WAIKATO WHISPERINGS

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 20, 29 January 1881, Page 195

WAIKATO WHISPERINGS

—Dear Mr. Editor, — It was a pity that neither you nor "Eva" were present at Cam* bridge at the laying of the foundation stone, she would have described the ladies' dresses so beautifully, but I much fear dear Mr. Editor that y o\ir clever pen could not have done justice to the appearance of the Clergy. The Revd. Incumbent wore a surplice and black hat ! it brought Darwin to everyone's mind, so grotesque was his appearance, the other Clergymen also wore surplices but without hats, they were not however allowed to take any part in the service, which I hear they thouglit hard as they had travelled far to do so. In your next issue kindly tell me if this is the right style of dress for the ceremony. I am, ignorant, altho' your Constant Header. . — The Governor has come and gone and every* body is in mourning. The people of Waikato, so they say themselves in their addresses, are very loyal, but I have a suspicion that on this occasion they simulated patriotism rather than felt it. — In Hamilton the reception at the Railway Statiou was more of the nature of a funeral than anything else. — Of course nothing could well have been finer in its way than the triumphal arch in Victoria Street, and the vociferous cheering which the small crowd, principally children, sent forth must have brought tears of joy to the ViceRegal eye. — The reception at Cambridge made some amends. It was really a very great success. The Govenor -although he did prose a little at the Stone, spoke on the whole a considerable deal of sense, which it must be said took some people by surprise. — The decorations at Cambridge were not so grand as those at Hamilton, but nothing could be prettier than the manner in which Host Raynes adorned the National. The balcony and verandah were prof usely hung with evergreens, and over the door was the motto "Welcome," several banners waved from the roof and flagstaff outside, and when evening drew on an infinity of Chinese lanterns made the scene appear like fairyland. Rockets were sent up and red and blue lights were burned long into the night. — On the following morning (Saturday) the Governor held a sort of levee upstairs, and the upper crust portion of the community availed themselves of the opportunity of conversing with the son of a real lord. — Soon afterwards the Governor's party made a move in the direction of the Lake country, the principal personages being driven in a four-in-hand of Carter's which .would take them as far as the Waotu. The boys rode, and very well they looked in their bell-toppers and black frock coats mounted on some of Bob's grass-fed ponies. —Paddy, the Tipperary boy of Whatawhata swears vengeance against "the sitting member." — There is a row in a certain house in Te Awamutu, the cause being as usual wine and women. — Mr. Richard Gwynne has lived in a state of extreme felicity since His Excellency partook of refreshments under his hospitable roof. — Wanted. — A steam apparatus of great power for further increasing the present rate of speed in the service of certain of our Church of England Churches in the Waikato. — Messrs. Goddell Brothers are about to leave that nursery for cadets, Gorton. They will be much missed in Waikato society, where their popularity is immense. — A lawn tennis club was organised at Alexandra last week by our local secretary, who intends to be in a position to challenge the Hamilton Club ere the yearis out. — It is said that Messrs. Pearson Brothers intend to realise on the Pencarrow estate in three years time. Meanwhile all the manoeuvring mammas in the district are ambitious to become related to these gentlemen. — At the R. C. Concert held here the other evening the village banker was in grand form and voice. More than one lady was heard to remark, "Would not his beard make a nice pillow." —The Aubins gave a delightful party at Alexandra last Friday to a few friends. The first part of the evening was devoted to a children's play, which proved a great success as the parts had heen carefully studied. — With reference to the name of the new church, it is thought "St. Thomas" will be most appropriate, m honour of one of the "Twins" who hopes ere long to be dubbed Knight, and eventually raised to the Earldom of Cambridge — when there is one ! ! — Lawn tennis and croquet are in the ascendant at Hamilton. Handsome bankers and lawyers have adopted the game as a profession. A new lawn tennis ground has just been opened, which will distinguish for all time the mayoralty of John Knox. —The Governor made an admirable speech at the imposing ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Anglican Church, but his Excellency began most painfully to flounder when he, without any premonitory indications (suddenly) entered upon the domain of the' Bishop, and became hypertolically theological. His Excellency afterwards apologised to His Lordship for intruding upon his (the Bishop's) province, — The trowel presented to His Excellency on the occasion was of most artistic design and workmanship, and was the gift of Mr. Thomas Connolly, one of the most successful contractors i and master builders of the day.