Topics of the Week.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 18, 30 April 1892, Page 440

Topics of the Week.

SOCIETY’S SAYINGS AND DOINGS. I

HOWEVER ‘Tory’ Lord Glasgow may be, he must admit that the Democratic Government’s Agent-General is a man who knows his business. The Graphic London special says that the reception arranged by Mr Percival at the AgentGeneral’s offices was a very decided success. Everything was well done, and while His Excellency the new Governor was visibly gratified at the prompt manifestations of goodwill on the part of Colonials and Anglo-Colonials present. The New Zealanders and others were on their side by no means badly impressed with his Lordship. ‘ He’ll do’ seemed to be the universal comment, not elegantly expressed perhaps, but eminently practical. The Hon. W. E. Percival introduced those present to the new Governor, who received them in a most cordial manner, entering freely into conversation upon general matters connected with the colony, and producing a favourable impression upon those who, for the first time, had the honour of meeting his Lordship, who, I understand, leaves England for New Zealand the first week in April. Great interest was shown in the late Dr. Dry’s masterpiece, ‘ The Evergreen, which was placed in one of the rooms, the work being explained by Mr C. W. Reece.

Mi: Percival has undoubtedly scored a point in thus getting together those who have an interest in the colony. He believes that an ambassador should not be an ornament only, but useful. An earnest of this is shown by the opening of an information bureau with a reference library, colonial newspapers, land guides, maps, trade circulars, etc., for the use of those having an interest in, and for those seeking a knowledge of the colony. Mr Percival and Mr Kennaway are always ready and cheerfully afford information to those who wish, and with such representatives New Zealand should be well pleased. A list of those present at Lord Glasgow’s at home will be found in the Society Letter from London.

The ’Frisco mail brings pictures and particulars anent the Grand Duke of Hesse, whose decease was cabled to the colonies a few weeks back. His death is severely felt by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, with whom, except for the one brief and unfortunate ep’sode in his career, the dead Prince was very popular. He was not, perhaps, a man of very strong character, but he was a gentle, kindly, liberal-minded, and affectionate man, a devoted father to his children, and a fond husband. The one unlucky incident in his career arose out of his passion for a beautiful and gifted woman, whom he ultimately married in a very secret and not especially dignified way in a private room in the palace at a moment when his august mother-in law was actually staying with him. The Queen, of course, was greatly incensed and shocked by this affront, and the result was that the marriage was dissolved almost as soon as it had been concluded.

The marriage with Madame Kolemine was dissolved, and there is an end of the matter. Since that period the Duke’s amiability and gentleness of character secured a reconciliation with the English royal family. He was a brave soldier, though I do not think he had any special qualities of generalship. In the struggle between Austria and Prussia for the supremacy in the German Confederation the Grand Duke began by taking the weaker side. He fought for Austria in 1866, but very soon made his peace -with Prussia, and in the war of 1870 the troops under bis command made some of the most brilliant successes of the campaign. He was a liberal Prince, kindly and progressive, and he shared to the full the interests of his devoted wife, the late Princess Alice, in the intellectual movements of the time.

Nelsonians were greatly aggrieved over the wet Easter. They did not suffer more than others, but the growls over the wet Sunday were loud and deep because the sun shines 300 days out of the 365—0 r 366 this year. Nelsonites expect every day to be sunshiny. Lately, however, the weather has been atrocious down that way. Three different steamers took away holiday-makers intent on camping out, picnicking, and other strange pleasures peculiar to holidaymakers. As the only object of a picnic is to take one’s meals'under the most uncomfortable circumstances, the fact that the sea has been rough, the wind high, and the rain heavy will doubtless have only increased the pleasure of those Nelsonians who ventured ‘ down to the sea in ships.’ The photographing party who set forth with their cameras seeking what they might devour, or rather ‘ take,’ must also have had a pleasant time of it. Altogether, in fact, Nelson is rather disgusted with its weather just at present.

