CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue X, 5 March 1898, Page 292

CHRISTCHURCH

Dear Bee, February 23. We tried hard to get up a little excitement over THE RACES last Friday and Saturday, but it fell far short of our November week. The attendance on Saturday was a little better than on the previous day, and that is all to be said. There were some unexpected victories, which did make things ‘hum’ (as the boys say) for a little ; and there was a few pretty frocks. Mrs G. G. Stead, pale blue gown with trimmed skirt, floral toque to match; Lady Clifford, blue grey striped cloth coat and skirt, white vest, hat with roses and ribbon bows; Mrs Wason, fawn cloth coat and skirt, pink vest, floral hat to match; Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, black satin gown, grey sac jacket, large hat; Mrs R. H. Rhodes, black satin trimmed skirt, the bodice of white, veiled with black, the yoke of pale blue, black hat with fancy ribbon of blue and heliotrope; Mrs Alister Clark, fawn gown, the .yoke of white, embroidered with jewels, narrow vest of pale pink silk; Mrs Alan Scott, brown serge costume with long coat, black toque with touch of red; Mrs J. D. Hall, grey and pink glace silk, pink vest and floral hat; Mrs W. Perry, an exquisite gown of heliotrope moire, the bodice trimmed with lace; Mrs Rhodes (Wellington), handsome black satin gown, black bonnet; Misses Cowlishaw, Tabart, Nedwill, Reeves, Harley’,Gerard and Wilder were among the young ladies present. His Excellency the Governor was there the first day. There have been one or two DINNER PARTIES AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE (ELMWOOD) during the week. Among the invited guests have been Colonel and Mrs Gordon, Mr and Mrs Heaton Rhodes, Mr and Mrs Pyne, Mr and Mrs G. Gould, Mr and Mrs Bevan-Brown, Mr and Mrs Alister Clark. Mr Pearce, Mr B. Lane, Mrs Rolleston, and the Misses -Julius (two). The Christchurch Regatta was

held on Thursday on the Waimakariri, Kaiapoi. The weather was beautiful, and a number of people availed themselves of the excuse for an outing'. Cyclists were very numerous. Amongst the riders in that direction were Mr and Miss Russell, Mr and Miss Winter, the Misses Mears (two), Miss Thomas, etc. His Excellency the Governor attended the regatta and was entertained at luncheon. A very SUCCESSFUL PICNIC was held by the staff of the D.I.C. on a portion of the estate of the late Mr James Gammack, on Thursday, and on the same day the members of Our Father’s Church held a picnic in Professor Bickerton’s grounds, Tahuna Park. A number cycled there, others drove, the remainder reaching the rendezvous by tram. Numerous picnics have taken place this week, and there are still more to eventuate. Every trade and almost every profession has its annual picnie, so there is a long list of them. The insurance companies hold their annual picnic on Thursday (to-morrow), at Bligh’s Gardens, New Brighton. Mr and Mrs Maddison entertained a large number of friends at the CHRISTCHURCH BOWLING GREEN on Saturday afternoon (a ladies’ day). Mrs Maddison wore a grey costume with pretty floral bonnet, and was ably assisted' in looking' after* the numerous guests by Miss Maddison, in a pretty white embroidered muslin. Mr and Mrs Muridge, Mrs (Major) Taylor, Miss Fodor, Misses Ross, Raphael, Kirton, Talbot, Moir, Mrs and Miss Packer were only a few of the many present. During the afternoon the whole company were photographed in front of the pavilion. On Monday, Mrs Mathias, Fendalton, gave her friends a VERY PLEASANT AFTERNOON, music in the drawing-room and croquet outside. Mrs Wilding, Mrs Burns, Miss Todhunter, and the Misses Julius contributed some excellent music. Among the guests were Mrs and Misses Cowlishaw, Mrs and Miss Reeves, Mrs Wallis, Mrs Mules, Mrs and Miss Acton-Adams, Mrs and Miss Malet, Mrs Robison, Mrs and Miss Bowen, Mrs and Miss Helmore, Misses Beswick, Ainger, Harper, Mesdames Ogle, P. Campbell, Denniston, Fox, H. Cotterill, etc. Cards for a garden party on March 3rd at Elmwood have been issued by His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly.

DOLLY VALE.