WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue IV, 23 July 1898, Page 116

WELLINGTON.

July 14. Dear Bee, — We have had a very gay we£T, and 1 have so much news to tell you that I hardly know where to begin. 1 think 1 will tell you first about the large wedding reception held by Dr. ami Mrs Grace on the evening of their daughter’s marriage to Professor Clark. It was a very brilliant affair, and all the ladies seemed to have worn their very best frocks, consequently the scene was a particularly bright one. The great number of guests were received in the drawing-room by Mrs Grace, after which they passed on and shook hands and congratulated the happy bride and bridegroom, who stood further down the room with a cluster of bridesmaids round them. In the dining-room all the beautiful and costly presents were on view, and in the large billiard-room a sumptuous supper was laid. There was a good deal of speechifying. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by Captain Russell, who made a graceful and clever speech in doing so, and Professor Clark responded in a few well-ehosen words. Mr Harold Johnston, in proposing ‘the bridesmaids,’ made a very good speech, as also did Professor Mathew (the best man, in replying’ to the toast. The health of the bride’s parents was proposed by Mr Edward Pearce, and Dr. Grace responded in suitable terms. Count de Courte also spoke. In the conservatory, at the end of the draw-ing-room, three musicians—a harpist and two violinists-—played sweet music during the evening, the harp giving a lovely dreamy sound to the waltzes and other selections that were played.

The bride and her maids, of course, wore their wedding attire, already deseribeii in ‘Orange Blossoms.’ Mrs Grace wore a beautiful trained gown of pale silver grey brocade, the bodice trimmed with flue white lace, and the skirt having a panel of white satin, embroidered with jewelled flowers at one side; she also wore her lovely diamonds and carried a bouquet. Mrs lan Duncan wore a white satin gown slightly trained, and the bodice trimmed with chiffon folds, lovely yellow bouquet. Others present were Mrs Walter Johnston, wearing a beautiful black and white brocaded gown trimmed with white lace and diamond ornaments. Mrs Charles Johnston’s gown was, to my mind, the prettiest and most uncommon in the room. It was of thick white, satin., entirely veiled with white chiffon, embroidered with horizontal bands of jet, and the slightly low bodice softened with chiffon folds. Mrs Dr. Newman wore a lovely yellow satin gown with white lace and' passementerie trimming on the bodice; Mrs Menzies, black silk, trimmed with white lace, pretty soft lace cap; Mrs Rolleston looked well in a trained gown of black brocade, with a broad turned back collar of white silk studded with jewels; Mrs

It. Oliver (Dunedin), handsome grey satin, brocaded with large pink flowers, pink chiffon sleeves and corsage; Mrs Rhodes, blaek satin, the bodice trimmed with spangled chiffon; Mrs Captain Russell, black satin, brocaded with yellow sprays, cream kice cap; Mrs Baldwin, lovely lemon coloured brocade, the short lace sleeves caught with jewelled shoulder straps; Mrs Williams, black velvet, trimmed with white lace; Countess de Courte wore a pretty and handsome gown of pink silk, brocaded with a deeper pink flower, and the bodice trimmed with tiny ruches of yellow chiffon; Mrs Turnbull, handsome white satin, trained and trimmed with chiffon and pearls; Mrs Tilly (Wanganui), black satin, with white lace on the bodice, white cap; Lady Buckley, rich black satin, trimmed with silver passementerie; Mrs Bell, blaek silk, trimmed with chiffon frills; Mrs Wallis, white satin gown, trimmed with lace and green satin ribbons; Mrs Penton, handsome white brocade, trimmed