THE TALE OF - - TIMBER TOWN.
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
TABLE TALK.
Xy^A. A. GRACE, Author of " Taks of a Dying -Rare "
(Chatto & Windus) ; " Maoriland Stories," etc.
CHAPTER XXHL— WOMANT WAYS.
CAPI.ETT had' a day upon his hands while his £pld-seekk;g coitfperes af the league made their preparations for the journey to Bush Robin Creek. Tv loiter about the town meant that he would be pestered with questions regarding tbe locality of the new "field," which, until his friends' "claims" were pegged off, it was desirous to keep secret. lie decided, therefore, to revisit the scene of the wreck of the Mersey "Witch.
On a mount, lent him by Mr Chesterman, he was on his way to the Maori pa before the town was stirring. The road, ■which lie hadl never traversed bc'ore, wound its tortuous way along the shore for some eight miles, and then struck inland across the neck of a wooded peninsula, on the further side of which the rugged and rocky shore was fringed with virgin forest. He had reached the thick and shady "bush" which covered the isthmus, where the dew of the morning still lay cool on leaf and groxind, and the great black boles of the forest giants stood sentinel amid the veidant undergrowth, •when he overtook a girl who was walking towards the pa.
Her dress Was peculiar : she wore a short .Mrori mat over her shoulders, and a blue -petticoat fell from waist to ankle, while ier head and feet were bare.
Jack reined" in his horse and asked 1 if he was on the road, which led to the pa, when the girl turned her merry, brown face, with its red lips and laughing, brown ' eyes, and said: in English as good as his -cwn, "Good morning. Yes, this is the road to the pa. - Why, you were the last person I expected to see." She held up h«r hand to him to greet him in European fashion.
"Ainiria!" he exclaimed. "How are you? It's quite appropriate to meet you
here— l'm on mv way to the wreck to see how the oid ship locks, if theie is anything of her left. How far is it to the p-iV" "About two miles." ''What brings you so far, at this time of the morning?"' "You passed a settler's house bah a mile back*
"Yes, a house built of slabs." "I hove been there to t.'ke the womr.n some fish — our people made a big haul this morning." / Jack dismounted, and, hooking Ins arm through the biidle, he walked beside the Maori girl. "Why didn't you lide, Amiria?" "My horse is turned out on the hills ai the back of the pa, and it's too much trouble to bring him in for so short a, ride Besides, the walk won't hml me; if I don't take the exercise I shall lose my figure." She btfirst into a merry laugh, for she knew that, as she was then dressed, Ler beauty depended on elasticity of limb and sweetness ot face rathei 'than upon shapo and fashion.
"I'll show .you the wreck," she said. "It lies between us and the pa. It looks a very harmless place in calm weather with the sun shining on the smooth sea. The tide is out, so we ought to be able to reach the wreck without swimming."
They hod come -now to the edge of the ''bush," and here Scarlett tied his horse to the bough of • tree, and with Amiria he paced the soft and sparkling sands, to which the rood ran parallel.
The tid'i was low, as the giil had said, and the jagged rocks on which the bones | ot the ship lay stranded stood olaek and prominent above the smooth water. The inner reefs were nigh and drj-, and upon the slippery corrugations of the rocks, covered with seaweed -md encrusted with shellfish, the two walked, the Maori giil bare-footed and agile, the Englishman heavily-shod and lumsy. Seeing the difficulty of Scarlett's advance, Amiria held out her hand to him, .and so linked they approached the se<?. A narrow belt of water separated them from the reef on which the wreck lay, and to cross this meant immersion.
"The tid© is not as low as I thought," paid Amiria. "At lov spring tide you can walk, almost dry-shod, to the other aide."
"I'm afraid we can't reach it without a- ducking." said Scarlett.
"But you can swim."
Scarlet laughed. "It's hardly good enough to ride home in wet clothes." He divined Amiria's meaning, but pretended otherwise. Then she laughed too. "But I have a. plan," the said. Without a woid more she threw of? her flax cape and, dressed in her petticoat, dropped into the water. A few strokes, and she had reached the further reef. Donninsr her single garment, which sbe hnrl doffed while in the sea, she crifd, "I think I can ferry yon across on r., raft."
She walked over the sharp rocks as though her feet were impervious, and clambering through a great rent in tLe ship's side, she disappeared.
When next Jack caught sight of her she was perched on the top of the battered poop, whence sbe called, "I'll roll a cask over the rocks and get you across. JThere's a bi<? chest in the saloon that belongs to you." '
She disappeared again, and when Jack next saw her. she was rolling a huge barrel with difficulty towards the channel.
"It's a quarter full of sand." she cried, "and wlien you stand it on its end it is ballasted. You'll be able to come over quite dry."
Launching the cask, she pushed it b?forc ■her sis she swam, and soon clambered up hesid'e Scarlett. "It's bunged. I see," said he.
wood," said
"I did it with a piece of sbe.
Then, booted ar.d spurred, Jack placed himself cross-legged on the cask, and so was ferried across the intervening strip of water.
The main deck of the vessel was washed away, but the forecastle and poop remained more or less intsct. The ship, after settling on the rook, nad broken her back. and the great timbers, where the copper sheathing ar.d planks had been torn away, stood up like naked ribs supporting nothing.
Walking upon an accumulation n sand and debris, he Maori girl and Jack passed from the hold to what was left of the rcain d-eck, and entered the saV>on. All the gilding and glory had departed. Here a cabin door lay on the floor, there the remains of the mahogany table, broken, in a corner. A great sea-chest, bearing Scarlett's name upon its side, stood in the doorway that led to the captain's cabin.' Full of sand, the box looked devoid of worth and uninviting, out Scarlett, quickly taking a piece of board, began to scoop out the sodden contents. As he stooped, a ray of sunlight pierced the shattered poop deck and illumined his yellow hair. Attracted by the glitter, Amiria put out ler hand and stroked his head. Jack looked up.
water. The main deck of the vessel was washed away, but the forecastle and poop remained irare or less intsct. The ship, after settling on the rook, nad broken her back. and the great timbers, where the copper sheathing ar.S planks had been torn away, stood up like naked ribs supporting nothing. Walking upon an accumulation n sard and debris, be Maori girl and Jack passed from the hold to what was left of the main deck, and entered the saV>on. All the gilding and glory had departed. Here a cabin door lay on the floor, there the remains of the mahogany table, broken, in a corner. A great sea-chest, bearing Scarlett's name upon its side, stood' in the doorway that led to the captain's cabin.' Full of sand, the box looked devoid of worth and uninviting, out Scarlett, quickly taking a piece of board, began to scoop oub the sodden contents. As he stooped, a ray of sunlight pierced the shattered poop deck and illumined his y&llow hair. Attracted by the glitter, Amiria put out ler hand and stroked his head. Jack looked, up. "Isn't that a bit familiar?" he asked. Amiria laughed. "Not irom the girl who saved you," she said. "If I hadn't, pulled you out of the water, it might seem i great thing to touch you. but I know /ou so well that really it doesn't matter." Jack buried his head' In the chest. This relationship between preserver and pieserved was new to him ; he hardly knew what to make of it. But the humour of the situation dawned upon him, and he laughed. "By George, I'm at your mercy !" he said, and, standing tfp, with his back still towards her. he laughed again. "You've appropriated me, just as your people appropriated the contents of this box and the rest of the wreckage. You'll have to be put in charge of the police for a little thief." And again his laugh rang through the runined saloon. Remarking that the girl made no reply to his sally, he glanced towards her^ to
"Isn't that a bit familiar?" he asked
Amiria laughed. "Not irom the girl who saved you," she said. "If I hadn't, pulled you out of the water, it might seem i great thing to touch you. but I know rou so well that really it doesn't matter.'"
Jack buried his head in the chest. This relationship between preserver and pieserved was new to him ; he hardly knew what to make of it. But the humour of the situation dawned upon him, and he laughed. "By George, I'm at your mercy !" he said, and, standing tip, with his back still towards her. he laughed again. "You've appropriated me, just as your people appropriated the contents of this; box and the rest of the wreckage. You'll have to be put in charge of the police for a little thief." And again his laugh rang through
the runined saloon
find that she had tinned her back upon him and was sobbing in n comer. Leaving his task ot clearing oil thr si-a-cheEC. he went towards hci, and said: "I'm ii-ofn'ly sorry, Amiria. if I've ••okl anything to hurt your feelings. I really didn'L mean to." He had yet to learn that a ISiaor: can bear anything more easily thau laughter v, liich seems to be derisive.
As the giil continued to cry he placed his hand upon her shoulder "Really. Amiria, I meant nothing. 1 would be the last person on earth to huit your feelings. I don't forget what I owe you. I can never repay you. If I have been clumsy, I ask your "pardon." He held up her head yiid looked into her tear-stained face. "You'll forgive me, won't you?" The girl, her still untutored nature half1 idden beneath a deceptive covering of "pakeha culture, broke into a torrent of Maori quite unintelligible to the white man. but as it ended in a bright smile bursting out from behind hor teais, he knew that peace was made. "Thank you," he said; "we're friends
In a moment she .lftd thi own her arms about him and had bvrst into a rhapsody of his native tongue, which, though he understood not one word of it, he understood ir.ruitivelv was an expression of po-ss'ouate affection.
The situation vas now more awkwaid th:ir. before. To rebuff her a second time would be to break his word and wound her more deeply than ever. So h? let thie nf"v b;iy>t cf feeling spend itself, and a. uited for her to return to hei more civilised self.
When the did she spoke in English. "You mustn't judge me by the pakeha girls, you know. My people aren't like -> o'irh — we have different ways. White girls are cold and silent wlien they feel mo=t — I know them ; I went to school with them — but we show ou. feelings. Be^idps. I have a claim on you which no w hite girl has. No white girl would have pulled you out of the surf as I did. And if I showed I cared for you then, why shouldn't I show it now? Perhaps the pakeha would blame .ne, but I can't always bo thinking of your ritenga. In the town I do as the white woman does; out here I follow the Maori ritenga. But whichever ritenga it is I love you ; and if you love me in return I am the happiest gh? in the kainvw."
Scarlett L*av-» a gasp. "Ah — reilly, I wasn't thinking of marrying — yet"
Amiiici smiled. ''You don't understand," she raid. '"But nevtr mind : if you love me, that's all light. We will talk of marrying by and bye."
