A WOMAN'S LETTER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7967, 19 February 1906, Page 3

A WOMAN'S LETTER.

(Written Specially for the Age). WELLINGTON, February 17. If first impressions count for anything, the officers of the naval squadron in port will certainlv not depart with favourable recollections of the Empire Oity, for they were greeted with a bowling southerly gale and driving rain, which lasted for a whole week, making it very difficult and anytning but pleasant to get to and fro from the ship to the shore. The personal friends of the naval men usually enjoy a very good time on the warships. It is always interesting to go on hoard one of the huge shins and drink afternoon tea in the ward-room. Little tea parties occur nearly every day, and the loungers at Man-o-'War steps are always given the opportunity of seeing girls and their chaperons setting out in one of the fassr little pinnaces which have been sent over to convey the visitors across the water. Naval men are renowned for their efficiency as hosts and know exactly how to make their guests at home. On Tuesday ViceAamiral Sir Wilmot Fawkes and the officers of the squadron were entertained by the Wellington Club. On Friday last thej were the guests uf the Navy League at a very enjoyable ball, given in the Town Ball. Quite five hundred guests were present, and the hall was brightly decorated with festoons of " red, white and blue, whilst tl}e flags, comprising Nelson's fa me us signal, was obeyed to the letter as far as the officers of the navy were concerned for they, one and all, enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Lady Fawkes wore a gown of blace Span- ■ ish lace relieved w tb a lace bertha; Miss Hislop (Mayoress) also wore bWok; triple skirts were noticeable; a striking dress was of emerald gr*en silk, made with full Boft folds, the ornaments 'worn being emeralds and diamonds; Miss Flun ket wore lilac silk. and # Miss Braithwaite (sister of Captain Braithwaite, A.D.C.'to His Excellency) word a handsome gown of rich white brocade, the skirt opening to reveal a petticoat of rose chiffon flounces, a cross over bodice was relieved by one pink rose; Miss Webb fdaughter of Colonel Webh) made' her debut, weaving white satin. The leopard is the latest of savage animals to contribute to the wardrobes of women, and its pelt is now being used to make smart feminine motor cpats. Yesterday a,beautiful woman, enveloped in the spotted fur of a leopard, attracted vconsiderable attention as she 'flashed past in h«r car. This fur is not only conspicuous, but becoming, and is an ideal motor wrap, as its short bair does not harbour or show the dust. . Quite the latest things in umbrellas are those having handles covered with rhinoceros hide, or with pig skin. The latter is smarter than lhinoceros, and much prettier. Of a light creamy snade, it has earned great popularity on / account of the neatness with which it can be Btretcbrd and, 1 stitched over a light weight handle. Dragons and griffins figure on the Chinese coats that now form fashionable feminine raiment for afternoon and evening wear. They are embroidered by hand in the lequisite manner. Some of the coats are of waist length only, but their meagre area is a riot of blossoms and beasts upon a splendid Chinese blue background. Quite the latest invention in headgear for lady motorists ib the transformation toque, it consists of a Btnall unobtrustive toque, neat and trim, especially suitable for walking and shopping, and above all for Conning when motoring, as an improvement on the unbecoming motor cap. Made in either fur, velvet or ; leather, and a nuingiing of silk,' and the flat round crown of the new toque is surrounded by a coronet brim, pointed and collapsible, in bauilionne silk. Tapering towards the front, it divides, to be iuvisi-, bly fastened or either side umler a pretty cboux to a small frontlet bandeau. You have only to unfasten the-ends of the coronet thus hidden under the cabbage hows, and presto! it drops down the nape of the neck at the back, meanwhile unfurling the accordeon pleats concealed behind, and too, of its own accord, the folded crown of itself stretcheß over the hair, enclosing the knot, oelotf which is slipped a circlet of velvet ribbon starting from thp frontlet; the latter remains upstanding to form, with its soft cboux, pierced with quills or earlike ornaments', a soft frame to the brow, on which flutter the inevitable and winsome nurls. The effect of the toque thus expanded reminds one of a coiffure a la Josephine, with its artistic G reek touch. We are threatened with the corslet princess dress, "made very long aud sheath like, resting un tne ground all round, extending into a wisplike train at the back." This does not sonud very attractive or very suitablo for winter wear, and I dn not think we need fear the ousting of the short skirt for everyday outdoor use for some time to come. Moiri, the old-time Moiri antique, but of a lighter texture, is another coming mode, and it will be extended to the milinery, for Moiri ' hats are hinted at. Tissue trimmings are tu be quite the most modish thing, and the new platinum gauze sounds charming \yy description. It shines with a metallic lustre, and glistens with the softest and most beautiful pinks, blues : greens, and opals-.according to the point from which it is viewed.' Tho Gilbert and Sullivan Company are adding "Veronique" to their repertoire for New Zealand, also "Utopia, Limited." The "Swing Song" in "Veronique" has scored a terrific success, and "The Shade of the Old Apple Tree" and "We Are Very. Quick at Learning" gain double encores every night. Miss May Moore Duprez returns to the!

this colony after a very successful season in London. One of the latest American games was recently introduced, successfully, by a Wellington hostess—*'A cat guessing competition." Each quest is provided with a paper, on which thfl questions are asked, the object being to fill in aa many spaces as possible. For instance, the question on the paper would be: What cat is dangerous?—A catastrophe. What cat frequents the library?—A catalogue. What is a saucy oat?— A catchup. What cat throws stones? —A catapult; and so on. In r.JI I think one could find about thirty questions to ask.