Thames Gossip.

Observer, Volume XV, Issue 828, 6 October 1894, Page 23

Thames Gossip.

Tot was conspicuous by bis absence at tlie dance. Must have la grippe ! The latest addition to the rauks of • wheelmen ' is a Parawai resident of 62 summers. If he doesn't mind ho will come a cropp-er. That young couple who go prancing about on two bay horses, had better make sure before they go into the hugging business again, or I shall feel it my bonnden duty to tell pa. Quoits have ' caught on ' even more than ever this season, and Mr Thos. Day- the. secretary of the Victoria Club, informs me that a contest is likely to take place with the Aucklanders at an early date. - Mr Humphries, the popular host of the Koyal Hotel, who has been on a visit to the Old Country, is expected home in a few days. Mr S. Hetherington will also arrive at an early date from his European tour. The Burns' Club has decided to celebrate All Halloween by a plain and fancy dress ball in St. George's Hall, and an unanimous desire is expressed by the members that 'Bio.' will favour the Club with his presence and take a few of his clever sketches for the Observer. Those Chinese lanterns hung at the entrance to St. George's Hall, by- the committee of last week's dance, were a great improvement. I think the proprietor or lessee of the hall should have some means of lighting the entrance to the hall. On a dark night it is not at all pleasant to find oneself floundering in the stagnant pools in front of the door. What is the meaning of the term 'battery requisites' will be finally decided about the end of the present month, when an action brought with the assistance of the Miners' Union — by Foster and party against Darrow and others, claiming A'7so damages for alleged breach of agreement, will come before Warden Kenny? Messrs Cooper and Cotter will appear for plaintiffs and defendeuts respectively. On Wednesday last at the residence of Mr James Coutts, Miss Grace Kerr, third daughter of Mr James Kerr, Hird-in-Hand Hill, was married to Mr James, of the local Telegraph office. The bride was prettily attired in a soft creme dress with the orthodox trimmings, Misses Kerr and Con tits acted as bridesmaids, while Mr Thome performed the duties of best man. Mr Olphert was the officiating minister. After the ceremony the party adjourned to partake of a sumptuous repast, after which the newly-wedded pair left for their new home accompanied by the good wishes of their many friends. Mr Simmonds, Foreman of WorkF, reported to the Borough Council the other night that the gallery of the Academy of Music was unsafe, and without any notice whatever having been sent to the owner directing attention to the alleged indifferent state of the building, the fullest publicity was given to the report, although Mr Siimnouds admitted that he had only viewed the Academy from the outside. This is grossly unfair, more especially as it was known that a concert in aid of a widow and her family was to talte place in the hall an evening or two afterwards. The building has been in its present state for months, and it seems strange that the ' report ' bobbed up serenely on the eve of this benerit. The dance I mentioned last week has duly eventuated, and a grand affair it was, too. Close on 90 couples attended, besides a number of onlookers. Godkins' string band supplied the music, of which more need not be said. The supper was good and the room very prettily decorated. Some exquisite toilettes were displayed, but the palm was carried off by Miss Foy, who wore a lovely dress of white veiling, lace and chiffon, the whole being caught in by a long white silk scarf. Mrs Truscott was undoubtedly belle of the married ladies, in a dress of invisible green watered silk and pink plush ; Mrs Handley, slate-coloured dress trimmed with coral silk; Miss Twohill, blue costume; Miss N. Twohill, black skirt, blue blouse; Miss Mellet, creme, cashmere and silk ; Miss B. Mellet, black silk and pink plush ; Mrs Bern, pale blue, trimmed with black velvet ; Miss Gerish, light fawn and salmon; Miss Bridson, black skirt, and flowered blouse ; Miss Walters, pink and black lace; Mrs Bruce, black satin; Mrs Bayldon, black cashmere trimmed with gold. The committee of the Miners' Union have been sorely exercised lately regarding the case of Mr Harry McDonald, who was recently expelled from that organisation for having, it is alleged, stated that another member, Mr Jas. Donnelly, was the author of an anonymous letter to the directors of the May Queen G.M. Co., reflecting upon the management of the mine manager, Mr W. Burch. It is contended in some quarters that the committee have acted illegally in thus expelling Mr McDonald, and he has, tbrough his solicitor, demanded that he shall be reinstated as a member, failing which, all sorts of proceedings and their attendant pains and penalties are threatened. Several meetings of the committee have consequently been held regarding the matter, some of which, I am told, have lasted until close on midnight, but it is unlikely that they will rescind the motion expelling Mr McDonald, so that the whole affair is almost certain to be ventilated in Court. And then some very interesting disclosures may be expected, if only a fraction of what Dame Rumour says is true.