Topics of the Week.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 48, 26 November 1892, Page 1160

Topics of the Week.

SOCIETY’S SAYINGS AND DOINGS

THE return of His Excellency and Lady Glasgow to Auckland last Saturday was not marked by addresses nor by the singing of the National Anthem by juvenile performers, but was a very welcome event all the same. The vice-regal party travelled from Lyttelton to Wellington in the Mararoa, transhipping thence to the Takapuna, in which steamer they arrived at Onehunga an nour before they were expected. Miss llallowes and Captains Hunter-Blair and Clayton accompanied them. Aucklanders are sorry to learn than their Excellencies will only remain in their fair city until about December 20lh. Wellington is to have the honour of providing the Christmas turkey for the Queen’s Representatives. A pleasant addition to the Government House paity is the eldest son of the Governor, Lord Kelburne, who arrived from Sydney. His Lordship has only recently returned from Hong Kong. He has joined H.M.S. Curaeoa, and will probably serve on that vessel during her stay in Australian waters. Lord Kelburne has obtained leave of absence in order to visit his family in this colony. It is hoped he will have a very enjoyable time. The Ladies Augusta, Alice, and Dorothy, the Hons. Edward and James Boyle, with Miss Holroyde and Mr George Gillington, A. P.S., were present at the Amateur Athletic Club’s Sports in the Domain on Saturday afternoon. Mr Gillington’s genial manners have made him a general favourite with all with whom his position, social or official, has brought him into contact. The Earl and Countess of Glasgow appear much pleased with their visit to Christchurch. The weather, on the w hole, was good, and the various entertainments, consisting of races, shows, addresses, beautiful scenery, etc., provided for their delectation, went off most satisfactorily. Amongst the quieter pleasures must be counted boating on the placid Avon, whose willow-fringed banks afford such a delightful promenade, and whose weedy shallows scarce afford the timorous any opportunity of indulging in the slightest fear of drowning.

One of the favourite rides of the Government House party in Auckland is that by Hobson’s Bay towards Orakei. At present they have not visited the pah, but may possibly do so ere long.

There is no truth in the report that the Ladies Augusta and Dorothy Boyle are going to take part in the Young Ladies’ Orchestral concert. They certainly attended one or two of the practices, but with no intention of appearing in public at any concert.

A fter several light showers in the morning, the afternoon for the opening of the Otago Tennis Courts was glorious. The dust had been settled, and the warm sun dried the short velvety grass, making it beautiful to promenade, and as hundreds put in an appearance and the Ordnance Band was in attendance, a very pleasant time was spent. The ladies of the Club presided over the afternoon tea, which was very delicious served as one sat in the sunshine.

No matches were played, simply a friendly game or so. The courts are in the most perfect order, and the grounds have never looked to better advantage. There were some some pretty and stylish costumes worn, but the colours were not so gay as last year. Many are reserving the most charming of their dresses for our race and show week, which is close at hand.

Needless to say, the Auckland Athletic Association had a perfect day for their s|>orte, and people Hocked to the Domain not singly, but in battalions. Society, with a capital S, was well represented, but was swallowed up and enveloped in the huge crowds of society with a small s, all

the smart shop folk, factory girls, and the rest being out in their best and newest summer raiment. Needless to say, therefore, the sight was a singulary bright one. The daughters of the people are comely—distinctly comely — and many of them afford themselves exceedingly becoming frocks and hats, so that walking round the crowd the scene presented to the observant observer was beyond question a pleasing one. The weather was not too hot in the shade, and there were just sufficient clouds crossing the sun at intervals to produce the most picturesque effects. The Domain in Auckland is certainly extremely beautiful, and seen quite at its best on ‘sport’ days in the early summer. The soft green of the turf blending with the various darker shades of the same tint in the trees, brightened and lightened by the crowd—a never-ending phantasmagoria of mingling colours thrown together by chance in far greater harmony than could be achieved by art, make a most delightful, not to say impressive, picture. Afternoon tea was served for the ladies, and the special gentlemen friends of the Club were refreshed in the pavilion with —well, other things. The racing was good, and the afternoon in every way was a very successful one. The gate money must have been tremendous.

