PERSONAL ITEMS FROM LONDON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10838, 23 August 1898, Page 6

PERSONAL ITEMS FROM LONDON.

* ■ [THOU 008 OWN COKM3PONBSNT.] London, July 15. Dawson and Mrs. Dawson have returned to .London. Sir James Fergusson, M.P., was one of the guests entertained at a large'dinner party given at tie Legation by the Siamese Minister last Thursday. Mr. Nolan, of the well-known firm of Messrs. Hunter and Nolan, auctioneers, Las been spending a few weeks with bis brother in Ireland, but has now returned to London. An old Nelson resident, Mr. Blecber, contractor, who arrived by the Cuzco about three months ago, is now in town, looking remarkably well. He is staying at New Cross. Mr. W. P. Reeves (Agent-General for New Zealand and Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Clarke (Agent-General for Victoria) have become members of the Anglo-American Committee. Lord and Lady Onslow, Lord Stanmore, and Sir James and Lady Ferguson were the "New Zealanders" invited to the Queen's State Ball given at Buckingham Palace on Friday last. Mr. James Smith, the eminent barrister, of Dunedin, is now in America, and will spend some little time in the States before crossing to England for a visit of probably a year's duration. Mr. William Signal, who is in England superintending the construction of a vessel, at Messrs. Fullerton's Yard, Paisley, for Messrs. Levin and Co., of Wellington, is at present in LondonMiss Therese Sievwright once more scored a marked success last Monday afternoon when she was one of the principal singers at a concert given by Mr. Sydney Barraclough at the Salle Erard. Sir Westby and Lady Perceval, Sir George and Lady Bowen, Mr. "and Mrs. Reeves were among the guests invited to the conversazione given by the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers on Friday. The Athenaeum gives an extended review to " Brown Men and Women ; or South Sea Islands in 1895-6," by Mr. Edward Reeves. And the Guardian gives a favourable notice of Mr. W. P. Reeves' "New Zealand." At the lecture and vocal recital given last Tuesday afternoon by M. Victor Maurel, the celebrated French baritone, I noticed several New Zealand singers and students of music, including Miss Lettie Hassell and Mr. Arthur Appleby. Though the colony has not sent a team to Bisley this year," it is not entirely unrepresented, Mr. Donald McKay, of Rangiora, being there. Since his arrival and until the opening of the meeting this week, he has been visiting Dundee.

The Rev. John McNeill, the Presbyterian preacher, well known in New Zealand, was married at the Eelgrave Presbyterian Church yesterday to Miss Millar, only daughter of the manager of the Charing Cross branch of the Union Bank of London.

Mr. J. H. Withcford was entertaining at Henley during the regatta week. Among his guests were Mr. lumber, M.P., and his family. Mr. Kimber, it will be remembered, interested himself in the House of Commons in the Calliope Dock equipment.

Lady Glasgow, who spent last month in the Isie of Aran, has now returned to Ayrshire, where, at their family seat—Kelburne Castle— Earl and Countess are doing a good deal of entertaining. No members ol their family have been much in London this season.

On the 25th inst. it is intended to give a dinner to the new Agent-General for West Australia, Mr. E. H. Wittenoom, arrangements for which are progressing satisfactorily. Mr. F. Faithfull-Begg, M.P., and Mr. J. Carruthers are members of the general committee.

The many friends of Sir George Boweu will regret'to hear that through meeting with a bad fall he has sustained serious injury to his leg, and as a result he is confined a prisoner to his house, being obliged to give up all his engagements, including a ball at Buckingham Palace and a Royal concert.

To-morrow a garden party is to be given by the London District of the Institute of Journalists for the purpose of meeting colonial and American journalists temporarily resident in London. The Hon. W. P. Reeves and Mrs. Reeves have, with the other Agents-General and their wives, been invited to be present.

Mr. Hubert Feuwick, of Auckland, arrived at Liverpool last week by the White Star steamer Teutonic from New York. Mr. Fenwick spent a month in the United States on his way. After visiting Vancouver he crossed by the Canadian-Pacific Railway, diverging'to Chicago, Minneapolis, Buffalo, Niagara, and then on to New York.

Mr. James Ritchie, of Dunedin, arrived in England last week by the s.s. Gothic. He comes entirely on a trip of pleasure. After staying a month in England, he will visit friends in Scotland and Ireland, arriving in the latter island in time for the Dublin horse show. He leaves on his return voyage to New Zealand in the s.s. lonic on October 26.

Several New Zealanders have engaged berths for their return to the colony. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick and their daughter intend sailing in the s.s. lonic in October; possibly the Rev. Dr. Elmslie will proceed to New Zealand in the same steamer. Mr. Henderson, of the National Mortgage Company, and Mrs. Henderson have also secured passages by the lonic. i

Mr. Samuel Norman White and Mrs. White are taking things quietly in London, and enjoying themselves, though not in a bustling way. They have been travelling about the country since reaching Plymouth in January last, renewing acquaintance with spots which Mr. White had not seen, except for a brief glance in 1886, since 1840." Mr. White tells me that the date of their return is uncertain, probably not until some time next year— even 1900.

