OUR LETTER BOX

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 4, 9 October 1880, Page 30

OUR LETTER BOX

(From the Wailcato.) The " At-Home" given by Mr. Wells at Cambridge recently has considerably roused the ire of a - certain aristocratic anak in the same locality. He has not only been heard to say in scorn that the only people who give "at homes" are the English nobility and the tradesmen of Cambridge, but has also intimated his intention of throwing the puny effort of Wells into the shade. At an early date, carriages, coaches, and indeed every available vehicle will be in attendance at Cambridge, to convey the "whole country side" to their hosts magnificent mansion, which it is rumoured, has been refurnished in the antique style at an immense cost. The fete will be on a grand scale, and conclude with a ball to be kept up "till daylight doth appear." A certain bine-blooded Scotchman, a landholder in the "Waikato, has earned a brillant reputation for snubbing people, and the latest exhibition of his peculiar talent is worth recording. A few days ago a worthy tradesmen, a J.P. by the way too, graciously intimated to his lairdship that he was going to drive his good spouse over to see House. Imagine his feelings when the laird calmly observed, " You really need not go to such trouble : I can see Mrs — any time I wish — in the shop." Cricket, and indeed all manly sports,have now an \ipward tendency in the "Waikato. I notice that the Hamilton Club has been greatly strengthened, and means to go in and win. Among the new members are the Messrs. Pearson, who have lately purchased Mr. W, L. Martyn's farm ; they are fine, hearty specimens of the English young gentleman, the "bete noir" of theroughs. Their new farm lies mid-way between Hamilton and Cambridge, and the latter place has made the most extraordinary efforts to keep the new comers to herself. She has, however, failed so far as cricket is concerned. The Cambridge Jockey Club are going to hold one of their jolly little meetings during the cavalry drill in November. This is, I believe, for the purpose of giving the troopers' screws a chance which they would not otherwise obtain. The settlers of Waikato have determined that the present railway time-table does not suit them, and that they will in future draft the tables themselves James Palmer Campbell, Esq.., the chairman of the Cambridge Town Board, is the gentleman selected to act as the people's deputy, and has, I understand, concocted a splendid affair. (From tlw Thames.) Since I last wrote my jottings for your columns, an elopement has taken place between a gay and festive oixanteuse, and a gentleman learnedjin the art of bringing up children in the way they should go. Both the parties concerned have passed through the ordeal of the marriage service before, and their respective mates are at present in another portion of the globe. A well-known representative of the Thames Press was deputed to report the anniversary sermon preached on Sunday last by the Rev. S. J. Neill, in the Presbyterian Church, but, through the mesmerising influence of Morpheus, did not awake until the sermon was finished. . Being, however, anxious to obtain a resume 1 of it, my friend interviewed four godly-looking individuals — elders of the church— on the subject. The first said the text was in Genesis, but didn't remember it. The second said it was something about a temple. The tbSrd said the text was in Revelations, and when my friend, "weary and footsore," spoke to the fourth he obtained the edifying information that it was "somewhere be- . tween the 20th and 24th chapter of Revelations." He returned, but after poring over the chapters referred to, w#s compelled to draw largely on his imagination for the sermon, as the only reference to the temple was that " it was made w th hands."

The annual soiree in connection with the St. "George's Sunday School took place last week. There was a full house, but the concert was a miserable abortion. There has "been a very pretty fight between ■an eccentric medico, well known for his partiality towards v superfluity of wearing apparel, and the venerable Town Clerk, over the question of the state of the Hospital. The language used on both sides was very uncomplimentary, but this can scarcely be wondered at, as ■neither gentlemen possess a highly angelic temper. The other evening an entertainment was given in the Academy of Music in aid of the Tararu school fund. The affair was not a success. A laugh was •caused during the evening by one of the performers asking the other, "if he had heard the latest about Dr. ." " No, has he cured anyone ?" was the reply. The Mayor and Mayoress are about giving a •calico ball. An interesting ceremony eventuated at St. Francis Church on Sunday afternoon last. This was the Tenewal of baptismal vows by the children. A special choir, consisting of the Misses Coney, Douglas, Stephenson, and Mcllhone sang the Benediction music in a manner which should have been heard to be appreciated. The elite of the Thatoes are about forming an " Anti-Muff Club" into the sacred precincts of which no one occupying a position lower than that of a bank clerk or telegraph operator will be allowed to enter. (Prom the South.) Madame Wilmot continues to draw large audiences to her Sunday evening lectures in Dunedin. Her subject the Sunday before last was a singular one for a lady to adopt — the social evil ; but its announcement had the effect of crowding the theatre, and this no doubt furnishes the explanation why it was chosen. The Free-thought Association have, through their president, Mr Stout, denied that they have anything to do with the Wilmot lectures. The denial was called for by a statement made in the " Otago Witness" concerning the lectures. A juror was excused from serving at the District Court, Dunedin, last week on the ground that he was a chemist and had left a boy in charge of his shop, who might poison half-a-dozen people if unassisted. Judge Harvey remarked that the excuse was similar to one in the celebrated trial of "Bardell v. Pickwick," and that in that case it had not been allowed, but Mr. Dermer urged that his case was the stronger one ■because the boy he had left was a Maori. * Talking of the unemployed, says a Christchurch contributor, I see you have some in Auckland. Axe they of the same species as some here, specimens Of which were alluded to at the recent meeting? You know that our water supply is from artesian wells and almost every house has its well. The other day an " unemployed " applied for work to a gentleman who was sinking a well. The gentleman offered the man work, but when the latter was told that it was well sinking he turned on his heel with the ejaculation, "I don't like well sinking." Another "unemployed" was offered work at a shilling an hour. Without even asking what the job was, he declined the wages. Desirable colonists these !