AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7727, 10 June 1903, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL NOTES.

& LADY'S LETTER FROM - MELBOURNE. ' ' . " May 29. The excitement of the great strike which calmed down so much sooner than even* the most hopeful at one time could have anticipated, has been replaced during the past week 'by a very different kind of interest. The visit of a iittle Japanese squadron of three vessels under the command of his Excellency Rear- Admiral Kamimuru, has made an excuse for a small bursj> of social gaiety, while on these calm autumn 1 days a visit "to th© ships, in, spite of the fact that they were moored a long way out after the uncomfortable , fashion of men-of-war in general, made a pleasant outing for hundreds of folk of all sorts and conditions. All those who went on board the ships were received with the greatest courtesy and hospitality, and, on the other hand, Melbourne certainly,, did its best to fete the j Eastern visitors, and make their stay pleasant in every way. On Monday evening, Admiral Kamimuru and his officers were entertained by the Mayor of Melbourne and Lady Gillot at a reception in the- Town Hall. The room was decorated in Japanese colours, red and white, and a good pro ; gramme of music was given by well-known professionals. On Tuesday evening, the State Governor had an evening party at Stonington, to meet the visitors. The Admiral stood by Lady ;Clarke's side, and most of the guesfcs were presented to him. Owing to the small' size of the loom ,at State. Government House, this party was almost pui"ely official in character. Lady Clarke wore black velvet, relieved with white ,and touches of pink. The Admiral, Avho, like most of his countrymen, has a suave and impassive manner, does not speak. English, but Captain Moryama, of the flagship, is in close attendance, and makes v good interpreter. Nearly all of the young midshipmen, of whom these ships carry a great number, are excellent English scholars. -On Wednesday afternoon, Sir Malcolm and Lady M'Eachirn gave a large reception at their pretty house at Kew, in honour of our allies. Sir Malcolm. M'Eacharn is Consul for Japan in Victoria, and not long since paid ' a visit to that lovely countiy. His house contains' many beautiful specimens of Japanese brenze and china, and he also brought back some of their peculiar dwarf trees and shrubs, which are grown in pots to a very great age. The band of the Hashodate played at intervals, and some Highland dauces, given by children on the lawn, made a, very pretty sight. 1 Lady M'Eacharn wore a handsome gown of dark green cloth, adorned with white chiffon, and Japanese embroidery on a ground of white silk ; her daughter had pink frieze with a deep lace jjhoulder cape. On Friday af-.■fofooon,.-.whiuih, luckily, happened to be a^iightfuUy- calm and summer-like, Admiral Kamimuru gave a large party on board his flagship, the Hashodate. Sir George and Lady Clarke were present, Lady Clarke wearing dark blue, with a toque of blue and green. Lady M'Eacharn assisted ,the Admiral to receive the guests, of whom some hundreds -were invited. The principal entertainment was the . clever exhibition, of wrestling and different national games given by the sailors ; the band also played Japanese, music. The Ehip was beautifully decorated with flowers, chiefly wisteria and chrysanthemums, exquisitely imitated in coloured paper by the men themselves. The refreshments included: Japanese wines and fruits. On Saturday the weather changed and a regular downpour greeted the review, which had been arranged in Albert Park, in honour of the visitors. In spite of the rain, however, thousands of sightseers' collected and cheered the little brown men very heartily as the}' marched steadily past to the weird music of their band. A good many Victorian troops were reviewed, including, a naval contingent,, arid Admiral Kamimuru made a most complimentary little speech in his 'native tongue. General Hutton took command of bur troops and the State Governor was present. Many ladies looked on from their carriages, but the weather quite prevented any pretty . dressing, a bright uniform here and there and the plenteous gold laoe of the Japanese officers forming tlve- only note of colour. . . The last of a series s of three concerts of chamber music, organed by Miss Ethel Godfrey and Miss Alice Spowers, took place on Tuesday evening in Glen's concert hall. These ladies, who are well-known both in the musical and social worlds, are much to be congratulated on the success of their venture, as each night the hall was well filled with a highly appreciative audience. Miss Godfrey is a charming vocalist, and interested Her hearers with some good new songs as well as some delightfully given old favourites. Miss' Spowers received Jher musical education in Germany, and is an excellent pianist. Musically ,~ perhaps the most noteworthy point in the concert was the first performance in Melbourne of a trio • by Tchaikowsky for piano, violin and violoncello. This piece recalled! the sensation created last winter by the production here of . the composer's famous " Symphonic Pathetique." The impression made, by the symphony on most hearers of utter sadness and hopelessness was in no way lightened by the trio, which seemed to alternate between flippant Irony and the lowest depths of despair. Truly, its composer mustjr be one of the saddest of mankind. j On Tuesday afternoon an '*At Home" was given by Mr J. C. Williamson in the foyer of the Princess Theatre, to meet the members of the newly-arrived American Dramatic Company, whose season opens i next Saturday night. The chief guest was the beautiful Miss Mary Van Buren, the leading lady of the company, -who, to a lovely face and graceful figure, seems to add a good deal of the brightness and charm so- characteristic of American women. Miss Van Buren came with her mother, Mrs Haines, and was quietly dressed in a dark winter gown, relieved with pale blue. Miss Florence Young and Miss Carrie Moore, both. wearing elaborate black gowns, received the guests. Miss Carrie Moore, who leaves for England almost ato once, was wished goodbye and good liict by many friends. OLIVIA