The Auckland Savage Club held its second open night of this session in the Choral Hall, which was transformed into a most tasteful drawing-room for the occasion. The walls were prettily decorated with curtains, flags, etc., and the chairs and setees arranged in convenient little groups around tiny tables containing pot plants and flowers. The programmes were quite an elaborate work of art, being printed on note paper of very quaint design. Each guest was presented with one by the members of the Club. The entertainment opened by a few remarks fiom Dr. T. Hope Lewis, the very popular Chairman. Then followed several choice musical selections by various members, after which an amusing comedy, entitled ‘ The Steeplechase,’ was performed. The guests were then invited to adjourn to the supper-room and partake of the very recherche supper provided for them, whilst the ball was cleared for dancing.

The concert to be held in the Choral Hall, Auckland, on Friday, November 25th, promises to be one of particular excellence. It is under the patronage of His Excellency the Governor and Lady Glasgow, which fact alone will attract many people. Besides this, the artistes advertised are decidedly popular, and lovers of good music are sure to derive pleasure from listening to them. Add to these the still further inducement that the concert is given in aid of a good cause, viz., to raise funds for a parish schoolhouse for St. Mary’s Church, Parnell, and the management is sure of a large and sympathetic audience.

The Ellerslie Races were very poorly patronised, owing, no doubt, to the deluge or rain and thunder in the morning, and the unfavourable state of the weather in the afternoon, but the totalisator must have done a good business judging from the fact that more people seemed to be putting on than is usual at small meetings, to dispel the gloom probably. On the Prince of M ales' birthday some of our most noted beauties were getting up sweeps with as much energy as if their next six months’ dress money depended on the success of their efforts. Every now and then an unwary bachelor would be accosted with, * Won’t you take a chance in this half-crown sweep, Mr ’’ What with losing heavily on the totalisator, being let in for afternoon teas and sweeps, the poor fellows must have gone home blessing the winning ways of these girls. Perhaps another word might be more appropriate, but not for the Graphic. The stand on the next race day was most conspicuous by the almost entire absence of bachelors.

The North Shore people are going in for tennis heavily this year, and few clubs seem likely to have a more successful season than the Devonport Tennis Club. On Saturday

last the grounds were looking in splendid trim, and experts declared them perfect from a playing point of view. Afternoon tea was served by the ladies, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent. The Bishop of Nelson and Mrs Mules entertained the members of the Synod, and, as far as possible, their female belongings, together with a large number of Nelsonites, at a garden party. Everything passed off most successfully, and an enjoyable time was spent in various ways, not the least pleasant being the meeting of country with town friends, which is always a feature of these entertainments.

The country round Hawke's Bay is looking splendid. Wool is coming in fast, and everything points to a most prosperous season. There has been plenty of rain, but doubtless it was wanted, and will cause * feed ’ to be much more plentiful.

Mr Sydney Hoben contemplates giving a concert at the Theatre Royal, Napier, early in December. A two-hun-dred-guinea grand piano is to be specially sent up from Wellington for the occasion by the Dresden Pianoforte Company, so that the pianoforte solos ought to be good.

Miss Stephenson, Dunedin, gave a most enjoyable musical afternoon in honour of Miss Fisher, of Wellington, who has been for some time past the guest of Mrs Stephenson. The table was most tastefully decorated with yellow silk and innumerable vases of yellow laburnum. There were fully forty guests present, and as the music was exceptionally good, the afternoon was only too short. Miss Fisher contributed three solos, which were much appreciated. Miss Sievwright also sang two songs, and Miss R. Reynolds and Miss Ziele contributed items.

A Fancy Dress Ball held in the City Hall, Dunedin, was a very enjoyable affair. The decorations, which were under the management of Mr W. Carncross, were very artistic. The music was supplied by Robertshaw's Band, and this is saying that it was good. The fancy costumes were generally excellent.

Considerable interest is being displayed in Auckland over the concert to be given on December sth by Miss Harding’s Ladies’ Orchestra. This is the fourth annual concert, and will doubtless be as great, if not a greater success than any of its predecessors in that the orchestra has been considerably augmented since last year. Vocal items are to be given by leading amateurs, including Messrs Edwards, Reid, and Haywood. Funicule Funicula, which aroused such enthusiasm when the Italian Concert Company were in Auckland, will be a feature of the evening. Mr Edwards will take the solo, and the whole company join in the swinging chorus.

The Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Show took place at the new Show grounds at Petone, and the whole affair proved the greatest success. The weather—always so important an item on such an occasion—behaved beautifully, for had it been especially ordered it could hardly have been a more perfect day. Bright and sunshiny and a light breeze, just enough to cool the air but not be unpleasant, blowing, and the dust laid by the rain of the previous day. It was, in fact, a glorious day. The ground about midday presented a very brilliant and animated scene. As to the horses, doge, fat cattle, pigs, produce, etc., I will say nothing (says our correspondent), simply because I am most ignorant of such matters, but I hear on all sides that everything quite came up to the mark, and showed a great improvement on last year’s exhibits.

Mr and Mrs E. J. Riddiford gave a sumptuous luncheon on the ground in a huge marquee, to which a large number of ladies and gentlemen were invited. Another large tent was erected for afternoon tea, and was, of course, well during the afternoon. Never before have such an immense crowd assembled in Wellington, the lovely weather, and the prospect of seeing the new ground proving irresistible. It is estimated that between 9,000 and 10,000 people were on the ground, and all carriages were engaged days ahead. The trains have never been so busy. They left town every twenty minutes, but it was necessary to take one’s seat at least half an hour previous to starting. The good management of the railway officials was most favourably remarked upon during the day, and their duties must have been by no means easy. The band played delightful music during the afternoon, and the table decorations at Mrs Riddiford’s luncheon were, by the way, very lovely—the admiration of all.

Amongst the Polo players on Saturday on the Auckland ground were Dr. Forbes, Dr. Purchas, Messrs Stewart, O’Rorke, Bloomfield, Gilmore, McKellar, Laurie, Noble, Heywood, Wansborongb, and Col. Dawson, etc. The ground was very slippery and a nasty accident happened to Mr O’Rorke (the captain of the team) whose horse slipped, bringing him heavily to the ground and smashing his leg, but happily two doctors were present, and with their assistance his leg was attended to, and he was then conveyed to his parents’ residence, Jermyn-street. Amongst those present as spectators were Mrs C. Purchas, Mrs Bilborough, Mrs Col. Dawson, Mrs Kerr-Taylor, Misses Scherff, Dickey, etc.

OUR Blenheim correspondent says : * Mr and Mrs McAdoo and several of their company were at the Lawn Tennis Courts, where they added greatly to the general interest. A sumptuous afternoon tea was provided by Misses Dodson and M. Farmar (Miss L. Farmar having gone to Wellington). There was a large gathering and tennis was played with great zest. The Marlborough Mounted Rifles are in camp this week, and hold an open air concert to night.’

Mrs A. J. Farmar, of Blenheim, gave a children's party, which was greatly enjoyed by the many young ones present.’

A’more perfect day than that on which the Brook Tennis Club opened their season could not be wished for even in Nelson. Many people wended their way to these prettily situated courts. They are in the most perfect condition this year, and so were soon covered by energetic players, all eager to try their luck after a six months’ rest. Comparisons are odious, but certainly it would be beneficial if those in authority at the Nelson club took the hint from the Brookites as to the way their visitors ought to be treated. Mr Green was most indefatigable in his exertions on Saturday to make it pleasant for all, consequently everyone enjoyed the afternoon thoroughly. Tea and delicious cakes were handed round during the afternoon, being provided by Mrs Green.

Mr Robert Parker and Mr Alfred Hill (Wellington) gave one of their enjoyable afternoon chamber concerts last Saturday to a good audience. Mr G. P. Fray ling, a visitor to Wellington, played a solo on his ’cello extremely well, and also joined in Mozart’s Quintet in A, for clarionet and strings, with Messrs Sewell (clarionet), Mr Alfred Hill, Miss Dugdale, and Mr H. Spackman. Mr A. Hill played an exquisite violin solo, and Mr E. J. Hill sang ’ O Swallow with ’cello obligato by Mr Frayling. Mr Hill afterwards sang again, this time choosing Cecil’s ‘The Better Land.’ Mr Parker took the piano part of Rheinberger Quartet, and shared the accompanying with Miss Hammerton. The programme was a most interesting one, and was listened to with the greatest attention throughout.

Wellington is lamenting with a bitterness exceeding the departure of the Opera Company. Little Violet Varley worked her will with the Wellington je.unnesse dnree as she did in Auckland, and Miss Graupner did equal execution. The company made many friends in Wellington, and had an exceedingly good time not only financially, but socially. On their last day in Wellington their friends drove the whole party out in a four-in-hand drag to McNab’s Gardens at the Hutt, where they had afternoon tea, and then strolled about the lovely gardens, and came back laden with flowers.