Scarlett aston'shed His mind, trained in the strict code of a sternly proper British parish, failed to grasp the fuet that a Maori girl regards matters rf the heart from the standpoint of a chid of Xr.ture : having her code of honour, it is true, but one which is hardly comprehended by the civilised pakeha.
Jack felt he was standing upon t-he dizyy nbvs* that leads to loss of rpste. Theie was nc doubt of Amiria's beauty, there v ,-os no doubt of her mis^ionate affection.
but there was a feeling at the back of his mind that his regard for her was merely a physical attraction. He admired every < urve of het supple -shape: he felt nis loiclving gratitude go out to the preserver ot his life : but that was all. Yet a weakness was stealing over him — that weakness which is proportionate usually to the larsre-h.eartedn.ess of the individual.
Suddenly relinquishing Amiria's clasp, he ■r ent to the broken port-holes .f a dilapidated cabin and looked out upon the incoming sea.
"We must he quick,*' he cried, "or we sh-ill be caught by the tide."
"What matter?"' said the air! lazily. "I have stayec 1 hers a -whole nigli^ when the s?a was not as cairn as it is now."
"Bat I have to get back tG town — I start for the goldfields to-morrow before daylight."'
"Why do you go to the stupid goldfields? Isn't there evei'vthing a man wants \ere? The nn is full of food — yor shall want -"or nothing "
"I suppose it is the^ pakeha way to want to grow rich. Come along." He clambered down to where the broken keelson lav and regained 1 the rocks. Amiria followed him slowly, as though reluctant to leave the scene of her confession, but presently sbe. stood beside him on tha slippery seaweed.
He led the way to where the barrel lay flcating in th& rising tide. That the ignominy of being ferried by a girl might not be repeated, he had brought from the wreck a piece of board with which to piopel himself.
Perceiving his intention so soon ns he was sitting cross-legged on the top of his strange craft, Amiria dashed into xhe wa.ter, seized the impi-ovised oar, and threatened to drag it from his grasp. "I'll take you across myself," she almost screamed. '"Why should you think I don't want to take you back?"
"All right," said Jack, dropping his piece of wood, "have it your own way. I hand myself over to you. but let us get across quickly."
Again the Englishman felt how mean are the conventions of the white man, how petty his propriety; again the Maori girl felt nothing- but pleasure and pride in the part she played.
When they leached tae farther side, Amiria picked up her mat and threw it over her glistening shoulders, and Scarlett floundered over the slippery rocks towards the beach. '"You'll come to the pa?" "You're too kind. I must get back to town." "But you hare had' nothing to cat." '"I have my lunch in my wallets." Amiria's face fell. "You're very unkind," she said. "I'll stay all day next time I come." "When will that be?"
"As soon as I can. Ah, here's mr horse, under this birch tree. Well, goodbye, Amuia-. Thank you foi taking charge
of mo to-day. My v-ord ! how you can sw hr. — 'il:>" a merma'd." His I'.'.i.d teiched hers for a biief moment, : the next he was m the s .rlrile. His rpur lightly touch*." th" horse's Hank, and the i".if yieldorl to tiu 1 iionshod hoof-»; there wa.- a v. a: x'j^ oi a dist'pj_je.'iing ha.id. and the brown girl Vti'3 } eit dlono. "You'll come bj.uk?" she called thiough the leaves. 'T'l come back." Then, slowly, sadly, «he walked towards the pa. talking- to herself in Maori, listless and sorrowful. By the time that Scarlett had reached the * outskii is of Timber Tow n the night had begun to close in. Leaving the main load, he passed along a by-way to a ford, where a foot-bridge .spanned the liver. As his horse bent its head to drink Jack heard a woman's scream from the bridge above him. In a moment he had dismounted and nis heav} r boots were rP3ounding""bn the wooden planks In the middle of the bridge he came upon a girl struggling in the grasp of a thick-set ruffian, who was dragging he> towaids the bank nearer t.o the town. Grvopling with, *he biutal fellow. Jack released the girl, who van pas* -him in the direction of the horse. The scoundrel ursed and kicked, but Jerk, who had him by the throat, almost squeezed the life out; of Inm, and then heaved him over the bridge into the dark and guraling water. Returning to the trirl. who was standing at the bridge-head c lying and eemingly deprived of power to run iufther, Scarlett led hei to where ihe horse stood beside the water. "Which way shall I take you?" he asked. "I "live at the other side of th^ towx>," she venlied. "I was sroing home, when thaf biute met me on the bridge." Again she lost control of her powers, and Jack was- obliged to support her. When she had recovered, he swung her y.-iio the saddle and led the horse across the river. "I was just in time," he said. "How do you feel now?" "Belter * "It's lucky I didn't kill the brute. Do you know who be is?" "'] never wvr him before. But I thiuk he's a digger: lots of them have oine into town since this discovery of gold was madi 1 Oh, I'm so frightened! Do you think he will come again?" "It's hardly likely. I think he must have had enough for one night." ■'Suppose you have drowned him !" "There's no chance t;f that — the,v. ater is only rlcep enough to break his faH. He'll he all light."' "I think I had better get down, if you please : it would be. rather an unusual thing to ride thiough the town in this manner. 1 think T can walk." Slip «lid limply to the ground, and Jack supports d her. "Who must I thank for helping me?" s ho asked. "I'm a digger, too," said Jack ; and he tuld her his iwrae. "Aie you. thj man who discovered the new field?" "Some people give me the credit for it. I start back to-morrow. It war lucky I was crossing that stream when I did. You haven't tod me whom I have had the pleasure of rescuing." 'They were passing » stieet lamp, and •for the first time Jack could see the girl's taee. She was pretty, with black hair, an oval face, and a dark complexion. "I'm Miss Varnhagen." sh said. "jVxy dad will be awfully grateful to you." She looked at her preserver with eye which expressed all the gratitude tha* Scarlett could desire. *" "I'll sec you safely home." he said : "and when you {ell yonr father, perhaps he wUI repay me oy letting me see you again " "He'll be only too pleased. He says the town owes you more than it can ever repay you 'toy discovering this gold, which, he says, will mean thousands •{ pounds to him and the other merchants." They passed through the town and paused befor a great wooden mansion, jainted a light colour which ro-ide it conspiciYHis. even in the dark. Here Rachel said she lived. Between the gate and the house grew r plantation of palms, camellias, and rare shrubs, wniei 1 were displayed by the lights which shone above the gate and the door. "Won't you come in and see mv father?" "Nothing would please mo more, but I'm wet, and mv horse is tired nud needa feed. Some othe. time I'll call and tell your father how pleased I was to be of mm rice tr. you. Good-night." Rachel gave his hand a tender squeeze. "Thanks awf'lly," sbe said, looking up at him with seraphic eves!~ "Thank you awf'lly much. I think 3-ou'ro just tl>s nicest man I ever met. C4ood-night." Anothe. tender squeeze of the hand, another affectionate look, and she disappeared am-onor tiip pnlms and camellias. Jack mounted his horse and mdc it into its stables. Then he went to thp Luekv Digger, where he rhar2 p l his clothes and had dinnei, after which he directed his steps towards the house of Pi'ot Summerhaves. His knock wp> answered by Rose hpr^eli. who conducted him into the quaint dining room, .vhere, upon the polished table, lay the materials for a circs which she was making, and beside them the hundred-and-one r.tlrhnents which are necessary for such a tpvk. "Father's out. He has gone to fetch a steamer in." '"I'm sony," said Jack. "I should like to see him before I cro back to the bush." Ho--e fat silent. She was vei*v demure, and her msMiner wn« somewhat stiff towards him; therefore, "seeing that his experiences had! exhilarated him-, Jack said: "I've h?d a cjreat day. Two of the prettiest girls I ever anw almost devoured me." "Ah, but you're here — you didn't let them. You don't forget tlie English fiirU"
"But I'm Uktly to, I think, in a ouutrj whei\s -he girls ;tie so beautiful." "Where liavi you 'jclh, Mr John .Scar lctr? Yo'i it di't v. .'ichiJV-" Rose's b.iUuuhiesf had c-ftiiely Jrap pe-arcd, b.it slu >\ns blushing proiYtsely. "I went out to see the wreck." said Jnck, "and me., yox.r little Maoii fiie.id. "Your life's pie«erver." "My life's pic-seiver. She feiried m acros." an impissuble sciip ol water on £ barrel, and almost captiued my heait id the saloon." "Don't ylny any gomes with Amhia's heart, or 1 shall cut you dead. I tell you that plain!}-." "I assure you I hove no intentions whatever oi playing with her aftections. It was she who played wUh mine, and ncaily won. But I saved myself by flight. II was fortunate- I had a good horse." Hose laughed. "One would imagine yoi wvic hardly big erough to look after your *elf. That's the kind of young mail thej generally send out from England. Well?' "As I was coming home, I met a diggei molesting another friend of mine, r Misr Varnhagen." "You'd better bs caieful — she's a flirt."' "Then I either like flirts. I threw the digger into the river, and took her home She has the most lovely eyes I ever saw.' "And she knows how to use them." "You're jealous, I'm afraid. Wouldn't you want to lock »' the man who had saved yon ircm an ugly brute, who met you in the daik on a narrow bvi Ige from which you couldn't possibly f-scape?" "Perhaps. But /> hy don't you feel a little sentimental over the girl who saved you from a wateiy grave? You're callous, I m afraid, Mr Scnrlett-." "Not at all ; I'm merely flattered. I' seems a pity I can't stop in Timber lown and see more of such girls ; but 1 must ba 3ff to-morrow, to get more gold. Gold ir. good, Miss Summerhayes, out girls are better." "Fie, fie! Gold and a good girl — that's 1 perfection. 1 ' "They always go together — I quite understand that." "Xow you're frivolling. You're makin yourself out to be a teiuble roue tuid all that. I sh^ll tell my father to forbid you the house." '•In which case I shall call on Mi<-s Yarnhagen." "That would be ail right — you^ would meet with the punishment you deserve. Many the Vamhagen giil, and you will be gvcv in two years and bald in five. i "Well, I'm goint, to the goldfieids tomorrow " "So you said. I hope you will hay c the same luck as before." "Is that all you have to say?'' • I "What more do you want?" "Any amount." 