A Lady's Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 2 August 1894, Page 2

A Lady's Letter.

Wellington, July Slat, 1894. The most important social function since last I wrote has been Mrs Grace's large ball, which took place last Thursday night at the Princess Theatre, It was a most enjoyable affair, and everything in connection tfitli it was thoroughly Well done* The delicious champagne supper was quite a feature, being prettily laid out in an adjoining room. The elaborate decorations wero simply lovely, the stage, which was furnished as a retiring room, being surrounded by a row of tall yellow daffodils, and further decorated with stands of hot house plants and ferns. The gallery was draped with flags, and hung with festoons of red and white cainelias, which decoration was also repeated along the ceiling with beautiful effect. The floor was good and the music was contributed by King's band, the extras being played by Miss Biandon and Mr W. I>ay. Dr and Mrs Grace received together, the latter wearing a lovely gown of deep brown stamped velvet with the entire front of white silk brocaded with silver, the same material adorning the sleeves and corsage, and diamond ornaments. The Misses Grace wore handsome white satin bridesmaid'3 frocks, simply trimmod with narrow rows of white chiffon arranged in flounces. Miss (Sydney) Johnston, of Hawke's Bay, and who is staying with Mrs Grace for the session, wore a similar gown, fhe having also been a bridesmaid to Miss Grace (now Mrs White) some time ago. There were some lovely gowns worn, but I must confine myself to one or two, which particularly took my fancy. That worn by Mrs H. D. Bell was of beautiful white pompadour silk with a delicate flower pattern on it and trimmed with claret velvet embroidered with pearls, and old lace. Lady Buckley's gown of rich shaded grey and white brocade was also much admired, as well as that worn by Mrs JohnstonStewart, of slate grey satin, brocaded with knots of piuk roses. Lady Augusta Boyle wore a black gown with an edging all round the ' hem o£ orange flowers, and Mrs W. B. Rhodes a handsome black satin £J*H§ velvet gown and diamond ornaments! Others present were Mrs W. JoKn* ' ston, Mrs Newman, the Hon. B. and Mrs Pharazyn, sir Walter Bailer, Captain Stewart, Mrs (Judge) Rich' mond, Captain and Mrs Russell, Mr and Mrs Pynsent, Mr and^||rft*W. Fergerson, Dr and Mrs Adams, -jfj and Mrs C. Izard, Misses GoofieiV Biandon, Williams, Medley, PfcatpeY Duncan, Gore, Barron, Holmes and Coleridge, besides many others— about 250 guests altogether. I am glad to say the citizens showod their practical sympathy with the unemployed last Saturday night by turning up in large numbers at the concert given in their aid,, and the comfortable sum of £206;i the Mayor, in his speech at the cori~ elusion, said would be carefully"' disposed of for their benefit; All the professional and amateur singers gave their valuable services and the decorating, printing, advertising, etc. was all contributed gratuitously/ so that it was no wonder that the sura realised was a large one and that the expenses were almost nil. It was one of the best, if not quite the best miscellaneous concert I have ever been to in Wellington, but when I tell you that such artists as Miss Jeanne .Ramsay (who delighted every one), Madame Merz, Mrs Parsons, Miss Parsons, -Mr J. Prouse, Mr R. B. Williams, Mr E. J. Hill, Mr A. S. Patterson and Mr Haybittle all contributed their best to the programme, you will not be surprised. The Orchestral Society also contributed two items and Messrs Trimmell and A. Hill played the accompaniments and several members of the Leidertafel contributed a couple of part songs. The Governor was unable to attend owing to a dinner party having been arranged at Government House, so the Mayor and Mayoress and party occupied the viceregal seats. I noticed the Premier and large pajrty, in the nest row and a great' many/ q| M.H.R's. with parties of friends and relations were present besides all the influential citizens. I meant last week to have said i ft few words about Dr de Witt Taluiage, who was lecturing here, * but as my criticism would have been the reverse of flattering, perhaps it is as well I did not. ■ Owing, I suppose, to his reputation, we expected too much and went away disappointed. His delivery is not good either and his voice has a, harsh and rather unpleastnt tone, which is unsatisfying to a degree. His many friends will, I feel sure, regret to hear of the serious illness of General Schaw, who has been

laid up now for some weeks and improvement, when ever there is any, is so very slight as to cause some uneasiness to his medical adviser. - The Man of the week has certainly t been Dr Newman, who so strongly advocated Women's Rights in the Hnuse ft few days ago* The poor little Dr has since, I believe, been y*nidated with congratulations from strong minded females and is K^quite embarrassed at the number of buttonholes, worked slippers, etc., that pour in daily ' for " their Champion." It has led naturally, to some very amusing cartoons, the ridiculous situations of which, I trust, may gomewhat quench the thirst of some of the fair would be candidates for A Parliamentary honours. SicmA.