A Lady's Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 29 September 1896, Page 3

A Lady's Letter.

Wellington, Sept, 26, 1896. To-day waß fixed upon for the opening of the Boating season, by His Excellency Lord Glasgow. Up till nearly two o'clock this afternoon, th« weather was perfect and the sea like glass, but after that, the wind changed round to the south, and a breeze sprang up, not enough, however to stop the proceedings. But, alas t by three o'clock after most of the boats had been launched, and Were preparing to form the procession, the wind had again changed, this time to the east, so that a heavy sea was running right in, on to the different boating clubs skids. Thus rendering it very difficult to embark, or disembark, as it was, several of the light boats were swamped, and the occupants had to swim for it, so to speak. To make matters worse, the rain came on; however, after gome delay, a sort of procession was formed, composed mostly of whalers and naval cutters, headed by the Government launch *• Ellen Ballance." After this had passed the Star sheds, His Excellency, with the usual •peeoh declared the season opened, cheers were given, and then everyone adjourned upstairs, to the large reading-room, where tea and all sorts of nice cakes were temptingly laid out. Lord Glasgow was ac companied by the Ladies Augusta and Dorothy Boyle and Captain FeiHen. Lady Augusta was wearing a stylish stone grey jacket and skirt, light vest, and large black hat with tips ; Lady Dorothy, neat navy serge suit and failor hat. There were a great number of other people present, among whom I noticed Col and Mrs Fox, the latter looking very nice in a grey jacket and skirt, white blouse, and grey felt hat with white wings ; the Misses Seddon in dark blue suits, fight blouses and sailor bats ; Mr and Mrs Gerald Tolhurst (Otaki), the Utter wearing a pretty brown gown and hat to match trimmed with green; Mesdames Richardson, Beddard, Pownall, James, Bristoe, Nathan, Samuell, Morrah, Simpson, Williams, Hiokson, Brandon, Camp bell, Tilly (Wanganui), Litcbfield. Gordon (Hawkes Bay), and the Misses Izard, Gibson, Simpson, Blundell, Halse, Butts, Curtis, Coleridge, &c. A large afternoon reception was given at Government House last Friday. The Countess of Glasgow received in a handsome brocaded gown trimmed with lace. The Ladies Augusta and Alice Boyle, wore brown gowns with scarlet waistcoats. Lady Dorothy, dark blue ikirt and pretty blouse. Among the guests were Mr and Mrs C. Johnston, the latter in a very stylish black crepon gown trimmed with chiffon and satin ribbons, small black hat relieved with white flowers ; Miss Zoe Johnston, pretty green gown i'ightly trimmed with lace, large black hat with tips ; Mrs Fox, pale blue Rtriped gown and burnt straw bat with pink roses ; Mrs Newman, neat blue tailor made gown and black toque trimmed with tips and flowers ; Dr and Mrs Adams, handsome black watered silk gown ] trimmed with handsome jet embroidery, small floral toque ; Mr and Mrs Tolhurst, Mr and Mrs Travers, the latter wearing a dark blue tailor made costume and black toque with pink roses ; Mr and Mrs Baldwin, Mrs and Miss Grace, Mrs H. McKenzie, who wore a very pretty costume of brown cloth, with wide revers of ecru lace over white satin, brown hat trimmed with white ribbons and tips ; Bishop and Mrs Wallta, the latter wearing a hand jjtfme black brocade gown and violet

bonnai; Mr* and the Mlsesa Wiliams, Mrs Abbott* dark green gown, trimmed with beautiful pompadour flilk, bonnet to match ; Miss Daniel), silvery grey alpacca trimmed with white satin and lace insertion, cream tulle toquj with pink roses ; Mr and Mrs Maxwell, Mrs and Miss Quick and several others. The Caledonian Society gave their annual concert last Thursday evening, in the Opera House. A very nice programme Was gone through. The chief features of it being the dancing of the Misses and Masters McGregor of Wanganui, who wore the Highland dress, danced most gracefully and was loudly applauded. Mr D. Campbell played the dance music on the bagpipes, Q [ k Qr performers were Miss Jeanne Bamsay, who was in splendid voice, Mi9B Orr (Martinborough), Mr H. Wright, Mr A. Nicol, Mr A. S. Patterson, who recited splendidly, and the society's orchestra and chorus under the conductorsbip of Mr McGlashan. The ladies in the chorus were appropriately dressed alike in white gowns with plaid sashes. Miss Ram-, say was dressed in lovely white satin trimmed with lace and made with a watteau train ; Miss Orr, black silk with white satin epaulettes. In the audience I saw Lord Glasgow, accompanied by two of his daught* era, who wore pretty white muslin gowns, and white opera cloakp, and Captain Feilden ; also Mr and Mrs John Jack, Mr and Miss Duthie, Mr and Miss Pateraon, Mrs and Miss Bell, Mr and Mrs J. Russell, Mrs and Miss Young, etc. The Vice-Regal party who re* turned from their trip to the Sounds last Wednesday, spent a very enjoyable time in spite of a little rough weather during the last day or two. Mrs A- Russell (Palmerston N.) and Miss Williams were also of the party. Most of the gaiety peenis to be over, and nearly all the visitors have returned to their respective homes. The session is expected to be over in about a fortnight, it has been an unusually long one, and it is really wonderful how well the Premier 100k 8 after all the anxiety and work he has gone through. Signa.