1 "You've got gold ; you've got feminine ?dorat : 3ii. What more is there, except more gold?" "More femininr adoration." I "Ah, you're thinking of that cold-hearted €• English girl. Perhaps if you get enough , sold you may get her affection even — gold , i's the only "thing that melts such hearts I as hers, aiid there's no divining the fatuity oi' man — but for my part I'd let her freeze if I were you." j "You're "in high spirits to-night." i *T am. I have been so ever since you ' brought home that gold. It's jolly tc think of people succeeding. It's jolly to know somebodj is growing rich, even if my old father and I are poor — that is, too pror for me to go to Assembly balls and private dances and things like that. So I sit at home and few. ai:d make puddings, r.ud grow roses. Heigh ho! I'm very happy, yon know." ; Jack looked at hei closely. Her cheeks were pink and white, her crisp, brown j hair foimed a becoming settin.a to her j face, and ncr blue eyes sparkled as they watched him. "It seems to agree with you," he said. i "I fe^l inclined to recommend i cowrse of ' sew-in c, and cookin 0 tc all jy plain girl friends." j "Mr Scarlett !" "I mean it." '•Then go and tell Rachel Tj-vnhagen to use rour recipe." "She's beautiful already." Just at this noint of the conversation tlir-re was a sound of heavy steps somewhere in a remote part of th* 1 house, and presently tlu? pilot of Timber Town tiamped in t.o the room. '•Hullo!' 1 he exclaimed. "Mr Scprlett ! Making love to mv dpr'ter. when 1 thought you was on your mv t the diggings? Corp<\ come : you're lo°in<r your opportunities: you're wasting tune in u'sili1 vantina when y ( ou misrht be or™ in? vich. There's great news pbroa-i. TUey'w ir-Mied a writ against that c^-p Tro^.-, for the robbery of tho« mail h"s»s." "TrescoV «aid Scarlett. ! "Aye. Tiesco. the goldsmith. He"? v. ni'+id Iv i' v.olke." "Thpii I\ -U\rd ti-r- we > ' mi.'' ' said Jack. "Tie's safe, i reck?'-. "Imletd! Few do you know tin'?' "He w s in 'ho l.ush wi'tli l>is ni-oM-"inr fri. nd when I Mt "Rush PJ"bin Orr-ik. "Rut he robbed no moils, bles- you. pilot. Wha' would he wint with otl-.ci people's letter?' "I don't preieiid to know. Theic's money in maY b«.e% I suppose. Perhaps he was 1 aftei that." [ "He's aftei gold, litjht pnough, and lie'i, gpt it. if I'm noi mistaken." J.ick had ii«en to <ro. "We leave envlv in the morninp;." lit sn id. "1 must K e * srvme sleep. Gc-ccl-bve. ioapt.iin: <rood-bye, Miss Summerhavps." "Good luck. lad. Come back rich." Rose was silent till Jack wos near the c>ji\ Then «-he si'd : "1 shall rein-°iv»bet \our recipe — T shan't neglect home duties; I shall atterd to them lectularly." Ji'ck laughed, and the pilot went wifb I'-im \c> the front door. "Eh. lac l , there never was such a gaY icr min dins a house. She can make a batter puddin' with anyone, and I don't c?re 1 wio tlie next is. Good-nicrht Ind.'; good-
night. There's never no need to tell her t>.» look after her fj.ther, none at all. And it's a good test ; as good as you can iiave, Jack, my lad. If a gal looks after her father well, she'll look after her husband too, when he comes alonL. Goo§» night, Jack; good-night. Eh, but you're in a lucky streak. You'll die rich, Jack. Good-night, Jack ; good-night." CHAPTER XXIV.— FOREWARNED, FOREARMED. Tresco and the prospector were eating their "tucker" beneath the boughs of a spreading black birch. In front of them burned brightly a fire of dead branches, suspended above which was the billy, black and battered externally, but full of fragrant tea. "^^ "I shall go 'home to England," said Benjamin, his mouth half-filled with cold bacon. "I shall visit my widowed mother, and be the comfort and support of her Seclining years. There mu*t be over 200oz In the tent, and hundreds more in the claim." Ifl ain't got a widowed mother," said the prospector. "I shall go into Timber Town and make the Lucky Diggei open house — come when you like, have what you j like, at the expense, of Mr- William Wurcott. "That's my style. like to see a 7 .man free with his dollars." They had pegged out their claims at a spot where the corrugations in the rocky bed of the creek stretched from bani. to banlr, and a beach of soft sand soread itself along the water's edge. The first "prospect" that they had "panned off" resulted in a return of a couple of ounces. Next they had fossicked with__sheath-knives in the crevices of the rocks, and had quickly got something more than' half a cupful of gold, in shape and size like pumpkin seeds. The day following they continued to "pan off" the sands in front of their tent ; each dish yielding a handsome return. But as Benjamin found this process difficult in his unskilful- hands, hi- directed his attention, to looking for new patches. Wading about in the shallows with a dish in one hand' and a shovel in the other, he overturned lcose bits of rock which he found lying on the sand. Sometimes he would find an ounce or two, sometimes nothing at all; but upon turning over a fiat &lah of reck, to raise which needed all his strength, he gave a whoop of delight, for a yellow mass lay glittering in the rippling waters. With a single scoop of his shovel he had wo* 80oz of gold. This rich spot was where ths water was but two feet deep, and above and below gold could be seen shining amongst the eXnd'and gravel. When the cream of the claim, so to speak, had been skimmed off with the tin dish, the men began to set .up sluice boxes, by means of which they "might work the whole of their ground Systematically. In constructing these boxes they received every help from Moonlight, who lent them tools and aided them in jutting out the slabs. Left .nateless during Scarlett's visit to Timbei Town, the peieran miner frequently exchanged his" lonely camp for the more congenial quarters of Tresco and the prospector. It was during one of the foregatherings round the when night had spread a sable masitle over the sleeping earth, and only the wakeful wood Ihen -and the hoarsely hooting owl stirred the silence of the leafy solitude, that Moonlight wa_ "swapping" yarns with the prospectoi. As the flames shot up lurid -tongues which almost licked the overhanging boughs, and the men sat smoking their black tobacco and drinking from tin pannikins tea too strong for the urban stomach, Bill the prcspectoi expectorated into the flames and said : "The biggest streak o' luck I ever had — barring this present field, you understand — was at the Diamond Gully rush. There weren't no diamonds, but I got over lOOoz in three days. Gold was more plentiful than flour, and in the police camp there was two safes full of gold belonging to the bank, which was a x welve by eight tent, in charge of - a young feller named Henery. 1 more trusting .young man, I never mst. When I went to sell my little pile, he. had 12,0000z ir> a old leather boot trunk in 'his tent, besides more in a sugar bag. He'd even filled one of his top boots with gold, and jts feller stood waiting to receive my contribution. ' Good-morning,' I says. ' Are you the boss o' this show?' ' I'm in charge of the bank,' he says, just as grand as if •he was behind a mahog'ny jounter with brass fixings. 'Then weigh my pile,' I says, handing over my gold. Then .vhat d'you think lie done? 'Just wait till I get my scales,' he say*. ' I've lent 'em to the police sergeant. Please have the goodness to look after the business while I'm gone.' With that he leaves me in the company of close on £150.000, and never a soul'd have bin the wiser if I'd helped myself to a thousand or two. But the reel digger don' act so — it's the loafers on the diggings gets us a bad name. I've dreamed of it, I've had regular nightmares about it when I've bin stone broke and , rithout a sixpence to buy a drink." "What?" said Tresco. "Gold littered about 3 ike lumber, and you practically given the office to help yourself? It's tvondierful, Bill, what restraint there Is in an honest mind! You can't evei have been to Sunday School." "How d'you know?" asked the prospector. "Because if you'd ha" bin regular to Sunday School when you were a boy, and bin told what a, perfect horrible little devil you were, till you believed it — why, you'd ha' stole thousands of pounds from that calico bank, just to prove such theories true. Xow, I was brought up godly. I was learnt texts, strings of 'em a chain long; I had <i red-headed pimply leicher who useter jusi revel in inbicd sin and hell fire till lie made mo want to fry him on the school grate. I rouldn't ha.' -withstood your teniptatior,. I'd mo-1 cert" inly have ielt justified in taking a few ources of £old p"5 payment for keeping the icct intact." "You're talking nonsense, the two of
you," said Moonlight. "To rob on a goldfield means to be shot or, at the very least, gaoled. And when a man's on good gold himself, he docsn" steal other people's. My best luck was on the Rifle River, at a bend called Felix Point. It had a sandy beach where the water was shallow, just like this one here. My mate and I fossicked with a knife and a pannikin, and before the day was over we had between 30oz and 40oz. The gold lay on a bottom of black sand and gravel which looked like so many eggs. After we'd put up our sluice, we got as much as 200oz a day, and thought the claim poor when we got no more than 50."
"I 'xpect you 1 had a rare old spree when you got to town," said the prospector. "How much did you divide?"
"Between twenty and thirty thousand," replied Moonlight. "I handed my gold over to the police escort, and went to town as comfortable as if I was on a turnpike road. I didn't go on the wine — I'm almost a teetotaller. A little redheaded girl got most of my pile — a redheaded girl can generally twist me round her thumb. That must have been ten years ago."
"You've grown older and, perhaps, wiser," interjected Benjamin. "Wonderful thing — age."
"This time I'm going to take a draft on Timbuctoo, or Hongkong, or some place where red-headed girls are scarce, and see if I can't get away with a little cash."
"Most probably you've got 2 widowed mother, like me," said Benjamin. "Go and comfort her declining years. Do like me : wipe out the recollection of the good times you've had by lots of filial piety. A widowed mother is good, but if yo\i can rake up a maiden aunt and keep her too that'll be a work of supererogation."
"A how much?" asked' Bill
"It's a word I picked up in my College days — I'm afraid I've forgotten the precise meaning." Benjamin's fa.cc lit up with a smile that stretched from ear to ear. He lifted his pannikin to his lips, nedded to his companions, said "Here's luck!" and drank the black tea as though it had been nectar. "That's the beauty of turning digger," he continued ; "the sobriety ons acquires in the bush is phenomenal. If you asked me to name the most virtuous man on this planet, I should say a prospector in the bush — a bishop is nothing to him. But I own that when he comes to town the digger becomes a very devil let loose. Think of the surroundings here — innocent, twittering birds, silent, arboreous treas, clear, pellucid streams, nothing to tempt, nothing to degrade." Tresco might have amplified his discourse as fully as a bishop but that at this point there was a shouting and the -noise of dry boughs cracking under advancing feet. In a moment, the three man were- standing, alert, astonished, in various attitudes of defence .