with lace; Lady Douglas, black and red figured gown, with reel chiffon on the bodice; Mrs Fell, a beautiful oyster coloured brocade, trimmed with fine lace; Lady Stout, white brocade, the bodice trimmed with deep bead fringe; Mrs Tolhurst, handsome black satin and lace; Mrs Brandon, white broeade, the bodice trimmed with chiffon; Mrs Wason, an uncommon gown of black and white, the skirt of striped silk and the bodice of white trimmed with black; Mrs Riddiford, green brocaded silk, the front of the bodice of jewelled embroidery; the Hon. Mrs Arkwright, black satin, the skirt almost entirely veiled with lovely cream silk embroidery, edged with fringe, and the bodice trimmed with the same (this was a very uncommon gown); Mrs Arthur Pearce, pale green brocaded silk, the bodice trimmed with white lace and sage green velvet bows; Mrs Richardson, blaek brocade, trimmed with white lace and satin; Mrs Seddon, black satin with white lace round the bodice; Mrs Dr. Rawson, lovely yellow brocade, trimmed with white lace; Mrs H. Crawford, pretty gown of pink merveilleux, with panels of brocade to match, and the bodice trimmed with pale coffee lace; Mrs Watson, black velvet, the bodice softened with lace; Mrs Stowe, dark blue satin, trimmed with cream lace; Mrs Medley, black figured silk and lace; Mrs C. Izard, yellow satin, with white lace, on the bodice; Mrs Adams, lovely white brocade, the skirt and bodice flounced with broad, white lace; Mrs Butts, black and silver gauze; Mrs Warren, pink silk gown, the bodice trimmed with black lace; Mrs Butt, yellow silk and chiffon; Mrs Mantell, black silk, trimmed with jet and chiffon; Mrs Travers, deep blue silk, with chiffon sleeves, and epaulettes of brown velvet; Mrs D. T. Stuart, black and white gown; Mrs Larnach (Dunedin), terracotta figured silk, with cream lace on the bodice; Mrs Harding, black satin, brocaded with white leaves, and trimmed with lace; Mrs Barron, black velvet gown, the bodice softened with cream lace; Mrs Donneley (Napier), black skirt, and a mauve and white brocaded blouse with lace; Mrs Edwin, black; Mrs Nelson (Hawke’s Bay), grey satin, the bodice veiled with spangled net and trimmed with green ribbon; Mrs Hislop, blaek and white gown; Mrs McPherson, white silk, trimmed with chiffon ruches; Mrs Pearson, black with white lace; Mrs Tuckey, black brocaded silk, trimmed with white chiffon; Mrs Purdy, black gauze gown, trimmed with green chiffon and satin ribbon; Mrs Waldegrave, black and white; Miss Sidney Johnston, pretty white satin gown, the folded bodice trimmed with shirred chiffon and pearl embroidery; Miss Alice Johnston, in white satin a.nd chiffon; Miss Jervois, black silk gown, the bodice trimmed with jet and chiffon; Miss Coats, black skirt, and black and white figured bodice; Miss Duncan, a pretty gown of pale grey satin, with a deep'flounce of la.ee on the skirt, and the bodice made with revers of lace; Miss Arkwright, white satin, with chiffon on the bodice; Miss Lambert, in black, trimmed with pink chiffon; Miss Richardson, pale grey velvet, the bodice having epaulettes of white lace finished on the shoulders with bands of fur; Miss Holms, in black; Miss Elfie Williams, yellow brocade, the bodice trimmed with chiffon and lace; Miss Eila Williams, pretty pale blue and white brocaded silk, trimmed with white lace: Miss Izard, prettv white silk and chiffon gown; Miss Fitzherbert, pale blue figured silk, trimmed

