HASTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 6, 10 February 1909, Page 65

HASTINGS.

Dear Bee, ■ Feb. 5,1909. The weather of late has been beautifully fine, altogether, the summer has been very pleasant, as the heat has not been so continuous as in former years. Tennis, eroquet, and bowling, cricket, and polo, have eaeii had their clubs well supported. The tennis courts are looking well, and present quite a gay scene ■with the various coloured frocks of the ladies, and the white suits of the gentlemen flitting about the green sward. Afternoon tea is frequently dispensed at the different recreation grounds, and much appreciated by the players and visitors. The end of season’s sales now warn us of the approach of winter. The shops are busy, and bargain-hunters are abroad from -sine in the morning till the closing hour. A LADIES’ READING ROOM. has been added to our Carnegie Library; it is quite a large, airy room on the upper floor, with a goodly number of tables arranged about the room, scattered with all the up-to-date, readable •matter, weekly papers, from the “Weekly' Graphic - ’ down to our local "Bulletin,” magazines, fashion journals, etc., etc. There are comfortable chairs upholstered in dark greein leather, and the walls are fitted with book shelves, containing books of useful and interesting information. The ladies, especially those who drive in for a day’s shopping, find this a very useful and pleasant retreat. Mrs Price (the librarian) is at all times most genial and obliging, and is to be complimented upon the excellent management and order ■ prevailing throughout the institution. THE NGATURI TEA ROOMS. are immediately opposite the library, and have been enlarged and fitted most tastefully with soft tones of green, which is very pleasant and cooling to the eyes.

after the glaring white streets. Refreshing also are the fragrant cups of tea and the delicious cakes with which Mrs Heslop always supplies her tables. LADY RLSSEL S “AT HOME” AT FLAXAIERE on Wednesday was very enjoyable. Shortly before 3 o’clock the Oniahu-road seemed to be one cloud of dust, with’ the sweeping of motor-cars and carriages on their way to “Flaxmere,” the beautiful residence of Sir Wm. and Lady 7 Russel. The long drive was lined with motor-cars and carriages. "Flaxmere” was resplendent in all its summer loveliness, the magnolias being particularly noticeable along the drive; the tennis court was much in evidence. It is most picturesque. Tn one of the sequestered corners of the beautiful grounds, and surrounded by the rowan trees in full bearing, was a unique gipsy tent, where the fortunes of thosfe desirous of peeping into the future, were told, creating great fun. Afternoon tea was served at small tables arranged under the shelter of the trees, and further over another table dispensed delicious fruit salads and other dainties, including claret cup. Comfortable chairs were grouped “tete-a-tete” fashion about the lawns ami shrubberies. From a shrubbery at a short distance issued the delightful strains of a band in attendance. Altogether, the arrangements were perfect. and, with a sapphire blue sky and the coolest of summer breezes, and so many good things bestowed upon them, the guests all voted the afternoon's enjoyment as quite one of the nicest social functions of the season. ■Sir Wm. and Lady Russel received their guests on the lawn. Lady Russel looked charming in a black silk dress, drapings of handsome blaek silk lace, very smart bonnet, trimmed with blaek and white silk, long white ospreys; Miss Russel, white muslin dress, very pretty violet hat; Aliss Alajorie Russel, navy blue and white striped muslin, trimmed with bands of navy blue silk, lace yoke, coral ornaments and straw hat, navy trimimngs; Airs (Dr) Nairn, black silk spotted muslin dress, very pretty 7 pink floral toque; Airs (Colonel) Fox, navy blue and white striped silk dress, beautiful large hat of blaek. large white ostrich plumes; Afrs. Guy Russel, heliotrope floral muslin, heliotrope siik belt, hat trimmed with heliotrope: Aliss Williams looked exceedingly well in a handsome blaek silk dress, cream net yoke, smart blaek hat; Airs. G. AV. Stead. lovely dress of brown silk net over white silk, brown silk trimmings, fancy straw hat with large tea roses; Aliss Baeioft. dregs of heliotrope muslin, hat trimmed with large roses; Miss Austin looked pretty in white muslin dress, hat with violet and long drooping white ostrich feathers, pink neek ruffle; Airs. AfcLean (Alaraekakaho), champagne-col-oured embroidered muslin over pink, hat to match; Miss Ale Lean looked sweetly pretty in a spotted silk, Empire sash of pink and floral silk,- hat of saxe blue straw, and feathers; Airs. Williams (Havelock) wore a smart gown of white striped muslin, handsomely 7 trimmed, blaek and vvnite toque; Aliss Williams (Havelock), white frock, Alerry Widow blaek hat with roses; Aliss Nelson, white embroidered muslin, and smart hat; Aliss Hodge, champagne coloured costume, hat en suite; Airs. Charlie Scott looked very handsome in a stylish black chiffon taffeta, richly trimmed with lace, and a charming hat with long blaek plumes, pretty pale blue chiffon sunshade; Airs. Tuke (Napier) wore a blaek costume, black iiat with pink touches; Airs. (Dr.) Henley (Napier), green striped silk ninon trimmed with pink silk Oriental insertion and lace, blaek plumed hat; Miss ■Large (Napier), wore a stylish gown of pale green embroidered silk, very pretty toque to match; Aliss Evans, pretty embroidered white muslin dress, Alerry 7 Widow hat of black chip and tulle, lined with shrimp pink, pink sunshade; Aliss and Miss A. Wellwood both wore smart costumes; Aliss Wellwood, striped biscuit coloured coat and skirt, cream hat, brightened with touches of wallflower brown; Aliss A. Wellwood, dainty pale blue Shaiigtung silk, and a lovely black hat; Airs. Well wood looked handsome in rich blaek silk; Airs. Kayle, cream costume, pale blue toque; Airs. T. H. Lowry, black and white striped muslin, picture hut; Airs. Jack Faulkner, powder blue faced cloth costume, cream net and insertion trimmings, black hat; Aliss Harding, cream spotted voile, hat with brown trimmings; Miss — Harding, pink froek, hat to match; Miss Parker, pink costume, smart hat.

PERSONAL ITEMS. Airs. (Dr.) Tosswell, who is a very enthusiastic horticulturist, was fortunate in securing several prizes at the Wellington Flower Show the other week. .Mrs. TossewU’s garden is at present a perfect blaze of colour, and her passion fruit promises exceeding well. Colonel and Mrs. Goring intend building on Oniahu-road, and at present they; have taken ) small cottage adjoining the site chosen. Mr. Mackersey lias added a motor launch to the numerous pleasure facilities his family already 7 possess, and as they are all camping at the Grange this summer they have ample scope to enjoy this adjunct to the full Airs. Jack Beamish's alterations to her house are completed; and it looks most artistic. The bouse is much admired, and the blending of the many-coloured paints give a rich effect. Airs. Beamish entertains hey friends at croquet during the summer months, and we always look forward to the afternoons spent in her genial and charming company.

SHEBA.