TOPICS OF THE WEEK

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 43, 28 October 1893, Page 338

TOPICS OF THE WEEK

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR and the Countess of Glasgow, with Lady Augusta Boyle, Miss Wauchope, and Captain Clayton, have left New Zealand in the Waihora in order to be present in Melbourne when the grand Cup Race

comes off. Very many New Zealanders are following their example, and the affair, always a smart society function, promises to be even more brilliant than usual this year. Sir James Prendergast has been sworn in as Acting-Governor during Lord Glasgow's absence.

By the Rotorua the Vice regal party arrived in Lyttelton to attend the wedding of Captain Hunter-Blair and Miss Emily Rhodes. It consisted of the Earl and Countess of Glasgow, Lord Kelhurne, the Ladies Augusta, Alice, and Dorothy Boyle, Miss Wauchope, and Captain Clayton, A.D.C. Lord and Lady Glasgow and Lord Kelhurne were the guests of Mrs Rhodes, Elmwood, and Miss Wauchope and some of the party were staying with Mr and Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes.

During Saturday afternoon Lord Glasgow and his son visited the Cavalry Sports at Addington, which were not nearly so veil attended as usual, owing to the dull, cold weather, and the counter attraction of the opening of the boating season. The sports caused considerable amusement until an unfortunate accident occurred, resulting in the death of a valuable horse belonging to Mrs George Rhodes, Meadowbank. This marred the proceedings, though happily the rider escaped with a dislocated wrist. The horse became frightened at the people, and twice refused his jumps at the wire fence, and at the third attempt got entangled in the top wire and fell head foremost, breaking its neck. On Sunday the Camp was visited by numbers of town people, the Engineers’ band playing some good selections of sacred music. Lord and Lady Glasgow were the guests of the officers during the afternoon.

Colonel Fox inspected the troops on Friday afternoon, and expressed himself as entirely satisfied with their work and appearance, saying no doubt they considered his remarks last year very severe, but he had only done his duty, and the way they bad taken up the new drill as suggested by him, and their smartness and neat appearance generally, greatly pleased him. Captain Wright, the commanding officer, on dismissing the troop was able to congratulate them on the marked improvement. He thanked the officers for their zeal, and the support accorded him, aad the men for their obedience. The Ambulance Coips under Surgeon Jennings also received the approbation of the commanding officer for their efficient services. In the evening the troop entertained the Christ College Rides at a smoke concert in the lage mess-room. To enable those who wished to take part in the annual sports on Saturday, guard was relieved by the Christchurch Mounted Rifles. Camp was struck early on Monday morning, the southern contingent returning by train, the Northern and Little River men riding. The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry have presented 10gs. to the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s prize fund. This comes as a grateful acknowledgment to the Association for the use of the Show Grounds for the week s training of the Cavalry there.

The Judge's Bay Regatta Committee met last week and drew up a preliminary programme for this popular annual fixture. There seems but little doubt that the function this year will excel those of any previous year. There will be two yacht races, and one for centreboard yachts and fishing boats. The rowing events need not be mentioned categorically. Oarsmen will find that the events are we 1 arranged, and should afford excellent and exciting races. There will be a greasy boom, a duck hunt, a tilting match, and several other attractive side shows. Ti e Poneonby Regatta people, it is said, will not gain much ty their attempts to forestall the Judge’s Bay by fixing their date immediately ahead of the established favourite. The Judge’s Bay people have shown themselves good caterers, and will receive liberal support.

SOCIETY’S SAYINGS AND DOINGS.

A delightful evening was spent by a favoured few at St. John’s, Nelson, last Wednesday, when Mr and Mrs Fell gave a musical evening to their friends. Of course the attraction of the evening was Herr Balling, his viola alta solos being a rare treat to all lovers of music in Nelson. His music is entrancing, and people listen spellbound to the sweet sonnds he produces from his instrument. Others contributing to the evening’s enjoyment were Miss Jackson, Miss B. Atkinson, Mrs Houlker, Mr Fell, Revs. J. P. Kempthorne and Chatterton, and the Bishop of Nelson. A dainty supper brought an enjoyable evening to a close.