with chiffon to match; Miss Atkinson, in white satin, with chiffon; Miss Seddon, pink fig-med silk, with chiffon to match on the bodice; Miss Hutchison, green broeade, and chiffon frills; Miss O’Conner, a pretty white silk gown, with a fluffy chiffon bodice; Miss Turnbull, black silk, trimmed with jet embroidery; Miss Gertrude Rose, cream satin, trimmed with chiffon frills; Miss Scully, pretty white figured silk gown; Miss Olive Gore, white silk, the bodice trimmed with chiffon; Miss Medley, yellow brocaded silk gown, with broad white lace round the bodice; Miss Bell, white silk, pretily trimmed with chiffon and pearl trimming; Miss Tolhurst, in a soft white gown; Miss Cooper, pale pink silk, with lace; Miss Butts, pale green silk, trimmed with tiny bands of black velvet; Miss Hislop, pretty white silk and chiffon gown; Miss Coleridge, in a white silk gown, trimmed with lace and little rosebuds round the bodice; Miss Harding, deep blue corded silk, trimmed with lace and red velvet; Miss H. Harding wore a soft white figured gown, trimmed with lace; Miss E. McLean (Dunedin), white satin, the bodice trimmed with chiffon and pearls; Miss Barron, in cream; Miss Henry, white brocaded gown, with pretty chiffon bodice; Miss Geraldine Henry wore green silk, trimmed with chiffon to match; Miss Stowe, cream satin; Miss Harcourt, in a pretty white silk and lace gown; Miss Brandon, in pink; and Miss Moorhouse, cream satin and chiffon. That is really all I can remember, but I am surprisefl that I have remembered so many, for in such a crowd it was quite impossible to see everyone and what they wore. There were several strangers there, whose names I did not know; one tall dark lady wore a pretty coral pink brocade gown, trimmed with frills of creamy lace; another lady wore a pale heliotrope gown, made high, and befrilled with lace, and another was in cream. Among the gentlemen present I noticed Captain Alexander, the Hon C. Hill-Trevor, Sir Robert Stout, - Sir James Hector, Colonel Pole-I’enton, Mr Seddon, Drs. Rawson, Fell, Adams, Newman, Henry, and Purdy, Bishop Wallis, Mr Walter Johnston, Air Charles Johnston, Air Oliver (Dunedin), Mr Travers, Air Larnach (Dunedin), Alessrs. Coats, Johnson, Brandon, Bell, Pearce, Richardson, Rblleston, Waldegrave, Duncan, Baldwin, Smith, Turnbull, Higginson, Mantell, Hislop, Stuart, Riddiford, Menzies, Russell, Wason (Christchurch), Tolhurst, etc. On Tuesday week a DINNER PARTY took place at Government House, to which the following guests received the honour of invitations:—Archbishop Redwood, Sir George Clifford, Sir James and Lady Hector, the Hon. G. AlcLean and Miss AlcLean, Miss Holmes, Hon. R. Oliver and Mrs Oliver, Hon. G. Jones and Airs Jones, and Miss Jones, Hon. T. Shrimski and Airs Shrimski, Mr Reid and Airs Reid, Air A. de Bathe Brandon and Airs Brandon, Archdeacon Fancourt and Airs Fancourt, Air and Airs Donelly and Aliss Donelly, and Air and Airs Barnett. At the AT HOME at Government House on Wednesday last Lady Ranfurly received her guests in a rose-pink silk blouse, the sleeves of which were composed of minute tucks, and long tucked chiffon ruffles, and tucked chiffon sash. Her skirt was of rich black velvet made perfectly plain. Her little daughter wore a crimson silk frock, with chiffon frills of the same shade. Airs Wallis gave a large and fash-ionably-attended AT IIOAIE at Bishopscourt, Wellington, on the afternoon of Alonday week, from 4.30 to 6. The rooms were prettily decorated with spring flowers, and tea, coffee, a nd delicious varieties of cakes were dispensed in the dining-room. Airs Wallis received her guests in a very becoming gown of electric blue, with a yoke and revers of cherrycoloured silk, and both she a.nd Bishop Wallis were übiquitous in entertaining their guests. Amongst those present. were Captain and Airs Russell, Airs and Alias T. C. Williams, Airs Richmond, Alisa Jervods (England), Airs and Aliss Ashcroft, Miss Buller, Hon. Air and Mrs Oliver, Mrs and Aliss Pharazyn, Air E. Pharazyn, Colonel and Aliss Pearee, Mrs David Ander-

son, Archdeacon and Mrs Fancourt, Miss Moorhouse, Miss Elworthy (Timaru), and Mrs Reid.

