SOCIETY ON DITS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXIII, 3 December 1898, Page 727

SOCIETY ON DITS.

That it is very discreditable to all concerned that the Auckland Government House should not have been ready for the occupation of the viceregal party this week. His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Ranfurly would probably have stayed there for some days had the house been in fit state to receive them. It now presents a curiously clean appearance, with its shining new white paint, which is a great improvement on the dingy walls of many years. The dining-room and drawingroom rejoice in tasteful papers of a blue tone and design which, with the crimson vestibule paper, were chosen by the Countess of Ranfurly. The new furniture is also to be selected by Lady Ranfurly during her flying visit to Auckland. If the powers that are supposed to control matters re Government House will only hurry up a very little the vice-regal party will make Auckland their head-quart-ers in March next. Of course no one would dream of expecting any official to over-exert himself this hot weather, but as there are three clear months till March, it is just possible that sufficient energy might be infused into the proper authorities to enable the papering and painting of the rooms to be completed, and the new furniture moved in. But let us remember the Maori motto. ‘Taihoa.’ That Picton people intend to make their New Year's Regatta e success if possible. That it is incorrectly circulated that Captain McLean, s.s. Mapourika. has resigned from the L'.S. Company's service. That Pieton rowing people are anxious to send a crew to compete in the Auckland Championship Regatta next year, and are talking of having a floral fete to raise funds for that purpose. That a Mrs Strooch of Christchurch, who takes a great interest in the Women’s Social and Political League, says the famous cauliflowers sent in to Messrs Pirani and Duthie. M.H.R.'s, during the sitting of Parliament, were forwarded by the Wellington Women's Political League, of which Mrs Seddon is president. The latter lady, it is stated, knew nothing previously of the affair. That all who have had occasion to come personally in contact with His Excellency and staff in arranging for the various functions in connection with the Auckland visit speak enthusically of the courtesy and consideration shown by the present Queen's representative and his genial private secretary.

That the Countess of Ranfurly was wearing a stylish and useful travelling costume on her arrival in Auckland on Saturday nignt. navy serge coat and skirt, with eream’ cloth revers, collar and vest, white strawsailor hat with navy baud. Lady ( onstance Knox looked charming in turquoise blue with a white Leghorn hat. That the \\ hiteley church bazaar. New Plymouth, was opened on Thursday afternoon by the Mayor (Mr E. Dockrill) and was a great success. That Mr E. Dockrill has been reelected Mayor of New Plymouth, and Mr C. E. Major, of Hawera. That a grand benefit concert tendered to Mr Charles Tash, victim of the late railway accident. New Plymouth, was held in the Theatre Royal last Thursday evening. That a grand opening concert by the Banjo. Mandolin and Guitar Club. New Plymouth, will be held on Monday evening in the Theatre Royal. That an All Nations' Fair will be held in the Drill Hall. New Plymouth, on December Ist and 2nd. Proceeds in aid of the Primitive Methodist Church and Parsonage Fund. That the Central School entertainment, under the patronage of His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly will be held in the Theatre Royal. New Plymouth, on Monday evening. December sth. That Mrs Carthew, of New Plymouth. gave a very pleasant dance at her residence. Devon-street. That Mrs J. B. Roy. New Plymouth, has issued invitations to a large garden party, to be held at her residence. Vivian-street. December sth.