The opening of the boating season as regards attendance and the usual brilliance of the banks of the river was completely spoiled by the un propitious weather. A cold easterly wind and gloomy sky is no signal for ‘ our girls ’ to introduce pretty costumes co the public, though the boating men continue to make this a very attractive day, and only positive rain could render it a failure. There was the usual crush on the little footbridge, and the banks of the river looked like a promenade instead of the usual garden party. The Canterbury and Union R iwing Clubs threw open their rooms in a most kindly and hospitable manner, serving tea and cake to all comers. Mr H. Thomson once again essayed the post of Marshal in a highly satisfactory manner. The procession of boats, numbering now over sixty, was a very pretty sight with their floral decorations. A few scratch races finished up the afternoon, but after the formal opening the greater number of spectators thought there was no place like home.

An interesting article on the great composer who died last week appears in the ‘ Smoke Room ’ page this week. Our picture is from the painting recently exhibited in the Paris Salon.

Professor Carrollo is to be congratulated upon th improvement which his boys annually display in their gymnastic performances. On Monday evening the Auckland public had another opportunity of proving the excellence of a ‘ Mens sana in corpore so.no ’ as regards our Auckland youth. The Opera House, upstairs and down, was packed with proud papas and mammas and admiring little sisters, who applauded loudly every feat of the youthful gymnasts, although the mammas occasionally gave a gasp of relief when dear Johnny or Tommy or Willie landed safely on his feet after a series of thrilling aerial evolutions. The Grand March was very effective, the orchestra supplying inspiriting music, to which the boys kept perfect time. Professor Carrollo has made himself very popular among his pupils. It is an attribute of boyish nature to hero-worship, and the eager attention of these young gymnasts when the Professor himself takes the fbior plainly indicate where their admiration is bestowed. May his popularity increase and the coming generation of Auckland be a race of poweiful, able bodied, as also able minded men !

There have been several pleasant parties in Dunedin during the week. One was a return ball given to the exHigh School girls in the Choral Hall, which was tastefully draped with flags, and the stage adorned with ferns and pot plants, and furnished with drawing-room chairs and lounges. The supper-table was decorated with yellow silk and trails of lovely white clematis. The dance was most enjoyable. There were very few new dresses worn, but what there were appear elsewhere.

Amongst the many pleasant dances arranged this season for young Auckland, that given by Colonel and Mrs Dawson at * Arborfield,’ Ellerslie, last Friday, must rank in the first row. It took the form of a fancy dress ball, for which over one hundred invitations were issued. About eighty young people came, half of whom were in fancy dress. The night was exceptionally lovely, the moon lighting up the harbour and gently silvering the waters of the lake. It was so warm and inviting in the garden that between the fourteen dances of the programme it was quite a favoured resort. Extras were charmingly played by the Misses Gypsy Walker and Hilda Worsp. Miss Dolly Walker played the violin with Mr Bertram Dawson. The ballroom floor and the music came in for much praise, the musicians being in the anteroom off the ballroom.

The supper table looked very pretty, the decorations being lemon-coloured gauze and geranium crinkled paper, arranged fan style, the centrepiece being a dolphin with ferns and ixias, different kinds of sandwiches, patties, oysters, trifles, jellies, varieties of cakes and sweetmeats, wiih iced claret cup, lemonade, tea and coffee, wine, etc. The room was thrown open for refreshments soon after 9 o'clock, and was steadily patronised up till 12 30. There did not appear to be any wallflowers, as tbe hostess and hosts exerted themselves to keep the ball rolling, and everyone danced with a will. The floral decorations were high arrangements of ferns, arums, bamboo, grasses, etc., and the house was lighted up with lamps and coloured shades, Japanese lanterns, etc.

