, I am sure, be glad to hear the good news. Miss L Izard,

who also went for her health, has improved wonderfully. I believe MrsC. J. Johnston, who left some time ago with the Hon. C. J. Johnston tor England for her health, has greatly benefited by the long voyage. The trip to England seems to be a cure for every ill. for nearly everyone who tries it for that purpose comes out completely renewed in health.

OPHELIA.