CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XII, Issue XVII, 28 April 1894, Page 403

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, April 18. As I promised to tell you about the EUCHRE PARTY given by Mrs Cunningham last Tuesday evening, I had better begin my letter with it in case I forget. It was the greatest success, a number of tables were arranged in the drawing-room, and play was begun at once. Everyone was very excited as the prizes were very choice. The ladies all wore evening gowns, which added greatly to the bright scene. A most recAerrAe little supper brought the evening to an end only too soon. Mrs Henry Cotterill gave a delightful dinner party last Saturday night to a few of her friends, at Fendalton. OPENING OF THE LAWN TENNIS COURTS. The weather, which in the early morning had been so beautiful, suddenly changed about noon, and a ‘southerly buster ’ came up filling the hearts of the members of the Cranmer Square Tennis* Courts with dismay, but more especially that of Mr Wilding, our noble President, who, with Mrs Wilding, intended making the opening of the courts for the winter a gala day, and one long to be remembered. Everything had been done to make the day a complete success. Matches had been arranged to be played against Linwood, and about 350 people were expected to be present. In spite of threatening sky and frequent heavy showers a large number of playersand spectators arrived on the sceue, and found things looking rather hopeless, the courts being more or less under water when play should have begun. About 3.30., however, the sky cleared, when active measures with broom and swab were taken, under the direction of the club’s able secretary, Mr W. A. Ridings, and in about half an hour one court was ready for use and soon after two more were occupied. Meanwhile, Mrs Wilding, who had made preparations fora large number of visitors, dispensed deliciously hot tea and coffee and other refreshments which greatly helped to counteract the chilling effect of a sou'wester, and Fleming's string band, a provision of Mr Wilding’s, cheered the proceedings in a marvellous manner, sets of lancers being danced with the greatest enjoyment to the captivating strains of the * Gondoliers,’ and even causing the ardent tennis players to wander a lictle in their attention to the game. The afternoon turned out really fine, and a hearty vote of thanks to the president and his wife brought an enjoyable afternoon to a close. The tennis resulted in a win for Canterbury by four games. Scores: T. Sutcliffe and Miss Simpson (L.) beat Wood and Mies Black, 9—5. Ross and Mrs W. Ollivier beat. Bristed and Miss Griffiths, 9—5. Lawrie and Mrs Way beat J. Tait and Miss M. Simpson, 9—B. Mannering and Mrs W. Ollivier beat Bristed and Miss K. Van Asch. 9—7. T. Sutcliffe and Miss M. Simpson beat Ross and Mrs W. Ollivier, 9—7. Total: Canterbury, 39 games ; Linwood, 35. Last Saturday evening the Art Gallery was well patronised. The music was provided by Messrs Weir. Corbett, and Milter, accompanied by Miss Vartha. It is intended to inaugurate the series of winter dances in the Gallery by a dance prior to the closing of the exhibition. The arrangements are almost complete, and as the pictures will remain, the dance should be very successful.

Dolly Vale.