Society on dits

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XIV, 25 September 1897, Page 432

Society on dits

That the comedietta, The Duchess of Bayswater and Co.’ which was recently performed in Blenheim by amateurs, is to be repeated shortly. That the Nelson amateurs have made arrangements to give a performance of the ‘ Mikado ’

in Blenheim. That Mr Ben Tillet intends, if possible, to enter Parliament in New South Wales. That some settlers in the South of this colony have adopted straw flavoured with treacle as food for their sheep, owing to the drought causing a short supply of grass. That a new drapery and fancy goods shop has been opened in Picton. The new venture is tnrning out well, and in consequence the other shop windows are wearing quite a festal look with spring goods and fancy millinery. That much sympathy is felt in Auckland with Mr Tonson Garlick, who has lately turned his business into a company, and whose premises were greatly damaged by fire on Thursday night. Mr Garlick was summoned from his Mount Albert residence by telephone. A large crowd took a deep interest in the progress of the fire. Curiously enough, the plate glass windows at the Queen-street front of the building were quite uninjured. The origin of the fire is unknown. That the short-time prisoners detained in the Picton gaol are now utilised for useful purposes, and employed in finishing the track to Laughing Bob’s Bay. Why they cannot be employed in reclaiming part of the Lagoon for a recreation ground has been a puzzle to most people for some time past. That subscriptions for the proposed memorial to Canon Bates, of the North Shore, are now being solicited in Auckland and Devonport. The late Vicar was singularly gentle and kind, though firm, brave, and conscientious in doing his duty. His was a nature to inspire respect and love, and doubtless there are very many who will be glad to give something towards perpetrating the memory of a thoroughly good man. That Mr Tallis Trimnell of Wellington, is to be remembered throughout New Zealand by some form of memorial or statue. A large and influential committee has been formed to raise the necessary funds. That theSt. John Ambulance Association ismakinggood progress in New Zealand. It has been decided in England that the lectures on ‘ Home Nursing and Hygiene ’ can now be given to men. Auckland centre is taking the lead in this respect, and the secretary is inviting anyone wishing to add this important information to their store of learning to join a class at once. The good done already by pupils of the Ambulance Association can hardly be estimated. That Mrs W. K. Macdonald is giving an * At Home * for the newly-married couple—Mr and Mrs Weston—on Friday this week at her residence, Gloucester-street, Christchurch. That as the energy and kindness of Mrs Lonsdale Pritt in assisting the Auckland Ladies’ Benevolent Society is well known, doubtless many ladies will be glad to go to the meeting which is to be held at her residence, Lower Remuera, on Monday, September 27th, at 3 o’clock, to make arrangements for the annual juvenile fancy dress ball to be held in the Remuera Hall on Thursday, October 7th. It is proposed that the proceeds of the ball shall this year be given to form a Benevolent Society Convalescent Fund. All who are willing to help are invited to come to the meeting. That cheery news still comes home from the Picton boys—Messrs H. Greensill and Gerald Allen in South Africa, and G. Seale in Western Australia. Mr Seale is expected to pay Picton a visit next month. That Mrs J. A. Tole, Ponsonby, Auckland, gave a very pleasant afternoon tea on Wednesday. That Taupo is in a very shaky condition. It was reported last Saturday that they had enjoyed about fortyeight continuous quiverings and rumblings of the earth, some very severe shocks being experienced. That the Waipawa Dramatic Club intend staging ‘Caste,’ a thrilling comedy by Robinson, and that the performance is to come off on the 9th November. The leading parts are to be taken by Mr and Mrs W. H. T. Bennett. Unfortunately the Waipukurau Dramatic Club have also decided to perform the comedy, ‘ A Weak Woman,’ on the same date.

That the smartest record trip from Matamata to Tauranga, via Rotorua, has been made by a gentleman in sulky last week. The distance is something between 80 and 90 miles, and the time occupied was 12 hours.