BLENHEIM.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9304, 3 January 1896, Page 2

BLENHEIM.

December 19. Deau Celia,—Oa the 9th Mr T. L. Buick, M.H.R., gave a most successful lecture in Ewart's Hall on " English National Song." The hall was well filled, and taking into consideration that the night was wet, Mr Bviick ought to feel flattered at having attracted such a large audience. The lecturer was thoroughly master of his subject, and his remarks were iluent, and the interest of his listeners was kept up throughout. The stage was prettily arranged as a drawingroom, and tastefully decorated with flowers, and seated about were the ladies and gentlemen who were to give the musical illustrations. "Home sweet home" was sweetly sung by Mrs M'lntosh, who looked well in black ; Mrs M 'Galium in Mack and blue travo "Tell mc my heart," in her usual ti'if.rciii.i and eullivjited manner. Hiss Annii; Kose tK'.ng "She wo:-e a wreath ox rosea" most feelingly and sympathetically. Mr M'lntosh was well received in " Death of Nelson" and "The Parson and the Clerk," which he sang in a spirited manner. Mr Sturrock was most successful in his rendering of " The Lass that Loved a Sailor," and so was Mr Snodgrass in " A Life on the Ocean Wave." Indeed, all the musical items were good, but the accompaniments left a good deal to be desired. Mr Buick's humorous sallies were well received, and the funds of the Women's Christian Temperance Union must have profited greatly, although the admission was only Is.

On Thui'sday Mr Edwin Conolly (late of the Colonial Bank here) left for Auckland by the afternoon train for I'icton, a crowd of friends and well-wishers assembling at the station to wish him good luck. Mr Conolly will be very much missed, especially in dancing, tennis, and. football circles, where he was most popular. Thursday evening the Blenheim Choral Society gave a most successful performance of " -The Messiah :, in Ewart's Hall, to a large auclicnco. The solo "I know that my Redeemer Liveth " was most feelingly and beautifully sung by Mrs Lucs3, and was considered, the gem of the evening. On Saturday Mrs Richardson and Mrs Georgs Robinson pave a delicious tea at the tennis, and in spite of the heat tennis was played vigorously. Mi-s Richardson was much admired in a delightfully ccol white pique skirt and full cape, white nainsook muslin blouse with tucks and Valengicnnes lace, white sailor hat; Miss Seymour was handsome in white, with stylish cream hat. Among those present were Mr and Mrs Griffiths, Mr and Mrs Stoney, Mr and Mrs M'lntosh, ?>fr and Mrs Snodgrass, Mr and Mrs Crawshaw, Mr and Mrs Orr ; Mesdaitics Dodd, Thompson, Lucas, Kellas. Hilcy, Earp, A. Farmar; Misses Waritly (2), Cawtt, Toothill, Horton, Farmar Viva Robinson; Doctors Stack, Alexander and Fox ; Messrs G. Robinson, Pollard, Greenfield, H. Robinson, Black, Wytchell, Griffiths (2), Crump, H. Horton, E. Pasley, G. Waddy, &c. Mr Crump left for Nelson on Saturday night, and will be much missed here in musical and tennis circles.

Mr and Mrs I3allard.left.pn Monday for Dunedin, and before his departure Mr Ballard was the recipient of a handsome silyer fish knife and fork and two pairs of carvers. The presentation was made at the Post Office by Mr Salmon , , representing the postal staff, and Mr Dodd, the telegraph department, who made a few appropriate remarks. ' Mr and Mrs Ballard will be very much missed here, and whether as a church worker or as an active member of the " Ladies Benevolent Society" as well as socially, her place will be hard to fill. Mrs Ballard was always ready to give a helping hand to any good work, and will be greatly missed, . On Tuesday Ewart's Hall was crowded with an enthusiastic audience (and indeed crowds were refused admittance) to hear the Borough School's Concert. The whole programme reflected the greatest credit upon Mr Sturrock, Miss M. M. Brown, and their subordinates, who must have, worked'hard to achieve such a success. The action songs given by little girls and boys from the infant school, were really capital, time and tune being excellent, and movements were all in perfect unison. Th<f ealisthenic drill by the girls was very good, and their pretty frocks formed a charming picture. The boys' drill was also good, though not so pretty. The choruses sung by boys and girls of the school were spirited und good. The operetta •' White Garland " was very prettily got up and staged, the floral bower was really lovely. Miss Alice Litchfield made a pretty and charming queen, all in white lace and white flowers, and sang very sweetly. All the girls and boys taking part had been thoroughly well drilled, and reflected great credit upon the school and teachers. Mr Bnick, M.H.R., presented the prizes for good attendance, and also certificates for drawing. The heat here daring the last few days has been something dreadful, most oppressive to ordinary mortals, but " good haymaking weather," so we must not grumble after so much rain. Eljanobe.