BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue V, 24 July 1897, Page 149

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, July 14. Last Monday being MRS BULL’S • AT HOME ’ DAY a very large number of friends assembled, many being aware that their hostess was intending to leave the following week on a three months’ visit to Tauranga. They were also enabled to welcome Miss Ella Bull on her return from Wellington, she having arrived the previous day looking all the better for the trip, which she had thoroughly enjoyed, in spite of the variable weather there. Mrs Bull wore a becoming heliotrope blouse handsomely trimmed with deep cream lace, and a dark skirt. A few of the many guests were Mrs Greenfield, Mrs Snodgrass, Mrs Paul Douslin, Mrs F. N. Robinson, Mrs Carey, Miss Leslie (Motueka), Miss Simpson (Tauranga), who wore a stylish grey costume, and chic hat surmounted by tall white tips ; and many others.

THE SOCIAL GATHERING at the Church of the Nativity Sunday-school last night, which was arranged altogether by Mrs Powell, was etni-

nently successful. The room was prettily decorated with lace curtains, liberty muslin, and greenery, and the wide archway opening on a recess where the piano was placed, and where the singers stood, was draped with handsome curtains The opening piece was a pianoforte duet by the Misses Rogers, which was followed by a reading by Miss Pearce, which, though thoroughly enjoyed by the older portion of the audience, was evidently by the younger portion thought too long. Songs were pleasingly sung by Miss Mills, Miss Cawte, Miss Lilian Horne. Miss Alice Harley (Nelson), Mr Miratns, Mr McBeth (Picton Road), and Mr Mabin (Wellington). Miss Grace Wakelin was very successful in her several recitations, and responded to an encore for ‘The Amen Corner ’ by reciting ‘ An Inventor’s Wife,’ and later in the evening a short piece, the name of which I did not catch. At the conclusion of the programme most fragrant and delightfully hot coffee, and a varied profusion of cakes were handed round by a bevy of young ladies, whose charms were enhanced by the addition of natty and pretty little caps, assisted by several young gentlemen, conspicuous among whom were Mrs Powell’s young sons. Advantage was taken of the occasion to introduce Archdeacon Wright to many of those who are in his charge for a month during the absence of Archdeacon Grace. Archdeacon Wright made some congratulatory remarks on the success of the social, and also referred to the Conference of Bishops at present taking place at Lambeth, which he said had no connection whatever with the public commemoration, as many thought, but had been arranged long before any move had been made in the way of celebrating that event. The National Anthem concluded a very pleasant evening, and Mrs Powell is to be congratulated on the success attending her efforts. Mrs Lucas was chief accompanist, the only exception being Miss Mills’ song, the accompaniment to which was played by her sister. Among those present were Mesdames Mclntire, Mills. Snodgrass, Black, Croker, H. Bell, Carey, W. Sinclair, Grace, H. F. Thompson, J. Robinson, Moore, and the Misses Leslie (Motueka), Waddy, McLauren, A. Williams, Pasley (Gisborne), Johnston, Maclaine, Mead, Harley (two), Green, Moore, Ruth Bull, Powell, Simpson (Tauranga), Horton. Rayner (two), Harris (two), Robinson, Mabin (two), Cribb, and Messrs Mabin (two), Stoney, Moore, J. White, Mirams, B. Green, and many others. Great sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs J. Reardon, whose little boy, two years old, was drowned in the Omaka last Friday. Fruitless efforts have been made by dragging the river, etc., to recover the body. The relatives of the missing man Satherlyare also indefatigable in dragging the Opawa and searching the banks, but so far without avail. A meeting of ladies is to be held in Ewart’s Hall this afternoon for the purpose of considering the best means of raising sufficient money to add a fever ward and operating room to the Hospital to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I hope to be able to tell you what is decided upon in my next letter.

Frida.