Our Wellington Letter.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 967, 12 September 1890, Page 4

Our Wellington Letter.

(FROM OUR OAVN CORRESPONDENT.) September S. Tho great event of last week among musicians was the oonoert given by Mrs Baknson, a young Danish lady, who passed through here some time ago on her way to Auckland with her hUsbatod, to whose heatlh it was hoped the climate of that town would bo beneficial. Unfortunately it has proved too enervating, so Dr and Mrs Bahnson are now leaving for Melbourne. The fame of her matinee on Saturday reread so quickly that, although Friday night was intensely cold and wet, the Opera House was crowded everywhere. His Excellency the Governor came with a small party from Government House, Lord Onslow had met Dr and Mrs Bahn. son in Auckland, and one day last week they lunched at Government House. Opinion, after the concert was concluded, was somewhat divided as to the rank which Mrs Bahnson should take in the musical world. Some thought she was equal to Patti, and every musician thought she should rank first among the first singers of the day-. Her trills are marvellous, and the case which she takes the upper D, E, and F, is a revelation to amateurs. Like Santlay she appears to enjoy her music, and stand gracefully ; without any contortions of the body when taking elaborate passages. Her bow also is very graceful. Mrs Bahnson is tall and fair, with a quantity of flaxen hair. She wore at her concert a handsome white satin dress, plainly made, with a loug full train. The items which she sang were: ‘ Softly sighs,’ from * Der Froischiitz ‘ La Reine da Saba,’ 'Pack clouds away,’ in English with beautifully played clarinet obbligato; and variations from the ‘ Carnival de Yenise,’ which showed the wonderful compass and cultivation of her voice. As an encore to one of her pieces she saDg a ‘ Polska ’ by Dannstrom, her old master. Amongst the delighted audience I noticed Mrs and Miss Russell and Miss Tanner, the former wearing a crimson wrap and the latter a lovely opera cloak of amethyst-coloured plush ; Lady Campbell, with a white wrap ; Miss Taylor and Miss Swainson, the one wearing a crimson and the other a peacock blue opera cloak ; the Misses Braudon, one wearing rose pink, and the other pale blue silk, trimmed with lace ; Mrs Maxwell, Mrs VY. Moorhouse, and Miss Turner, Mr and Mrs Werrey, and the Hon. Lancelot Walker; Dr and Mrs Collins, the latter wearing a white brocade opera cloak ; Mrs and Miss Hawkings, the latter in a black evening dress ; Dr Rawsou, with Mrs Rawson, in a red opera cloak ; Lady and Miss Hall,-Mr and Mrs Rous Martin, Mrs and Miss Gore. Miss K. Hardy’s theatricals on Tuesday bid fair to be a great success, as the rehearsals have gone off admirably. 'The Loan of a Lover.’ which was performed by the same ladies and gentlemen some months ago, was very much appreciated, Miss K. Hardy making a most charming little actress. All the reserved seats have been taken, so evidently a good many people intend to pa3B an enjoyable evening. On Wednesday evening Mrs Coleridge gave a small dance at which no programmes were used. If this fashion gains ground gentlemen ought to be obliged to come shirt cufflesß, as failing programmes they inscribe their engagements upun that part of their wearing apparel, whilst ladies have to trust to their mental Golgothas, which too often proving unequal to the strain, all sorts of confusion arises. Amongst the guests at this bright little dance were the two ex-premiers’ daughters (the Misses Whitakerand Hall), the Misses Harding, Bailer, Barclay and others. The Terrace appears to be the principal field for the raids of the ' larder and coal thieves. About six well known people have had either their coalsheds or their larders cleared. It was anticipated that this would happen when the strike had become more mature, but it was scarcely expected that it would have begun so soon. It cannot be the pinch of need that is driving people to steal; it must be done purely to exasperate. Certainly more policemen should be put on the different beats, and these peculations nippod in the bud. The strike is occupying the thoughts of ladies as well as gentlemen, and in every drawing room it is almost the only topic of conversation. Everyone realises that the future will be very clouded for some time, whatever is the result of the strike, but surely there will be a strong conbination of emnloyers formed which will help them to resist these unreasonable men who, for a mere whim on their part, cause the whole business fabric of the Colony to collapse for a period. All heads are busy trying to devise some plan by which a repetition of this disaster can be prevented. Woman's franchise, it is thought, would help to mitigate the evil caused by manhood’s suffrage. If this was granted to every woman over twenty-one it does not appear as if much benefit would be derivable from it, as in the case of the majority of married women it would be merely duplicating the husband’s vote. Fancy the wife of a Bill Sykes thinking of voting differently to her husband I Many think the franchise should only be granted to spinsters and widows holding property. This of course would put more power into the hands of caDital. Bow dreadfully absenteeism is on the increase ; the Hon Mr Oliver is the last who has forsaken New Zealand when she has given him all he possesses. New Zealand is very bearable whilst men wish to make money, but as Shakespeare says—- ‘ When he once attains the upmost rung, He then unto the ladder tnrnß his back, Looks in the clouds, scorning the base de. grees By which he did ascend. ’ So it is continually with New Zealanders. Look at the long list of them who are now at Home glittering-with the gold which they have drawn from this poor island. How different it is with wealthy Victorians ; they go Ao England, but they return again to spend their money where they made it. Why is it Surely our beautifnl island is as capable of inspiring affection and patriotism ns sun* burnt arid Australia 1 r The performance of ‘ School ’ at Mrs T. C Williams’ was very successful, The arduous

part of stage manager and prompter waa filled by Misß Holmes, whilst the part of schoolmistress was taken by Miss H. WiU lianis, who was completely metamorphosed Into an old lady. Mr Todd was excellent as the schoolmaster. The two principal ladies’ fcarts bf Naomi and the pupil teaolier were filled by Miss M. Grace and Miss Hall, who played with great vivacity. Mr E. Hadfield was very amusing as the old beau. The other parts, with the rchoolgirls, &0., were filled by Mr St Hill, Mr Tripp, Mr Cooper, and the Misses E. Williams, Izard, W. Whitaker, J. Grace, and Cooper. After tho performance was over the guests danced until an early hour, many of the actresses retaining the.ir costumes. Amongst the guests were Mr and Mrs Johnston, Mesdames Izard, Russell, and Grace, Mr and Mrs Dun* can, Mrs and Mis 3 Hawkins, Mrs and the Misses Hadfield, and the Misses Harding. _ On Saturday night a very small dance was gi7en by Mrs Russel}, which it was thought would conclude the gaieties, but a return ball is to be given to the Hutt young ladies, which it is really thought will be the Vety last dance of the session-. Ignotus.