THAMES

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 62, 19 November 1881, Page 158

THAMES

-r-Sherlock's song at the Alliance concert was not a success. — Tne music at Mrs Kilgour's ball might have "been better. Professor Owen was at the piano. . — When does Bob intend to make a certain milliner his life partner ? Echo answers, " When ?" — Jack Poulgrain is in active training for the sports on the 30th. Jack is a "roarer" at a hundred yards. — Tom Cook's gallantry in rescuing a child froru a watery grave at Grahamstown the other day deserves to be publicly recognised. — The girls at the Protestant Alliance dance last week were a very plain lot. Not one amongst them could be called pretty. — Baume was " all there " at Mrs Kilgour's fancy dress ball. His appearance in full evening dress "was quite too tooey. — G-eorge Burgess looks fully six inches taller since he received the appointment of agent for the Bank of New Zealand at Ohinemuri. — What attraction does the young schoolteacher from Tararu find in Pollen-street, Shortland, almost every afternoon ? Has Eccles anything to do with her visits, — Several of the local sharebrokers are sporting green goggles, and speculation is rife as to what has caused the men of scrip to take such a step. Perhaps Louis or Gelly will explain. — Several interesting trials of speed, took place in the Parawai Gardens on Saturday afternoon, in which a lawyer's clerk, a newspaper man, and a boniface figured pretty prominently. — Philip Weston's batting at Parawai on Saturday was very graceful, and was much admired. Several members of the club would do well to study his style, and improve on their own. — The annual flower show in connection with the Ladies' Benevolent Society was fully equal to those of previous years. The display of exhibits in the floricultural apartment was really excellent. — The Mayoral election conies off at the end of the month. The present occupant of the office, Mr "Wilkinson, has announced his intention of standing again. Dr Kilgour is also spoken of. — Frank Puckey informs me that the Shortland Minßtrel Troupe is still in existence, and will shortly make their debut in the Academy of Music, the proceeds to be devoted to a charitable object.

— Jack Day's latest yarn, " Two starters and a catcher," is well worth hearing. — The two young sparks who sauntered into the Advertiser office at 1 a.m. on Monday, and called for brandies and sodas, are informed that their doings are known to " your own," who will certainly expose them should such conduct be repeated. — At the Orphan Home Tom Fulljaines was geared By the fight of a yonngster who dared To elude him, although so sharp and alert, By running away in his night-cap and shirt ! — The Rev. V. Imsk's farewell sermon on Sunday night was without exception the best discourse I have heard from that gentleman. The worthy pastor was visibly affected, and some of the congregation were also moved during the time he was speaking. — The irrepressible B caused some amusement the other day by emerging from Mahoney's with an ex-M.H.R., and ejaculating, -'Poor Billy Eowe (hie) ; poor devil (hie) ; thousands of pounds (hie) ; going in the wild, wild bush." — Five ladies, three gentlemen, and a couple of brace of small boys comprised the audience at Saturday's cricket match, a circumstance which goes to show the amount of interest taken in this good old English game by the people of the Thames. — Mr E. N. Smith had better mind what he is about, or the consequences may be rather unpleasant. I refer to his action at the Puriri meeting of electors anent the salary of a certain genileman in the employ of one of the local bodies. More anon. — Mra Kilgour's fancy dress ball for children — the first affair of the kind, I believe, ever held at the Thames — eventuated on Thursday evening, and was a decided success. About eighty youngsters were present, all of them appearing in fancy costumes, and the assemblage was a gay and brilliant one. — Tom E. says that since the comments passed in Queen-street upon the latest product of his architectural skill at the Karaka Creek, he cannot sleep without a confusing phantasmagoria (in which bridges, levels, staffs, hematite paint, plans, .and ready reckoners dance whiskeylogically) disturbing his nocturnal slumbers. — It is said that an old man named Monkhouse, who for years past has been dragging out a miserable existence by repairing umbrellas, sawing firewood, etc., has become heir to a legaqy of £3000, left him by a relative in England. Monkhouse is a graduate of a Home university, and for some years practised as a barrister in London. — A few weeks ago I asked, through the columns of the Obseiiver, what had become of the Ladies' Benevolent Society— was it still in existence, or had it died a natural death ? Since then I have had painful proof that the organization is still "alive and kicking." Yon don't catch me asking any more questions like that in a hurry. — As an instance of the -wonderfully liberal views entertained by theologians on the Thames, it may be mentioned that Mr J. D. received a very stinging reproof from his pastor for acting as master of ceremonies at the Protestant Alliance dance. Jimmy says he thinks Protestants and Catholics should live together in hnrmony, and not like the members of the canine species immortalised by Dr Watts. — A friend of mine, who is a regular attendant at the Presbyterian Church, informs me that the conduct of some of the members of the choir during the progress of the service is simply disgraceful. Not being a member of St. James' congregation I am unable to say from personal observation whether the statement is true, but if it is steps should be taken to abate the nuisance. Talking and giggling should not be allowed in any place of worship, especially in a Scotch kirk. — An amusing incident is said to have occurred in town the other evening. Mr E., a well-to-do citizen, was standing outside a pub in Pollen-street one night last week discussing with a friend the chances of the various candidates for the Borough seat in Parliament, when the latter remarked that it would be adviseable to induce one of the Macs to retire from the contest, in order to ensure the return of Sheehan. " Yes," replied Mr E., whose antipathy to Mr Speight is well known, "we mustn't on any account allow that fellow Speight to get in." " Hear, hear," said Mr Speight, who happened to be passing at the time; ''good night, MrE." The look of amazement on the latter's face can be better imagined than described.