AUCKLAND

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 6, 6 February 1892, Page 134

AUCKLAND

Dear Bee, Jan vary 26. Was it not fortunate that Mrs Masefield (Ponsonby) had her delightful picnic before the weather broke; It does not look much like outdoor entertainments just now, but the rain was so very much wanted, that I think, for once everybody was pleased when it came, especially as, after two wet days, we seem likely to return to our usual summer weather for the holiday. But I must go back to the waiting picnickers. Two large brakes with spanking teams of four horses each were the recipients of about forty merry bodies, all desirous of improving the shining hours by the sea. A few of the guests were Mr, Mrs, and Miss Masefield, Mr, Mrs, and Miss Upton, Mrs Armitage, Mr and Mrs Tole, Mr and the Misses Beale, the Misses Lewis, Devore, Dunnett, Dixon, Marks, Jolly, Williamson, etc., Messrs Gordon, Shera, England, Daveney, Dixon, Gibbons, Gilbert, Stubbing, Noble, Dufaur, etc. They passed gaily through Newmarket, Remuera, by St. John’s College, and then turned into the gates of Kohimarama down a beautiful winding road, which brought them to a lovely beach, where a most delightful afternoon was spent, some wandering along the beach, while the more energetic joined in rounders. A luxurious tea was served, consisting of fowls, beef, mutton, lobster salad, cakes and fruit of every description, and really I cannot remember all the good things I heard the party had provided. When the repast was disposed of, they all, 1 understand, indulged in a game of French tigue, after w’hich mild excitement the gay party betook themselves to their carriages, and returned home. Everybody declares it was a first rate outing, or more elegantly, ‘ just a delightful picnic, dear Bee.' I heard of another pleasant children’s party, this time at ‘ Sherborne,’ the residence of Mrs J. M. Alexander. It was to celebrate the birthday of the youngest child, Inez, and only a few of her small-sized friends were asked. What they lacked in quantity, however, they made up in quality, judging from the shrieks of genuine children’s laughter which penetrated even beyond the wall of the large garden. One small boy told me it was very jolly. The Polo < lub gave another of its fashionable afternoon teas, which was very well patronised. The members who played were Messrs Wansborough, Colgrove, Stewart, Lockhart, Mackellar, Stubbing, Wynyard, Whelan, and Frances. ‘ Someone,' says a kind correspondent, ‘ is poking fun at New Zealanders, and declaring that they don't know where that sanitorium of the south, the Chatham Islands, is located. Of course the reply comes at once, they are due east from Lyttelton, say about five hundred miles off. Do you remember, Bee, Major and Mrs Gascoigne who lived in Auckland ’ Well, they are here, in the Chatham Isles. Mrs Gascoigne got up a most delightful fancy dress ball on New Year’s Eve. I will tell you some of the most noticeable dresses. Mrs < Gascoigne, Normandy Peasant Girl; Mrs Gibb, Britannia (best costume of tbe evening); Miss Capstick, Columbia ; Miss Clough, America; Miss Shaw, Aunt Dinah (excellent); Mrs Knowles, Gipsy Girl ; Mrs Odman, Queen Elizabeth: Mrs Beamish, Night (very good); Miss Beamish, Spring; Miss Carrie Beamish. Swiss Peasant Girl ; Miss Alice Beamish, Flower Girl : Miss Alice Clough, Shepherdess ; Miss Cox, Magpie; Miss E. Cox, Holly ; Miss Shaud, Nurse; Miss Amy Brown, Daybreak ; Major Gascoigne, Gentleman 19th Century; Mr Rayner, Unspeakable Turk ; Mr Knowles, Pack of Cards; Mr Cox, Officer 17th Bengal U.I. ; and many others. The ladies worked hard to provide the very excellent refreshments, so that we had a very creditable balance fund at the close of the evening. Three cheers were, on Mr Foster’s suggestion, heartily given for Major and Mrs Gascoigne. Dancing was kept up until daybreak, the whole affair being greatly enjoyed. I hope a great many New Zealanders will take advantage of the cheap trips to be run by steamers on the occasion of our centenary, and come and see for themselves what lovely and healthy spots our little South Pacific Islands can boast of.’ Dr. Knight nearly had a bad accident last week. He had been visiting a patient, and in the Kyber Pass Road a

fanner's cart ran into the box of the buggy-wheel. The doctor’s horse was frightened, turned, and upset the dogcart. Dr. Knight escaped with a few brnises, and is able to attend to his patients as usual. Sir Edgar Ward and Miss Alloway, daughter of the Rev. Mr Alloway, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony at St. Thomas' church. I nion-street. The ceremony took place at half-past eight a.m., and as I did not know the precise time, I therefore missed seeing it. The service was choral, and I am told the bride looked lovely in her bridal robes. Miss Hamilton acted as chief bridesmaid, and Mr Alloway, brother of the bride, attended the bridegroom in the capacity of best man. The marriage of Mr W. A. McGiegor, eldest son of Captain A. McGregor, was solemnized at Mahnrangi by the Rev. R. McKinney, the bride being Miss Warin, of Mahurangi. We are quite without amusements at present, and the advent of the Montague-Turner Opera Company, which I hear opens here next month, will be bailed with delight by the amusement-loving public. The company arrive from Sydney about the middle of February, and purpose touring the colony.

Muriel.