Moonligh* had armed himself with a pick, the prospector had grasped a shovel, Iresco drew a revolver from inside his "jumper."
The shouting continued, though nothing "ould be seen. Then came out of the darkness, "What-ho, there Moonlight! Can't you give us a hand to cross the river?"
"It's my mate," said Moonlight. "I kno-w the voice. Is that you, Scarlett?" "It's Scarlett all right," came back the voice, "but hotv am I to cross this infernal river?"
Thethree men walked to the edge of the water and peered into the darkness.
"Perfectly safe," said the prospector. "She's barely up to your middle." There was a splashing as of someone walking in the water, and presently a dark object was seen wading toward them. "Now what the deuce is all this about, Scarlett?" It was Moonlight who thus expressed bis wonderment. "The man who travels here at night deserves to get bushed. That you reached camp is just luck."
"Camp?"' replied the dripping Scarlett. "I've been waiting for you at our camp .since nightfall with twenty other devils ".vorse tban myself. Don't you ever sleep in your tent?"
"Of course 'c does," the prospector acswered for Moonlight, "but mayn't a diggei be neighbourly and go to see friends? Come 1 - and dry yerself by the fire and have a bit of tucker."
"But, great Ghost !" exclaimed Moonlight, "all the gold's in my tent, in the spare billy."
"Quite safe ; don't worry," said Scarlett. "All those twenty men of mine are mounting guard over it, and if one of them stole so much as an ounce, the rest would kill him for breach of contract. That's the result of binding men to go share and share alike — they watch each other like ferr-ets."
Jack took off his clothes, and, wrapped in a blanket, he sat before the fire, with a pipe in his mouth, and a steaming pannikin in his hand.
"Well, happy days !" lie said as he. drank. "And that reminds me, Tresco — you're wanted in Timber Town very badly indeed — a little matter in connection with the mails. Seems there's been peculation of some sort, and for reasons 1 which ar© as mad as the usual police tactics, the f-ntire force is searching for you, most worthy Benjamin,. The yarn goes that you're a forger in disguise, a counterfeiter of our Sovereign's sacred image and all that — the pilferer of her Majesty's mails — a dangerous criminal masquerading as a galcKmith." ''Holee smoke !" cried the prospector. "Look to youi- gold, gen'lenien — there's thieves abroad, and one of ns may be harbourin' a serpent unaware. Ben, my lovely pal, consider yourself arrested." "Do I understand there's a writ out?" a sliced Moonlight, serious, judicial, intensely Folemn. "This must be put a stop to ii stantlv. Imagine our virtuous friend in fraol."
•'Anvvray. iokmg njir.rt. ilie men I have brought knew I'll obout it, :s oo.ld
Scarlett. "You've got till to-morrow morning to make tiacks, Benjamin."
The goldsmith coughed, and stood \Vp in ths full blaze of the firelight. "I confess to nothing," he said. ''My strong point hasn't been my piety, I own to that. I'm not much of a hot gospeller. I can't call to mind any works of unusual virtue perpetrated by me in unthinking moments. I'll go e%en as far as this: I'll acknowledge there are times when, if I let m\self off the chain, I'd astonish all Timber Town ; for tHere lurks somewhere inside my anatomy a devil which, let loose, would turn the town into a little hell ; but, gentlemen, bslieve me, be is bound hand and foot ; he's in durance vile. I'm no saint, but I'm no forger or counterfeiter or animal of that soit — not yet. I have notions sometimes that I'd make a fiistclass burglar if I gave my mind thoroughly to the business ; I'd go to work in a scientific way ; I'd do the business in a workmanlike fashion. I've got a strong leaning towards the trade, and 3-et I never burgled onee — I who take a^pleasure in investigating locks and latches and all the hundred-and-one contraptions used against thieves. But what is Timber To^n? — a trap. The man. w]io goes housebreaking in a little tin-pot place like that deserves to be caught. No, it is too isolated, too solitary, too difficult of egress to foreign parts, is Timber Town. The idea is preposterous, foolish, untenable — excellent word, untenable, — and as for forging, the thing is so ridiculous that it isn't worth confuting. But what's this about robbing mailb? What mails?''
"The incoming English, mail," said Scarlett. "Someone went through the bags before they were delivered."'
"Ah!" said Benjamin, "we must look for the motive in the perpetration, of such a ciime as that. We'll grant that the robbery took place — we'll make that concession. , But what was the motive? The thief would expect jne of two things — either to enhance his wealth, or to obtain Aaluable information. Whc does the cap fit? Personally, lam as poor 0s a crow but for this gold ; as regards information, all the secrets of the citizens of Timber Town do not interest me — I have no use for scandal. — and as I have no rivals in my calling, mere irade secrets have no charm for me. The police are chuckle-heads." Tresco buried hi«-,face in his pannikin, and then re-lit his pipe. "Very good argynient,"' commented the hirsute prospector — "very clear and «onvinein': but the police aren't open to argynient — they act on instinct."
"Armed with a writ, a policeman is> like a, small boy with a shot-gun,"' remarked Moonlight — "lie must let it off. I don't say you're guilty, Tresco, but I say the minions of the law will have you in their clutches if you don't make yourself scarce." "An' just as I was accumulating the one little pile of my life," murmured Benjamin. "Sometimes I think the geds show incompetence in the execution of their duty ; sometimes 1 think there ain't no gods at all, but only a big, blind Influence that blunders on^ through Creation, trampling promiscuous on small fry like me." He pulled at his pipe contemplatively. "Decamp, is ii? Obscure my fairy-like proportions from the common gaze? But who's to look after my interests here? What's to become of my half of the gold yet ungot?"
"Can't /oil tiust a mate?"' said Bill "Ain't I acted square so far? What are you gettin' at? I'll work the claim to its last ounce, and then I'll go whacks, same ns if you'd bin here all the time. Then you tan leave the country. Till then I'll put you awaj in a hiding-place where all the traps in the blanky country" — Bill had worked on Australian fields, and showed! it in his speech — "won't find you, not if they search for yeai-s."
Scarlett rose. He had put on his, garments, now dry and warm. "So-long, Benjamin," he said. "You may be the biggest criminal unhung for all I know, but you have got one thing in your favour : if you robbed those mails it must have been for the benefit of another man."'
Moonlight bade goodbye, but as though to make up for his mate's aspei'sion, said, 'T know nothing of this business, but I know the police. If they're not turned into a holy show 7hen they set foot in. this camp t- look for you, may I never find another ounce of gold 1 . Keep your end up, Benjamin. So-long." Andl he followed his mate into the darkness.
The prospector was wrapped in thought. He sat gazing into the fire for fully ten minutes. Then he said, '"There's three ways — the Forks, the •Saddle, and the Long Valley. I give 'em my own names. The Saddle's the safest. It's n bit of a tough climb, but it's sure. 1 here's no hurry ; but we must leave here at dawn, before these raewsters reach the claim, which Moonlight'll see isn't lumped. So we'll sleep happy and comfortable, pack oitr swaps iust before daylight, take all our gold along with us, and cook our tucker when we make our first halt. All serene, my lovely bishop ; all thought out and planned, just like in a book. Never hurry in the bush, my beautiful ecclesiastic, as nothing's ever gained by that. More haste, less specd — in the bush, my learned preacher. What a pity they didn't catch you young and turn you into a sky-pi 7 ot, Ben. The way you jawed them two was fit for a. pulpit. Bub now I know where you got the money to repay me that £117. I don't want any explanation. I know where you got it."
(To be continued.)
— "My wife and I went to call on the Durnleys last night. I can't imagine anything more tiresomb than spending! an evening wiih them." — "You can't? "Wait till they come to spend an evening- with you."
The special Gabdss Fertiliser made tip by Nimmo and Blaiii -will be fotmd to give excellent results when used for Flowers and Vegetables; also foT Pot Plants, in and out of greenhouse. It is put up in 7lb bags, at la 6d c«u>k. Ask yoar storekeeper for it.
Gordon. — The fare in a Union Co.'s boat between the Bluff and Dunedm is : Single, saloon, 20s ; steerage las ; return, salon, 35s ; steerage 255. Molly. — I do not think you shouldi troub'e about the matter at all, as the plumpness will disappear as you grow older. It is only a natural sign of health at your age. If however, yen are determined) to try the remedy you suggest, press lightly, but firmly, always in the same direction, never reversing. Personally, I don't think it will make a bit of difference, but no harm can corns from a trial.
Monday Afternoon.
On Monday afternoon Mrs James Mills gave a large "At home" at Mount Lodge as a farewell to Miss Gertrude Mills, who was leaving the following day for England. Mrs Mills received her guests in the outer drawing room, and they then passed on to the •spacious inner drawing room, and from there to the garden or verandah. Unfortunately the weather was not all that could be desired, being cloudy and showery during the afternoon ; consequently there was not much chance of being out of doors, although a few took advantage of the intervals between the showers to see the pretty gardens. On the verandah adjacent to the drawing room a striaig band was stationed, which played during the afternoon, the intervals being filled tip by gramaphone records, including those of Melba, Edward L^oyd, etc., given in the drawing room, where the gramaphone was placed. Tea and refreshments ■were served in the dining and morning, rooms, and ice creams were handed, about the various rooms during the afternoon. Mr and Miss Mills ably assisted Mrs Mills in looking after her guests, who numbered about 200, and amongst whom were Mr and Mrs James Allen, Mrs and Miss Batchelor, Dr Stanley and Mrs Ba*chelor, Mr and Mra Baldwin (Palmerston North), the Rev. Mr and Mrs Bowden, Mrs Bridgman, Mr and Mra Spencer Bren 4 ,, Mrs Bullock, Mrs and Miss Chapman, llr Cook, Mrs Cheeseman, Mrs Colquhoun, Mrs and Mis"S Cutten, Mrs Davies", Mrs and Miss Denniston, Miss de Lautour, Mrs Driver, Mrs Dowling, Mrs and Miss Ewen, Miss Ruby Parquhar, Mrs Aufrera Fenwick, Dean Fitchett, the Misses Fraser, Mrs Gallaway, Miss Gilkison, Miss Cara Graham, Mrs Holdsworth. Mr Hunter, MisS Gladys Hoclsen, Mrs and Miss Dorothy Jackson, Mrs Johnstone, Mrs and Miss Joachini, Miss Macassey, Mr and Mrs George M'Learr, Miss M'Lean, Mrs Marshall. Mrs Michie, Mra A. "W. Morris, Mr Crosby Morris, Mrs Moore-, the Misses Keill, Dr and Mrs Ugston, Mr and Mrs Pontifex, the Misses Eeynolds, Mrs Ritchie, Mr Jock Ri+chie, Mrs Roberts, Captain Robinson, Mr and Mrs J. Roberts, MisS Roberts, Mrs and the Misses Sale, Dr Scotf, Mrs Scott (Shanghai), Mrs Sargood, Miss Sbaaid, Mrs Sise, Mr and Mrs Tnoinas, Mrs. Turton, Mrs Turnbull, the ilisses Teschemaker, Mr and Mrs Theomin, Mrs H. ancj Miss Williams, Mr and Miss Webster, 32i\3 s*. Wright, etc.
