HASTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue VIII, 25 August 1900, Page 365

HASTINGS.

Dear Bee, * August 10th. From the surrounding country comes news of four splendid runs with the Hawke’s Bay hounds last week, although on Friday there were complaints from Fairfield, Mr H. 11. Bridge’s residence, of a very windy day, which interfered with the scent. On Saturday (he hounds had a splendid run from Ashcott, Mr J. B. A. Deane’s, station. The field comprised, amongst others, the master and Mrs Sunderland. Mr and Mrs J. B. Rhodes, Mr and Mrs H. Carlyon, Aliases Madge Rhodes, Ella Williams, Sinieox. Herrick, and sevenal other ladies. Messrs 11. F. Norris, Arnold Williams, Fitz Herbert, A. Groome, A. T. Russell. A. Herrick, E. White, Goring Johnston. T. H. Lowry, Baron Wedell Wedellsborg. and Dr. Robertson. Some of those who began by pressing’ hounds were soon disposed of, as the pace was fast, anil the well known barbed wire fence between “Round Hill Paddock.” and the road further thinned the field. A hare was eventually killed, though the doubt obtained in some minds that the wary little animal who had given such good sport might not have been the victim. On Monday the hounds had. a good day round Ashley-Clinton, and, as usual, the field contained a good number of ladies. Miss Rhodes, on several occasions, giving a good lead to some less well mounted over the stiff timber and big fences, for which the Hawke’s Bay country is noted. The season was brought to a dose on Wednesday by a meet at Springhill, Mr J. B. Rhodes* station, when, owing to the wind, the scent was far from good. A very pleasant day was spent nevertheless. Some of the residents of WaipaWa, gave an enjoyable fancy dress ball at the Oddfellows’ Ball, Waipawa, on the Sth inst. The committee were in defatigable in their efforts to render the evening a successful one. Some of the costumes were very original. Miss J. Fleming looked remarkably well as Queen of the Forest; Miss Peters as Winter; Miss Todd as Ruination; Alias Mackenzie as Now Zealand Ambulance, were nil effective. Several hospital nurses.’ a capital minet’s daughter, a picturesque “summer,” and a dainty-looking “winter” were also noticeable, whilst Maori princesses, a midshipmite, a romp, and “evening" wore much admired. Some of the residents of Tikokino also gave a. charming fancy dress ball there on Friday as a return for the bachelors' ball. The ballroom was beautifully decorated with flags and foliage, with which the walls were panelled, and the supper tables in the marquee adjoining the building were also tastefully adorned with flowers. Miss Austin appeared as “Cherry Ripe." She wore a gown of white muslin, molt cap, and cherries in her bodiec. Miss Londowh was dressed as

Queen of the Roses in soft pink silk and chiffon,’and pink roses in her hair. Mrs Goodseer ns a Red Cross Nurse wore a dark blue gown, with apron and cap of white muslin. Miss E. Scarrett as “Ivy," had a most becoming costume of pale green, and sprays of that- creeper on the bodice. Miss Brown as Starlight wore a black dress, ornamented with gold stars. Miss Napp was dressed as u magpie, and wore a quaint gown of black and white. Mrs Glass as a Fishwife wore dark blue and red. Mr C. Ryman wore an antique court costume. Air S. Vincent appeared as a negro minstrel; and Mr A. McKenzie was dressed as a Highlander in kilts. Mr N. Arrow wore the Waipawa volunteers' costume. Mr W. Pettitt wore a cricketers’ costume. Dancing was kept up with much animation until a late hour.

DOROTHY.