There was a large attendance of the Hockey Clubs at Island Bay on Saturday week, when an exciting’ match took place between teams of the probables and possibles. The play throughout was very fast, and finally resulted in favour of the probables by five goals to four. For the possibles, Pearson, Fitzllerbert, and Hutchison played a splendid game, and for the probables Wilson scored four goals and Wedde one. Excellent form was shown by most of the players, and the committee will have a difficult task in picking the representative team in the coming match with the Christchurch Club. GOLF. At the Hutt links the Hutt Golf . Club held a competition for the St. Andrew’s Cross. Mrs Arthur Pearce presented a most useful as well as ornamental prize, in the shape of an umbrella, which, together with the cross, was won by Mr W. Pryde, who went round in 87, Mr D. Pryde coming second, and winning the Golf club presented by Mr W. Pryde. The four best scores handed in were those of: —Mr W. Pryde, 87, owes 7, 94; Mr D. Pryde, 94, owes 7, 101; Mr H. Fitzllerbert, 112, handicap 9, 103; Mr D. B. Howden, 109, scratch, 109. The Ladies’ Championship is being played for at the Miramar links this week. Mrs Todd is at present leading with the score of 102. Miss Celia Dampier’s Complimentary Concert, which took place in the Opera House last Monday, was a decided success. The little violinist greatly charmed her audience with her playing, and her pretty unaffected manner, but I thought the Opera House too large a place for so small a performer. One of her items, played with a mute, was almost inaudible at times, and this must have been most trying for the child, who naturally has not, at her age, enough power to fill so large a building. All her pieces were played with great delicacy and finish, and each item was encored. Others who took part in the programme were Miss Constance Hatherly—who gave 2 charming harp solos—Madame Merz, Miss Jeanne Ramsay, Miss Beatrice Varther, Mr Prouse, Mr R. B. Williams. the Ladies’ Musical Society, and the Wellington Liedertafel. The stage was arranged as a drawing room, and looked very cosy and nice, and was also decorated with large pot plants. Mr Robert Parker was musical director. Miss Dampier Wore a simple frock of white silk, trimmed with frills of lace, and dainty white stockings and satin shoes; Madame Merz was in black; Miss Ramsay wore white satin, trained and trimmed with lace; Miss Hatherly and Miss Varther also wore white satin; Miss Prouse and Miss Upham played some of the accompaniments, the former wearing cream and the latter pink. The audience included the Countess of Ranfurly, accompanied by Frl. Schweiter, Lieut. Ward and Capt. We.llesly. Lady Ranfurly wore a black brocade skirt, pretty cream silk and lace evening blouse, and a beautiful long sable fur cape; Frl. Schweiter was in black silk and jet, and a fur cape. Others in the audience were:—■ Captain and Mrs Russell, Mrs and Miss Arkwright, Miss Smart, Lady and Miss Douglas, Mrs and Miss Reid, Mr McCarthy, Miss Fraser, Mrs Donelly, Miss Coats, Mrs Prouse, Mrs Izard, Miss Harcourt, Miss Turnbull and others. On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Waldegrave gave a large and very pleasant ‘AT HOME.’ A feature of the afternoon was the violin playing of Miss Celia Dampier, who was accompanied on the piano by Miss Hatherly, Mrs Waldegrave wore a black skirt and pretty blouse of pale blue figured silk, trimmed with chiffon and lace; Miss Hatherly was in white serge, with gold braiding, ami little Miss Dampier wore a pretty white frock. Among the great number of guests were Mrs Capt. Russell. Mrs and Miss Hislop. Mrs Baldwin, Mrs Howarth, Mrs A. Smith, Mrs Newman, the Misses Seddon, Mrs Turnbull, Mrs W. Reid, the Misses Haise, Mrs Fulton, Mrs McTavish, Miss Skerrett, Mrs Campbell, Mrs and Miss Simpson, the Misses Lingard, Mrs and Miss Edwin, Mrs Wardell, Mrs Turkey, Mrs and the Misses Johnston, etc., etc. Last night Mrs Charles Izard enter-

