SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2600, 13 January 1904, Page 30

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.

CONVERSAZIONE AT THE rXIVERSITY.

Tho conversazione- held at the University on Friday in honour of the visiting delegates to the Congress was a highly successful function — we might almost describe it as brilliant, — and it is improb3ble that so important a soc^l gathering has ever previously taken place within the academic walls of the University of Otago. Professor Sale acted as host, and received the guests, which must have numbered about 300 or 400. Mr J. F. Kirby, past master in the art of decoration, traiisform&d th© somewhat dingy walls of the corridors with a bravo array of bunting, kindly lent by the Uniun Steam Ship Company, while the main porch was relieved with evergreens in the shape of tree ferns etc. The library, arranged as a drawing room, alsc locked very nice, and the only fault to be found with it was, the limited space it afforded. As a matter of fscc, the element of '" crush"' was never entirely absont during the evening, and any effort to get from one portion of the biuldiflg to another required a good deal of patient persistence to bring it to a successful i?sue. Had the weather been better doubtless a large number of theguests would have found thtr'r way into the brilliantly lighted grounds, and thus left moro room in the building. Several arc lamps supported on tramway poles lighted up the giovuids, while a Loop of

[ incand-c-scant lamps lit up ths pare;-'. Tlia refreshment maiquee was al.=o lig'i'-sd by electricity. Tnc coi-cert in the library seemed to be the major attraction in the early part of the- evening, and those fortunate enough to gain adnu'Sicn spent a cry pleasant time. Mr Wnitson had charge of the programme, which contained the following items: — Piano solos, " Spinnerhed " (Wagner-Liszt) and "Si oisc.au j'etais " (Henselt), Mr 3 Blandford; songs, "The lost chord" (Sullivan) and " The. enchantress" (Hatton), Mrs Evans; 'April morn" (Batten), "The birds go north again" (Willeby), and "If I were a lark " (Clutsam), Mi=s Amy Murphy ; " Border ballad " (Cowenl and! '" Lovo me or not" (Secchi), Mr Maitland Gardner. The accompaniments were played! by Mrs Murphy and Miss Gow. As will be seen from the above, the programme was a good one; the singers were on their mettle, and acquitted themselves creditably. In Professor Shand's classroom an illustrated locturette was given by Dr Marshall, who put a number of New Zealand views on the screen and gave short descr.ptions of them. In another room Mr J. S. S. Cooper had a smsll quantity of radium oa vi-ew, and great interest was displayed in. the exhibit. Shortly pftcr 10 o'clock the gathering bogan to break up. The success of the function was large-Iy due to the- untiring efforts of Mr .W. A. Mocre and Mr T. W. Whitson, who s-upenncended the arrangements on behalf of the Reception Committee. These gentlemen also had the cooperation of a willing committee of ladies, who brought flowers and spared no effort in the matter of decorations. Mention should also b& made of the services of Messrs J. A. Park, C. P. M. Butterworth, E. C. Reynolds, E. Me-lland, P. R. Sargood, and Dr Benham. SATURDAY'S PICNICS. The members and associates of the Science Congress, together with their friends, enjoyed a day's outing on Saturday. The weather was certainly not the best, but, although there were a few showers at intervals, they really interfered to & very htsle extent with the. pleasure of the holidaymakers, and on the wholo a pleasant day was spent. The rooms in the Otago Boyg' High School were open, and some of the members who had not patronised any of the gaieties found a quiet retreat in the reception room cr in one or other of the committee room'- 1 . Visitors* arc still arriving to take part in. the work of the Congress. A number cama by tho exprcsG from the north on Saturday night. "WAI-RONGOA SPRINGS. The party that left for the Wai-Rongoa Springs, situate on Mr Alexander Thomson's property at North Taieri, had a most enjoyable outing. Dimedin was left behind about a-quarter past 10 3 ancl a drive through. Abbot, ford n.r.d over Saddio Hill to Mcsjiel landed the contingent at the Sp-.ngs at a-quartcr to 1. After lunch had been served by Mrs Jciie", of Manse street, Dunedin, the visiioM had a walk round, and, beakles examining the mineral springs, generally adiuhvd the cr- arming locality, in wh'ch many bsautiful views arc to bo found in the native bush. The springs w&r-e, of course-, the e-cntre of attraction, and the drinking of the water was one of the episodes of tha day. Some who partook of it avc-rred that ihoy liked its