BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XIII, 27 March 1897, Page 391

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, March 16. Three of the MARLBOROUGH MOUNTED RIFLES left for Wellington last Tuesday in the hope of being among those selected to form the contingent to represent the colony on the occasion of the Imperial Diamond Jubilee. They are Troopers H. Hamilton, J. Watson, and M. McDonnell, and their heights range from 6 feet to 5 feet io. Captain Chaytor and Lieutenant D arcy Chaytor, of the same troop, are candidates as officers, I believe. Ail of them are New Zealanders ; indeed, I believe that all were born in Marlborough, and though the two last named have been fortunate enough to visit England, the other three have not been so privileged. What a grand opportunity it is, though there mav be many tiresome restrictions, of seeing and taking part in what will be of historical interest. Mr Ernest Rose also left on the same afternoon as a candidate tor the position of bugler. The Wairau and Tua Marina rivers being very much swollen in consequence of the exceptionally heavy rain on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, the Nelson coach which was due in Blenheim on Wednesday evening was not able to get further than ‘ Raydale,’ Mr Barnett’s farm, where the occupants of the coach had to seek shelter for the night. The water was so deep on the road at the foot of the knoll on which Mr Barnett's house is built, that two horsemen who had passed a short time before had to swim their horses. The passengers on the coach were Dr. Grimes, Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, a pair on their honeymoon trip, and a lady, besides the driver, and all were hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs Barnett. This was quite an unpremeditated ' surprise party.' The performance by local amateurs of ‘ lolanthe' is to take place this week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and constant rehearsals have taken place. I hope to be able to record successful performances and large audi ences in my next letter

Frida.