BRIEF MENTION

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 22, 12 February 1881, Page 219

BRIEF MENTION

— Now Monty has taken up the Waikato Hail it is better worth reading. —More scandal— this time in the neighbourhood of Parnell. — A police case of a particularly interesting character was burked in the bud the other clay. — George Moroon has produced a very sweet thing in valentines. Ask him to let you see it. - The N.Z.S. Coy's "Avona," was to sail from London for Auckland about January 20th. — My London monthly letter of ladies' fashions with several patterns, will appear in next issue. — Captain Standish has declined the position of private secretary to Sir Hercules Eobinson at the Cape. — Captain Standish receives from the Victorian Government a pension of J2600. — Jack's enemies say he has had to order a patent spring chair for use in the bank since he started training for the Junior Amateur Race. —Rumour declareth that Mr. Jervis (or rather Mrs. J.) will completely annihilate the P.O" with the £200 Natator brought them. — The s.s. " Norfolk " had not booked many passengers for N.Z. up to Dec. 30th. My correspondent says " Very few single men offering." — There Vere some very touching sights on board the " Lily " on her return trip from Motu Hihi oti Saturday last. — Mr. R. C. Barstow is adding six rooms'to his house at Epsom. This will considerably increase the accommodation. — The Mayoress has issued cards of invitation to a garden party to be held at the Tower, Remuera, on Wednesday next, the 16th inst. —Messrs. Seed and Batkin are in town enquiring into tbe efficiency of the Civil Service with a view (horror-of -horrors) to making further reductions. — Ladies who bathe in Judges' Bay should take care there are not a lot of boys tittering behind the rocks. — Mr. John Gilmour, of Ngaruawalria, was married at Ouchunga last week, to Bliss Hills, not Mills as was stated in last issue. — The latest fashion in ladies' neck year is a stand up collar with the wearer's monogram worked in each corner, in colors to match the costume. — "The Story of an Honest Man" is the title of Edmunds About's latest work. Is it necessary to add that it is a work of fiction ? " Shall I hereafter darn your stocking* ?" is said to be fashionable language for a young lady" to use when making a leap year proposal. — Unless rumour lietli some of the ladies who devote so much time to the Industrial Home would do well to think a little more about their own homes. — A gentleman in the neighbourhood of Karangahape-road is meditating a bolt to " fresh fields and pastures new." He is at present engaged in getting what money he can together. Creditors beware ! — In the County Fermanagh, Ireland, a tenant was evicted for non-payment of rent. The property was put up for auction, and was purchased by the evicted tenant for a sum between £2,000 and £'3,000. — The Dunn fever, which was recently confined to St. David's, has been gradually spreading and broke out on Saturday last in a most virulent form at the North Shore. — The good people of Tauranga have been banqueting Vesey Stewart. He well deserves tbe compliment. No one else has done half so much for the place. — Mr. David Hean was one of the guests at the Vesey Stewart banquet at Tauranga and proposed the health of the vice-cbairman (Mr. Brabant) in a neat speech. He always does do these sort of things well" — The "Waikato Time's is coming out daily. The proprietors did not mind Mr. Ivess (who was dreadfully unpopular) much, but they don't mean to let Monty have it all his own way without a struggle. — Who was the discourteous individual who so resolutely refused to sing, "The Merchant Shipping Act," on board the "Lily," on Saturday week, when returning from the picnic at Motuhilii. Naughty, naughty, George. — My London correspondent says "Shaw, Saville and Co., talk about putting the "Merope" on for Auckland, about the end of February, with Fitzgibbon Louch's special party. — Ten bi<4 guns from the Thames Scottish went to the^Wairoa on Thursday to show the local warriors how to shoot. They enjoyed a " big feed" and a ball afterwards. — It is only about six or seven years since the Argus wrote down Sir Arthur Gordon, in the interest of Joshua Brothers, when he was Governor of Mauritius. "Why this determined change of front? It would be interesting to compare their articles — then and now. — After ICetten had been here a few days, he met the lessee of the Theatre. "Ah," he said, "I wanted to see you, Mr. DeLias. Tell me, am I mad for considering myself a fine pianiste or are the Auckland people mad for not coming to hear me ?" — Why is it that several Ponsonby young ladies have to be brought home by their fathers from church on Sunday evenings ? Surely it would be better and attract less attention if the fathers went to church with the daughters ? — Now that the heterodox young lion, in the shape of Mr. G. A. Brown, has taken to lying down with the orthodox lamb {the Eev. A. W. Webb) on the subject of the inillenium, it really does look as if somethingawful was going to occur. — Lost, stolen, or strayed from the screw steamer " Lily "on Saturday last — A box of peaches, a packet of sandwiches, a fiddler, four spoons, a heart, and a large parcel of good temper. Information thankfully received at the private enquiry office, 13, Dark-street. — J. C. Williamson paid Gilbert and Sullivan £300 for the right to iperform "Pinafore" through tho colonies. The speculation was not a bad one, for he has received £500 from Kelly and Leon, and £250 from Lingard, besides making at least £5000 by playing it himself. — A correspondent informs me of a legstretcher which quite throws into the shade the pilgrimage of Messrs. Eattray and Gillies. The Sunday before last three, schoolboys from Paanell walked foni Mercer to Auckland, a distance of 43 miles. They started at 6 a.m. and arrived at Parnell shortly after 9 p.m. — A young man, named Gibbs, who a short time ago won a prize of £900 in a sweep, has purchased allotments of land at Ponsonby and erected two comfortable houses thereon. Sweeps are evidently not an unmixed evil, notwithstanding parsonic denunciations tlaem.