tained a number of guests at an evening MUSICALE. Several of the guests performed during the evening, among them being Mrs Lucas, of Nelson, who is staying with Mrs Izard. Some of those present were Mr and Mrs Butt, Mrs and Miss Harding, Mrs Longdon, Miss Holms, the Misses McClean, Mrs and Miss Pharazyn, Miss Henry, Mrs and Miss Quick, Mrs Knight, Miss Harcourt and others. The weather though rather threatening in the morning, turned out perfect for the first day of the RACES to-day. A very great number of people were present, and the course looked very bright and festive. His Excellency the Governor, attended by Captains Alexander and Wellesly, Lieutenant Ward and Hon. Hill Trevor, was present and was entertained at luncheon by the President of the Club, Mr Ed. Pearce, in a large marquee erected on the ground. Among the ladies on the course I noticed Mrs Charles Johnston, who wore a black gown, lovely sealskin coat, with ermine collar and a small fawn and red straw toque, trimmed with red velvet; Mrs Riddiford wore a black braided jacket and skirt, a pretty white satin vest, and a black straw hat with tips and green ospreys; Mrs Bell in a black costume and jetted toque; Mrs Newman, black, sealskin coat and small green toque, with yellow roses; Mrs Russell, black jacket and skirt, jet bonnet, trimmed with red roses; Mrs W. Bidwill (Rangitikei), dark green tailor-made suit, and a large black hat trimmed with tips and cerise velvet; Mrs Hutchison, dark green braided gown, black velvet toque with deep violet velvet flowers; Mrs Baldwin, ' in blaek, sealskin jacket, bright scarlet vest, and scarlet velvet hat, trimmed with black tips; Mrs A. Pearce, a black gown, the bodice trimmed with goblin blue velvet and fur, fur and velvet toque to match, trimmed with fawn shaded tips ; Mrs Charles Bidwell, in a black gown and black hat, trimmed with chiffon and corn flowers; Mrs Turnbull, black braided costume and violet toque; Mrs Crawford, a red and black gown, black toque, trimmed with tips and yellow roses; Mrs T. Wilford, fawn coat and skirt, black and green velvet toque, with ospreys; Mrs Purdy, navy blue suit, and small black hat; Mrs McPherson, a red Russian gown, braided with black, small black hat; Mrs Mason, black jacket and skirt, blaek toque, with dark red roses; Miss Pearce in brown with a sealskin jacket, black hat, trimmed with pink poppies and tips; Mrs Rhodes, black satin gown, handsome cape and violet bonnet; Mrs Adams, dark green silk, trimmed with cream lace, black hat with tips and mauve violets; the Misses Johnston in stylish maroon cloth gowns, black and white hats, trimmed with violets; Miss Buller, dull green Russian gown, green straw hat, with loops of light green ribbon; Miss S. Johnston, black Russian gown, with revers and vest of white satin and lace, corn flower blue hat, with white ribbon and wings; Miss McClean, dark green gown, the bodice trimmed with pink chiffon, black hat, with a green crown, trimmed with tips; Miss E. McClean, light brown gown, trimmed with blue velvet, hat to match; Miss Donnely (Napier), a red cloth Russian gown, braided, sailor hat; Miss Izard in black, pretty black straw hat, trimmed with pale blue ribbons and violets; Miss H. Moorehouse in a fawn and pink gown and small black and piuk hat; Miss O’Conner, brown jacket and skirt, pink vest and black hat, with tips; Miss Bell, bright violet coloured gown, white vest and white hat, trimmed with ribbon and pink roses; Miss Toxward in brown and a violet toque: Miss O. Gore, dull grey coat and skirt, blaek and white hat, with violets; Miss Harcourt in a blaek braided gown and large hat with tips. Mrs Henry Rose gave a very pleasant afternoon tea to-day, when there were a large number of guests present. The hostess wore an electric blue tea gown, trimmed with silk and lace. The Misses Rose were in black skirts and pretty silk blouses. Some, of those present were Lady Stout. Mrs Hislop, Mrs Eyre Kenny, Mrs and Miss Quick, Mrs Findlay, Mrs Izard, Mrs Leekie, Mrs Reid, Mrs McTavish, the Misses Haise, Mrs Morison, Mrs Edwin, Mrs Barclay, Mrs and Miss Harding, Mrs Tuekey, Mrs and Miss Tripe, etc., etc.