Mrs Mills wore a lovely dress of pale grey, chiffon over green silk, the chiffon skirt bordered with, tows of lace mserttou embroidcrec! in blue, chiffon fi ills on the sleeves, ancl passenicnteiie and lace trimming the bodice, finished with high belt of stitched green silk, and black hat ; Miss Mills wore a charming qu&ag of Rccprdiga-gleaied voile gf tlte j?-SJ«3§
ehade of pink, over pink silk, the bodice trimmed with lace and bands of fancy embroidery, Leghorn hat, . the high crown of "which, was entirely covered with cerise and "white daisies; Mrs Batchelor, white -silk trimmed with black lace insertion, and lace toque wim black velvet and yellow flowers; Miss Batchelor, white voile dress "with lace finished with straps and belt of cerise, white feather hat; Mrs/'Aufrere Fen■wick, white serge costume," and' feather boa, ■white hat with white ostrich feather ; Mrs Sridgman, dark blue -sergs costunie, the Bodice finished with a' little vest of- fancy embroidery, blue hat; Mis Chapman, slate grey tailor-made costume, finished with revers of ■white and black; Miss Macassey, black tailorza&de costume finished with white revers j 3frs Michie, dress of black and white voile ■with yoke -of white and black lace insertion. ■white marabout stoles, and black hat ; Mrs Marshall, costume of dark blue voile over ■white, the. skirt much faggotted, white Legliorn hat with bands of moss- green velvet and yefiow chou; Mrs Bullock, dark blue tailorx&sde dress, red and black straw hat trimmed ■with cerise satin -Tibbon; Mrs Henry Wood {Cbjsstchurch), dark green tailor-made costume, the jacket trimmed with bands of Oriental trimming; Mrs Thomas, black voile costume, -with lace yoke. elbow sleeves finished with lace- frills, and white and black chiffon stole's; Mrs Davies, costume of grass lawn trimmed with lace; Miss Rachel Reyhole, pale blue costume Trimmed with bands •f light floral silk, and tulle toque; Miss Vida Reynolds, costunie of pale grey eolienne shirred and trimmed with white lace, green atiaw hat with white flowers; Mrs James Allen, dress of light brown eolienne much trimmed with lace, tulle toque with flowers and iridescent trimming; Mrs Ritchie, handsome dress of green taffela silk, trimmed with • frills and pipings, lace yoke and vest of embroidered lace, green straw hat with long ostrich -feather shaded from green to bright Ted; Mrs Sinclair Thomson, black voile costume, the bedice finished with white, lace •rest and green tulle toque; Miss Williams, mignonette green shirred crepe de chine dress finished with lace yoke. v j-usca-n straw hat trimmed -with black velvet and green foliage ; Miss El. TJliich, pale grey voile, spotted with ■white, white yoke and finishings, black hat ; Miss Violet "Williams, pale green voile dress, gathered and rucked, finished with cream lace yoke, black hat; Miss. Denniston, costume of champagne colour, the bodice trimmed ■with lace yoke, stoles of brown marabout, and brown tulle_ hat; Mrs^Scott (Shanghai), dark blue costume, with '~&»It "and finishings of red; Miss - Sale, cream coloured voile spotted with black and trimmed with black, black hat ; Miss Sband. dark brown dress, and long white coat faced with orange colour ; Mis Edmond, a cbampagne-colouerd transparent dress trimmed with lace over pale blue silk, light belt of heliotrope and green, black lsat ; Mrs Sargcod, dark blue costume with skirt gathered at the waist and finished with tiny buttons, and yoke of white and blue trellis work; Miss Fraser. black costume, and black- hat with chiffon strings; Mrs Riley. pretty . dress of pa'e grey _crepe de chine rncked and gathered, and trimmed with lace. tacked bodice with lace yoke and bertha, finished with deep belt of grey satin, black chiffon and feather hat; Mrs Jackson, black costume, with a touch of white, black and T>ink bonnet; Miss Dorothy Jackson, dark bine tailor-made costume, finished with Oriental trimming, blue hat with ruckings ; Miss Neiil, costume of dark blue trimmed with blue silk braid, and emerald green velvet buttons and finishings on ±he Russian bedice, marabout stoles, and white beaver hat with iosette3 of green and blue ; Miss Rita Neiil. » tailor-made dress of light grey, finished •witb x>ale blue, errbroidsred yes!:. white stoles acd beaver hat with white ostrich f ep'thers ~ ! Mrs Holdsworth, cream voile triiußied with string-coloured lace insertion, Tuscan hat ! trimmed with lovely yellow-tinted flowers : ! Ifiss Joachim, x>ale erey voile dres« trimmed ■with, silk torchon lace, hat finished with orange .. colour ; Miss Ewen, dark blue and •white checked voile costume fhiishjed with •lark blue velvet and motifs of Oriental embroidery, Tuscan hat with flowers aaid strings 'of I<ese lace: MrSyT. Wright blf>ek cloth \ costume, with Eton .cr.at finished with orpen ] sleeves hanging 'over ihe chiffon sleeves of a , vhite chjSon and lace bodice, white mara- ; bout stoles, and black hat; Mrs George M*T*ean. black, white, bo?, and stylish hornet of white tulle, with white and back ospieys and yellow roses ; Miss Teschemaker. -white silk dress, tb? skirt all fril^d ard faggotted. trimmed with lace, floral silk belt, stone grey hat with tulle and pink rc?e= : Miss G- Teselinmaker, white costume, and wfcite toque: Mrs Ogston. light grey costume with yoke of iaoe and white silk: Miss Miiean. black tailor-mad" costume, red &r.A \ •white straw_hat trimmed with scarlet and pink -geraniums: Mrs Pontifex, cnanroagi!"- j coloured crepe de chine dress trimmed with . fle«j> tucks and lace. Tuscan hat with bright Yellow flowers and a touch of orange velvet ; Mrs Theomin. brown taffpta silk, trimmea with "frills and pipings, yoke of yellow lace with a touch of oranee finished with gathered fold of brown silk, brown feather hot with yellow flowers and brown velvet strings.
