BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, 1 July 1899, Page 23

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, June 19. The practices of the Liederkranz are progressing very satisfactorily, and the Society intends to give a concert about the middle of next month. It is difficult to get music for female voices alone, at any rate here, but the cantatas at present in practice are tunable and taking in character. As the time for producing "Rip Van Winkle” approaches, the practices are being multiplied, and the members of the OPERATIC SOCIETY are having an arduous time. It is a rather ambitious undertaking, but next Tuesday will show if it is beyond the powers of the Society or not. Mr L. Griffiths not only is taking the name part, but is stage manager as well, a combination well calculated to bring on an attack of lunacy. I should think.

1 hear that Mr Arthur Bourne, who until lately was managing captain Baillie's run at Para, has decided to throw in his lot with ours, and has bought a property on the old Renwick Road, a few miles out of town. Mr A. D. Wilson has bought Mr W. Bond's run “Blink Bonnie,” which is situated in the Pelorus Sound, and will, with his sister. Mrs Hubbard, leave here to settle there in about six weeks.

The Hon. Captain Russell arrived here late on Wednesday evening, when he had arranged to address a meeting in Ewart’s Hall. Mr W. Clifford, of "Flaxbourne," met him in Picton. and drove him to Blenheim, as the railway running did not suit the arrival of the steamer. The hall was well filled, and

the Captain’* address listened to with appreciation and attention, fur it is not « ften that one has the opportunity of hearing at a political meeting sensible remarks grammatically expressed. Though the day following the address was wet anti gloomy. Captain Bussell was driven to several places of interest, principally where the work <f river vonserxation was being pushed forward, in which he had special interest, as he had done much in the same way to protect his own property in Hawke’s Bay. A handicap match took place last Wednesday afternoon between the ladies of the Marlborough Golf Club, for a prize in the shape of a box of balls } presented by Mrs Monro, of “Bank House.” Waihopai. Mrs Cleghorn, who played from scratch, was the winner. Miss Amy Williams second. Mr J. Bell entertained a shooting party at “Hillersdeu” from Saturday till Monday, and among those from town were Mr A. P. Green, Mr Clonston. Mr J. Conolly, etc. The Federal Banti has been delighting the music loving portion of the residents here by playing in the Market Place on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday morning, and they were also to be heard in the Salvation Barracks, which last night could not contain all who were desirous of entering. Their music is most enjoyable; so crisp, and the light and shade so well marked. The MARLBOROUGH TENNIS CLUB has decided to give a ball on July 14. two days after the “Ingleside Social.” and there are rumours of the members of the Marlborough Club giving a dinner and a ball in a short time. The volunteers and rhe Fire Brigade are each in rhe field with a ball. so. with several Cinderella ami Dorothy dances sprinkled in. there will be no dearth of amusement for some time to conn*. Overcast skies and southerly wind, with an occasional shower, are with us again, so the roads, which had just become tit to cycle on, will be awful again. FRIDA.