Mr. "J. G. Pascoe, of Wellington, who arrived in England during the spring, had not previously visited his Mother Country for 15 years. Naturally, he is much impressed with the marvellous changes that have taken place, particularly in London. Mr. Pascoe has been touring in Scotland and Ireland. While in Scotland he visited Lord Glasgow's feat, Kelburne Castle, and went all over the domain. Mr. Pascoe intends leaving on his return voyage to New Zealand in October.

Mr. and Mrs. Kennaway and the Misses Kennaway have gone on from Paris to Switzerland, where they will remain during Mr. Kennaway's holiday. That is to say to the end of the current month. They are making Lucerne their headquarters. When Mr. Kennaway returns to Victoria - street the Agent-General himself will take a holiday. Mrs. W. P. Reeves, who went over to France last week to secure suitable rural quarters, has taken a very pleasant place near Chilon, in Touraine, wiiere Mr, and Mrs. Reeves and their family will spend part of next month.

After a stay of nearly 12 months in this country, Mr. W. B. Briscoe, of Hawera, has made up his mind to return to New Zealand. On the trip Home in August last, his little son was very seriously ill, but he has now completely recovered. Mr. Briscoe also finds a throat affection which troubled him for years has proved amenable to medical treatment here. With Mrs. Briscoe and the family he has made his native county of Yorkshire his headquarters, but has visited nearly every part of the West' Country. Mr. and. Mi's.. Briscoe have booked their passages out by the s.s. Oroya, which sailson the sth of next month. ' i

Mr* Charles R. Valentine seems to be in for a good thing with his patent " Valtine" meat globules. That they are most convenient as enabling a cupful of excellent soup to be made at the cost of about a penny, in a couple of minutes, I can certify from personal experience. But they are being widely

taken up and sold by all leading chemists and grocers. The latest idea ia to have them at hand beside that remarkable lamp in Leicester Square, which by dropping a penny in the slot provides boiling water in quantity. Cups and globules and an attendant being at hand, the temptation of such a cheap "pick-me-up" proves irresistible to numbers of wayfarers every night.

Among recent callers at the AgencyGeneral are Mr. J. Hoare, of Christchurch, whose address is 12, Guilford-street, Russell Square ; Mr. Owen Jones, of the same city, who is at 13, Porchester Terrace, W.; Mr. James Ritchie, of Blyth, Southland who is temporarily at 14, Sussex Gardens, W.; MrDuncan Cameron, of Canterbury, who is now at the Langham Hotel; Mr E. O. Studholme, of Waimate, now at 39, Cravenstreet W ; Mr. J. H. Rhodes, of Tnnaru ; Miss Lewis, of Christchurch, who is residing at 40, Cranley Gardens; Mr. George rattle, of Wellington, who has gone to Edinburgh; Mr W. Dvmock, of Napier, who is at 19, Cambridge-street, Hyde Park, W.; and Miss Edith Cooke, of Christchurch.

Mr Reeves has been fortunate in securing for the New Zealand Parliamentary Library, at the cost of a few shillings, a very rare and interesting and valuable little book. It is a French geographical atlas bearing the date 1762 and inscribed as published by the order of the King. In the map of the Southern Hemisphere New Zealand is indicated merely by two semi-circular outlines, forming a sort of letter S. But the curious part of the affair is that Poverty Bay is shown as the Bay des Assassins. Now this name was given to it by Crozet, but not until the year 1774, or twelve years later than the date of this atlas. Here is apparently an inexplicable anachronism. The only possible way of accounting for the discrepancy seems to be by the assumption that the figure 6 in 1/W has been accidentally inverted in the printing, so that in that case the correct date ol issue would be 1792. However, doubtless the New Zealand bibliophiles will exorcise their wits upon the question when the interesting little brown-leather-covered volume reaches the Parliamentary Library at Wellington.

