GISBORNE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XVII, 25 April 1896, Page 476

GISBORNE.

Dear Bee, April 13. In my last letter I had not room to 1311 you of the ORGAN RECITAL given in Holy Trinity Church just before Good Friday. Stainer’s beautiful service of song. ‘The Crucifixion.’ was chosen by Mr Spackman for performance by the choir. The soloists, who all sang excellently, were Messrs Dalrymple, Searle, and Sykes, Mr Spackman doing full justice to the organ accompaniments and solos. On Easter Monday a large RIDING PARTY proceeded up the beach towards Tatapouri. The weather was beautifully fine when the cavalcade started, but at midday the wind changed suddenly to the South, and the rain came down in torrents Attired in a riding habit one can laugh defiance at the weather even when picnicing upon a bare sea shore where shelter there is none; but there is a general prejudice in favour of viands not totally waterlogged, as sandwiches and cakes are apt to become soft when exposed to a tropical shower for half an hour. In spite of the heavy rain the picnic was voted by one and all to be one of the jolliest ever held in Gisborne. Amongst those present were Mrs O Meara, the Misses Olive and Edith Lysnar, Miss Noxon,and Messrs O’Meara, Horne and Nielson. Although our town is small, yet Gisbornites are always ready to respond generously to any claim upon their sympathies. Subscriptions to the Brunnerton Relief Fund are still coming in. The Friendly Societies have formed a committee and arrangod a large and comprehensive programme for entertainments to be held next Thursday in aid of this fund. On Sunday afternoon a demonstration took place, beginning with a procession of the different societies attended by various brass bands, and ending in a large

PUBLIC MEETING at the City Rink, where addresses were delivered by the Hon. James Carroll, Canon Webb. Rev. Mr Ryburn. Messrs Townley (Mayor), W. L. Rees, and C. A. de Lautour. Sacred songs were also effectively rendered by some of our leading amateurs. A collection of over £2O was made. PERSONAL. Miss Campbell is wearing a very pretty grey tweed, sailor hat; Mrs Mann, stylish grey and pink costume; Mrs Gudgeon, grey trimmed with black, black straw hat with white rosettes; Miss Gudgeon, flowered muslin, sailor hat; Miss Bradley, dark gown, white collar and cuffs. Mrs Lucas Bloomfield has returned to Auckland. Mrs Symes is still away at the Hot Springs. Miss N. Reynolds has gone for a short time to Tologa Bay. Mr W Ken way has left for Coolgardie. Mr A. de Lautour has returned from Auckland with his charming young bride, who as Miss Pittar was a great favourite in Gisborne, and whom we are all glad to welcome as a resident in our midst. Dear Bee, April 17. The arrival in our Bay of the gun-boat * RINGDOVE ’ has been the excitement of the week. As few warships have ever visited Gisborne, the Commander (Captain Bremer) kindly threw the ‘Ringdove’ open for inspection the day after her arrival. . The Captain and officers were on Tuesday afternoon driven into the country, and in the evening were entertained at the Poverty Bay Club. On the following evening they were the guests of Mr and Mrs Chambers at Repongaere. On Thursday afternoon a small party of ladies were invited to the ship to after noon tea, and spent a most enjoyable two hours. That night at 12 o’clock the little gun-boat turned her head to the open sea, and left Poverty Bay behind her as she steamed for Auckland. On Thursday afternoon the

SPORTS organised by the Friendly Societies in aid of the Brunnerton Relief Fund took place. They were fairly well attended, though the afternoon was showery. The sports were followed in the evening by a POPULAR CONCERT, which was splendidly patronised. All the performers did themselves full justice. Amongst them were Miss Grey, looking handsome in a black beaded silk ; Mrs Kennedy pale pink brocade • Mis, McQuirk, white silk trimmed with old gold; Miss Sattley'. pretty blue frock ; Miss E. Sattley, light blouse dark skirt, pink sash; Miss Rees, ruby velvet; Miss R. Rees, pink gown • Miss C. Berry, pale blue blouse, dark skirt. As the concert had been preceded by an exhibition of fire vorks near Kaiti, most of the ladies in the audience wore their walking dresses. Amongst them were Mrs King, in dark gown, pretty hat with blue flowers; Mrs . A. Barton, blouse and skirt, handsome dark green cape trimmed with fir; Mrs L. Rees, dark skirt, green blouse with Rmart black collar; Mrs Sattley, black silk small biack bonnet: Mrs Gurr. black gown, black bonnet; Miss Gurr. very stylish blouse and skirt, large black hat. Ruth.