HASTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 39, 26 September 1891, Page 420

HASTINGS.

Dear Bee, September 8. The Gymnasium closed last evening with a very pleasing entertainment. I was not there, unfortunately, out was told that everything passed off most satisfactorily. The competition for the medal took place, and some very good exercises were gone through, especially on the parallel bar. Mr Charlton, from Te Ante, was the judge, and his decision gave universal satisfaction. Eleven young men competed (although one of them was put out of it by having his toe hurt), and as two of them, Mr Warne and Mr Olsen, got the same number of marks, it was decided to still further test them on the bar. However, it was found impossible to decide which was the better of the two, and in order to get over the difficulty, Mr Fraser generously

offered to give two medals instead of one. His offer was received with great applause. Mis Hobbs gave away the medal to Mr Warne, and I suppose Mr Olsen will receive his when it is made. Everyone sang, • For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,’ and the proceedings terminated with some wonderful performances on the bar by Messrs Charlton and Hodge, the former wearing a most elaborate costume of pink fleshings with red velvet trunk and collar, and high boots covered with gold spangles. Mr Murdock proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Fraser, which was unanimously carried, and during the uproar Mr Fraser fled. We are all sorry there are to be no more of these popular entertainments, and shall look forward with pleasure to the opening of next season. I am very glad to say that the cricket season is coming on. The cricketers had a meeting a week or so ago, ana arranged all sorts of nice things for the coming season. I believe there is to be a sort of large tent put up for the ladies, which will be most acceptable. Mr C. Loughnan, the secretary, gave out that the piece ‘ Engaged ’ would very likely be reproduced before long. This is good news, and I have no hesitation in saying that if it is played again either in Napier or Hastings, there will be a crowded house.

Our tea-meeting takes place just now, and won’t there be a gathering, especially of small fry. After the tea, I believe we are to have a great treat in the musical line, as most of our leading amateurs have promised to sing. There ought to be a ‘ bumper ’ bouse, as the charge for admission to the concert is only sixpence. I will tell you about the tea and conversazione in my next letter. Miss St. Hill has returned from Wellington. She looks very handsome in a dark green costume, large dark green hat with cock’s feathers’; Mrs Sunderland (Gisborne) looks very nice in a stylish navy gown, large black hat with feathers; Mrs Joe Williams, dark grey gown, sealette jacket, stylish bonnet; Miss Humpheries, very stylish navy blue gown, tight-fitting jacket, small close-fitting hat: Mrs Harry Nelson, navy blue costume, small boat-shaped hat ; Mrs Donnelly, black gown, white vest, black jacket, white chic hat, black band ; Mrs Howard, handsome dark green cloth gown, richly trimmed with veiy handsome darkled and green plaid, French bonnet of dark green plush, covered with marigolds ; Miss Greenwood, grey gown, sealette jacket, small black hat with black pom-poms ; Mrs Vickerman, dark skirt, heliotrope blouse, black jacket, black chic hat; Mrs Loughnan, brown gown, fawn jacket, brown chic hat with brown band.

Dolly.