PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue VIII, 19 February 1898, Page 226

PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS

IN pursuance of his expressed intention to thoroughly investigate his temporary dominions, His Excellency the Governor paid the pretty little town of Oamaru an official visit on February 7th. Lady Ranfurly and suite were with the Governor. A hearty reception was accorded the party at the railway station, and the local volunteers turned out to add empressement to the ceremony. The Mayor and Mrs Aitken were presented to the Earl and Countess of Ranfurly, and Mr Cunningham, town clerk, read an address of welcome. Lady Ranfurly received two handsome bouquets. Unluckily this bright town looked unusually dull, owing to heavy showers, which spoilt the day’s proceedings, and interfered with the attendance at the evening musical promenade. The Vice-Regal party was received in the prettily decorated Theatre Royal, and a most attractive musical programme was gone through. During the intervals several citizens were duly presented to His Excellency and Lady Ranfurly. Whilst the celebrated Garrison Band played the contested selection, ‘Oberon,’ slight but excellent refreshments were enjoyed. The Vice-Regal party went on to Warrington the following morning. Mrs ,1. Grey, of Wellington, is visiting her mother in Auckland. Mrs and Miss McVay pased through Auckland en route for their home in Napier last week. They have spent three months in Rotorua, and Mrs McVay is very much better for the change. Mr and Mrs Rainger are staying with Mr Brett, Lake Takapuna, Auckland. Mrs Sweet returned to Nelson last Tuesday, leaving Blenheim by coach. The many friends of Mr and Mrs W. Chitty are glad to hear that their little daughter, who has for some weeks been dangerously ill at the Hospital, Hamilton, is fast recovering under Dr. Kenny’s skilful treatment. There is a new master on the s.s. Stella, viz.. Captain A. McKenzie, formerly of the Oban. Miss Trimnell, who has been visiting Mrs Renwick, in the Awatere, left Blenheim for Wellington last Saturday. Mrs T. A. Bell (Ponsonby, Auckland) is at present staying with Mrs Whitaker, Hamilton. - Miss Reid (Wellington), who has been staying with her sister, Mrs A. P. Green, in Blenheim, is now visiting Mrs Baillie at Para. Miss Easson, of Greymouth, is making a short visit to Blenheim, where she is staying with Mrs B. Clouston. Mr W. Dignan, formerly of the Bank of New Zealand. Hamilton, paid a visit to that township last week. Mr R. E. Isaacs arrived in Wellington from Auckland last week. Miss C. Wallnutt has left Hamilton to take up the duties of Lady Assistant at the Te Aroha Baths, to which she has recently been appointed. Mrs Watts, who has been staying in the Wairau Valley with Mr and Mrs G. Watts,left Blenheim for Nelson last Monday. The new member of the Marlborough Land Board is Mr C. H. Mills, M.H.R. Mrs R. McCallum, who has been visiting in Wellington, returned to Blenheim last week. Mr and Mrs Buckleton and family (Auckland) are nt present in Hamilton where Mr Buckleton is acting manager of the B.N.Z. during Mr Hume’s temporary absence on a holiday in the South. Miss Johnston bicycled from Blenheim to Picton and back yesterday, and found the road, particularly from Blenheim to Tua Marina, very rough.

