DUNEDIN.

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

DUNEDIN.

Dear Bee, October 7. Miss Jennie West has undertaken to produce * the Messiah ’in a few months’ time. She is said to be the first lady conductoress in New Zealand who has undertaken so ambitious a task. About one hundred responded to her invitation, and met for the inaugural practice the other night, but it is oelieved that the chorus will be more than doubled, as upon that evening many musical people were elsewhere. A wedding of considerable interest took place at Port Chalmers, when the daughter (Jeannie) of Captain McCullum, the deputy harbour-master, was united to Mr Alexander Grant Simpson, of Rangitikei, North Island. The ships both at Port and Dunedin were quite gay with bunting, and the Presbyterian Church was crowded to get a peep at the bride, who looked very nice in a gown of white brocaded satin, with long train with the usual veil and orange blossoms, and lovely bouquet. Five bridesmaids attended her, four being her sisters, and a Miss McCullum from Auckland, making the fifth. This lady wore a remarkably pretty dress of cream nun’s veiling, with a stylish hat to match. The two elder sisters were attired in dresses of white nun’s veiling trimmed with gold braid and white crepe hats relieved with gold. The two little sisters of the bride wore terra-cotta, with Liberty silk sashes and hats. All wore gold bangles and brooches, the gift of the bridegroom. The bride’s mother wore a handsome black satin dress with cream lace. The bridegroom had Mr R. C. Bruce, late member for Rangitikei, for best man. The breakfast was held in the Foresters’ Hall, where about fifty guests sat down. Among the guests were Mr Mills, M.H.R., Captain Anderson, Captain Cameron, the Rev. Mr Ryley, Mr Allen, and the Mayor of Port Chalmers. The happy couple have gone to Oamaru for their honeymoon. Talking of weddings reminds me that Miss Hale’s marriage with Mr Jowitt is arranged for February. The bridesmaids are to be six in number—Misses G. McLean, Butterworth, A. Roberts, Macassey, Carew, and Tui Stephenson. We had a glorious day for the laying of the stone of Dr. Burns’ statue, which will be directly opposite to that of Robert Burns, the poet. It is a magnificent gift to the city by Mr Robert Chapman. He (Dr. Burns) was the pioneer minister of Otago, and a great number of the old identities of the first church were present. Dr. Burns was appointed minister to the Otago settlement in 1845 by Sir William Chambers, but did not leave for the colonies until 1848. For almost a quarter of a century he was a prominent member here, not only as a minister, but as a man who took a lively interest in public matters. To him also the settlers were indebted for the first public library. The gift of Mr Chapman is a very handsome one, and the citizens feel very grateful. The lovely afternoon tempted a good many of Mrs David Ross’ friends out to her pretty new home at Ravensbourne, where they spent a delightful time. Mrs Qualter has also had a delightful afternoon tea, where many familiar faces were assembled. Mrs Sise also gave an afternoon tea, and Mrs Henry Mackenzie a delightful evening at the ‘Chalet.’ Mrs Mackenzie’s parties are always much enjoyed, for she is a delightful entertainer. The daughters of Mr and Mrs Roberts entertained their young friends at a small dance at Littlebourne House. As neither of these ladies is ‘ out ’ yet, it could not be a large affair. Mr and Mrs Roberts are expected from England shortly, but Miss Roberts and Mr George will remain behind. Among the young ladies at the dance were Miss F. Spence, in a very becoming white ; Miss Rattray, cornflower blue nun’s veiling; Miss A. Dymock, terra-cotta muslin ; Miss G. Neill, pale pink silk ; Miss R. Neill, pretty yellow silk ; Miss A. Roberts, pale pink nun's veiling ; Mis's Lulu Roberts, two shades of green cashmere ; Miss Macassey, pink silk covered with net; Miss C. McLaren looked very well in dark red ; Miss Scott, black silk grenadine. Others were Misses Ramsey and Webster.

