CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue IV, 22 January 1898, Page 101

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, January u. In beginning a new year 1 always picture the road behind me going up a steep hill, the top reached by tn list mas, a plateau to the New I ear, crossing a bridge, then beginning the same round on a slight decline, the winter being a dirty, muddy valley with the steep hill on the other side; and so we have just commenced the long road down to the muddy valley which 1 hope will, for you, be a happy one. This Christmas nas been a very hot time and an unusually sail one; three drowning eases, and all of young men about 20 years of age. whilst bathing. A Mr Comerford. at Sumner, whose parents reside at St. Albans; a Mr Keating, in the Avon, at New Brighton, a resident of Addington; and Mr Leslie Thomson, only son of Mr J. J. Thomson, of Opawa. who had gone on a fishing excursion to the Selwyn, with a son of Dr. Morton Anderson and others, and thought he would like a dip first- and was drowned before their eyes. It is inexpressibly sad for Mr Thomson, w ho is a widower,and this son was his constant companion, and much loved by all his relatives and friends.

During Christmas week Mrs Julius gave a large

MUSICAL AFTERNOON. and at which she unfortunately was unable to lie present, being attacked by that fiend influenza, which is raging in Christchurch just now. The Misses Julius and the Bishop made excellent- substitutes, but needless to say how we missed Mrs Julius. Some most enjoyable music was given by Mrs Burns. Mrs Westmacott, Misses Lewis. Malet. and Ella Julius. Mr Maitland Gard'ner, and others. Among the guests were: Mesdames Boyle, Reeves. G. Gould, Wells, Macdonald, Wigram, Bowen, Gibbs, Malet, Cowlishaw. J. C. Palmer. M. Gard'ner. Misses Nedwill, Stopford, Reeves. Cowlishaw, Turrell, and manv more.

Musical people will be delighted to hear Mr Howie, in the Customs Department, Nelson, is removed to Christchurch. Mrs Howie's fame, musically, has travelled before her. and she will be welcomed to our ranks verv cordiallv.

The visit of Viscount Hampden, the Hons. Misses Brand, and Captain Fielden passed off very quietly, no demonstration of any kind being made as I believe he particularly wished it. They are now doing the Southern Lakes.

The Tutanekai caused a little stir in Lyttelton where she arrived on Thursday with the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, the Ladies Constance and Eileen Knox and suite on board. They came up to Christchurch on Friday, and were present at the Lyttelton Regatta on New Year's Day, sailing for the West Coast- Sounds in the evening.

Mrs Ensor, of Mount Grey, had a large house party for the Christmas

holidays. Boxing Day was spent in the form of a garden party, a cricket match was also got up playing a team from Amberley, and in the evening finishing up with a dance. Between 20 and 30 were present. Mrs James Gammack, of Springton, had a large garden party on the Wednesday after Christmas. A number of relations assembled for luncheon, which was served in a marquee on the lawn, and numerous friends arrived through the afternoon. Tennis, croquet. and other games were played, some tennis sets being particularly good.

DOLLY VALE.