CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIII, Issue XV, 13 October 1894, Page 354

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, October 3. I long to have something to tell you BUT PEOPLE SIMPLY WILL NOT ‘ FRIVOL,’ I never thought the spring time made people so serious-minded before. Christchurch is in such low water as regards amusements that the Switchback Railw’ay, which is to be opened on Thursday by His Worship the Mayor, ought to enjoy a great popularity. A dashing ride attended with sweet music and electric light at night will be sure to prove a great attraction to many. But can you imagine a fine Saturday afternoon wasted on a * Merry-go-round ’ to the tune of ‘ Love’s old sweet song.’ played at the rate of a galop ? That is how I saw two men dreaming the happy hours away last Saturday. Far better would it have been for their con stitutions had they taken part in the CROSS COUNTRY RACE, which took place at Sumner on the hills at the back of Mr Monck’s. The course was a stiff one. There was a stiff hill to mount twice, which few faced the second time. The distance was about three miles, which the winner, Mr J. W. Jones, accomplished in something less than twenty-three minutes. A number of people turned out to see it—fully a thousand, where from the surrounding hills a good view was obtained of the whole course, also of the sailing races which took place on the Estuary and inaugurated the New Brighton Sailing Club season. The afternoon was far from pleasant, a cold wind blowing all the time. THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY WOUND UP ITS SEASON by a dance in Hobbs’ buildings on Wednesday evening, which was well attended by members and their friends, and a very pleasant time spent. THE SAVAGE CLUB held its final korero on Monday evening, when the braves and savages were rejoiced to give welcome to Savage G. P. Williams, who nas just returned from a trip to England. Amongst other songs and stories he gave some interesting items of his travels and friendly greetings from other clubs he had visited. On Saturday last a party of gentlemen, including Messrs Ollivier. Mannering, Bickerton, Fisher, H. D. Carter, Kinsey, Rollit, Andrews, and C. W. Hill took a trip to Springfield, and made an early start on Sunday morning to ASCEND MOUNT TORLESBE. The weather was beautiful, and after a hard climb, the sno.v being very soft, the whole party reached the top. A full account written by one of them and some splendid photographs will reach jou in due course. They returned Lo town on Monday morning by the early train, having thoroughly enjoyed the outing. On Wednesday Mrs C. W. Hill, Turihaua, Merivale, gave a MOST ENJOYABLE LITTLE LUNCHEON PARTY. Among the guests were Mrs J. Gibbs, Mrs Croxton, Mrs E* Deacon, Mrs Walcot Wood. Miss Brett (Auckland), Mrs Chynoweth, and others. The only regret was having to leave such pleasant company to attend meetings or other social duties as some of us had to do, but we managed to get a little music, and a splendidly given recitation from Mrs Chynoweth, one of Sims* many pathetic pieces. ‘The Street Tumblers.’ On Saturday next the opening of the boating season on the Avon takes place The usual number of invitations have been issued for afternoon tea from residents of Avonside, and weather permitting there should be some spring costumes out.

Dolly Vale.