SOCIETY ON DITS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue X, 28 August 1897, Page 305

SOCIETY ON DITS.

That Mrs Arthur Bull, of Auckland, had another of her charming little dances last Saturday evening. That much regret was expressed by the many friends of Archdeacon Stock on learning that he had met with a somewhat

severe accident. He was walking upstairs in his own home, when he was overcome by a sudden fit of dizziness and fell to the foot of the stairs, breaking no bones, bnt snstaining so severe a shaking that he has been obliged to remain in bed.

That Mrs Fell, Nelson, has returned from Wellington. That in the great anxiety to acquire wealth by sulphnr, the native beanties of Tikitere are being spoiled. The wonderful sulphur cave is said to be a thing of the past already. Te Rata or Black Boiling Pool, has been filled up, and water diverted from the falls. But some people prefer utility to beauty any day. That an unfortunate bridal couple in Dunedin, on going to their carefully-prepared new home, found that a sneak thief had been there before them and made off with many valuable and useful household articles, blankets, dresses, etc. The happy pair had to return to the recent scene of their wedding festivities at the bride’s parents* residence.

That the concert given by the children belonging to the Sunday-school of the Church of the Nativity, Blenheim, deserved a larger audience, few of the parents and friends taking sufficient interest to be present. Mr Mabin as conductor, and Miss Girdwood as organist, deserve great credit for the manner in which they had trained the children, who sang very nicely.

That Mr Chaytor, of Marshlands and Picton, intends while he is in England to rouse up some interest in the Picton coal. No one doubts the fact that splendid coal exists in the vicinity of Picton. The residents have handled it, seen it, and used it, yet for some unexplained cause no steps are taken to open up and work such a valuable industry. Mr Chaytor thinks that an English company who have no interest in other mines may take up the matter.

That in a small Canterbury town (Leeston) a cow took possession of a barber’s shop. She had run in there as a change from the saleyards, and the proprietor, not willing to hairdress her for nothing, at length succeeded in ejecting his unwelcome customer. That the port of Picton has been busy of late, and vet there is room for improvement. The steamers cannot take all the accumulation of cargo, and people think it high time that an opposition company started. That there is little going on in Auckland, socially speaking, this week. Everyone is hoping to be stirred up by the visit of His Excellency the Governor.

That a floral ffite is to be held in the Recreation Grounds on November 9th under the auspices of the parishioners of St. Mary’s parish. New Plymouth.

That the * demon influenza ’is abroad. The Waitohi (Picton) Valley settlers are suffering rather severely thia winter from the malady. That a few more new garden peats have been discovered by Mr F. W. Andrews, of Picton. One is attacking the bay tree, and another the blue gum. Mr Andrews has forwarded specimens to Wellington for classification.

That during the a wearing-in ceremony of the Governor in the Parliamentary Grounds, a little boy named Player, a son of Mr Player, of the Working Men’s Club, fell from a tree, which he had climbed to see the ceremony, and broke his arm. Having heard of the accident, Lady Ranfurly called at the Working Men’s Club the next day and left a pretty book, on which her name was inscribed, for the little patient. Having obtained bis. private address. Her Ladyship paid the child a visit, expressing in the kindest manner her concern at the occurrence of the accident, and her pleasure at the favourable progress of the little sufferer. Lady Ranfurly’s first act among us has thus been one of sympathy, proving that the many enconiums bestowed upon her kindness of heart and charm of manner are fully deserved, and she has already won her way to our hearts by this graceful little act of kindness. That Mr and Mrs E. G. Jellicoe left Wellington by the • Aorangi ’ a few days ago on a visit to Fiji.

That Dr. Chapple (Wellington) delivered a series of most interesting lectures during the homeward voyage of the ‘ Rimutaka,’ which were so highly appreciated that at the end of the voyage he was presented with a purse of sovereigns and a presentation.

That the New Plymouth Bowling Club intends to erect a handsome pavilion on its grounds, which will be ready by the coming season.

That there was a mild excitement last week in Dunedin when it was known that two kangaroos, which had escaped from captivity, were wandering about in the Ravensbourne bush.

That Mrs Studholme had a large afternoon tea at Warner’s Hotel, Christchurch, to introduce her daughter-in-law, Mrs J. Studholme. Among the numerous guests were Mrs Elworthy, Mrs R. H. Rhodes (Bluecliffs), Mrs Cameron, Mrs Pitman, Mrs Palmer, Mrs A. Rhodes, Mrs R. J. Scott, Mrs Bowen, Mrs Clifford, Mrs Lascelles, Mrs R. Macdonald, Mrs Fenwick, Mrs Pyne, Mrs Symes, Misses Harper, Acton-Adams, Gray, Grigg, Palmer, etc.

That Mrs Gillies, of • Birtley,’ Parnell, Auckland, gave a large afternoon tea last Friday. That the news of the victory of the Auckland football team in the match against Wellington last Saturday was warmly received in athletic circles. It was, indeed, the turn of the Northerners to win, as out of the eight matches nt present played between the two great cities, Wellington has won five, with one drawn, Auckland having been successful in only two. But it is really too warm to play football in a semi-trobical climate.

That Miss Nettie Speed, Picton. has gone to visit her sister, Mrs Howard, of the Bank of New Zealand. That the annual ball of the Hawke’s Bay Highland Society, which was held in the Garrison Hall, Napier, on Friday night, was a great success. Soon after eight o'clock the chief, Mr R. D. D. M’Lean, M.H.R., led off the grand march, after which dancing was kept up till a late hour. There were about 250 people present. The Misses M’lntyre, of Puketiri, and Messrs M’Lean, Morrison, W. P. Stuart, and Webster performed Highland dances during the evening. That the Port Nicholson Yachting Club ball comes off on Friday night, and is to be held at Thomas* Hall. That Lady Ranfurly held a reception at Government House on Saturday afternoon. That Lady Ranfurly, accompanied by the Hon. C. Hill Trevor, called on Lady Prendergast. The Countess was wearing a green cloth tailor-made costume, handsome sable cape, and toque composed of cerise pink roses and velvet to match.

That the employees of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company assembled at St. George’s Hall on Saturday night in order to make a presentation to the chief engineer on the Company’s line, Mr J. Marchbanks, in honour of his approaching marriage to Miss Gore. The presentation (which consisted of a valuable cutlery cabinet of English oak, filled with a complete service of cutlery of the best steel) was made by the general manager, Mr Hannay. who spoke in high praise of the many good qualities possessed by Mr Marchbanks, and also of his very great popularity with the staff. He also handed him an exquisite bouquet of hothouse flowers for his bride, the gift of the head office staff. The health of the bridegroom having been enthusiastically drunk, Mr Gould, stationmaster, who filled the chair as vice-president, proposed the bride’s health, which was also honoured with great enthusiasm. Mr James Fulton (late general manager of the Company) responded on behalf of Miss Gore. The toast of the * Directors of the Company * having been proposed by Mr Barr, and responded to by Mr Hannay.the rest of the evening was devoted to music, Mr Bradley playing the accompaniments, and after honouring the toast of the ladies, the very pleasant evening spent by all present was brought to a close.