On Tuesday evening Mrs Ritchie gay? a. Eiost delightful dance at " Balvraid." when about 200 guests were present. The spacious billiard room was arranged as a ball room. the musicians, of whom there were four, being stationed in one corner of the room. Frm" the ball room there was access to the Srer^ndah, which was covered in and carpets ftcd from it another entrance Jed io the drawing room, so forming a complete cire'e, and avoiding unnecessary crowding. All the arrangements, both for dancers and non«U>aeezs, were perfect, and the untiring efforts of both host and ho3te3s in looking after their ■ guests went to make the dance the undoubted success it was. There wab ample room for tho^e not dancing, as besides tlie drawing room the dining room was also arranged as a s'fcting room, and as it opent> into the ball room a view of the dancers could lie obtained from within. Tea and coffee ay.a ices were served during tKe evening, in one p&rt of the dining room, and supper was laid fa another room, where a long table w?.s
arranged to seat about 30 at one time. Three extra dances were played, and were thoroughly appreciated, the players being Mrs Mills, Mies Fraser, and Mr Wilkinson. Amongst those present besides the host and hostess were Mr George Ri+chie, Mr Jock Ritchie, Miss Maiy Ritchie, Mr and Mrs James Allen, Mr C. AlLen^ Dt and' Mrs: Stanley Batchelor, Miss Batchelor, Mr and Mrs Godfrey Baldwin, Mr E and Miss Ch/p.pman. Mr Frank and Miss C'u'tten, Captain Code, Miss de Lai;kur, Mr and Mrs D°nnis+on. Mi£s Dennietoi-, Mrs Driver, Mrs Dowling, Mr and Mrs Edmond. Miss E.won. Mrs LirOo Ferguson, M. Fenwick, Mr" and Mis Arthur Fisher, the Miese-i Frasec. Miss Gilkisoii, Miss Cara Graham, Miss Hart, Miss Homes, Mr and Miss Howden, Miss Hicken, Mr Hunter, Mr Hogg, Miss Jcp.chim, Mrs Jobj. stone. Miis Macassey. the Misees M'Lsar., Mr a-nd Mrs Michie. Ms C. M'Kellar, Mr J. C. Marshall, Mr and Mrs Mills, Mr and Mis Mcorc. Mr Crosby Morris, the Misses Keill, Mr Purchase." Mr and Mrs Pattul'o, Mi Querpole, Miss M. Reynolds, Mr and Mrs Eardley Reynolds, Dr and Mrs Riley, Mr and Mrs J. Roberts, Lieutenant and Mvs Robavts, Captain Robinson, Mr Stocker, the Misses Sale, Mr and Mrs P. Sargoood, Miss E. Sh.ind, Mr S'&rralt. Mt and Miss Sios, Mr W. Stewart, Mr and Mrs Theomin, Mr and Mrs Sinclair Thomson, Mr and Mrs Ihomas, the Misses Teachemaker, the Misces Ulrich, Miss Williams, Mrs Henry '.Vcod (Chnstenurch), Miand Miss Webster, and several of the Australian cricketers, etc. . Mis Ritchie wore a handsome 'dress of black net appliqued with bold design in velvet made cvei »vhite silk, the bodice of the same with black velvet trimmings ; Mi&s M?.ry Ritchie wore a charming frock of white silk, with lace ; Mrs Lindo Ferguson woie black, the bcdioe trimmed with ? strap of black velvet and diamond buttons, and finished witb "a large rose of crimson chiffon; Mts Thecmin. handrcme trained govrn of white floral chine silk, mads with folded bodic-e trimmed with deep fringe and lace; Mrs Bullock, black dres-s, with Ted flowers and dark lea yes ; Mrs Michie, handsome dress cf silvec grey satin brocade, with lace >draped on the bodice ; Mrs Johnstone (Wellington), handsome white satin dress rucked and gauged, with lace draping the bedicej Miss Cut ten, black with iri-des-cent beads trimmi>j the bodice ; Mrs Mills, stylish dress of blue taffeta silk, the skirfc edged with little frills of blue, and wide la-ec trimming above the knees, lace bertha draping the bodice, headed by a tucher of chiffon ; Mns Sinclair Thomson, a handsome white 'floral ohine silk dress, with gathered skirt, the bodice drape-d with la-e< and finished with pink andialue ; Mrs Stanley Batchelor, black dress with bertha of black lace over whits chTffon ; Mrs Henry Wood. ,a smart drees of pale blue silk, the skirt trimmed with small frills edged with pink, and 1 above the toiees a thick inching of pink, the bodice drapsd with lace and finish-ed with p?!e blue and pink; Miss Chapman, white satin dress, covered" with Brussels pet; Miss Batchelor, b'ue dre-3s with band of lace on the bedice. and gold belt; Miss de Leu lour, blue silk dr&ss finished with straps of black velvet ; Mrs Esmond, biue silk and ttring coloured lace; Mis.3 M'Lean. psle greau satin di-ess draped with^laoe; Mjss I>enniston, cream silk accordion-pleated 3res3 trimmed with creanflace insertion'; Miss Ewen, white lace ■dress over'^satin; Mrs "Fisher,- blue silk dress, trimmed wiih string-coloured lace; Miss Fras-8., white satin ; Miss Xora Fraser, white dress, the -entire skirt frilled and gauged, and the bcciice.'also gajiged - r ' Miss X* M'Leau, pretty dress of, white, satin, covered with embroidered net, 'finished with high belt of pale blue; Mrs 'PaWull-o, black with bertha" of white, headed by blue' chiffon 4" Mrs Eardl«y Reynolds, black, the bodice finished with frills cf pale pink chiffon edged with black ; Miss Roberts. s^y!i-?h white sr,tin dress, trimmed with 'feep flounce ot spangled gauzs. the bodice of spangled gauze; Miss Gilkison, dress of black floral chiffon over white, lace bsrtha ; Mi=3 Rmby F-arquhar. 9 pret+y white muslin dres-s daintily trimmed with lace insertion ; Mrs .Baldwin, blue crppe drcs-s shirred and
gathered ; Miss Royse, pale blue dress ,vith lace : - Miss Teschemaker, a white embroidered lace dress over patin trimmed with lp-ca: Miss G. Tesche-nia-ker. stylish dress of white taffeta silk,, made 'with gathered skirt ard short Victorian bodice ; Miss np ' r illiains. black : Miss Eilie Ulrich, yellow dress covered with >vhite; Miss K. TTlrich, white si'k dress with la-ce ; Miss Howden, white crepe de chine trimmed with little frills and chiffon frills on the bodice; Mrs 'Ritey, hand-some cream satin dress, draped with lace: Miss Sisa, pale blue, with sleeves and trimmings of string-coloured lace; Mrs R-cbarts, pink clres3 nifda very full, t>nd finished with frills of white lace. On Tuesday afternoon the Misses Feuwk-k gave a small afternoon tea to some of their friends at their residence in Mormngton.
On Tuesday evening Di Scott invited pome fri?nds to ■■dinner to meet Mr and iirs Scott, from Shanghai, who are at present on a visit to New Zealand.
On "Wednesday Miss .Roberts gave a" luncheon party at "Little bourne House" to some of her girl friends.
On Wednesday evening Mrs Ewen gave a mo&t enjoyable dsnce in the Victoria Hall to celebrate the coming of age. of her son. The hall was beautifully decorated for tha occasion. Long streamers of many colours were suspended from the roof across the hall, forming a sort of canopy, and the- bareness of the walls all "round the room was relieved by -innumerable Chinese parasols, festooned drapery, and quantities of foliage. At the far end of the room, oil the slightly elevated stage, the musicians were stationed, and the adjoining rooni was tastefully furnished as a drawing room, and was used throughout the evening as a sitting room between the dances, and also as a refreshment room. The staj.ro and entrance were also beautifully decorated with pot plants, and carpeted, making 0 promenade between the dances. At the conclusion of the first half of the programme an adjournment was made to supper, which was served at little tables in ihe machinery room downstairs, the entire party sitting down at once. After supper Mr E wen's tealtk was proposed
by Mr Hunt?r, and thanks returned by Mr Ewen; after which all returned to ihe ball room, and the second half of the programme was continued with much spirit. The dance proved most successful, both floor and music bsrng excellent, and there being ample room for the dancers.
About 150 were present, amongst whom, besides Mvs and iliss Ewen and the Messrs Ewen, were Mr and Mrs W. Sargood, 2lr and Mr a Percy Saigoccl, Miss SargooU (Sydney), Dr and Mrs Stanley Bstchelor, 2\lr and Mrs Barclay, Miss Chapman, Mr Barron, Miss Denniston, ilr Fenwick, the IMisses Fergus, Mi's Fraser, Miss Cara Graham, Mr Graham, Miss Gilkison, Ivlr and Mrs Robert Gilkiso.i, Mr and Miss Howden, Miss* Gladys Hocken, Mr Hunter, llr Hogg, Miss Sybil Haggitt, Miss Lily Holmes, Miss L. Mackerras, Miss M'Lean, Dr and Mrs Marshall, Miss F. M-Lean, Mr C. M'Kellar, Air C, Morris, the Misses Xeill, Mr and Mrs PaUulio, Mias Ramsay, Mr and Mrs Eardley Reynolds, Miss M. Reynolds, Dr and Mrs Riley, "Mr and Mrs J. Roberts, the Messrs Ritchie, iliss Roberts, the Misses Royse, Mr Stocker. the Misses Sale, Miss E. Sh=ind. Mr W. D. Stewart, Miss Simpson, Miss Si=e, the Messrs Sise, Miss Teschemaker, the Misses Ulrich, Miss Woodhouso, Miss Violet Williams, "Mr Leslie Williams, Mr Webstar, etc.
Mrs Ewen wore a handsome dress of black lace appJiqued in velvet, over heliotrope si:k. and diamo-.d ornaments: Miss Ewen, a stjlish dress cf white embroidered net. over white eatin, made with deep corsage belt of floral chine si.k. finished at the back with bow and knotted er:cln of the silk, lace 0.1 the bodice, and bunch of dark leaves : Mrs W. Sargood, charming accordion-pleated dress of bright red chiffon, trimmed with velvet poppies of the same colour; Mrs Riley, white saiin and lace; Miss Sale, pale green satm a-d^laee: Miss M. Sale, white, trimmed with black; l£is Stanley Batchelor, white satin trained gown with chiffon frills; Miss Saigood (Ss'dney), a pretty soft ciress of white floral chiffon, trlmrnsd with blue and pink, aiid lace bertha: Mrs Percy Sargood wore blue, tiimmed with lace; Miss Fraser, b'ue silk tucked dress, with long loose sleeves, trimmed with string-coloured Jace; Miss Dennistor, black chiffon dress, gathered and tucked ; Miss Keill, pink satin dress, the bodice trimmer! with gathered chiffon and einbroictered lace ; Miss M'Lean, white chiffon over white satii:, trimmed with cream laca inserlion; Miss Maud Reynolds, white glace silk drps.s both skirt and bodice trimmed with white pilk fringe: Mrs Oldham, a smart black lace dress over white silk, made without a train : Mrs J. Roberts, a white satin dress, much rucked, and gathered, and chiffon frills trimming the bodica: Miss Robeits. pink satin cVess, trimmed with scioll design in pink chiffon ruches, and handsome Venetian point bertha draping the bodice; Miss F. Maclean, pink silk, trimmed with frills and chiffon : Miss Royse, pale blue; Miss Olive Royse. sfvlish dress of bright pink silk, spotted with "pinhead swots in black, made very full ard gathered with puffed sleeves; Miss Violet Williams, psle pink dress of crepe de chine, the skirt trimmed with ruchings and the bodies with white chiffo-i frills; Miss Fergus, white chiffon dress, trimmed with black lace insertion, black belt ; Mrs Barclay, dress of pale -blue satin, covered with chiffon, the skirt trimmed with frills, and the bedice with lace and a hunch of violets; Miss Woodhouse, pick chiffon dreeK"
On Friday afterroon Mrs Finch gave a large ladies' afternoon tea at her residence in 'Royal terrace, as a farewell to her sister, Mrs Poritifex. The drawing and dining roprns had b?en, thrown int.- ore, refreshments being served in the latter. Both looms were beautifully decorated with glasses of trailing swaet pea' mo3t artistic? lly arranged. In another room was stationed a band, and seats were arranged in the hall, where the strains of music sounded pleasantly — not .loud enough to interrupt conversation. Mrs Finch and Mrs Portifex received the guests, who were glad to have this opportunity of seeing Mrs Po-itifex be-fore her departure."
Abput 80 ladies besides Mrs Finch ard Mis Pontifey were present, amongst whom were Mrs MacKeil, the Misses Finch. Mrs Allen, Mrs Barnett. Mrs Barclay, Mis Bowden, Mrs and Miss Cntten. Mrs Collins (Queensland), Mts Che3?eman. Mrs Chapman, Mrs Dennisto 1. Miss Davidson, Mrs Dsiver. Miss Fraser. Gilkison. Mrs Gibb (Christchurch), Mis Karris. Mrs Hart, Miss Hasdett, Mrs Hall, Mies Kerapthorne. Mrs and' Miss Kerr. Mrs LeCren, Mr 3 Moms. Mrs Moore, Miss Miller. Masses Msckerras. Mr? Michie. Mrs Mundi, Miss Macsssey. Miss Marcliant. Miss Ruby Neill Mrs Oldham, Miss Orbell (Waikouaiti), the Misses Revuolds. Mrs Eiley, Mrs and Miss Royse Mrs Rutherford, Mrs Ramsay, Miss Rievwrieht Mrs Stephenson, Mrs Simoson, Mrs Sisp. Mrs Stewart. Mrs Sinclair Thomson, l\ri=- Wil'iams. Mrs Walton, Mrs Leslie Wilson, eic.
