Topics of the Week.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 19, 7 May 1892, Page 464

Topics of the Week.

SOCIETY’S SAYINGS AND DOINGS.

A RATHER amusing wedding ceremony took place the other day at a Wesleyan Church not a hundred miles from New Plymouth. The officiating minister was a stranger to the district, having had to drive a matter of ten miles to unite the happy pair. The church was well filled with interested observers, but their patience was severely tried, for the wedding party was late in coming. At length (contrary to the usual custom) three pretty bridesmaids made their appearance alone. Then followed the brothers of the bride, and then the bridegroom and the parson. These all stood at the rails waiting for the appearance of the principal figure of the pageant, the bride. But as I said before, the parson was a stranger to the contracting parties, and to the horror of the spectators he opened his prayer-book and proceeded to marry the bridegroom to the first bridesmaid. Everybody was so bewildered and taken aback by the turn events had taken that ne’er a one had the presence of mind to set things straight, and the marriage service had proceeded quite a long way before the parson became aware, by the hardly suppressed giggles, that something was seriously wrong. Then the brother of the bride gallantly rushed to the rescue and informed the minister of his mistake, so he sat down and the bridegroom sat down and then the bridesmaids sat down, and all tried to look as if everything were c.omme it jaut and according to rule. They had regained their usual equanimity when the biide and her father' arrived, and the service proceeded with due decorum. The bride wore a pretty frock of shrimp pink figured pongee silk with wreath and veil, and the bridesmaids white muslin with heliotrope spray, and small lace bonnets. On leaving the church they were all greeted with rice and rose leaves galore.

The Choral Hall, Auckland, was, as usual, filled to overflowing upon the occasion of the Society’s second concert of their season. ‘St. Paul’ was the work pet formed, the solos being divided between Miss Harper (soprano), Mrs C. Bursress (alto), Mr Ferriday (tenor), and Mr Peicy Dufaur (bass), the latter scoring the largest amount of success. The night was rather unpleasant, and therefore the majority of the audience appeared to have donned their dowdiest gowns, many even wearing heavy tweeds, and hats to correspond.

The bad habit many of the honorary members of the Society are falling into of attending the concerts in gowns which they would even consider not sufficiently dressy for afternoon wear at home is to be deplored, for if performing members go to the trouble of dressing suitably I think honorary members might do likewise. Of course it is not necessary, nor may it be convenient for all ladies to wear light or evening dress, but with the addition of flowers, or a bit of lace or chiffon, a dark dress would look both smart and pretty ; and certainly except in the case of elderly ladies, bonnets or hats should be removed. The men, too, might surely take the trouble to come in the ‘ war paint ’ of modern civilised life. But if anything, they are more lazy and slovenly than the weaker sex.

The Wellington Harmonic Society are now busily engaged rehearsing ‘ The Crusaders ’ and portions of ‘ Loreley,’ which are to form the programme for their next concert. Neither have been performed in Wellington before.

ON Wednesday afternoon Mrs Denniston invited a number of her friends to meet her at the Christchurch Art Callery. Tea was served in the side room, and with some excellent music and the beautiful pictures to look at, every one wished the time had been twice as long. The Misses Wynn-Williams played a duet for piano and violin, which was much appreciated; Mrs Burns sang one of her lovely Italian songs; the Misses Helmore, Mrs L. Harper, and Mrs Haslam also sang in the soft Southern language; Mr W. Day giving an English song. Our dear old Bishop Harper was there, and Mr ami Mrs John Ollivier, who are not often seen now at functions of the kind. Among otheis were Mrs Turrell, Mrs Hoare, Mrs Macdonald, Mrs M. Campbell, Mrs Wilding, Mrs Pitman, Mrs Stack, Mrs

Wason, Mrs Blakiston, the Misses Bathgate, Burns, Stack, Campbell, and Kimbell. Of the pictures it would take too long to go into details. ‘ Autumn,’ by Sprott, is a beautiful scene, and those by Mr and Miss Hodgkins are good. Miss Stoddart and Miss Dora Meeson have also been very successful in their efforts.

