SOCIETY ON DITS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue XIV, 3 October 1896, Page 430

SOCIETY ON DITS.

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That the Wellingtonians are glad to see that Lady Augusta | Boyle is now able to do with- ' out the sling, and her hand is much better. That Mr E. Metcalf Smith save that- the New Zealand Trnn

says that tne NewZealana Iron and Steel Company having been placed in the hands of fresh promoters, there is every probability of the Company being now floated. That an * At Home ’ of the Christchurch W.C.T.U. is to be held in the Art Gallery on the afternoon of September 25th, to celebrate the enfranchisement of the women of New Zealand. A committee has been appointed to issue invitations. That the Misses Hardy-Johnston gave a juvenile dance in Christchurch last week. That Mrs Butt, who it will be remembered was unfortunate enough to meet with a nasty accident while learning to ride a bicycle some time ago, is progressing very favourably, and is now able to go out driving in Wellington.

That at Hokowhitu Mr O. Manz has planted coffee beans this year on his property. The soil is considered to be favourable for the purpose, and Mr Manz has imported the seed specially from Queensland. That there was much excitement and great rejoicing in Picton on Saturday last when the news was bruited abroad of the discovery of a seam of coal in the vicinity of the Borough Council Chambers. Members of that august body of councillors who deliberate in that chamber were seen rushiug to and fro in most uncouncillorlike haste about the streets of the city, with implements of all dimensions, from a door-key to a digger’s pick, in their hands, crying out the joyful news to the burghers, ‘The coal is found.’ Venerable City Fathers locked up the goose that laid the golden eggs, and, forgetting their customers and clients, rushed with their white locks fluttering in the breeze to the scene of vantage, and before the sun reached the meridian Picton was, in anticipation, supplying the whole world with coal. Fortifications were erected, aud heavy guns mounted on the hills overlooking both entrances to Queen Charlotte Sound, so that no enemy of England should ever obtain an entrance to such an important and loyal port. That at the annual meeting of the Martini-Henri Rifle Club held at Inglewood, Taranaki, Mr H. Brown was reelected patron, Mr F. W. Pennington captain, and Mr J. George vice-captain. That at the Kingsdown school, Timaru, on Monday afternoon. Miss L. Dynes, the retiring pupil teacher, was made the recipient of a handsome morocco writingdesk. The headmaster made the presentation on behalf of the children and teachers. Master R. Munro, one of the senior scholars, on behalf of Miss Dynes, assured those present that this expression of their kindness would be a sweet reminder in after years of the many happy days spent among them both as a pupil and a teacher. Three hearty cheers were then given for Miss Dynes.

That there is not much bush left standing at Meremere, near Manutahi, Taranaki, the settlers having cleared most of the district of its timber.

That full accounts of the opening of the Wellington boating season and afternoon ‘ At Home’ at Government House will appear next week. The former function was much spoilt by the wet weather, some of the boats being swamped.

That the local Lodge of Druids in New Plymouth intend to hold a demonstration on November 9th. That the last of Mrs Waddy’s series of Cinderella dances took place last Friday in Blenheim.

That many serious cases of influenza are reported in the Tapanui district, and the dreaded disease is taking a new form in some localities. Great loss of blood and debility follow the most serious cases, and deafness is almost universal amongst children after a severe attack. That Mrs O’Connor gave a small afternoon tea on Thursday in Wellington. Miss O’Connor has not yet returned from Auckland, but Mrs O’Connor was ably assisted in her duties as hostess by Misses Sculley and Tuckey.

That the present girls of the Auckland College and Grammar School have invited all old girls to an ‘ At Home ’ on Friday next. That Mr Grant, the well-known Hastings artist, has left for Sydney. That Mrs Hales, Oriental Bay, Wellington, gave a small afternoon tea last week.