At the third Chamber concert, Wellington, a trio by Reissiger was splendidly performed by Mr T. Tallis Trimnell (piano), Mr H. Spackman (violin), and Mr H. T. Edger (Cello), and was the gem of the evening. Beethoven's Quartett in E Flat was also extremely well performed by Miss Medley (piano) and Messrs Spackman (viola), G. Kennedy (violin), and Edger (’cello). Mr Tallis Trimnell played two pianoforte solos in first class style, and Mr Edgar contributed a ’cello solo. Mrs Geddis, the only vocalist, sang ‘ The Asra,' Schumann’s * Bride’s Song,’ and Mendelssohn’s ‘Song of the Savoyard.’ There are still three more in the series (of six) to look forward to. They are given about once every week or ten days, aud are looked forward to with much pleasure by lovers of classical music.

Mrs SoWEIiBY (Auckland) was presented on Monday evening, at the breaking up of one of her j uvenile dancing classes, with a pretty afternoon tea table, also two sets of afternoon tea cloths, etc. They were presented by little Miss Ida Sharland (four and a-half years old) on behalf of the class, and accompanied with a present from herself. The Tuesday evening adult class made a very handsome presentation in the shape of a most beautiful afternoon tea service on tray, also a lovely pair of vases. Wednesday adult class followed with a large photograph album on stand. Each presentation was accompanied with a very flattering address signed by the pupils.

11IE annual reunion of Wellington’s local branch ot the Public Service Association proved a more than usually enjoyable affair, the committee having arranged for a concert and dance instead of the usual conversazione. Theie was a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen in Thomas’ Hall, where it took place, and at the conclusion of the concert the floor was cleared and dancing was kept up until midnight. A committee of ladies supplied an excellent supper, and helped also with the decorations, which were very pretty. They were Mesdames Pilcher, J. Burns, W. James, J. M. King, Evans, De Castro, Redward, Allport, Hales, and Hugh Pollen. Mr O'Sullivan made an able secretary, and was assisted by the Committee, consisting of Messrs Hugh Pollen, Gibbs, King, McCardle, Holmes, McKay, Allen, Montgomery, De Castro, Barnett and James. Mr Hugh Pollen, the chairman of the local committee, made a short speech and welcomed the guests, after which the concert began. Mrs Peter Webb sang ‘The Ship Boy's Letter ;’ Mr F. Pope, ‘ The Two Grenadiers ;’ Mr Ramsey, • Go, Lovely Rose ;’ Mr Clothier, ‘ Alice, Where Art Thou ;’ Mr Marks and Mr Morgan each contributed a recitation, and a couple of glees were well sung by Messrs Hickson, Edger, A. Gray, and Clothier. Mr Cemino’s string band supplied the music for dancing, aud it was altogether considered a most successful gatbeiing.

To morrow (Thursday) and Friday evenings Miss Dargon is announced to give a series of dramatic sketches in the Opera House, Auckland. She comes with a good reputation in her line, and will doubtless de well.

The Dunedin Catholic Literary Society brought their session to a close by a musical and literary evening at St. Joseph’s Schoolroom, which looked exceedingly pretty. It was nicely decorated for the occasion, and was crowded. The Rev. Father M’Kay presided. The Rev. Fathers O’Donnel, Murphy, and O’Neill were also present. The president, Father Lynch, in answer to many anxious inquiries, stated that Bishop Moran's health continued to improve. The orchestra, under Mr Vallie, rendered several selections. Miss Morrison, who was in excellent voice, sang ‘ Killarney,’ and as an encore, ‘ Ever of Thee.’ Master E. Wilkins pleased everyone with his recitation, ‘ Bingen on the Rhine Mr Caroline, ‘ Never More ’ was also a success. Miss Rose Blaney was in good voice, and sang * Salve nos Domini,’ and * Last Night.’ Mr Woods sang, • Our Guards,’ and Miss Murphy, • In Happy Moments,’ Miss Mary Drumm playing the accompaniments during the evening in her usual sympathetic style. The second part consisted of the farce, • An Ugly Customer,’ several local allusions being ranch appreciated. The characters were sustained by Messrs W. E. Davis, J. P. Hally, T. D. Waters, and the Misses J. and C. Macedo. During the interval, tea, coffee, and cakes were enjoyed.

