A Lady's Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 30 June 1896, Page 3

A Lady's Letter.

Wellington, Jane 27, 1896. What a week of wet weather we have had, fortunately it cleared up on Friday afternoon so that in the evening it was moderately fine, and thug it was that many more guests attended Mrs Pharazyn's ball than would have had it been otherwise, there were about four hundred present. Thomas' Hall was scarcely recognisable on this occasion, so beautifully waa it decorated with different coloured draperies, mirrors and ferna. The supper was laid out in the room on the third storey, and the table wa3 decorated with, pots and ferns and jonquils. By about half-past nine o'clock everybody had arrived, and then ib was that the ball-room got unpleasantly warm, but with the exception of this, everybody voted tho ball to bo a great success, and dancing was kept up until 2 a in. King's band of five performers provided the music, whioh was excellent. Our hostess, who I thought must bavo been rather tired after shaking hands with 400 people, wore a very handsome pile gray brooade gown much trimmed with pink satin and white lace ; her sister-in-law, Mra Wrlliain Pharazyn, wore rioh black satin trimmed with jet and lace ; Miss Pharazyn, pale blue figured silk with bertbe of white lace. There were two debutants on this occasion, namely, Mm Stafford, who woro white satin trimmed with pearl embroidered tulle, and Miss Holt, in white soft silk trimmed with accordian chiffon. Lady Hector wore grey silk trained and trimmed with lace ; Lady Douglas, handsome black satin with panels of white lace ; Mrs Gerald. Tolhurst (Otaki), looked vary nice id white silk trimmed with silver and blue passementerie. Mr and Mrs lan Duncan, who have just returned from their honeymoon trip, were present, and the latter looked very well in white satin with short puff sleeves and tiny flounces of white tulle. Among others present wore Mrs Rhodes, Mr and Mra Roy (New Plymouth)* Mrs and Mi33 Mnore (Wanganui), Mr and Mrs Stafford, Mr and Mr* E. J. Fulton, Mr and Mrs Boner, Mr and Mrs Lirnach, Mr and Mrs Werry, Mr and Mrs Tregear, Mr and Mrs Acland, Mrs Belli Mrs (Dr) Newman, Mr and G. Johnston, etc, etc. The M.H.R.'s were conspicuous by their absence; duty before pleasure is evidently their motto, just now at any rate, but several M.L C.'s were very much in evidence, and appeared to enjoy the fun thoroughly. Since Parliament opened, the ladies* gallery has been very much patronised by those priviledged to enter, especially in the evening when at half-past seven every saat is occupied. I have noticed Lord Glasgow's sister, Lady Helen Boyle, in the Speaker's gallery on several occasions so she evidently takes an interest in politics. Mr George Hutchison is looking very well after his trip to England, as spick and span as ever, perhaps more so if possible. Mrs Hutchison with her eldest son and daughter will ba back in New Zealand in about three months. j I notice that: Mr Pirani 13 always listened to with great attention and interest in the House. His remarks are straight and to the point, in fact this eminent little man is a sharp thorn in the Government's side, it is amusing to see how he enjoys pricking. Lidy Glasgow is giving an afternoon " At Home" next Friday. I hear that Lady Alice Boyle has gone up to stay with Mrs Waller Johnston and others in the Rangitikei district for the Hunting season. An entertainment in aid of th> United Hunt Club is to be given at Government House at the end of next month. That popular little play " Our Boys " is to be acted, those taking part in it being Mrs Purdy, the Misses Wilford (2), Miss Grace, Dr Purdy, the Messrs H. Butler, Rolleston and Hadfkld. Many people think it a strange thing an entertainment of this kind being given at Government House and that such a thing has never been dona here before, but generally •nd up by saying " but I suppose its allright." The tickets I hear aro to be 58 easb, rather a high price I think. J hear to-day that a good deal of

1 your township was under water, if i such was the case I hope that it has . now quite subsided. SIGNA.