peculiar taste, others expressed no opinion at all. and a fe.v were candid enough to say tha J . it would be better, perhaps, if mixed with some other liquid. At anyrale, there was a considerable run oa the bountiful pupply. Mr Thomson's works for the collection of the valuable water wera al=o inspected. A number of photographs wcro taken of the party. Throughout the day th:re was a never-failing demand on the fruit and oJier edible provided in large quantities. While the pa' Ly were still in the full enjoyment of the beautiful country and its many lovely attractions, the time came for tho return journey, and after hearty cheors had been ra-sed for Mr Thomson the -visitors left at a-quarter to 5. Dunedin being reached at half-past 5. Everyone was well satiSilc-d with the outing, and felfc much indebted to Mr E. C. Reynolds and Mr C. P. M. Buttd worth, the managers, for their successful eft or .5 to promote the welfare and tha comfort of the party. The Kaikorai Band was present, and both going end coming, as well as on the ground, they added very considerably to the pleasure of the day by playina an excellent programme of imi-ic. A word of thanks is also due to the Union Steam Ship Company, v, ho gave the services of some of their energeticstewards as waiters for the occasion, and the commendation of tTie gathering was frsc-ly extended to thefe useful servitors for their Willing attonhon to all. Tho party comprised Professor and Mrs Bragg. Mrs W. H. Reynolds, Mr E. C. Rc-vno'ds. Mr and Mrs O. P. M. Buitciworth, Mis«es Reynolds (2). Mr Laiug, Miss Lamtr, Misses Peacock (2), Mr and Mrs Hicks, Miss Quirk, Miss Todd, Miss Mcars. Mr E. W. "Warren, Mr J. Stewart, Mr and Mrs A. S. M. Poison, Mr and Mrs F. Ccul', Mr C. R. Chapman. Mr H. E. Muir. "Mrs Mackie, Misses M'Coll (2), Miss Raeck?. THE PORTOBELLO EXCURSION. The party that made the excursion down the Otago Peninsula numbered about 45. ladies preponderating, and for their conveyance four four-horse drags and a buggy v. ere employed. The party wero driven by the top roac l to Portobello, where they arrived at 12.50 p.m., ?nd the ladies were then lefreihcd With a cup of morning tea, which was thoughtfully provided by Mrs Carroll, and iiiwcd exceedingly wolcomo afte.i a some. i hat cold journey. For the \i3itovs' luncheon ? larje marquee had been erected on vacant ground nearly oprosito the Portobello Hotel, and the meal iteelf. was served at 1.30 p.m. The whole of the commissariat arrangements we.re in th . hands of Mr G. M'Koown, chief ste-wardi of the Union Staam Shin Company, who had tho assistance of a staff cf stew a: us, and they were carried out in a way that roflc-ctcd groat credit upon him, an exec'knt repaot being supplied and the serviC3 being admirable. Luncheon ovo-i, and tha party hnving been grouped for a photograph bj one of the Otaro Witness artists, rhoso Cf their number who cared for it wero taken for a trip acro=s tho harbour as far as Port Chalmers in the Union Strain Ship Company's oil launch, which Lad b&c.a placed at the di pcsal of the local committee by Mr 7 8m^ Mills, managing director. S&\e-i\il of the laches were not so venturesome as to take tho u^k of being splashed with f-m-ay m tho little vessel, and for the'r bonpfit mcl that of tbe others of the vi&ilois who might ui-h to avail them«e!\es of t''& accommodation. Mi" Nelson throw the Portobello Hotel opoa. A iev^i

cf i' .' " r i!.slor n 'sts c "' r nt il.o thno they had • to a -~iv- ay chir.oin^ <en:^ c. f t'-O In. ls in j tno iit: s 'nb^uriiooti. v, uiif. iTLgrettiiig that an i £■- nt >-' R-rbcu Pr>r ■> -.is n:rr'uc!>-cl Ly T'w fr.-s that x\v* drnfi-iun 1 of x\n convfya:.":s .owfiwarcia was rix J for 3.30 pin. A. hcui- l^.c pi'.rty kaj ioj.nocmb'.cd, and a siL.. r.a.3 mido- along the/ lo*cr road back tD tc\\->. A 1 -'i W&.O called, ho we. cr, at x\n _m- "r? quo reddenco of Mr Gecrge Gray Rxishcil, whe^re the visitors and a mimbtr of townspeople were entertained &z afternoon tea with tho la/io'.i hospitality -ivith v, hich tho name cf ll r Rus.