HANMER SPRINGS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12392, 4 January 1906, Page 4

HANMER SPRINGS.

Dnrins Sunday night it r«_ie_. , -very heavily at Hanmer, and tbe weather did at all propitious for New Yearns i Day. With -be exception of a shower or two,, however,, the, day turned out fine, the sun being very warm. lUj _b_, evening the rain came on< again, very heavily. ISie. only, publio f pnctknv wa%- ---& ball: in the- *w_ning at Hanmers Hall;, where dancing was kept up with great vigour. . The visitors at the Lodge spent a very merry New Year's Day. The large verandahs were, enclosed with awnings, and were profusely decorated by scornmittee of the. visitors, who had.driven out in the morning to collect, ferns, arid: other trees of a decorative character. There were close upon 90 visitors stayingat the Lodge, and they all appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly. TJie finals in the sports tournament were got off during the day. The. visitors, having elected a committee, Subscribed; liberally to the price fund, with the. result that some very handsome prites were awarded tine winners. The programme was opened by Sir Wm. Steward delivering his ode to, tihe New Year. Dr. Thacker then read alleged telegrams from the Premier,, Sir Jos. Ward;, and: Mr T. E. Taylor. The reading of these allegod apologies from, the "great mem of New Zealand" and: regretting their absence, caused much- amusements Lady Steward was then called upon to present the prizes won in: the* different competitions by adults', and Mrs P. A. Herman and Miss Hall (Wellington) presented the children's prizes. The following were the prize-takers:—Lawsn Tennis: Mr Franks, and Mis* Greenslade 1, IVlrs Franks and Miss Leversedge 2. Croquet: Mrs Watt and Mr Simpson 1, Mrs Shiels and Miss Guthrie 2. Bowls-: Messrs Goldthorpe and Moore I. Messrs. Fisher and Penny 2; Deck Quoits: Mr. P_rri_a_n and Miss Baldwin 1, Mr Gibson and Miss Piper 2i Great interest and excitement was aroused by the competitions for the best dressed ladies' hair (one of the conditions being that it must be reasonably her own), best looking gentleman, and most, popular - gentleman, - Considerable trouble bad been gone to. by' the, kdiea in the dressing oF their- hair. Ballot papers were handed round, and; Messrs A. W. Rutherford, M.H.R., T. L Joynt, and : Franks were, appointed scrutineers, and alt eight o'clock Dr. Thacker announced tihe result of tho. ballot as follows:—Best Dressed: Hair: Mrs Moore (Dunedin) first prize, Misa Fairhunst (Christchurob) second l prize; Mrs P. A. Herman (C!hr_rtehtrrch) third prize. Mos|b Popular Gentle- ] ifyan: Mr Moore (Dunedin) first prize; Mr Fisher (Dunedin) second prize. Best Looking Gentleman: Mr J. MoBride first prize; Dr. Thacker second pri_e. Mrs Thaoker then presented the prizes to. the- successful oonjpetitom..- A topical song and chorus, composed by j Dr. Thacker,. was then sung- by th* doctor arid company, and judging by> the applauee was much appreciated.. A, programme of dances, was afterwards commenced, and during an interval Misa Saunders, of Christchurob, danced most cleverly a Scotch reel, which was redemanded, and repeated. "At hj_tf-pa_.fr, eleven nearly 90 of the. visitor* sat down, as the guests of Mr ajid. Mr» Hood, to a champagne supper. The toast of "The was given, and responded to with musical honours. Dr. Thacker than called upon Mr P. Selig to propose "The New Zealand Parliament." In doing aa the proposer referred to the fact that the Government had not so far redeemed the promises, made the Premier, with respect to. certain improvements at Hanmer. He mentioned, as one of the most important requirements of the place, a nigh pressure water supply. \ The toast waa coupled with tihe. names of __T"W_i. Steward and Mr A. W. Rutherford, and Sir Wm. Steward responded!'. The other toasts were:—Single Blessedness," proposed by Mr' Featherstone, and responded to by Mr Harriwell, and "Sue oessful Competitors," by Mr 'Mcßride, replied to by Messrs Franks and Parnham. "Our Host and-Hostess. Mr and Mrs Hood" was received with touch enthusiasm, and responded to by Mr Hood. Further dancing followed, and the party broke uo at 2 a.m., after one. of-the most enjoyable times ever experienced at the Lodge.