TOPICS OF THE WEEK

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 44, 4 November 1893, Page 362

TOPICS OF THE WEEK

Demonstration day in Wellington was favoured with beautiful weather, and the procession, sports, and entertainment in connection with the function proved very successful. The procession started from the Government Buildings in the morning, and proceeded to the Basin Reserve, where the sports were held, and was witnessed by an immense crowd of people. The different tableaux representing the various trades, etc., were cleverly arranged, and the whole procession was very imposing with its banners, bands, and various decorated vehicles.

On Demonstration Day a detachment of men, numbering one hundred and fifty, landed from H.M.S. Curacoa and marched to the Manawatu Kailway Company’s grounds and engaged in drill exercises for about an hour, the various evolutions being brought to a close with a general salute and march past, the movements being watched with great interest by over one thousand people. The various squads were under the command of Lieutenant Lowry, Lieutenant De Crespigny, Sub-Lieutenant Alton, Lieutenant Warren, Lieutenant Worthington, and Midshipmen Lord Kelburne, Brewis, Brigstock, and Burney, the whole force being commanded by Lieutenant Harford. The Ship’s Drum and Fife and Bugle Band headed the procession, which called forth the most complimentary remarks from the onlookers, among whom were Captain Gibson (of H.M.S. Curacoa), and Sir Patrick Buckley.

The Curacoa has been in Wellington for about a week, but the captain and officers must by this time think that the Empire city is a trifle dull, as there has been almost nothing going on to amuse them since they arrived. It is unfortunate that Government House should be deserted at this time, for, as Lord Kelburne is on board, they would have been sure of a hearty welcome and some entertaining there. A cricket match was arranged for one day between the Wellington Cricket Club and the Jura<;oa Club, and as the weather was glorious a pleasant day was the result for both. The Curacoa won the match by about a dozen runs, but the Wellingtonians were not seen at their best, as the match could not be arranged for Saturday or a holiday, and therefore many of the best players conld not get away to take part. Both Clubs were most hospitably entertained at luncheon by Mr H. D. Bell and Mr N. W. Werry, both of whom take a great interest in cricket.

One evening the Curacoa Variety Troupe gave an entertainment in the Theatre Royal, Wellington, in aid of the Sailors’ Rest. There was a large attendance, and Captain and Mrs Gibson were present. Mrs Gibson arrived some time ago in Wellington, and will remain until the vessel leaves, which is expected to be in a few days.

The St. George’s Bay Rowing Club have issued invitations for an ‘At Home ’ and afternoon tea on Saturday afternoon next. This is one of the smartest of early summer functions, and signifies a gathering of society’s clans in their finest and newest feathers. Always supposing a fine and, if possible, sunshiny day, the affair will this year be a bigger success than ever. The Club races—trial fours—will afford good sport, and the new boat, a superb outrigged clinker, will be a general object of admiration. Arrangements for the regatta in December are being carried on very efficiently, and all the world and his wife will have a pleasant day at the Judge’s Bay Regatta, but of that more next week.

A SUCCESSFUL fancy dress ball at Girton Hall, Dunedin, was opened with the Grand March and waltz in full costume, all the dancers carrying the articles required to make her or his impersonation complete iu every respect. After snpper the first dance was the ' Franchise Quadrille,' in which the ladies exercised the privilege of asking a partner for the set. As usual, this innovation was the cause of much amusement, and a flower dance, which also came on during the evening, was another cause for no small amount of merriment. The ball was keptupwith great spirit till three o’clock, at which time a halt was cried, and the opinion expressed on all sides was that the whole affair had been perfect. Messrs Auld and Cameron made efficient M.C.’s until midnight, when Messrs Sullivan and Lawson took up the

SOCIETY’S SAYINGS AND DOINGS.

duties for the remainder of the programme. Messrs Lloyd (piano) and Beath (violin) supplied the music, and their capital playing was no small item in the evening’s enjoyment. A cordial vote of thanks to the ladies, and general expressions of regret that the ball was over brought to a close one of the most novel and enjoyable gatherings ever held in Girton Hall. ‘ Auld Lang Syne ’ was sung as a grand finale.