— Grattan Riggs, supported by Musgrave, Steele, Marie Wilton and a number of old favourites, opens at the Theatre in the "Irish Detective" on Monday evening. Grattan was a success down South. — 'Amongst the congregation gathered to listen to Elder Bromley, of the Latter Day Saints, last Sunday, was Mr. J. H. Burns, andfroin the affectionate way in which he was greeted by the male and female saints it would appear as if another convert had been gained. — Two or three of the principal residents of Tauranga, who wish to have a thoroughly independent paper there, are about to open negociations with Mr. Vesey Stewart for the purchase of the Bay of Plenty Times. Should he refuse to listen to them an attempt will probably be xnude to inaugurate an opposition organ. — Mrs. Wordsworth, who was one of the passengers in the ill-fated " Strathmore," and who wrote a portion of the story of the wreck published in the early numbers of the Observer, returns to tbe colony by the s.s. " Norfolk," which left London on the 22nd ulto. — The little Dr.'s friends, at the North Shore, wish it to be stated that he was not painted green the evening previous to his marriage. He merely underwent the old Scotch custom of having his logs washed with soot and grease, which they say he bore like a martyr. — Mrs. S. has a young and pretty Irish niece, who recently came out from the old country. Aunt and niece got on very well together, till the other day when Mrs. S. caught " tbe bussy " alone with her husband, old S., and overheard the latter say, " Now don't yoii think I'm a very fine looking man, my dear." — The organ at present in use at St. Mark's Church, Remuera, has been sold to St. Sepulchre's Church, for £180, delivery to be given in April, when it is expected that the new organ for the former 'church will arrive from England. The cost of the latter will be about £800. — A Kaipara settler, who thinks he knows what's what, says it's all bosh about Adam Kelly, of Tara being the best, informed man in the North. They (the northerners) claim that right for a certain T. "W. 'Dowson, who is allowed by all hands to be the most " knowledgeable" (that's a good word !) man around. —Mrs. and the Misses Whitaker left Auckland for tbe Waikato on Monday last to attend the Bazaur for the purpose of building a church atKihikihi. They took with them a. goodly array of tasteful and valuable articles for sale there which they have been engaged in collecting and working for some months past. — Miss S. is quite at a loss to understand bow the story about her pnpa's SJnokingin theOnehunga omnibus could have reached the Observer. After dismissal at St. Peter's Church on Sunday, it was the principle topic of conversation amongst the fair lady's friends. — The accounts of a certain friendly society are said to be in a very funny state, so much so, indeed, that it is far from improbable tbe treasurer, or secretary, or what 'ever he is called, may have to interview Mr. Baratow, R.M., on the subject. Detective Jeffrey has already been making enquiries. — The catch phrase, "Put it in the bag," used by Leopold In tbe burlesque of "Eobinson Crusoe," was first coined by Toole in "Aladdin the Second." Other and equally successful catches of the great comedian are: "Still I am not happy," and "Not before the boy." — How many people are there in Auckland I wonder who have read Thomas Carlyle's works. I saw a presumably well educated man looking over tbe ilerald on Tuesday morning. When he came to the cable message announcing Carlyle's death, be said to a friend " Who's Cnrlyle, Jack ?" "Oh ! I don't know" was tbe reply, " some novelist, I a'pose." — Miss Mary Jane Hills (now Mrs. John Gilmoiir) disappointed her relations and friends by being married so quietly. Her sisters were especially chagrined as they had made preparations for officiating as bridesmaids. The happy couple proceeded next day to Waikato, to begin a new life at Ngaruawahia. They wore heartily welcomed by a, large circle of friends, &c. — The absence of Mr. W. BartlectLangbridge, from the " Bureau " and other familiar haunt s^of his in Queen-street, has excited some comment. I greatly regret to hear that the " dear .boy "is snffeirng from an attack of sunstroke, contracted on Regatta Day, and is wholly unable to attend to business. Let \is hope his indisposition may prove of but brief duration. — The rush of candidates for the legal profession just now is remarkable. Tbe ten per cent, reduction in the Civil Service, and the determination of the Government to reduce the number of their servants to the lowest possible limit have practically closed the delectable region, where sinecures and good salaries formerly flourished, to the rising generation of this colony, and the result is an enormous rush to the bar. — One of our architects has a corporation which would do no disgrace to an alderman. The other day two friends were going into his office when they saw a perambulator in a corner, just inside the door. " Hullo," said one, " does our friend bring the baby down to the office with him?" "No," was the reply, "he bas got the gout, so the servant puts him in the perambulator and brings him down town." — The annual meeting of St. James's congregation takes place on Wednesday evening next, and it is said that the members and adherents are dei-termined to make it as lively as usual. It is not unlikely that " the unco' quid " will have their feelings shocked by the atrocious suggestion to set up an organ in the church. Let the saiuts therefore gird on their armour for the fray. The cry will be "To your tents, O Israel ! " — The marriage of Captain Ashby to Mrs. Crombie took place at St. Mark's Church, Regent's Park, London, on February Ist. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. F. C. Lloyd, well known in Auckland, who made two passages with the bridegroom in old times. After the ceremony and wedding breakfast, the happy pair left for Italy, where they propose making an extended tour, which will last till April. — Captain Ashby, of Messrs. W. Ashby and Co., London, who is well known here, writes to me under date December 30th, 1880 : " I am certain you will be pleased to learn that I have had a most prosperous year in business. I am doing a good trade both to the Cape and Australian Colonies, and. I find that I have made shipments in no less than 140 different ships during the year 1880, which is thirfcy-two more than I made during the previous twelvemonth." — The Wellesley-street Baptists and the .Beresford-sfereet congregationalists have both lost the organ for which they were negotiating. They could not make up their minds to close with the offer submitted by the vestry of St. Mark's (Kemuera), and while they were still hesitating in the expectation of reduced terms, two enterprising members of St. Sepulchre's parish stepped in and purchased the instrument. The dissenters were eiichred neatly. —If publicans are sinners, at least they are honester men than a good many saints. The other day, Mr. Fisher of the Occidental picked up an open cheque for £5, payable to number or bearer, signed by a well-known fincn. Mr. Fisher having- ascertained to whom the cheque belonged left word for the owner to call at the Occidental for it. The fellow did so, and after receiving his money ojaculated — "Well, by gob, you're an honest man, what will you take to drink ?" — Mr. Horace Dean, who for many years has been known to tho Auckland public as the "king of , amateur managers" will be the recipient of a com- j plimentary token of regard, in the shape of a concert and . ball on the 10th of March, to take place in the Choral , Hall. There ought to be a big house, as in addition to Mr. Dean's popularity, a strong committee are at work making the necessary preparations to make the concert a substantial success.

— The graceless young scamps of Newton seem to have a great weakness for playing practical jokes upon the Mormon evangelists. Tlie Saints' evening service last Sunday was enlivened at short intervals by the vociferation in childish treble of such scriptural phrases as "Glory Hallelujah," etc., varied now and a f i m * h Z rem 3 a F ks of il tess sacred character, and invariably tallowed by the scurrying away of noisy little feet. J-iie officiating elders did not look very amiable and had the youug gentiles been caught they would, undoubtedly, nave come m for some corporal punishment. — The French masters, many of whom by the way know more of genders, tenses and communist principles than of good breeding and good society— have been enjoying a hearty laugh at my dense ignorance in using the word cuisine (properly, of course, translated kitchen), as if it signified cookery, &c. I may, however, perhaps be permitted to state that it is very frequently (though I don't say correctly) used in this sense nowadays. A chefde cuisine is, as every schoolboy knows, the head of the kitchen ; but it is also usual to translate a chef scumne as a head cook's work. Thus, suppose I wished to praise the cookery at a house where I was dining, it would be quite right for me to say, " My dear Mrs. So-and-so your cuisine is capital." —Such blunders as these are, however, excusable in a, country where people feed, but never dine. Why I verily believe that it would be safe to bet that nine-tenths of nay readers have never heard of a mayonaise de volatile nor a vol-au-vent a la -fnianciere and couldn't tell the difference Cliyiiot or Pommery and Gorton or Chaviherlin. A good story is going the rounds of tlie Waikato. A settler gave anew chum a cheque for £9., which he duly presented at the bank. The courbeous and smiling Mr. T., the teller, marked it N.S.F. " What does this mean 'i " said the new chum. " Not sufficient funds," was the answer. The new chum returned crestfallen to his employer, and showed him the cheque with the ominous N.S.F. marked on it. "Oh ! " says he, this is a beggarly hole ; they never have any money m the bank ; never mind, I will send the cheque to Auckland, they have plenty of money there." Tlie new chum is still awaiting its arrival and is daily seen promenading the street, the limit of his walk being the bank at one end and the employer's house the other. — I see cookery classes have been started in Dunedin. Why don't the ladies of Auckland inaugurate a series of the kind here. A first-class Parisian chef ( not a cordon bleu, but a really good cook) could be got out for perhaps 1:200 a year (with liberty to attend dinners, balls, &c, and make what he could that way) and this would amount to very little amongst say 60 or 70 ladies. Really, the ball suppers and public dinners given here now are a disgrace to a thriving city. There is not an atom of originality in them. The mind of the colonial pastry cook doesn't soar above