A very delightful RECEPTION was given by Lady Ranfurly yesterday. Little Celia Dampier’s violin playing was again much admired, and Mr' M. Barnett and Mr Stebbing also contributed musical items. The rooms were decorated with pot plants and gorse, and looked very nice and cosy. The Countess wore a blaek skirt and pretty pink silk and chiffon blouse; Lady Constance Knox wore a deep cerise pink frock. The guests included:—Hon. and Mrs Arkwright and the Misses Arkwright; Mr Maughan Barnett; Mr and Mrs Bolt; Mr, Mrs and Miss Bell; Miss Buller, Capt., Mrs and Miss D’Epinay Barclay; the Misses Bermingham; Lady Buckley; Dr. and Mrs Collins and Miss Holmes; Sir Arthur, Lady and the Misses Douglas, Sir Kenneth Douglas; Mr, Mrs and Miss Donnelly; Mr, Mrs and Miss Friend; Dr. Fyffe; Dr. and Mrs Fell; Mr, Mrs and Miss Fitz Gerald and Miss Sanderson; Rev. Otho FitzGerald; Hon. Dr. and Mrs Grace; Sir James, Lady and Miss Hector; Mrs and Miss Izard; Mr and Mrs Walter Johnston; Hon. G., Mrs and Miss Jones; Mrs and Miss Medley; Hon. H. J. Miller; Major Madoeks; Dr. and Mrs Newman; Hon. R., Mrs Oliver; Sir Maurice O’Rorke; Hon. J. D. Ormond; Mrs and Miss Phrazyn; Colonel and Mrs Penton and Miss Smart; Mr and Miss Pearce; Mr and Mrs Malcolm Ross; Mrs and Miss Richmond and Miss Jervois; Captain and Mrs Russell: Mrs Rhodes; Archbishop Redwood; Hon. W. and Mrs Rolleston; Hon. W., Mrs and Miss Reynolds; Mr Amelins, Mrs and Miss Smith; Mr, Mrs and Miss Stowe; Mr, Mrs and the Misses Tolhurst; Mr and Mrs Travers; Mrs Locke and Miss Coleridge; Bishop Wallis and Mrs Wallis; Mrs Godsall and Miss Elworthy; Dr. Watters; Mr T. C., Mrs and the Misses Williams. The Sydney-street schoolroom presented a very gay scene last Friday evening, the occasion being a large JUVENILE BALL given by Mrs Litchfield and Mrs Tegetmier. I have not seen so many happy faces for many a long day, and the kind hostesses must have, felt proud of the undoubted success of the ball. There were a number of grown up people present also, who seemed to enjoy themselves quite as much as the smaller guests. During th evening several pretty and graceful step dances were performed by some of Miss Beere’s pupils, cmong them being’ the Misses Tegetmeir, Litchfield, Douglas, Moleneaux, etc. Minifie’s band supplied the music. Mrs Litchfield wore a black silk skirt and pink brocaded blouse, trimmed with jet and lace; Mrs Tegetmier was wearing a deep blue satin trimmed with moonlight sequins. Among the young people I noticed were the Misses Rawson (2), Somerville, R. Butt, Berkeley, Penton, Waldegrave, Higginson, Marchant, Coleridge, Brandon, Morrah, Seddon, Williams, Nathan, Hislop, Longdon, Miles, Watson, Harcourt, Smith. Broad, Tregear, Wilson, Simpson, etc. I would like to be. able to describe their frocks, but all looked so much alike —mostly in white with a coloured sash—that it would be too hard a task. Some of the older guests I saw were Mr and Mrs Somerville, the latter wearing a black silk gown with folded pink chiffon yoke; Mrs Tripe, in black, trimmed with white lace; Mrs Donnelly (Napier), black skirt and a mauve figured blouse; Mr and Mrs McCarthy, the latter wearing a blaek satin gown, trimmed with jet; Mrs Riley in heliotrope; Mesda.mes Butt and Moleneaux in blaek; Miss Tabart (Christchurch), blaek satin, trimmed with a white chiffon fiichu; Miss Stowe in pale blue satin, with chiffon frills; the -Misses Tolhurst, soft white silk and lace gowns; Miss Coats, black skirt and cream pompadour silk bodice; the Misses O’Conner, Hutchison, Douglas, Gore, Bell, Tripe and Reid in pretty white gowns; Miss Harcourt, black, trimmed with white; Miss Beere in pale blue silk, with white lace; Miss Stafford, blaek silk,

