HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2043, 2 April 1907, Page 4

HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

By “Ponolopo.”

"Wellington. • SCARCITY OF "WATER. Ifc Rooms ridiculous Hint l»o mucli water in onn-placo should moan none at all in anotlior. But it lias been so hero, for tho heavy rains Hooding tho Hutt river, broke the huge pipe that loads from tho Wainui reservoir, anti tho city lias sinco to depend on tho small prossuro from tho Karori waterworks. For a timo some of tho cliff dwollbrs lind nono at all, and tho affair looked serious. Even tho small hoy—tho only ono who might have rejoiced over the disaster—wore a worried look, for ho was pressed into service as a water-carrier. Ono rospoctablo householder, mot wliilo carrying a brimming billy up tho hill, said his house had had no water supply for two days, and the children had not boon washed sinco then 1 But thanks to wiso precautions and arlangoments, no ono is suffering at present, for the corporation engineer turns on all available prossuro to tho hills for some hours each evening, and tlion supplies can bo drawn off. But firos would bo terribly devastating if they were to happen when there is a scarcity of water, and it is to be hoped, after our recent experience, when so many buildings were sacrificed owing to "no prossuro being available, that nono will occur. THE BREAK IN THE PIPE.

The pipe from the reservoir crosses tho Hutt river about two miles from P.otono, and quito a number of pooplo travelled out to watch,tho operations of repairing. Mr. Hislop, tho Mayor, arrived in a motor car with a number of feminine belongings; Mr Coom, tho railway ongineor, was watching the scone with a critical eye, and the Rev. James Paterson, at present stationed at Petoiie, was an interested onlooker. "We are told we must wait three weeks before tho repair can bo effected, but, though a huge number of men aro working night and day, there is a want of hustle about their labor. Some declaro it need not take so long a timo, but "at this rate it probably will. It was an old structure, and has been up, I believe, over

thirty years, so a sizable log coming down Re river on a flood might easily break it. Those two pipe bridges wore alarming bugbears to mo on my first' visit to tho races, then Hold at the Hutt. I was told wo had to cross tho Hutt river on the pipes used to bring tho water to Wellington. Being a stranger, I asked no questions. But tho thought of crawling across a large pipo over a swift river, in one’s best bib and tucker, darkened tho prospect. I. was much relieved to find there was a footbridge on the top of the pipes. Even tlion the crossing'was, in windy weather, most unpleasant for ladies in airy frocks and feathered hats. The second of these pipes is broken

and has to be connected. While wo were there tho first pile was being driven in, and the movements of tho heavy weight that rose so slowly and came down with such a tremendous thump—it, shook the ground—wero watched with great interest. At night the scene must bo extremely picturesque, for tho men work by the aid of strong lamps, and the blazing camp fires and lights must send reflections into the water. THE BISHOP OF MELANESIA.

Bishop Wilson is just in appearance as well as other qualities what lie should be to impress the natives. Extremely good-looking, with clearcut features, dark hair and eyes, and a delightful smile, he is very stalwart and tall. Ho speaks, too., with simple directness and force, and is evidently heart and soul in his work. I had the opportunity of hearing him talk about the mission at Bishopscourt, when Mrs. Wallis invited some people to meet him. It is an immense diocese, and the missionaries laboring there are exposed to many trials and some dangers. Bishop Wilson told of the pathetic murder of Mr. Godden, who was beloved by all liis men. He was s'not by a returned Kanaka, who, imprisoned .in Queensland for some crime, had a vendetta against white men generally. Mr. Godden bled to death from a severed artery, and his dead body was taken back to his own station by his weeping men, who had to break the news to his wife- It is a curious fact that before this tragedy there was an alarming dearth of male volunteers for this mission. Sinco there have been thirty applicants, of which Bishop Wilson has accepted nine. Another new man is Mr. Hopkins, who looks after the furthest and darkest corner of Melanesia, the island of Malata, the headquarters of the fierce head-hunters, and the home of the most dangerous Kanakas. So dangerous is Mr. Hopkins’ position that the Governor grew afraid and sent His steam yacht' to Malata with orders' for Air. Hopkins to return. This the latter did, very reluctantly, only to go back to the island a fortnight later. . He is the quietest, most -unassuming of little men, and yet a hero, braving death constantly for his faith. It seemed strange to hear those tales in a drawing-room, with the prospect of an excellent tea later. The last.'visit of Bishop Wilson resulted in Wellington’s subscribing for a new boat, of which ho speaks enthusiastically. This time lie hopes to secure money to build houses for the women missionaries. All's Wallis’ youngest brother, Mr. Williams, not long arrived from Home, returns with Bishop and Airs. Wilson—she was a daughter of Bishop Julius—to the Islands, and" spends three months there. ABOUT PEOPLE.