chicken, tongue, trifle, and similar philistine abominations, and ladies who give parties are quite incapable ef suggesting anything new. — The supper given by Host Gorman, of the Flagstaff Hotel, North Shore, to the rowing club representatives was a great success. About forty guests sat down including Messrs. A. E. Whitaker, Bob Isaacs, Tom Henderson, Mitchclson, Oxley and several others from town. After the viands hud been done a7nple justice to, Mr. Bennet proposed that Mr. Mitch elson should take the chair in his stead,, which having been done and the wine brought in, several toasts were drunk with great enthusiasm. Geo. Reid amused the company with one or two of his comic songs, (Hid Tom Henderson gave the latest edition of the "Charge of the Light Brigade" in his usual style. Patrick deserves great credit for the style in which the spread was laid. — On Wednesday week, Mr. Justice and Mrs. Gillies gave a juvenile party at their residence, Eocklands, Epsom, the occasion being the birthday of the Judge's only daughter, Miss Katie Gillies. A large number of jiiveniles were present, as well as a considerable sprinkling of " children of a larger growth," the "sisters, the cousins, and the aunts" of the juveniles, nnd all seemed to enjoy themselves most heartily. The large house and its spneious garden and grounds are especially well adapted for a juvenile party. The feature of the evening was a display of fireworks, which had been purchased by the Judge during his European tour. They were really magnificent, and afforded unqualified delight to the youngsters. — The Lydia Howarde Company, which appeared at the Theatre on Tuesdny, is a troupe of second niters, relieved by three really capable artistes, namely, Messrs. Leopold and Power and Miss Howarde herself. The opening piece, " Eobiuson Crusoe," was very well put on the stage, a waterfall scene being really excellently managed, but the acting and singing struck me ns in no way remarkable. The best inorceaux were the "Nancy Lee " song and dance, tmd the famous " Bell " chorus, from " Les Cloches de Corneville." On Tuesday, "Ivnnhoe" was produced to a good house; and last night (too late for notice), "Nemesis," which ran so long at the Strand, in London, was played for the first time. Those who care for merry music, and enjoy clever fooling, shovld pay the theatre a visit during this season. — The impudence of some skunks is almost sublime. Listen to this. The other day a man, who failed quite recently in a most disgraceful manner, entered the saleroom of a well-known business firm in Lower Queen-street, and regardless of the fact that he lmd let these very people in to the tune of about J2400 began to talk to one of the partners and offered, with marvellous assurance, to " put him up to a wrinkle or two." Strange to s:iy the good-natured creature's advances were not well received — "llenlly, sir," said the gentleman addressed, " considering that your firm has just collapsed in a very strnnge way and that mine is still solvent, I scarcely think it likely that you could teach me much. Moreover, I must further inform you that there is no room for a man of your talents in my store, and that I shall feel obliged by your betaking yourself, as quickly as possible to the pavement outside." Need I say the hint was taken. — The dissatisfaction which has prevailed over the late Eegatta, seems to have culminated with the publication of the balance-sheet, a work of science and art, reflecting infinite credit on the well— suppose we say — the astuteness of the management. The first entries on the debit side refer to advertising from which I gather that ads. were given to seven papers, namely, the New Zealand Herald, the Lyttelton Times, the Otago Daily Times, the New Zealand Times, the Wanganui Herald, the Auckland Star and the Free Lance. The Observer Mr. Ellis would have nothing to do with, because he happened to have a little spite against Actseon. My manager called on the gentleman in question, and offered to prove a circulation of 4500 odd if he had any doubts on the subject, but no, he shuffled about, said -the Committee hadn't authorised him to advertise in the paper, and after keeping Mr. Pulford waiting a most ungodly time, sent him away empty handed. Fortunately, the Observer is not (vide our columns to-day) very hard up for advertisements, and beyond feeling 1 disgusted at the palpable jobbery of the affair, I didn't give it a thought. It is amusing, however, to see the way in which the ±'39 4s expended on advertising, w«« divided. First of all comes the Herald £10 10s. It seems a good round ■ round sum, and I don't know what Wilsons and Horton have done for the Kegatta that they should get the lion's share of the work, but we'll pass that. The really funny thing is that the Star, the owner of which absolutely gave a Cup last year, and subscribed heavily this, only gets £8 3s worth of -advertising whereas the Free Lance (a weekly remember) receives no less than £8 15s 6d. Now, as Mr, Wiekham is well aware, I don't grudge him this or any other advertising. There seems to be plenty of room for us both, and it won't break amusement committees if they give us each a turn. I do think though it is rather hard that the only paper which publishes a column of out door sports and really goes in for chronicling the doing of aquatic "sports" should have been the one left out in the cold.

