NAPIER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 11, 12 March 1892, Page 255

NAPIER.

Dear Bee, February 23. I think I told you in my last that a boating picnic was on the tapis, but as the weather proved so unfavourable, it was decided to give a dance instead. Miss Lascelles and Mrs Heath managed the allair between them, and the result was a grand success. The dance was held in Mrs Heath's schoolroom, and refreshments were served in the dining-room. The door was most delightful. Messrs Von Stunner, Ross, and others worked like Trojans to bring about the desired result. Most of the Napier gills were invited, but some were not able to be present, as they were up the country. This was a slight drawback, as there were more men than girls, but this is a fault on the right side. Miss Lascelles looked so nice in a bright pink gown ; Miss Flo I’eacock looked charming in a handsome black gown ; Miss Locke looked extremely well ; Miss Hamlin was much missed ; she was not able to go, as her mother was laid up with the influenza. lam glad Mrs Hamlin is better again, and has been able to get out. The Misses Rhodes gave a progressive euchre party, which was great fun. I don't know whether you have ever heard about these euchre parties, Bee ; they are quite a new institution. You have four tables. One is called the * Booby’s table,’ and you play for prizes. Punctually at eight the bell rings and you start, and woe betide any player who is late ! But to be serious, it is a terrible crime io be late, and it is worse to accept an invitation to one of these euchre parties and then not to turn up. You put the whole business out, so, ladies and gentlemen, say ‘ yes’ or * no ’ when you are invited, and keep to it. Mr Von Stunner has been very fortunate so far, and has won some really useful little prizes. Mrs Hamlin gave a progressive euchre party, and everyone enjoyed the evening immensely. Amongst those present were Misses Lascelles (Clive), Rhodes, Locke, Cotterill, Hitchings (3), Mrs Logan, Miss Taylor, and Mr and Mrs Mclntyre, Messrs Dacent, Von Stunner, Ross, A. Kennedy, J. Parker, and other gentlemen were present also. Mr Von Sturmer has left the Bank of New South Wales, and will shortly be leaving Napier for good. He will carry away the good wishes of everybody. We shall all be so sorry to lose him. Miss Milly Rhodes evidently finds the air of the Ruataniwha Plains very salubrious, as she is still staying with her sister-in-law, Mrs Joseph Rhodes. I believe a dance is to come off shortly at Ashcott, which ought to be great fun for the people on the plains. It was to have been last week, but was unavoidably postponed for a month. A cricket match was played on the Recreation Ground— Christ’s College v. English Public Schools—and was great fun. The English Public Schools won, although the other side played up well. Messrs Ludbrooke and Willie Studholme really batted splendidly. Mr Logan surprised all of us by his remarkably good style, and Messrs Peacock and Ernest Tanner made some very good catches. A great number of people assembled on the ground in spite of the threatening appearance of the weather, and a number of ladies rolled up, some of whom most kindly dispensed afternoon tea, which was much appreciated. I was very busy watching the game but I managed to notice a few who were there, amongst them being .Misses Bella, Kate, Hilda, and Una Hitchings, Bower, Iness, Hughes, Locke, Weber, Rhodes, Taylor, Cotteril, Lascelles, Heath, Hamlin, and Mesdames Logan, Williams, Hamlin, Hoadley, Gore, Kearn, and Miss Nelson (Hastings), and several others. We are looking forward to seeing a match played shortly between Napier and Pahiatua. 1 believe a return match is to be played at Farndon soon between Christ’s College and English Public Schools. Miss Lascelles (Clive) is staying with Mrs Peacock at present. Mr and Mrs Marcet (England) have been in Napier on a short visit. They expressed themselves as delighted with our very pretty town. Mr and Mrs Douglas McLean are staying at present at their country residence at Marekakaho. I noticed Mrs Hamlin in town, looking as nice as usual in a pretty navy blue gown with white spots, black hat with yellow flowers ; Miss Lascelles I also saw one day, in a pretty cream gown, sailor hat; Miss I na Hitchings looks very stylish in a white gown, white Tom-tug hat; Mrs Vickerman (Hastings), a pretty cool-looking pale pink gingham, stylish little hat. Although navy figured materials are having their day, I must say I like the pretty pale blues and pinks and charming heliotropes. I hear they are very much worn in Melbourne in turns with the darker colours. Gladys. Dear Bee, February 22. Looking round Napier at the present time one would think it spring time instead of the end of summer, so beautifully green are the hills, and the foliage round about looks its best. Sheep farmers are rejoicing over the abundant rain which has fallen, while farmers with crops have lost a great deal. Mr and Mrs J. W. Carlile have left for England. Mr Carter, who is married to Mrs Carlile's sister, has been promoted to the Customs in Dunedin after a residence of many years. He is a most energetic oflicer, and his familiar figure will be missed, being, one might say, quite a landmark. Mr Patten, Collector of Customs, has retired on a pension after a service of thirty years. This new Government give nothing but changes. Let ns hope it is for the better ! Mr J. H. Hempton got such short notice of his removal to the Customs in Wellington that it prevented his friends here from making him a presentation before he left. A handsome gold sovereign case, suitably inscribed, lias now been procured, which has been despatched to Mr Ilempton, at Wellington, accompanied by an illuminated address. The latter expresses regret at the champion athlete's departure from Hawke's Bay, where he had made numerous friends, and wishes him every success in the future. In my next I hope to have more news.

Jack.