CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VI, Issue 32, 9 August 1890, Page 11

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, July 26. We have had such a spell of wintry weather since I last wrote to you—rain, hail, sleet, snow, thunder and mud. As you may imagine, all outdoor amusements have been stopped, even the Hunt ; it was too stormy for that on Saturday. Our local weather prophet predicted something unusual. He has been studying ‘ Old Sol’s ’ face and found some spots, and we have had a bad time, I can assure you. We took refuge in the rink, which has been very much patronised during this stormy weather, and our friends have been good to us in the shape of ‘ afternoons ’ and dances. Mrs Burns most kindly entertained a host of girls, a good many of them helping to make a pleasant afternoon ; then Mrs Burns sings so sweetly herself ; it is like a bird trilling. Among those present were the Misses Murray-Aynsley, Miss Reeves, Miss N. Reeves, Miss Palmer, Miss Kimbell, and Miss Dymock. That evening Miss Saunders’ dance at Alniora came off. The rain being good enough to stop fora little, we got out quite comfortably. Two drags went from town laden with a merry crowd, besides private carriages. Among the guests were Miss Kimbell, in her pretty fawncoloured dress, Miss Dymock in white, the Misses Reeves, Miss Delamain, Miss Harper, Miss Helmoie, Miss Hennah, Miss Thorpe, Miss Maude, Miss Cocks, and Miss Beswick. It was thoroughly enjoyable in every way, and plenty of partners. Mrs G. Roberts and her son, Mr H. Morten, gave a splendid dance in the Mont real-street Hall, which was most elegantly decorated and furnished, 1 believe by A. J. White. All the arrangements were perfect, and their numerous young friends enjoyed themselves as much as it is possible to do. Very few married people were present. I noticed Mrs Withnall with her daughter, the Misses Tabart. Miss King, Miss Black, Missand Miss Alice Matson, Miss Hopkins and Miss Gallaghan (Melbourne), Miss Mcßae, Miss Connal, Miss Hardy Johnstone, the Misses Greenwood, Miss Hawkins, Miss Hodge, and numbers more.

The Ethical Society, which, by the way, is a new society, has started here on very old lines, I should say. They take as their motto such sayings as ‘ Love your neighbour as yourself ’ and ‘ Do unto others,’ etc., and it does not seem as if we wanted any new society to do that, ‘ but let that pass.’ They are getting up Saturday evening entertainments, and for the last one got Bishop Julius to address the meeting, which, of course, was a crowded one. Some very clever

sleight-of-hand tricks were shown by Mr Seager, and some very good music discoursed through the evening ami some recitations. The Sunday mission services instituted by Bishop .Julius are gaining in favour, and on the last occasion, when he preached himself, the cathedral was packed even into the vestry. On the following Monday he started to visit the West (’oast, and for scenery, with all this snow about, 1 don’t suppose he has seen such grandeur anywhere ; but it will not be a comfortable journey. <hi Sat uiday the coachman driving in the Beally district reports being unable at times to see his leaders distinctly for snow, which was falling so thickly. Airs John Studholme gave a veiy delightful ‘At Home’ from half-past three to seven. Music ami dancing were the chief items of amusement. The long dining-room was used for dancing, and the three drawing-rooms were all filled. The refreshments are always so good and so well served ; such delicious hot coflee. Mrs Burns charmed everyone with her singing, and Mrs Wilding also played beautifully, Mrs Haslam and Mr T. Acland contributed songs. Among the numerous guests were Lady Wilson, Mrs Ale.x. Wilson, Mrs Curnow, Mrs T. Moorhouse and Miss Moorhouse, Mrs Leonard Harper, Mrs J. Gibbs, Mrs Cowlishaw, .Mrs ami the Misses Wynn-Williams, Mrs and Miss Helmore, Miss (’ox in all nearly two hundred, I think. There were such a number it was impossible to see everybody. This is to be a great week too, the Grand National Steeplechase taking place, when the racing fraternity will regretfully take leave of Mr I*. Campbell ami Mr Penfold. The former is to be married the end of this month, and leaves on his travels, and the latter to transfer himself ami his ability as a secretary to a larger field the Melbourne racing world. Mrs E. (’. J. Stevens' fancy dress ball is the all absorbing thought just now. There is to be a singing quadrille, ami these fortunate partners have their dresses planned for them. What a saving of thought ! I will tell you a secret 1 wcrmed out of our cook. We like toast done in the frying-pan after bacon has been cooked, eggs poached and put on it, but we never had any so nice as this, and I wanted to know the reason why, and you put the slice of bread on a plate and pour a little boiling water on before you put it in the pan. The children were ravenous for it, and you know the trouble is to get them to take fat of any kind, which is especially good for them in winter.

Holly Vale.