Tennyson has almost been interviewed by a London reporter on his new play. The Laureate is sojourning at Farringford, in the Isle of Wight, andan enterprising journalist who attempted to draw him, while he knew that he was hard to approach, was unaware that he had become a perfect minomoniac. The journalist waited recently for Tennyson outside the grounds, and when his Lordship started on his daily walk he approached him, hat in hand. ‘I see your Lordship’s play has been successfully produced atDaly’s Theatrein New York.’ The Laureate walked on without deigning to look. ‘ The cable despatches state that the play is the best thing your Lordship has ever written,’ added the reporter, keeping pace with the poet. There was no response. ‘Mr Irving says that there will be an assured run for a year if your Lordship will let him produce the play at the Lyceum. What are your Lordship’s plans ?’ His Lordship continued to stare straight ahead of him and the reporter was finally stopped by the Hon. Hallam Tennyson, who apologized for his father's apparent rudeness, saying that the old man never spoke to strangers.

Mr Grubb began his mission in Blenheim last week in the Church of the Nativity, which was crowded night after night. One of my correspondents says that his style has aroused a

good deal of comment, and criticises personally in this strain : —‘ He is a fine preacher, but a very large number of his hearers wished that he would remember that a church is not the place in which to make jokes, and intentionally to make the whole congregation laugh, as he constantly did, but I suppose he is so used to holding his missions in theatres and other unconsecrated buildings, that when he does get into a church he forgets where he is. He is decidedly witty, but sacrifices reverence and dignity to his wit, which is a great pity, as by so doing he detracts greatly from the good he undoubtedly does. Although one may not approve of the way in which he conducts his services, which are more like Salvation Army meetings or oldfashioned Methodist revivals than a Church of England mission, yet one cannot help admiring the earnestness of the man, whose heart and soul are evidently in his life’s work.’

One of the best concerts a Christchurch audience has had the pleasure of listening to was given by the Amateur Orchestral Society on Thursday evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, which was packed. I am glad to be able to say, by the way, that hats and bonnets were in a decided minority. Many were surprised that the singing created so little enthusiasm. Hitherto these concerts have been rather a weariness to many, and the vocal items the most enjoyable part, but on this occasion the orchestra took the palm, and when Mr F. M. Wallace gave Mendelssohn’s concerto for violin with orchestral accompaniment, the audience were roused to a warmth of admiration only, as a rule, indulged in by foreigners. Mr Wallace played

the solo without a note of music, giving evidence of his wonderful memory. Another excellent item was Taubert’s • Liebesliedchen.’ This is taken from the music to Shakespeare’s play, ‘ The Tempest.’ The introduction is a pizzicato movement, leading into an oboe solo, which was well played by Mr G. H. Bonnington, and ends with the pizzicato movement again. The audience listened in almost breathless silence, and then insisted upon an encore. Mrs W. Wilson sang two songs, the first, ‘ Lovely Spring,’suiting her particularly well, her fine contralto voice ringing out full and clear. She looked very nice in black lace evening gown, with black chiffon frills on the satin bodice. Mr W. A. Day sang two songs, his second, * I Would I Were a King,’ being his best.

A capital concert has just taken place at the Tinakori Schoolroom, Wellington, in aid of St. Paul’s choir funds, under the direction of Mr Robert Parker. There was a large and very appreciative audience, and quite a new feature was the singing of Mr W. P. Besley, who is visiting New Zealand for the benefit of his health, and who possesses a fine tenor voice. He sang ‘ Dear Heart ’ and ‘ The Evening Song ’ exceedingly well. He was also heard to advantage in the duet ‘Maying’ with Miss Gore. Mr Whittai sang ‘ The Yeoman’s Wedding Morn,’ and ‘ From Rock to Rock,’ the latter being very good. Miss Campbell gave ‘ Robin Adair ’ very well, and Miss Gore sang Kjerulf’s ‘Last Night.’

