CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XII, Issue XIII, 31 March 1894, Page 307

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee. March 21. It is not with ordinary feelings of regret that the announcement of THE DEATH OF MRS JOHN ANDERSON, BENR.. Inveresk. will be read by hundreds of people. The sad event was not unexpected, for the deceased lady was overtaken by serious illness some time ago, which she bore with great courage and patience, and passed calmly away last evening, the 20th March. Mr and Mrs John Anderson arrived here in 1850 by the Sir George Seymour, and soon after arrival took up their residence with their family on the plains. The trials and difficulties of those early times were shared bravely by Mrs Anderson, who E roved herself a real colonist and a fitting helpmeet for her worthy usband, and many a family and wayfarer has had reason to bless the charity and kindliness and cheerful advice bestowed by Mrs Anderson. Her whole life has been one long thought for others, which has endeared her to a very large circle of friends, whose grief will be heartfelt, and the deepest sympathy is felt for Mr Anderson and the family—four sons and two daughters. Mr and Mrs Anderson were within eighteen months of their golden wedding, but this celebration is seldom reached. Friday afternoon Judge and Mrs Denniston entertained a number of friends at a very enjoyable GARDEN PARTY. The day was all that could be desired, a still nor’-wester prevailing. Tennis and croquet were played during the afternoon. Delicious afternoon tea, etc., were dispensed about the garden. Among the guests I noticed Mrs and the Misses Tabart, Mrs and Miss Harley, the Misses Gerard (two). Miss Black, in a cornflower blue drill costume; Mrs and the Misses Cowlishaw, the latter in pretty crepon gowns; Mrs Humphreys, Mrs Common, a handsome black corded silk costume, bonnet en suite; Mrs Gibbs, Mrs Andrew Anderson, and many others. News reaches us of a delightful journey under other colours, and that is of the trip through the Otira Gorge to and from the West Coast. This has been done by parties, including ladies, camping out, and making quite a pleasure trip of it, and recently a party of ladies only, with the exception of the waggon-drivers, had a most enjoyable time. But the last trip of the coach was beset with difficulties. At Kelly’s Creek a portion of the road was washed away, and from the Bcaley to Springfield a dense, fog prevailed. However, in Mr Cassidy’s hands they all arrived safely after a protracted journey in bad weather almost all the way. THE EASTER ENCAMPMENT promises to be very successful this year. The various companies have been working hard at the new drill, and a large attendance in camp is expected. This is fixed at Kaiapoi, the road to which is one of our prettiest drives, and on Sunday all visitors will be entertained at afternoon tea. We are having true autumn weather—bright and lovely days, with just a suspicion of frost at night, and if this lasts it will be perfect. THE CHRISTCHURCH LIEDERKRANZCHEN, or Society of the ‘ Song Wreath,’ is in a flourishing condition. It held its second annual meeting last week, Mrs Julius, the president. being in the chair. The outlook for the new season, which begins next month, is very cheering. The number of subscribers is increasing, and great interest is evinced among the working members. Our musical friends in Auckland might do worse than start something of the same kind among themselves, and so help to pass the winter pleasantly. The great QUESTION OF PROHIBITION isat present in everyone’s mouth, and to-morrow is the momentous day for casting in our vote with one side or the other. The State of Maine is quoted to us by certain ardent spirits as an excellent example of what people should be. But. dear readers, what think you of this : A captain of a certain vessel and a native of Maine, attended a meeting of non-prohibitionists the other night, and when asked his opinion on the subject, he simply replied. ‘ wait a moment, I want to go to the ship for something.’ In a short time he returned carrying what appeared to be a Holy Bible beautifully bound, and with gilt lettering on the cover. When asked what he wanted with the Bible, he replied, ‘ This is the result of prohibition in Maine,’ and opening the so-called book, he displayed to the astonished audience a tin-lined case for spirits. These Bibles, as you may be sure, are very readily sold by the bjok-hawker, whose appearance is eagerly hailed. It will, indeed, bd an evil day for New Zealand when such a movement is passed which would lead to such disastrous and irreligious proceedings. Dolly Vale.