The attractiveness of an officers’ dance has been frequently remarked, and the one given in the Calliope Dock by the officers of H.M S. Tauranga last week is described as quite one of the most enjoyable dances of the season. The moon was bright and the evening delightful but for rnde Boreas, whose attentions rather ruffled the crimps and ci epons of the ladies. The ferry boat landed the guests at the Dock, and in a prepared outer shed they removed their wraps. Thence they ascended to the ship where they were received by the officers in the terribly brilliant glow of the electric light. The deck was enclosed with canvas, and tastefully draped with flags, whilst arum lilies, white flowers, and greenery conveyed a breath of land and gardens. The boards were polished like glass, and were splendid for dancing, whilst the music was perfect. The gentlemen were slightly in the majority, so that every lady had an especially good time.

A PARTICULAR note of praise must be sounded as regards the supper, which was extremely good and substantial —the choicest wines, with ham, turkey, duck, chicken, oysters, jellies, trifles, ices, fruit, etc., the whole being very prettily decorated with roses. Everybody seemed loth to leave the vessel when the hour of parting came, and after the guests had adjourned to the ferry, three hearty cheers were given to the officers, who returned three for the Auckland ladies and three for the Auckland gentlemen. All the wav across the harbour on the return journey, the search light illumined the ferry steamer, and it is strange to relate some of the passengers didn’t like it ! But the watching officers on the Tauranga seemed amused by the disclosures it made.

A most successful juvenile dance was given in All Saints Schoolroom, Dunedin, by Mesdames Sale, Shand, and Ulrich. There was a large number of guests, and dancing was kept up with great spirit till the small hours. The hostesses received their guests, and throughout the evening left nothing to be desired in the way of attention, looking after the happy young people thoroughly. The party was almost entirely juvenile, only a few exceptions being made.

The pernicious system of baby-farming, which has flourished so long in Sydney wonld seem to have also made a promising beginning in our young country. For some of the parents of these destitute and abandoned children no one can entertain feelings of commiseration or sympathy. They have brought their misery entirely on themselves, and in many cases deserve punishment rather than pity. But tor the helpless little ones who have been thrust into a cold, cruel world without any choice of their own, every Christian man and woman is bound to feel compassion. These infants, varying in age from a fortnight or less to three years, have been boarded out, with, in too many instances, most pitiable lesults. They have been treated in the most inhuman manner, slowly starved to death, allowed to live in rooms whose filth made even a seasoned inspector turn away, quite overcome with the odour ; or even cruelly and brutally ill used. In Auckland, Mrs Cowie, of Bishopscourt, whose warm sympathies have long been enlisted by these suffeiing babes has opened a home or creche in Parnell, where, for the small charge of seven shillings per week, they can be received and properly fed and nursed. This small sum does not cover expenses, and it is hoped that there are many whose hearts have been stirred by the recent exposures in Sydney, who will send donations of clothes or money to Bishopscourt for this needed work.

The notice of Miss Scott’s Juvenile ball which took place on Monday evening has been crowded out of this issue, but will appear in our next.

A COMPLIMENTARY social was given in the Choral Halh Dunedin, to Mr J. W. Jago, by the employes of the Star Office, on the occasion of his having completed his twentyfirst year in the capacity of manager of that paper. There

were about sixty couples present, and dancing was one of the chief features of the evening. Mr Mark Cohen presented Mr Jago with a beautifully illuminated address, to which was appended sixty-two signatures, headed by that of Mr G. Bell.