The pianoforte music was excellent, the Misses Hammerton playing two duets, and Miss M. Gore playing a solo. Two choristers —Masters Widdop and Burnett—sang, ‘ The Autumn Song ’ very sweetly, and the choristers of St. Paul’s contributed two glees. Miss Campbell wore a black lace evening dress; Miss Gore wore black with white chiffon, and her sister sapphire velvet; the Misses Hammerton wore white veiling trimmed with lace. Mr Parker played the accompaniments. Amongst the audience were Mr and Mrs Parfitt, Mrs George Beetham, Mrs and the Misses Izard, Mrs C. Izard, Miss Hadfield, Mrs Parker, Mrs Gore, Miss Cooper, Miss Pynsent, Mrs Whittai, Mrs and Miss Turnbull, the Misses Menzies, Miss Swainson, Miss Burnett, etc.

The Christchurch Catholics have been tempting the unwary to part with their money all the week at the Tuamstreet Hall, where they have been holding high carnival in the shape of an Oriental Bazaar. Some of the spectacular displays were very pretty, the ‘ Crowning of Queen Esther ’ and the ‘ Winter Garden ’ especially. During the evenings some good musical items have been given, Mrs J. P. Kelly singing several times, and other friends.

The Art Gallery, Christchurch, has been well patronised this season, especially in the evenings, when music added ' > the attraction. The Misses Wynn-Williams, Miss Hutton, Miss Lily Wood, Mr and Miss Gardner, Mr W. Day, and others have assisted. Mrs Chynoweth gave two recitations, which were, as usual, excellent. The Sixpenny Clothing Club had an afternoon and evening for their own fund.

The Hon. Mrs E. W. Parker gave a thoroughly enjoyable dance on Wednesday evening at Orwell (Christchurch). The house is most suitable for a dance. The drawing-room opens with folding doors out into a very large room built for a ballroom. Chaperones, when there are any, can therefore smile on the young men and maidens at intervals, and still enjoy themselves in their own way without fear of draughts and general weariness they are so often subject to. On this occasion I think Mrs Kimbell was the only one beside young people presen t. Miss Lily Kimbell made her debut that evening. She wore a very pretty dress of white Russian net with large spots, and white corded silk bodice ; Mrs Parker looked exceedingly well in a pale pink silk with lace and chiffon trimming, and lovely diamond star in her hair. The supper tables were most beautifully decorated with

geraniums, two rooms being devoted to this part—most important, by the way, to the non-dancers. The ball-room was also very pretty, the fireplace and mantel being massed with scarlet berries and flowers. The garden was lit with Chinese lanterns, which always have a pretty effect. A Leap Year dance caused great amusement, also one called ‘ Ninepins,’ and to finish up a reallygood time (nearly 3 a.m.) a most vigorous • John Peel.’

A very fair gathering mustered at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms Auckland, to celebrate the opening social of the season. Tea was presided over by Mesdames Wilson, Major, Gilbit, Kenderdine, and others, assisted by the Misses Werry, Sneckenberg, Kenderdine, and Plumley. Afterwards a very enjoyable programme was gone through, including addresses by the Rev. Mr Outram, Messrs Hemery, Twentyman, Norrie, and Kekwick. Mr Norrie’s remarks on Christian consistency were delivered with a verve and spirit worthy a much older man. Mr J. L. Wilson, President of the Association, occupied the chair. The musical portion of the entertainment was rendered by St. David’s choir under the leadership of Mr J. H. Philpotts. A powerful display of club swinging was given by Mr F. Mclndoe, pupil of Professor Carrollo.

What I have hinted at anent the popularity of the Chrysanthemum Show I now repeat concerning these social evenings at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms. The whole building, warm and brightly lit, is thrown open to visitors on such occasions. Are you of an intellectual turn of mind, the reading-room with all the latest magazines is at your disposal ; musical, the attractions of the concert hall are only waiting to lend themselves to your willing ear; sociably and conversationally inclined, cosy seats in cosier corners invite a chat on every hand. And all this variety of fresh, innocent amusement for the modest sum of one shilling. With such advantages to offer the committee have a right to anticipate, as they do, a large and increased patronage during the winter months.

