BRIEF MENTION

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 9, 13 November 1880, Page 69

BRIEF MENTION

— Herring used to be the great animal painter, but now I see Hurst is going in for that art. — His Excellency's butler, a very regal-look-ing personage has arrived.

— Garravd says that in all his "nateral history " (sic) he's never known times like these.

— The German man-o'-war Hyaene possesses an excellent brass band.

— George Linnel, who looks imcommonly well and prosperous, is in town for a fow days.

— Captain Rye, of Te Tim, Otamatea, arrived in town on Wednesday evening.

—J. C. Williams did the journey between Tauranga and the Thames in the quickest time on record hist Thursday.

— The Town Board of Cambridge is managed by We, Us, and Co. We is the chairman, Us is the surveyor, and young Us is ranger.

— The construction of a new church fur St Sepulchre's district has been commenced by Mr James in Kyber Pass Road.

— Andy Buchanan, son of Johnnie Buchanan, the big merchant of " Custom-house-street, was married on Thursday week to Miss Hart. Clearly an affair of heart.

— Thomas has been too much for his Cambridge contemporaries. He raised his banner near the public hall, ana defied the best of them to touch it.

—Mr J. W. Pooley, M.C. of the Eden Dancing Class, was the recipient of a handsome and valuable gold pencil-case at a social gathering lost week.

— Several gay young sparks went off to welcome the immigrant girls on their arrival by the Wanganui last Sunday.

— The North Shore Ferry Company intend to have a new steamer on the ferry service before the holidays.

— The marriage between the noble baritone and the sweet contralto of Pitt-street choir is now definitely fixed to take place in May next.

— Mr. Archibald Clark, of the firm of A. Clark & Sons, returned from a Fiji by the " Southern Cross" last Saturday evening.

— A feature of the MeArthur banquet was the amount of slobbering done by the parsons over the Alderman's " Christian character."

— Next week's issue of the Observer will contain life-like portraits drawn in England of Hanlan and Trickett.

— The wines used at the McArthur banquet last Tuesday night were the subject of most enthusiastic econiiuns amongst those privileged to partake of them.

— Major Withers is certainly to be complimented on his manner of giving the word-of-coinmaud. On Tuesday his voice was heard distinctly all over the ground.

— Bertie Saverna says the next time he anoints his animals he will use Brunswick black. It gives a deep glossy colour, dries quickly, and will not betray the user of it by coming off in the hand, — The " School Chronicle" appears in an enlarged and much improved form tlm month, and contains a number of really entertaining pars. The editors seem likely to blossom into smart journalists by-and-bye.

— I find that the verses about the winsome widow in No 7, were not original. Next time anyone humbugs me in this way I shall publish his name.

— Mr. Nelson says that "he thinks his salary should not be considered the same as those of the officers of the church." He would like to have a distinction where there can be no difference.

— " Methinks there are seven Kichmonds in the field." That is what Buggins said after ho had had a skinful of bad whiskey and came into the Nevada Hotel to get put straight. — [AdvtJ

— A large party of ladies and gentlemen intend to make a three-weeks' visit to Norfolk Island in the mission schooner Southern Cross. They leave Auckland about the 20th.

— Not having any wish to plunder without acknowledgement, I beg to state that the word " World" should have been appended to an article entitled, " The Maiden's Progress" in last issue.

— The Board of Education has-decided that the standard size of the waists for tho " noble ,arniy of Martyrs," viz., the lady teachers, shall not be less, on pain of dismissal, than 28 inches.

— The friends of Mr Ernest Bailey may be interested to hear that that erratic young man has drifted from Wellington to Melbourne. What ho is doing there seems to be a mystery.

— The .a.SP. Society lias broken up. The JE2O invested in the sweep on the Melbourne Cup didn't yield a penny, and " goody goody" people are chuckling over the discomfiture of the wicked.

— A good many Tauranga and Katikati folks are in town for the show week. Amongst others may be mentioned Major and Mrs. Swindley, Mr. Hulme, Mr. Sam Clarke's sons, and the Hon. Randolph Rowley.

— William Frank Buckland was in ecstasies of bliss on Monday. He had carried off no less than ten prizes at the Horticultural Show, and every acquaintance heard the news in a marvellously short apace of time. Frank travelled round with amazing rapidity.

— What has brought Mr. Coster up North again so soon ? Is there some tremendous coup on the cards, or is he merely staying away in order to allow " the Colorado Beetle" to put the screw on some of the Banks recalcitrant customers.

