CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue VIII, 20 February 1897, Page 229

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, February ii. The annual festival of the MOTHERS’ UNION took place on Wednesday, and the result of this Union, started here by Lady Glasgow, must be most gratifying to Her Ladyship. She still takes the warmest interest in these meetings, as evidenced in a letter read by Mrs Julius, President of the Canterbury Union, during the afternoon from Lady Glasgow. The proceedings commenced with a service in the Cathedral, when Bishop Julius gave a very impressive address, after which a great number of the mothers present adjourned to the Y.M.C.A. rooms for luncheon. A meeting was then held, Mrs Julius in the chair, and some very interesting remarks on the work of the Union were delivered by the Revs. Canon Sharp, of St. Paul’s College, Sydney; Herbert Seddon, of London ; and E. A. Scott. Tea was then partaken of in the reading-room, about 240 mothers being present, numbers in the country districts being prevented from attending owing to the wet morning, and the meeting dispersed. On Saturday a perfect day favoured the SUMMER RACE MEETING at Riccarton, and though in attendance on the stand and lawn one does not look fora ‘ Cup Day ' record, the scene was a very bright and pretty one. Some of the racing was good, and at all times interesting, especially as several outsiders realised good dividends, and Mr G. G. Stead's win is always a popular one. I shall only give a few gowns, as many were the same as Cup Day. Mrs Stead wore a cream serge coat and skirt with silk facings, small flora' bonnet, cream moire sunshade ; Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, striking costume of black and white striped silk trimmed about the bodice with orange silk veiled with cream and black lace, large white hat with black and white feathers ; the Hon. Mrs Parker, pale heliotrope cloth costume, the bodice relieved with white, high-crowned hat trimmed with black velvet and feathers ; Mrs Wason (Corwar), fawn coat and skirt with turquoise blue velvet vest, black hat; Mrs R. Macdonald, pretty grey costume relieved with pink and trimmed with cream lace, large hat with roses ; Mrs G. Gould, bright blue silk figured with white, the frills edged with Valenciennes, waist and neck-band of pink chine ribbon, white picture hat with feathers : Mrs Graham, lovely gown of heliotrope silk and black chiffon finished with jet, toque to match ; Mesdames Boyle, G. Lee, Ogle, Wardrop, Meares. J. D. Hall, Pyne, P. Campbell, Wilder, Buckley, the Misses Cowlishaw, Meares, Towsey (Auckland), Wynn-Williams, Helmore, Greenwood (Dunedin), Studholme, Tabart. Palmer. Gerard, etc. On Tuesday the Hon. Mrs Parker gave her girl friends a most PLEASANT AFTERNOON, as well as being a very useful one. Each one was requested to bring her thimble, and the work of the afternoon was covering books for the Hospital, provided by Mrs Parker. This lady is one of the most constant visitors to that Institution, and ever thinks of the needs of the patients. Afternoon tea, singing, and music was sandwiched with the work, and enjoyed by all. a farewell reception was held on Wednesday evening in the Art Gallery for the purpose of wishing Bishop and Mrs Julius bon voyage. Sir John Hall occupied the chair, numerous ladies and gentlemen being on the platform with the Bishop and Mrs lulius. At eight o'clock the picture gallery was packed to overflowing, many being unable to gain admission at all, the side rooms being also crowded. The platform was prettily decorated, and Mr T. S. Weston presented Mrs Julius with a very handsome bouquet, the gift of Mr James Freeman. An illuminated address was presented to the Bishop by Archdeacon Harper, signed on behalf of the clergy by Henry Jacobs (Dean of Christchurch 1. and John Ha'l.on behalf of thelaity. The address was verv tastefully illuminated by Mr E. Stowe, and bound in leather. Musical items were given during the proceedings by Mrs Burns. Misses Watson and C. Lingard, Messrs Hugh Reeves and A. Millar. Addresses were given by Sir fohn Hall, Archdeacons Harper and Cholmondeley, and the Hon. C. C. Bowen, the Bishop replying in a very feeling manner. Light refreshments in charge of Mr James Freeman were served in the large gallery, and among the crowd were Mr and Mis Embling, Mr and Mrs Arthur Rhodes, Mr and Mrs Tendall, Mr and Miss Ainger, Mrs Bourne, Mr

and Mrs I. Gibbs, Mrs and Miss Webb, Mrs Denniston, Mrs Turton (Dunedin), Mrs J. V. Ross, Mrs Wtn. Day, Mr and Mrs Cotterill, Rev. and Mrs H. Airay-Watson, Mrs Keys (Sydney), Archdeacon, Mrs. and Misses Lingard, Mr and Mrs Blakiston, Miss Maude and a number of nurses from the Hospital, Sister Edith, Mrs C. Cook, Mrs RochfortSnow, Professor and Mrs Cook, Mrs Reeves, Mrs Wilding, etc., etc. THE THEATRE ROYAL is once more occupied with a company with a great reputation, consequently there will be a great disappointwaiting for some intending visitors, but those who are lucky enough to see all the plays, or manage to hit on those best suited to these artists, will be pleased. Among the audience at ‘La Tosca ’ were Mr and Miss Cowlishaw, Mr and Mrs I. Gibbs. Mr and Miss Beswick and partv. Dr. and Mrs Guthrie and party from Lyttelton. Mrs G. Gould. Mr and Misses Buckley, Mrs Peacock. Mr and Mrs C. Wood (Lynton Downs).

Dolly Vale.