CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XII, Issue II, 13 January 1894, Page 43

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, January 4. The first of the year is the red letter day in Lyttelton, where the Regatta is held. It was a more success ul one than usual The weather was beautiful, almost too fine, for there was not enough wind to finish the sailing races. Three men-of war graced the harbour—H.M.S. Curacoa. and Lizird. and the Dougay Trouin. a French warship—and one of the most exciting races of the day was the race between boats from these three ships, won by the Frenchmen to the surprise of a good many, for they h-td a very large boat, but it was done by sheer force of numbers, a< they had three or four men at each oar. Several excursions were run round the harbour and largely patronised, while on shore there was a bazaar, swing boats, merry-go-round, and other sports. His Excellency the Governor. Lady Glasgow and suite visited the Curacoa. where a very pleasant day was spent, some dancing and music pleasantly filling in the time. About 3 o’clock an explosion took place. Lady Glasgow firing the fuse from the end of the wharf. The gaily decked boat was soon a mass of atoms with a large number of dead fish floating around. In the evening, illuminations. fireworks, and search lights made a grand display, and the New Year of 18M will long be remembered in Lyttelton. On Tuesday the summer race meeting was held at Riccarton. but, as usual, was nothing in point of attendance to the spring meeting. It was a gloomy day. and the proceedings altogether were not of such a lively character. Izard and Glasgow were present. The Countess wore a lovely costume of biscuitcoloured corded silk made with zouave jacket over pale blue f >lded bodice, small bonnet of forget-me nots; Mrs Johnstone Stewart, grey crepon with cream lace fichu and black aash ; lAdy Augusta Boyle, grey cloth costume, white vest, and small hat; Miss Wauchope. black silk grenadine with pale blue yoke, large picture hat; Mrs Hunter-Blair, a lovely gown of grey crepon trimmed with satin and passementerie, picture hat with grey ostrich feathers; Mrs Stead, pale fawn \%ith »le blue vest and trimmings, floral bonnet, cream lace sunshade : rs Stevens (who has just returned from England) looked well in black costume trimmed with satin, small jet and pale blue velvet bonnet*. Mrs Pyne, fawn tweed gown; Mrs Pitman, fawn tweed with check waistcoat : Mrs Heaton Rhodes, a lovely gown of heliotrope crepon and silk trimmed with lace, cream hat with heliotrope feathers; Mrs G. Gould, beautifully fitting gowrn of blue serge trimmed with blue and gold gimp ; Mrs Quane. pretty pale fawn costume trimmed with lace, floral bonnet of tiny rosebuds and green ; Mrs Henderson, terracotta gown trimmed with dark bands of silk and lace: Mrs P. Campbell, navy serge costume and sailor hat : Mrs Rhind. pale grey dress with bands of dark brown velvet, hat to nutch ; Mrs Lomax Smith, in black, with small white hat; Mrs

Thomas, pale grey with shot blue trimming and lace; Mrs R. Macdonald, fawn figured gown with vest of dark velvet and pas sementerie : Miss Cowlisbaw. shot green crepon. burnt straw hat with feather*; Miss I. Cowlisbaw. becoming pale green costume ; Missex Wynn-Williams, tailor made navy serge gowns ; Miss Mills, navy serge with light blue vest; Miss Thomas, fawn with green velvet: Mrs Davidson, black grenadine with jet trimming, large green velvet hat; were amongst the many At polo on Saturday in Hagley Park grounds a very interesting game was played by our men against the officers of the Curacoa. who besides good play showed wonderful horsemanship, but the home team proved too much for them. Afternoon tea was pro vid rd by Mrs Heaton Rhode* and Mrs Hunter-Baii. Lord GlasEtw with Captain and Mrs Johnstone Stewart were present, also isa Waucbope and Mis* Holroyd. The Indies Boyle were on horseback. Amongst others were Mr and Mrs Pitman. Mrs Stevens. Mrs Lomax Smith. Mr and Mrs HilL Miss Hill. Mrs and Misa Cowliahaw. Mrs Dalgety. Mrs and Miss Babington. Mr and Mrs R. Macdonald, Dr. Mearea. etc, COXCRRTB. Mrs Palmer and Company finished their season last night, and 1 regret to say they have not profited as largely by their stay in Christchurch as we have. We have been treated to excellent concerts for the modest sum of one shilling for a fortnight, and most nights only fair houses have greeted them. OCR PEOPLE. I am sorry to tell you that Mr Henry Wood has met with an accident. He fell from his horse and broke a small bone in his ankle. This will probably postpone his nuptials with Mias Bullock, which were announced for the 17th. Mr and Mrs Peter Cunningham, with Mr and Mrs D. Wood, of Riccarton. will have. 1 expect, arrived in Lyttelton e’er this reaches you. They are on board the * Tainui.’ which is hourly expected. They have been away about twelve months. Amongst the numerous visitors to Chris:church. is Miss Emily Reeves, of Auckland.

Dolly Vale.