Mr= Finch wore a handsome dress of black t«.ff»t's si.k, rucked and gathered, and trivained wit'i b!sck lace; Mrs Pontifex wore a sty'.isli costume of blue-grey taffeta silk with gathered skirt, trimmed with silk torchon lace of the same colour, yoke of cream lace on the bodice. finished with cross overfold of silk, Tuscan hit, with wreath of Yellow and orangeroloured flowers; Miss Williams, grey tweed I*ll on costume and red straw hat with red flr.wors and sprays of green foliage; Mis Edmond. pale grey crepe de chine dress, trimmed with lace black hat; Mrs Eiley, pale grey diess, lucked and' gathered, and trimmed with luce the bndiee tucked and draped with lace, satin belt, black hat; Mrs Moore, dark blue costume, the jacket trimmed withbanrTs of Oiiental trimming and frills of embioiuered lace, dark "blue straw hat, tiimmed with blue chiffon and black ostrich tips: Miss Ruby Heill. biscuit-coloured voile, spotted with black, pink hat ; Mrs Denniston, black, and tulle toqv with heliotrope and green; Mis Pattullo. dark Vns cloth costume, red hat; Mi-sM i- s Mickie, black and wliite voile costume, trimmer' with white silk and black lace inset tion, black hat and while furs; Mrs Oldham, grey tweed tailor-made dress, trimmed wifh <3<-il:er grey ve'vet. white furs s>nd grey hat, with evey velvet and chou of yellow, Mits ■Rov=e. navy b'ne voile, spotted with large white spot?, trimmed with wliite, Tuscan liat with r03?3 ; Mrs LeCren, pals grey accordion-
pleated underskirt and over skirt, trimmed with lace, white furs, and black hat with white flowers; Miss Davidson, bright brown, stxiped wuh lace insertion, finished with belt and bedice trimmirgs of dark brown satin, brown hat with yellow roses , Mrs Sinclair Thomson grey tailor-made costume, and black hat ; Miss Reynolds, brown canvas cloth, with Paris lace collar, tulle toque, with green; Mrs Hani?, spotted grass lawn, trimmed with Tace, and b'.ack hat.
On Friday evening Dr and Mrs Co'quhou:i gave a dinner party 111 honour of Mr and Mrs, Scott, of Shanghai.
On Saturday morning Mrs Collins entertained a number of her girl friends to morning tea at the Kia-ora Tea Rooms, as a farewol l before her departure on the following day.
Mrs Collins left for Melbourne on Sunday, en route for her home in Queensland.
Mr and Mrs James Mills left by the Moereki for Melbourne and Sydney.
Miss Olive Kettle (Christchurch) accompanied Mrs Mills on her trip to Melbourne and Sydney.
Miss Gertrude Mills left on Tuesday for Wellington to join the lonic, by which she sails on Thursday for London. Miss Mills expects to be absent about two years.
Mrs Henry Wood returned ou Saturday to Christchurch.
Mr and Mrs Pontifex and Iheir little boy, who have been visiting Mrs MacXoil at "Woodhead" for tha last three month*, left b*the Moeraki for Hobart.
Mr and Mrs Jim Logan left on Sunday for Melbourne and Adelaide, where they wiU be present at the marriaga of Miss Annie Logan, which takes place this month in Adelaide.
>Irs Williams has gone to Invercargill for a law days, and returns this week with Mr Justice Williams.
Mrs Howard Jackson' is "at present visiting Mrs J. C Kirk in Invercargill.
Mrs G. Beswick and her little girl arrived by the Moeraki from Christchurch, and intend staying for a few weeks at "Mount Lodge. '
On Tuesday, the 7th, at St. Michael's Church (Christchurch) Miss Ethel Haggitt, eldest daughter of Mr D'Arcy Haggitt, late of Dunedin, is to be married to Mr Jim Cameron, of Dunedin.
Mrs and Mis-s Cameron and Mr Robin Cameron have gone to Christchurch to be present at the wedding of Mr Jim Cameron.
Mrs Greenwood, Mrs Jack Wright, and Miss Lily Reynolds have also gone to~Christchurch for the wedding.
IXVFRCARGILL. March 6.
On Thursday evening a most delightful dance was given by Mrs Hunt at her residence, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mrs Hunt received her guests in the di awing room, and they afterward spas3ed on to the dining room, where all was in readiness for dancing. Supper was served In the morning room, and the table decorations of red carnations looked exceedingly pretty. Amongst these present, besides Mr "and Mrs Hunt, were Mr and Mrs Phil Wright. Miss F. Corbstt, Mr J. D. Shand, Miss Isa Macdonald, Mr H. A. Macdonald. M.x Hugh Macdonald, Miss Robinson, the Misses Tucker (2), Mr Tucker, Miss Callender. Mr Davidsoi Miss Edwards. Mr Edwards, Miss Ina Thomson. Mr Boot, Miss Kirk, Miss B. Aj-ton. Mr Campbell, Miss Hay, Mr Honeywood, Mr Mitchell, Miss Reade (Dunedin), Miss Moffett, Mr A. Moffett, Miss Macgoun, Mr M'Leod. Mi^s Churton, Mr N. Churton. Miss Swinburne, Mr G. Black, Dr Snow, Mrs Morrison, Miss Fielding, Mr Charlcoa Fraser, Mr Oliver, Miss Wade, Mr Ellis, etc.
Mrs Hunt wore a pretty dress of white silk with soft lace and chiffon ; Miss Tucker, black, the bodice trimmed with lace, and sleeves of lace; Miss W. Tucker, red velvet ; Miss Callender, lovely dress of ivory white silk, both skirt and bodice trimmed with handsome insertion and chiffon; Miss Moffett wore white muslin, the skirt edged with frills; Mis 3 Reade, ?oft black grenadine dress and red flowers; Mrs -Phil Wright, charming dress of white silk, the skirt tucked, and the bodice daintily rucked and trimmed v-ith chiffon; Miss Isa Macdona'd. pretty white silk; Miss F. Corbett, black; Miss Ay ton, yellow silk, finished with long sash, ends of chiffon; Miss Churton, pretty blue silk, the bodice and sleeves prettily "ruckeci and trimmed with soft white lace and" chiffon ; Miss Ina Thomson, ivory-white brocade; Mrs Morrison, lovely dress of pink silk, the skirt elaborately trimmed with ruckings of pale pink chiffon at the foot; Miss Macgoun, white silk; Miss Kirk, dress of soft pink silk; Miss Robinson, white silk trimmed with cream inseition; Miss Hay, lovely white silk, with a deep frill of pale cream crepe de chine ; Miss Edwards, blue ; Miss Swjnburne, a very pretty frock of soft white silk : Miss Fielding also wore white silk, prettily trimmed with lace.
On Saturday Mrs Howorth gave a very pleasant tea at her residence. Gladstone, m honour of Mrs Menzies. fiom Wellington. As it was such an idea' day, most of the time was spent wandering abotit the pretty giounds, and as the croquet lawn was in great demand the afternoon was greatly enjoyed. Tea. and most delicious refreshments were served in the garden, and the table, which w£>s artistically arranged with pink and white cosmos, looked very dainty.
Some of those present were Mrs Menzies, Mrs Jack Watson, Mrs Bicknell, Mrs Miller, Miss Callender, Mrs Callender, Mrs Massey, Mrs Arnold Macdoaiald, Miss Ma-cdonald, Mrs Brent, Mrs Collins, Mrs Bell, Mrs Roberts, Miss Hathieson, Mrs I. W. Raymond, Mrs
Hogg. Mrs Tuckei. Mrs Rawson. Miss Rawson, Mrs Cantrell. Mrs Dunlop, Mis- Churton. Mrs Moriah, Mrs Phil Wright. Mrs Har.dysicle Mrs Edmond. IMis Haz'ctt, Mrs Morris, etc.
Mrs Watson left by the express on Saturday en route for Wellington, where she intends staying wnli fiiends for 0 lew weeks. Later she lea\es on a visit to the Old Ccuntiy. Mies, Robiiison xs or. a vint to Duuedir. Mrs Jock Watson has returned from her visit to QueeiiStown.
Mrs M'Credie gave a \ cry pleasant juveni'e part}- on Satnrdav afternoon.
Mr and Mrs Sharp and Miss Shaip left lust week for Auckland.
-Jiss "^ade is staying with Cuthbertecn (C'vd^
on a visit to her
Mrs Squires i*\apie\) 1 = mother, .^n IMcfTett.
CHRIST CHCRCH. March -!
t A week of i\i:n — drenching ram it was, too — has interfered most unkindly with various out-of-doors entertainment--, which, of course, had ito be declared "off" on that account. BegmIning ou Sunday night, it made a beautiful J Take of the oval 111 Lancaster Park, where the cricket match was to be concluded. It . moderated somewhat after midday, and cleared j bufSeiently to allow play to be resumed afc ! about halt-past 4, when, as everybody knows, , the visitors were victorious. Under the circumstances, it was not surprising that lady admirers of the game vere absent from the ! finish.
Chief among the postponements caused hy the ram was that ol the polo =ports, which were fixed for to-day, but have now been put off indefinitely on account of the grounds being practically under wa+er. As the sports are usually most enjoyable, we arc greatly disappointed, but hope for better things when they do eventuate. The annual tournament couies o2 shortly at Wellington, and, of cour=e, our team intends io take part, so that there is a hrtle uncertainty a=- 'o tlie dato of i : ie sports meeting.