Some time ago Wellingtonians deplored that there would be no Show ball this year, but the ladies of the Hutt and Petone, hearing that no steps were being taken in the direction in Wellington, determined to give the Show ball at the Hutt. In their usual hospitable and energetic way they set to work, and brought things to a climax last Tuesday evening by giving the most enjoyable dance that has ever been given at that little township. Mrs E. J. Riddiford made an able secretary, and with all the other ladies worked very hard for the success that was as complete as it was well deserved. There had not been a big dance for ages in or near the Empire City, and everyone was delighted at meeting one another in so pleasant a way. Then again, there were a great many visitors who had come down from the country for the Show, which gave a variety to the partners.

The guests were announced at the entrance of the Oddfellows’ Hall, where the dance was given, and received by Lady Hector, Mrs E. J. Riddiford, and Mrs Whitehead, the rest of the hostesses being scattered about the room, introducing people and generally looking after the enjoy-

ment of their guests. Soon after half-past eight King’s Band, which had been engaged from town, struck up, and everyone daneed right merrily until half-past twelve, when the ball broke up, the townspeople having to hurry to catch the special train which had been laid on for them at a quarter to one o’clock. A great many 'stayed the night with friends, Mrs Riddiford, Lady Buckley, and others having their houses full of visitors.

The supper was of a most rtcherche description, every delicacy of the season being temptingly laid out in abundance. The Hutt ladies have established a reputation for serving the best suppers possible, and that reputation they fully sustained last Tuesday. The supper table decorations were lovely. Masses of pink and white azaleas and rhododendrons mingled in artistic profusion with pink and white drapery. The soft rose pink shaded lamps which supplied light were most effective. The gallery was hung with flags, and the stage was beautifully furnished and decorated as a sitting-out- room for the chaperones.

The name of Siebel, in • Faust,’ will rise with a sigh to the lips of the opera-audiences of every country in Europe as the annoucement is made of the death of Mdme. Trebelli. • A nightingale is dead,’ someone writes who knew the famous prima donna in the heyday of her fame, ‘ and there is not another among the sweet singers of the day whose voice has the marvellous timbre of Mme. Trebelli’s mezzosoprano. She was not exactly a beautiful woman, but once you had heard her in “ Faust,” in the “ Hugenots,” or in “ Figaro,” and you forgot everything over the sorcery of her voice.’ Only a few months ago Mdme. Trebelli sang in London, at a concert for some benevolent purpose, but practically her career came to an end about four years ago (though she would never admit this to be the case) when she had an apoplectic stroke.

Wellington is to lose Mr and Mrs Graham and family, of Karori. Mr Graham has been removed to Dunedin, and is to leave at the end of the year in order to take up bis new duties. The family will be much missed in Wellington, where they have resided for so many years.

Mr Garner’s expedition into monkey-land strikes out a new feature in exploration, but one which the ordinary scientific explorer will not be eager to add to bis repertoire. The result of his researches among the gorillas and chimpanzees will be awaited with interest, although there is a pretty wide band of unbelievers in his theories—for more than theory he can hardly claim as yet. The press has been full of excerpts from his book on monkey speech, and most suggestive matter it contains, but Mr Garner has not yet successfully demonstrated that the sounds he has phonographed are actual speech as we understand speech. The range of sound may give notes equivalent to speech, and conveying the same expressions. Mr Gamer has taken with him a cage 6ft 6in square, which dissevers into twentyfour pieces. These he fastens together with twenty-four rods. There is a detachable canvas roof, double at the top, and extending down the sides, so that in a storm he is invisible.

He can pull up one side and have a peep out. For arms he has a Winchester repeater carrying fourteen shots, and warranted to kill at 1,000 yards,a revolver, an air-gun, which will throw a dart charged with prussic acid — a very deadly weapon. The professor will be his own photographer, being rigged out with camera and appurten-

ances. Mr Garner does not protest too much. He thinks people too impatient for results, as he is of opinion that the particular object of his researches may entail a life’s work, if not indeed the work of several lives. He has mastered many of the sounds of monkey speech, and knows that different species have a different language and numerous dialects as well. He has heard a good deal about the ferocity of the gorilla, but does not credit all be hears. He means to interview that gorilla :— ‘lt makes one feel quite funny. That is if Darwin s true. That you might have been the monkey. Or the monkey might have been you.'