CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue IV, 28 July 1894, Page 91

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, July 19. For public entertainment we have had a little change from the round of concert-going in listening to the famous DR. DE WITT TALMAGE, whose straight way of telling plain truths was most wholesome for us—more wholesome than palatable perhaps, but that is good for one sometimes. It is a dangerous thing to have a great reputation, and, as usual, many of Dr. Talmage’s hearers were disappointed. He has not, perhaps, the quite ‘ up-to-date’way of expressing himself, and his accent made it a little difficult to catch all he said, but a visit from such a man is like a plough in a very weedy garden. Talking of concerts reminds one of the dreadful trouble that has befallen Mdme Montague-Turner. All New Zealand will sympathise with her in her sorrow, and all who have heard the splendid rending of the leading tenor part in several operas as given by Mr Turner during their tours, will regret greatly his death. The anticipation of once more hearing them together in ‘Trovatore,’ ‘Maritana,’ etc., has been very pleasant, and the news of his death was received in Christchurch with deep regret. The second * at home ’ of the Liederkranzchcn was given on Thursday afternoon at the Y.M.C. A. Rooms, when a very large gathering greeted them, the large room being full to overflowing. Musically they have become much more ambitious. The first part of the programme consisted of a cantata, ‘ The song of the Norus,’ which like all Norwegian music is weird and grand, but wants the support of an orchestra, and accompanied only by the piano as this was, though admirably played by Miss C. Lingard, was thin and wanting in body, ladies voices only always having a tendency that way. The solo was taken by Miss Bonmngton, who wants a little dramatic fire to make her a success. The part-songs were much more successful, and very prettily rendered. Two songs by Miss H. Inglis, and Miss C. Lovegrove, of Timaru, were most enjoyable, the latter being heartily encored. A duet from Miss Wood (pianiste to the Society) and Miss C. Lingard was splendidly played. Miss Nora Gard’ner conducted with her usual decision. The interval was devoted to the ‘ modern nectar, tea,’ and customary delicacies, but the subscribers have increased so much we have to adjourn to another room ; it is impossible to hand it round. Among the many present were Mrs Julius (President) and two daughters, Mrs Embling, Miss Birch. Mrs (Dr.) Jennings, Mrs (Dr.) Anderson, the Misses Wilson and Miss Fitz-Henry, Mrs and Miss Hargreaves. Mrs F. Graham, Mrs G. Roberts, Mrs and Misses Meares, Mrs and Misses Cunnin&rham, Mrs Robison, Mrs Broham, Mrs A. Cuff, the Misses Cuff, Mrs C. Cook, Mrs H. Murray-Aynsley. Mrs J. R. Campbell, Mrs Hawkins, Mrs R. Steele, Mrs Thomas, Miss Povey, Mrs Mannering, Mrs R. Wood, etc. A sort of FAREWELL WALKING PARTY was given to Miss Maggie Stoddart on Saturday. The afternoon was perfect, although bitterly cold. We drove four-in-hand to Sumner, and then walked over Taylor’s Mistake to the lighthouse, reaching our destination in an hour and ten minutes, rather sharp walking but suitable for the time of year. Miss Stoddart leaves for Melbourne on Friday next, where she intends staying for some time, and taking up her painting with more energy than usual. The TENNIS TOURNAMENT is progressing, but the matches played on Saturday were not very interesting. Mr Dick Harman was in great form, playing in his set almost single handed. Mr Mannering and Miss Dora Harman were beaten by Mr Maxwell and Miss Turton. Mr Wilding and Miss Black were beaten by Mr Harman and Mrs Harris. Lately the various meetsof the Christchurch hounds have been so far away as to be quite out of our reach. Socially there is nothing doing. The Empire City has it all just now. To-night Mr Wallace’s third Chamber Concert takes place. On dit, Mrs Rhodes (Elmwood) is going to England shortly for a visit.

Dolly Vale.