Lady Amateur Nigger Minstrels are the latest success in smart society. The idea was exploited the other day in Nelson by Mrs Levien, a very enterprising and most excellent hostess and entertainer. The affair was kept a profound secret, and the guests had no suspicion of what was going forward. They were received with rather more than usual gravity by Mrs Levien, and ushered into a room, half of which was curtained off as if for theatricals. When the curtain rose, however, a regulation minstrel show was seen, the only innovation being that a number of the darkies were of the gentler sex. A more comical sight could not be imagined. The girls looked killingly funny with their black faces and short-skirted frocks. It was utterly impossible to recognise the originals. As may be imagined* the effect on the spectators was electrical—in point of fact the audience laughed till tears ran down their cheeks and their sides ached again.

Yet this was but the beginning. The performance itself was excellent, and the merriment continuous. The jokes were new, and the songs, etc., given with spirit. ‘Ten Little Niggers,’ ‘ In Old Madrid,’ and ‘ Swanee River,’ were the most popular items. Amongst those who took prominent parts were : Tambo, Mr T. Bennett; bones, Mr G. Levien ; Messrs Johnson and P. Levien performed on combs, as did Miss Johnson, of Wellington, and Miss Worsp, of Auckland, and Miss Broad undertook the drum and Miss Cohen the piano.

The interlocutrix or chaperon, a most important part, was taken by Miss Johnson. Her make-up as an old negress was excellent indeed. Solos on bottles were given by Master Levien, and were distinctly clever and greatly appreciated.

Everyone enjoyed the function immensely. Amongt the audience were Mrs J. Wood, in black merveilleux ; Miss Pitt looked very well in a very pretty gown of cream nun’s veiling relieved with green velvet ; a Sydney girl. Miss Hosking, was very becomingly frocked in a soft black dress relieved with white ; a symphony in heliotrope was worn by Miss Fell, Miss L. Fell being faultlessly dressed in pale blue, the effect being heightened by dark blue velvet

fixings'as a man irreverently called them; Miss Jones affected heliotrope, and the Wanganui Miss Morse black, both being admirably suited ; Miss Gibbons’ frock was pretty—fawn tweed with brown velvet vest; the hostess was handsomely dressed in black satin.

I have devoted considerable space to this affair because it furnishes ideas for other people. There is always a difficulty to find something fresh in the entertainment line for winter evenings. This seems to me an excellent innovation, and Lady Nigger Minstrels will probably divide the honours with progressive euchre parties during the winter.

Over every town in New Zealand the spirit of dulness reigns supreme. Wellington strove to overthrow this guardian of mediocrity a short time ago by instituting a strike among the tramway men, and for a day or two people did rouse up sufficiently to discuss the grievances, real or imaginary, of the strikers. Their interest and animation soon faded, however, before the discovery that no grievances existed but what might easily have been remedied without resorting to so extreme a measure as a strike ; and again the city relapsed into its semi-torpid state. When the strikers found that their attempt to amuse a slumbering public was a signal failure, one would imagine that they would have quietly slunk back to work again until they had hit upon some better plan of exciting interest.

Not so, however. They have actually spent weeks in loafing round town, hoping all the time that charitably-dis-posed persons would undertake to procure succour for them and their families by means of concerts and the like. Nor have their hopes been vain. Some small amount of money has been raised in this way, which, added to the strike pay meted out by the Trades’ Council, has provided them with pocket money. The various LTnions, too, have made a levy on their members, and in addition have instituted a system of begging from theirrespectivebutchers, bakers, and grocers. These estimable tradesmen have given with more or less liberality, knowing full well that a refusal will carry in its wake loss of custom, so looked at in this light, the amount of their donations is not by any means commensurate with their sympathy. By the way, ‘canvassing ’is the term employed by the Unions instead of ‘begging.’ But it is just as well to call a spade a spade, and to bear in mind whilst ruminating on the lofty character of these ex-tram employes, that they are yet sufficiently humble to accept alms.