— The new sulphur hair restorer manufactured hy Bccles, the chemist, is one of the few good concoctions of the kind. — Pawnbroker's sale. — Mr. Arthur will sell at his Mart on Monday, 14th February, at 11 o'clock, Jewellery and Clothing. James Bae. Pawnbroker. — [Advt.] — In consequence of the unsettled state of the weather during this summer, some of our city drapers have yet on hand large stocks of light clothing. It is said that T. McMaster, Queen-street is offering special bargains to lessen his stock,— '[Advt.]

( '. • ■ ■■ —Ganymede, the son of Tros, was a youth of surpassing beauty, and was appointed cup-bearer to the gods' vice Hebe resigned. Alas ! poor Hebe ! she left m the "Te Anau" for Melbourne, and Harry Hotel - TAdvH a ° tß M Gan y mede » at the Nevada —The Condor ot the Andes is said to kill its prey with its bill. That is what some -jewellers try to do when you purchase Some present for your own or another man's wife. When.you want any, however, trySingleton, in Victoria-street, who has a large and choice assortment of jewellery, at cheap rates, and is well worth inspection. — [Advt.] —Tobacco—" Divine in hookahs, glorious in. a pipe, when tipped with amber, mellow, rich, and ripe ; Yet thy true lovers more admire by far thy naked beau' ties— give me a cigar." So wrote Byron, and so he would write again if he were only able to procure some of the tobacco from Partridge & "Woollom's. Queenstreet.— [Advt.] — Tom Moore, in one of his poems, says — " Alas ! how light a cause may move dissension between hearts that love !" Very true, heavy bread will raise ructions in the best regulated families, but those who use Hudson's far-famed Baking Powder need not fear rows on this score. Try a packet.— [Advt.] — Mr. E. Arthur, auctioneer, has received instructions from Mr. Jnmes Grey to sell the whole of his superior household furniture and effects, piano, harmonium, gcis cookingstove, &c.,&c, at his residence, Waitemata-street, Ponsonby, adjoining Eoman Catholic Orphanage, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday next, Feb. 15th.— [Advt.] — The patent portable self-acting Majolica fountains are now a recognised adjunct to the drawingroom, sitting-room, sincl above all the sick room. The sight alone of the beautiful little fountains playing forming a source of pleasure and delight to the patient. The fountains are procurable at Mr. H. White's, High* street.— [Advt.] — To clean silk it must he thoroughly brushed and wiped with a cloth, then laid on a flat board and well sponged with hot coffee on the outside, allow the silk to become partially dry and iron on the wrong side. The best silk is obtainable at Munro & Milligan's Establishment, Karangnhape-road, and will last a life time, standiugany amount of trimming and cleaning.— [Advt.] — The unemotional manner in which Stanley and Livingstone greeted each other on meeting in the far' away interior of Africa, was due entirely to the native chiefs, but when in private the hearty warm clasp of the hand, the welling tear, spoke volumes — " How are you oft' for boots ?" said the great explorer. "Oh," replied Stanley, "I had a large supply at New York, but I find they are not as good as those you get from Garrett Bros., Wakefield-street."— [Advt.] — For a climate like this, where one is perpetually driven to drink, it is an almost inestimable boon to be able to get first-class terated waters cheap and good. By far the most moderate price list 1 have yet seen is that of Mr. Gledhill, which appears in our advertising columns to-day and well deserves notice Good lemonade or soda water, at a shade over Id. per bottle seems wonderfully cheap.