NAPIER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 48, 28 November 1891, Page 635

NAPIER.

Dear Bee, November 13. • lur military boys gave a most en joyable concert in the Theatre Royal, and hail a crowded house. Grand Military Entertainment they’ termed it, so I must do likewise. The physical drill of the ‘ F.’Battery and the bayonet exercise of the navals was quite a treat to watch. The High School cadets’ musical drill and Indian club exercise was one of the best items of the evening, both being demanded over again. Mr Edgar Rudman played for them. The boys looked manly little fellows, and I think it splendid training for them. The second part of the programme commenced with a camp scene, into which was introduced the march * Men of Harlech,’Cadets ; ‘ Slattery’s Mounted Foot,’Corporal Hughes; ‘The Boys of the Old Brigade,' Lieutenant Swan; ‘The Patent Medicine Man,’ Seaman Brophy; Hornpipe, Bandsman McKnight and pupils ; Lieutenant Charles Kennedy, with Mr Jack Parker and Mr Leo Von Hast gave a trio, the first-named playing the banjo, the second mandoline, the last the guitar ; they were warmly applauded, and had to appear once more. Seaman Andrews sang ‘ The Bogie Man ’ in costume ; ‘ I'll Conquer or Die,' Sergeant Hughe-. The most amusing item was * the Chelsea Pensioner,'by Lieutenant Swan, who kept the house in roars of laughter. ‘The Midshipmite,’ by Gunner Sparrow, concluded the programme. I may just add while on this topic our boys returned from the military tournament held in Wellington, and are in good spirits in having carried off home with them seven first events, and got a place in others. No other place outside Wellington has done so well, so bravo for our boys ! They always keep up Napier's reputation. The Payne Family have paid ns another visit and had good houses. The Guild of St. John entertained a number at a social last week. Amongst those present weie the Bishop of Waiapu, Miss Stuart (the Bishop’s sister), Mrs John Hindmarsh, Mrs Leash, the Dean of Waiapu, Mrs De Berdt Hovel), Rev. John Hobbs (of II astings), Mrs and M iss Mon nt fort, M r Mountfort, Mr and Mrs Spackman, Mr Herbert Spackman, Miss Bella Hitchings (who looked very nice), Mr and Mrs Owen, Mrs Provis, and many otheis I do not for the moment remember. Misses Fulton gave a jolly dance one evening last week. Although the night was a warm one it was a most enjoyable dance. Mr Von Stunner has gone on a visit to Auckland to his relatives. Mrs Wood, of Nelson, is on a visit to her mother, Mrs Kennedy. Everyone is so pleased to see her. She is one of our best girls who has settled away from Napier, and is looking charming. Mrs Harry Lylee is still with her sister, Miss Minna Chapman, but is to return home in a week or so. She looks well, and is as amiable as ever. Her mother's sudden death gave her a great shock. This week Miss Rose Kiely, daughter of ex Inspector Kiely, died of consumption at the early age of seventeen, having been ill onlysix months. She was a most promising girl, and of a most amiable disposition. It is a great blow to het family. Tennis at Farndon Courts, and also at the Scinde Courts, is in full swing, many new members having been enrolled. Cricket also seems to have taken a new lease of life in Napier, and promises to have a good season. Mrs Rhodes, of the * Grange,’is a little better, but not able to get about yet. Mr James Sidey, son of the Rev. David Sidey, has just received a good appointment in London in the same Insur-

ance Office that he is manager of here, and leaves for home next month. Mr Sidey will take with him the good wishes of all who know him in Napier,and although we regret losing them, we join in wishing him and Mis Sidey every success in their new home, also in the good promotion he has received. We know well we cannot retain them. Mr Sidey we looked on as a Napier boy. Although not born here, he came a mere lad many years ago from Scotland with his father, and has been closely associated with us always. Mrs Warren is not much better ; her sister, Miss Leslie Thomson, is still with her. The annual meeting of the Press Association was held here a week ago, when all the leading papers of New Zealand were represented. Amongst those in town during the day I noticed Mr Henry Brett, Mr Blundell (of Wellington), Mr Wilson (of Auckland), Mr Jago (Dunedin), Mr Carson (Wanganui). Most of the press representatives were present at the Bowling Green, Mr Henry Brett (Auckland) and Mr Jago (of Dunedin), also Mr Carson (of Wanganui) were playing most of the afternoon. The Hon. Mitchelson was on the ground part of the afternoon. Amongst the ladies were Miss Amy Brett (Auckland), Miss Blundell (Wellington), Mrs Wilson (Auckland), and many Napier ladies. The gardens round our Napier Hills are quite picturesque at present, Mrs J. H. Coleman’s, Mrs E. W. Knowles’, and Mrs John Close’s. The latter has had many improve ments during the last year, and there is such a splendid view from her place that the garden shows round the hill ami plainly from the Marine Parade. The terraced part is very pretty. We hope to see Mrs Close exhibit at the coming Show. No persuasion hitherto has made her do so, but with such a charming garden she should, and I think people should get a chance of seeing what choice flowers are in Napier. Mr Coleman’s gardener exhibits at most shows. It is quite a treat to see the fine collection. We are looking forward to the Show at the end of the week, so now till next time, Bee, good-bye.

Jack.