THAMES TITTLE TATTLE

Observer, Volume 2, Issue 43, 9 July 1881, Page 477

THAMES TITTLE TATTLE

— About 3.30 p m., or possibly 3.45, on Thursday afternoon last we began to wake up to the fact that to have lived upwards of four and a-half years in Auckland and never visited the Thames Goldfields was a most reprehensible omission, and one that required to be rectified with as little delay as possible. There were several circumstances which led up to this remarkable conclusion. In the first place a friend, whom for the nonce we will refer to as Bob, happened to be going down for a trip, and asked us to accompany him. Then our friends, the big and little " Pinafores," were at the Thames performing, and finally, business (too long put off) proved that either thia week or next we should have to make acquaintance with the goldfields whether we liked the job or not. Under these circumstances there was nothing for it but to put a toothbrush and pair of nail scissors in a bag and stroll down to the Rotomahana (familiarly known as the " Rotten Banana"), where Bob joined the party, and at 4.30 p.m. the steamer set sail. — There were several well - known faces aboard. Dr Purchas (who played chess most of the way), going down to see a valued patient ; some Board of Education teachers, homeward bound after a holiday, and Dr and Mrs Harvey (late of the Industrial Home) on their way to Te Aroha. Bob discovered some brother "jokers," who beguiled an hour or so with euchre, and the captain, who is a veritable mine of good stories, and an excellent fellow to boot, spun somo capital yarns. Altogether the time passed rapidly, and when 9 o'clock found us alongside Grahamstown Wharf everyone was agreeably surprised. — To a new-comer the Thames looks terribly deserted. You may walk at noon from one end of the principal street to the other and not meet three people. The locality can, however, boast some capital hoteLj. Bob took us to the Governor Bowen, and we can unhesitatingly assert that we never stopped at a cheaper, cleaner or better appointed house than Geordie Symington's. It is not exactly a flashy hotel, but itis comfortable, thoroughly comfortable. Mrs Symington looks after her guests personally, the servants are civil and efficient, and the liquor good. Our account after staying there three days and giving considerable trouble as regards extras, &c, was a very agreeable surprise, in fact, j ust half what we expected it to be. To all visitors to the Thames who like a quiet house, comfort, and a small bill we would say — "Try Geordies" and don't do as Walter Reynolds did the other night, turn in next door by mistake. — Amongst the guests at the Bowen was a book canvasser, travelling in the interest of a Queenstreet firm (McGready, Thomson, and Niven.) Now, as our readers are aware, we have more than once " roasted" book touts and don't believe in them as a lot. Thia canvasser, however, seemed an exception to the rule. By an accident we had a chance of inspecting his wares and though it niust be admitted that the prices were generally stiff the books appeared handsome, well bound and on the whole, suitable for a middle-class home. There were none of the "bogus" Dore prints (once referred to"in the Observer) among them, and persons purchasing from Messrs M. and N. can make certain of securing fairly good value for their cash. (N.B.— This is not an advt.) — On Saturday morning Bob introduced some of us to various Thames celebrities, such as the popular " Long Drive Walker," Mr R. Macgregor, Mr McCulkmgh of the Star, and others whose names we can't remember. Subsequently, Mr Walker took a largo party, including a contingent of " Pinafores" down the drive, and enabled the children to enjoy themselves muchly. In the afternoon, a lot of us visited Ehenfried's brewery, and were very kindly shown, over by the manager, Mr Phillips, Mr Ehrenfried being ill in bed with quinsy. This establishment is excellently appointed, and well worth a visit. Amongst other things Mr Phillips told us that the firm are giving up using English and American hops, finding the Nelson ones far preferable. There was also a slight discussion as to the way to treat beer. Mr Phillips said people would never believe the beer they tasted in the brewery was the same as they got outside, but the fact was nine put of ten publicans didn't give thebeer a chance.,serving it through, dirty pipes, not letting it rest thoroughly and otherwise maltreating it. — The "Pinafores" opened at the theatre to a crowded, but by no means demonstrative house on Saturday evening. Everything new was loudly applauded, but the well-mown songs, &c, were passed by in the silence. On Monday the Theatre was, if possible, even fuller 1 , and the piece seems likely to run through the week.

— On Sunday morning all Mr Pollard's children, save the Jews, went to church or mass. After dinner, however, Bob took a large number to the Maori house, into which the "King" (as he appears to be called) wouldn't let us enter. The fact was " Sam " wanted 2s 6d a-head, and the party numbering about twenty Is was thought sufficient. On this point a " strike " arose, which ended in our retiring in disorder. The same evening 1 Mrs Cfurtis, of the Pacific, asked "MrPollard to allow the children a romp in the big room at the Academy of Music. This was conceded on its being understood that no strangers should be present. None were admitted, and, strange to say, the fact seems to have been deliberately misconstrued j for the wildest and most mischievous rumotirs about " champagne and oysters " were current in Auckland when we returned. As a matter of fact, the refreshments! tendered by M£ and Mrs'Curtis consisted of oranges and ginger beer for the children, and whisky and soda, with some cold meat, at ten p.m., for the elders. A more harmless evening it •would have been impossible to pass, and, as Mr Pollard objects to making a show of the children (especially on Sunday), we think he was quite right in refusing to let them accept the invitation if strangers were admitted. — The talk of the Thames is all Waihi. Prom what we could gather, the wildest anticipations are being formed of the success of the new field, and many sharp customers seem to think well of it. — During our visit to the Thames we learnt sufficient to satisfy us that it is desirable to appoint a new correspondent, and we" shall be glad to receive (private) applications for the billet as soon as possible. The correspondent must be a man holding some position on the Thames, and with no strong likes or. dislikes. His. duties ■will be to chronicle in a piquant readable style the social life of the place, birbhs, deaths, marriages, parties, engagements, entertainments, ladies' dresses, etc. We can't have the Observer made a vehicle for ill-natured remarks or private spleen. Public men are of. course fair game, but not the private affairs of ladies and families.