PICTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XX, 16 November 1895, Page 617

PICTON.

Dear Bee, November 5. THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROVINCE was altogether a disappointing day—wet enough in the early morning to put a veto on all excursions, and then clearing up when too late into a most beautiful summer’s day. The cricket match of the season, Wairau v. Waitohi, was to have been played in Nelson Square, but the ground was in too soft a condition, so that was put off. Then six hundred excursionists who were <-omingdown by train to picnic in the bays looked at the cloudladen sky, and preferred cold lunch under shelter to rain and misery; also the Blenheim Church of England Sunday-school children, who were to come down by train to Koromiko and spend the day in Captain Dalton’s grounds, shed many bitter tears over their disappointment. Everybody went out in the afternoon, and Nelson Square was quite a pretty scene with no less than four cricket matches going on at once, the seniors playing a grand game with picked sides, then the rising generation of big boys in one corner, and the little ones in another, and the girls’ club playing most energetically in another, so that flying balls made it rather lively for the spectators. In the evening THE READING SOCIETY met in the Institute and spent a pleasant and instructive evening. Mrs Mclntyre’s reading of Scott’s ‘ Lady of the Lake ’ was greatly appreciated, and that lady was earnestly besought to finish the story by another reading next week. Mr Howard read a portion of ‘ The Rivals,’and gave much pleasure to his audience by his inimitable acting in the different parte. Others present were Mr and Mrs Sedgwick, Mesdames Duncan, Allen, H. C. Seymour, Williams. McShane, Howard, H. Howard, Seely, and the Misses Seymour, Seely, Allen, Williams it wo). Balfour, Howard, Greensill, Jackson, etc. ODDS AND ENDS. Mrs Linton gave a small afternoon tea for the returned travellers—Mesdames Allen, H. C. Seymour, and Andrews—on Wednesday. Mrs Andrews was looking prettier than ever in black crepon frock with orange surah silk front and collar, and small hat trimmed shaded silk bows and cluster of orange-shaded dowers; Mrs Linton was in black striped silk; Mrs Harold Ensor, in black cashmere, and black bonnet with cream syringa sprays; Mrs Seymour, tweed costume, black lace hat with yellow roses ; Mrs Allen, black ; and Miss Linton, red. On Saturday the Blenheim Sundav-school children came down by train and picnicked at Koromiko. Captain and Mrs Dalton were safe to ensure the children a real good time to make up for the disappointment of the previous day. Mrs Ensor left on Thursday to join her husband, the Rev. Harold Ensor, in Christchurch. Miss Alice Scott is another returned wanderer, arriving home on Friday after a three months’ visit to her sister in Marton. Miss R. Speed has gone to Wellington for a week or so to join her sister. Miss Marion Speed, whose health required a change. We hope to welcome them both back shortly. The Prince of Wales’ Birthday is to be kept up here on Monday, the 11th, as in Wellington, and is to be a great day in Picton if only the weather is propitious. The Friendly Societies of Blenheim intend holding their annual fete here this year. This, with excursion steamers from Wellington and other attractions, should brighten us up a bit. Mr Cheek, of Blenheim, is coaching our local amateurs up in the * Messiah,* so that they may assist in the performance of that great oratorio in Blenhe>m shortly. The weekly practice is looked forward to with much pleasure by all. The Roman Catholics, who intend having a bazaar here on New \ ear's Day, are instituting quite a sensation doll-dressing competition, a prize for all-comers being £lO, and other prizes according to age. Mr and Mrs Salmon (Blenheim) are still here staying at Mrs Allport’s in High-street. Mr Salmon is in charge of the Post and Telegraph till Mr Gudgeon’s successor is appointed. Mr Cyril Gudgeon, of Queenstown, who arrived just too late to co his brother alive, is in Picton for a few days. Captain and Mrs Baillie (Para) returned home from Wellington last week. They weie accompanied by Miss Stavely, who is engaged to their eldest son, Mr W. Baillie. Pleasant letters have been received by friends here from Mr and Mrs John Mowat, posted at different ports of call. They expected to reach their destination—the Falkland Islands—three weeks after posting their last letter. Mr Anderson, who has been in charge of Mr Andrews* malting business during his absence in England, has gone down the Sound lo visit friends and recruit. Mrs Fell has returned from a long visit to the Empire City much improved in health, I am glad to say. OBITUARY. I have to record with much regret the death of Mr J. B. Gudgeon, which occurred on 31st October at Blenheim. For some months past Mr Gudgeon has been patiently and resignedly await>ng the end. That he bore his terrible affliction with almost divine patience, and underwent operation after operation for 1 ancer with almost unheard of courage, has made everyone mourn

that so good and so brave a man should be cut oft in the very grime of life—at the early age of 41. Mr Gudgeon entered the ostal and Telegraph Department in the Wellington office, and worked his way up till six years ago he succeeded Mr J. G. Ballard as Postmaster at Picton. lie was respected and esteemed by all who had dealings with him for his upright and honourable character, and those who knew him best loved him for his social qualities. His death will be generally deplored. Mr Gudgeon was born in the Auckland district, his father being the late W. E. Gudgeon, author of * Heroes of New Zealand.’ Besides three brothers—Major Gudgeon, of Tologa Bay; Mr Gudgeon, of Melbourne; and MrC. Gudgeon, of Queenstown—Mr Gudgeon leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his los-. The funeral, which took place at the Picton cemetery on Saturday, was largely attended by Blenheim and Picton friends Wreaths from the Wellington, Dunedin, Thames, Blenheim, and Picton offices decorated the coffin, besides many others from private friends. Mr Gudgeon was a member of St. Joseph’s (Roman Catholic) Church, and services fn. memoriam were held in that church on Sunday. In the Angiican chnrch Rev. A. H. Sedgwick also made feeling references to Mr Gudgeon’s Christian life and character, and after the evening service the organist. Miss May Greensill, played the ‘ Dead March.’

Jean.