OTAGO’S JUBILEE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11537, 25 March 1898, Page 6

OTAGO’S JUBILEE.

THE SECOND DAY. [From Oub Special Correspondent.] DUNEDIN, March 24. Warm and beautiful weather still favoured the Jubilee to-day, and though the events were, not so numerous and attractive as on the first day though many hundreds of visitors had left, the crowds appeared about : as _ numerous as before. The chief centre of interest during the day was the races, Lord Ranfurly being present and witnessing every event, and it was there that the largest number of pleasure - seekers went. The bicycle sports on the Caledonian Grounds also drew a large gathering of people. The city is, of course, still decorated, andm the evening there was a semi-illumination. The shops, most of which had closed during the day, were again lighted up, while coloured lights and .fireworks were freely shown. Although the prevailing tone of the celebrations is intensely Scottish, it is curious to note the cosmopolitan spirit shown in the matter of decorations. Side by side with the ruddy lion of Scotland, rampant on his cloth of gold, are to be seen the Harp of Erin, the Stars and Stripes of America, and most numerous of aU, the Union'Jack of Old. England. One prominently displayed banner bears the legend “God Save Ireland,” a prayer which is perhaps meant t« be a protest against the prevalent Scotomania. . In the evening there was a Scottish concert at .the Exhibition Hall, when the enthusiasm of the clans was worked up to the highest pitch. Several thousands of people again visited the exhibition, where everything is now complete and making an excellent show. • The event of the evening which overshadowed every other was, however, the citizens’ ball, held under the auspices of the Jubilee Demonstration Committee, in the Garrison Hall. The interior of the building was gorgeously decorated for the occasion, the.,spacious stage being furnished_as adrawing-room with rich drapings, mirrors and flowers, added to the. couches, easy chairs and tables, while the hall itself was ablaze of colour with flags and bunting. At the hour fixed for dancing to commence there was not fewer than two hundred couples on the floor, while over two hundred spectators filled the gallery. The ball was opened punctually to time, and every dance on the programme bad a time set for it to .commence. At half-past nine the ViceRegal party arrived, and the customary reception was accorded, Hammond’s Band, which provided excellent music, striking 'lip .the,.National Anthem. , “ Partners for ■the lancers ” : was the nekt brderof the day, and the top set included his Excellency the Governor,' with r Mrs- W. - H.. Cutten, the widow : of/'oneof . the .first Otago aettlers .as ...his partner. Captain Hill;Trevbr and Miss . Cargill,'Mr’ John Roberts and Mrs. Justice Williams, the Captain of H.M.S. Tauranga and Mrs Batchelor. The ballroom at this time was a brilliant spectacle, .the uniforms of the officers and foreign consuls relieving the sombre, evening dress of the bulk of the gentlemen. The dresses of the ladies were in excellent taste, but the mere • man in- trying to describe such things of beauty can only take refuge in generalities, and say that “they beggared all description.” It was. a relief to find that kilts and tartans were non est, at all events they did not grace the floor, though there were several brawny warriors in kilts on guard in the precincts of the building. A thoughtful provision was the presence of several rhembers of the Fire Brigade in uniform. Among the representative men present were, the Mayors of Dunedin and Christchurch, as well as several ex-Mayors of the first named city; two Judges of the Supreme Court jostled grave legislators and leading, merchants, shipping magnates and professional men, while mirth and music and fair women combined to make the occasion one of memorable brightness. , A novel feature was a local waltz, a male choir singing a waltz song during the whole dance. The supper, which was most artistically laid out in the lower hall, was catered for by Mr Lean, and the whole arrangements were most complete, and spoke volumes for the 'care and labour of the committee under Mr Harris Hastings, the honorary secretary. The last dance was timed for 2,30 a.m., and there were a couple of extras, to follow, so that the third day of the Jubilee' observances was in its dawning before the gay company dispersed. . [Per Press Association.] ‘Lady Eanfurly is confined to her room, and is unlikely to take part in further festivities.