The Rowing Club social at Blenheim went off’ very well, and was a great success, a most enjoyable evening being spent. The hall was beautifully decorated with racing boats and oars. Miss Draper was by many considered the belle, and she looked wonderfully well in a pretty heliotrope broche gown, simply made with gored skirt, slightly trained, and well fitting bodice with white chiffon frills ; Mrs de Castro looked very pretty in a stylish black gown with quantities of black jet; and Miss Willis (Wellington) seemed much admired in an uncommon shot silk gown with chiffon frills and pointed belt of passementerie, posy of lovely white chrysanthemums. The rest of the dresses (and there were several well worth describing) lack of time (says my correspondent) compels me to leave.

The question of modern music in the churches is engros' ing the attention of His Holiness the Pope. He thinks the present style of so-called sacred compositions are far too theatrical. To meet the difficulty he is inviting suggestions from all the famous musicians on the question of reform.

As I predicted, leap year concerts are becoming the rage. The ladies of the Wellington Orchestral Society are to give one, of which more shall be heard next week. On dit Mr Alfred Hill is to conduct, and Madame Goldenstedt (contralto), Miss Gore (soprano), and Mr Besley (tenor) are going to sing. Mrs Holt and Miss Medley are to play the piano, and Mr C. Hill the flute. The orchestral items are to be given by the Society. The ladies have chosen the programme, and are managing everything in connection with the concert, which will be quite a novelty in Wellington.

The second hunt of the Dunedin season eventuated last Saturday, when the weather proved all that could be desired. The meet took place at Mrs Ireland’s (Sea View), where, after the run, that lady’s hospitality was much enenjoyed. A number drove out. Among these were the Reynolds party, the Misses Cargill, Jones, Mrs Jones, (Woodeaton), and many others. Riding were the Misses Roberts, Miss McEwen, Miss Timbertop, and Miss Braithwaite. Mr Petre was the acting master, and rode Pahua ; Mr J. Gourley,Rebel; Mr S. Gourley, Hawthorne; Mr Laughlin, Kelly; Mr Wright,Te Kooti; Mr Sise, Tallyho; Mr Manders, Eightning ; Mr McEwen, Songster ; Mr J. Poole, was on Pioneer ; Messrs J. Allen and Campbell rode Bluelight and Waitangi; Mt Roberts rode a handsome bay, and Mr J. Smith, Woolsack. Mr Petre’s horse, in taking a seven foot high gorse fence, tripped against a binder and threw his rider, who was soon again on his feet, fortunately un-

hurt. Quite a large and merry party bowled back to Dunedin. A very enjoyable concert and one which was well attended, was given at Port Chalmers in aid of the Garrison band recently. The band gave the opening selection from ‘Crispino. ’ Mrs Downes sang ‘Remember Me no More ' very sweetly, and Miss Kelly ‘ The Bonnie Hills of Scotland.’ Mr J. Jago sang ‘The Silent March ’ in capital style ; Mr and Miss Wignal played a duet, ‘ When the Wind Blows in From the Sea ;’ Mr W. Densem sang ‘The Toilers;’ the bandmaster, Mr T. M’Connell, played a most enjoyable cornet solo ; Mr Haley recited * The Progress of Madness,’ and Messrs Austin, Buckley, Honnybone, and Kelly sang the quartette, ‘ What Shall IDo ?’ Another of Mr Densem’s items was ‘ The Mountebank.’ The Misses E. Wignal and Kelly also sang. Mr Jago’s second contribution was ‘ The Bugler.’ Mr Cashman recited ‘ The Convict’s Christmas Eve.’ An instrumental duet by Messrs M’Connell and Buckley concluded a most enjoyable programme.

The celebration of the golden wedding of Sir William and Lady Fox took the form of an ‘ At Home,’ to which no written invitations were given, their very numerous friends

calling in a pleasantly informal manner to congratulate the venerable couple on having passed fifty years of wedded happiness. Full particulars of the ‘At Home ’ will appear next week, as we have to go to press too early to print details in this issue. It will be remembered that a biographical sketch of Sir William Fox appeared in the Graphic at the time of the Nelson Jubilee. The photo (by Hemus) given herewith is one taken in honour of the golden wedding year.

