CHITCHAT FROM THE CAPITAL.

Inangahua Times, Volume IX, Issue 1467, 7 November 1884, Page 2

CHITCHAT FROM THE CAPITAL.

[From The West Coast lines.]

The ball given by Sir Julius and Lady Yogel, ai.d Mr and Mrs Stout, at the I Ministerial Residence, Tinakori road, i last Monday evening, was a brilliant affair, and a complete success, socially and otherwise, the arrangements for the comfort and enjoyment of the numerous gnests being perfect in every sense of the word. The floral decorations were especially noticeable for tin* artisic skill displayed in color, and arrangement, the mantel-pieces in the various rooms having a back ground of rich greenery, out of which the brilliantly tiuted flowers showed up with marvellous effect. Of course all the beauty and fashion of- the capital attended the dance, for Luly Vug.? l is a popular and most charming hostess, And certainly, as this grauoful lady (dressed as she invariably is, with exq'lisite taste and elegance) movji.l slowly about uino-igsfc the bi'illiint. throng, one could not fail to observe, how with her bright smile, and pleasant, well chosen words, she succeeded in banshing stiffness and rigidity from tho entertainment, setting her guests at peaceful case and so enhancing their enjoyment. The Governor of course was present, and looking in one of his happiest moods.* Six hundred invitations wore issued, and at nine o'clock the block of carriages in front of the Ministerial R\s sidence, and the stream of cloaked and hooded fair ones ascending the carpeted steps and passing down the long corridor to the retiring rooms, rmmndod one of a fashionable London reception. The large ballroom, ami a smilier apartment were reserved for dancing, the music being excellent, and the floors like glass.

My fair readers would doubtless like to have a full description of the elegant toilettes worn by the leaders of fashion on this occasion ; but time and space will only permit me to mention a few Lady Yogel was robed in an exceedingly rich v dress .of black brocade, studded with )et ; it was made with high body, and long trained skirt diamond ornaments, with black gloves, and fan completed this handsome toilet. A tall blonde beauty, in pale blue, withou {.flowers or onianitMit of any ki»d, was well contrasted by ». brunette in cardinal velvet, with fin, and ornaments en suite. One sweet faced young bri .c from New Plymouth, wor« a dress of cream satin, with crimson roses which looked very effective, while a charming golden-haired givl, a visitor from sunny Auckland, who is a general favourite here, was dressed in simple white, and looked as she always dous, tlie loveliest even among that b«vy of fair maidens. A chess of white gauzy material, wreathed with French marguerites, a coronet of the shuih iijwers oa the frizzed fair hair for a tall graceful girl looked extremely elegant and becoming. Of course there were the usual number of over dressed and dowdily dressed people preseut, and they are to be met with in every large assemblage of the kind ; but in justice let me ail<4 that the really well dressed were in a large majority on Monday night. The tired eyes, and wearied looks in tile ladies' gallery, on the following night, gave ample testimony to the previous ! evening's dissipation.

In speaking of the Legislative Council, the lion, member of Kumara, the other day, in one of his humorous speeches, designated it the " rofrigerutins? chamber." The "stonewalling" and counting out delates this week in tlie House, have has! their amusing phases. 'Mr Setklon wlio, l»y the way, is clever despite all his detractors may say to the contrary, was in one of liis obstinate mooda,- and talked njjainst time with enequalled pertinacity, until he grained his point, and killed the Wellington College Bill.

I went the other evening accompanied by a friend, to see, and carefully examine the apparatus and machinery. live 1 for the electric Ugh tins of Parliament buildings. The whole affair is under the management of an able and intelligent electrician from Home, who has made the science an especial study for the last thirteen years. After advising us to takeoff our watches, tv works of which areJiaWe to disan-iuig'-mr-rt from the strong electric i.tmlai, ihr proceeded to uxpliin with a ma-rvellbus clearness and lucidity the mechanical arid scientific working of the diiT^rcut portions of tho machinery before, us.

Time will not permit me to give * lengthened or elaborate descrip.io;, though I would like to do so. Suffice : , to say, we left strongly impressed with the work of this wonderful element in the work of civilization. There was something rather "demoniacal " in the appearance of the lilue flames that started from the • tips of our tinkers when wo placed them near tlie broad band that revolves with great rapidity. A glance dowu into the fiery region or the engine room was enough to deter us from penetrating further in that direction, my friend remarking that Dante's Inferno was nothing to it." Lady Vogel's •• re.ception :i this afternoon was numerously attended, a stream of people passing to and fro. The ball room was handsomely furnished as a reception room, flowers, as before, being a marked feature in the decoration, one magnificent begonia in a huge basket of black and gold was a decided novdty. The walls of this apnrtm«nt have been further embellished with an exceptionally handsome dado which adds greatly to th« eifect and reflects credit on 'the artistic taste of the selector. Members are talking ofgiving a ball, a piece of genorosity 'hi wlikjli they have, not been guilty for aoiue years* | past. It will probably be held iir'clic lobby of the House. More of this anon.