CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue V, 30 July 1898, Page 151

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee. July 20. Bargain-hunters are having a real happy time just now. Sales are on everywhere, and the poor, weary shopassistants have my profound sympathy, not for the work they go through for genuine buyers, but for the endless putting straight after those who only go to pull over things, have stacks and stacks to look at, never like anything—you know the kind of person who is always looking for something for nothing. The weather is too gloriously fine to think of buying winter goods: we are already beginning to think of spring, and I hear self colours will be the prevailing tone, especially grey; this colour to my mind will always hold its own. The huntsme’n had two lovely days last week. There was A MEET on Tuesday at Courtney, on Mr Turner’s property, who with his family entertained the field most hospitably, but, as is always the case when so far from town, spectators were limited. Among those following were Mesdames Woodhouse and W. F. M. Buckley, Misses Anson and Overton, Messrs Bassett, R. H. Rhodes, E. Turrell, Lili. Neave. Palairet, and others. On Saturday the meet took place in the Islington district, and some good runs were made with a good view of them for the spectators. Amongst the riders were Professor, Mrs. and Miss Haslam, Misses Westeura, Bassett (2), Beare, and Hill, Messrs J. D. Hall, G. Miirrny-Aynsley. P. Campbell, Ford. Cowlishaw. Neave. C. Turrell, ILnwdon. etc.: and driving were Mesdames Ogle, and Rose. Mr and Mrs C. Dalgety, Misses Nedwill, Cowlishaw, Lee. Mr and Miss Clarkson, and others. The CROQUET CLUB bids fair to become an established fact. A strong committee wns formed nt the meeting which took place nt Mrs Vernon's house, and of which Mrs

Vernon, Miss Cowlishaw. and several more with plenty of energy are members.

The Victoria Lake in Hagley Park is a great attraction, ami the number of model yachts increases every week. It is a pretty sight to see the little white-winged things skimming across the water. Miss Cox’s CINDERELLA DANCE last Friday was a very enjoyable one, perhaps because people felt it. was the last of the season. A final ball is announced for August on the night of the Grand National, and that is sure to be a good one. Miss Cox wore black prettily trimmed with jet and chiffon; Miss McGregor (Wellington), very becoming yellow brocade, the bodice trimmed with white, chiffon; Miss Davie looked handsome in her white satin with gold embroidered epaulets; Misses Henderson. Donald, Overton, and numerous others were present. Miss Calvert’s last assembly in the Linwood Hall took the form of a fancy dress one, and was greatly enjoyed by all present, some of the characters being exceedingly well carried out. though nothing new or very original. A mnch-talked-of little person has eome amongst us for a week or two. and that, is little Celia Dampier, of Auckland, and a very clever little girl she is. She is winning all hearts by her playing and her sweet manner, and I hope it will reach people’s pockets and touch them very deeply when it- comes to be time to take tickets for her concert. Talent such as she possesses is worthy of recognition, and when it is taken into consideration the little girl is striving to gain tuition for herself, and what she will be when she has had that tuition, one can scarcely hesitate a moment in helping in such a small way. On Tuesday afternoon Mrs Burns gave a large MUSICAL AFTERNOON at. the Colonial Bank. Hereford-street. Among the guests were Mrs Denniston. Mrs G. G. Stead, Mrs Julius, Mrs Pat. Campbell. Mrs Ogle, Mrs Westmacott. Mrs F. M. Wallace, Miss Malet, Miss Constance Hatherly, Miss Celia Dampier, and several more. Little Celia’s playing charmed everyone, and her pieces were asked for two or three times over. Mrs Burns also delighted her guests with some songs, and a duet from Mrs Westmacott and Mrs Burns was greatly enjoyed. Delicious afternoon tea was served, and an altogether unusually pleasant afternoon was spent. A private recital will be given by Misses Hatherly and Dampier, assisted by friends, in the Art Gallery on Saturday afternoon, and a most enjoyable time may be anticipated. Mrs G. Bennett, St. Albans, gave an afternoon tea on Tuesday, ami a very pleasant time was spent amongst a few of her friends. Mrs Graham, Gloucester-st. W., gave A PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE PARTY on Friday evening, Mrs C. Cook winning first prize. Other guests were: Mr and Mrs Appleby. Dr. and Mrs Jennings, Mr and Mrs Parsons. Mr and Mrs Common, Mr and Mrs R. I). Thomas, Misses Cunningham, Henderson. Garrick, Messrs Reid, F. Graham, etc. Cribbage is in high favour this season with us, and one party of twelve players meet at alternate houses and have most enjoyable evenings.

DOLLY VALE.