BLENHEIM.

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

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, October 2. Seeing that no letter from Blenheim has appeared in your columns for some time, I thought a few items of our doings here would not come amiss to you. The event of last week was the coming of the WALTER BENTLEY COMPANY. They performed for three nights to crowded houses, opening in •The Silver King,' followed by ‘Friends,’ and lastly by ‘The Silence of Dean Maitland,’ which drew one of the largestaudiences ever seen in Blenheim, the hall being perfectly packed. Many of the country people were in for the season, and it was quite a pleasure to see the familiar faces about town again. On Tuesday Blenheim was visited by one of its epidemics, not of a flood this time, as has been expected, but by one of the MOST DESTRUCTIVE FIRES EVER EXPERIENCED HEBE. It started through an explosion of turpentine in a chemist’s shop and quickly spread to the adjoining buildings ; the result being that in a very short space of time eight shops were doomed, either demolished, or charred and damaged to a great extent, leaving a wide gap in the heart of the town. Fortunately, no wind was blowing, or the whole block might have gone, and greater damage been sustained. As it is the loss will be considerable to the sufferers. not only through the fire, but by water on the stock and household goods. The disturbing effects of the fire did not prevent a good audience from attending the CONCERT IN THE PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOLROOM. The tlrst part of the programme consisted of selections from Dr. Root's cantata, ' Faith Triumphant.’ Miss Simson. as Queen of Syria, was especially successful in her part, sustaining it with feeling and effect, and the Misses Craig and Ball rendered their

selections with great credit. Mr Sturrock, a recent acquisition to Blenheim. asNaainan, used his tine voice to advantage in the bass solos, and Mr Orr, as • I am the Prophet,’ sang his part, as he usually does, weil. A word of praise must also be said of Miss Hutchison (pianist) and Mr Cheek (conductor), who each performed their duties most capably. In the second part of the programme, which was made up of songs, etc., the above-mentioned performers took part, with the addition of Mrs M’Callum and Miss Ferguson, both good vocalists, and Master Hay, a promising pianist of tender years. The last of the SERIES OF CATHOLIC SOCIALS for this year was held on Wednesday night, and was a decided success. The hall was so crowded that dancing was sometimes almost impossible. The socials have, both this year and last year, been well attended, and the church funds, or the purposes for which they were inaugurated, must benefit considerably. Every thing connected with these dances reflects credit on those who assist in getting them up. The supper is always well arranged, and the table overflows with the most delectable of viands. Now that spring is here Blenheim looks at its best. Fortunately, the September flood which usually appears at this time, has not come, and it is to be hoped that we will really escape for one year, as it brings great discomfort and destruction with it. The shops are already gay with spring millinery and goods, and judging from their look and the description one reads of the new' season’s fashions, they are very pretty, very effective, and all one’s heart could desire.

Beava.