— Mr. Larkins made an awful slip in proposing the toast of the clergy. He said " I feel that the Lord Mayor of London esteems the things of the next world as important as making a fortune in this." The italics are mine.

— Alf Isaacs was in great form at the Show on Monday. He took prizes for half-a-dozen things, but the animal of which he seemed proudest was a fine pig, second only in merit to Mr. Hurst's renowned •' Bertie Saverna."

A sale of fancy work and entertainment of a special kind will take place in the Parnell Hall on the 17th inst., for the purpose of raising funds for the Ladies Aid Society. Full particulars will be found in the advertising columns.

I am afraid, Wickham, you judge my standard of morality by your own. I don't know Polly, and I never heard of Lena, but I should like to know who the fascinating damsel was you were talking to outside the Thistle Hotel on the evening of Thursday last,

— The men in charge of the horses at the Agricultural Show were growling because no shelter had been provided for them. They considered that horses were quite as delicate as pigs, and that equal regard should be paid to their comfort.

— A ravenous lantern- jawed individual " tasted " the preserved meat at the Show on Tuesday, and was obliged to demolish almost a tinful before he felt competent to express an opinion as to its merits. He now boasts that he obtained a dinner on the cheap.

— When Davidson, of the " Star," was asked to join in the conspiracy against Abbot and Gallagher he refused point blank. " No," he said, "if they can get up sweeps successfully it's more than I ever could. I wish them success." A manly reply that.

— The new Lord Mayor of London is a pious Christian, who cares at least as much for the next world as for this, and always wears boots made by Garret Bros. This beautiful trait in hia character can not be too highly commended, and should be widely imitated.— [Adtt.]

— Mr. Benner worked the battery very well at the Cambridge Bazaar. He lifted some Christians several inches nearer Heaven by the force of the shock, whilst others went the downward road, and touched the dust. Verily Benner thou art a terror !

| — That ten-per-cent reduction must be made up somehow 1 The Customs' launch now takes passengers to and from the immigrant shipa on their arrival from. London. The waterman have no chance for a shilling.

— School papers appear to be all the rage just now. The latest is the "Boys' Journal" published by some lads belonging to City East School. If the " bits of fun" are original the authors deserve credit, but they don't read like the emanations of boys' brains usually do.

— The announcement in the Cambridge " Mail" to the effect that G. M. Reed is- going to start an evening paper in Auckland is quite incorrect. Unless I am much mistaken, Seed's contract not to oppose Brett doesn't expire till next March or April.

— Mr. Robert Browning, solicitor, has been suffering from a severe cold, caught through playing cricket in the rain last Saturday week. He went to Tauranga last Monday, and it is to be hoped that the change of air will completely restore him to health.

— Rcwi's new mansion is finished, but they can't get the old chap in. Several sorties have been made to drive him to the place, but he has never been got nearer than thirty miles. The Native Minister is going to ask Johnny Sheehan to lend him a new (political) stock whip.

— A.M.C. wi--hes to point out that the spire of the handsome new church of St. Sepulchre is, in his opinion, out of proportion. This is a very common fault with colonial churches and frequently spoils the effect of an otherwise imposing building. St. James's i 3 an instance.

— "Nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit. Can't he though, omnibus or no omnibus. Take a cab and buy all you require in tho clothing line from T. McMnsters' establishment 242, Queen-street, where all goods being imported direct, are offered at reasonable prices to the public. — [Advt.]

— It was currently reported in town that Mr. Adam Brock, soliciter, had had a considerable legacy left to him by his friend the late Mr. A. Wright. It transpires, however, that the legacy consisted only of some old furniture, among which was a " Grandfatiier's Clock."

— Mr. John Leek hasn't come into a nice little legacy, and thinks the Observer might have taken the trouble to ascertain the truth of the rumour before giving it currency. I sympathise cordially with Mr. L. Nothing is more aggravating than to be wrongly credited with a piece of good fortune.

— The Evening "Luminary" scintillated a naughty little story the other night, and by way of making it acceptable, noted it as a " Queensland fact." No doubt history repeats itself, but the same story slightly enlarged and illustrated will be found in an old. work entitled " Asmodeus, or the Devil on two sticks."

— Charlie McMurdo has pnsentcd the officers of the German man-o'-war with a framed portrait of himself costumed in the uniform of the Queen's Own Slashers (or some such regiment). It will hang in good company, as the only other pictures the officers possess are those of Kaiser William and the Prince Imperial of Germany.

