CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XIII, 26 March 1898, Page 391

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, March 16. On Thursday afternoon a perfect feast of flowers was displayed in the Art Gallery under the auspices of the HORTICLLTURAL SOCIETY. The very fine season is greatly responsible for the beauty of the blooms, for, though we are well into Alarch and there are plenty of evidences of autumn, we have so far been spared the boisterous equinoxial gales. A great feature of the Show was the table decorations, and a vast amount of interest was exhibited over them, not only by the workers but by the general public, as the prizes were decided by vote. Airs Boyle came first with pink ivy geranium and maidenhair tern; Aliss Graham, second, with a study in yellow, ribbons and silk to match, and some exquisite lace; Aliss Irvine, third. It was very difficult to decide, and one was very lovely with sprays of Virginian creeper and pale pink roses; another in heliotrope colour. The stand of Air W. Jones, Exeter Nursery, which occupied the whole of one long wall, was a gorgeous display and arranged in a most artistic manner. Alessrs Nairn and Son had another beautifully arranged stand. The Countess of Ranfurly arrived about 3 o’clock and was taken round the Show by the Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, and spent a considerable time admiring the floral beauties. Lady Ranfurly looked extremely well in pink and cream figured poulard, wide cream sash, large black hat, black plumes and pink roses. The afternoon tea was under the supervision of Airs R. H. Rhodes, Airs W. Jones, and Miss Alurray-Aynsley, who, with a bevy of girls, attended to the numerous visitors. The room was uncomfortably crowded at times, but the promoters of course only smiled all the more amiably. Airs A. E. G. Rhodes was unfortunately prevented taking her part in this department of the Show, not having recovered from the effects of a recent coach accident. Airs R. H. Rhodes looked well in a pretty blouse of pink muslin over silk, black skirt, and floral toque; another pretty gown was worn by Mrs F. Waymouth, of fawn canvas over heliotrope silk, the bodice tucked and trimmed with guipure insertion, large fancy straw hat to match; Mrs O’Rorke, green silk blouse, black skirt; Airs (Dr.) Palmer, grey cloth costume and pretty toque; Airs and Aliss Cowlishaw, Airs J. D. Hall, Airs and Miss Reeves, Airs R. Macdonald, Mrs C. Clark, Airs and Miss Palmer, Airs and Aliss Izard, Airs Secretan, Airs Hill, Alisses FraserTytler, Wynn-Williams, Garcia, Elworthy, Cunningham, Aleares, Alesdames Symes, J. Deans, Mathias, Appleby, Wigram, Graham, and numbers more during the afternoon and evening. Rossiter’s Band gave some very enjoyable items, adding to one’s pleasure while there. Another delight this week has been the AAIY SHERWIN CONCERTS at the Choral Hall. One longed to go every night so as not to miss either the brilliant, florid scena or the touching, pathetic little ballad like ‘O Ala Babbie.’ It will be interesting to hear the programme to-night, as Aladame’s numbers are chosen by plebiscite. Aladame Sherwin sang, ‘There is a Green Hill, etc.’ on Sunday night at St. John’s Church, and I overheard the remark, ‘if it had been known the church would not have held the people.’ One day last week Afadame Sherwin met the members of the G.F.S. and gave a capital and encouraging address, gradually leading up to Gounod’s beautiful solo, ‘There is a Green Hill,’ which she sang most feelingly. Another splendid opportunity for our young people will be the students' hour which Aladame Sherwin proposes to give -to-morrow afternoon at the Choral Hall. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT happened to the Akaroa coach last week while on its way from Little River, and it is not known what startled the horses, causing them to run away, and just at a most dangerous part of the road. There were, a number of passengers, amongst them Air and Airs A. E. G. Rhodes, who occupied a box seat; both were thrown a considerable • distance when the coach capsized, but no bones were broken. Air and Airs H. G. Turner (Australia), the former travelling for his health, were inside the coach, and.

unfortunately, Mr Turner is the most seriously injured, and for some time grave doubts were entertained of his recovery. He was taken to a cottage near and Drs. Morris (Little River) and Hargreaves (Akaroa) have been most assiduous in their attention. Mrs Turner, luckily, was bruised and shaken only, and with Miss Henessy, a young lady travelling in their care, have been able to attend to the nursing. Mr A. E. G. Rhodes sent up a special railway carriage with ambuance stretcher to Little River, but Mr Turner could not be moved; but late reports of his progress are encouraging. The others all escaped with more or less scratches or bruises. Mrs Wilding, Fownhope, Opawa, gave a very pleasant luncheon party last week. Among the guests were Mesdames Wynn - Williams. R. Macdonald, H. Cotterill, Stead, H. Wood, L. Harley, Cane, Miss .Julius, and a few others. The final matches of the Croquet Tournament were played on Mr R. Allen’s lawn, Fendalton, last week, and, of course, everybody turned up to see the win. Mrs Boyle and Mr C. Turrell were the successful ones. I am sory to say Mrs Tabart, Opawa, is ill again. Airs John Aiken has also been confined to her room for over a fortnight. Mr Fred Harley is seriously ill with typhoid fever. On Tuesday a very enjoyable afternoon tea was given by Airs F. Archer, Fendalton, for Airs Denniston, who is soon leaving the neighbourhood for Avonside. Alusical people generally, and perhaps Aucklanders particularly, will be somewhat disappointed to hear Mr Alfred Hill is not coming to New Zealand after all, having accepted the position of Conductor of the Sydney Liedertafel. We, in Christchurch, hoped he would be present at the production of his cantata ‘Hinemoa,’ which is to be given shortly by the Christchurch Alusica 1

DOLLY VALE.