TIMARU.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 50, 12 December 1891, Page 684

TIMARU.

Dear Bee, November 26. Summer is now full upon us, and everything is looking bright and pretty, including the dresses of the ladies. Winter garments are cast aside, and from them we emerge, like the butterfly from the chrysalis, in gay colours, Cornflower blue seems to be quite the favourite colour, though I cannot say I much admire it. .Several shades of heliotrope are also much worn this season, and very becoming they are. Nearly all the dresses are made with the very long basque which is now so fashionable, while blouses and tennis shirts are all worn outside the skirt, an improvement which we shall all appreciate. Many ladies are wearing pretty grey costumes, notably among them Mrs Perston, and the Misses Cramond and Hassel. At the S.< '.A. A.C. Grounds there was quite a fashionable gathering to witness the opening cricket match of the season, Bankers and Lawyers v. the World. The players were not very energetic, but that is quite excusable, as they had not had any practice this season : but that did not prevent the game being very enjoyable. Afternoon tea was dis: pensed in the grand stand by Mesdames C. Perry and Smithson, assisted by the Misses O’Brien and Turnbull. Among the spectators I noticed Mrs C. Perry and Mrs Angus Macdonald in black ; Mrs Smithson, black, with a white tennis shirt; Mrs Hassel, pretty’ blue dust cloak ; Mrs Inglis, grey : and the Misses Archer, White, Ford, Lovegrove, Banilield, Le'Cren, and Beswick. Dr. and Mrs Lawson, who have just arrived from home in the Tongariro, were also there, the bride looking nice in navy blue with dark red braided waiscoat and panel, and hat to match. A great number of people left by express for the Christchurch Paces and Show, which are always held there in this month. We poor things who were left behind felt very jealous as the train moved off laden with our more fortunate friends.

The Prince of Wales’ Birthday was, of course, a public holiday, there was nothing going on in the town, but numerous picnic parties wended their several ways into the country. A large party under the chaperonage of Mrs Perry, drove out to [Storecroft, Mr A. Perry’s farm, and spent a pleasant day among the trees. There was great excitement in the evening on the receipt of the news that British Lion had won the New Zealand Cup, all the gentlemen and many ladies taking a great interest in the race. Of course, there were several horses in this district contesting the various events, and we were very pleased to hear that Mr Timaru Rhodes’ Morpheus had won the Maiden Stakes, while Mr R. Allen’s*Saracen*ran a good second to Clanronald, being only beaten by half a head. Lately we have had such wretched weather—heavy rain and bitterly cold winds. It must be very bad for delicate people coming after the warm days we had last month. However, the sun reappeared, ami the weather was much warmer when Miss Le Cren, of Craighead, gave a very plea want tennis party. There were a good many guests, and those who were not playing enjoyed themselves, I think, as much as those who were, there being so much to see and admire in the lovely and extensive grounds. Afternoon tea was served on the lawn. Among the guests were Mrs F. Le Cren and Miss Nantes ; Mrs Lindsay and her sisters ; Mrs Perston, in a stylish blue dress with large white spots ; Mrs Withers, who is here on a visit from Brisbane ; and her ■sisters, the Misses White ; Mrs Edmund Cook, in a handsome black and gold costume ; Mrs C. Perry, Miss Turnbull, in a soft white silk and lovely pink roses ; Miss Archer, Miss Lovegrove and her sister, Miss Beswick, Miss Chisholm, and Miss Kitson. The hostess, Miss Le Cien, looked very pretty in a dark heliotrope gown. The day chosen by our Bowling Club as their opening day, was a most enjoyable one, and a pleasant afternoon was spent on their new green in Sefton-streeet. All the previous week was very showery and uncertain, but that afternoon proved warm and'beautifu). Four hundred invitations were sent out, and quite that number of guests must have made their appearance during the afternoon. The green is in a hollow surrounded by a broad terrace, and beyond that again are rows of seats on a velvety sward. There were four rinks kept going during the afternoon, the players being selected from the vice-presidents and members of the Committee. There were four daintily-stocked teatables, presided over by the wives of the members of the committee. No 1 by Mrs Sutter, assisted by Miss McLean, Miss Taylor, Miss Mee, and Miss Sims ; No. 2 by Mrs Cook, assisted by Mesdames Toshack and (looch, and the Misses Lovegrove and Cook ; No. 3 by Mrs Howley, assisted by Mrs Bamfield and her daughters ; No. 4 by Mrs (Dr.) Reid, assisted by Mrs Moses, Mrs White, and Mrs Gillman. Among the guests were Mrs George Rhodes, of Claremont, in a stylish fawn costume ; Mrs Smithson, looking very pretty in black ; Mrs and Miss Wray, the latter wearing a fashionable black anil white blazer: Mrs Withers, Miss White, Mrs Timaru Rhodes, Mrs Broderick, Mrs Bristol, of Kingsdown, wife of the president, in a handsome dress and black boa ; Mrs Douglas and her daughters, Mrs Stedman, Miss Gardner, in a pretty blue print; Miss Le Cren and Miss Beswick ; Miss Allen, in a pretty green flowered delaine ; and her sister, in a sweet grey dress, and three quarter cape to match ; the Misses Mayne, Mrs Gordon Wood, and many others. In the evening one of the nicest concerts we have had for a long time was held in St. Mary’s schoolroom. It was given by the members of St. Mary’s Choir, and was the first of a proposed series. The room was arranged most charmingly witli tables, settees, easy chairs and sofas, pot plants, etc. Japanese umbrellas were hung from the roof, and pretty Liberty muslin curtains draped each window. The stage, too looked very cosy and inviting. The comfortable chairs and sofas on that were occupied by the adult members of the Choir, the boys only going on the stage when they had to take part in the music. Two or three trios

