A LADY’S LETTER FROM AUCKLAND.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 634, 16 July 1891, Page 3

A LADY’S LETTER FROM AUCKLAND.

[By Standabd Special Correspondent—“A.T.”] July 2nd. We have had no reason to grumble at the lack of amusement this week, for, as usual, several parties came together. Our dissipation commenced on Wednesday evening with a most enjoyable evening party given by Mr and Mrs J. B. Bussell, at their residence, Marivare, Epsom. As our host and hostess had at the same time sent us invitatious for a dance two days later, we were not surprised to find the majority of the guests non dancing people, with just a sprinkling of their more frivolous juniors. The chief amusement provided was a brightly-written little threeact farce entitled “ Tolu.” The play, I should imagine, is of American authorship. Three of the characters portrayed are of that nationality, namely, the modern •’ peripatetic heiress ” of wonderful beauty and no grandfathers, her lively younger sister whose language is unintelligible till translated into plain English, and her “ poor but honest ” lover whose expressions are less electrifying, though his accent and twang make bis nationality no greater secret than that of Tulu. The other characters are English, three of them belonging to the ranks of the aristocracy, with manners and morals which leave much to be desired ; the fourth a far more dignified and respectable footman. The last, unfortunately, makes very few appearances, but on those rare occasions his deep impressions goes a long way with the audience. The actors, Miss Owen, Miss N. Russell, Miss G. Russell, MrF. Hull, Mr J. Sykes, Mr H, Wynyard and Mr Burry, played their parts well, especially Miss G. Russell in the title-role.

The large dining room at Marivare is admirably adapted for private theatricals, the lower end being divided from the upper by thick curtains, and having three entrances from the conservatory and the hall. Only one scene was required, that being a very tastefully furnished room in the ancestral halls of the British duchess. After the conclusion of the comedy, about half past ten, we adjourned to the drawing room and the library, in both of which rooms supper was laid. That important function over, we returned to the large room, and (while admiring the handsome lincrusta dado, and the prettily-shaped alcove which Mr Russell has lately added, immensely improving the shape of the room) enjoyed some music. Two items that were somewhat out of the ordinary were a splendidly played solo on the either, and a recitation nicely delivered by Min Zeenie Davies.

The danee on Friday night was even more enjoyable, It was not a very large affair, and we only used the upper part of the room for a ballroom, the site of the stage serving as a drawing room. We did not stay late, as we were tired, having been to a party given by Mr and Mrs Binney the previous evening. Music had occupied the earlier hours, but after supper we found the drawing room cleared of furniture and the carpet gone. We danced till quite late, or rather early, The floor was perfect, I fancy boracie acid was used.

T On Saturday, after three consecutive nights of dissipation we naturally felt rather languid, but the longing for some counter-irritant in the form of further excitement, combined with the beauty of the day, determined me to accept an invitation to go and watch the bunt. I could not follow, not being well mounted enough, end it was very tantalizing to catch glimpses of the excited riders flying, past, while I was unable to leave the ignominious safety of the road. It was the most enjoyable run of the season—So they all said, and bo I could well believe.

In the evening, to put the finishing tench to he week’s gaiety, I went to a little dance at Inehunga—l have told you before of these nfoimal little gatherings which takes place very week, They are gradually growing in lopularity, and I noticed a number of people rom town, Bemuera and other great istancee. Two young ladies who have been in lydney lately—Miss Seymour George and diss Whewell—are wearing sailor hats with road brims and crowns scarcely half an inch ligb. These have quite taken the place of be little gem hats so much worn for the last wo or three years. They can be trimmed in arious ways, but the simplest and most haracteristic is a band of ribbon velvet, a hade narrower than the crown, fastened at he left side in three or four high loops. In ither hats, let me impressupon you again, low rowns are imperative, and the most fashion,ble have no distinction between brim and irown. From hats to veils is a natural transi ion. The very latest is the cobweb net, a series if spiders’ webs joined together—very pretty tnd very stylish. Many people, however, are flow to relinquish the fish net veils with the our tiny dote, the orescent or plain round henille spot, carefully arranged, so that he little ornament rests coquettishly on one lide of temple, cheek or chin ; they are most tecoming, and make us understand the attraction which “ patches ” must have added o a pretty face. But there is another side o the question. Fasten it insecurely and go mt in a high wind, and with the usual contrariety of things, that veil will settle into joaition with the spot over one eye, at the tip of your nose, or directly in front of your noutb, so as to blot out one tooth if you ipeak or smile, and no effort will induce it to move. In such a position it is far, far rom becoming,