Topics of the Week

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 51, 23 December 1893, Page 530

Topics of the Week

ONCE more tbe Christmas season has coms round, and there seems every prospect of better weather for the holidays than was enjoyed last year. When there is so much planning—as in this colony—for outdoor amusements, the question of rain or sun is a very important one ; no cheerful fire being available, or desired, as a mutual rendezvous from the unkindness of the elements. Let us hope the latter will continue propitious, so that, all other circumstances being favourable, onr sincere good wishes to our many readers for a very Merry Christmas may be realised in full measure.

For a wonder, the weather last Saturday was all that Aucklanders could desire. The Agricultural Sports, which were so unfortunately deluged last month, were gone through with marked success this time. The most amusing event was the pony jumping for boys and girls. There were about thirty boys and one girl, the latter, therefore, joined the hunting competition for ladies, as in that there were only two entries, both being young girls. Every little boy seemed to measure his length on the ground, but always got up unhuit. The polo match between Auckland and Kihikihi was an easy win for the Aucklanders. Tbe hunting competition for ladies or gentlemen was not of a very brilliant character. Two young ladies, one of them a very small girl who had joined for the pony riders, went round the allotted course without any difficulty ; the third, though she bad the use of two horses, could not get over any jumps.

The third concert of tbe year by the Wellington Harmonic Club has just taken place at tbe Opera House, Wellington, where a very large audience assembled to bear the re-production of Cowen’s ‘St John’s Eve.’ The soloists were Mrs J. A. Millar, soprano ; Mrs Edger, contralto ; Mr E. J. Hill, tenor ; and Mr W. Day, baritone. Mrs Miller sang tbe part of Nancy to perfection, her performance certainly being the best of all. Tbe music suited her high soprano voice, and she sang it in an artistic manner, her solo ‘ O Peaceful Night’ being perhaps the gem of the evening. Mr Hill was good, but not so good as usual. He had some lovely solos, but could hardly do himself justice, not being in really good voice that night. His duet with Mrs Millar, however, was a truly artistic feat, their voices blending admirably. Mrs Edger was heard for the first time in Wellington in this style of music, and the audience were very pleased, although, probably owing to tbe arduous nature of the music, it lacked a little—not much—of the necessary fire. Her smoothness and uniformity of tone is her great feature, and was exactly what was required for the part of Dame Margaret. Mr W. Day was unfortunate in making his debut. He had the very difficult part of Robert, the rejected lover, allotted to him, and in his opening solo, where he has to pitch bis voice all alone, the orchestra coining in immediately after, he failed to do so correctly, taking a lower note than that written, which necessitated a fresh beginning. This was, as someone feelingly remarked, * enough to put any fellow off,’ but Mr Day, with valiant effort that raised him in everyone’s estimation, began again, and sang his part splendidly. Amateurs should certainly be treated with a little more consideration on such occasions, and be given a chord to work upon. The choruses went extremely well, with perhaps the exception of one or two snatches by the female voices, which were feeble. The tenors were not as strong as usual, which was noticeable in the male voice choruses. Mr Parker conducted, Mr Mcltuff Boyd leading the oichestra, in which were several ladies —the Misses Kennedy, G. Kennedy, Dugdale, etc.

The first part of the programme was miscellaneous, and included * The Naiads ’ by the orchestra, a violin solo by Mr Boyd, which was accompanied by the orchestra, and a couple of Mendelssohn’s part songs by tbe complete choir. Among the ladies who weie singing in tbe choruses were Mesdames Paiker, Habens, Sprott, Allen, Beere, Hoggard, Fell, Barron, McDuff-Boyd, and the Misses Barron, Swainson, Gore, Hammerton, Upham, Johnston, Reeves, etc.

