HASTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue III, 21 July 1894, Page 67

HASTINGS.

Dear Bee, July 6. The winter meeting having brought a number of country people into Hastings, caused a good deal of gaiety. Owing to the wet weather, the races had to be postponed for a week. However, the HUNT STEEPLECHASE BALL was held in the Princess Theatre, and was a great success. Great credit is due to the committee for their splendid management. Luckily, the weather was kind, and allowed the country people to come in. Among the dresses were—Mrs J. Nelson Williams, very handsome black velvet with trimming of blue bead embroidery ; Mrs Russell, black silk trimmed with orange velvet: Mrs Galway, black silk trimmed with blue bands; Mrs Crosse, white silk ; MLs Johnston, blue: Mrs Barker looked very handsome in her wedding gown of white brocade; Mrs Laen, cream silk, gold sleeves : Miss Russell, yellow ; Miss C. Russell, black, with heliotrope frill round the skirt, and trimmings of the same colour on the bodice; Miss A. St. Hill looked well in pale blue satin; Miss Anderson, myrtle green silk with pale pink front let in, pale pink puffed sleeves: the Misses Williams, pretty white silk gowns ; Mrs Sidney Johnston, white silk, with puffed sleeves of green velvet. The PRIVATE THEATRICALS AT FRIMLEY were most enjoyable. The rooms were decorated with Mrs Williams’ usual charming taste, and looked lovely. A most laughable farce was acted, called ‘Tom Cobbs,’ and the actors are to be complimented on their clever performance. There was a dance afterwards, which, to judge by the bright faces of the dancers, was thoroughly enjoyed. A week later, Mr and Mrs Williams entertained their tenantry at the Princess Theatre, when the same farce was acted, and a dance was given. The HAWKE’S BAY JOCKEY CLUB held their Winter Meeting, which was, as usual, largely attended. lam glad to say there was only one accident. Ido not mean that I am glad there was one accident, but glad there were no more. The bracelet was won for Mrs Spencer Gollan by Mr Shaw, and as she was not present, was received for her by Mrs J. Nelson Williams. Mr Ormond making an appropriate speech. The day after the Hunt Steeplechase Club held a meeting. The weather was glorious, and the view from the grand stand of the snow-clad hills beyond the green pines and the yellow branches of willows and poplars was perfect. I was glad to notice that there was a preponderance of tweed among the dresses worn by the ladies, as nothing is so suitable for this time of year and for the occasion. OUR PEOI’LE. Great sorrow is felt by all at bidding good-bye to Mr Besley, who during his short stay here has made himself so popular. He left for England by the Gothic. He will be especially missed in musical circles. Mrs Russell and Miss C. Russell have gone to Wellington for the session.

Dolly.