SOCIETY.
Observer, Rōrahi 9, Putanga 531, 23 Huitanguru 1889, Page 14
Mō tēnei niupepa
SOCIETY.
rSocietv items of all kinds will be welcome for «« J-« *£.« L +hU column. All communications should £ Addressed "SoKv Editor, Obsekver and Pkbe Lance "and should reach this office not later than Monday inornin in eack wee*. J
An engagement is announced between a young lady resident of Grafton Eoad and a gentleman well known in commercial circles. — Professor Carl Schmitt has added another to his long list of honours, having received by the mail the Galilean medal, with a diploma for science and art, awarded him by the University of Florence. The medal contains the following inscription : ' A. Carlo Gustavo Schmitt, November, 1888.' The obverse face has a likeness of Galileo, the founder of the University. We sincerely congratulate Herr Carl Schmitt on this latest distinction.
— On Saturday the distribution of prizes in connection with the annual sports of the Kohimarama Training School was made by Messrs D. 'Goldie, M.H.R., and A. Kidd. The children assembled in the schoolroom, under the teacher, Miss Neil. On the table were ranged handsome books, the Challenge Cnp, and the champion flag, which were presented in order to the successful candidates by the official visitors. Everyone being possessed of their trophy, it was found that yet more prizes remained. Accordingly an impromptu programme of sports was drawn up and the events contested forthwith. After the games had been enjoyed, the children partook of tea, and gave proof of their vocal capabilities for the edification of the gentlemen present. Mr Bice addressed, the youngsters in congratulatory terms, concluding by calling for three cheer 3 for Messrs Kidd and Goldie, which were given with enthusiastic gusto. — A conversazione in connection with the Presbyterian Assembly was held on Thursday evening at St. James' Hall. The building, which was full to overflowing, was artistically decorated ■with flags and a wealth of evergreens. The event of the evening was a stirring speech by Sir George Grey, evoking unbounded enthusiasm. Addresses were also delivered by the Eevs. J. Baird, J. Adams, R. Eraser, and C. Ogg. The musical programme was under the direction of Messrs Knox, Culpan, and Philpot. The choruses were rendered with powerful effect. Mrs Edmondes carried off the vocal honours. Her solo, ' But the Lord is Mindful of His Own,' was splendidly sung. Mr Elyett played a flute solo. A song, 4 The Bugler ' was given by Mr McGregor. ; I Would Tiiat My Love ' was a very pleasing item, the voices blending harmoniously. A part song, *See the Moonlight Beams,' was another good thing. A violin solo by Mr Davies, and the National Anthem, closed the proceedings, which were of a most enjoyable character. — A monster meeting of the Caledonian Society took place at the Protestant Hall, Karangahape I?oad, on Wednesday evening, Mr James Stewart in the chair. The gathering opened with congratulations offered by the chairman to two popular members of the Society, Mr Alex. Murchie and Miss M. A. Moncur, who had on the previous day dedicated themselves as sacrifices on the altar of Hymen. The audience joined by hearty plaudits in wishing the happy pair long life and happiness. Cupid having been disposed of, Euterpe was raised to the seat of honour. We never heard the ' Caledonian Force ' in better form ; the ladies and gentlemen contributing the programme vied with one another in doing their best. Misses Davis and L. Davis sang charming ballads with the sweatness of humanised nightingales. Miss Peace, and Messrs Simpson, Menzies, Tait, and Criglington also sounded the with vocal horn capital effect. Mr J. S. Kelly fairly blushed beneath the weight of applause greeting the termination of his reading. Messrs Davenport and McPhail opened the . elocutionary valve, emitting a flood of histrionic talent (J. A. Connell on the Income Tax.) Miss Fortzer presided over the piano in first-class style. Melody having thus successfully held the fort, retired at this point in favour of dancing, which delightful exercise was carried on with enthusiasm until ten o'clock. The meetiig then terminated with ' Auld Lang Wyne.' — A Matakohe correspondent writes : One of those very enjoyable incidents, which so seldom occur in this district, took place on Monday, 28th January, 1889, when two well-known residents (Mr Joseph Isbister and Miss Gallic), were made one, for better or worse. The ceremony was conducted by the Eev. C. A. Tobin, Church of England pastor of the district, at the residence of the bride's parents. The bridal party consisted exclusively of relatives, with the exception of two ■ lady