WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue V, 31 January 1903, Page 323

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, — January 22. We were fortunate in having the most glorious weather for the holiday to-day, our. 63rd Anniversary Day. There was just enough breeze for it to- be perfect for yachting, and the regatta was greatly enjoyed by all taking part in it. The Union Company’s steamer Penguin followed the- races round the course, and was largely patronised by the public. The ferry boats running to the various seaside resorts were crowded with pleasure-seekers, and all appeared to have spent a delightful time in their various ways. It was, of course, an ideal day for the races, and there was a very large attendance. The lawn was looking brilliantly green, and was brightened by flowers and prettily-dressed ladies. Mr and Mass Harcourt entertained a number of friends at luncheon, among their

guests being several members of the English cricket team, who returned from the Wairarwpa last night in. order to be present at the races. Some of those I noticed on the course were—Mr and Mrs Duncan and Miss Dunean, Mr, Mrs and Miss Bell, Mr and Mrs A. Pearce, Mr and Mrs Moorehouse, Mr and Mrs H. Johnston, Mr and Mrs C. Pearce, Mr and Mrs F. Perry, Mr and Miss Coates, Mrs Abbott, Mr and Mrs Butler, Mr and Mrs Bnrnes, Mrs Co-llins, Mr and Mrs C. J. Johnston, the Misses Johnston, Mr and the Misses Fitzherbert, Mr and Miss Rawson, Mr and Mrs Crawford, Mrs and Miss Riddiford, Mr and Mrs Bob Levin, the Misses Fell, Higginson, Brandon. O’Connor, Skerrett, Kennedy, Fitzgerald, Abbott, Daniel and others.

A very enjoyable Tittle dance was given by Mrs. Grace on Friday in honour of the visiting team of English cricketers. The rooms were all prettily decorated with flowers, and beautiful flowering pot plants were to be seen everywhere. The conservatory was a perfect picture, with its masses of lovely blooms. A delicious supper was laid in the dining-room. The table was arranged with numerous bowls and vases of pink ivy geranium and maiden-hair ferii. King played excellent music, and as the evening was not too warm, everyone was energetic and' thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Miss V. Bawson played. a splendid extra. Mrs. Grace received in a handsome gown of black applique lace over black and white silk, the corsage finished with lovely lace and diamond ornaments; Miss Grace—who we were all pleased to see looking - so much better, and able to dance—wore a soft pale blue crepe de chine gown, much shirred, and with white lace on the bodice, and a wreath of pink roses in her hair. Some of those present were Miss Johnston, wearing a striking gown of black and white, with handsome appliques of cream lace; Mrs. Walter Johnston had white brocade, with chiffon and lace berthe; Miss Duncan,

a handsome gown of pale pink glaue, trimmed with lace and flowera; Mrs. IL Johnston, white satin, trimmed, with sequins and chiffon and a pink sash; Miss Riddiford wore deep cream silk with lace and orange flowera; Miss Izard, a handsome whiter satin gown, trimmed with lace; Mian Fell, a bine brocade gown, with white lace; her slater wore white n’.erveilleux. with chiffon on the bodice; Miss Z. Johnston, soft white silk? and lace: Miss Bell had a white crepe de chine gown, with trails of pink rosebuds; Miss I. Coleridge, whit? spotted net and lace; Miss Harcourt, in black satin, trimmed with white chiffon and lace; Miss Gore, a white merveilleux gown, trimmed with chiffon and lace; Miss V. Rawson, in white chine silk, trimmed with ecru insertion and chiffon; the Misses IL Rawson wore soft white tulle gowns: Miss Higginson, white satin, with chiffon and mauve flowers; the Missea Fitzherbert. in pretty white silk and chiffon gowns: and "Miss F. Brandon had yellow satin and chiffon. Among the English cricketers who were present were: Messrs. Warner, Whatman. Bosanquet. Dowson, Leatham and Johnston. Others present were: Messrs. Grace. Hill-Trevor. Duncan (2) Johnston (3). Latham. Higginson (3) Gore, Riddiford, Harcourt. Lord Hawke’s team were again entertained on Sunday, when they were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. 11. D. Bell at a luncheon at Lowry Bay. The weather was beautiful, and a most enjoyable time was spent. A ferryboat conveyed the party from town at 10 o'clock, and returned late in the afternoon. Among those present besides the teams of cricketers were: Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, Mr. and Mrs. H. Johnston. Mr. and Mrs. A. Duncan. Mr. and Mrs. A. Pearce and the Misses Duncan, Johnston, Fell, Higginson, Gore, Fitzgerald, Harcourt, Brandon, Rawson and others.

The two last days of the cricket, match attracted large crowds of enthusiastic people to the Basin Reserve. On Saturday there were be-

•ween 5000 and 6000 on the ground. We were sorry that our men did not do so well in their second innings, but. still they did well against such a fine team, and have probably benefited greatly by the match. Among those I noticed on the ground on the last days were Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, Air. and Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Gould. Mrs. Grace. Mrs. C. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. IT. Gore. Mr. and the Misses Harcourt,' the Misses Higginson. Fell. Gore. Brandon. Fitzgerald. Hislop. Johnston, Izard. Heywood, Tolhurst. Denniston (Christchurch), Heid, and many more.

OPHELIA.