That S.J. O’Carroll, of New Plymouth, was on Wednesday presented with a Past-Chief Ranger’s neck ribbon and a framed certificate. On September 25th he was entertained at a social, when an address of thanks was presented to him for his medical services to the members of the lodge. That a football match at the Thames was arranged for Saturday, Rovers v. Thames, as a benefit to Mr J. J. Hayes, who was injured at Karangahake some time ago, but unfortunately heavy rain fell, so that the match was postponed. It will probably take place next week. That the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s show, which takes place next month, is the next important event to look forward to. That Mr T. A. B. Bailey, solicitor, has left Opnnake (Taranaki) for Auckland with the view of practsiing at the Thames. That the Manchester Co-operative delegates are on a visit to New Plymouth. That Miss Hadfield has gone home to Marton from her Wellington visit. That Mr and Mrs Calvert, who are leaving Kaponga (Taranaki), were entertained at a social on September nth, when they were presented with a marble clock suitably inscribed, which was subscribed for bv the settlers of the district. That Mrs Rotheram gave two afternoon teas in Wellington last week, on Tuesday and Friday. That the annual social reunion of the old Auckland College and Grammar School boys was a very pleasant affair. Captain Duder, president of the Association, occupied the chair. The musical programme was an excellent one, being carried out by Messrs Keesing (three), Peake, Battley, Walker, Luckie, C. R. Williamson, G. Warren, and Mackay. Refreshments were handed round at intervals, and the gathering was brought to a close shortly before midnight. Mr N. L. H. Biss, Mr P. Battley, and a strong committee are to be congratulated on the success of the gathering. That the new swimming bath for women at the Rotorua Sanatorium is 25ft x 50ft, with a depth of water of 3ft 6in at the bottom of the steps, increasing to 4ft at the opposite end ; its capacity is about 25,000 gallons. A constant stream of water flows through it, so as to keep the temperature at from 96 to 98 degrees, which is the one recommended as the most suitable for an exercise bath. By the inauguration of this new bath Rotorua is now capable of giving 1,500 immersion baths, of one hour each daily, which is more than any European establishment can do. That the last of the assembly dances in Blenheim took place on Wednesday. That Mr S. M. Scott, of Midhurst, Taranaki, has been presented with a handsome writing desk by the teachers aud scholars in recognition of his long service in connection with the State school in that town. That the beach near Timaru is going through a similar process to that at the Oamaru Esplanade. From the scene of the * Elginshire ’ wreck northward, for a couple of miles, a chain of beach has been swept away, which is equal to 16 acres of deep shingle travelling Timaruwards. That Mr W. Courteny, of Taranaki, is now in Ireland endeavouring to secure emigrants for New Zealand. That Mr Marchant, of Timaru, who is Consulting Engineer for the New Plymouth Harbour Board, is on a visit to New Plymouth. That a large distribution of trout fry from the Masterton pond is about to take place, the Acclimatisation Society having allotted some 300,000 young trout to the Manawatu and tributary streams, 25,000 to the FortvMile Bush district, 250,000 in Ohau, Otaki, and other West Coast Rivers. That in response to the appeal for for the completion of St. Mary’s Chnrch, Parnell, Auckland, the Rev. Canon Mao Murray says he has received including last Sunday’s offertories. That Mr C. F. Richmond, of New Plymouth, who has been on a trip to Australia, has returned home. That the Hon. W. Swanson arrived in Auckland from Wellington by the ss. ‘ Takapuna.’ His wife is seriously ill. J That the Auckland Ladies’ Benevolent Society intend to hold another grand Floral Fete by kind permission of the Auckland Racing Club at Ellerslie on Saturday, November 28th, so that all the travelling arrangements for the public will be complete. Last year half the number of intending visitors were unable to reach Potter’s Paddock, owing to the lack of transport accommodation.

That the anniversary soiree of the Auckland Tabernacle held last week was, as usual, liberally supplied with refreshments by the ladies of the congregation. The Rev. E H. Soper presided. The number of members on the church roll is 497, whilst the various branches of church work are doing well. The treasurer is Mr J. Tonson Garlick.

That it was resolved at a meeting of St. Mary's Anglican Church parishioners, Parnell, Auckland, last week, the Rev. G. Mac Murray presiding, to authorise the Vestry to take the necessary steps for the completion of St Mary’s Cathedral building. The Vestry were authorised to accept the loan of /’l.ooo offered by a friend of the church.

TLat at a meeting of the Wellington City Council a letter was received from the tramway proprietors offering to sell to the Corporation for /50,000. No action was taken.

That the Inglewood (Taranaki) School Committee has suggested to its teachers the advisableness of substituting the tawse for the cane when punishing children.

That Mr T. M. Ferguson, of Te Hapua, Poverty Bay, made one of the best and most 1 sporting ’ speeches at the recent meeting of the National Association at Gisborne, when the Association resolved to support Mr Fitzroy. of Hastings, for the Waiapu electorate at the forthcoming election.

At the annual concert which the Royal Academy of Music, London, gives at the close of the examinations, the French normal diapason was used for the first time. Until this present year the Academy has resisted this innovation, which is adopted in nearly all countries, and has preserved its ancient" la,’ which is sensibly higher than the French ‘ la.’