By the P. and 0. s.s. Britannia, which has arrived in London, the following passengers were booked as having coma from New Zealand : -Mr. a.nd Mrs. Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. Scarle, Mrs. Byland, the Rev. C. Mcintosh, Messrs. E. Cameron, D. Kennedy, J. Lowden, and W. A. Seeker. And the following is the official list of passengers who came from New Zealand by the s.s. Gothic:—Dr. and Mrs. Bernau, Mr. and Mrs. T.J. Burgess, Mr. and Mrs. D. Cameron, Rev. Dr. Elmslie and Mrs. Elmslie, Mr. and Mrs. W. Henderson, Mesdames Butler, Donald, Dorman, J. Swart, W. Dcvenish Maun, Patrick, A. Amith, and Wright; Misses Bernau (2), A, Caunt, D. Catlcy, Cameron (2), Dorman, Elmslie, K. Fell, J. Guilbert, Grosvenor, Mr. Giblin, K. Innes, I. Johnson, Lovell, Maxwell, MacQregov, Metcalfe, Meares (3), Patrick, E. Reid, Smart, Skelton, and Webters; the Rev. J. C. Cameron; Dr. Barry Russell ; Messrs Bobbett (2), Cash, H. 'M. Foster, J. Hunter, C. J. Hoggan, W. J. Hardie, W. Lowes, R. F. Maude, R. H. McMillan, G. Metcalfe, F. A. Nelson, M. L. Oliver, J. Pollock, G. Pickles, Perry, W Patrick. J. Ritchie, R. S. Rankin, G. S. Russell, and Mr. Thomas; Masters Donnan, Hoggan, Burgess, and Bernau.

Madame Cecilia Staunton (Goldenstedt) gave a very enjoyable and successful musical " At Home" at her residence, 37, Gloucester Place, Portman Square, on Tuesday last. The hostess herself, who was in splendid voice, sang most artistically and with very fine effect several songs by Schubert, Brahms, and other famous composers. Her finished and expressive singing was greatly admired, and as her audience included several eminent critics, the appreciation she elicited should be of valuable service to her in her London career. I noticed Mr. Zangwill, the distinguished author, and two or three New Zealauders amongst the guests. Several accomplished singers contributed to the interesting programme provided. Madame Staunton was associated in the " At Home" with Miss Stewart, fa very clever artist whose pictures were on view in one of the rooms. There was si large attendance of guests. Everything passed off most pleasantly and successfully. It was rather hard on Madame Staunton to have to entertain a numerous company of guests and to be obliged to sing to them, for just before they began to arrive she received by the San Francisco mail the sad news of her brother's death. II was too late to put off the gathering, so she pulled herself together most courageously and sung so finely that nobody guessed how greatly she was suffering.

Mr. Tom Mandeno Jackson's concert came off with great eclat last Monday afternoon at the beautiful London residence of Sir Lionel and Ladv Darell, who most kindly not only lent it for the occasion, but also at the conclusion hospitably entertained all those who were present. It struck me that Mr. Mandeno Jackson had not only recovered his full vocal powers after their temporary impairment through influenza, but also had gained considerably, alike in volume and quality of voice and in the artistic excellence of his method and style. He sang even better than on the last occasion when I heard him, each of his songs being splendidly delivered. Perhaps his most striking contribution to tlio programme was Sir Arthur Sullivan's aria " Come, Margarita " (from " The Martyr ot Antioch"). But he also gave with great charm and eli'ect two of Dvorak's "Gipsy Songs," and one uv a New Zealand composer, Mr. G. H. Clutsam, "The Wedding Morn," a very attractive novelty. Two other of Mr. Clutsam's songs were delightfully given by Madame Minna Fischer, who sings even more effectively than when she used to captivate New Zealand audiences. Mr, Clutsam accompanied in each instance with his usual skill and tact. But apart from the purely ' colonial items of the concert the programme was highly interesting. Mr. Mandeno Jackson had enlisted the cordial co-operation ot several artists of the first rank, including Alice Esty, Ada Crossley, Medora Henson, •David Bispham, Alec Marsh, as well as several of less fame, but all excellent. Each sang or played his or her best, and anyone who has heard Alice Esty or Ada Crossley or David Bispham, will at once recognise how I good that best would be.

Once or twice recently it has fallen to me to warn New Zealanders who may be coming Home to be careful of the cfsh they intend to carry loosely about them. Yet another instance pointing to the necessity for care has occurred; this time, too, the trick essayed proved successful. Walking into the Agent-General's office a day or so since, I met an elderly New Zealander, who, for his own sake, shall not be named in this

connection—neither will I mention the place at which he resides, save that it is a town of the second rank in the colony. At Sydney he had trusted others not wisely but too well, and had landed in London practically penniless. And there is no place worse in the world for that to occur to a man, woman, or child. But visits from impecunious people whoso story is of empty pockets and misfortune are by no means infrequent in London offices, and in the absence of letters he found it a matter of some difficulty to get his identity recognised. Happily' he was better circumstanced than a young Englishman who found himself at night, robbed, halfskipped, and thrown into the streets of a Continental town, and who was kicked from pillar to post and prison as a vagabond for a month before he could get anyone to believe him sufficiently to lend enough to send to England for money to enable him to return. Unpleasant as was the predicament in which the elderly New Zealander of whom I am writing discovered himself, it was not "so bad as being thrown adrift in a foreign land. After a stiff examination he succeeded in proving his bona fides, and left Victoria-street a happier man than he had entered it, with Ni little in his pocket for present needs, and a letter stating that he had reduced to a minimum any doubt as to his genuineness.