trimmed with pink chiffon; Miss Pharazyn and Miss G. Rose also wore blaek; Miss Butts in pink. Last Thursday evening a very pleasant LITTLE DANCE was given by Miss Dunean. The. house was prettily decorated with flowers, etc., and in the diningroom an excellent sit-down supper was served, all kinds of dainties being laid out on the tables. Miss Dunean received in a gown of dark violet satin, the bodice veiled with pretty cream lace. Among the guests were Mrs lan Duncan, who wore a black velvet gown, the bodice trimmed with white lace and flowers; Mrs Turnbull in lovely white satin and pearls; Mrs A. Pearce, handsome deep pink satin, trimmed with white lace; Mrs Nelson (Hawke's Bay), grey satin, trimmed with spangled chiffon; Mrs Baldwin, a white satin gown, the bodice made with a Zouave, of pearl embroidery, over folded chiffon; Miss Pearce, black satin, trimmed with jewelled net; Miss —. Holms, white chine silk and chiffon; Miss Pharazyn, pink silk, the bodice trimmed with black chiffon and lace; the Misses S. and E. Johnston in pretty satin gowns, trimmed with chiffon and lovely pearl trimming ; Miss Morrah, pale blue silk, with blaek lace on the bodice; Miss Izard, very pretty white silk, with bodice of aecordeon pleated chiffon; Miss Richardson, cream satin and chiffon; Miss Z. Johnston, blue brocade, with pretty white lace on the bodice; her sister wore a. pink and white figured gown, the bodice trimmed with deep pink chiffon and velvet; Miss Turton in mauve; Miss Elfie Williams, white silk and spotted gauze; Miss Ella Williams, bright pink satin, with white lace on the bodice; Miss Tolhurst, white figured silk; Miss Lucy Tolhurst, white satin, with chiffon and flowers on the bodice; Miss Dransfield, cream satin, trimmed with pearls and a pink and white striped sash; Miss Bell, white figured silk, trimmed with blue satin and chiffon; Miss I-ee in pale blue silk; Miss O. Gore, white silk and chiffon; Miss Cooper, black gown, the bodice veiled with pink chiffon; Miss Harding and Miss D. Tripe in white. Some of the gentlemen were: Lieut. Ward, Capt. Wellesly, Mr Ed. Pearce, Messrs Cooper, Johnston, Duncan (2), Baldwin, Turnbull. Webster. Tripe, Pearce, Gore, Tolhurst, Rolleston, Cox, Menzies, Hadfield, etc.

A correspondent, signing herself ‘Vera’ sends the following:—A very enjoyable dance was given last week in the -Masonic Hall by Mesdames Devine, Bridge, Webb, ami James. The night was very tempestuous and wet, but despite execrable weather a very large number of guests were present. The capacity of the hall was taxed to its utmost, yet. everybody spent a most enjoyable evening. This in a measure was owing to the unusual proportion of gentlemen. Very excellent music, was supplied by Minifie’s Orchestra. I noticed some very pretty dresses. Mrs Bridge wore a lovely pale green silk, the bodice was very prettily trimmed with chiffon of the same colour and dark red roses; Mrs Devine, wore a handsome black satin; Mrs Webb looked very nice in black, handsomely trimmed with jet; Mrs Janies, blaek silk trimmed with red roses; Mrs (Dr.) Chapple wore a very handsome, black moire antique; Mrs T. G. Macarthy looked very eharming in blaek with transparent sleeves; Mrs (Dr.) Faulke, old gold satin trimmed with cream lace; Mrs Runcie wore a very striking’ heliotrope gown; Miss Wrigglesworth looked charming in white; Miss Consy Smith (Invercargill) looked very nice in cream, the bodice prettily trimmed with |>earl trimming ami chiffon; the Misses Chapple looked very nice in white; Miss Ringwood wore a lovely pale blue satin; Miss Walmsley, pale blue trimmed with chiffon; Miss Holmes looked very nice in pink; Miss Francis, very pretty dress of white net over blue satin; Miss Maguire looked very nice in pink; Miss Barker looked very nice in yellow and blaek; Miss Webb wore

a pretty white muslin; Miss James, a very charming dress of white corded silk with sprays of lily of the valley on the bodice; Miss Townsend looked well in pale green.