The night on which Mrs Young’s school dance eventuated in Auckland was a most beautiful one, and the moonlit garden looked even more attractive than the artistically decorated ball room. The latter was the creditable work of the young ladies. The verandah was enclosed by an awning, and prettily illuminated with Chinese lanterns, which had a curious trick of going out, though there was little wind. The floor and supper were all that could be desired. The kindly hostess took no little pains to see that everything was satisfactory, and was eminently successful in her efforts.

The merry maidens of Picton are working veiy hard for the coming show of tableaux and wax-works on the 9th of November. Three sewing-bees, diversified by afternoon tea and cake, have been held at Penrose House, where Miss Seymour has acted hostess in her usual able manner to her •twenty love-sick maiden’ guests, whilst they made aesthetic robes and sunflowers for the coming fete.

One of the best concerts in Wellington this season was given by Mr Maughan Barnett, organist of Napier Cathedral, on Tuesday evening at the Theatre Royal. It is to be regretted there was not a larger audience, but those who were there had the pleasure of listening to such artistic piano-forte-playing as is not often heard here. His execution is remarkable, touch firm, and he has great power of expression. His selections consisted of ‘Ate o Cora ’ (Fumagalli). ‘ Rapsodie Hongroise ’ (Liszt), Chopin’s ‘Funeral March’ and Polonaise in A Flat, a nocturne by Field and concert gallop by Ketuer, the six items being bracketed in three appearances. Each time Mr Barnett was enthusiastically recalled, and responded twice by giving selections of his own composition. Miss Spensley, of Christchurch, was heard to advantage in two songs by Schubert, ‘ The Young Nun,’ and ‘Thou Art My Peace,’ and also in Spohr’s ‘Rose Softly Blooming.’ Mr Pronse introduced two songs new to a Wellington audience, ‘ Thou Art My World,’ by Heckler, and ‘ Qui Vive,’ a military descriptive piece by Amat. Responding to a pronounced recall, he gave the ever welcome ‘ Absent Yet Present.’ Mr Parker played the accompaniments in his usual artistic style.

Great excitement is exercising the minds of Ponsonby children at present. The Juvenile ‘At Home ’is to take place on Friday, November 10th, and it is confidently affirmed by the Committee and Secretary that the children’s ball will be as successful as the grown up dances have hitherto been.

At last the burnt banks at Hastings are to be re-built. The Bank of New South Wales will be a very fine building when completed. The business portion, it is said, is to be approached by steps through a projecting portico, and consists of a spacious banking chamber, 20 feet x 26 feet, a manager’s room 10 feet x 16 feet 6 inches, strong room 9 feet x 6 feet, and clerk’s lavatory and offices. There is to be a separate entrance to the latter from a passage way at the side of the bank. The premises will be set back 6 feet from the pavement, and will be enclosed by ornamented pailings. The tender for the Bank of New Zealand has been accepted. This also will be a veiy fine building. Apropos of the Bank of New Zealand, Mr McKilligan, of the bank, who left for England for a six months’ visit, has returned to the colony. He recently passed through Hastings, and was looking very much better for the change. He has gone on to Auckland, but possibly he will return to Hastings.

The Waipawa people seem an essentially pleasure-loving folk, and they appear to put in a very good time all the year round. They recently got up a concert at Onga Onga in aid of the local band fund, which was a very great success and a number attended. The Bohee Brothers, from Napier, were there. Messrs J. Parker and Von Haast, as usual, charmed the hearts of their hearers. Mr Kennedy was missed. Those who sang were Mesdames Evans and Stead,

Miss Boyle, and Messrs Stewart Bridge, J. B. Rhodes, W. McLeod, Bailey, A’Deane, Evans, and ‘ Joe ’ Stone. Mrs Joe Rhodes accompanied. After the concert a capital little dance was held.

There is not very much going on just now in Napier except tennis, which yet once again bids fair to be a popular game this summer. Numbers of people journey out to Farndon every Saturday, where the lovely courts there, are, as usual, a picture. The Scinde Court looks green, and is in good order. It is becoming a favourite place of resort. The boating season has started, and the fair sex seem to greatly enjoy an afternoon on the water. Several boating parties have been given lately, and great has been the fun. Bowling, too, is in full swing, and very nice the bowling green looks. Afternoon tea is dispensed by the ladies, who are staunch patrons of this noble game.