The usual athletic sports in connection with the Boys College, Nelson, were held on Wednesday afternoon. The day was lovely, being a real Nelson summer day—very hot, but with a delightful sea breeze, and doubtless the beauty of the surroundings, coupled with the sunny weather, helped to make the day’s sports the success they were. The College looked quite gay with its bunting flying, and the terraces brightened by the gay dresses of the ladies. After the sports were over, the prizes were presented to the boys by Miss Bell, the matron of the College, who was heiself presented with a lovely basket of roses. The winner of the Senior Cup for this year was M. Bonar, a Hokitika boy, and the Junior Cup winner was W. Ewart, a Blenheim boy. After the presentation, three hearty cheers were given for Miss Bell, Mr Gibbs, Mr Fell, and the College governors. During the afternoon many were the applicants for the delicious tea which was kindly dispensed by Miss Bell, and which proved so acceptable to the crowd of thirsty souls.

SOME swimming matches in connection with the Nelson Girls’ College came off one morning recently and proved the means of collecting quite a crowd of onlookers to the Maitai banks. Some of the contests were very close, which made it interesting, and the diving of one of tbe pupils, Miss M. Rowley, was splendid. The club has the making of some good swimmers, and when the races come off in February they ought to prove very attractive. Sitting on the bank and watching tbe girls were Mrs Robinson, Mrs Bunny, Mrs Fenwick (Dunedin), Mrs Richmond, Mrs Sclanders, Mrs Mackie, Misses Richmond, Broad, Levien, Catley, Gibson, Gribben, Tendell, Higgins and Morgan, Mrs Blackett, Mrs Harris, etc. The prizes for the different events had been kindly presented by Miss Levien, Dr. Mackie, and Mr Fell and Miss Catley.

Miss Stevenson, * Glenholm,’ Remnera, gave a large afternoon *At Home,’ last Friday to meet Mrs Duncan Clerk, who is at present on a visit to them from the Waikato. The afternoon was gloriously line. Tea, cakes, and strawberries and cream were served outside under the delightful spreading trees. An alfresco meal takes away any stiffness, and adds to one’s enjoyment. A Tennis Lawn was marked out for play, but none of the young lady guests were evidently equal to the exertion, as no one volunteered. Some of the more energetic did, after much persuasion, play croquet on another lawn. The view is exceptionally extensive and beautiful from 1 Glenholm,’ having such a picturesque glimpse of tbe sea.

Mrs McMillan, * Ardstrath,’ Remuera, had a charming little picnic party to Hunua Falls on Saturday. The weather was just delightful for any outing of this nature.

Golf in Dunedin has attracted a good deal of attention lately, and at the golf tournament, which took place at the Golf Ground, Roslyn, there was a fair attendance of onlookers, mostly those particularly interested in the game. A great deal of walking was done, many following the games with the keenest interest. On the second day, a large number of guests were invited to be present, when Dunedin played against Christchurch, and groups of ladies could be seen all over the immense ground following the course of some game in progress. Tea was served in a large tent, and was very welcome during the afternoon, which, although very fine, began to get chilly as the day wore on.

Much excitement was exhibited towards the finish of the game, when as the Christchurch lady had won on the previous day, it was only natural there should have been great delight at tbe Dunedin victory the second day. Tbe golf players all wore dark skirts with light shirts, the players for Chiistcbuich being Mis Lomax Smith, Mrs Wylder, Mrs Wigram, and Mrs Boyle ; for Dunedin, Mrs Stilling, Mrs Melland, Mrs Ogston, and Miss Kate Rattray.

A successful Cinderella dance has been given in the City Hall, Dunedin. The dance was got np by the gentlemen, the ladies providing supper. A large number of dancers were present, the races and golf tournament bringing many strangers to town. Several ladies took great pains to decorate the hall, the result being most satisfactory. The stage was transformed into a pretty little drawing room, and the hall draped with flags. The gallery made a pleasant resort for dancers, and in all sorts of cosy corners chairs were placed. The supper was excellent, and the long table looked exceedingly pretty, being decorated the whole length with heliotrope and canary-coloured crinkled paper arranged very high. Grasses and large arum lilies nestled amongst this pretty arrangement. A great many handsome and effective dresses were worn.

The weather for the Dunedin races has been on the whole fine, and many ladies donned their summer costumes, the brilliant mornings seeming to warrant the venture, but, unfortunately, showers fell during the afternoons. The rain, however, did not spoil tbe days’ pleasure, as all found shelter on the stand. The last day was very disappointing as far as the weather was concerned, but in all other respects the event was an agreeable one.