We are desperately dull socially, hut hoping for bettor things to come. On Thursday Hiss Pye-Smith’s marriage to Mr. Macdonald takes place, and invitations for Miss Burnett’s wedding on the 3rd, and Miss Brenda Hacon’s on the 4th of April have been issued. The former takes place at the Hutt, the reception after the latter being held at Miss Partridge’s, (folder’s Hill. Miss Hacon is one of the prettiest of our Wellington girls, and lias a lovely complexion and features. Miss Morna Fell, who is another charmingly pretty girl, is to he married to Capt. Erie Johnston quite shortly. ' The latest Wellington engagement is’ that, of 'Miss Favie Arthur -to Mr. Tennent, son of the Kev. Mr. Tennent, of Port Chalmers. Miss Woodbine Johnstone’s engagement to Mr. Moncliton is announced in Northern papers. Miss Johnstone who lives in Gisborne, is a sister of Mrs. Ppmarp. Miss Kensington, who met with an accident at the same time as her mother was killed by the brigade motor, is almost well now, and is convalescing at Nelson; Mr. and Mrs Duncan have returned, after a delightful trip to Rotorua, and Mr and Mrs O’Connor are hack from the Christchurch. Exhibition. Mr. and Mrs. Tilly, from Blenheim,'are visiting Wellington, and Mrs. Levin is staying with • her mother, Mrs. C. Johnston. Dr. Platts-Mills and her husband are planning a trip to England. Mrs, Miles arid her daughter Hilda, and Mrs. McEwan are Visit-* ing the Christchurch Exhibition. Miss Hilda Williams lias come back from. Mount Cook. A XEW ZEALAND ARTIST. Some time ago Miss Williams and -Miss Eila Williams, daughters of Mr. T. C. Williams, went to Paris, to study art. They have succeeded wonderfully. Miss Eila has had a picture on the lino in tbp Paris Salon, by her own merit, not by favor or influence, as is so often the case. It is the study of a bronze fountain. Miss Williams is doing very fine work too. I saw three sketches ok* Miss Ella’s last week, and was struck by their strength and cliarm. They are frankly impressionist, but still full of detail, with no meaningless daubs or inexplicable masses of color. Miss Taylor Blacke, who also had a picture accepted by the Salon,has settled in Wellington. : NEW NEEDLEWORK. Now that the long evenings are looming ahead, every woman will appreciate a hint as to the latest fancywork. A shop here has just imported printed canvas ill squares or by the yard for cushions, curtain's, or table-covers. These are to bo enhanced by working over the pattern ill cross-stitch in linen _ threads or silk, and the effect reminds one of old tapestry. A cushion cover with a design of strawberries and leaves was extremely effective. It is simple work, for you have simply to cover the color with the same colored thread; A broad strip of this embroadery on a. cream linen portiere or curtain would look even more effective than a whole curtain worked, though one energetic woman here is embroidering a pair in a design of cornflowers with a line result. But the monotony of such a largo piece of work would be maddening.

Another new style of work is a revival. darned net. Our forbears used to make the netting and then darn it. We, less patient and loss industrious, buy our net. Mosquito net may be used, but the squaro-ineshed net can now be got and is easier to work, as well as prettier when done. The edge • must bo thickly button-

holed, ami though colored threads are often used, cream or white is more delicate, and color may ho introduced by a lining. For tablecloths and centres, dainty tray-serviettes, and ihie.hosso runners, this work is. emin-ently'suitable.-It bus tho advantage, too,’ of being both quick and easy. Those who arc ambitious cun make curtains, long or short, of this darned not.

EAST COAST NEWS. WAIPIRO BAY. (From our own Correspondent.) Tho extraordinary weather which has prevailed sinco tho beginning of tho year seems to he taking a pull. The past few days have been fine, and there is every indication of a continuance of the same. The carnival along tho Coast last woolc was everywhere favored with lino weather. Friendly rivalry, combined with good sport, wero tho chief characteristics. Bushfolling is beginning to start in real earnest. Large blocks of hush aro being foiled all along the Coast, no doubt chiefly duo to the prosperous times. The chief trouble boing experienced by farmers is tho scarcity of men, there being much competition between road contractors and themselves. However, the man who pays tho best wages will win tho day. Alatenga’s appearance at Opotiki has not boon a great surprise to many about, boro. The idea lias long been entertained that he always made over that way during tho summer months. Hare’s raids have always been carried on during the buslifelliug season, maintaining strict silence during summer. However, his appearance there must present a now state of affairs to tho authorities. Matonga lias now been performing his wild cat freaks for close on five years, and naturally tho position seems to bo that lie has crossed tlio dividing range for the past' five years, and lived in quietude in the many native pahs botween Hick’s Bay and Opotiki, wlioro white men and police aro few and far botween. It has been proved beyond doubt, that Alatenga’s robberies of food have never boon enough to maintain him during the months of his retirement. Tho question then arises, where docs lie get liis food? Bushfolling only lasts from tho beginning of April to tho middle of November. Tlio usual lapse of timo botween bis robberies point to tlio fact that lie does notf look to tho future—“sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” —and it is quite possible that he has his supply oaten out before lie thinks of getting more. It is very nearly 12 months since Hare renewed his energies' at the back, and as the bushmen are again getting to work it is quite possible that wo may soon have liis presence again announced.

POUAWA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Air. It. Fitzgerald, of Mangatokorau, near Tolaga Bay, has secured a nico little property in this d"strict, having purchased the place ’alely owned bv Airs. "Williams, of Waiparo. Tho holding extends to about six hnudred acres of first-class land, and is situated between Alessrs. Barker Bros.’ Glofiroy property and Air. Baker’s place. It is all cleared, wth a good four roomed house, and ring fenced—altogether a very desirablo property. It is understood that Air. Fitzgerald Will bo taking possession at an early date. Mr. Haisman, the contractor, is making rapid progress with tho new dwelling house in course of erection for Air. Fraser here. The work has now been in. hand for three weef- or so, and given favorab’o opportunities tlir- work should be fin sbod well up t( time The weather .is remarkably ‘mild for the season. The late rains have promoted a strong growth of grass The roads are still in good condition, only at present a little soft on the surface.