THE COUNTRY

Observer, Volume 2, Issue 46, 30 July 1881, Page 514

THE COUNTRY

NAPIER. — The Napier Skating Club opened, last week, for a short season, and promises, from the attendance, to be a success. The ladies, with the exception of two or three %vcre beginners, so that next meeting, when they have attained a little skill, we may say more. Some of the gentlemen created a little amusement by their fancy costumes ; amongst others, we may mention Mr T. H. (formerly of Auckland) in dingy white knickerbockers nnd striped stockings, nnd Messrs 6. and C. (lately arrived in the Colonies from Home) in light tweed knickerbockers and cloth gaiters which were rather striking here but may be quite the thing in the classic rinks of Edinburgh. Mr C. created a little fun by the elegant way in which he tried the foundations of the hall. " Doctor" O. skated very well considering he has had no practice since he left the balmy regions of the Southport Winter Gardens. Mr C, with a gorgeous smoking cap stuck on the back of his head, took up nearly the length of the room when he tried to travel on one foot in a sitting position, and was as much in the way as a short man in a crowded street with a long ladder on his shoulder. Mr G. rinked very fairly, but it is nvityhe had not sufficient counige to help a lady round : however. Mr K. and Mr H. quite made up for his deficiency in fcluit. respect. TUere were quite a number of young men, amongst whom the banking interest is strong, who only acted ns ornaments to the wall, and were mefnl to put the ladies' skates on.