The Remuera Social Union closed their very successful season with a pleasant dance on Friday last. The floor was in perfect order, and the arrangements excellent, as usual. The committee had spared no pains to make the dance as successful as its predecessors, and most certainly their efforts were duly rewarded. The hall was filled, but not crowded, and the sexes well balanced. The supper was particularly good, the claret cup—Mr Walker’s brewbeing in great demand. Soup was, as usual, served during the progress of the last dance. The traditional ‘man with the dog,’ usually interviewed by the male sex between the acts at the theatre, had, we understand, a reception in the committee-room during the evening, and was voted a good brand. Altogether the affair fittingly capped what has perhaps been the smartest season the Social Union have superintended. One of the excellent ideas of the Committee was a notice placed in a conspicuous position requesting guests not to waltz during the Highland schottische. It will scarcely be credited that in face of this direct appeal one person had the execrable taste to waltz his partner. His display of skilful steering scarcely compensated for his gross want of good-manners.

A Picton gentleman, Mr John Duncan, has been elected President of the New Zealand Rowing Association for the coming year. Mr Duncan has definitely decided to woo the gentle suffrages for Parliamentary honors, which—as everything goes by pairing—he is bound to win. J

The warm-hearted manner in which Aucklanders have taken up the case of the Baillie family proves that the calamity has touched the public of that city to the core. Miss Scott is repeating her fancy dress ball in aid of the afflicted, and the sacred concert to be held next Sunday promises to be a very successful affair. The following are amongst the eminent vocalists and instrumentalists who will assist Mrs Kilgour, Mrs W. C. Cuff (Christchurch), Miss C. Brabazon, Miss L. Warren,Miss Featon,Herren Zimmermann and Tutschka, Messrs P. Dufaur, A. L. Edwards J. Ferriday, J. Fuller, S. Adams, J. F. Montague, A. S. Reid W. Davis, Horace Stebbing.

THEemployees of the firm of Gallowayand Co. entertained Mr C. S. Galloway—who has severed his connection with the firm,and was on the eve of his departure for England— at a dinner at the Crown Hotel, Port Ahuriri. The entertainment passed off most satisfactorily, the dinner being laid in Host Smith’s best style. The chair was occupied by Mr J. Wilson, one of the oldest employees of the firm, who proved an excellent chairman. Mr H. B. Stewart made a very nice speech, which was responded to by Mr Galloway. The toasts proposed were ‘ Our Present Employers,’ ‘ The Press,’ and ‘Host and Hostess.’ A large shield containing the photographs of all the workers at the foundry was presented to Mr Galloway by the chairman on behalf of the employees. A large portrait of Mr Galloway, excellently drawn by Mr D. Richardson, one of the boiler makers at the foundry was also presented to Mr Galloway, who suitably returned thanks for both presentations. Several of the guests contributed songs during the evening. Mr A. Grindell played a very nice pianoforte solo, Mr H. Hooper playing the accompaniments. Mr and Mrs Galloway left for England on Saturday. A great many people assembled on the wharf to bid them God speed, and as the Ahuriri steamed out against the tide three hearty cheers were given and hosts of good wishes for the whole family.

All Saints’ Literary and Debating Society ended their season with a pleasant musical evening and a dance in the schoolroom last Monday night. Among the musical and other items Miss N. Edmiston delighted the members and friends present with her admirable rendering of • Il Trovatore.’ About ten dances were gone through at the close of the programme.

The euchre party given by Mrs Glasgow was the nicest one held in Nelson this winter. The one expression of the ladies in speaking about it since is • Wasn’t it lovely ?’ The gentlemen expressed themselves in the same style, but in stronger language, which being slang, is omitted. The supper was of the most reche,rcki description, everything that could possibly be desired ; and a nicer night could not have been wished for.

I AM iniformed on good authority that Miss Vaile, of Auckland, was the only exhibitor from the Northern capital who succeeded in selling her picture.

The programme for Mr Maughan Barnett’s afternoon concert in Napier was a very choice one. A duet played by Messrs Barnett and Minns was enthusiastically received. A great treat was enjoyed in the sweet singing of Mrs Burns, who hails from Christchurch. This lady sings charmingly, without apparent effort. * The Swan and the Whispering of the Firs,’ one of her items, was warmly encored. Mrs Burns also gave * The Rose * Reverie ’by Mr Maughan Barnett, and an Italian song (Tosti). She thoroughly charmed the audience, as, of course, did Mr Barnett. The room was fairly well filled, quite a number of country people being present. Afternoon tea was served after the concert.