— The big Thames dram major was the theme of general admiration amongst the ladies at Ellorslie. One of them remarked to her beau, " What splendid calves !" Her young man was looking at some youthful cattle at the time and he innocently said, " Yes, but what strange ears they have !"

— Kyeryb'.dy is talking about Gus Coates's extraordinary luck in winning the £2000 prize in Mr McGuiness's sweep on the C. J.C. Handicap. I hear he intends spending a portion of his winnings on a spread which will throw the McArthur feed hopelessly into the shade.

— Owen McGee was disgusted because Sir Julius Yogel did not secure a first prize. During Tuesday morning he delivered a lecture to an admiring and and appreciative audience on tlie beauties of his horse and the blindness of the judges, demonstrating both points to hia own entire satisfaction.

— In the Regulars no man is allowed off duty with side arms. On Tuesday, at the Show, one of the •' brave army " not only had his side arms outside his body, but a sufficient quantity of " Oh, let us be joyful " inside to be quarrelsome. Had anyone irritated him a catastrophe must inevitably have occured.

— The scarlet-coated defender of our rights whe made himself so conspicuous on Tuesday afternoon by his uncouth grumbling at the usurpation of the railway carriages, wore on his warlike breast a medal for " efficiency." Well, he may be " efficient " but he is certainly not nicely mannered.

— Stalf officers when mounted as a rule wear "box hoel Spurs." A certain staff officer at the review on Tuesday presented the " tout ensemble" of a smart officer" to within about twelve inches of his feet, which, being armed with hunting spurs, gave the idea of one half stall officer, and the remainder Australian stock rider.

— The failure of the proprietor of the " Morning Post," Sir Algernon Borfchwick, will create no small stir in the fashionable world of London. Sir Algernon, it may be remembered, was knighted by Lord Beaconsfield a few months ago, and is the first journalist on whom such an honour has been conferred. Odd that he should be ruined afterwards, isn't it ?

- — Mr. W. D. Marks is a highly conscientious gentleman, and when the ctewards of the Agricultural Show fixed upon him to act as judge of the various beers entered for competition, he threw his whole soul into the work. To see him holding up a glass of Ehrenfreid's "particular" to tho light and gazing at it with a sad sweet smile, was a sight for the gods.

— Professor Swallow's concert this (Friday) evening is the event of the musical season. All the cognoscenti will be there, and I have therefore arranged with one of the best musicians in the colony to write an exhaustive review for next issue. Nearly all the tickets are sold, so that those who wish to be present should be at the Theatre early.

— On coming out of St. Matthews church a Sunday or two ago, after a moving sermon by Mr. Tebb3, a gentleman inpt at the door an enemy of some years' standing. Going up to Mm lie held out his hand and said, " Now, old fellow, give us your hand. I've heard that 'ere sermon, and I feel that mean that I could shake hands with a dog."

— Insurance agent Jones will, if all I hear be true, have enough of law before he's done with Mr. C. A. Harris. That gentleman meditates an action for the aspersions cast on his character by Mr. Jones when giving evidence in the last case. The only doubt is whether statements made in the witness box are not privileged"

— Attention is specially directed to the announcements of the Messrs. E. and A. Isaacs sale 3of furniture, paintings, and American organs, which will be found in another column of the present issue. I understand the oil paintings and oleographs are something unusually good. Those who want to see them can do so by calling at the warehouse.

— Mr. Walter J. Hunt arrived from Samoa, via Fiji, per s.s. " Southern Cross" last Saturday, for the purpose of bringing an action ip. the Supreme Court against Sir Arthur Gordon, for issuing an order of prohibition, expelling him from Samoa. Don't, "Walter. When a poor man brings an action against a rich one, it is generally a losing game, even if he obtains a verdict.

— The Girls' High School has been rather unfortunate in some of its pupils. Not long ago one of them was expelled for lying, and more recently, another was similarly punished because she seemed unable to distinguish the difference between meum and tuum. It is very sad that such extreme measures should be necessary in one of our principal educational establishments.

— Major T — has a number of pretty daughters. They were calling on a friend the other day and began talking about the Observer. " Oh," said one, " Papa won't let us buy that paper," it isn't the threepence, but he says its wrong to give encouragement to such a scurrilous print." '• Ah but" put in the youngest and prettiest girl, "he always borrows the Observer from Mrs. W. and is very vexed if he doesn't get it."

— The friends of pretty Mrs. S. who disappeared not long ago, may be interested to hear that she is still in the land of the living. A friend of mine, now in Sydney, tells me that he met her over there, and that she is as chic and charming as ever.