It appears, indeed, that the Dunedin weather has much to answer for. The opening of the Carisbrook Tennis Club was postponed several times on that account, and when at last the day was finally fixed the rain came down again, and made all hope of play out of tbe question. Tea was tbe great event of tbe afternoon, the ladies presiding at the tables being Mrs Ruse, Mrs Stock, Mrs Pym, Mrs Melland, and the Misses Rattray.

The Auckland Choral Srciety have contributed some very delightful concerts during the year, and the last one on 1 hursday night was by no means the least appreciated of the series. True, one of the two vocalists, Mr Tytherleigb, was unable, owing to hoarseness, to sing more than three or four lines of his first song, and had to omit the otherone altogether, bnt Mrs Stewart made up excellently for his misfortune. • The Old Ferryman ’ and • The Old Cremona ’ were very well received, and in response to vehement encores the lady gave the favourite ballads, * Auld Robin Grey ’ and ‘ Cornin’ thro’ the Rye.’ The light music of * Princess Ida’ found much favour with the audience, who seemed to prefer something not too classical this very hot weather. The quintette for pianoforte, violin, viola, ’cello, and contrabass, being of the latter order, did not meet with general applause, though to the initiated the playing of Miss Reeve, Heir Schmidt, Messrs J. B. Macfarlane, J. A. Beale, and H. O. Brown, was a treat. The other items were also good, especially Leutner's ‘ First Overture.’ • The Messiah,’ on Tuesday, was too late for mention this week. The soloists were Mrs A. Coates, Miss A. Rimmer, Messrs Archdale Tayler, and J. Ferriday.

A very enjoyable concert was given the other afternoon, by the members of the Musical Club in Nelson. This is only the second concert of this young club, and they are certainly to be congratulated upon their musical talents. The recitals are now over for this year, but they have proved so useful to young musicians that all hope for their reopening at an early date next year. On this occasion tbe performers were the Misses Cramp, Jackson, Moore, Fleet, M. Crump, B. Richmond, Mrs Patterson and Mrs Howie, both the latter ladies delighting the audience by their sweet voices. The new plan of having singing as well as playing proved so successful and gave so much pleasure that the members ought to continue the practice next year. It is also to be hoped ere that time that a new piano will have taken the place of the one now used.

The annual Sale of Work in connection with the Christchurch Pro Cathedral, Nelson, was held in the Bishop’s school-room. There was a work stall, which contained many useful and ornamental goods, in charge of Mrs Sclanders, Mrs Richmond, and Mrs Kempthorne ; a flower stall, which was a very attractive portion of the room, was in charge of Misses C. Richmond, Pitt, Sealy, and Wood ; a refreshment stall in the care of Mrs Bamford and Miss Kempthorne. During the afternoon a very enjoyable concert was given, when Mrs Houlker, Mrs Howie, Misses Baigent and Campbell took part, and tn the evening musical items were rendered by Misses Greenfield and Kempthorne. A Christmas tree proved a fund of amusement to the smaller children, of whom there were quite a number present.

A concert was held the other evening in the Princess Theatre, Hastings, the proceeds to be given to the Floods Fund. A most enjoyable evening was spent. Tbe Hastings brass band played a selection of airs outside tbe theatre before the concert. Those who took part in the theatre were the Misses Roach, Stevens, Lee, Newton, Collinge, Kelly, and Messrs Ernest Tanner, Percy Herman, H. H. Hunt, Beilby, and others. Mr Tanner’s singing was much admired. Mr Herman played his accompaniments. There was a good and appreciative audience.

i. The Wellington Orchestral Society’s concert took place a lew evenings afterwards, being conducted by Mr Alfred Hill. It was an excellent concert, mostly instrumental, as usual. The fantasia on Carl Gotze’a song • O Shone Zeit, O Sei ge Zeit, the Hute solo by Mr C. Hill was beautiful, and Rubenstein's ballet music (‘ Ferramors ’), and the paraphrase on the prayer from * Der Freischutz ’ were among the gems of the programme. Miss Newton was the only singer, giving several little compositions of Mr Alfred Hill’s in the first part, and a couple of Scotch songs in the second part. The orchestra was a large one, and included the Misses Dogdale, Richardson, Pilcher, Kennedy,G. Kennedy, Kebbell, and Hirchberg.

