WELLINGTON.

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

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, September 11. One of the most successful festivals ever held by the Girls’ Friendly Society has just taken place at the Lodge, when Lady Onslow presented the prizes for needlework, Bible questions, etc. Mrs J. E. Fitzgerald, the President, took the chair, and Archdeacon Stock gave a most interesting address. The Countess spoke a few kind and encouraging words, and also presented thirty volumes of Miss Young’s works to the Society for the library. Several musical items were given by Mrs England, Mrs Kemp, Miss Kemp, Miss Grant, and Miss Williams, and a pleasant evening was spent. Of course we have been to see and hear Williamson’s Juvenile Opera Troupe. Everyone else has been too, I think, and they have gained in popularity each evening. Thus far they have only had one opera, ‘ La Mascotte,’ and this they are evidently very proud of, for they have given us no less than six, if not seven, performances of it, so the change to ‘ Mikado ’ will be very welcome. Miss Everett seems to be the best actress in the company, but little Miss Stevens is my favourite. She is so tiny, and goes through her part of the Princess with such a piquante air, and to see the childish face above her bridal robes appeals to all. She first comes out and sings ‘ In old Madrid,’ and wears the daintiest little black velvet riding habit, just showing a pale blue satin skirt embroidered with gold, and wears a large velvet hat covered with feathers, and carries a whip ; but she looked prettiest of all in the last act, in a short red petticoat, full white chemisette, and black velvet zouave jacket and little red cap, and carries a tambourine, which she poses gracefully while she dances. Miss Everett’s first dress is a sort of Patience style, with big hat with flowers and short striped petticoat, and then she wears a pink silk evening dress with train, and afterwards she appears in a bridal toilette. Master Stevens acts the King very cleverly, and dresses the part well. Master Quealy is not as good, but his ‘ make up,’ I think, is better. The clever marching of the children was very much admired, especially when they threw red, yellow, and blue lights on them, causing their sabres and shields to glitter again and again with very pretty effect. The scene in the second act is very picturesque. They certainly deserve patronage, and seem to have got it liberally throughout New Zealand. Amongst the audiences during the week have been Lady and Miss Hector, Mr and Mrs G. Beetham, Mr and Miss Buller, Miss Reynolds (Dunedin), the Misses Harding, Mr and Miss Dransfield, Mr Walrond, Mr J. and the Misses Mills (Dunedin), Mrs and the Misses Gore, Mr and Mrs Edward Richardson, Miss Richardson, Mr and Mrs Burns, Miss S. Graham, the Misses Haise, Mr and Mrs Rey nolds (Dunedin), Mrs and Miss Coleridge, Mr and Mrs Travers, Mr and Mrs De Castro, Mr and Mrs Mantel], etc. A very good entertainment has just been given at St. Mark’s schoolroom in aid of the choir fund. It consisted of vocal and instrumental music, and statuary and tableaux. Two tableaux consisted of scenes from ‘ Pginalion and Galatea,’two very amusing ones being ‘The Three Old Maids of Lee,’ and then ‘The Three Young Maids of Lee.’ Five scenes from Burns’ ‘Auld Robin Gray’ were excellent, Mrs Lucas (Miss Florence Nightingale) singing the solo parts, and others given were ‘ Victory,’ ‘ Faith, Hope, and Charity,’ and ‘ The Angel Reapers.’ Mrs Lucas was encored for her song, ‘ The Children’s Home,’ and gave ‘Cornin’ Thro’ the Rye.’ Mrs Peter Webb sang, and also Mr Gooder, Mr J. E. Page, and an instrumental trio was played by Miss Kebl>ell, .Miss Pilcher, and Mr A. Hammerton, and a quartette for voices was sung by Madames Meek and Webb, and Messrs Hueston and Plimmer. The accompaniments were played by Misses Page and Hardwick, who also supplied pianoforte solos. There was a large audience, and the whole affair was very well managed.

We have lost another of our old colonists in the person of Mrs Daniel Riddiford, who died very suddenly. It appears she was perfectly well the day before, and spent a convivial evening with several of her young relatives, but was seized with a sudden attack of bronchitis early the following morning, and died before her medical man (Dr. Kemp), had arrived. Miss Willis, her grand daughter, and Mr Arthur

Cooper, her grandson, were both staying in the house at the time. The funeral took place from Mr Ed. Riddiford’s place, Woburn, at the Hutt, and was very largely attended, the Rev. Mr Still and the Rev. Mr Fancourt officiating. Mrs Riddiford will be greatly missed in every way, and especially in all charitable works, of which she was astrong upholder and generous donor. She leaves six daughters and three sons, all of whom are married, and most of them living near to where their mother lived. She was an excellent correspondent, and all her near relatives received a letter from her regularly every week, and up to the very last took an active interest in all those around her. We are to lose the Earl and Countess of Onslow for a short time. They are going to Otaki to visit the Maori tribe, and are to be accompanied by the Ladies Dorothy and Gwendoline Onslow, and little Lord Huia, and Sir Walter anch Lady Buller, Miss Buller, and Mr Walrond. Captain Guthrie has gone to Australia to be present at some race meeting (I am dreadfully ignorant as regards the sporting world, or I would know which meeting), and is accompanying Mr Gollan, of Hawke’s Bay, who has taken his horses with him. Lord and Lady Onslow went to McCollus stables one morning before they left to see Mr Gollan’s horses, which have excited much admiration here. There has been nothing exciting this week, but I will be able to tell you about Mrs J. P. Maxwell’s dance next week, and later on about Miss Noake’s musical recital. The two latest engagements are those of Mr J. H. Cock, formerly of Nelson, and Miss Spensley, so well known in musical circles in Christchurch ; and Mr T. Wilford, son of Dr. XViltord, of the Hutt, and Miss Georgie McLean, daughter of the Hon. George McLean, of Dunedin

Ruby.