LOCAL AND DISTRICT.

Colonist, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7630, 15 May 1893, Page 1 (Supplement)

LOCAL AND DISTRICT.

Fine Abtp.— We have inspected a number of paintings in wator colors and oils exeouted by Mra James Wernysa Askew, whioh show that this ady possesses considerable skill as an artist. A life-like portrait of the late Mr Tiiomas Askew exhibits her superior ability as a painter. Her pictures of nataral soenery, landsoapes, foliage, and flowers are also very effective. Mrs Aekew's pictures bave won for her prizes and honors in Eng land, and no doubt her marked talent will secure for her a foremost place amongst artists in this Colony..

Death of an Artist.t-Bj the early death of Mrs Gilbert Mair (Kate Sperry) New Zealand has lost one of her noted artists. Deceased painted numerous portraits of celebrated colonists, including the late Sir Wil*

Ham Fitzherbert, Mr James Macandrew, of Dunedin (which was subscribed for by the people of Dunedin), Sir George Grey, Sir Harry Atkinson, the Hon John Ballance, and various other prominent personages. Her body was taken from Blenheim to Wellington for burial, and her funeral was largely attended"

Compassionate Allowance.— We learn that Lieut-Colonel Pitt has received a communication from the Defence Office, in answer to his application, to the effect that a compassionate allowance of £127 will be granted by the Government to the widow and children of the late Sergt-Major Nixon, the amount to be yes'ed in trustees for the benefit of the widow and children.

The Volunteers. — We learn from Col. Pitt that Gunner Healy of the New Zealand Permanent Militia has been appointed by the Government as Staff Sergt. Instructor for the Nelson district.

Port Sunday School. — The entertainment at the Port Sunday School on April 20th was well attended notwithstanding the rain which came on again yesterday towards evenine. Everyone present appeared to thoroughly appreciate each item of the programme, which consisted of songs by the children, trios by the Rev. J. P Kempthorne, Messrs Kingsley and Thompson, and the last two named with Rev F. W Chatterton : duett and songs, by Miss Hobden and Miss Giblin ; readings, by Messrs Wimsett and Kingsley ; and a short address by Rev. Mr Wills from Napier. During the interval the children had a good time at the bran pies, which were of two qualities, the one at a penny being very popular. The teachers desire to thank all those who assisted in the musical arrangements, and we feel sure those who attended and enjoyed themselves so much are thankful to the teachers for getting up the entertainment.

Open Lodge Meeting.— The open meeting of the Loyal Nelson Lodge at the Foresters' Hall on April 21st was well attended, besides an excellent programme, the chrysanthemum show being en attraction. Bro B. Orondis presided. Songs were contributed by Sißters Larkins (encored) ani Shone (2) ; and Bros Larkins and Hobbs ; recitations by Sisters Day and Cans, and Bros Day, Whiting, and T. Shone : addresses by the Chairman and Bro Bond. The heavy rain daring tbe week interfered greatly with the number of entries for the ohrysanthemem show, but the flowers exhibited were choice and beautiful The prizes were awarded by Mr fifoller, the judge, as follows :- 2t beet flowers, Siater Tom Ist prize, Sister Levien 2 ; 12, Cecil Oroudia 1, Miss Levien 2 ; 6, G. E. Levien 1, Elsie Maeon 2 ; hand bouquet, Bro W. Scott 1, Sister Kothwell 2 ; bridal bouquet, Bro Willis Qayrior. The prizes (the gift of the mem*' bers) were very nice ones. Tbe meeting was closed with the usual Good Templar ceremonies. Sister Levien aote4 as organist.

Church Pabade.— On April 23rd the members of the Oddfellows, Forrsters Druidß, and Beohabites met at t^n ' ' lock aOheir various Lodges, and of v - formed in proceßS'on, and headed b i rrison B n i prooeedei to the Presbyterian C u-ch by way of Bridge, Trafalgar, Collirgwooil, and Nile Btreets. The muster wbb good, and the prooesßion attracted much attention. The Rev. J. H. Mackenzie preached an able and ap-

ptopriate ssrmon, taking for his text tbe Bth | verse of the sth chapter of tbe First Epistle of Timothy—" Bat if any provide do*, for his own, and specially for those of his own hnu3e, he hath denied the faitb, and is worse thin an infidel," A collection was made on babalf of the Ne'son Aid Society, which the preacher stated was doing a good work, and which was greatly in need ot money. The members of the Friendly Societies appreciated the kindness of the Garrison Band in rendering gratuitously their services for the procession. Garrison Band. — We understand this Band held its annual meeting on April 21s"t. After conducting the usual routine business they adjourned to the Coach and Horses

Hotel where they sat down to a plentiful spread provided by Mr Digby Andrews. After doing full justice to the good things provided" a very pleasant evening was spent in songs, stump speech, and .step dancing, violin and cornet solos, all being accompanied on the piano by Mr Airey, of whose performance the members of the, Band speak m the highest praise,