WELLINGTON TABLE TALK

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1511, 14 February 1901, Page 30

WELLINGTON TABLE TALK

(By ERIE.)

Another charming bit of education came to* us on. Saturday in the shape of the visit of the Imperial troops, • who arrived quite early in the morning -in the “Britannic.” It is impossible to describe how we all felt when we saw them, file off the wharf in ail their beautiful regimeutala, the histories of which and their descriptions, also, we are so familiar with, it was, of course, quite another thing to really see Imperial uniforms. Even in England such a _display would have been unique. Reviews often consist of far larger numbers of men, but .seldom comprise such a. variety of regiments as were represented on ■Saturday. The Life Guards, Coldstreams, Lancers, Grenadiers, Cameroniaaxs, Royal Fusiliers-, Black Watch, and others of historic greatness, stirred feelings of intense interest and patriotic pride as they passed by, looking such splendid soldiers, and marching with the precision and ease that can only come by long training and practice. 'x neir beautiful and picturesque uniforms were ?a revelation to most of us, and we felt as if we wanted them to stop and let us look at them,. A passing glimpse was much too short- The town on Saturday evening was a sight worth seeing. Most of the “Tommy Atkinses’' were at large, and were having an extremely good time. Everyone was making much of them and they were a very friendly crew, with whom it seemed very easy to become acquainted. The undress, uniforms of the Black Watch attracted attention. There is a sad interest felt for the survivors of a gallant regiment which has suffered .much in the Boer War.

The members or the Wellington entertained the Imperial officers on Saturday evening. Airs H. D/Bell, wife of of the president, received the visitors, and was hostess for the occasion. Miss Hollander sang in her delightful manner. A nice supper ended a very pleasant evening’s entertainment. Most of the leading ladies of Wellington were present, but their costumes were strictly black and white.

Missi Alice Hollander nas come to us at rather an inconvenient time, many refraining from concerts or theatres till the term, of Royal mourning is over. But the clidtm of her exceptionally beautiful contralto voice has drawn numbers to hear her. The Sydney street hall was quite full on Friday evening, when she kept her audience spell-bound with her wonderful voice. She excels in oratorio music, and her rendering of Handels’ '‘He shall feed His Flock,” and Gujjod’s “O Divine Redeemer,” brought most vociferous applause. She was presented: with a lovely basket of bowers, and had to return to bow several times u Miss Hollander is a native of Sydney. She is very young—not out of her teens —and has a remarkably sweet face, and a pretty, unaffected manner. These characteristics do not in the least- prermc; gift she

the Mother Country with many good things no-w-a-days, and she will be one of our very sweet contributions, which will doubtless be fully appreciated.

Mr and Ivlrs O’Connor have gone lor a trip to the Southern lakes.

The valedictory '“social” given to Mr Clias. Wilson by the proprietors- and literary staff of the “New Zealand Timqs” on Monday evening was art exceedingly pleasant gathering. Miss .Kelly, daughter of Mr J. L. Kelly, the managing-editor of the “Times,” received the guests, and was, a most indefatigable arid kind hostess. Euchre tables were quickly peopled, and all were soon enjoying the games with much gusto. Mrs Ross and Mr Hay bit tie carried off the prizes. During the evsuing Mr Wilson was presented by Mr Martin Kennedy, the managing director, with a. handsome silver tea, set and an oak tray with .silver plate. Mr Kennedy expressed the appreciation of the proprietors of Mr Wilson’s work, and wished him every success in his new appointment. Mr Kelly also- made a presentation oo behalf of the. staff, and. said many kind things.. He expressed, regret that Mr Wilson v r as leaving the company’s service. Mr Wilson, in reply, made an excellent- and feeling speech. After some mdsie. supper was served and some dancing indulged in. * & * ' i* w

Mr J. D. Slew-rig,lit, of the “Times” editorial staff., will assume Mr Wilson’s duties in connection with the “Mail.”

Mr Bethune and Mrs and Miss Hollander gave an exceedingly pleasant At Home in the Art Gallery on Monday afternoon. Miss Hollander sang several times, and, several items were contributed by other musicians. Afternoon, tea then came as an agreeable surprise, and all had a very pleasant opportunity ex becoming acquainted with the very talented young lady. Amongst those present were Mrs Tolhurst, Mrs E. Richmond, Misses Williams. Mrs and Miss Mea-ley, Mrs Pynsent, Madame Mertz, Mrs. Findlay, Mrs Stott, Mrs and Miss Quick, Mrs a-ncl Miss Parker, Mrs- anti Misses Stafford, Mrs Miles, Mrs Harris, Miss Vartha-j Miss Ha-lse, Mrs and Miss Mount.

Dr and- Mrs Raws ones many friends will regret to learn that tne very pleasant lvplanned trip has had a very regrettable interruption. Miss Violet Rawson is lying exceedingly ill at Bombay with typhoid fever, supposed to have been, contracted while at unsavoury Shanghai. The last- letters left her friends in a very anxious state regarding her health. .

Most people will regret to hear of the death of Dean Jacobs, of Christchurch. He was a very prominent figure in the early days of the- coYony, and was greatly beloved for his kindliness and courtesy.

•o » * , * « Mr and Mrs Enabling have taken Mr W. R. E. Brown’s house in the Tinakori road, during Mr and Mrs Brown’s long trip to' the Southern lakes. -**«•* *

It is announced that the Rev and Mrs Coffey are about to take a trip Horne. Air Coffey has earned a much-needed holiday. He has laboured at St. Mark’s for many years without intermission, and a rest and a visit to the scenes of his youth will be invigorating and refreshing.

m *■* « * * Aar J. C. Warren is going Home shortly for a year’s trip, leaving Airs Warren at T'e Ante with her father, Ven. .Archdeacon •'Williams. * * Of $= -*

Lord Glasgow’s youngest daughter, Lady Dorothy Gat-home Hardy, with her husband, are the "'guests of Mrs T. O.

Wiliam". Hon Gath am e Hardy’s health hTgreatly benefittifig by the change of climate and the sea voyage. Lady Dorothy has left her little son in England with Lady Glasgow.