CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 29, 16 July 1892, Page 717

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, July' 7. A perpetual drizzle is not conducive to health, pleasure, good temper, or any other good thing excepting an exercise in patience. Our Southern skies have slowly and surely wept for, it seems to me, some weeks past, and all out-door amusements have been considerably damped. Tennis even on asphalt courts is not much coveted. The deep damp border one gets on the skirt, and the damp feet, with almost a certain cold to follow, is not desirable. Cosy firesides with steaming fragrant tea, social chat, music, etc., are much more enjoyable. There have been several luncheon parties during the week. On Wednesday Mrs Wilding gave one for Mrs Secretan. Some of the other guests w r ere Mrs Napier Bell, Mrs Burns, Mrs Westmacott, and Miss l ipping. Mrs Marciel, St. Martin’s, gave one on Thursday, and Mrs Otterson had one the same day. Mrs Pitman, Mrs Lomax-Smith, and Mrs Robinson were among lhe guests. Mrs Aiken, Heathbank, entertained a large party for high tea on Monday. Among the guests weic Mr and Mrs Andrew Anderson. Professor and Airs Bickerton, Mrs and Miss Mcßae. Mrs Godfrey. Mrs Garrard, Mr Connal, Mr Henderson, and Mr Hodgson, Mr and Mrs Walter Ollivier joining the party later. I heard snatches of conversation at intervals, such as ‘ Have you read that charming book ‘ Common sense about women I ’ and ‘ Ought women to have the franchise,’ with enlargements on both, and sundry other intellectual topics. The sedate ones played w hist, the frivolous euchre, and those gifted in a musical way contributed not a little to the general enjoyment. A special coach conveyed those from town back about eleven. THE CHRISTCHURCH HOUNDS were out at Rolleston on Saturday, June 25th, when a fair field followed over Mr F. Brittain's extensive paddocks and the surrounding country. This is said to have been one of the best runs of t he season, and certainly one of the longest , for all agreed eight miles must have been covered without a check. An adjournment for luncheon was as acceptable to horses as riders, and which was most hospitably dispensed by Mr and Mrs F. Brittain. On Saturday last the meet was at the Wheatsheaf, Riecarton, but at an afternoon meet these short days the light so soon fades that the sport is soon over. It was very good, how ever, and the horses jumped well. The Brackcnfield hounds and their followers have been having a grand time up the country. One meet was at Balmoral, when about thirty riders were out, including a large number of ladies. At Horsley Downs they have had quite a festive time. Mr and Mrs lumce entertaining about thirty visitors lor several days, as many as forty riders being in

the field. Mr loanee drove out in his four in hand with a large partv of ladies. Among the lady riders were to be seen Mrs Wilder, Mrs Thomson. Mrs Greenwood, the Misses loanee. Crossley. S. and K. Mcßae, McDonald. Foster, and Mrs D. Rutherford. There were also several children (on good jumping ponies), who looked very conscious and pleased with their first hunt. The Opera Company have been doing well at the Theatre Royal during the week, the most successful performance to my mind during the season being ‘ Il Trovatore,’ Miss Montague being superbin her part. Her singing is always a lesson in the art. Dolly Vale.