The Ladies’ Savage Club was supposed to close with a gentlemen’s evening, but which having been unavoidably postponed, another ladies’ evening was held at Mrs Colquhon’s. It was an invitation evening, and a large number were present, amongst whom were Mesdames Mackenzie, Batchelor, Ferguson, Monkman, Joachim, Scott, Qualter, Bridges, Valentine, Belcher, Bathgate, Woodhouse, Fenwick, Stilling, Sise, Melland, Pim, De Zouche, Moore, Driver, Dymock, Ogston, Macassey, and the Misses Fenwick, Rattray, Reynolds, Spence, Scott, Sise, Stanford, Qualter, Cargill, Stephenson, Roberts, and Williams. Miss K. Rattray occupied the chair. Mrs De Zouche sang a song ; Misses M. Williams and Roberts gave a pianoforte duet; Mrs Melland and Miss Stephenson, very interesting readings ; Misses Stephenson, a scene from ‘ Rudder Grange,’ Mrs Melland, an appeal addressed to lady novelists, entitled ‘ A Plea for Shorter Heroes Mrs Pim sang a song, and Mrs Bridges exhibited and explained the method of making a working apron. The weather was gloriously fine for a week, and now we are having a rain that is making glad the hearts of farmers and gardeners, both professional and amateur. It has been steadily coming down for twenty-four hours. The Bland Holt season has been one of unqualified success. As I imagined it would, ‘ The Bells of flaselmere ’ took even better than ‘London Day by Day.’ Upon the last night of the first-mentioned piece the house was as crowded as on the first night it was put on ; and on the first night of ‘ The Golden Ladder,’ although a Saturday night, and usually an unfashionable night in the circle, it was crowded there as well as below stairs. In fact, in all parts of the house people were content to stand the whole evening. I for one am extremely sorry the season is over, althongii every night this week offers something. A series of farewell concerts (of Mr Hunter’s I will tell you before I close), the Tui Minstrels, and a play, ‘ Look in the Glass,’ composed by Henry Belcher, son of Dr. Belcher. The Tui Minstrels are not a travelling show, but formed from our young gentlemen here, and I learn that every seat in the circle is booked for their opening night, so 1 shall have plenty of news for you next week. But to return to the theatre. The last two nights it was densely packed, scarcely good standing room being obtainable. Mrs Bland Holt looks lovely in the first act of ‘ The Golden Ladder,’ wearing a terra-cotta silk, made in a very quaint style, as only actresses manage to get their dresses made. The circle was really too full to distinguish

one from another, but I noticed Mra Bowen, in brown satin ; Miss Sievwright, in French grey with yoke and girdle of {link; Miss Halenstein, white; Miss Reynolds, black dress, and ong grey opera cloak ; Mrs Martin, cream and red ; Miss Belcher, grey velvet; Miss Stephenson and Miss Tui, white brocaded opera cloaks ; Miss Isaacs, black. We are very grudgingly giving up our theatrical treat. Mr Walter Howe is a splendid actor. You will see a magnificent piece of acting in the furnace scene of ‘ Master and Man,’ but, as the season progressed, we saw him taking the part of nobler characters, and his Frank Thornhill in ‘ The Golden Ladder * leaves behind him a pleasant recollection. He looked every inch the brave young missionary he represented. Mr Baker is also a fine actor, and manager, so irresistible does he make his villains, to carry the sympathies of the audience with him, and although he generally represents a * good-for-nothing,’ still we are always delighted when he comes out safe. Miss Blande need only to repeat her visit to prove how much she has won upon the people. Both she and Mrs Holt were the recipients of some lovely flowers. A farewell concert was given to Mr John Deaker, who is leaving for Sydney. For ten years past he has always most good-naturedly assisted at charitable affairs, and his many friends gave him a good send off. Miss Rose Blaney, looking very pretty in pink silk, sang ‘ Kathleen Mavourneen ’ in her own sweet way, also, ‘My Faded Violet.’ Miss M. Graham, wearing a very pretty black evening ■dress, sang * Ever of Thee,’ and was greatly appreciated. Mr W. Woods was among the soloists, and, of course, Mr Deaker, who received a big ovation. Miss Mary Drumm acted throughout the evening as accompanist playing with expression, and looking very nice in a pretty terra-cotta dress. Another farewell concert was the one I previously alluded to, given to Mr Arthur Hunter. To tell the truth I was not there. I could not find it in my heart to miss the last night of the theatre, but I hear it was in every way a success. Miss Rose Blaney sang charmingly, and Miss Blanche Joel and Miss Cooper were among the lady vocalists, Mr Charles Umbers, Mr Densem, and Mr Manson among the gentlemen, but if I don’t leave off writing I shall miss the mail. I wish I were going with my letter as far as Christchurch to be present there at the opening night of * Master and Man.’

Maude.