A Lady's Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 9 March 1895, Page 3

A Lady's Letter.

■ ■ w Wellington, March 7, 1895. The weather on Saturday last looked threateningly all day, and during the morning it kept drizzling every now and then, however, the rain cleared off in the afternoon, and • enabled the Amateur Athletic Sports to 4ake place. There was a very large crowd attending, who seemed to take the greatest interest in the bicycle races, the finishes of which were most exciting. The Ladies' Bracelet also created much interest, ■and was finally won by Mr Patrick after a close finish with Mr 0. McCormick, who was second, and B. Pore, third. Afternoon tea was thoughtfully provided by the Club, and was much appreciated. There was also a large attendance of ladies, among whom I noticed Mrs Bell, who wore a very palegrey costume, with white waistcoat, small black velvet bonnet with flowers ; the Misses Bell were also present. Mrs (Dr) Gillon wore a becoming black gown and butterfly bonnet; Miss Grace wore a black I costume, light blouse and fancy straw hat with pink and red roses. Others present were Madanres Seed, Evans, Fulton, Gore, Ronaldson, Moss, and Glover ; and the'MYsses Glover, Izard, Johnston, Seifl,; Gore, Cooper, Medley, Heywobd^ Tackey, Pownall, Pearce, Barnett', Marchant, etc. i Bs Giilon has returned from England, where he went principally for his health, and is looking all the better for the trip. > A very excellent little concert was given by Mr Maughan Barnett (who recently came from Napier, on being appointed organist to St. John's Church), on Saturday afternoon, but unfortunately the attendance lr was somewhat poor, owing, I sup- ' pose, to it being Saturday afternoon, when'there are generally so many other attractions going on. How~ ever, the audience though small was a very appreciative one, and nearly every item was encored, especially Mi Barnett's pianoforte

solos, which were really . beautifully played. The other performers included Messrs A.. F. Hill (violin), Frayling (cello), and F. S. Pope, who has a very fine baritone voice. Miss Williams acted as accompanist. There is to be another concert tt)hightj in the Art Rooms, which I hope will have a better attendance. We have a very distinguished visitor here just now, I refer to His Serene Highness, Prince Joseph of Battenberg, who is making a tour round the world, and is passing through Wellington. It is rather an unusttal occurrence to have a live prince among us ; it is a pity he ia making such a short stay, otherwise no doubt some entertainment would be got up for him. I see by the latest fashion reports from home, that velvet and velveteen is to be worn a great deal this winter, and most of the walking costumes trimmed with fur. I always think fur is so becoming, the great drawback is the price one pays, which is always high for good furs ; of course, most furs last a lifetime, and are always useful. Toques are also to be fashionable again, made of the same material as the gown, worn and ornamented with fur tails and jet tipped quills. 1. am glad to say skirts are gradually becoming narrower, for 1 thought it a most absurd fashion to have the skirts measuring from five to six yards round the hem — such an unnecessary weight to have to carry. Signa.