Society on dits.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue VII, 7 August 1897, Page 213

Society on dits.

That Wellingtonians are greatly exercised in their minds as to what suit of his new honours in clothes the Premier should wear for his triumphal entry into the Empire City on

his return from the Mother

Country. Should they be the gorgeous apparel of the Privy Councillor, or the decorous robes of a D.C.L. (which, by the bye, does not stand for Dux of Colonial Legislation). Someone suggests that he clothe half his body in one style and half in the other; or lend his better half the doctor’s gown whilst he dons that of the Privy Councillor. That the old age pension idea has been approved of by a large number of aged folk. Three hundred and forty-five claims have been sent into the clerk of the Wellington Magistrate's Court, under the Registration of People’s Claims Act. It seems a pity to try and save money when such a magnificent sum per week may possibly be placed within the reach of all improvident people, though even those who have only saved a trifle may also profit by it, and purchase for themselves exemption from unpleasant duties. One old man who was admitted to the Auckland Costley Home the other day, offered the attendant one pound if he would let him off the regulation admittance bath. N.B.—The man most particularly needed cleansing.

That one of the promising young Auckland lawyers has at length met with a due recognition of his merit. Mr Jackson Palmer has received a very handsome massive gold chain and star. The latter bears the following inscription :—‘ Presented to Jackson Palmer, Esq., by Messrs Bradlyand Cohen, of London, and Adolph Kohn, of Auckland, as a memento of his able advocacy of the Southern Star appeal case in the Supreme Court, in which he was successful.’ The presentation was made in connection with the case. Vigilant v. Southern Star Extended, heard in the Supreme Court last week. His many friends are heartily congratulating Mr Palmer. That Lady Brassey, who lately met with an accident in Melbourne, is improving very satisfactorily. That Mr Dodge has returned to Sydney. He is on the staff of the Melbourne Age and Leader, and has been on a trip to the South Sea Islands. That Mr John Harrison, from the Kaipara, has come back from bis Sydney visit.

That the Port Nicholson Yacht Club have invited the Administrator of the Government and Lady Prendergast to be their guests at their annual ball this month.

That the • Westralia ’ carried an important author, Mr . A. Vogan, who wrote ‘ The Black Police,’to Sydney last week.

That the New Zealand Times has sent its chief reporter, Mr P. Nolan, by the * Tutanekai ’ to describe the arrival of our new Governor in Sydney. That Mr Campbel), of the Audit Department, is now in Wellington.

That the Auckland Statue Committee are raising money for their project by using the district schools as channels for collecting coins from the children. One mother asks if the children are to empty their moneyboxes, or get the money from their parents. That the sheep on properties round about Masterton were running about the other morning with a coat of from three to four inches of frozen snow on their backs. Glistening in the morning sun they presented a strange appearance.

That the Record Reign Celebration Committee at Raglan have 3s in hand. It was resolved as a happy solution of the difficulty of disposing of so large a sum, to let it go towards placing seats round the Commemoration tree. It was also proposed to provide each seat with an umbrella.

That Miss Broome’s dance music at Tamahere on Thursday evening was much appreciated.

That the engineer of the Waitetpota County Council has returned from his Australian trifxponstderably richer by the addition of a Bride. Mr H. M. Wilson married Miss Sweet at Melbourne, returning to Auckland via Sydney.

That the Blenheim bachelors have issued invitations for a ball to be held on August 13th.

That quite a number of Wellington ladies and gentlemen are preparing their fancy dresses for the Hutt ball, which takes place next week. J edging from reports some of them will be very pretty. That there are so many exhibits entered for the Dog and Poultry Show in Blenheim, which opened on Thursday, July 29th, that they have to be divided between Ewart’s Hall and the Drill-shed.

That during Mr G. E. Tolhurst’s absence, MrS. Hallamore was temporary resident Inspector of the Union Bank of New Zealand. This gentleman has received a permanent appointment in Sydney, whither he has now gone.

That a schoolmaster who has kept one school for 21 years has commenced teaching a fresh set of young ideas to shoot. In other words, Mr Low, of Willowby School, Ashbnrton. is going to commence farmingin the Wsituate district.

That a conversazione is to be given by the citizens of Wellington in the Parliamentary Buildings in Augnst as a reception to Lord and Lady Ranfurly. That an important, bat diminutive passenger, in the shape of a sweet little skye terrier, a great pet of Lady Ranfurly's, was on board the * Gothic.’ and safely arrived in Wellington.

That the Ambulance classes in Auckland begin at once. The men's is on Friday evening, and the ladies on the following Tuesday. Dr. Girdler, a much-esteemed lecturer, kindly takes both classes. That the Hon. W. P. Reeves (Agent-General for New Zealand), at a meeting in connection with Women’sSufrage held in London, supported Mrs Fawcett, who moved a resolnton for the passing of the Women’s Franchise Bill, and spoke at length on the effect of the Franchise in this country, saying that it was an unqualified success in every respect. Lady Henry Somerset also spoke earnestly in favonr of the right of women to the electoral franchise.

That next Wednesday the Misses Wilks, Mount Albert, have charge of the evening entertainment in the Parish Hall, and have been lucky enough to secure the services of some exceptionally good talent from Mount Eden.

