ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3802, 25 January 1927, Page 34

ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

By

Pencarrow.

(Specially Written for the Witness.)

January 20. Sunburnt citizens are applying their noses once more to the grindstone, and though we all believe there has yet been no summer our faded clothes offer :nutc protest. The races begin to-day, and most women declare they haven’t a rag to wear. The shops, deeply sympathetic and with a natural understanding, show “exquisite creations” in the wind -vs—at a price. Man reads to-day that morning dress is correct at official functions for civilians taking part in. formal proceedings during the approaching visit of the Duke and Duchess, so man’s better half has made a few investigations, and found that the corrupting moth has veen very busy this season. Moth balls have no terrors for the 1927 moth, .- id more than one harassed housewife has informed me that on returning from a brief holiday she found the family had been eaten out of house and home. Moths, of course, are preferable to blowflies, which have worried some of us at river camps or in the bush-—and there are other creations —but the lasting damage of the moth brings bitterness. To-day the clothes lines iu many back gardens are hung with garments which look considerably the worse for wear, though they have been out of action for many a long day. However, it is all good for trade. The city is busy preparing for the Royal visit, and there is great excitement among the young. History repeats itself. Youth has heard of the gay doings when this Duke’s father and mother visited these shores, and though youth has seen this city many times illuminated it looks forward to something very extra in the way of spectacular display, having a blind faith in the powers which direct the electricity. Yet we have known the lights to fail. Dunedin showed the Dominion the meaning of the word “hospitality” during the South Seas Exhibition. Wellington believes the citizens will follow suit during the crowded days of March when half the North Island will be here, and will desire a place in which to lay its head. Meanwhile influenza is being mentioned. Some dread its probable approach, and it is suggested that the city shall indulge in another cleanup w-eck, with special attention to rats and accumulated rubbish. There is to be a meeting of the Health Committee of the City Council next week, when the question of preventive measures will be considered. Pessimists are quite sure the present visitation will be world-wide; but most of us are optimists. We still prepare for the worst, and expect the best. Though the season is very early a great many people from Wellington province are on the move, and will be leaving for England during the next few weeks. Contrary to expectations the Arawa left with a very small passenger list, though she was advertised _,to call at Boston and New York, an extra 'attraction widen would have appealed a little later in the year. Mr and Mrs Charles White, formerly of Dunedin, are leaving for Egypt and Europe in a fortnight’s time. They hope to return in time for Christmas. Their house will be occupied by Sir James Allen and his family during their absence. Among new arrivals is “Nellie,” the elephant presented to Wellington by the Madras Government. She is now in the zoo at Newtown, and will soon be invited to carry children on her back. This scribe has no recollection of the ev nt, but once had a ride on the famous “Jumbo,” who was the joy of children many years ago. “Nellie” came from India on the Sussex—and a tigress came,

too. The latter arrived in a very bad mood, and is not yet at / home to visitors. The zoo and all the parks and gardens are very beautiful just now. In the Botanical Gardens the begonia house- is a great attraction. Thousands have visited it during the past few weeks. The blooms . are ' exquisite. Names convey nothing to the ordinary man in the street who simply goes to admire and enjoy, but amateur gardeners and others have observed several new varieties, including one called “John Mercer,” a flaming thing coveted by many. Yellow flowers may go out of favour :f yellow people become unpopular. The local greengrocers are mostly Chinese—and excellent tradesmen, very, honest and obliging. Their Christmas offering to good customers invariably . takes the shape of a pot of ginger, and one such pot still reposes on a store room shelf in. this house. The cloud on the horizon makes thinking people pause. Wellington was sorry to hear yesterday that the third daughter of Admiral Sir James Fergusson has met with an accident at Government House, Auckland. Her feet are injured. It is remembered that the Lady Augusta Boyle, the eldest daughter of the late Earl of Glasgow, met with an accident in New Zealand during her father's term of office, and that her foot was injured. Though not entirely unexpected the news of Lady King’s death came as a blow to hundreds of people in 'Wellington who have not known her personally, but have been grateful for the good work she has done for the women and children of this country. Her mqny friends are deeply grieved, and the community’s sympathy for Sir Truby King and his daughter is very warm. The new Karitane Home, in which the whole family has taken so keen and kind an interest, will be opened in March by the Duchess of York. It is believed that the public's sympathy will find expression in a very practical way. The new hospital should not lack support. The appeal for funds is being enlarged. There is a big deficit, but a “Royal Visit Campaign” had been organised before Lady King’s death. The city is to be divided into 32 groups, and 2000 voluntary lady workers are hoping to raise £20,000 during the next few weeks. It will be a fitting tribute to the memory of a beautiful life if the new hospital is opened free of debt and endowed for all time by a public which owes much to the self-sacrifice and devotion of Sir Truby King's wife.