were sung by the lady members, and glees by the full choir, all of which were much admired for the perfect time and crispness with which the parts were taken up. In one trio, ‘ Ave Maria,’ the solo was ably taken by Mrs Stubbs, and in another, ‘ Once Again,’ the solopart was well sung by Miss < ooper. Opinions differ as to the gem of the evening, but my favourite was Greig’s ‘ Norwegian Wedding March,’which was exquisitely played by Mrs S. F. Smithson, who also sang in her usual sweet and finished style. Solos were given by Mrs Stubbs, Miss A. Mee, Mr T. Jones, and Mr Ziesler, and were all heartily applauded. A charming duet of Rubenstein’s, sung by the Misses Lilian and Mabel Cooper, was greatly appreciated. The same two sisters also played one 8f Schubert’s lovely marches with great expression. Messrs Perston and Robins sang * The Larboard Watch’ exceedingly well, There was also a spirited recitation by Captain Jackson; and a very interesting address by our Archdeacon on church music in England ; and last, but not least, there were, oh, Bee, such delicious tea and cakes of every description. The evening was brought to a close by the full choir’s splendid rendering of the old favourite, ‘ Home, Sweet Home,’followed, of course, by the National Anthem. All agreed that the evening was a great success, and we all hope that the choir will hold to their present intention of repeating the entertainment once or twice a year. A dance was given to Mr G. C. Matheson, who is leaving Timaru for Queensland this week. Mr Matheson has been here in the National Bank about six years, anti is extremely popular, not only with the fair sex, but also among his male associates, which I always think speaks better for a man than anything else. He has been captain of both the Football and Boating Clubs, and lias been most energetic anil conscientious in his duties. The ball was held in the schoolroom, which was beautifully decorated. The floor, as usual was perfect, and the music (Woods’ band) very good indeed. The extras were played by Mrs Antill and Mr Matheson. Supper was provided by his lady friends, and the table looked really beautiful with its profuse decorations of horse-chestnut blossom and large bowlsof white peonies. All the ladies looked particularly nice, Mrs George Heaton Rhodes, who has just returned from England, being unanimously considered the belle, in lovely pale pink satin and chiffon gown, and cream three-quarter cloak ; Mrs Antill wore a dress of two pretty shades of pink, and Miss Maggie Allan looked sweetly pretty in white and gold. There were several others in white, among them the Misses Turnbull, A. Cramond, Le Cren, Cook, Chisholm, E. Lovegrove, and Stubbs ; the Misses Archer, Beswick, and Rutherford all wore black, which always looks nice ; Miss M. Aicher looked handsome in crimson velvet, and Miss White in pale pink ; Miss E. White (who has just returned from Brisbane) wore a pale green gown with black lace ; Miss Lovegrove looked well in old gold velvet ; Miss Kitson and Miss Tripp were in pink, and Miss Raymond in sea-green ; Miss Mee was not dancing, she having hurt her arm with tennis, and being obliged to wear it in a sling. Miss A. Mee and Miss Connie Lovegrove wore pale blue, and Miss Nantes, sage green. The ball broke up at 1.30, all agreeing that it had been a delightful evening. Another night the gentlemen entertained Mr Matheson and Mr McLean, who also is leaving Timaru, at a smoking concert, where many flowery speeches were made and both gentlemen were presented with {handsome testimonals, including beautifully mounted photographs of the Clubs. A very sad loss has occurred amongst us lately. I refer to the death of Mr Wrenn, late manager of the Colonial Bank. Mr Wrenn has been here ever since his marriage, about two years and a-half ago, and has always been a great favourite. He was an energetic boating man, though his health was never very robust ; still his death was most unexpected. He was only twenty-nine years of age, and much sympathy is felt for his poor young widow and her little boy. They leave to-day to join their relatives in Dunedin.

Estelle.