friends of the bride. I cannot assume the ' responsibility of describing the beauties of dress which were worn on this occasion, but will simply coniine my remarks to the dresses of the bride and bridesmaids. The bride (who on these occasions is always lovely), wore a beautiful white moire, one side_ of the skirt trimmed with deep white lace, white ribbons and orange blossoms "being tastefully distributed, the orthodox orange wreath and veil, and gold and silver jewellery, making a picture which the bridegroom seemed fully to appreciate. The bridesmaids, four in pumber, all sisters of the bride, were attired, two in pink and cream and two in white and blue, and looked very pretty indeed. After the ceremony the whole par by sat down to a sumptuous breakfast, where all the good things were thoroughly appreciated, and at the conclusion of which the health of the bridegroom was drank with enthusiasm in bumpers of good wine. The same evening a large pan y of friends supplemented the bridal party and dancing was commenced, and, with the exception of an interval for supper, was ker>t up with spirit till daylight. The happy couple took their leave on the 29th, going by steamer to Auckland, thence to the Hot Lake distriot for their honeymoon. — A Waipu correspondent writes :— a most enjoyable dance eventuated in the Library Hall, Waipu, on Friday evening the Bth ult. It was given as a farewe'jl to Misses Bessie and Isa Belle Sutherland. About twenty-five couples graced the floor, dancing being the order of the night till about three o'clock. All present seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The music was provided (in their usual masterly style) by Messrs 3 Mackay and J. McLean (violin), N. McMillan
(flute), and A. E. and A. S. McLean (accordian). Mr K. Campbell performed the onerous duty of M.C. to the satisfaction of everybody. At twelve o'clock the company adjourned to Mr Mayan's refreshment rooms, where an ample sttpper was provided. As it would be presumptuous for a bachelor of my years to attempt to describe the ladies' dresses (which were exquisite) I will leave it to some one more skilled in the art, and simply give the names of some of the •ladies who were most noticeable on this festive occasion : Misses Kempt (2), Misses Sutherland (4) Miss L. Campbell, Mrs Mayall, Misses Mc- Donald (2), Miss Garret, Miss F. Eraser, Miss T. Campbell, Miss Gill, Miss £. Mackenzie and Miss W Mackay At intervals between th c dances Miss A. Kempt sang ' My Curly-headed Captain' Mr J S McLean recited ' The Bells, and Miss J. S Sutherland brought down the house with ' I'm Going Away, Harry.' Now for the most difficult, part viz. : Who was belle t If lam allowed to give my humble opinion, I think Miss Annie Kempt and Miss Bessie Sutherland wore most deserving of the honour of that title. A n e^ent of considerable interest in Auckland Scottish circles was consummated on Tuesday 12th inst., when Mr A. Murchie, acting secretary of the Caledonian Society, was united in wedlock's bonds to Miss Mary A. Moncur, a lady well-known in Auckland and far beyond its borders as a fascinating Scottish singer and^ reciter. The ceremony was performed by the xvev. A Carrick at the residence of the bride s parents. Mount Eden, and was unattended by any pomp and circumstance ; but though it was so 'LUietly conducted, the friends of the happy pair had heard of it, and sent a number of pretty and valuable presents. Among the articles were xo u vca ir« presented by members of the Caledonian Society and Burns Club— a happy augury this of the union ci these two Scottish Societies. At the meeting ot the Caledonian Society on the evening following the eventful day, Mr Jas. Stewart, the chairman ol the social, made graceful and humorous allusion to the heart-union effected, and wished long life and prosperity to Mr and Mrs Murchie. He expressed the hope that the turning of two members of the Caledonian Society into one did not mean a loss, but that it would result, m good time, in the accession cf a number of young Caledonians. If the Society had not been very successful in its endeavours to promote Crofter immigration to the colony, it was comforting to know that the young members were laying their heads together to devise means for increasing the Scotch population of Auckland. This is a consummation which Mr Aitken Connell says is most devoutly to be wished, and all the members of the Caledonian Society said 'Amen' to it by their hearty applauding of the sentiment. After this, who can say that Scotch folks arc deficient in the sense of humour 'i —At the Thames Burns Club Hall on Wednesday evening last (writes a correspondent) a pleasant social