Mrs Mackenzie, of Dunedin, gave a delightful children’s party at her residence, ‘ The Chalet.’ A large number of little children were present and presented a very pretty appearance, as they were all invited to appear in white. A novel entertainment for the amusement of the young people had been prepared and was most successfully carried through, affording much pleasure to all present. Ten little children dressed in white sang a song to * Santa Claus,’ who appeared on the scene as ‘Father Christmas ’ distributing gifts to all the children. Those who took part in the little play were the Misses Mackenzie, Boyd, Woodhouse and Melland, the Masters Mackenzie, Ferguson, Ritchie, Woodhouse and Boyd. A remarkably happy evening was spent by the many children present.

The first private tennis party of the Auckland season was given by Colonel and Mrs Dawson at their pretty residence, ‘ Arborfield,’ Ellerslie, on Saturday last. Although the wind was very boisterous, it did not mar the excellent games of tennis, nor the very amusing sport of Aunt Sally. The threatening clouds deterred a large number of invited guests from venturing, though about sixty people were present, who passed an extremely enjoyable afternoon. The grounds are tastefully laid out, and the view is lovely and diversified, embracing sea and country. A very recherche afternoon tea was arranged in the dining - room, and in the hall, on various small tables refreshments were procurable. The dining-room table looked very pretty, being decorated with yellow net and yellow fans with yellow gladioli and grass, the whole relieved by scarlet flowers, also guelder roses, ferns, gallardia, daisies, arum lilies, etc. The mend was really much like a supper, and the quantities of little plates of dainty strawberries added a most appetising touch to the whole. Music was rendered in the drawing-room, the contributors being the Misses Power, Worsp, Walker, Dickey, Forbes and Mrs Dawson, with Mr Stubbs and Masters B. and C. Dawson. Several of the Ellerslie young ladies ably assisted the clever hostess in entertaining the guests.

The Misses Neill (Chingford, Dunedin), gave a very enjoyable luncheon party to a number of their friends as a farewell to Miss Spence before her approaching marriage. The table decorations were lovely—quantities of pure white flowers and silk puffed high running down the centre of the long table, streamers of white and green being placed on the silk. There were present besides others Mrs and the Misses Neil, the Misses Spence, F. Spence, Gibson, McLaren, Dymock, Reynolds, Roberts, Mills, Haggitt, and Rattray.

The Otahuhu Hall was the scene of a smart dance last Wednesday, given by Mrs McLaughlin, Puhi Nui, Papatoitoi. The ball looked like a bit of native bush, whole cabbage trees being artistically arranged at the corners with seats underneath, the effect being quaint and charming. Other greenery and flags of all nations were arranged on the walls or suspended from the ceiling. The lights were softened with pink shades, and as the hall is a pretty one in itself, it looked extremely well. The refreshment room was trimmed in the same artistic manner, and ices, claret cup and cakes were on the table. The gentlemen and ladies were about equal in numbers. Mrs McLaughlin made such a charming hostess. All her visitors felt at home, and Mr McLaughlin is a genial host, and they were ably assisted to entertain their guests by their sons (two), daughter and niece. Miss Thomas. The music and floor were simply perfection. The hall was crowded with guests from Auckland and all its suburbs. Supper was exceptionally good and substantial. The decorations mainly consisted of roses and maiden-hair fern intermingled with chicken, turkey, ham, tongue, salad, trifles, jellies, fruit, sweets, etc.

Another ‘At Home’ was given for the same purpose by the Misses Rattray. About sixty or seventy guests were present. Some pleasant music occupied a portion of the afternoon. Songs were contributed by Miss Farquhar, Miss Roberts, and Miss Burns, while Miss G. Roberts played a piano solo and Miss Maitland a violin solo. An amusing little reading was given by Miss Melland, and

recitations by Miss A. Cargill and Miss Mills. Altogether a most enjoyable afternoon was spent.

A very pleasant entertainment took place in the Ponsonby (Auckland) Baptist Schoolroom last Friday evening, as a Jinale to the season of St. Stephen’s Mutual Improvement and Debating Society. The dramatic, artistic, and musical talent displayed by the members of the Society delighted the large audience, and testified to the immense amount of good these societies are doing in Auckland. Particularly entertaining were the comic items rendered by Mr L. Dix, who fairly brought down the house with bis humorous Irish and other interpretations. Mr J. Parr was also a great success. The ball was prettily decorated with ferns and flowers, and during the evening cakes, coffee, lemonade, etc., were handed round by the Ladies’ Committee.

