WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 41, 11 October 1890, Page 12

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, September 29. I must begin by warning you not to expect anything very interesting this week, for we have had a most humdrum week, hardly anything going on in the social world. The session has closed, and with it the gaieties, and the members have packed up their traps and departed, leaving the Parliament buildings almost deserted. We ladies have not even the House to go to now. The ladies’ gallery during the session is always well patronised in the evenings, ami frequently in the afternoons, too, when anything especially interesting is expected, so that this occupation is greatly missed, i’he streets are still crowded with strikers, and I believe trade is a good ileal depressed inconsequence, but the men are very quiet, so that the special constables have not bad a hard time.

By the Aorangi we are expecting the Rev. Mr Still and his wife and child from England, and also Mrs William Pharazyn and her son and daughter, and Miss Kemp, and by the Arawa Dr. and Mrs Gray’ Hassell returned after their short visit to the < >ld Country. Lady Whitmore also came by the Arawa. I saw her in town yesterday looking wonderfully well, and wearing a very elegant black silk and lace toilette, and small bonnet with Howers. Then the Tongariro took the Misses Mary and Alice Richmond (daughters of the Judge) home on a pleasure trip, and also Miss Fell, of Nelson, and the Hon. Mr Fortescue, who was private secretary to our late Governor. Miss Trehair-Osborne’s concei c at St. John’s Schoolroom is the only’ entertainment of any kind we have had since I last wrote. Miss Osborne was in better voice than I have ever before heard her, and sang several songs with great success. Mrs Parsons gave ‘ Kathleen Mavourneen,’ and also another, and Mr R. B. Williams, as usual, delighted his audience, his song being ‘ My Queen,’ for which he was loudly encored, but was unable to respond, owing to his anxiety to get home, as there was severe iUness in his family’. On all other occasions, except when suffering from a cold, Mr Williams has been so willing to sing again that we did not mind giving up the pleasure for once, but were very sorry for the cause of the denial, which was explained by’ Miss Osborne. Some fair instrumental music vyas given, and several glees, altogether making up an enjoy able programme. Mr J. N. Blair’s lecture on ‘ The Sentimental Side of Scotland ’ was not as well attended as it might have been, but those who ventured out on so cold a night were fully repaid for their energy by spending a very pleasant evening with the lecturer. 1 had a letter to-day from a friend in Palmerston North, who tells all about Sir George Grey’s reception there. The weather was favourable, and one of the largest crowds ever ’seen in Palmerston collected round the station in time for the arrival of the evening train. Loud cheers wer e given as Sir George emerged from his carriage, and indeed were frequently repeated until he reached his hotel. He was welcomed by’ the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs Snelson), the latter presenting him with a lovely bouquet of Howers. A deputation from the Knights of Labour also met him, and after a few courteous words of thanks for their kindly enthusiasm he was escorted to a carriage and driven round the square, a very large procession following, and the Fire Brigade leading.’ His meeting later on was largely attended by electors, ‘and altogether his coming,’ says my correspondent, ‘ has caused quite a sensation in oui usually quiet little town of Palmerston North.’ The cantata, ‘ New Jeiusalein,’ was very successfully given at the Primitive Methodist Church, Mr Harwood taking the chief bass solos. Other soloists were Miss Coltman, Miss Bender, and Mr Cooper. The two duets were sung by Miss Hill and Miss Luke, and Miss Sawyer and Miss Coltman. A good quartette was given, and also several capitally’ rendered choruses. Miss Alice Hill was the organist, and Mr J. L. Wright was leader. I do not think there is anything else to tell yon this week. Next I shall have a good deal more.

Ruby.