IMPROMPTU ASSEMBLY.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 270, 16 November 1887, Page 3

IMPROMPTU ASSEMBLY.

On Monday night Mr Munro's Scotch dancing pupils and friends held a most enjoy able impromptu assembly in tho Masonic Hall, Karangahape Road, ,when over thirty couples wero present. Tlio course of tuition having closed, it was tacitly agreed that some sort of winding-up festivity should take place, but beyond the expression of a general inclination in that direction no arrangements were made. When it was found on Mondaynighfcthatguests were arriving in large numbers, many of them in full Highland garb, it was resolved that an assembly should take place. Mr A. Wright was chosen M.C., and Mr W. Henry assuming the management of the financial department, an excellent entertainment was speedily organised. A programme of Scotch and other dances was drawn up, and to the music (violin and piano) of Messrs Mackay and Sinclair, dancing was entered into with great zest. The Highland Reel, Reel of Tulloch, Petronella, etc., were danced by large numbers, who showed an intimate acquaintance with the different "steps"— the young colonial Scots vicing with the Old Country veterans in their zeal and agility in performing the national dances. Mr Karaitiana evoked loud applause by his dancing of the Highland Fling. Mrs Falkner was enthusiastically applauded for her performance, in Highland costume, of that picturesque dance the Sheantreaus, while two little girls, Misses Goldie and Kelly, won hearty plaudits by performing the Highland Fling in company. The ball-room presented a brilliant appearance with the many coloured tartan kilts and sashes, while, in keeping with the informal character of the gathering, several ladies could be seen dancing in ordinary walking dresses and hats. The spirit of Scottish beraeliness and heartiness pervaded all the proceedings, and the happy gathering did not break up until after midnight, when "Auld Langsyne " was sung as a fitting./mai'e without the objectionable improvised stanza which last week aroused the ire of an old Scot. Ample refreshments, liquid and solid, wore provided almost on a moment's notice by Mr Johnston, baker, Karangahape Road, and were partaken of in the course of the evening.

Wellington, this clay. In the Appeal Court case, Abbotb v. the Commissioner of Stamps at Wanganui, the case Wa3 argued. Appellant claimed that stamp duty on memorandum transfer of land shall be assessed on value of land less encumbrances, and not on value of land as claimed by the Commissioner of Appeal. J. P. Rowlefcfc, solicitor, practising in Otago, has been suspended for two years for irregular practices.