Mrs Schuackenberg, late President of the Women's Christian Union, was presented by the Auckland members last week with a handsome writing case, as a mark of their esteem and appreciation of her faithfully-perfor-med duties during her long term of office. Mrs Schnackenberg, who was taken by surprise, suitably replied. His Excellency the governor and Lady Ranfurly paid an official visit to Palmerston on Friday. His Excellency says he intends to make himself acquainted with (as far as possible) the whole of New Zealand. The usual address was prepared, presented, and pleasantly received, after which formality, the Governor and party partook of light refreshments at the Empire Hotel, the Mayor doing the honours. Many old identities, and a fair number of ladies, were present. The production of the ‘Sign of the Cross’ in Wellington has attracted a number of Blenheim residents, these Mrs Black, Mrs Mclntosh and Miss Waduy left by the river boat (Opawa) last Tuesday, and by all accounts had a very rough trip. _.ir and Mrs Rogers and Mrs A. P. Green went by the Picton route. Sir Geo. Clifford and Mrs Paul Dousiin were passengers by the same steamer. Miss Eva Warnock (Ponsonby, Auckland) is on a visit to Mrs Holloway, Ham..ton East. Mrs J. Symons, of Kekerangu, is visiting her parents in Blenneim. The Auckland Superintending Steward for the Union S.S. Company, Mr P. A. Young, has gone South. Thence he goes to England on business. Mrs George Edgecumbe (tamell, Auckland, is staying with Mrs Whitaker just now, and enjoying her Waikato visit. Dr. and Mrs Nairn left Blenheim last Monday with the intention of spending a week in Vvenmgton. Mr McMillan went to ..uckland last week to join the Upolu as chief officer. Sir Walter Buller, who accompanied His Excellency the Governor in the Tutanekei round the West Coast Sounds, returned to Wellington on Saturday afternoon, having greatly enjoyed his trip. Mr E. Low leaves Nelson this week to take up a responsible position with Mr Beard, solicitor, of Masterton. He has the good wishes of his many friends. Mrs J. Alexander (Mt. Eden, Auckland) has gone to Pukekohe with her eldest daughter for a week’s change. Mr Alfred Hill, the well-known musician and composer, who left Wellington with the Musin Company, and afterwards remained in Sydney, is about to settle in Auckland, as he finds the Sydney climate does not suit him. Auckland will gain much by the accession of such a musical genius to its musical circles. In response to very influential deputation which waited upon him, Mr John Duthie has consented to contest the seat rendered vacant through the resignation of Sir Robert Stout, in the interest of the Opposition. The Liberal candidate will be definitely announced as soon as the Premier returns to Wellington, and meanwhile several likely candidates are quietly canvassing. Mr D. McLaren is generally considered to be the selected of the Unions for the vacant seat, although another probable candidate, Mr Hindmarsh, is a pronounced Prohibitionist, and is, of course, likely to get a strong support from the friendly societies and unions if he stands. Mrs Sellers (Mt. Albert) went to Cambridge, Waikato, for a change.

The Chief Justice, Sir James Prendergast, left Wellington by the Te Anau on Wednesday last, en route for Napier and Auckland. Mrs E. Kenny is staying for the present with her sister, Mrs Millington, in Picton, Mr Kenny having business in the way of land valuation in the district. Miss Ferguson has returned to Blenheim, having paid a pleasant visit to the Pelorus Sound, where she was staying with Mrs Bond. Dr. Sinclair Gillies, who has scored pretty nearly all the honours he can during his graduation to the degree of M.D., London, at St. Bartholomew’s, is, I hear, to return to New Zealand shortly as surgeon on the s.s. Nairnshire. The voyage out will partake of the nature of a honeymoon trip, for Dr. Gillies will on Friday next take to wife Miss Jessie Willies, of Flintham, near Newark. Before sailing the happy pair will spend a few days with the doctor’s old friend Capt. Ashby, at ‘The Anchorage,’ Church Walk, Oxford. The many friends in New Zealand of Mr Ashby will be pleased to hear that he is now enjoying the best of health and finds life in the ’Varsity city so much to his taste that all longings for the bustle of Leadenhall - street have left him. Mrs and Miss Nita Ashby are at present spending a few days in London, and last night the latter appeared atthe Lady Mayoress’ fancy dress ball disguised as an Oxonian Doctor of Music. Her dress is thus described in a contemporary : ‘Cream broche gown, faced down front in red satin, red satin sleeves, black vest, white tie and collar, College cap.’ A fortunate escape from broken bones was experienced by the Rev. G. Clement last week. He was riding from Stratford to Bird Road, when his steed fell, bringing Mr Clement also to the ground. The rider got off with a severe shaking. The first president of the Christchurch Liedertafel, Mr W. G. Rhind, of the Bank of New South Wales, is visiting Christchurch, but his many friends will regret to learn that his health since he has been in Wellington has not been by any means what could be wished. At the weekly meeting of the Liedertafel no doubt opportunity will be taken to give Mr Rhind cead mille failthe. Mr Frank Glasgow (Dunedin) is visiting his people in Nelson. Miss Evelyn Rich, of Glenalvon, Auckland, gives a large ‘At Home’ on Tuesday, February 15th, at three p.m., as a farewell before her departure for England. Miss Allen, Miss Speed and Miss B. Stevenson were passengers to Wellington from Picton on Wednesday. Picton residents frequently take a trip acros the Straits to see any good company that may be playing there. ‘The Sign of the Cross’ and ‘The Prisoner of Zenda' were the attraction in this case. Miss Speed returned home on Saturday, but Miss Allen is staying on for some weeks with friends. Mr Douglas McLean. M.H.R. for Napier, is at present paying a short visit to Wellington. Mr P. Atkinson, after an absence in the North Island of about two years, is back in Nelson with the firm of Messrs Fell and Atkinson, solicitors. Mrs Hutchison. Onehunga, accompanies Mr and Mrs Vallance on Monday next to Rotorua; when she returns she will leave Onehunga and take up her residence in Remuera, Auckland. Miss Davidson, Picton. has gone to Nelson to visit her friends and enjoy a change.