The progressive euchre mania has broken out at last in Picton, Mrs Andrews starting with a small but very agreeable party on Saturday evening. The fun was immense, and when the bell was rung and ribbands counted, Mrs Allen and Mr Gerald Allen were found to be the winners of the first prizes, whilst Mr Rutherford and Mr W. Baillie carried off the boobies. Mr and Mrs Andrews were delightful entertainers, and they entertained Mesdames H. C. Seymour, Rutherford, Allen, Miss Duncan, and Messrs Rutherford, Fox, Duncan, W. Baillie, S. C. Allen and G. Allen, who enjoyed themselves muchly.

One of the most attractive places in the way of artistic elegance into which one can look just now in Auckland is the studio in the Arcade, opposite Wildman and Lyell’s. It is the repository of some extremely pretty nick-nacks which are to be drawn for by ticket at an Art Union. jThe price of the tickets is only one shilling, which is absurdly low, considering the beauty of these novelties in drapery stands, shelves, tables, etc., and the excellence of the material used. Good silk (pink) and art crfipe (dove-colour) drapes one pretty white book case. There is a table painted in a new mixture, which can be washed with boiling water without being injured. The two ladies who conduct the studio specially import this paint, which can be used on pottery and does not require firing- The effect is exactly the same as that acquired by the more tedious process, which is always attended with risk. The classes conducted by these ladies are well attended, and the work and progress of the pupils is marvellous. No doubt the art-ap-preciating public of Auckland will gladly avail themselves of this chance of adding to the beauty of their homes by purchasing tickets, and by sending their daughters to become students under such clever teachers.

ANOTHER smart little party met on Monday evening at the * Knoll,’ Picton, the residence of Mrs Duncan. Chinese euchre was the feature, and was the cause of much fun and laughter to the lookers on as w ell as to the players. There

fore, for a small party, Chinese euchre is commendable, and on the whole, more suitable than the other. It is to be hoped we are not training our young people to a too great fondness for cards.

THE'Huias’ (Picton ladies’cricket Club) had a cricket picnic on Friday last up Essom’s Valley, some of the gentlemen guests being requested to take their bats. A pick-up match was arranged. Misses Isabel Seymour and Nora Allen being captains pro tem. Plenty of aquatic exercise fell to the lot of the gentlemen, the ball being sent more frequently into the river than anywhere else, and any amount of fun was the result, which another picnic party,

camped close by, thoroughly enjoyed The * Huias ’ were Miss M. Speed (Captain), Misses E. Western, K. Seymour, M. J. Hay, Isabel Seymour, M. Philpotts, Nora Allen, A. Scott, E. Seymour, K. Howard, and the guests, the Misses Western (two), Linton, Philpotts, Waddy, White, Rayner, Mrs Weltord, and Messrs Biillie (two). Fox, S. Allen, Bendal, Hood, Waddy and Western. Tea was spread out on the grass in the shade of a huge black birch tree, which * could an it would ’ tell many a tale of feasts held on that favoured spot.

The annual sports’ meeting of the Napier Wanderers’ Bicycle Club was held on the Reclamation Ground on Saturday, and was a great success. Mr E Reynolds, of Auckland, gave a grand display of fast work, and his exhibition when he cut down all the New Zealand records from three to ten miles was worth going a long way to see. Mr C. D. Kennedy acted as starter, and as usual made no mistakes of any kind. The weather was glorious, and the audience, of whom there was a fair crowd, seemed much to enjoy the afternoon’s sport. In the evening the Auckland visiting ’cyclists were entertained at a social held at the Cafe. After light refreshments had been disposed of, songs, toasts, etc., were indulged in to the delight of all present. The evening closed with the singing of • Auld Lang Syne.’

Mr and Mrs Langley Adams had a most enjoyable card and musical party in Nelson. The fun was immense and the evening was over all too soon.