LINDA’S LETTER TO HER COUNTRY COUSIN.

Southern Cross, Volume 7, Issue 9, 11 June 1898, Page 7

LINDA’S LETTER TO HER COUNTRY COUSIN.

My Dear Elsie, —More th<»n once I have heard you say that very few people were really fond of music, and, that if they had the courage of their opinions, they would, like the young Queen of Holland, frankly declare their failure to appreciate it. But had you been here last week I think you would surely have altered your opinion. The orchestral concert on Wednesday attracted a large audience; the well-filled circle was bright with smiling faces and pretty frocks, and a large number of people occupied the stalls. There were about 25 instrumentalists, nine of whom were ladies, and the vocalists were Mrs Blue, the Misses K. Kirwan and Hishon, and Mr W. Lillicrap ; the latter, in addition to his song, " The two Grenadiers," sang a serio-comic song called " Long Ago in Alcala," which amused and pleased us very much. Mrs Blue's rendering of " The Better Land " was very fine, and an encore was emphatically demanded. Evidently "no encores " was the order of the evening, and we were obliged to be contented with a bow from each of the performers of whom one was requested. We liked the fantasia, ' Rigoletto,' best of the instrumental items, b'jt they all went smoothly and reflected great credit upon the director, Mr Chas Gray. Ido not think you have ever seen Mr Gray's music rooms ; I must take you there next time you come to town, and show you the comfortable and artistic surroundings in the midst of which he trains the musical powers of our young folks and ofttimes of their elders.

On Friday there was yet another concert, and this time the theatre was crowded. The object was to assist Mr R. B. Wotton, and the return must have been very substantial. On Thursday we went to the sale of work in aid of S. John’s and All Saints guilds. We were just in time to see a short play very cleverly acted by the Misses Woodward and Stocker and Messrs Vickers, Grenfell, and McKay. The sale was a very successful one, and I understand the takings amounted to about £IOO. The ladies in charge of the refreshment tables deserve especial praise for the courteous attention they bestowed upon all who patronised their department. On Sunday evening a most impressive service was held in S. John s church, when the Bishop of Dunedin confirmed 45 young people. A very large congregation assembled to see these young men and maidens take the vow which made them members of their church, and to listen to the eloquent address and seimon delivered by the Bishop. His Lordship celebrated, on that day. (Trinity Sunday) the 28th anniversary of his consecration as a bishop, and very dignified and imposing he looked robed in the beautiful vestments of his order. Hymns appropriate to the occasion were sung, and the choir sang the anthem, ‘ O for a Closer Walk with God,’ the solo in which was taken by Mrs Ross.

Next .veek I shall be able to tell you all about the Governor's visit ; preparations for it are now in full swing, and we aie exhausting ourselves, so fervently are we hoping.for fine weather, Your affectionate eousin, Linda.