CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVIII, Issue XXIV, 12 June 1897, Page 774

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, June 3. I think we are rather famed for sports in Canterbury, and every season brings something fresh. ‘ dog trials ’ have been held in North Canterbury before, but so far away that many of us could not witness the intelligent experiments of our canine friends ; but last week Mr Wilson kindly allowed the trial to take place on the Cashmere estate, which is within easy reach of all, even walking. The weather was perfect the first two days, and according to those who know all about ‘heading sheep ’ and ’ bringing them into the ring,’ some very interesting work was done. There were some very fine specimens of sagacity in some of the dogs, and one couldn’t help longing to possess a collie who could be taught so much. Dr. Levinge drove a large party of friends in a four-in-hand down to Cashmere, when, after spending a pleasant and interesting time, they returned to town and afternoon tea at Freeman’s, which was greatly enjoyed. Among the party were Mesdames G. Gould,

C. Dalgety, and Lascelles, the Misses Campbell, Cowlishaw, Palmer, Mills, Tabart, Ovenden, MurrayAynsley, Reeves, Buckley, and Messrs Beswick, Lane, Reeves, Clarke, Turnbull, and Mathias. Others witnessing the sports were Mr, Mrs, and Miss Archer, Mr, Mrs and Miss Wilson, Mr and Mrs Wardrop, Mrs and Miss Lee, Mr and Mrs Wason, the Misses Little (Waikari), the Misses Gray (Boon Hay), Mrs Stevens, and Miss Smithson (England), Messrs G. H. Rhodes (Meadowbank), Buckley, J. Connal, H. Buchanan, and others. Mrs Wilson entertained numerous friends at afternoon tea. THE DIPLOMA DAY DANCE in the College Hall was a great success, showing how the ‘ sweet girl graduates ’ appreciate having got over the prejudice of the College Governors in not allowing them to dance in the beautiful College Hall. Among those present were Mr and Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, Professor and Mrs Cook, the Misses Gibson ; Miss E. Gibson (debutante}, in a pretty white silk frock ; Miss N. Meares, fawn satin, the bodice prettily trimmed ; Miss R. Richmond, pale heliotrope and white velvet; Miss Gresson, canary silk with moir6 bodice ; MissTodhunter, white brocade ; Miss Hoare, black relieved with pink ; Miss McPherson, black with white chiffon on the bodice ; Miss Rawson, white and pearl trimming. An excellent supper was provided by Freeman, and a most enjoyable time altogether was spent. THE WINTER SHOW has been an attraction for a great portion of the community for four days last week at Tattersall’s large wool stores, Cashel-street The immensity of the products of our soil both in roots and stock has surprised a good many. There was on exhibition, too, some very ingenious machinery, with lectures in the evenings on appropriate agricultural subjects. On various days I saw there Mr and Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, Mr and Mrs A. Boyle, Mr and Mrs Russell, Mr and Mrs Wason, Mr and MrsG. Gould, Mr and Mrs H. D. Carter, Mr and Misses Tabart, Mr and Mrs Staveley, Mr and Mrs G. H. Rhodes (Meadowbank), Mr and Mrs C. Dalgety, and many others. On Friday some of the patients at the Hospital were able to enjoy a short programme of very good music, when the Misses Funston, Vincent, Shanks and Searell and Mr Woodward played and sang in the corridor, which is a great treat for the convalescent ones. Golf has commenced in real earnest, the late rain having made the Park very playable. Among the ladies most frequently out are Mesdames Ogle, J. R. Scott, and one or two others, and the Misses Palmer, Cowlishaw, and Ainger. The * Idlers’ ’ Club opened their season last Friday, when Miss E. Stevenson, M.A., was elected President. Vocal and instrumental music, interspersed with talk and refreshments, soon brought the evening to a close. The dramatic branch has always been much enjoyed, and no doubt they will be ready for the next evening.

Dolly Vale.