LADY CORRESPONDENTS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9022, 7 February 1895, Page 2

LADY CORRESPONDENTS.

" Weekly Press."

Dear .To,—There is little to tell you this week in the way of news, despite the fact that we have had the Opera and Fitzgerald's Circus in our midst makiug merry; the latter, however, has moved on, having on Saturday last taken farewell of us and we of out shillings, which accompany them. Thousands have visited the circus; at times people have been turned away from the doors, which reminds one what a wondrous thing it is this cry ot "hard times" set to every tune —sharp and flat, high and low. Poor tradesmen often have to go unpaid by some customers, yet when a show of the above description arrives on the scene, out comes the caah from these same poverty-criers' purses, and flows into the circus coffers. Lion tamers certainly must have a special Providence watching over their apparently unvalued lives. The horizontal bar and trapeze performance by Messrs Rizzios and Dash wood was very good, an were also the performances of Miss Nellie Lyndhurst, a fair equestrienne who goc3 at a breakneck pace. Mr King and Miss Connors were also excellent in their ladder feat, I don't like the aerial achievements, do you? Miss Sutton, who is undoubtedly very clever and very "headstrong" at it, sent one's heart to one's mouth many times from her high perch, her manoeuvres being fortunately safely accomplished. Every one gave quite a sigh of relief when she fiually returned to Mother Earth quite *' whole." Crowds of spectators visited the show; it is really wonderful what an attraction a circus is, cap cially to the .iuveuile mind. Perhaps now it has taken its departure we shall see (he Theatre bettor tilled during; the next week, for without question the presence of the circus tents pitched in our city at tho same time must have made a difference to the opera audiences. With the exception of two or three nights it has not been " filled to overflowing," though downstairs seats are always difficult to get; soon after half-past seven. " Paul Jones" and " The Mountebanks " have been given since I last wrote. Mies Stewart is, a. usual, faultless in her acting and singing, as was also Mr Brownlow. Mr Lauri is still the funny man, too funny some think, almost bordering on the humour of a clown, but in this opinion 1 do not share. One very unpleasant feature of the season is the "barracking" which goes on amongst the "wlEs"(?)of tho pit. Surety something could be duns by those iv authority to put. a stop to these unseemly manner?. Why should ladies and gentlemen be subject to such objectiouable remarks as those levied at them during the past week. It certainly is disgraceful to think one can't eujoy a pleasant evening In the theatre without beiug annoyed ,by such unruly "gods." I venture to suggest, the presence of a policeman (one or two), as a remedy of the evil. As might bs expected this opera commanded .n crowded house. Amongst the many present I saw Mr and Mrs Stead, Mr and Mrs and Misses Cowlishnw. Mr and Mrs Boyle, Mrs and Miss < mmiujzham, M«*« Babinxton. Hon. E. Parker, Mr and Mrs A. Scott, Mrs Wilder, Mr and Mrs C. Clark, Mr and Mrs Roper, Mr mid Mrs P. Campbell, Mr aud Mrs R. M'Donald, Mr and Mrs Otteraon, Mr and Mrs G. Harris, Mis Secretin, Messrs B. Lane, G. Palmer, Clark, Perry, Miae Harris, Mr and Mrs Greenwood (Teviotdale), Mrs C. Newton, Misses Greenwood, &c.

We are havingreally summer weather at last, after almost despairing of it. Last Saturday was intensely warm ; however quite a fashionable gathering assembled at the polo ground, regardless of the scorching sun and piercing rays. Tho coming tournament ip a. subject of much interest, all the players entering into the play with great zest, and practising goes on frequeutly during the week, a. everyone now recognizes the time is short and .much will be required from them iv the forthcoming battle, which is to take place in March at Hagtey J Park. Some very good games with hard hitting were played on Saturday, wheu Mrs Stead provided most acceptable afternoon tea to both players and spectators, amongst whom were Mrß Stevens. Mrs G. Williams, Mrs Lasccllea, Mrs G, Gould. Mrs Archer, MrsH. Rhodes, Mm G. Rhodes, Mrs Ogle, Mrs Lee, Misses Reeves, Tabart, Todhnnter, Wiiliams, Campbell, Messrs R. Wilson, Pyne, Palmer, Beuuetts, J. Reid,

By the way, .Mr J. Reil has come to reside in Christchurch after having lived many years in Duuedin. Another .engagement has lately taken E lace, thatt>f Miss A. Grlgg, daughter of Ir John Grigs, Longbeacb, to Mr Deardon ofAshburton.

Visitors still continue to take a peep at ns, only last week I saw Mrs J. Baker from Wellington, she was then staying with Mrs Neu-ve at Okeover, Kiccartou, prior to visiting Mr and Mrs Lance at Horsley Dawns. Tiie Bishop of Salisbury (Bishop Wordsworth) was in Christchurch but a few dayy, during which time he was the guest of Mr and MrsC. C. Bowen. Bis LnrdshiD expressed himself much pleased with all he saw, aud wai more than surprised at the advancement of many of our industries. "The' well ■'- being of the community in general, also appears to have impressed him deeply. Mr and Mrs Whiter, of Riccartou. issued cards for a garden reception in order to give their, friends the opportunity of meeting Bishop Wordsworth. . Numbers of people of course responded to their kindness. Being a bright sunny day the parsonage grounds looked very pretty, and what with tea and chat a very pleasant" hour or two was spent. Yours, Cklia.