Mr Harris and Miss Hattie Harris, Picton, have gone to spend a few weeks on their run in the Pelorus Sound. Commander Preedy of H.M.s. Torch and Mrs Preedy are staying at the Koval Hotel, Christchurch. Mr H. Cottier has been re-elected bandmaster of the Friendly Societies* Band in New Plymouth. Miss Edith Tanner, Otahuhu, Auckland, is going to Dunedin for three weeks for a pleasure trip . Mr and Miss Buller have returned to Christchurch from the South, bringing Miss F. Mills with them. After a short stay she goes on to Wellington. Miss F. Sealy has returned to her home in Nelson after a pleasant trip to Christchurch. At the Star Boating Club’s Swimming Sports on Saturday last in Wellington, great interest centred in the race for the Club Championship, which was eventually won by Mr Arthur Duncan, whose swimming was admirable. The proudest man in New Zealand just at present is the lucky spouse of a Wakefield (South Island) resident. The lady has just presented him with triplets, and congratulations have poured in on the happy husband, who is extremely popular in the district. In New Zealand the birth of triplets does not entitle the mother to the Queen’s Bounty of £3, as it does in New South Wales and some other colonies. The lady and her progeny are all doing as well as can be expected. Some Ashburton residents, Mr and Mrs John Hefford and others, have paid a holiday visit to the opal fields at Peel Forest and Mount Peel. They report that three or four parties are at work, but that so far no very good stone has been found. A lucky find, may, however, come to hand any day, and will mean money, for opals are now the fashionable stone. A certain Mr William H. Kroger, alleged, to belong to ’Frisco, is a humorous sort of person. Mr Kroger desired to be married, and with a prospective bride sought-out a parson. The knot was tied and the fee demanded, but Mr Kruger thought the sum named excessive, and vented his indignation by severely beating and mauling the unfortunate clergyman. His wife thereupon flatly refused to live with him, thinking Kroger’s style of argument unduly expressive. Mr J. N. Williams, of Hastings, has returned from a visit to Wellington. Captain and Miss Chapple, with Mr and Mrs Harvey, Picton, were camping out at Resolution Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound, for a few days last week. Mr and Mrs H. Greenway, of Clifton, Mount Eden, leave Auckland on Monday by the Mararoa for Australia. Mr H. Greenway has been appointed manager of the West Australian branch of the Australian Gold Recovery Company. Mr Greenway will proceed to Adelaide after reaching the New South Wales capital. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly intend visiting Dunedin during March next, and are to be present at the races on the 23rd of that month to see the Dunedin Cup run. The polo tournament is to be held at Hastings this year, and the President of the Hawke’s Bay Polo Club (Captain Russell) has presented the club with a beautiful cup to be run for in the polo cup race. The tournament promises to be very largely attended. and there are rumours in Wellington of great preparations in the way of sports and balls by the committee. Mr James P. Maxwell, late Commissioner of Railways, contemplates a visit to England in March next. Miss Edythe Horne left Blenheim last Monday to pay a visit to Nelson. Mr W. H. Atkins, of the firm of Cousins and Atkins. Auckland, has been on a visit to New Plymouth.

