CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 43, 24 October 1891, Page 514

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, October 6. It was thought by many to be a mistake of the Amateur Opera Company to revive such a played-out piece as ‘ H.M.S. Pinafore,’ but they have proved they were right, for it has had a most successful run of five nights and an afternoon performance, the latter being well-patronised by children and country residents. Mrs C. Edgai, as Josephine, scored an immense success, her acting and singing alike being charming, and when robed in her cream satin gown looked most fascinating. Miss E. Buchanan was excellent as Little Buttercup, making her points with telling effect. Both ladies weie deluged nightly with lovely bouquets. Their homes through the week must have been like iiower stalls. Miss Button made the most of Hebe’s part. Mr Wanklyn took the part of Sir Joseph Porter, but lacked the dignity of the Admiral. Mr Maitland Gaidner, as Captain Corcoran, was admirable. Mr E. R. Anderson’s Ralph excited everyone’s sympathy to think such a handsome ‘ jolly tar' should be condemned to a dungeon, while Dick Deadeye could not have fallen into better hands than Mr Millar’s. He was ungainly and tepulsive enough for anything, ami his fine voice in the concerted pieces came out giandly. Little Percy Barnett was a properly captivating Midshipman, and did his part with much ease. The introduced song, ‘The Midshipmite,’ sung by Mr H. Weir, was much appreciated. The mounting and business of the opera were’excellent, the smallest detail being faithfully carried out, and great praise is due to their conductor, Mr F. M. Wallace, and to Mr E. W. Seager, as stage manager. I am glad to hear they have

made a little money, as the attendance was good throughout the week.

Mrs Worthy had one of her enjoyable afternoons, when tennis and Badminton were the staple amusements. Mr and Mrs Harrison were there, Mr and Mrs Walters, Mr and Mrs Wells, the Misses Clark, Helmore, Loughnan, Hennah, and Mr Maxwell Stuart. I hear the latter returns to England shortly ; then we shall meet, and we shall miss him. The Earl and Countess of Onslow, family, and suite have arrived. The Hinemoa started with them, but the weather looked so threatening Captain Fairchild persuaded them to wait a night, which they did, fortunately, for we had a big blow that night. It looks quite cheerful to see the vice regal flag Hying from tire house on Park Terrace. The residence of the late Hon. AV. Robinson is to be their abode while with us. The Governor went South immediately to see after carriage horses, I believe. The fishing season has just commenced, so His Excellency will be able to indulge in the gentle art. Several nice fish have been landed, some weighing ten pounds. The new class-rooms in connection with the Boys’ High School were opened with great eclat, the spacious rooms being well filled by the boys, their parents and friends. In one of the large upstairs rooms some good music was provided by Mr and Mrs Bevan-Brown, Mr Piischel, and Mr Morton. The boys sang some glees very nicely, and Master Pemberton gave a recitation in a most praiseworthy manner. Mrs Banks gave a delightful little dinner party. Dr. and Mrs H. Murray-Aynsley, Mrs Napier Bell, Miss Tanner, Mr B. Lane, and Mr W. Macdonald were there. The table was exquisitely appointed, and a charming evening was spent.

The ‘ Waihinis ’ have held yet another last and regretful meeting, this time at Miss Tabart’s, Opawa. Much as we regret giving up these delightful meetings, with the fine sunny days and all the tennis courts open we should only long to be outside. Miss Palmer gave a very pleasing innovation, a solo on the accordion, that much-despised instrument, but played with that young lady’s skill was very acceptable. Songs and piano solos, tea, cakes, etc., filled up a very pleasant afternoon. Mr George Kettlewell and Dr. Nedwill both returned by the Tainui from a trip to England, neither having been absent many months. It seems such a little thing to go to England and back these times. Dr Nedwill has only made a holiday of the sea trip, for he says he never worked so hard in his life as during his short stay in London, being passed on by eminent physicians from one important operation to another, so that he might have the benefit of being E resent for the sake of his profession and suffering humanity. le was eagerly welcomed back by his numerous friends. Mis Ogle, with her small daughter, is on a visit to Christchurch, staying with her mother (Mrs Palmer), ‘Woodford,’ Papanui Road. Extensive alterations have been made to the house since Mr Palmer took up his residence there, and some six or seven rooms added.

Miss Dora Stack had a girls’ gathering, and a good many turned up in spite of the heavy showers, among those present being the Misses Maude, Sanders, Helmore, Delamain, Meeson, Hoare, and Withnall. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent with music, songs, etc, etc. Mr F. Graham left for England last week on a business trip. He only expects to be absent a short time. Mr J. J. Kinsey, Miss Kinsey, Mrs and Miss Dampier-Crossley are all touring in Australia. Mr Cowlishaw and Mr G. G. Stead have also been in Melbourne recently. The end of the week took us back to midwinter, and we began the day with showers of snow, sleet, hail, and rain, and hearts down to zero, as there was a very interesting tennis match to be played at the Cranmer Square Courts, and the opening day of Merivale. However, as the sun rose higher he swept the board and came out quite brightly, leaving only a very keen wind to fight against. The hills all round were covered with a glittering coat of snow, which looked very pretty, but not comfortable. A large number assembled at Cranmer Square during the afternoon, and watched with increasing interest the games between Messrs Marshall and Harman, the former again being victorious, so still holds the Champion Cup, which was presented in a neat speech by Mr Wilding. Mrs Bruges and an army of young lady assistants kindly provided tea and cake. The cold afternoon made both unusually acceptable. I saw Mrs Laurie there in black silk, with long grey cloak trimmed with fur, hat to match ; Miss Campbell, in a blue dress, with three-quarter cloak ; Miss Clark, an electric blue dress braided with black ; Miss G. Robison, a red dress, black jacket and hat ; Mrs Way, a neat brown costume; Mrs Wells, also in brown ; Mrs Willock, in grey ; the Misses Withnall, Grey, Strouts, Lean, Lingard, Cotteril, Meeson, etc. Mrs Bruges wore a handsome cloak of crimson brocade. At Merivale a very pleasant afternoon was spent, though not so many present as there would have been but for the counter attraction at Cranmer Square. The gentlemen provided the tea, and Mrs Cunningham and Mrs F. Graham acted as hostesses.

Another old and respected resident has passed away in the person of Mr J. H. Moore, who may have been seen for many years doing duty as sidesman in the Cathedral. He was buried in Linwood Cemetery, Bishop Harper, the Dean, and many of the clergy attending his funeral. I forgot to mention a very pleasing little act which came between the two last performances of ‘Pinafore.’ By the kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Wallace, the whole company proceeded to their house, Armagh-street, and partook of a cold collation or high tea. A splendid spread was provided, and Mr Wallace finished up by presenting each lady with a pretty bonbonniere filled with choice confections. The time spent was marked by the utmost cordiality and enjoyment, showing the pleasant relations existing between the conductor and the members of the company. In a stroll through the shops the other day I was struck by the preponderance of grey over every other colour—countless varieties of shades, but inclining to grey, while in the millineryblack and gold and black and yellow of all shades seems very fashionable. The cotton goods aie charming, but during snow-storms one’s thoughts will not turn to cotton frocks, and in our climate a tweed gown is a necessity. I have aheady seen several new ones of different tones of grey with Newmarket jackets, and very smart and serviceable they look.

Dolly Vale.