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Star (Christchurch), Issue 5562, 9 March 1886, Page 3

[ One who has dined with the late Mr i Vanderbilt says the dinner was only comparable to one of the magical banquets described in the " Arabian Nights." Most rich people are content with a fine damask tablecloth ; but Mr Vandcrbilt's cloth was of fine old lace laid over pale blue satin. All the tureens, dishes, plates, knives, forks and spoons were of gold or of silver gilt, and at each end of the table was a golden trophy in tho style of the Renaissance, standing about sft high, set with large moonstones, and piled with the finest j fruitß he had ever seen. There wore flowers everywhere. Instead of table napkins there were large Irish lace handkerchiefs. A singular case is reported as occurring in a Georgian village. A Persian became bail for a fellow-countryman accused on a criminal charge. When the day of trial came the accused was not forthcoming. The bailsman was informed that he must produce his friend, or the recognisances would be estreated. He went to the accused, and having employed in vain every possible argument, entreaty, and threat, he finally drew his dagger, and plunged it in the breast of the defaulter. He then bore the body to the judge, saying that he brought the corpse, sir.ry. he failed to procure the living man. H<; was painfully surprised on being hiinsulf arre.-stcd, and lodged in gaol on a charg" of murder. A Club for deaf and di mb people has been formed in Paris. It, is called the " Club of the Silent," nnd nobody who is not deaf and dumb ran be a member. The waiters and other servants are also deaf mutes. There are over 50 members, all wealthy and all great whist players. The trappings of the white elephant of King Thoobaw are said to bo worth £200,000. The royal regalia are reputed the most valuable in the world, especially in rubies and sapphires. Ruby mines exist just north of Mandalay, to which no I European has ever been allowed access. |