NELSON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue VIII, 20 February 1897, Page 230

NELSON.

Dear Bek, February ii. Such a change in the weather! Last week, with a little stretch of the imagination, we could fancy ourselves in the tropics, the days were so still and hot, but this week we are experiencing strong south-easterly gales with the thermometer down to 49’. Winter dresses have had to replace our blouses, and we have even been glad to sit over a fire, but we hope soon to have summer again. THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON, comprising H.M. ships * Orlando ’ (flagship), ‘ Wallaroo,’ ' Ringarooma,’ and ‘ Katoomba,’ arrived at the outer anchorage on Saturday evening and stayed until early Monday morning. It was much regretted that the visit was so short, for though a large number of people visited the ‘ Orlando ’ on Sunday afternoon, there were still many more who would have done so had the day been any other but Sunday. The Admiral and staff were entertained by the Mayor (Mr F. Trask) and driven round our small city, the beauties of which they quite appreciated. In the evening search lights from all four warships were thrown over the town and surrounding hills, the effect being truly beautiful. Last week we had a visit from POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY, which is always a favourite here, as in other places. The theatre was filled each evening, and the frequent applause and laughter must have told the clever performers they were appreciated. Among those present on different evenings were Mrs Glasgow, in black silk, lace cap; Miss Glasgow, light blue silk crepon ; Mrs Bitt, black silk and lace evening dress ; Miss Pitt, bright red silk blouse, dark skirt ; Mrs Duff; Miss Duff, white silk evening blouse, black skirt; Miss Melhuish, pretty black evening dress with cream lace on bodice ; Miss Cuthbertson, pale blue blouse, black skirt ; Mrs Wood wore black ; Miss Wood, black silk evening dress ; Miss Ledger, black with yellow sleeves ; Miss L. Ledger, grey silk blouse trimmed with pretty lace, dark skirt ; Mesdames Levien, Bunny, A. Mackay, R. Kingdon, Roberts, Howie, Cooke, the Misses Fell (two), Gribben, Sealy, Heaps, MacDonald (two), Webb-Bowen, Preshaw. Corrigan. Bunny, and many others.

Phyllis.