STRAY LEAVES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1903, 24 July 1890, Page 32

STRAY LEAVES.

FROM « PEARL PAN'S " NOTE BOOK.

Palmistry is the popular and fashionable craze here at the present time. A certain Mrs Hiokton having advertised her ability and willingness to examine the palm of any lady's left hand, and read in every line therein discernible something of the past and a great deal of the future for her clientele, the sybil's sanctum in Cuba street has been crowded every afternoon for some time past. Curiosity— Eve's fatal heri tage —led me thither, and while waiting my turn to interview the fateful person in the iuner room, I observed a placard affixed to the wall informing the public that they were expected to pay in advance. So, placing the requisite amount— two shillings— upon the table, I took my seat in front of Mrs Hickton, a shrewd, pleasant-look-ing woman of about 30, who, glanoing at my hand, proceeded with & readiness, savouring of the "uncannie," to tell me wonderful things, flavoured with a few improbabilities, although in generalities, in whioh the lady largely deals, I observed that she was remarkably aoourate. It was all very puzzling, and I left the place wondering if there was more in palmistry than I had previously believed possible.

The Wellington " season " is, after all, likely to be one of the gayest on record. Festivities at Government House invariably induce hospitalities elsewhere, with the result that a fillip is given to business in the oapital, and everything wears a brighter aspect both for residents and visitors. On Friday night the Countess of Oiiblow gave a small dance for young people, and on ' Saturday evening the Ministerial resideuce on Tinakori road was the scene of a delightful dance given by Mrs Russell. Two receptions are also anuounced to be held by Lady Onslow at Government House, the first on the 15th, and the second on the 30th inst.

The other day Mr G. Fisher, while reprobating certain measures of the present Government, declared that it was " enough to take a person's breath away, and make his very hair stand on end." Now, as the - hon. gentleman only wears a narrow fringe around his clever-looking head, the remark elicited a burst of laughter from all parts of the chamber, in which Mr Fisher joined heartily. One evening recently a question was rained in tho House regarding parliamentary phraseology that was somewhat amusing, to say the least of it, if only to show what trivial " points " are sometimes raised. A certain hon. member, while indulging in lively vituperation, used the word "dodge." "Is 'dodgh' parliamentary, or is it not ? " oried Mr Seddon, rising hastily to his feet Mr Speaker ruled that it was, and the member for Kumara resumed his seat.

Amid all the wordy wrangling dignified by courtesy as " dbbate " that has been carried on in the House of Representatives during many afternoons and evcuingi since the opening of session, one naturally hails with a blessed sense of relief anything like a sensible, well-delivered speech, no matter from whom it emanates — whether it comes from Ministerial or Opposition benches is a matter of quite secondary importance, we welcome it all the same as a delightful break in the dreary monotony of listening to drowsy platitudes or fierce invective. When therefore Captain Russell rose to address the House last Tuesday night — the floors and galleries of which were crowded — there was a quickened interest everywhere discernible, and hearty cheers greeted the Colonial Secretary from all parts of the House. Nor were his listeners disappointed in their expectations, for his speech was clear and statesmanlike, full of terse refutation of miss'tatements, allegations, &c, true or untrue, from opponents of the Gorernnie.pt; while his defence of Major-general Edwards, against the aspersions sought to be unworthily cast upon him was alike creditable to bis good feeling and Bense of justice towards an absent man. •

Mr Scobie Mackenzie joined in the long* drawn-out debate on Wednesday night, when he delivered a carefully- thought-out and well* arranged speech. Being upon one or two occasions interrupted by an outburst of laughter from hon. members, Mr Mackenzie at length declared good humouredly that " whenever he or anyone else propounded sensible and practical ideas to the House, they were invariably chuckled at " — a remark that had the effect of calling forth another explosion of merriment from members, who appeared to be in a jocund mood that sight. On Thursday Sir John Hall joined in the debate. Taking the Premier's place for the nonce, he treated the House to a sound and telling speech that evidently made its mark.

There was a large and fashionable audience, including His Excellency the Governor, who was accompanied by Mr Riveradale Walrond, A.D.C., at the Theatre Rojal on Thursday evening on the occasion of Mr Robert 'Parker's concert, which musical critics say was the beat of its kind ever given here. Certainly the orchestral music was in itself a rich treat to all who enjoy high class compositions. The orchestra numbered 46 instrumentalists, among whom were several ladies and one small boy violinist, who took his part throughout the performance with the gravity and earnestness of an embryo Faganini. Miss Hilda Williams, a young debutante fresh from European musical circles, sang three songs with exquisite finish of style and expression. Mr E. V. Waters was also a favourite soloist, the audience eagerly demanding a recall after his last song. The Orpheus Glee Club contributed some capitil numbers under Mr Boyd's leadership. Mr Parker conducted in his well-known masterly fashion, while Mr Tallis Trimnell played the pianoforte accompaniments with marvellous skill and expression. The circle presented quite a brilliant appearance, the ladies, with few exceptions, being in full dress. Glancing below to the floor of the house and behind the stalls, I was not a little amused during the evening to observe two Maori ladies, who, " bundled " np in rough shawls, with dark unkempt locks and bare feet.were most assiduous in testifying their appreciation of the various items on the programme.