BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXII, Issue XV, 15 April 1899, Page 498

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee. April 3. Rawei. the Maori orator and evangelist, gave two entertainments in Ewart’s Hall, beginning last Monday evening; but he also gave an address on Sunday evening on ‘The Salvation of the Maori’ in the same hall, which was crowded with people, who were greatly interested in what he had to say. Monday evening was wet. hint in spite of that there was .1 very good audience, and a still larger one on Tuesday, the hall being completely filled. The limelight views were excellent, and were pleasingly described by Rawei. who also sang some English and Maori hymns, accompanying himself on a stringed instrument. somewhat, like a guitar. He sting with considerable expression, and sometimes in a very pathetic manner. A peculiarity was that he did not pronounce Maori words as natives do, but rather as English do. Altogether he must have been very successful here.

Last Thursday the manager (Mr A. P. Green) and staff of the Bank of New Zealand here, presented Mr lit.ward. the. accountant, who. under the retrenchment scheme, was leaving the bank, with a briarwood pipe, silver mounted and engraved, and a tobacco pouch, as a. mark of the respect and esteem with which he has been regarded by his fellow employees, with whom he was very popular. A Liederkranz has been formed

here, which bids fair to be a great success, as, at the first meeting to arrange the affair, the names of nearly fifty persons were enrolled. Mrs Lucas, who originated the idea, was elected conductor, and eight ladies formed the committee. Miss M. Lucas is to be pianiste, and Miss May Nosworthy organist. Practice will begin next Monday, and to every fourth one members are permitted to invite their friends. There is to be a small subscription to cover the cost of the hall to practise in, and music, etc. Never do 1 remember such perfect weather for the Easter holidays, which is, I believe, general all over the colony, and not our special prerogative. It is particularly suitable for the volunteer encampment, which is situated about three miles out of town, near the Taylor River. Contingents from Hokitika, Greymouth, Westport, and Nelson, added- to the Blenheim Corps, number over four hundred, and the clusters of tents look picturesque and effective as one approaches them. One drawback is lack of shade, as there are no trees near. A large. crowd assembled at tl-.e. railway station on Friday morning to witness the arrival of volunteers from Nelson and Coast, who were awaited by the Mounted Rifles, commanded by Captain Chaytor (the other local corps having gone into camp the previous night), who, as soon as the men were formed into line, led the way to the camp. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons crowds of persons went out to watch the drill and gun practice, and to-day the sham fight will take place, when, no doubt, many more will go. An entertainment will be given tonight and to-morrow night by natives of the Wairau, Waikawa and Motueka, under the management of the Rev. F. A. Bennett, which will consist of tableaux, the poi game, the old warriors' haka, Maori songs, etc. All the performers are to be attired in Maori costumes.

A large number of nominations are in for the autumn meeting of the Marlborough Racing Club, which wili be held on the 11th and 12th of April, so, should the weather be favourable, it is likely to be a very successful affair. The weather this morning is all that could be desired for the various diversions that are to til fit* A 't’O-rIfLV-

FRIDA.