Marlborough was visited on Saturday by a rather alarming electrical storm. At Canvasstown, near Havelock, the recently-erected telephone was damaged and rendered useless, and a telegraph wire fused close to the town. At Picton the thunder lasted for about seven hours, bursting out at times like artillery reports. Other districts felt it even more severely, and on Monday a second edition of the storm was experienced, though it was not quite so severe.

Music is recognisedly the ‘ divine art,’ yet there were few among the several hundreds of spectators that thronged stage and galleries at Miss Scott’s Juvenile Fancy Dress Dance in the Choral Hall on Tuesday evening last, who would not willingly have transferred the appellation to dancing. Whether in the lively, stirring steps of the cachuca, the stately, measured movements of gavotte and minuet, or the graceful mazes and shadowy evolutions of the skirt dance, the children displayed a perfection of time and an ease and grace of motion, which testified marvellously to the excellence of their training. Who would condemn dancing when they perceive such beneficial results ! Miss Scott has not merely taught a variety of steps to her youthful pupils; she has, by careful instruction and oversight, imparted to many of the growing boys and girls committed to her charge a graceful freedom of movement and an unconscious dignity of bearing, that many a society belle or blase clubman might envy—results only to be accomplished by early training, but once acquired, productive of life-long advantage. All the fancy dresses were loudly encored, the skirt dance in particular bringing down a storm of applause. It was repeated by special request towards the end of the evening. The most imposing event of the whole was, of course, the Grand March, with which the programme opened. A triumphal arch of ferns and arumlilies had been erected at the upper-end of the hall, and through this the children marched, first, singly, then two and four abreast, each quartette looking prettier than the last, in their quaint and highly-diversified costumes, from well - powdeied pages and smiling peasant - girls, down to toddling sprites of web and gossamer, who flourished their tiny fans and enjoyed the fun as thoroughly as their elders. The supper-table, that most important of all items at a children’s dance, was loaded with good things, and decorated with flowers of every description. Dancing was continued until about 11.30 p.m., when mammas and papas came to the fore, and carried off their several hopefuls home to bed and dreamland, their little minds stored with happy memories and delightful anticipations of another year to come. A list of the fancy costumes worn will be found in another column.

Since writing the above we learn that Miss Scott has very kindly offered to repeat her ball on the 15th November in aid of the widow and children of the late Mr John Baillie, who last week lost his life in endeavouring to save others from drowning. A large number of tickets have already been sold and there is every promise of Miss Scott scoring another unqualified success, as indeed, with so kind-hearted an object in view, she deserves to do. Mrs Sowerby has also generously onsented to repeat her dance to-night for the same good cause.

A very pleasant euchre party was given by Mrs Kingdon in Nelson. Part of the verandah was enclosed and lighted with Chinese lanterns, thus making much more room tor the tables, and having the desired effect of making the room much cooler than would have been otherwise the case, as the night was unusually warm. The hostess had spared no pains to make her guests thoroughly enjoy the evening, and she was quite successful, everyone seeming surprised when time was called.

The dance at Remuera was most successful, but the list of dresses I so carefully wrote out has disappeared from my table. 1 have puzzled my brain to re remember them. One only is stamped on my memory—that of a visitor to Auckland—Miss Brodribb (on a visit from Queensland) looked charming in a most becoming brocaded pink silk dress with Watteau pleat. Miss Hesketh looked well in yellow ;

Miss Ansley! in black velvet with green velvet sleeves. Among those present were Mrs Hope Lewis, Miss Lewis, Mrs Jackson, Mrs Hunter, Mrs I'pfil, and a whole host more.

Everyone is saddened by the death of Professor Pond. The college was his last thought and care. He was a charming man, an able lecturer, and a model professor. His loss is a heavy one—one it will be hard, indeed, to repair. Our sincere sympathies are with those he has left behind.

Mrs Haggitt gave a small ‘At Home ’ at Wychwood, Dunedin, also in honour of Miss Spence. A pleasant afternoon was spent, during which Miss G. Roberts played, and Miss Mills gave a recitation.