Mr Ogle has been removed from the National Bank, Christchurch, to Timaru, for six months. Mrs Ogle and her little daughter will spend the time visiting her mother and sisters in Christchurch. Mrs Collins has returned from her trip to Sydney, leaving that place on Saturday, and arriving in Blenheim on Wednesday, and having a fine passage, enjoyed it immensely. Mrs (Captain) Baillie, Para, and Miss Reed, Wellington, were in Picton on Tuesday paying calls. The Rev. A. H. Sedgwick, Vicar of Picton, and Mrs Sedgwick have gone to Spring Creek for a week or two. Mr Sedgwick has changed places with the Rev. E. Ensor, so that Mr and Mrs Ensor are occupying the Picton Vicarage for the time being. Judge and Mrs Denniston will shortly be residents at Avonside, Christchurch, having taken the house once occupied by Mr and Mrs Rolleston. Mr Sclanders (Nelson), who went for a trip to the Southern lakes with Mrs Sclanders, is at present suffering from an attack of bronchitis at Queenstown. Mr W. L. Newman has been elected Chairman of the New Plymouth Recreation Grounds Board. Mr W. de Castro (Nelson) is in Christchurch attending the General Synod. Mrs and Miss Bleazard-Brown, of Epsom, Auckland, returned from their pleasure trip to the Sounds last week. Athletic circles in Wellington have sustained a great loss lately in the person of Mr Ross Gore, who has been transferred to the Melbourne branch of the A.M.P. Society. Before Mr Gore’s departure he was presented by the Society with a very handsome travelling valise. Mr Edward Lowe, the manager of the Wellington branch, making the presentation on behalf of the Society. Mr Gore has always been a most enthusiastic cricket, golf, and tennis player, and was one of Wellington's best athletes. Mr John Tinline (Nelson) came down from the Hammer Springs this week, and is spending a little time in Christchurch. Mr Litchfield, Inspector 8.N.Z.. and his family spent a few days in Picton last week, and returned to Wellington on Wednesday. Mrs Cheeseman (of Marunui, Remuera), leaves Auckland for Waiheke on Tuesday, the 15th, and will not return till after Easter. The new Commissioner of Police, Mr Tunbridge, paid his first official visit to New Plymouth a few days ago. Mr W. T. L. Travers (Wellington) has purchased the charming house and grounds at the Lower Hutt at present occupied by Mrs Burnett, and intends residing there in a few months’ time. During the Rev. J. P. Kempthorn’s absence from Nelson, the services at the Cathedral are conducted by the Rev. E. Allanson. Mr Seale, who has been visiting the H. C. Seymours at Tyntesfield, left Pieton for Western Australia on Wednesday last. Mr J. B. Roy has been re-elected Chairman of the New Plymouth High School Board of Commissioners. Mr Hearn an employee of Staples’ Brewery in Wellington, has drawn a prize in Tattersall’s sweep valued at £2,700. Mr and Mrs Archie Clark (of Remuera) and family are leaving Auckland for England. Mr Clark leaves on Monday. His wife and family will follow in about a month. Mr Duncan McKenzie, son of the Minister of Lands, who has been for some time one. of his father’s secretaries, hns resigned his position in order to take up land at Shag Valley. Otago.

The Misses Curtis and Worsley (Nelson) have gone to Wellington for a short trip. Miss K. Seymour, Tyntesfield, is in Picton visiting various friends for a few weeks. During the last week Mr Walker, Minister of Education, has been in Nelson, and accompanied by Messrs McKenzie and Graham. M.H'R.’s, and the Mayor (Mr F. Trask) visited the Colleges, Hospital, and Asylum. The same gentlemen, with the Rev. Father Mahoney and Mr A. P. Bumes, also visited the Stoke Orphanage. Miss Ovenden left for England from Christchurch last Friday. Dr. Ovenden went to Wellington to see her off. His Excellency the Governor is to visit Akaroa in March, and will then most probably unveil the monument which is to be erected at Observation Point. Mrs Laishley, of Auckland, left- last Saturday on a holiday visit to her cousins. Mr and Mrs Joseph Liston Wilson, at their country estate, Mangawhara, near Okoroire. Mrs Cecil Whitney is also staying there, with her mother. A recent well-known Wellington musical man. Mr Maginnity, is now married to a daughter of'a United States Navy Captain, and is living in San Francisco. His Excellency the Governor officially visited Port Chalmers last week. Miss Mills presented Lady Ranfurly with a lovely bouquet. The Mayor entertained the Vice-Regal party' at lunch, after which they drove to Warrington as guests of the Hon. G. McLean. Miss Worsp is visiting Mrs LoyddFrances at the Thames.

One of the English Bishops, the Salisbury Prelate, is touring the colonies. He has been far from strong lately, and is seeking for renewed strength in change of air. Mr Robert Fraser, second engineer of the s.s. Westralia, is leaving that vessel. His new work, that of assisting Mr Cummings, marine superintendent of the Huddart-Parker Company, takes him shortly to England. Mr Fraser is to help in the erection of the machinery for the Company's steamer now building. Mr G. H. Hardey, of Mangere (Auckland), has resigned his position in the National Bank. He is now in charge of the organ and choir of St Peter's Church. Onehunga. He is extremely fond of music, and means to devote his time entirely to it. He was a pupil of the Rev. P. S. Smallfield, of St. John’s College, Auckland. Mr Hardey has been studying music from some of the best Auckland masters. Mr E. Rawson, clerk of the Auckland Police Court, will pro tern, take up Mr R. G. Thomas’ work at the Supreme Court as Deputy-Registrar. Probably his new duties will continue for eight months. Captain Lecuve, with his French warship ‘Eure,’ arrived in Auckland Harbour from Noumea last week. The editor of the Sydney ‘Sunday Times,’ Mr T. R. Roydhoiise, was in Wellington last week. He is touring New Zealand. Mrs Thornton, nurse, and baby are staying at Lake Hotel, Takapuna. Mr Justice Conolly, of Auckland, who has been suffering seriously from influenza, was well enough last week to hold a sitting of the Supreme Court in Chambers on the Tuesdav.