gathering took place, the object being to give an opportunity to all her friends of bidding farewell to Miss K. McLoughlin, who is about to take her departure for Melbourne. The programme included a dance and supper, and all the' details were excellently carried out by a committee ot gentlemen, of whom Mr P. MaeGrogor was Hon . Sec. The attendance was by invitation , and about sixty couples were present. The first half of the programme being finished the party sat down to a light repast, and in a business-like manner did great justice to the good things set before them." Supper over, a pleasant surprise was in store for the fair guest. Mr D. W. Pitketley, on behalf of those present, handed to Miss McLoughlin a beautiful album, containing the portraits of her many friends. He said that no matter where she went she would always be fresh in the memory of a very large circle of acquaintances, who had found heron every occasion to lie an admirable companion, and one who had ever been foremost in promoting good feeling and happy parties. He felt sure that the Thames could ill afford to lose a young lady so popular and of such sterling worth. Nevertheless she: had chosen Melbourne for her future home, and he was certain that she would be as popular there as she was at the Thames. She would leave her present homo carrying with her the very best wishes of hundreds of her friends —young and old. The remarks of the speaker were loudly applauded. In a neat speech Mr J. Duggan returned thanks on behalf of the fair reefpient. Wherever she went Miss McLoughin would always remember her Thames companions, and she hoped at any future meeting that she and any of them might have, to be able to make them as happy as she felt that night. She could promise them a hearty welcome at any time, however distant. The floor was then cleared, and after a song from Mr W. Johnston, and a recitation from Mr E. Asher, dancing was continued till 2 a.m., when one of the happ-est meetings held at the Thames broke up. Miss Me Loughlin leaves Auckland for Sydney on Tuesday, Feb., 26th. — A conversazione and sale of work in connection with the Mount Eden Congregational Church, opened on Thursday. The arrangements reflected the greatest credit on those in command, there not being a single flaw. Bachelors even were permitted to enjoy the fun without being continuously importuned to buy. The refreshment stall, which held the place of honour inside the door, looked tempting enough, laden with its tempting confections, tc form a feast for Queen Mab. Mesdames James and Player acted as dispensers of the array of good things. The fancy work stalls flanking the room were covered with handsome work. In one corner Mrs Mears, assisted by a bevy of pretty anglers, did a rat- j tling trade with a fish pond. The exhibits of curios was well worth inspection ; amongst these was a tea vase from Jaffa, a penholder, said to be made i from the wood of a tree planted by Martin Luther, an image of Vishnu, and magnificent sptchuen of kauri. The walls were garlanded with flowers and '• hung with pictures, the work of Mr Ball. The I ladies in charge of the stalls wore delicious little caps as their badge of office. The younger * members of the foorce ' tripped about the room, not armed with smoking-caps, cushions, etc., wherewith to slaughter the purses of the susceptible male animal, but distributing cigarettes— to be smoked outside. -At eight o'clock the selling was interpersed by music, Miss More and Miss Colegrave throwing down the gauntlet to j melody with a piano cluet. The challenge was responded to by Miss Davies, who sang 1 ' Till the Breaking of Day ' very sweetly. Miss Davis implored the audience to ' Let Her Dream Again ' so effectively that one and all acquiesced with loud applause. Miss Colegrave discoursed the music of Old Ireland with brilliant execution. Next came a vocal solo by Misa McMillan, ' The Queen's Letter,' which received marked symptoms of approval . Mr Aiv.s ton gave a first-class reading, ' Aunt Abigail's Auvonture ;' last but undoubtedly far from least niusi: be mentioned the ever-green ' Twcikonluun Porry,' rendered by Miss Davie-3. Further am /usenierit was i
provided by Mr Shackleford, who, assisted by Mr Nairn, initiated all who manifested any inclination to leatn into the mysteries of hat making ; whilst Miss Robinson gave a lesson gratis to weary bachelors in the knitting of s bookings by one of Spedding's machines. A. vast amount of fun was got out of the electric shocks given by Mr Lyons. The bazaar in every detail was a most decided success. The fancy work stalls were under the management of Mesdames Thomas, Smith, Henton, and Moore.
