DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 46, 14 November 1891, Page 587

DUNEDIN.

Dear Bee, October 27. The Otago Hussars had a lovely day for their sports, and consequently a very large number of friends availed themselves of their kind invitations to be present. The events were gone through very successfully, no mishaps occurring. The cigar and umbrella race caused much amusement. Owing to the extent of Tahuna Park it was impossible to see half the people who were present, but those I noticed were Mesdames Sievwright, Dymock, Macneil, Finch, Le Cren, Bowen, Garratt, Chamberlain, Neill, Jones, Maxwell, Scott, Thomson (Christchurch), Kennedy, Morris, Caughtrev, Batchelor, Arthur Fulton, Dr. Fulton, Gillies, and the Misses Sievwright, Farquhar, Stephenson, Sise, Dymock, McLean, Neill, Macassey, Butterworth, Hales, Scott, Webster, Macandiew, Nevill, Garratt, Fitchett, Morris, Hertslett, Fulton, Reynolds, and R. Neill. Miss Butterworth wore a pretty navy blue dress with silver grey boa, sailor hat; Miss Sievwright, dark grey dress, light straw hat with pink roses ; Miss Dymock, light fawn dress, dark brown hat ; Miss A. Dymock, fawn dress and hat; Miss T. Stephenson, black dress, and hat with heliotrope feathers ; Miss K. Stephenson black dress, and hat covered with cornflowers ; Miss Filchett, black skirt, red Liberty silk bodice, and hat covered with poppies and cornflowers ; Miss Garratt, fawn costume and brown hat; Miss V. Garratt, pretty light crushed strawberry dress, Dorothy cape of same colour with yoke of bright red, white sailor hat; Miss G. Neill, brown dress, and hat trimmed with feathers ; Mrs Thomson (Christchurch), pretty silver grey costume with hat to match ; Mis H. Le Cren, in black ; Mrs A. Fulton, grey dress, and sailor hat with striped band. Upon the same afternoon the Tennis and Bowling Greens in Serpentine Avenue were opened. The courts looked in lovely order, for we have had so many spring showers that everywhere the green grass can grow it does, with a thick carpeting of daisies. There were not as many ladies present as upon the previous year, owing to the sports, but those who were there enjoyed themselves. The cross country run also drew a number to the residence of Mr Cargill, of the Cliffs, from which the men started. It was much pleasanter to watch than to participate in, for the run was about five miles over hill and dale to near Woodeaton. The Dunedin Amateur Athletic Club are to be congratulated upon their success. It was a beautiful run, Haynes leading, and coming in first. Mrs Dymock presented the prizes, among them being three trophies given by Bland Holt. The Misses Cargill provided some delicious tea.

Talking of Bland Holt ieminds me that we have another first rate company at the Theatre now, brought over by Mr Macmahon. Mr Grattan Riggs is taking the leading characters, and in ‘ The Irish Detective ’ takes all hearts by storm by his seven different personations, each one of which is perfect. It is not often that two good companies follow one another so quickly, but Mr Macmahon always brings something good. They will be in Christchurch for the race week, and are sure to be crowded, as, indeed, they deserve to be. Other people will be in Christchurch, too, and so far as I can see we are going to be quiet meanwhile, but our turn is coming a little later on. Everybody is so glad that the Governor and Countess are coming down at race time, for it will be so much merrier, and there are sure to be some nice dances.

The Gipsy Encampment has been a wonderful success. Up till now they have cleared eight hundred pounds and it is not closed yet. Every night there has been a fresh programme, and not the least interesting among the items has been the singing of several of our favourite vocalists—Mrs Angus, Misses Rose and Kitty Blaney. The Convent pupils have also rendered some pretty pieces, both vocal and instrumental. Everybody is talking of the wonderful success the encampment has been, and crowds go in every night to chat with the gipsies as well as invest their money. Until it is closed the other places of amusement are sure to suffer. Some of the things rallied have been very handsome, and every stall has been laden with woman’s work — exquisite crewel work, etc. Upon Mrs Watson’s stall was some lovely lace worked by herself. Mr Petre has been very busy each night helping to work off the rallies, which process has been characterised by extreme fairness, although of course, there can only be one lucky one in each venture.

rrider the training of Mrs Hamend tile little girls have danced charmingly. Some months ago I told you of a new kind of social called a ‘ Basket social.' They have been trying them down South with great success, and enjoying the novelty and fun as well as making money for church purposes. The plan suggested was for a lady to provide tea or supper for two, enclose her card ami hand in the basket sub ro.s<>, then the baskets are put up for sale, and if a local auctioneer will give his services the fun is generally fast and furious. The highest bidder gets the basket ; and when the lady’s card is discovered inside, has the privilege of supping with her tete a tete. z\n account comes from Heriot, among several others, of a ‘Basket Social’ held there lately. A short concert led the evening, then came the sale of fifty baskets, some of which were prettily decorated with flowers anil ribbons, and the gentlemen bid as high as from one shilling to eleven. No end of fun resulted, and when the last basket was disposed of the committee banded round tea and coffee. After the supper a dance followed. Twenty-two pounds was realised, and the place is a small one. This manner of procedure seems far preferable to the old fashioned tea meeting, and when gentlemen do not mind spending a few shillings they are folly repaid. The ladies of Romahapa gave a return ball to the bachelors, which they decided should be a fancy dress one. The grand inarch was one of the features of the evening, and showed off the dresses splendidly. Among them were Mrs Anderson, Night ; Miss Dunn, Spanish Lady ; Miss Isa, Red Cross Nurse; Miss Flora, French Flag; Miss Lizzie, Spring ; Miss Sharp, Flower Girl ; Miss I’ateison, St. Andrew's Cross Flag; Miss Jackson, < lid Lady ; Miss Maud, Scotch Lassie ; Misses Ledingham (2), Housemaids ; Miss Henderson, Fishwife; Miss Jessie, Ferngirl ; Miss Mathewson, Mistletoe; Miss Murray, Nurse; Miss Emily, Swiss Girl ; Miss Henrietta, Little Red Riding Hood ; Miss Cunningham, Swiss Peasant; Miss Mary Dull', Flower Girl ; Miss Miller, Housemaid ; Miss Louie Hurting, Gipsy Girl; Miss Jessie Wylie, Winter; Miss Watt, School-girl ; Miss Mulrain, Housemaid ; Miss Wilson, Night. A number of the gentlemen also looked very well. Mr Peterson, Druid ; Mr Shields, Winter ; Mr R. Morton, Hussar ; Mr J. Paterson, English Fox Hunter ; Mr Potiki, Postman; Mr P. Fanning, Nigger; Mr J. Hurring, Volunteer; Mr W. Abernethy, Old Gentleman of the Olden Time ; Mr A. Wilson, Young Gentleman of the < llden Time ; Mr J. Watts, Sailor ; Mr J. Henderson, Pirate Captain, Mr G. Henderson, Chinaman ; Mr W. Duncan, Negro ; Mr Grant, Knight of the Fifteenth Century ; Mr J. Duff, Soldier; Mr A. Smith, Jockey ; Mr Blaek, Chinaman ; Mr Sutherland, Lord Dundreary. Mrs W. Kennedy gave a very pleasant afternoon tea, and among those who were there were Mesdames A. Finch, Roberts, Stock, Cantrell, Macneil, Bowen, Preston, Grey (Port Chalmers), Morris, Stephenson, and the Misses Stephenson, Morris and Law. I do not think I have any more news to tell you, but shall have more next week.

Maude.