DUNEDIN

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VII, Issue 10, 7 March 1891, Page 10

DUNEDIN

(Delayed in transmission.) Dear Bee, February 11. One of the most pleasing events of the week was the garden party given by Mrs John Roberts at her beautiful house at Roslyn. The house itself is one of the statliest mansions in Dunedin, and but newly built, but the garden itself is a very old one, surrounded on all sides by hills and trees, and giving one of the best views of the harbour. At all times a lovely spot, this afternoon it looked particulaily beautiful, for it was one of those warm, still, glorious days that, from their very rarity this summer, stand out with distinct brightness; indeed, it seemed made for a gardeii party. The dresses were very bright and pretty, and were set off to the greatest advantage by the background of green foliage. There were a number of the strangers that are in our midst present, and among the well-known faces were those of Mrs Williams, Miss Williams, Mrs and the Misses Rattray, Mrs and Miss Gibson, Miss Larnach, Mrs Maunsell, Mrs James Mills, Mrs Linda Ferguson, the Misses Stephenson, the Misses Sievwright, Miss Gilkison, and a great crowd of others. Music and feasting was the order of the afternoon, and when at length the evening shadows fell the guests departed, highly delighted with their entertainment. A good deal of interest is being taken in the swimming tournament which is held at St. Clair. I believe I shall have a wedding to tell you of at Easter, if not two. One is Miss Berds to Mr Grey. The last trip to the Sounds is one of the most interesting topics of conversation just now, and I am happy to say that my next letter will contain a full account of it, with all its vanities and beauties, for I shall be aboard, which is far better for descriptive purposes than hearsay. My letter this week will be fragmentary, for in the prospect of such a trip nothing else seems of much importance. The grand concert in aid of the North East Valley Roman Catholic building fund came off at the Garrison Hall under the direction of Signor R. Squarise, R.C.M.T. The hall was crowded, and the whole thing a great success. Owing to the fact, doubtless, that there has been no concert for some time, more were present than might have been under other circumstances —a matter for congratulation. The first part of the programme comprised a string quartette by Signor Squarise, Messrs Parker, Barrett, and Moss, which was, of course, most artistically rendered, and one of the gems of the evening. I should have said the piece was Mozart’s No. 16 ‘Allegro vivace, adagio, allegro, assai.’ Mrs Angus, who was in particularly good voice, and look-

ing well, followed with the song, * When the Flowing 'fide Comes In.’ Mr F. L. Jones was also in good voice in his song, ‘Queen of the Earth.’ Miss M. Morrison gave a beautiful rendering of the * Serenade,’ with a violin obligsito by Signor Squarise. * The Village Blacksmith ’ was well rendered by Mr H. S. Rennert, and by special request a flute solo by Mr H. Mass, Fantasia on Paganini’s ‘ Witchs’ Dance.’ The second part opened with a piano solo, Rhaspodie Hongroise No. 2, by A. Barmeyer. Miss Blaney, of whom very pleasant recollections were entertained, was very warmly welcomed. Her lovely' voice was heard to advantage in * Call Me Back,’ with violin obligato by Signor Squarise. * Father O’Flynn ’ suited Mr Densem admirably, and then came a violin obligato by Signor Squarise, which brought forth much applause. 1 Too Late ’ was another favourite by Mrs Angus. The concert closed with a vocal quartette, • Madrigal,’ from ‘ Mikado,’ by Miss Blaney, Mrs Angus, Messrs Jones and Densem. Much regret is felt here at the unexpected death of Mr Janies Clark Brown, for many years M.H.R. for Tuapeka. He died at St. Clair after an illness of some months, from which he partly iallied several times. He was well enough during the recent contest to give several addresses. The Rev. W, Scorgie, Presbyterian minister at Tapanui, was made the recipient of a handsome purse of sovereigns prior to his departure on a holiday trip to the old country. My next letter, I hope, will be brimful of interesting news about the Sounds trip, which will make up for the uninteresting character of this.

Maude.