That Mrs Crawshaw has just returned from a most enjoyable two months’ trip to the Sonth Sea Islands and Sydney in the fine steamer ‘ Upolu,’ which is in command of Captain Crawshaw. That Mr W. E. Spencer, the Inspector of Schools, Taranaki, delivered an interesting lecture on * The Spectroscope in Astronomy ’ in the Whiteley Hall on July 27th, which was well attended.

That the youngest passenger on the * Tasmania ’■ when she struck was a baby a few hours old. It and its mother will not soon forget its birthday. July 29th.

That the Messrs Garrick (three) returned to Christchurch from Melbourne last week, having left their mother much better, and who now hopes soon to be once more back in New Zealand.

That just before the ballot was taken for the Vestry at the meeting of St. Mary's parishioners, on Monday night in New Plymouth, the Rev. F. G. Evans said: * I hope the time is not far distant when the women members of the congregation will have an equal right with the men to vote. The expression was received with applause. That the Misses Fell, Picton, have gone to Blenheim to stay with their aunt, Mrs Carey. Miss Fell comes into Picton on Saturdays to attend her dancing class, and returns to Blenheim the same evening. They will remain away till after the bachelors’ ball to be held on the 13th August. That by late advices from London Mr and Mrs Isaac Gibbs expect to leave on the return journey the end of August to Christchurch.

That the Meat Preserving Works at Patea, which were burnt down a short time since, are to be re-built.

That Mr Harris has returned to Picton from * Tyntesfield,’ where he has spent a pleasant fortnight shooting, etc.

That the Christchurch Cycle Show bids fair to exceed in size and popularity the most sanguine expectations of the promoters.

That Mrs Frank Bedard and Miss Laura Buller have been staying a few days with Mrs W. F. Elkington, Rangitikei Road, Palmerston North.

That Dr. Marsack, of Auckland, met with an unfortunate accident on Sunday. He was driving in Queenstreet, when his horse took fright at the Salvation Army Band in Durham-street and bolted. Neither the doctor nor his coachman could hold the horse, which eventually collided with a telegraph post. The vehicle was somewhat broken, and the occupants pitched out. The doctor received concussion of the hips and a shaking, the coachman got off with two ent knees, and a severely sprained ankle. Constables Bird and Fraser rendered first aid. The doctor has been removed to his residence, Manukan Road, Parnell.

That the public were cordially invited to attend the opening of the New Plymouth Gun Club, held on the Fitzroy Sports Ground, July 29th. Mrs J. B. Roy, Mayoress, kindly consented to release the first pigeon.

That Miss Freda Marsden’s pupils’ concert at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms was a clever performance for such young pupils, speaking well for her art in teaching. That at the meeting of the parishioners of St. Mary’s, New Plymouth, held on Monday evening, the Rev. F. G. Evans paid feeling tribute to the memory of the late Mrs Govett, and said that it was proposed at an early date to erect a brass lion’s head lectern to her memory in St. Mary's. Already a draft had been sent Home in this connection.

That the Public Hall, Picton, was nearly burned down on Thursday last. The Trilby Assembly were having their usual fortnightly dance, when a kerosene lamp exploded. The little fire-bell rang, the fire-brigade turned out, and the fire was fortunately extinguished.

That Miss Horton will hold a breaking-up dance in the Good Templars Hall, Blenheim. It will be quite a smart affair, and a great many invitations have been sent out.

That the Picton Record Reign committee have allocated the surplus fund, which amounted to 13s, as follows: One iron seat to be placed on Nelson Square, and the balance to the Picton fire brigade.

That all the girls who took part in the Wellington entertainment in aid of the * Floods Relief Fund * were entertained by Lady Douglas at afternoon tea last week. Among those who spent a very pleasant afternoon were the Misses Douglas, Harcourt, Coleridge, MacGregor, Harcourt, Young, and Gibson. That the plans for the proposed new pavilion for the New Plymouth Bowling Club, prepared by Mr J. Sannderson, show a very pleasing elevation. The interior is to be fitted with all exquisite conveniences for bowlers. The floor space will be 24ft x 14ft, divided into two compartments. A verandah 10ft wide will run the full length of the bnilding, and when complete (with some alterations, no doubt) it will decidedly add considerable prestige to the Clnb’s very natty green. That a shark 17ft was captured at the Heads, Picton, by Messrs Perano while out on a fishing expedition. The jaws, capable of taking in a goodly-sized child, are on view at the fisheries, and are ornamented with three rows of teeth.

That invitations are out for a grand ball to be given by the bachelors of Blenheim. A goodly number of invitations have arrived in Picton, and as most people who can go are accepting, the ball is likely to be a brilliant affair.

That a very jolly little party eventuated at Mrs Western’s, Mount Pleasant, on Friday. Music, songs and games were the order of the evening, and the visitors walked back to Picton in the * wee sma’ ’oors.’

That Mrs T. Rose (Wellington) gave two smart afternoon teas during the week, both of which were largely attended. The tea-table decorations were very effective, consisting of white narcissi and violets. Mesdames T. C. Watson, Williams, Baldwin, Tolhurst, McTavish, and Lichfield, and the Misses Tolhurst, Gore, Williams, Montgomorie and MacPherson were among those present. That it has been decided that the annual ball of the New Plymouth Fire Brigade will be held on the 9th November. The management, as in previous years, will be in capable hands, and success may confidently be predicted. On a future occasion I will be in a position to speak more fully as to what is being done. That Mr H. M. Lund gives a recital shortly in Christchurch.