THE RINK.

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 4, 9 October 1880, Page 28

THE RINK.

INKING has become a popular and even fashionable amusement with the young ladies and accomplished dandies of our favoured city, and the boards of the Choral Hall act as unglassy substitutes for ice, where accidental spills are less dangerous than on the Serpentine. Nature in conscious consideration for effeminate constitutions and finely strung nerves, has not subjected her delicate children of this island to the wintry severities of frost and snow. Still, what nature has denied in these and other respects, human ingenuity, ever busy, has supplied. With an idea, fixed and unshaken, that the rinking at the Choral Hall was a scene worthy of an Observer, and, _ that the beauties of Auckland — the prettiest girls— formed the majority linder the gaslight in that temple of music and gaiety, I laid aside my

meerschaum, cast off my carpet slippers — a present from a lady of title — and ventured to the Choral Hall, but not without some misgivings as to the kind of reception I should meet "at the outer clonr. I had previously been informed that I might be questioned on particular poiuts, and perhaps peremptorily ordered to retire. The moon was shining above masses of cloud, something like a modest maiden, wondering if it was time to rise with the curtains of night partly obscuring her fair form, casting now and then v silver glance at mundane things. The path was damp and sloppy, but promises glinted through the overspreading trees of Government House, and gleamed across Symond-street, namely the lights of the hall. On approaching nearer the not altogether pleasant whirr of the skaters struck my ears, and awakened my senses to the fact that the rinking was in full operation. I looked in cautiously with the feelings of an intruder, and when inside the hall a hundred eyes were upon me. I was struck with admiration at the galaxy of symmetrical forms aud angel-like, physical action which I silently beheld. More than a hundred ladies and gentlemen were whirling round and round smartly equipped for the splendid occasion, while the sounds of music by the band of musicians in the gallery overhead gave, an additional charm to the whole, and by its inspiring influence, aided the circling motion of the skaters. At the entrance to the hall I noticed the stalwart forms of jolly Jim Coates and Robert Browning (a remote relative of the poet) fixing on their skates and preparing for the lively fray. I had not stood long before I was saluted by a lady who takes a special matronly kind of interest in preserving the character of the rink from the feet and presence of persons who may not, in this lady's unquestioned estimation be quite respectable, and perhaps Mrs I is pei-fectly right. Women have keener optics and perceptions than men, at least ?o say the great writers on human nature, Judge Halliburton, Sydney Smith and others. This lady, true to her womanly instincts, seeing that I had taken a seat and was appai - ent!y about to make myself at home, ventured to speak to me — very properly, no doubt — as to whether or not I was a member of the club in which there were so many beautiful yoxing ladies. I excused my presence by telling her that I was an honourable member of the Press, one of those chiels who tak' notes; who are never refused admittance into the circles of fashion and polite society. But who are you really ? enquired the lady. You know the Observer, I replied, "Oh, the new

illustrated paper ; oh, yes ! oh, yes !" and her features immediately relaxed into a smile as she courteously pointed to a seat. I watched the skaters with quiet delight, and with observing eyes, how they went round and round, some alone, others with fond companions. It was easy to see, by tender glances, that many couples were lovers, as in the special case of Mr. M and Miss C , who, I understood, were engaged. This gentleman was an adept in the art evidently, and his car-? of Miss C the one object of his eyes and

heart, as though the lady -was the only person in that spacious hall, convinced me at least, in spite of my neighbours information that the tender passion ruled preeminently above the rink. "See that young lady," said one, "lioav beautifully she skates." Her figure will be recognised in our illustration, that of Miss G . She seemed a fairy in that moving, glittering phalanx of youth and comeliness. I could not help observing the little fairy as she glided past me in modest guise, like a flash of light. I observed her, but she did not obseive the Observer. I learnt that she had come from Ponsonby, but was to be escorted home by a smart young fellow, which afforded me a feeling of satisfaction. My attention was called to a sedate, pious looking man, whom I took for a parson, but then I thought, parsons don't rink ; they are engaged in far more serious business. Oh, said my unknown friend, you are not far astray; he is a "cure" and a Christian, and may be seen at the bank any day excepting Sunday. It was a singular but unmistakable hit. He was, in fact, a Christian by name. Whisked by me came the gallant P , muscular and resolute, accompanied by Miss W •— , and bye and bye they were in whispering communion in a select corner. I did not wonder about the subject of their conversation ; the conclusion seems to come naturally to an experienced mind. The pretty sisters L were evidently happy on the skates, and in graceful motion. The Misses W were clearly visible but detached, giving pleasure to their satisfied "dad," as he lounged, with his white hat, on a hard seat admiring the circling skaters, and possibly recalling memories of the long ago, when his age-stiffened limbs permitted a dance, but that was long, long before the age of the rink and colonial politics. Miss T linked well, and with general approval, especially with the approval of a legal gentleman, who appeared to be resting his weary legs, and taking the world easy, as our artist has cleverly shown in his illustration. This gentleman invariably takes a fatherly interest in the welfare of young ladies, and for his advice foregoes the usual fee. There are no costs in such cases. Two tall young men were conspicuous on the skates, which elevated them a Jittle aboA r e their ordinary footing in society. The first was -Mr. V , undoiibtedly a gentleman of truth, as his name implies. On enquiring the name of the latter, who skated with his hands in his pockets, apparently a master of the situation, I was told that "by referring to scripture I should find his name in the book of Genesis, in the person who was restored to lib<-rty by the Egyptian king. "All ! ah !" I said, "that was the 'butler,' as smart a fellow as ever drew a cork, and fortunate in escaping the fate of Pharoah's baker." The Misses F are pretty and attractive, and have many friends ; but I hope they are not given to flirtation, like some of the rinking ladies who seemed to evince a friendliness towards all the young men. Miss F is a pretty, bright-eyed brunette, who skates with confidence and unique cleverness. Miss JJ was graceful in execution, and sped gaily under the care of

Mr. S , with an \mwavering faith in the confidence of his manly arm, which supported the pretty belle. Mr. J. M. C spoke a few words just before the close, and, being interested in the progress of drapery and millinery, expressed himself in favour of a fancy dress ball, which will probably take place next month.

[My contritmtor, J. 8., who is a poet, and therefore not altogether accountable for the tricks which his muse may play him, appears to have " piled up " the agony pretty high in the above effusion. I only hope his too pronounced compliments may not give offence. Some Wednesday I shall get a ticket for the rink, and verify all this blarney myself. — Ed. Observer.']