THAMES JOTTINGS.

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 1, 18 September 1880, Page 6

THAMES JOTTINGS.

On Tuesday week a ball was given to the Mayor and Mayoress by those gentleman who have been recipients of their hospitality. The publicans took an. erroneous view of .the matter, and wrongfully considered, the ball as being given by the citizens of the borough. They were consequently greatly enraged, and felt themselves slighted. So much for a misunderstanding. On the same evening a complimentary soiree was given to Mr. W. Speight, M.H.Ji., by the Templar brethren in recognition ot hi 3 services with regard to the Thames and Waikato line. Like the renowned teadrinkers chronicled in Pickwick, the company indulged, in potations of an innocent nature until they "swelled " visibly afore your very eyes. Mr. Speight's.spgech was conciliatory. It was evident that ilia tactics were to please everyone. The ladies and gentlemen who constitute the Pinafore Troupe are now preparing a performance of the " Sorcerer." The caste is not yet settled, but as far as I can understand, Mr. G. P. Hilton will sustain tho part of Sir Moririaduko, Mr. McGregor thai* of Dr. Daley, Mr. W. C. Steward that of John Wellington Wells, Mr. Adrey that of Alexis, and Mr. C. Brown, the Notary. Alice will find an able representative in Mrs. Kilgour, while Constance will be impersonated by Miss Covey. Dr. Skae has been holding an investigation at the Thames Goldnelds Hospital into the management of that institution. The evidence is of a most contradictory nature, and there are evidently some great liars about somewhere. If Mrs. Power's statements are correct, the hospital has been shamefully mismanaged. It was stated as a fact that the wards were swarming with vermin, but this was denied. A young lady bought a most gorgeous dress especially to appear at the ball given by the Mayor. What must have been her chagrin when the committee would not sell her a ticket ? It is amusing to watch some people in church when the plate comes rouad. For several Sundays past a lady holding a high position in society, has been noticed to be deeply engaged in pious devotions until the plate has passed her j when she rises her head, and, has such a smile on her face as could only be obtained through an inner consciousness of Christ like piety. She evidently does not believe that " charity covers a multitude of sins." At the ball to the Mayor a gentleman holding high judicial nonours rendered himself conspicuous by his Terpischorean eccentricities. He went waltaing with a lady, and every few turns would leave her to her own devices andhidulgeinaperipateticsoloof the most extraordinary character. He would then return to his partner, and after a few turns, again pursue the same erratic course. I hope they both enjoyed the dance. A large whale, upwards ol 80 feet in length, was announced as being stranded at the Miranda. Mr. E. E. McGregor chartered the s.s. Vivid to tow the monster to Grahamstown. On Tuesday everything was ready, and the whale was made fast. When in mid. stream his whaleship showed signs of life, and showed a greater motive power than the s.s. Vivid. After a short time, however, he remained passive and permitted his captors to escort him to Tararu, where he now lies. I understand it is Mr. McGregor's intention to exhibit it in Auckland. The rink was very hadly attended on Tuesday night. The weather is" too hot for the pastime. Cricket is now being looked forward to with eager anticipations by the rinking fraternity.