Mr and Mrs Benge.

Observer, Volume XV, Issue 796, 31 March 1894, Page 14

Mr and Mrs Benge.

Mb Alfred Bengb and Mrs Benge were entertained at a farewell social at Devonport on Tuesday evening on the occasion of their leaving for Mr Benge's new sphere of action at Woodside. Mr M. Niocol presided in the unavoidable absence of Mr Alison, Mayor of Davonport, and presented Mr Benge on behalf of his numerous friends at • the Shore ' with a purse of sovereigns. In making the presentation, Mr Niccol referred to Mr Benge's worth, both in his public and private capacity, and these sentiments were echoed by Mr Gerald Peacocke. Mr Benge returned thanks in a brief but telling speech. A most enjoyable evening followed.

Mr Massey announces in another column that he will address the Waitemata electors at a large number of places. See advt.

First annual meeting of the N.Z. Society for Protection of Women and Children takes place Monday, 2nd April, at Messrs White and Bros. ofnc9, 91 Qaeen-street. Members and all in sympathy with this useful society are requested to attend.

Offered some letters of introduction to New Zealand pressmen when be was quitting Sydney for Maoriland, Boucicault is reported to have replied haughtily : ' We are not going to New Zealand to be criticised.' He knew the daily paper reporter of old.

Professor PannelTs swimming carnival on Easter Monday at Northcote attracted a great crowd of spectators. The Professor's exhibition of fancy swimming was greatly admired. He's a wonder in the water. Ihe dance and concert on the hotel lawn in the evening passed off most successfully.

'Sappho Smith' on the Women's Rights' movement : ' The only wonder is that it ever got a stylish clientele considering that no Governor's wife ever officially recognised it. After all, the society woman isn't politically fit for mach higher things than Primrose-Leaguing, or to pass a bill for the encouragement of forelock pulling among the virtuous peasantry.'

The master mariners and their friends had a sociable little picnic at St. Helier's on Saturday. Everything went as meny as a marriage-be!l nntil the steamer was about to return, when it was discovered that a pair of lovers were still far far away. The steamer whistled until it was hoarse. At last the happy pair heard the signal and a desperate race resulted down the cliff and along the jetty. The laggards looked rather foolish as they stepped aboard and amid much growling from the others the boan got under weigh. An almost exactly similar incident is recorded in another par in connection with the Pine Island excursion on Good Friday.

Our Drury correspondent writes : —Our usually slumberous village was awakened into something 1 like activity by the bachelors holding their annual invitation ball. I feel sure lam quite justified in saying that it was the unanimous opinion of those who have attended those entertainments in the past that the last ball excelled any of. its predecessors. The dance programmes, which were procured from the Obsfrver Office, were very tastefully got up, and came in for their Bhare of admiration. A plentiful supply of luxurious refreshments was obtainable throughout the entire night, the catering being done by Mr Otto. Messrs H. Thompson and J. Otto performed the duties of M.C.'s in a highly meritorious manner. The ladies were all dressed very prettily and it is a somewhat difficult task to select the belle, bnt the general opinion amongst the bachelors was that the honours should be bestowed upon Miss McCarthy, who wore a very pretty pink evening costume ; the Mißses Wintere and Godkin were also dressed exquisitely.