CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 5, 30 January 1892, Page 110

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, January 12. Once more we are trying to settle down after our more than usual number of holidays to take farewell of the old year and welcome the new. We are a progressive race here, especially in holidays, and for housekeepers and heads of families generally these Christmas holidays have not altogether been a joyous time, for in addition to the cook ithe prop of the household in a family gathering) wanting a week just then when the house is full of relations from near and far, the butcher says he will not be round for three days, and the baker on Wednesday says ‘ he will not call again till Tuesday.' This is rather perplexing, considering the temperature we have to endure about this time. However, all's well that ends well, and the poor mothers have been saved something, for we have had remarkably cool weather, with frequent showers, which have kept the dust down, but not in any way interfered with pleasure parties, and I only hope that next year our tradespeople will not say the day before Christmas ‘ we shall not be round till the first week in January.’ Most of the gatherings have been family ones through the week, and now half the town seems to have taken itself oft’ to ruralize somewhere only the Cinderellas being left. The Regatta on New Year’s Day was the most popular outing, about eleven thousand people visiting Lyttelton. The Ecclefechan was the flagship, and Captain Dow had about five hundred visitors. Captain Bourke, of H.M.S. Ringarooma, entertained a party of ladies and gentlemen, and also threw open a large part of his vessel to the general public. In addition to the races there was a submarine explosion by electricity, which was watched with much interest. Fireworks on the water at night, and the procession of boats burning coloured lights was really a beautiful sight. Then later on the search light of the Ringarooma was turned on, and surprised a good many with its wonderful power, and some who much preferred the darkness. At Lancaster Park several thousand people went to see the great bicycle race between Busst, Rawlinshaw, and Wilmot. The former having such a reputation, much interest was taken by our local 'cyclists. However, Rawlinshaw won. The Merivale Temperance Guild bad a picnic out at the Tai Tapu on Mr White’s property, the members of the committee ami the Rev. C. J. Merton and Mrs Merton accom panying them. Mr and Mrs White were most kind, boiling water and helping in every way to make the day a pleasant one for the large company. Sumner and New Biigh ton each received its hundreds of patrons. On New Year's Eve Mrs Leonard Harper gave a small dance at Ham. Miss Hutton was there. Miss Maude, Miss Bowen, Miss Robison, Miss Lean, Miss Campbell, and a few others.

At Mrs John Matsuns, Springfield, a party of young people danced in the New Year merrily enough, with a song occasionally between the dances, while the elder members of their numerous relations spent a most enjoyable evening at Dr. Thomas'. A delightful picnic was held at tiovernor's Bay, where Mr and Mrs John Anderson and Mr and Mrs Lewin and families are spending their holiday. Abont thirty jour neyed troin town and joined them, making a most pleasant party. At the close of the old year Mr G. Clifford, of Flaxlmurne, was married to Miss Dennis in Harwarden Catholic Chapel, the Kev. Father Ginaty performing the rite. The bride was given away by Mr J. D. Lance, and the little church was filled with spectators, both being well-known in the district. Anothei wedding of rather a novel character took place the beginning of the year. You may have heard of ‘green field ’ church, and this really took place there, for the marriage ceremony was performed on the lawn in front of the residence of Mr Harris, whose youngest daughter, Alice, was married to Mr A. W. Blanchard, of Wellington. The Rev. W. Morley officiated, assisted by the Rev. J. N. Buttle, brother-in-law of the bride. The bride’s dress was of cream silk lustre with train, long veil and wreath of orange blossoms, and lovely bouquet of white Howers and maiden hair fern. She wore a gold bracelet set with diamonds and sapphires, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids—Miss Craddock and Miss Morely wore cream dresses, and hats to match, and Miss Buttle (niece of the bride) a pink dres’. and carried bouquets of cream roses. They each wore a plain gold bracelet, the gift of the bridegroom. Refreshments were server! in a marquee on the lawn, after which the happy pair drove off in a good, or rather cruel, shower of rice. A party of young ladies have taken a cottage at Governor’s Bay, and are having the jolliest times. The Misses Beswick, Helmore, and Millar, are amongst them. There are eight altogether, I believe. Another party of young men are camping out at Akaroa, amongst them Professor Bickerton’s five sons. Their sis a large party, about twenty, and they combine the useful with pleasure. One is a self-constituted engineer-in-chief, and they are making great irrigation works so many hours in each day for the benefit of a neighbour who has some nice daughters and an orchard. Mrs Rhodes, Elmwood, with a large party have been spending a week at Akaroa. The Hon. Mrs Parker and family have gone to Dunedin for a month or two. Mr and Mrs Alan Scott are on the West Coast. Professor and Mrs Haslam, accompanied by Mr and Miss Michell Clark, have gone to the Southern Lakes. Miss Cowlishaw and Miss Hennah are visiting Sir John and Lady Hall, Hororata. Mr and Mrs Wilder have also gone to the West Coast. Mrs Acton-Adams leaves for England in the Coptic, taking her daughter and one of her sons. Miss Greenwood has returned from her long visit to Hawke’s Bay. Talking of that district reminds me ot an engagement—that of Mr Anderson, of Napier, to Miss Mysie Aikman, of Christchurch. I have also heard of another—Miss Frankish and Mr Heywood, a nephew of Mr J. M. Heywood. All Dr. Frankish’s friends were pleased to welcome him back, and to see him looking all the better after his trip. We have quite a number of Wellington visitors here. Mr and Mrs Symonds are staying with Miss Heywood ; Miss Hamerton is spending a few weeks with Mrs Geo. Roberts ; and Miss M. Kreeft with Mrs A. H. Turnbull, who has only just returned with her husband from a trip to England. Mrs Wright and Mrs F. Barraud are visiting Mrs J. W. N. Marchant. The many friends of Mrs J. R. Johnston will regret to notice her death, which occurred at Fielding only a few days ago. She had been failing in health for some time, and when they left Christchurch for their new home at Fielding it was hoped the change would be beneficial.

Dolly Vale.