Three weeks have elapsed since the men were called out, and though the strike still continues, five men, to the chagrin of the Council have gone back to work. Were the remaining men more affected -by home influence, the strike would not continue for another day, for no one knows better than woman what sufferings are entailed by strikes. She is the victim, woman and her children. No wonder she fails to recognise in the members of the Trades Council the reformers of society, especially of the poor man’s home, which they set themselves up to be. What she recognises too surely is, that the Council’s reforms act inversely on her happiness, and that when her husband merges his identity in that of the Council she speedily loses the solid comforts to which she has been accustomed.

‘ Very little enthusiasm is manifested over the little comet which is now visible,’ says a Timaruvian correspondent. ‘lt can be seen about 4a. m., but I must confess I have not seen it myself. It is cold in the mornings now, and quite hard enough to get up when one has to. It would need a very good comet to make most of us get up at four, and as this is only a small one, we need not excuse ourselves for not turning out in the cold.’

A PICNIC arranged by the Railway Department from Dunedin to Stewart Island appears to have been a great success. Over a hundred set off ‘on pleasure bent ’by train to Invercargill, and from thence to the Bluff, where they were taken by the tug to Stewart Island, arriving about eight o’clock. Oban House, kept by Mr Goodall, accommodated about fourteen, and other boarding houses put up the rest. After tea an impromptu concert and dance was held at the Goodall’s, the music being supplied by Mr M’Fadyen upon bagpipes. Messrs Findlay and Mitchell (Invercargill) assisted at the concert, also Mr George Leighton (Dunedin). Captain Munro, whose vessel was at the Bluff, gave an excellent recitation.

An account written of the trip says: ‘We had the pleasure of being introduced to the local constable, (who carries an umbrella). Although not kept very busy by the

criminal element, he must find sufficient to do to occupy his time seeing that he is the general civil factotum, being constable, bailiff, registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, and authorised to unite in the bonds of matrimony all who are so disposed.’ A veritable Pooh Bah, this gentleman !

The Napier Chrysanthemum Show was held last week, and was more successful than the previous year’s exhibition. Mrs Close and Mr Tiffen were most successful with their exhibits of dahlias, having the most perfect blooms staged.

The gallant Timaruvian Navals organised a very pleasant boating function the other day, taking a small party in their cutter to see the Elginshire. Everyone enjoyed the trip hugely. The afternoon was bright and warm, and the sea beautifully calm.

The first dance of the season in connection with the Ponsonby ‘ At Home ’ is fixed for the 13th of next month. It is proposed to hold a leap year dance about the middle of the season.

The Chrysanthemum Show in Auckland has been a great success. Indeed, floral exhibitions of this kind are becoming more popular every year. I don’t know why, but anything in the form of a ‘show’ draws like a magnet. The public appreciation of Mrs Jarley’s waxworks in Dickens expresses real public sentiment with regard to anything of the species, be it an exhibition of prize babies, flowers, or art treasures. A lecture, an ordinary concert, or even a play will hang fire, but a show never. I suppose it is the air of pleasant mystery and expectation which precedes the unveiling of the exhibits, and the chance to freely criticise the productions of local effort and skill that tickle the popular fancy. This is not, however, as far as I can judge, the primary cause that crowded the Choral Hall during the Chrysanthemum Show last week.

Even to praise the achievements of your friends and make mincemeat of your enemies, is not worth a shilling three nights in succession, as numbers of the young people pretended to believe. That can easily be done in one evening. There is some greater attraction, and I fancy it lies in the excellent promenade concerts with which the Chrysanthemum Show is invariably attended. Nothingcould afford better opportunity for social intercourse and harmless flirtations. Ferns and flowers made a fitting scene for the sentimental young man to pour out his passion to the object of his adoration, and the talk and laughter of the crowd a happy cover for his agitation.

The exhibits were set off to the best possible advantage by a tasteful dispersion of green foliage. Clusters of ferns, nikau, or pampas grass reared themselves proudly aloft over arches, doorways, and in every available corner, as though endeavouring to outvie in their native grace and beauty, the flowers that owed their existence to man’s care and cultivation. In the centre of the hall a fountain splashed and sparkled merrily, producing a cooling effect that was appreciated when each successive night the hall got more crowded, and ‘ still they came.’ Besides when one had said everything you could possibly say three or four times over in admiration of each several flower in some hundreds of cut blooms, it was a relief to turn to the fountain and admire the fish.