One of the most liberal entertainers of the Auckland winter season has certainly been Mrs McMillan. Another very large and charming ‘ At Home ’ was given at * Ardstrath,’ Remuera, last week, which was much enjoyed by the numerous guests. The garden and verandah were like glimpses of fairyland, with the numerous Chinese lanterns resembling huge glow-worms amongst the trees, whilst the verandah was one mass of fairy lights. Music is always an excellent feature at this house. Amongst those who contributed towards the pleasure of the evening in this way were the hostess, Mrs McMillan, and her son, Mr Gibson McMillan (song«). whilst her daughters rendered pianoforte solos ; songs by Mrs Kilgonr, Lieutenant Hume, Mr Archdale Tayler, Mrs Butt, Mrs Moss Davis, Mrs Goldstein, Misses Stevenson, Tilley, etc. ; quartette by Misses Stnart and Sbarland, and Messrs Whitney and A. Clarke; violin, Mr McClean ; zither, Mr James, made np a good programme. Afterwards followed the dramatic performance of a burlesque on ‘ Three Temptations.’ Those who took part were Messrs Airey, Woolcott, Goldsboro’, Upfil, Brnce, Whewell, Tilly. Carr, G. McMillan, Misses F. Stevenson, K McMillan, E. McMillan, A. Law, H. Worsp, Keesing, Tilly, Thompson, McFarlane. The scenery was extremely pretty. ‘ Ardstrath ’ has three large rooms opening into one another, in one of these is erected a stage with drop scenery. The whole thing was a great success. Mr Bruce’s acting was perfection. Afterwards everybody adjourned to supper, which was prettily laid out. The flower decorations were yellow with greenery. Wines of the choicest were on the table, where abounded every good thing, such as oysters, jellies, trifles, meringues, etc. Songs and dances were interspersed during the rest of the evening.

The Pollard Juvenile Opera Company have been playing to fair houses in Nelson for three nights last week. They opened on Thursday, and unfortunately amidst pouring rain, which doubtless prevented many from going who wonld otherwise have been present. The ‘ Princess of Trebizonde ’ was an opera new to Nelson theatre-goers, and is certainly a bright and lively opera, the fun all through being immense. ‘ Patience ’is an old favourite here, but the attendance was very large, chiefly owing to the performance after ‘Patience’ of ‘ Adamless Eden.’ This little opera is very similar in character to ‘ Princess Ida,’ and full of wit and fun. The ‘ Gondoliers’ was performed on Saturday amidst great applause of an appreciative audience.

The Auckland Yacht Club held their meeting last evening too late for a report in this week’s issue. The report adopted read as follows ‘ The committee has much pleasure in congratulating the members on the progress of the Club, and the increased interest in yachting at Auckland during the past year. A large number of new yachts have been added to the club fleet, which now comprises fifty-five yachts. A display of the fleet was made in December last in honour of His Excellency the Governor, and witnessed by him on board of the Commodore’s yacht. The revival of yacht racing has been a feature of the past season, and the races at the local regattas were well contested. The club races were also interesting, and resulted as follows 1 (not exceeding 6—rating), Mr F. W. Mace's ‘ Awatea,’ 1 ; Mr G. Warman’s ‘ Meharo,’ 2.2 (not exceeding 3—rating), Mr J. Logan’s ‘ Gloriana,’ 1: Mr Swale’s • Aline,’ 2. The Annual Picnic and Aquatic Sports were held at the Lake Beach and were well attended. The measurement rule of the Yacht Racing Association of Great Britain has again been adopted by the Club, and a former objection to it has been removed by an addition to the rule. The committee much regrets the loss which yachting has sustained by the death of Mr Waymouth (sen ), ex Commodore of the Club, and of Mr W. H Levin, Vice President of the New Zea land Yachting Association. The coming season promises to be the most interesting in the history of the Club, from the fact that the championship races of the New Zealand Yachting Association will be held at Auckland in January next. The statement of accounts shows a balance to the credit of the Club of £so.’