One is glad to hear that the Prince and Princess of Wales had good weather at Cap Martin. Their life there was most private. Those who have seen them since their sorrow have been dreadfullyimpressed by the effect that grief has had upon their Royal Highnesses. Time, however, is a consoler as well as a healer, and so, perhaps, they will both look and feel better by the autumn, when they will be seen in London again. I see that some of the papers are animadverting strongly on the fact that the Prince will feel very strongly his enforced absence from all races and amusements, but the truth is that the Prince’s own inclinations are absolutely opposed to any merry-makings or junketings whatever. He will doubtless be the first to consider the well-being of trade, but even commercial sympathy and instincts must give way sometimes to personal grief and inclination.

There is no doubt that a good band is always an attraction, and the kindness of the captain of the French warship Dubourdieu in allowing his excellent band to play in the Albert Park was immensely appieciated by the Aucklanders. Bandmaster Huberte bad prepared excellent selections of music, which were beautifully rendered by these musicians on three afternoons.

Two grand concerts are coming off in Dunedin this week, one by the Orchestral Society, the other by the Leidertafel. We have, says my Dunedin correspondent, been without any good concerts of late, and these will be very acceptable.

It is greatly to be regretted that the Dunedin Ladies’ Club (the Kahanga) formed last winter is in danger of falling through this year, as several who took active part in it will be away. Many will doubtless remember what an interesting affair it used to be.

A sad death occurred last week when Mr A. Dale, the station-master of Port Chalmers was killed getting on the train from Dunedin. His funeral was largely attended, fully seven hundred persons being present. The local firebrigade, of which Mr Dale had been first captain, formed a guard of honour, each of the men carrying either a floral wreath or cross. The hearse was followed by the two sons and intimate friends. Following them came a large detachment of railway employees under Mr Arthur, and after them the members of the Masonic body. Amongst the others present were the Mayors of Dunedin and Port Chalmers, Mr J. Mills (M.H.R. for the district), Mr Grant (Manager of the Dunedin railway) and members of the railway staff, Dr. Drysdale, Messrs J. R. Monson, J. Mill, W. Goldie, and J. Morgan (J.P.’s), Messrs C. Chilton, M.A., C. R. Bossence and A. McClymont, rectors and masters of the district High School, Captain W. Thomson, Messrs Williams and Ness and other members of the Union Steamship Company, Captain McFarlane (Harbour-master), Captains McCallum and Stephens, and many others, including members of the Alhambra and Port Chalmers football and cricket clubs.

The French officers of the Dubourdieu were entertained by the French Consul’s wife, Mrs D. Cruiekshank, at a very pleasant afternoon ‘At Home. ’ The hostess was becomingly dressed in heliotrope and black lace ; Mrs Archie Clark looked pretty in a stylish costume of a brown shade of velvet with fawn silk ; Mrs S. Morrin wore a handsome black silk; Mrs Pritt, black, with long fur boa. Miss Hurry sang most beautifully, so also did Mrs Moss-Davis, who looked very well in a grey costume.

News comes from Taiaroa Heads of a ball given in the Maori Kaik schoolhouse on Easter Monday night. There was a large attendance, a party of yachtsmen, anchored in the harbour all attending swelled the numbers. The hall, decorated with evergreens and flags, presented a tasteful appearance. The following are the names of some of those present : Miss Pratt, Miss M’Donaki, Miss M. M’Donald, Miss Edmond, Miss M. Edmond, Miss Burns, Missß. White, Miss Zaituha, Miss Lucy Ryan, Miss N. Milne, Miss Murray, Miss Rodgers, Miss Wilson, Miss White, Miss Hewitt, Miss Quinn, Miss N. Quinn, Miss Mack, Mrs M’lvor, Mrs George Taiaroa.

Harvest thanksgiving services in Dunedin were recently held in all the churches, which were very handsomely decorated for the occasion, quite putting the Easter decorations into the shade, the display of fruit and vegetables reminding one of a flower show. At St. Matthew’s the Rev. E. Howell preached in the morning, and in the evening the Rev. Mr Fitchett. At the evening service the beautiful anthem was rendered, ‘ Sing, O Heavens.’ At St. John's, Roslyn, Mr A. Martin sang ‘Consider the Lilies.’ The same solo was sung at the evening service by Mr .1. Jago, who was in splendid voice, and sang with great expression. Miss Fitchett presided at the organ at All Saints’, and Miss West at St. John’s.