OTAGO'S JUBILEE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6137, 25 March 1898, Page 1

OTAGO'S JUBILEE.

THE SECOND DAY. [From Oub Special Correspondent.] DUNEDIN, March 24." "Warm and beaut iful weather still 'favoured the Jubilee to-day, and though the events wero not so numerous and attractive as on the first day, and though many hundreds of visitors had left, the crowds appeared abont as numerous as. before. The chief centre of interest during the day was the races, Lord Ranfurly being present and witnessing every event, audit was there that tho largest number of pleasuro - seekers went. The bicycle sports on the Caledonian Grounds also drew a large gathering of people. The city is, of course, still decorated, and in the • evening there was a semi-illumination. The shops, most pf which had closed during the day, were again lighted up, while coloured lights and fireworks were, freely shown. Although the prevailing tone of the celebrations is intensely*" Scottish, it is curious to note the cosmopolitan spirit shown in tho matter of decorations. Side by side with the ruddy lion of ' Scotland, rampant on his cloth of gold, are.to be seen the Harp of Erin, the Stars and Stripes of America, and most numerous of all, the Union Jack of Old England. One prominently displayed banner bears the legend "God Save Ireland," a prayer which is perhaps meant to be a protest against tlie prevalent Scotoniania. In 'the evening there was a Scottish concert at the Exhibition Hall, when the enthusiasm of the clans was worked up to the highest pitch. Several thousands of people again visited the exhibition, where everything is now complete and making an excellenc show; - The event of the evening which ovei*3hadoAved every other was, however, the citizens' ball, held under the auspices oi* the Jubilee Demonstration Committee, in the Garrison Hall. Tlie interior of the building was gorgeously decorated for the occasion, the spacious stage being furnished . as a drawing-room with rich drapings, mirrors and flowers, added to the couches, easy chairs and tables, while the hall' itself was a blaze of colour with flags and bunting. At the hour fixed for dancing to commence there was not fewer than two hundred couples on the floor, while over two hundred spectators filled the gallery. The ball was opened punctually to time, and every dance on the programme had a time set for it to commence.* At half-past nine the Vice"Regal party, arrivbd, and the customary reception was accorded, Hammond's Band, which, provided excellent music, striking up the National Anthem. " Partners for the lancers " was the next order of tlie day, and the top set included his Excellency the Governor, with Mrs "W. H. Cntten, the widow of- one of . the first Otago -settlers as his . partner,. Captain .^-Hill-- . Trevor and Miss Cargill, Mr John Eoberts and Mrs Justice Williams, the Captain of H.Mrs, Tauranga and Sirs Batchelor. The ballroom at this time was a brilliant spectacle, the uniforms of the officers and foreign consuls relieving the sombre evening dress of the bnlk'pf the gentlemen. The dresses of the kdi^*****^. excellent taste, but the mere man in tTying'^tcf" •■ describe such, things of beauty can only, take refuge in generalities, aud say that "they beggared all description." It.' was a relief to find that kilts aid tartans were non est, at all events they did not grace the floor, though there were several brawny warriors in kilts on guard in the precincts of the building. A thoughtful provision was the presence of several members of the Fire Brigade in uniform. Among the representative men present were the Mayors of Dunedin and Christchurch, as well as several ex-Mayors of the first named city, two Judges of the Supreme Court jostled grave legislators and leading merchants, shipping magnates and professional men, while mirth and music and fair women combined to make the occasion one of memorable brightness. A novel feature was a vocal waltz, a male choir singing a waltz song during the whole dance. The supper, wbich was most artistically laid out in the lower hall, was catered for by Mr Lean, and the whole arrangements Avero most complete, and spoke volumes for the care and labour of the committee under Mr Harris Hastings, the honorary secretary. The last dance was timed .for 2 oO a.m., and there were a couple of extras to follow, so that the third day of tho Jubilee observances was in its; dawning before the gay company dispersed. [Per Press Association.] Lady Eanfurly is confined to her room, and is unlikely to take part in further festivities. ' ,