WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue XXI, 25 May 1895, Page 498

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, May 15. Mrs E. J. Reid gave another of her pleasant ‘ musicals’ on Thursday evening last. Mrs B. Goring, Miss Hilda Williams, Miss Buller, and Mrs (Judge) Denniston (Dunedin) contributed songs during the evening. Others who were present were Mr and Mrs Maxwell. Miss Holmes. Mr and Mrs A. E. Kight, Miss and Mr R. Richmond. Mr E. and Miss Izard. Mr Goring, and Judge Denni«ton. The first performance of THE WELLINGTON LIEDERKRANZ, which took the form of an ‘At Heme,’ was held in the Art Gallery on Monday afternoon, and was opened by Mrs W. H. Levin, the President. Mr J. F. Barnett’s cantata. ‘The Wishing Bell,’ was very well performed. The solo parts were taken by the Misses Nellie and Phoebe Parsons. The latter has a verv pleasing voice, and as this was her first appearance, she was much applauded. ‘ Voi Che Sapete,’ which was admirably sung by Madame Merz, was encored, and in response she sang. ‘Dear Bird of Winter.’ The accompaniments were played by Miss Maud Ross. I believe the performance is to be repeated on Monday evening next. Madame Merz (conductress) is to be congratulated on the success of her first ‘At Home.’and I hope she will have more of them, as they are very enjoyable, and a little change from the usual concerts. A very I’LEASANT LITTLE ENTERTAINMENT was given by Mr and Mrs W. Fitzherbert at the Hutt. The chief attraction of the evening was a short but pretty little play, which was acted by Miss Alice Fitzherbert. the Misses Wilford (two). Mr Fitzherbert and Dr. Purdy. There were mostly young folk present, but among the grown up people I noticed Lady Buckley, Mrs Purdy. Mrs Wilford. Mrs Riddiford, Miss Wilford, Miss Reece, Miss Riddiford and others. The Wellington Operatic Company will give the first performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera ‘ RUDDTGORE,’ here next week. I hear the dresses are splendid, and new scenery is being prepared. Ar this is the first time ‘ Ruddigore ’ has been performed in New Zealand, it ought to attract large audiences. However, I hope to be able to tell you more of this in my next letter. OUR PEOPLE. Mr and Mrs Jellicoe. who recently returned from a trip to England, are now quite settled again in their beautifully furnished house on the Terrace. The house has been newly papered throughout with the very newest English designs. The electric light has also been fitted in. and in fact every convenience of the latest invention, so that now it can be termed a ‘model ’ house. Mr Rhind. who is connected with the Union Bank, and who was removed from Christchurch, has taken Sir Walter Buller’s lovely large house on the Terrace, and is now settled there with his family. Sir Walter and Miss Buller intend going to England after the session. I am so sorry to sav that Mr Percy Buller is still very unwell, and unable to leave his rooms. The Hunt Club had a successful run on Saturday afternoon. Among the riders were Miss Skerritt. Mr A. Cooper. Mr H. D. Crawford. Mr Guy Johnston. Mrs Skerritt. Mr J. Mills and others. Lady Glasgow and Augusta Boyle, accompanied by Major Elliott and Dr. Haines (Auckland), arrived by the Takapuna this afternoon. Judge end Mrs Williams (Dunedin) are in Wellington. Mrs Ranshton (nee Miss Brandon* parsed through on her way to Sydney where she i« going for the benefit of her health. Mr, Mrs and Miss George Mclx»an (Dunedin), also passed through ch ivute for Sydney.

Mrs and Miss Gore and the Misses Bell have returned from the Waikato, where they have been visiting Mr Walter. Mrs Marshall (Bulls) is in town for a short stay. Miss Fisher, our well-known contralto, left Wellington last Friday for Napier. She was accompanied by Miss Blaney, the soprano. I hear that it is their intention to give a concert in that township. There is not much going on here in the way of gaiety, but now the Vice-regal party have returned we hope things will be more lively. Ophelia. (FROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT.) Dear Bee, May’ 16. The Countess of Glasgow and Lady Augusta Boyle are at present staying with Mrs T. C. Williams in Hobson street, pending the alterations in Government House. We are very pleased to hear that Drs. Haines and Whitehead, after a consultation held yesterday, pronounced most favourably on the improved condition of Lady Augusta’s ankle, and predict complete recovery at no remote date. Dr. Whitehead, as substitute for Dr. Collins, is now recognised as medical adviser to His Excellency the Governor. THE BAZAAR at the Lower Hutt, in aid of St. James’ Church, was held on Friday and Saturday, and was an unqualified suecess considering the limited period of preparation. The proceeds amounted to rather over £4O. The stalls were presided over by Mesdames Bodmin, Purdy, Johnston. Humphrey, Climie, Colbeck, and Misses Jones, Lee, Bodmin, and Barraud. A good many people found their way to Miramar on Saturday to witness THE HUNT. which resulted in one of the best runs of the season. The trail was laid by Mr Harley, the well-known runner in connection with the Amateur Athletic Society, and was taken from Lyell’s Bay across at the back of Miramar toward the Polo ground and back to the homestead, where Mrs Crawford kindly dispensed tea to both hunters and onlookers. Miss Skerret was the only lady rider. The gentlemen who followed included Dr. Cahill, Messrs Cooper, Crawford. Johnston, Bennet and Skerrett. There is a pleasant, feeling of- anticipation pervading the Lower Hutt, born of a rumour that the Assembly dances—which last year never woke to life—are to be revived this winter under the old arrangement. These balls are always much appreciated by the younger members of Hutt Society, who. finding it somewhat difficult to attend those in town, are thus debarred from all but local entertainments.

Mrs Jones, of Wanganui, passed through the other day on her way to join the Kaikoura en route for England. She goes for several months’visit to her relations in England, and also to study painting. Mrs Jones has always been a constant exhibitor at our Art Exhibitions, contributing chiefly flowered panels. Mrs Jones’s uncle, Sir John McNeill, occupies a high position at Court as Equerry to the Queen, and will be able to introduce his niece to many phases of life hitherto unknown. Mr and Mrs Tilly, also of Wanganui, are expected here next week for a short visit.