NAPIER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XX, 16 November 1895, Page 615

NAPIER.

Dear Bee, November 4. The death of Mr Donald McLean, the respected manager of Maraekakaho Station, leaves a gap which will be hard to fill His kindly, genial, hospitable manner made him the greatest favourite in the district, and the large concourse of people who assembled at the funeral corteye showed the esteem in which he was held. At least 150 vehicles and 200 horsemen followed, including many natives. A handsome coffin was used, and on it were placed many beautiful wreaths. The funeral emblems were so numerous as to fill a carriage. The Presbyterian Church service was impressively read by the Rev. J. Fraser. The annual DISTRICT SCHOOL CONCERT in aid of the prize fund was brilliantly successful, and on both nights was the Theatre Royal packed from floor to ceiling. The various teachers deserve the greatest praise for the excellent display made. The Port Drum and Fife Band opened the programme with a selection. Misses Ferguson and Chegwidden then controlled two contingents of children in action songs, which were creditably sung. Mr Hislop's pupils gave a capital display of dumb bell exercises, and a French song and chorus by Monsieur Bourgeois and pupils was well rendered. An army of girls becomingly arrayed in bodices of gold with black and carrying spears with silver mount ings went through a number of effective marches, and reflected great credit upon their instructor, Mr Nicholson. The last part of the programme consisted of a well-rehearsed play entitled * Lord Lovell and Lady Nancy Bell,' written by Mr Collins, of this town, and the musical arrangements, costuming, staging, singing, and acting were a source of general acmiration. The two principal parts were filled by Master Joe Collins and Miss Winnie Collins, and to them great praise is due, for they both danced and sang merrily. The other characters were capably represented by Miss King and Masters Fr d Collins. Lound, Spiller, Fenton, Edwards, etc. In the wedding festival a most amusing circus scene was introduced, and loud were the plaudits of the enthusiastic audience. The thanks of the 'cyclists are many towards Mr Moeller, who has generously allowed the members of the WANDERERS' BICYCLE CLUB the use of the large meeting-room in his hotel as a rendezvous A progressive euchre tournament was held by the members of the above club on Friday evening, and all went as ‘ merry as a bicycle bell.’ The evening proved all too short, and to Mr W. J. Reid was allotted first prize, and the booby fell to Mr W. Hands. The great success of this party will be the forerunner of many more. A MATINEE MUSICALE was given by a new arrival in Napier, Miss Le Mercier, in the Athenaeum Hall on Friday afternoon, and a delightful hour was spent by those fortunate enough to be present. She played selections by Weber. S. Bennet. Godard, Mendelssohn. Chopin and Chaminade. Herr Hanake. accompanied by Mr Maginnity. contributed two viola solos. Rafi’s Cavatina meeting with special favour. Amongst the invited guests were Mesdames Fraser, Lascelles. McLean. Jago. Pearce, Humphreys. Cornford, Williams. Margoliouth, Mountfort, Hovell, East, McVay, Fielder. Somerville. Hoadley, Leask, Milne-Thompson, Walker, Marshall, Sandttmann. Mr John Parker in the employ of Messrs Williams and Kettle, has been appointed secretary to the Chamber of Commerce and Free Association—a post left vacant by the death of Mr E. Black As there were 45 applications, Mr Parker is to be congratulated upon his success.

Gladys.