CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XX, 15 May 1897, Page 615

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, May 6. The port of Lyttelton was all excitement on Thursday afternoon last when the ‘ Rnahine ’ was expected to sail from the wharf at 2 o’clock with the NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT on board and a number of prominent citizens, who, in comparison, sank into insignificance. Our corps of volunteers with the Maoris attached made a brave show, the Maoris being a really fine lot of fellows. After going through some drilling, and numerous groups being taken by the irrepressible photographer, the company marched on board, an immense crowd having gathered on the wharf. The scene was most animated and gav, so much bunting being displayed on all the shipping,'and bands playing ; then came the final cheering on both sides, and it was found, owing to an unprecedentedly lowj‘ high tide,’ the steamer could not float out. There was a good deal of disappointment at not being able to see them away, but no help for it. Many of the passengers came up to town again for a tew hours, but the ‘ Ruahine ’ sailed at 2 a.m., so the delay was only 12 hours. At the MUSICAL UNION CONCERT in the Tuam-street Hall last week, which was crowded in every part, we enjoyed a great treat when they gave us ‘ Cavalleria Rusticana 'in concert form. If the committee of management could only understand how the majority of their subscribers appreciate this style of music instead of three hours’ heavy oratorio the innovation would be repeated much oftener. Miss Corrick took the soprano part, and wore a vivid green velvet with white satin sash ends, bows and lace on the bodice, and white flowers in the hair. Miss Moir made her debut at the Society’s concert, and did so remarkably well, and wore a simple white dress ; Miss Graham, whom one is always pleased to hear, was in all black. Among the very large audience were Mr and Mrs \V. D. Meares and daughters, Mrs Denniston, Mr, Mrs, and Miss Wilding, Mrs and Miss Reeves and Miss Mills (Dunedin), Mr and Mrs C. W. Hill and Mrs and Miss Ching (Auckland), Mrs Robison. Mrs Embling and Miss Julius, Mrs J. and Miss Matson, Mr and Misses Hargreaves (two), Mr and Mrs F. Graham, Mrs R. D. Thomas, Mrs Barkas, Mrs F. M. Wallace. Miss Fairhurst, and numbers more. At the repeat on Thursday for the Napier Relief Fund many came again, and I also saw Mr and Mrs JG. Kettlewell,' Mrs Aiken and Mrs T. R. Fisher (Dunedin), Mr and Miss Connal, and Miss Godfrey, etc. The Ladies’ Golf Club opened on Monday in Hagley Park, when Mrs Wigram provided tea in'the ‘Hutt,’ but we are having a spell of warm summer weather, which is not conducive to the energy of a good drive even by our most enthusiastic players. The Savage Club opened its new season on Monday night with Savage E. W. Roper at the head of his tribe The popularity of this club seems to continue. Mrs H. Cotterill’s dance last week was a great success. The floral decorations of chrysanthemums and autumn foliage were lovely, music and supper both of the best, and every one enjoyed a thoroughly delightful evening. Mrs H. W. Bishop gave a very charming ‘ AT home’ on the eve of her daughter’s marriage in St. Barnabas' Schoolroom, Fendalton, which was very prettily decorated. The stage was furnished as a drawing-room with screens at the back, which were removed at supper-time, and revealed a dainty display of creature comforts. Mrs Bishop wore a handsome black satin with bunch of scarlet geraniums; Miss Bishop (the bride-elect), white China silk trimmed with chiffon ; Mrs Denniston, black satin and revers of orange satin ; Mrs Weetman, cream satin handsomely trimmed with’ Maltese lace ; Mrs Broham, old gold satin and brocade ; Mrs Stack, black silk and lace fichu ; Mrs Tripp, b'ack silk ; Mrs Simms, black satin ; Mrs H. Simms, black silk, white lace fichu ; Mrs Walter Stringer, cream satin with moss green velvet and passementerie; Mrs G. Humphreys, black silk, the bodice trimmed with cardinal satin ; Mrs Joshua Little, black silk, white lace fichu and red roses; Miss McPherson, black chine silk relieved with white tulle ; Miss Sellars, cream silk and red flowers; Miss Jones (Auckland), pink crepon and white lace ; Miss Russell, black merveilleux; Miss Nina Townend, white surah and chiffon; Miss Stringer, cream brocaded in moss green spravai trimmed with velvet to match ; Miss Walton, pink ; Mrs Archer, cream brocade and cardinal velvet ; Messrs Archer, Gresson, Hutchins (bridegroom-elect), Broham, Weetman, Stack, Mathias, McPherson (two), M. Denniston, Stringer, P. Wood, Joynt, and Humphreys.

Dolly Vale.