Concerts were held on each of the successive evenings. On Friday Mr T. M. Jackson, Auckland’s popular tenor, contributed largely to the vocal items, that being his last occasion of appearing before an Auckland public for some time to come. These concerts added greatly, as I believe I have already hinted, to the general enjoyment.

To sum up, calling these gatherings a Chrysanthemum Show is partially if not altogether a misnomer. The committee have adroitly combined under that name a series of promenade concerts, afternoon teas, and sociable conversaziones, and these gatherings have taken a foremost place among the entertainments of the year.

There is no doubt that New Zealand women mean to be free and franchised. In Otago the crusade is going on merrily, and the women are working con amore for what the * poor working man ’ would term his rights. In Dunedin, indeed, the ladies’ battle is assuming a very important, and, I might add, exciting aspect. At the recent meeting of the Women’s Franchise Association held in the City Hall in that town, every seat was taken long before the proceedings commenced, and even standing room was at a premium. To be sure, says my special in that part of the world, * A number may possibly have gone for

“ fun,” but be that as it may, they certainly remained deeply interested, and came away convinced that the “ franchise ” women have common sense and right upon their side. Moreover, the speeches were not the wild utterances of fanatics, but the moderate, quiet, well-thought-out and well-expressed sentiments of people whose convictions were deep and earnest.'

* It seems strange,’ continues my informant, evidently in favour of female franchise, ‘ that men should be so opposed to the advancement and well being of what they are pleased to call the weaker sex. It speaks little for their clarity of vision that they should not see that anything which advances the position of one half of the community must make the world better for the whole. The truth is that the men have hitherto had one law for themselves and another for the women, socially and otherwise, and that the easiest law has been for the men, while they have been physically the stronger.’

Yet most things that women undertake they do thoroughly. Their great patience and perseverance—born of the fact that they always have to fight against great odds—will in the end carry the day. Mr Fish is fighting bard against the women, and sent round a number of canvassers petitioning ladies to sign against the female franchise. The one who called on my correspondent seemed particularly bitter against women meddling with things outside their own home, apparently forgetful of the fact that thousands would have no home did they not work to make one.

The sudden death of this well-known solicitor caused much surpiise in Auckland. Mr Alexander had enjoyed perfect health until about three months ago. He lately visited Okoroire and Waiwera by the advice of the medical men, and was slightly benefited by the change. He leaves a wife and seven children, who are quite prostrate with grief. The funeral, which took place at St. Luke’s, Mount Albert, was a very large one, the little church being quite unable to contain those who followed the coffin, which was covered with handsome wreaths sent by numerous friends to express their heartfelt sympathy with the widow in her affliction. The lesson was read by the Rev. F. McNicol, the Rev. F. Larkins taking the rest of the service.

The following Wellington ladies, together with Miss Jones, of New Plymouth, were in Napier with the bowlers : —Mrs Gale, Mrs Haybittie, Miss Wilson, Mrs Lindsay, Mrs Miller ; Mr and Mrs Lambie were also up for the tournament. Says my correspondent: ‘Mr Lambie was looking as jolly as ever. Everyone was so pleased to see him. He was very popular as agent for the Union Steamship Company here. He now holds the same position in Christchurch. Miss Wilson is a pretty girl, and looked sweet in navy blue and large grey felt hat. ’

The opening day for the meet of the I’akuranga hounds has not yet been definitely fixed, but rumour saith it will be soon. There have been two informal hunts to exercise the hounds. About two dozen people followed. The officers of H.M.S. Ringarooma took a keen interest in the proceedings. The first meet was at Otahuhu, finishing up at Mr McLaughlin’s, Papatoitoi ; the second day at the Three Kings. On both occasions there was an excellent run.

