SOCIETY ON DITS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XI, 4 September 1897, Page 339

SOCIETY ON DITS.

That much regret was expressed in Auckland that Lady Ranfurly did not accompany His Excellency on his visit to Auckland. That the reason given was that Government House was not furnished to re-

ceive her ladyship. That a loyal Scotchman remarked that Lady Ranfurly’s bonnie face and blithe presence would of themselves be sufficient decoration for any house. That Mrs (Justice) Conolly, Auckland, had her third enjoyable progressive euchre party on the xSth of August. There were nine tables. That a complimentary dinner was given by Mr W. Gray at the Okato Hotel to meet a few friends of Messrs T. C. Bindloss and Haydon Hill.

That Mrs Cleghorn gave a large afternoon tea at her residence, 'Southside,’ Blenheim, last Friday afternoon, which was exceedingly pleasant. Among the guests were Mesdames Grace, Rogers. W. Adams, A. Mowat, J. Mowat, Snodgrass, Black, Mclntosh, Paul, Douslin, Horton, Mclntire, Howard, F. N. Robinson, G Robinson, Griffiths, Stoney, A. Carter, A. Farmar, H. Thompson, and the Misses Vivian (Dunedin) and Simpson (Tauranga)

That thefirst lady lawyer in New Zealand, Miss Ethel R. Benjamin, is practising in Dunedin as a barrister and solicitor. The young lady is short and dark, and was little known by her fellow students in the Dunedin University, astonishing them by her success in the examinations, taking the LL.B, degree in four years, the minimum time. She replied on behalf of the students at the capping ceremony, making an excellent speech.

That Mrs Thomas, of Christchurch, who has been visiting Mrs (Major) George, Epsom, returned South by the * Waihora.’ She has been feted whilst in Auckland, a dance at Mrs McFarlane’s, and various afternoon teas having been given ifi her honour.

That the unprecedented fall of hail and rain in Blenheim last Friday evening rendered the attendance at Miss Redwood’s and Miss Waddy’s Cinderella Dance very meagre, which was a great pity, as the arrangements were even more than usually perfect. But though the party was small, it was extremely pleasant and lively. Some present were Mesdames Black, Lucas, McIntosh, and the Misses Redwood (two), E. Bull, A. Horton, Leslie (Motueka), Waddy, E. Carey, and Messrs H. Robinson, L. Griffiths, Stubbs, R. Dy mock, A. MacShane, Colt, Whitehorn (Nelson), Waddy, etc.

That the New Zealand war medal was presented by Colonel Newall on August 23rd to Messrs E. Okey, H. Homeyer. S. Knight, L. Sarten, Emmanuel de Castro, and G. Jordan (on behalf of his deceased brother D. Jordan) at the inspection parade of the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers in New Plymouth. That St. Philip’s Church, Tariki, was opened on August 19th, the choirs of St. Mary’s (New Plymouth), St. Andrew’s (Inglewood), and St. Philip’s taking part. The service was short, with special psalms, benediction, and the Holy Communion, which was sung to Mr Leslie Hunt’s setting, and used in St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Auckland. The Revs. F. G. Evans, C. W. Robinson, H. Mason, and N. D. Boyes officiated. That Lady Stout, Wellington, gave a very pleasant afternoon tea on Thursday, at which a number of her political friends were present. That the * Dead March in Saul ’ was played in Holy Trinity Church, Picton, on Sunday, by the actingorganist, Miss Hay, in compliment to Mrs Duckworth, and in memory of Mrs Eyes, who resided in Picton for some time. The Rev. A. H. Sedgwick, Vicar of Picton, was asked to go to Blenheim to read the burial service. That Mrs Duncan Cameron gave a children's fancy dress ball at Bishopscourt, Christchurch, last Friday. That a committee meeting was held in St. Mary’s schoolroom to consider in what way they could celebrate the Jubilee of the Ven. Archdeacon Govett. It was finally decided that the commemoration should take the form of a reredos, which they would obtain from England.

That Mrs Alfred Bran den (Wellington) entertained a few of her friends at afternoon tea on Thursday afternoon.

That chief Mr Brown, of the Wairarapa, with Mrs Brown and suite, left Picton on Wednesday for the north. They have been paying a visit of some length to Mr and Mrs Love and the natives of Waikawa. Their visit was in connection with Simon Patett, the new Maori prophet. Feasting and prayer-meetings were held alternately.

That prior to the Governor’s departure for Auckland, the Earl and Countess of Ranfarly entertained a party at dinner. Some of the guests were the Hon. HallJones, the Hon. Dr. and Mrs Grace, Mr Justice and Mrs Edwards, Sir James and Lady Hector, the Rev. and Mrs Fan court.

That a number of amateurs will shortly give an entertainment in aid of the funds of the Wairau Tennis Club, Blenheim.

That Lady Ranfurly has worn several charming gowns since her arrival in Wellington. Outwalking the other day she was in a very smart costume of dark blue trimmed with pearl buttons with which she wore a large black hat trimmed profusely with pink roses.

That the little damsel at Stratford, who gave the Earl of Ranfurly a bouquet, was characteristically dressed to represent an Irish lassie.

That a waiting-room for the accommodation of passengers and others having business at the steamers is to

be fitted up at the Picton railway station. Not before it was wanted either. The steamers generally call at Picton at some unearthly hour of the night, and the passengers who do not go to the hotels have to do a freeze while they wait. That Dr. H. D. Mackenzie’s dredging operations at the Wakamarina are turning out a success. News came to Picton that some • washings up ’ had exceeded expectations.

That during the spell in the Auckland-Taranaki match the Friendly Societies’ Band played a selection called ' Now or Never,’ probably to encourage the local men, but they didn’t rise to the occasion

That Lady Ranfurly attended the lecture by Mr Christian, which was given at the Philosophical Society’s last meeting. Several others from Government House accompanied her.

That the people of Eltham are indulging greatly in dancing this season. There was a plain and fancy dress basket dance on the 26th of August, and a children’s plain and fancy dress ball comes off on September 23rd. In the ssme month there is to be a cricketers’ ball, and also an assembly every week.

That Mrs Izard, of Wellington, gave as afternoon tea last Friday. That the Waikakahoe Valley and the country thence to Para (Picton) has been taken up as a sheep run by Messrs Tinline and Neville.

That the address of welcome to Taranaki presented to Lord Ranfurly at Stratford was enclosed in a prettily carved box, which had been made by Mr A. Woodhead, of Stratford.