The large bazaar, for v-'iich tae ls:lies ol: St. Michael's parish hays worked long and enthusiastically, was opc-ned on Tuesday 1 afternoon by Mrs Palmer (Woodford), who has long identified herself with the best interests of the parish. Mrs Palmer, who was wearing a handsome black gown and inanfe, with black bonnet, was presented with a beautiful shower bouquet of cream roses; Mrs Averill receiving a similar one also. The stalls were most artistically arranged, a par- : ticularly handsome one being tlie Japanese I stall, presided over by Mrs Denniston and Mis 1 Meredith Kaye. An enormous paper umbrella, . from which hung festoons of lovely wisteria, .was suspended over this stall, which abounded in pretty trifles from the Land of the Cherry Blossom. The fancy work stall of Mrs J. C. Palmer and Mrs Wardrop was very fascinating . also, with its beautiful art embroidery in the , new and wonderful designs that are the very j latest, and the brocade-covered work and I handkerchief boxes piled up at one side of this stall sold like wildfire, as did the artistic jewelled picture frames. In spite of the wet j weather the bazaar was a great success, and j the "committee and workers are, I believe, ex- ' changing mutual congratulations. Among those present on the various days were — Mrs W. Fox, Mrs H. Meares, Mrs Hurst Seager, Mrs and the Misses TCancarrow, Mrs Ogle, Mrs J. Hall, the Micses Burns, Mrs Burns, Mrs J. V. Ross, Mrs and the Misses Kettle, Mrs j Benjes, Mrs J. Baud, Mrs and Miss Maci donald, Ifr George Rhodes, Mrs E. V. Palmar, Mrs Fensrick. Mrs Pitman, Miss Moreland, Miss Johnstoa, Miss Cabot. Mrs and the Misses Cook, Mrs E. Grigg, Mrs Talbot, Miss Gibson, Mrs R. Gardner, Miss Robinson, Mrs Hugh Reeves. Miss Molyneux, Mrs and Miss Mills, Mrs Bcale, Mrs Alister Clark, Mrs Stevens, Mrs P. Wood, lira Merlon, and Urs Secretan.
Miss Kettle left yestejrda3 for Duuedin, in order to join her aant. SlrsJames Mills, on a trio to Melbourne and Sydney. Mrs E. Grigg (Longbeach) and her two children are in town, and are staying with Professor and Mrs Cook.
Miss R. Campbell has gone to pay a visit to Mrs Gordon, in Napier. Mr and Mrs Knight, of Racecourse Hill, nave taken rooms on Papanui road. Mr and Mrs Loughnan have returned to town, after a holiday spent at Rotorua. Mrs Higgenson (Wellington) was m town last week.
t Mr Dpans (Riccarloni is leaving shortly for Scotland, where he intends to rnnke a stay of a 3'eav or two.
Mr J. B. Reid, miccarton) left yesterday for a trip to England and tha Continent.
On Thursday last Mr and Mrs George Rhodes were to entertain the Automobile Club members, who had arranged a rnotoi run for Lord Plunket as far as Meadowbank. But nlthough the weather was. fairly good tha roads had been made impracticable for a pleasure iriu, and the outmg lipcl to be abandoned.
Various small bridge and tea parties have been given during the week by Mis P. Campbell, at Ham, and Mrs Blunt. Carl ion terrace.
Mrs J. M. Turnbull has been in town paying visits, and has now returned to Methven, wlieie her new home is.
Mr and Mr s J. C. Wilkm and the Misses Wilkm (Carllon Mill road) left on Friday for a visit to Auckland.
Professor Scott, of Car. tei bury College, has returned from a trip to England, with lu~ eyesight greatly improve'!. The professor and Mr 3 Scott are at present in rooms at Miss Turner's "Fassifern."'
Mrs Murray-Aynsley has returned to town after a visit to the country for a change. Mr and Miss Stead and Mrs W. Stead ha*-e gone to Auckland on a visit.
Mrs John Williams has been in town paying visits.
Mrs Gower Burns is paying a visit to Mrs Peache, at Mount Somers.
WELLINGTON, March 2. The social wave of dissipation wbicli lias accompanied the flagship Euryalus and accompanying men-of-war in their visit to New Zealand has been a refreshing relief after the dullness oi the last few months.
Our gaities commenced on Thursday witn, the delightful 1)all given by tne members or
"the Wellington Club in honour of his Excellency the 'Admiral and the officers of the -squadron. As usual, no expense or trouble ■was : spared to make the' function a perfect The -billiard room was converted rato p'iall room, and the mantelpieces were banked With pink roses and sweet 'peas, and the music, floor, and supper were delightful. In the "flmin« room the long tables were arranged *ith a special colour, flowers and ribbon corresponding. The delicious supper is always a, feature of a club ball, and this was even more elaborate than usual. His Excelency 'Admiral A. D. Fanshawe and a number of officers were present, and the guests were recived by Major Brandon (president) and Mrs Brandon. The latter wore a handsome gown of ivory brocade and lace. There were four debutantes— Miss Elsie Watson, Miss Greta Ewen, Miss Elsie Simpson, and Miss W. Miles, each of -whom wore a- dainty white gown. Mrs' Walter Johnston ("Highden") wore a very landsome lace gown over white silk, relieved with diamonds ; Mrs Pearce, grey brocade ; Mrs Collins, white, satin and, lace gown; Mrs Larftach, black and white brocade; Mrs Findlay, a gown of cream net richly embroidered; Mrs Ewen. black satin; Mrs Fell, black brocade ; Mrs Fulton, cream brocade ; Mrs Hunt, ivory satin; Mrs Foote, rose-coloured brocade; •Mrs Marehbanks, black satin; Mrs Watson, lovely gown of white and black lace ; Mrs ißawson, grey brocade ; Mrs' Kenneth Duncan, - .white satin with pink roses ; Mrs Eustace .Curtis (England), a lovely gown of lilac; and fellow chiffon ; Mrs yon Zedlixz, pale blue crepe £Ij chene. Other guests were—Mrs Pollen, &£rs Loughnan, Mrs and the Misses Stafford, Mrs and Miss Burnett, Mrs and Miss Reid, fcirs Walter Strang (Pahnerston), Miss Mont|omerie (Warsgauui), Mrs and the Misses Edwin, the Misses Stuart, Mrs and Miss Simpson, the Misses Brandon, Miss Thorne-George, Mrs Chaytor, Mrs tind the Misses Miles, Mrs Hislop, Mrs and the Misses Blundell, the Misses Williams, Miss Palmer, the Misses Finch" etc. " On the day following the ball a most en•joyable garden party was given by the ladies of the Navy League.
Monday afternoon brought more pleasant experiences, for the Admiral, Commander, and officers of Ef.M.S. Euryalus were "At home" fp a large number of guests, who were conveyed across to the flagship in the steam launch the Duchess. Afternoon tea was served ■jn the saloon and on deck. The band of the flagship played delightfully, and a little dancing was indulged in. Included in the guests were — Mrs 'Seddon, who wore black eolienne, Vrith lace cravat, and black and white bonnet; {Miss Seddon, in pale biue gown, and large black hat; Miss May Seddon, cream canvas voile, and blacit hat; Mrs Pearce, black canvas *with applique bands, white ostrich stole, and picture hat; Mrs Brandon, a cloth gown, and black hat ; Mrs .Miles, a grey tailor-made gown »nd violet toque ; Mrs Rawson, grey voile gown, black hat; Mrs Simpson, a brocaded silk gown irad white bonnet; Mrs Hislop, black; Mrs JPharazyn, black satin; Mrs Walter Blundell, pale green voile and large hat; Mrs Watson, pretty silk gown, and black hat; Mrs C. Richardson, pretty brown costume, and large brown bat; Mrs Oscar Kember, cream cloth gown Mid large hat; Mrs Pollen, green eolienne and fculle hat; Miss Nelson, cream, with deep belt, and becoming hat; Miss Finch, cream voile and blue hat; Miss M. Finch, a very pretty cream aceordeon-pleated gown and large blue hat; Mrs Butt, black and white brocade; Miss Butt, cream costume ; Miss B. Miles, navy blue gown, blue hat ; the Misses Harcourt, cream -dresses and hats ; Miss Reid, brown, and hat en suite; Mrs and the Misses Quick, -Mrs and the Misses Macintosh, Mrs and Miss Gore, Mrs Myers, Mrs Dyer, Mrs Campbell, Mrs MacEwen, Mrs Macarthy, Mrs Chaytor,-.Mrs -Parker,^ Mrs Crawford, Mrs "Pearce, Mrs and the Misses Mills, Mrs J. Hume, Mrs Bucholz, Mrs W. Kennedy, Mrs W; Turnbull, Miss MacTavish, Miss Butt, the Misses Rawson, Misses Ewen, the Misses Simpson, and Miss Watson.
Mr and Mrs Walter Nathan and their daughter have returned from a delightful visit to England and the Continent. Just now they are staying at the Royal Oak.
Mr and Mrs Clarke-Johnson left by the Moeraki to-day for the south, en route for Sydney, where they join the Orontes for England.
Mrs and the Misses M'Lennon (Napier) are on a short visit to Wellington.
Mrs Wix and her daughter left by the lonic to-day for England. They will probably be away for a year or two.
Mrs Medley, who has lately returned from. England, is visiting -her son at New Plymouth. A marriage of interest took place on Monday last, when Mr Montague Bannister, only son of' Mr Robert Bannister, was married to Miss Annie Sinie. ouly daughter of Mr Thomas Sime. The bridesmaids were the Misses Ethel and Mabel Bannister, 'and the train-bearers ■were little Mirni and Joan Smith. After the ceremony a very large reception was held at "Ravensvood," the residence of the bridegroom's parents, 300 guests being present. The afternoon was gloriously fine, so tea was served in a' large marquee outside. During the afternoon some delightful music was contributed by Miss Amy Murohy (Dunedin), Miss Hyde, and Mr E. J. Hill. Mr and Mrs ftioutague Bannister will leave almost iinmediuiely on a tour of the world.
.Miss Sybil Montgomerie is staying here just Sow. Mrs Walter Strang is the giiest of her toother, Mrs Nicholas Reid.
The Imperial Beass Sprat Pump : Witli Btream and Fine Spray Nozzle. — Made by American noted manufacturers. Aie obtainable from Nimmo and Blair, Dunsdir.. "Fruitpowers and Orchardists should use them-
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Otago Witness, Issue 2660, 8 March 1905, Page 71
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14,218THE TALE OF - TIMBER TOWN. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. TABLE TALK. Otago Witness, Issue 2660, 8 March 1905, Page 71
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