How are the mighty fallen ! The Auckland Amateur Opera Club are driven to the selection of * Pinafore ’ for their next production. What pluck, what enterprise, how fresh and original, how beautifully suited to the galaxy of beauty and talent for which year by year this club has become so famous Alas, tis no time for pleasant raillery, however. For the last two seasons or so it was seen that the club was on the way down hill. The ‘ Sorcerer ’ was a forecaste of impending desolation. * Princess Ida ’ restored confidence till it had been heard, but now when ‘ Pinafore ’ is announced chaos is indeed come again. * Pinafore ’is an excellent opera, and Noah was a very praiseworthy old gentleman, but the ‘done to death’ music will not draw a crowd any more than would lectures on the awful weather enjoyed in his time, by the respected father of Shem, Ham, and the other one. The departure of Mr Tom Jackson has robbed the Opera Club of its only good singer, unless Mr Dufaur consents to come forward again, as is extremely unlikely considering the company. Mr Reid there is, tis true, and Mr A. Tayler, but these are but single stars in a black sky. The Club wants reconstructing. The wire pulling is too evident, and certain prominent members of committee ought to be stood out in the cold to cool their opinions of their own importance.

Dreary indeed must Easter have been in Dunedin. The weather was shocking—wet, cold, and miserable. On Easter Sunday, says my Otago correspondent, the gloom seemed to have intensified with the cold and pitiless rain that beat upon the window panes while the glad services were being held. Neither anthem nor triumphant hymn dispelled the sensation of sadness, and although collectively the worshippers appeared to demonstrate their rejoicings, individually they huddled beneath their warm cloaks, and sped away briskly home when the services were over. The decorations, too, looked washed out; the wreaths were fresh, but the flowers looked rain - sodden. Their pure white seemed to make things a little more chill.

The changes in the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile regime will remove two very popular figures from Auckland society. Mr W. F. Lawry is to go to Sydney, having been promoted to the management there. He will be greatly missed, and so will Mrs Lawry, who is one of the shining lights of smart society in Auckland, and probably the best dressed woman in the North. Mr Johnson, who has for years been second in command, will take the managerial chair. His promotion to this important post will be highly popular in the Loan and Mercantile service, as Mr Johnson is as thoroughly liked as he is respected by all the senior and junior men in the service.

Mv London correspondent says • —* Baroness de Roques, Mrs Maybrick’s mother, arrived in London from Rouen the other day, and went to the House of Parliament for a conference with Sir Charles Russell, Mr Pollard, Q C., and Mr Fletcher Moulton in reference to her daughter’s case. The conference adjourned to next week. The Baroness visited Mrs Maybrick in gaol. The lawyers do not seem to have got any further than when they began their task of trying to secure her release.’

The Montague-Turner Company opened what promises to be a very successful New Zealand opera season in Auckland on Monday. ‘ Maritana ' was played, and the principals were heard to the greatest advantage. The house was packed from floor to ceiling, and the applause was as frequent as it was well-deserved. Miss Annis Montague is an ideal Maritana, and her voice is exceedingly pure and sweet with no lack of strength. Chas. Turner, who is some years older than when he last visited the colony, has improved. His voice is of the tenor robusto, of excellent quality, with the timbre, alas ! too seldom found. He sings with great spirit, and acts with considerable ability. As heretofore, his Don Ctesar is unapproachable. Mr Farley has a deep resonant voice of great quality and power. He made a very capable Don Jose on the opening night. The other members of the company are also distinctly good, and it needs no prophet to foretell a brilliant season for the Company.

TllEremainsof the late Mr W. E. Ivey, Director of the School of Agriculture, Lincoln, who died so suddenly, were conveyed to their last resting place in the Springston Cemetery the other afternoon. The funeral procession on leaving the College soon became a very long one. Immediately following the hearse and mourning coach were several members of the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College, then the masters, past masters, and students. The President (Mr 11. Overton) of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the Secretary (Mr M. Murphy), and a number of its prominent members were present, also a great many leading citizens of Christchurch, together with farmers from all parts ot the neighbourhood, testifying to the respect and high esteem in which their late friend was held. The Rev, .1. F. Teakle was the officiating minister, assisted by the Bevs. W. F. Knowles, A. D. Toswell, and W. Dunkley, who met the funeral procession at the entrance of the cemetery.