AMURI.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XIV, 3 April 1897, Page 423

AMURI.

Dear Bee, March 27. The third week in March, 1897, will long be remembered by the residents of Amuri, for in it took place a delightful day's racing and a MOST ENJOYABLE DANCE. Fears were entertained that the weather would not be propitious for the races, but Wednesday morning broke with a cloudless sky, and continued so throughout the day. In my opinion the racing was good, but the fields small, which was a drawback to those who indulge in the mild dissipation of sweeps. About seven hundred people were present, including representatives from all the surrounding stations. Mr Starky kindly acted in the capacity of judge, in the absence of Mr J. D. Lance, who with Mrs Lance was away on a trip to Nelson. A sumptuous luncheon was provided by Mesdames Wilson Wharton, Oliver Rutherford, D. Rutherford, Thomson, Mcßae, Macfarlane, and Jones, which was heartily appreciated. Among the most noticeable dresses were Mrs Wilson, in handsome brown costume trimmed with lovely Trilby silk, bonnet en suite ; Mrs Wharton, black brocaded silk skirt, black and white silk blouse trimmed

with Honiton lace, very becoming hat ; Mrs Oliver Rutherford, smart-looking costume of black and white, hat to match ; Mrs Woodhouse, blue alpaca trimmed with lace ; Mrs W’ilder Fox, dark cornflower blue crepon. white silk vest, becoming hat of white and ostrich feathers ; Mrs D. Rutherford, shot alpaca, tastefully trimmed hat to match; Mrs Davison, black and pink, hat to match ; Mrs Thomson. Gobelin blue lustre, sweet hat with Parisian roses and black feathers ; Mrs W. Macfarlane, extremely chic costume ; Mrs Jones, pale blue brocaded lustre, pretty hat. On the following Friday a ‘ SEND OFF * in the form of a dance was given to the Wilson family, who are leaving the neighbourhood to reside at Cashmere. The dancing began at 8.30 p.m., commencing with a set of lancers, in which Mrs Wilson led off from the top of the room. The decorations were very artistic, consisting of green and cream Liberty muslin, cornflowers, poppies, wheat, and bulrushes. Music was supplied by Fleming’s Band from Christchurch. As the evening wore on the floor became perfect. The supper was of the most recherche order, and the table groaned with every possible luxury. The floral decorations were of exquisite beauty, the centrepiece being greatly admired. It was a very high silver epergne filled with French pampas grass, begonias pink roses, and trails of hops. The health of the departing guests was proposed by Mr Thomson (Balmoral), and drunk in champagne with musical honours, to which Mr Wilson responded. I will now give you a short list of dresses worn on the occasion :—Mrs Wilson, peacock blue plush court train, gold brocaded front; Mrs Wharton, very handsome brocade with lovely Chantilly lace ; Mrs Woodhouse, elephant’s breath corded silk, bunches of white roses ; Mrs Wilder Fox, in her wedding dress of ivory satin, with rich lace ; Mrs Northcote, handsome black dress; Mrs Oliver Rutherford. Italian silk with passementerie, violet velvet and violets (too lovely to describe) ; Mrs Thomson was gowned in black satin, bertha of white lace, black and white rosettes; Mrs D. Rutherford, black embroidered with white ; Mrs Jones, black and red ; Mrs W. Macfarlane, black satin and cream roses; Miss Gilchrist (Oamaru), peach pink cashmere satin, trimmings to match ; Miss Gardiner (Melbourne), ivory white silk, apple green sleeves, with point lace, exquisite feather fan ; Miss Wilson (Culverden), salmon pink satin ; Miss Kathleen Wilson, white corded silk ; Miss Gascoigne (Gisborne), coral pink crepon, black ribbons; Misses Mcßae, Clayton, Oliver, Mcllraith, Adams, McDonald, Dampier-Crossley, McKay, Bathgate, Fletcher, Wilson (Dunedin), Speed. Among the gentlemen I noticed Messrs Wilson (three), Rutherford (three), Oliver (three), Thomson (two), Chapman (two), Northcote (two), McRae, Macfarlane, R. Acton Adams, H. Matson, W. Grav, W. O’Connel, R. Blunden, N. Fox, C. Sheldon, R. Williams, Dr. Little, Messrs E. Jones and F. S. T. Little. The programmes were most unique, with a view of Culverden House upon them, where so many happy hours have been spent.

Beatrix.