CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue V, 29 January 1898, Page 134

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee. January 19. We have had a terrible experieuee this week, and one that has left sadness and destruction to remind us of it for many a long day. A howling nor'-wester commenced on Thursday with intense heat, both increasing till on Friday it was almost unbearable; ami added to this, smoke began to bear down upon us. obscuring the sun. which only shell a lurid glare, and one could contemplate his brazen face with impunity. Then came the news of the extent of the DISASTER AT OXFORD, tires breaking out in three places, at present no one knows how. but wreckage and ruin are left to some who have spent a lifetime on their homesteads. Twenty-six families are homeless. some only escaping in just what they wore, losing farm-houses, machinery. crops and stock. An unusual number of camping parties were in the district, and they had to fly for their lives, losing all the effects they chanced to have with them, including bicycles. Mr H. Wells was among the unfortunate, losing a very highly prized presentation watch and his "cello. Miles of bush have been destroyed. together with mills and sawn timber, dividing fences, grass and sheep—all swept away. Large numbers of men were employed at the mills, and are much to be -pitied, having lest their employment as well as their homes. A welcome rain set in on Monday and continued all night, thoroughly quenching the fire fiend, and since it has been so clear and sweet, reminding one of a placid sea after a terrific- storm.

On Thursday afternoon Mr Evan Macdonald had arranged for a

MUSICALE at their charming home. Gloucesterstreet West. His mother was having a quiet rest, in the country, but Mr and Mrs Ranald Macdonald assisted in entertaining the numerous guests. Mrs Burns. Miss Davie. Mrs Wilding and Miss Cummings were amongst those who contributed musically to the enjoyment of the afternoon, and in spite of the heat it really was enjoyable. Mrs and Miss Elliot-Page, of the "Sign of the Cross' Company, were the guests of the afternoon. Mrs Elliot-Page wore a becoming black and white costume: Miss Elliot-Page, a figured blue silk, the bodice almost composed of deep rose covered with white chiffon, hat to match; Mrs Burns, pale grev silk, with touches of pink chiffon; Mrs J. C. Palmer, pale green canvas over rose silk, white hat and feathers and rose chiffon; Mrs Denniston, white canvas trimmed with black velvet; Mrs Wilding, grey costume relieved with green: Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, black and white striped silk with lemon colour let in the bodice, finished with lace, becoming large hat; Mrs Boyle.white muslin, with blaek lace insertion: Miss Julius, white muslin, with heliotrope yoke and sleeves: Miss Davie, a heliotrope costume and becoming large hat; Mrs Braham, Mrs Taylor, Mrs Fox. Ainger. Stopford. Tabart. Cotterili. Bishop Julius, Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, the Misses Reeves, Ackland. Nedwill. etc., were some of the numerous guests.

fin Friday evening Mr Jesse Simeon, of Dunedin, gave an organ recital at the Cathedral, Mr A. Millar being the vocalist. It was throughout very enjoyable, but the Cathedral Library Fund only lienefited Is. 6kl. over £4. We are excellent in attending free shows in Christchurch.

The City Guards have lieen incamp a week at Xew Brighton. An inspee-

tion [>arade took place on Fridayevening, and a friendly cricket match with a Brighton eleven on Saturday afternoon. A Church parade was held on Sunday morning, and in the afternoon the officers gave an ‘At Home." but early in the afternoon a number rushed off about two miles up the tramline, and by their timely assistance prevented the spread of what would undoubtedly have been a serious fire. On their return visitors began to arrive, several hundred being received by them during the afternoon, and refreshed with cake and tea. Among them Bishop Julius. Chaplain of the North Canterbury Battalion, Lieutenant McDonald, of the North Otago Mounted Rifles, and Mrs McDonald. The Woolston Band played some pleasing selections. It was interesting to see the neat order in the various camps, and the beautifully kept accoutrements. Camp broke up on Monday.