A Lady's Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 27 April 1895, Page 3

A Lady's Letter.

Wellington, April 25, 1895. The weather here at Easter was truly dreadful, and all hope of enjoying one's holidays had to be abandoned, but I suppose it was the same at Foxton, as I believe bad weather was experienced, nearly all over the Colony at that time* A very enjoyable little dance was given by Mrs. George Hutchison last week. The house was most artiaticaUy ; decorated for the oooasion with feifts and greenery and coloured shades were on the gas globes. Our faoßtess wore a handsome gown of cream ;brocade and satin, the bodice trinimecl with lace. Among those present were Countess d'Abbans, wh^ w wpre- white Mrs . "W. Johnston, io© "Johnston in pretty white gowns; Mrs C. Johnston, handsome blue brocade gown with lace flounces ; Mrs Loughnan ; Mrs H. D. Bell ; Mrs Napier Bell, who wore a handsome black silk gown with white lace collar; Mra Baldwin, cream satin and pearl embroidery ; Mrs (Dr) Whitehead, pretty gown of pale green satin; Mr^ygr} Finley ; the Misses Beid, Oore^Grace and others. opening of the Chrysanthemum Show was postponed, and took pla^tptday in the Skating Rink, Th*»i%ttendance was exceedingly goofrttnd the show of flowers called forth many remarks of admiration. I most set to work and describe gome of the smart autumn oostumes worn by some of the ladies present. Mrs Newman wore a stylish bkck gown, brown jacket and waistcoat of a lighter shade, black velvet hat with tips ; Mrs Wallis, brown gown, fawn and hat trimmed with Wac JLLM™ "W. JLohjpstoh handsome black gown, black velvet cape trimmed with jet and fur, pretty black and white bonnet ; Mrs H. D. Cra.wiord.navy serge costume, bright red waistcoat, black and red hat ; Miss Bennett (Bulls) wore brown ; Miss Izard wore a stylish fawn covert coating costume pink waist-

coat and brown hat trimmed with feathers and pink velvet rosettes ; others present were Mesdames 0. Johnston, Baker, Hudson, Baldwin, Bell, Grace, Williams, Morrison, A. Crawford, Hales, Bias, Barron, Brandon, Denniston, Butler, Eberle, Castendyke, and the Misses Turnbull, Johnston, Pearce, Burn, Tolhurst, Grace, Barron, Brandon, etc. Delicious tea was to be bad and was dispensed by several ladies. Waistcoats will be more than ever worn this winter and are made either double or single breasted and in different coloured cloths, checks and stripes. They certainly look very stylish and give a smart finish to a costume. Black felt hats with stiff ribbon bows on either side are very fashionable with the new wide veils put loosely on the brim and face. - Sleeves seem to be getting larger than ever, especially on evening gowns, the butterfly sleeve is the prettiest J. have seen so far, it is a large puff gathered from the shoulder downwards, making two puffs which represent the wings of the butterfly. Signa.