-cll is ?!vrayv3 associated. A string quartet provided a musical performance, and ro'hng ■was left undone by the host to contribute to ihe enjoyment of the parly. Mr Russell's bsing left behind and the mnptrous exaction of the toll thai, is levied by the Portobello Road Board having been eatisSe-d. the visitors reached town shortly after b.f.Q p.m., having spent, notwithstanding- tho cold weather, a most enjoyable day. Messrs L. R. Wilson and C. R. !?mith wcro the supervisors of tho trip, and to their exertions undoubtedly tho success of the outing was largely due. An excursion party of visiting professors spent the day at Portobello independently of th-e excursion arranged by tho Science Congress Committee. They were a research rather than a . pleasure :">arty, and, under the cicerona-ge of Dr Marshall, left town in the morning by the ferry .steamer Moerangi. Included in the rjarty among others were Professor David, Professor Thomas, Professor Gregory, Messi-j W. H. Twedvetrees, F.G.S., and W. J. Clunis-s Ross, BlSc. The party had an enjoyable time, and- were amply repaid for their visit. Their pa-rtioular object, which was achieved quite to their satisfaction, was to colleot specimens of interesting alkaline rocks anel observe the relations of the various rocks of volcanic nature on tho Porlobello Peninsula, a region of peculiar geological interest. The visitors expressed a lively interest in what there was to be seen, and a good collection of specimens was secured, so that their efforts in the cause of scionco did not go unrewarded. EXCURSION TO TAIERI MOUTH. The trip to Taieri Mouth was one of the most largely patronised cf tho day'a excursions, and about 190 of the visiting delegates- participated in it. The weather was threatening, but there was not a great deal of rain, and everyone seemed to enjoy the-m-eelves thoroughly. Messrs J. A. Paffk and W G. T. Goodman supervised all the arrangements on behalf of the Recrption Committee, and spared no effort to make th-* outing a succ&-e. Mr Goodman went down to Henley by the first train, and a.rranged for the accommodation of the visitors on tho steamer. The special train conveying the party left the station at 8.51, and ran straight through to Henley. The Taieri Plain was looking its b&st, and was greatly admired by the visitors, many of whom were mci* familiar with the monotonous box flats ar.d blue gum ridges of Australia than the green fields of Otago. Little time was lost in detraining at Henley, and, in addition to the eteasner, five boats were towed b&liind. Shortly after leaving a shower came on, and the universal raising of umbrellas in the boato presented a rather novel sight. Fortunately the weather soon brightened up, end a rather expert cornet player aesistad to cheer up the excursionists' spirits with come degree of succee?. At Taieri Mouth Mr Tracy, well and favourably known as a caterer, had made ample preparations for lunch. Going down by road tho night before, he had all his arrangements in hand, and served an excellent repast in the hall, which was greatly appreciated. The limited op&ce in the hall made it nec&ssary to have the lunch in three relays, but co well wao everything managed that everyone's wants were attended to by 2 o'clock. Had the ground been drier Ihc-re would have been more opportunity for botenismg and collecting specimens, etc. As it was sl number of ihe visitors lost no opportunity in this direction. After spending a pleaoant thxea hours at Taieri Mouth, it was time to return, and all -were aboard (shortly after 3 o'clock. Several protographers were in evidence, and a number of pictures secured of the day's outing. The visitors freely expressed their delight at the river scenery md the picturesque spots passed en route It was 5.20 when the return train 1-eft Henley, and tho run back to town was cccomplished in a little over half an ho\ir. THE WAITATI EXCURSION. Some 17 or 18 Sadies and gentlemen cvailed themselves of the trip by drag to Waitati ■which had been organised The party _was under the guidance of Mr and Mrs F. J. Stilling and Mr E. R. Smith, and the. dri\e was very much enjoyed The p:ctureeque stretch round Mount Cargill wa^ greatly admired, and the visitors were charmed with the panorama that from time to time disclosed itself to view. At Waitati a capital lunch was provided at. Saratoga House, where everything possible was done for the comfort of the guests. Of course the showers of rain prevented any rambling in the neighbourhood, but for all that tht> trip waa in every way enjoyable. Shortly after 3.30 a start on the return journey was made, and Dunedin was reached shortly h& foro half-past 5, one and all being high in p-aise of the excellence of the day's outing, both from the scenic and the social points of view. All the arangements were very complete, and there was no hitch of any kind. Tho hearty thanks of the party ■w^r© tendered to Messrs E. R. Smith and F. J. Stilling for the manlier in which they had brought the excursion to a successful issue. //^ GARDEN PARTIES. AT MARINOToJ'f'Vy 'a'- " The -uperb weather on Monday was eufficient in itself to have tempted even the most ardent votaries of scientific researcii Into the open air and to stray in the cool shade of the beautiful nativo growth and, •with the attraction of a garden party at Mr P. Sargood's residence " Marinoto," it is