PUBLIC OPINION.

Patea Mail, 4 August 1882, Page 3

PUBLIC OPINION.

Contributions, Letters, Inquiries and Answees thereto, are invited on Farming. Commerce, Politics, and blatters of interest to the Patea district. Names of writers "need not be Printed. AT THE BALL. Since that pleasant social dance last Friday, I have been thinking how qniet Patea has been this winter^-and what a shame it is that party-giving is not more fashionable. ’ People are all the better for being brought together on terms of social equality,; which nothing like dancing can do. There are plenty of town bachelors, and not a few town Benedicts, who might combine in promoting social dances on a large scale as a pleasant ; break in- the winter. Dancing is good fo.r the temper, good for the health, good for gossip, and good for trade. Settlers enjoy these dances with a zest which relieves life’s monotony, and induces a more generous appreciation of those among whom we live. , The tendency to freeze up into little exclusive cliques is the bane of small communities, and the antidote is to found in more frequent social dances. What I liked most about last Friday’s party was its - representative, character. People who came from remote ends of the district must have made no trifling effort to brave such weather and face such roads. Mr and Mrs Christie could hardly have desired a better compliment than that Bankers are—pardon me for saying it—under a special obligation to promote these large district assemblies ; and it would be a healthy form of rivalry to see our bank-managers competing amiably (and often) as to which could muster the largest assembly, and contribute most to the enjoyment of their clients in esse and in posse. I am hoping to see another house-wanning of the same large sort before many weeks are over.

Of course I have been asked—heaven knows how often and how earnestly—to say who was the belle of the ball. If my only books were women’s looks, I might venture an opinion. Another reason for hesitance is, that if the fairest lady be not fair to me, what matters it how fair she be ? The point should be referred to arbitration, and then I don’t mind naming a mixed jury, ; ' I did promise to write some notes on costumes that took my. fancy—took it more or less. Costumes seen in the whirling dance are like “ a dream of fair women,” ora moving phantasmagoria of many colors. I lioticed that trailing trains were few—only four, I think, and quite enough. One pleasing dress which helped to adorn a neat petite figure was a French pink merino, bordered with crewelwork flowers, and stylishly made; this lady being a very recent/,-arrival in the Patea district. The absence of pronounced display was a nice quality in the hostess’s style of dressing : a blue silk robe trimmed with a lighter shade, producing a quiet rich effect which all could admire without envious comparison; • Pink in various shades was the predominant color of the evening. One good figure was well set off in white dress with bold red sash-and puffings. A pink satin robe, trimmed with lace embroidered with pearls, suited a gracefully slim figure. An old-style flowered pink muslin struck me as pretty.- One black.and amber silk dress was handsomely made. A cream si ik trimmed in pink, with long train, had a good effect. Two other light dresses with trains were suggestive of recent weddings.. A claret corded silk, with train, looked rich and stylish. Also, a cream grenadine with silver fringe was neat and effective. Sorpo, other dresses deserved notice even in a crowd, and it is said that several new costumes which were ordered for the ball could hot be made in time, the material not arriving by steamer till too late. I hope the cat is still in the bag—that I have not let out who was the belle of the ball. %■ / Reveller, V '*■ — : * — INFORMATION WANTED . An advertisement has appeared in a local paper calling, a meeting of the share l holders cf the Patea District Land and Building Society for Wednesday evening. The manager having called the meeting thought proper to bo absent, and Ha's given no public notice of adjournment or reason for delay. This society was supposed to have terminated last November, the last calls being paid then. It will be seen therefore that nine months have passed without a final statement of accounts having been laid before those interested. I would like

to know what the directors and the inspector are about to allow this state of things to continue. . v-..', .. <■- ■■ : 'lmpatient: