BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XXI, 13 November 1897, Page 664

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, November 2. 1 don’t know if we have been more unfortunate than other places in the matter of weather, but at any rate the Wairau plains seem to have been the battlefield of the elements lately, and last Wednesday, after a fine morning, there was a furious wind, a thunderstorm, a hailstorm, and at night a frost, which blackened the tops of the early potatoes. The cold night, however, was very suitable for the social given by the lady friends of the members of the Fire Brigade, for it is rather late in the season for dancing, and the unusually cold night was very acceptable to the heated dancers, for Ewart’s Hall, in which the dance took place, was taxed to the uttermost to provide dancing room for the very- large number present, esti mated by some to be about 300. The walls of the hall were, by means of greenery of all sorts, flags, and curtains, completely covered, and in several places the brass nozzles were symmetrically arranged and adorned with flowers. A handsome mirror was placed across one corner and artistically draped, beneath which stood a card-table ; a comfortable lounge and chairs in the opposite corner were also furnished with a table, where many were enabled to while away the time when not inclined to dance. The idea of placing card-tables in the hall itself was a very happy one, as one could alternate observation of the merry dancers with an interesting game of cards. The Garrison Band played some of the dances, Mr Corry, on the piano, and Mr E. Rose, cornet, some, and Miss Player and another young lady, whose name 1 could not ascertain, the extras. The term ‘social’ is supposed to indicate that singing, as well as dancing, should be included on the programme, and on this occasion it had been arranged that there should be two songs between each dance ; but after ‘Queen of the Earth,’ by- Mr Jeffries, ‘The Storm,’ by Mr Orr, a song each by Mr Miller and Mr S. Connolly, and a recitation by Miss Wakelin, the vocal numbers were all struck out. The supper, which was contributed by the ladies, was a triumph, both as regards material and arrangement, and was set out at the back of the stage on a long table, which was tastefully decked with lovely flowers. The promoters of the social were so pleased with the success of their undertaking that they think seriously of having one annually. Yesterday, our Anniversary Day, the Presbyterian and Wesleyan Sunday Schools held their annual picnic, the former at Meadowbank, the latter, in the Taylor Pass. Crowded vehicles of all kinds passed, laden with shouting children, who carried gay flags, souvenirs, I expect, of Jubilee time.

FRIDA.