almost unnecessary to say that a very large complement of members of the association found its ■way during the afternoon alongNewinglon road and took the opporttmity of inspecting the gardens surrounding th-e picturesque house and the many beautiful mristas to be found in the grounds. Mr and Mrs Sargood received the numerous guests on the plaza in front of the residence, and subsequently entertained them at afternoon tea in a commodious marquee- on the lawn, the Industrial School Brass and Pipe Bands \nd H«rr Paul Sonderhof's orchestral band providing mueio m ihe gardens. From a spectacular point of view the scena was indeed a pretty one, the surrounding fohap baing thrown into strong contrast by the tforal disDlaF iv the aardena. ami «± t*"» ****&

time serving a-i a fitting background to tho archik ccural beauty of the lYouse, and throwing r.uo stiong relief tho gay ctliro of tho ia.r sex. AT T^LCARNE. The beautiful gremdu at " Tolcarne," the residence of Mr ?;id Mrs Pr'cr Duncan, presented a charming appeal auea on Mcnday afternoon v, hen, in conjunction with these cf '" Marincto,"' tho rosidcnco of Mr and lire Percy Saijood, thpy wero placed at the disposal of tho Australasian Association for the Advancement of Scienco for gardenparty purposes. Air and xSlrs Duncan acted as hosi and hosteis, and leceived the numerous gucst-5 on tho main caniage drive n-;ar the house. The vi=itcr>3 wandered at will ovjr tho spaciou.3 and well-ktpt lawns and along the numerous paths leading through tho buperb native bu=h shrubbery. " Tolcarne'' is an ideal place, for a gardon party, and yesi-erday it wao seen at iw best. Anything bolter in tha way of weather could not have been desired, and the arrangements made by the eonTnitteo were of so complete a nature that the i=cveaal hundred gueits wore catered for without the. slightest hitch or inconvenience. Afternoon tea and rcfrc-hment? -were -ervrd from a marquee erected on the top lawn and from another" portion of tho same lawn the Dunedin Naval;;' Band discoursed a programme of excellent selections, which weo much appreciated. Tho Cavensham Industrial School Pipe and IW=s Bands and cadets cam© over from " MarTnoto" during the afternoon and assisted in the- general entertainment and enjoyment of the guests. The brass band, under the leadership of Mr T. Dallas, and the pipers, under charg3 of Pipe^major Murray, rendered a number of selections, and the cadets, in charge* of Qo'-cur-sergeant Boyd, gave a capital exhibition of physical drill without aimio, manual and firing and Indian club exercises. Great interest was taken in the- boys by many of the ladi-es and gentleman, and the behaviour of the lads, as well as the admirable mannrr in which they went through their various exercises and played their band selections, wad highly appreciated. The committee in charge of the garden party functions aro to be complimented on the eoinpletenoss of their arrangements and the eucces3 which attended yesterday's gatherings Mr Duncan's and Mr SargocdV properties, although their main entrances are about a mile by road apart, join at their back boundaries, and by tho continuance of one of the '' Tolcarne" shrubbery paths a connection between the two ccenes of the combined gardon party was effected, and the. guccts were thus ■enabled to go from one place to the other — an arrangement which was greatly appreciated by all. The- afternoon was most enjoyably 'spent, and the visitors, numbering closo on 800, and hailing frcra all parts of Austra'asia, expressed delight at having boon afforded so pleasant a-time-. Certainly the attention which was paid to the wantu of everyone- could not well have been improved upon, and the splendid grounds of both ree-idences, tog-ether with the- perfect weather, all worked in the direction of making the garden party one of the most pronounced successes of the functior.6 connected with th-e meeting of the Australasian Science Association in Dunedin The catering at "both places was carried out by Mr j W. Hoff, steward of the Otago Club, who deserves every credit for the manner in j ■which he discharged bis duties. In- addition to the garden parties on Monday an electric car excursion was arranged by" his Worship the Mayor, siid, with Mr Goodman in charge, a party wero taken from the Post Office shortly after 2 o cock for a run over the route so far as it has been completed. The carhou.e and the powerhouse were visited, and the run to the north and back was thoroughly enjoyable. A number of the party went through the Hospital and walked about its pretty grounds, and others — principally those interested in chemistry — went to the 31Hburn Lime and Cement Company's works at Pelichet Bay.