— Those who require new cricket bats, gloves ana leg-guards should pay a visit to the emporium ot .Patridge and Woolams without delay, as later on in the season these things will probably be dearer. Don't stand upon the order of your going, but go at once LAdvt.j

— A correspondent writes, " when reading the excellent pen and ink sketch of Mr. "W. Swanson M H E, which appeared in the Observer of the 30fch ult. I was reminded of his theory of how to bring up a boy which is, like all his remarks, thoroughly practical. It was, Give him a good education, teach'- him a trade, give him a five pound note, and turn him adrift to make his own way."

— Dan Cupid has been buy amongst the youths and maidens of St. James's Presbyterian Church. Seven or eight marriages are on the tapis, and as Christmas appears to be the favourite paring-time for the youthful disciples of Knox and Calvin, the minister stands a good chance of losing his holiday unless he consents to work overtime.

— Garrard lias drawn up a statement containing a full account (from his point of view) of the misery prevailing in the colony. This document he is getting signed by the "unemployed," and purposes sending it home to a friend of his in the House of Lords. W hen I asked the name of the nobleman in question, Mr G. said he thought it was "Admiral Fitzgerald," anyhow Commodore Wilson knew and would forward it for him.

- At a email fancy-dress dance (nota hundred mile 3 from Auckland) a lady appeared in a handsome white dress, across the front of which wag a large sash npon which was written in large letters of gold " Forlorn Hope." Various were the surmises of the guests -as to what character the lady intended to represent, but every one agreed that it was singularly daring and original in its conception.

— When smiling Bubble-you-Burat, Esq., consented to extend his patronage to Mr O'Brien he hardly anticipated that there was such an exclamation in the dialogue as "I'm not the first man who has turned his coat to get into oflice." The lights were turned low at the time, but still hurdly low ensugh to conceal Bubble-you's vivid blushes or obscure the penetrating gaze which Councillor Thompson maliciously directed npon his recreant representative.

— That enterprising young bookseller, Mr. Menres, has kindly sent me a copy of the Exhibition Album (published by Messrs. Glenn, of Melbourne), a well got volume of music, containing a variety of songs, dances, and pianoforte solo». One of the former I observe is by Luscombo Searell, of immortal memory, whilst our old friend liarcourfc Lee, has also contributed a morceau. " The Exhibition Album" is a first-rate halfcrown's worth.

— Mr Davids n, of the Star Hotel, has taken upon himself the management of the "Albert." As he is one of the few men in New Zealand who know how to superintend a flr3t-closs house I have little doubt but that the experiment will prove a success, and the "Albert", regain its pristino popularity. On the very first day of the new rejime thirty boarders Bat down to dinner. This looks hopeful.

— The r lative of the Royal Family has been unwell. Ho thought he was dying and sent for the doctor in a hurry, but that hard hcarte-l medico wouldn't come. "Oh," ho said, "'there's nothing the matter with him. Give him a. bottli of ' Roedorer ' and put him to bed." Which they did. Thanks to Providence, he had recovered sufficiently on Tuesday to drop a couple of ponies over the Canterbury races.

— The unemployed have requested me to explain the meaning of the word ," wharf -loafer," and I have much pleasure in doing so. A wharf-loafer is an idle man who, under the exense of waiting for work, fuddles his time away either at the Thames Hotel corner or on the wharf itself. Those who work on the wharf are not loafers. They an contraire are wharf-workers, which is a distinctly complimentary term, for, as most of us know, it is not every man who can help to unload a ship or steamer.

— A course of instruction in physical and political geography is much needed at the Harbour Board. During a recent debate one member wnxed eloquent upon the desirability of securing the trade of the vessels which come across the Isthmus of Panama, while another, in advocating the construction of a large dock in this port, dilated at some length upon the fact (?) that Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington were provined with such maritime conveniences. If this is true the Lyttelton and Port Chalmers docks must have been lately transported overland — on a bullock dray.

— The attendance at the Show on the second day was very good, but the railway authorities cannot be complimented on their arrangements for the comfort or convenience of the public. About the time for returning a line of carriages, set apart it appeared for the volunteers, were rushed by the public : and afterwards the volunteers (many of whom grumbled at the carriages being taken possession of by. the "civilians") were crowded in. One scarlet-coated warrior was very loud in his indignation, and, having ordered three young men to vacate their seats, he and two other ferocious men of war took possession of them. In future, would it not be as well for the authorities to place a notice m some prominent position to the effect that certain carriages are for volunteers only ?