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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIII, Issue XVI, 14 October 1899, Page 692

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Lord and Lady Ranfurly entertained a large party of seamen belonging to the Seamen’s Mission in Wellington at Government House on Friday evening. Mr James Moore, missioner, was in charge of the seamen, who assembled in the beautifully decorated ballroom, where they were entertained by. a programme prepared by Lady Ranfurly for the occasion. His Excellency warmly welcomed the visitors in a very little happy speech, and invited them to smoke their pipes and enjoy themselves, adding that the sooner they did so the better would he and the Countess be pleased. During the evening Lady Ranfurly herself contributed “Annie Laurie” to the programme, all the sailors joining in the ehorus very heartily at her invitation, and the Countess also sang an old Irish melody to the great delight of the seamen. Mrs Wallis, wife of the Bishop of Wellington, played a pianoforte solo, and songs were also contributed by Miss Eva Bennett, Mr T. Pringle. Mr W. D. Lyon, and a number of the visiting seamen, Miss Muriel Pringle playing the accompaniments throughout the evening. At the conclusion of the musical programme a most substantial supper was partaken of by the seamen, the whole house party being übiquitous in looking after the guests. During the evening Lady Ranfurly was presented with a beautiful bouquet by the seamen, who cheered her repeatedly at the conclusion of her songs. Before they dispersed Lord Ranfurly briefly' addressed the sailors, and announced that he had just heard that the Legislative Council had decided to send a New Zealand contingent to South Africa, the announcement being greeted by the men with loud cheers, and a very happy evening was brought to an appropriate ending by the whole company singing “God ' Save the Queen” with great loyalty.

Miss Webb Bowen has left Nelson for a trip to Sydney.

Miss Bunny- has returned to Nelson after a short but most enjoyable trip to Sydney, where she was the guest of her cousin, Mrs Dicken.

Miss S. Hunter-Brown, who has spent the winter in the North Island, returned to her home in Nelson last week. Mrs and Miss Hunter-Brown are spending a month in the Napier district.

Mrs Ab. Goldwater, of New Ply’mouth, has again taken up rhe arrangements for the annual fire brigade ball on November 9th, and has received many thanks, as she is such an energetic worker, and whatever she goes in for is always a success. The Mayor of Nelson (Mr Trask) and Mrs Trask, who have been on a visit to Wellington, have returned to Nelson.

Mrs Fenton, of New Plymouth, has gone to visit her many friends in Auckland and at the Thames. The Rev. F. and Mrs Bennett have left Nelson for- their future home in the Taranaki district. They carry with them the good wishes of all their friends.

Mrs Hartley, of Napier, has gone for a' visit to Dunedin.

Lady Hilda and Lady Mary Keppel have arrived at Hawke’s Bay from Wellington, and are the guests of Mrs G. P. Donnelly, “Crissoge.” Miss Studholme, of Merivale, Christchurch, left by the Ruahine this week on a trip to England. Mrs W. Barton, Featherston, is spending a few days in Wellington with Mrs Adams on her way home from a flying visit to Christchurch. -Miss Kelly, from Wanganui, is visiting Mrs Stanford, of New Plymouth.

Mrs Newton King, of New Plymouth, gave a very enjoyable afternoon tea last week for Mrs Clement Oovett, to bid farewell to her friends, as she, with her husband and children are leaving for England shortly.

Mr D. Brand, the late Captain of the Wellington Cycling Club, was presented by the members of the club with a very handsome marble clock upon the occasion of his approaching marriage, the presentation being made by Mr J. P. Murphy, captain of the club, who expressed the best wishes of all the members for his future happiness and prosperity. Miss Hursthouse (Nelson) is paying her aunt, Mrs Mursthouse, of New Plymouth, a visit.

Mr J. Parker, who has for the past 12 years been connected with the Wellington Woollen mill at Petone, is about to leave for Sydney to take up a position in a Sydney woollen mill. The employees of the Petone mills presented Mr Parker with a silvermounted walking stick and silver cornet, as small tokens of their esteem and good fellowship, and a social gathering in his honour was held by the Working Men’s Club, the members also presenting him and Mrs Parker with farewell mementoes.

Mr 11. C. F. Gibbons of the Bank of New Zealand, Marton, is shortly to leave for Palmerston North, having been transferred to the charge of the bank there.

Mr Welstead and his infant son did not return to Auckland with his mother-in-law (Mrs Chambers), but is staying at Te Aroha for a few days longer.

Mrs Chambers, who has been staying in Te Aroha, returned to her residence, Parnell, Auckland, last Monday.

Mrs Richard Cameron, of Auckland, intends to remain u little longer at Te Aroha, and then may possibly go on to Rotorua. She has much improved in health from a course of the baths.

Mrs Clifford, of Morrinsville, who, with her family, has been staying at Te Aroha, left for her noine last week. The Rev. F. Larkins has decided to agree to the general wish and remain Vicar of Mount Albert for another year.

Mrs Meredith, from the North Island, is visiting her mother, Mrs Hardy-Johnstone, Hereford street, Christchurch.

Mrs W. Edwards. London (Edwards and Chynoweth), is in Christchurch, the guest of Mr G. Bennett, St. Albans.

Mr and Mrs Schofield (England), and Miss Godfrey (Christchurch) have gone to New Plymouth on a visit to their sister, Mrs Arden. Mr and Mrs Heaton Rhodes, “Otahuna,” gave a dance to the employees on the estate and their friends on Friday last, when about 200 were present. The ballroom no one would have recognised as the woolshed, it was so beautifully decorated, and a splendid supper was served. Before breaking up “Auld Lang Syne” was sung, and three ringing cheers for Mr and Mrs Rhodes were given. Sir and Mrs James Burnett are leaving Christchurch for Wellington, and all Christchurch people are very sorry to lose them, though they heartily congratulate Mr Burnett on his promotion.

Mr Burnett, now Inspecting Engineer for New Zealand Railways, was entertained at a dinner in the Provincial Council Chamber, Christchurqh, last evening, when a large number of guests were present. A very handsome presentation had been made to him earlier in the day from the railway staff, of a beautifully illuminated and fram-ed address and a solid silver afternoon tea service for Mrs Burnett.

Mr Hunter Macandrew. of Wellington, takes Mr Burnett’s place in Christchurch, and with Mrs Macandrew arrived last week.

Mr and Mrs F. Barber, Christchurch, have returned from their wedding trip to Sydney, and have settled down in their house on the North Belt.

Mr and Mrs Arthur Rolleston, Christchurch, are back from their wedding trip, and staying with Mrs Buckley, Park Terrace, until their own home is ready.

Christchurch people are all pleased that Mr B. H. Burns (late of the 8.N.Z.) has decided to remain ia Christchurch, as Mrs Burns is an immense favourite with all musicafr people. Mr Burns has entered Into partnershi)> with Mr James Henderson, of Hereford street, long known in mining and financial matters. Miss Howie is paying a visit to Mr and Mrs Howie, Wilson’s Road, Christchurch.

Mrs Elmslie, Christchurch, returned from her visit to Wellington looking better for the change. Mrs Heaton Rhodes, “Otahuna,” and Mrs G. Rhodes. “Meadowbank,” Canterbury. are staying nt Warner's for the week during the cavalry encampment which is taking place at the Show Grounds.

Miss E. Elworthy. Pareora, is paying a flying visit to Christchurch, and is very busy, as her marriage to Mr Bond is fixed for February. > The Misses Mendelson, of Temuka, have been in Christchurch this week. Mrs Allen. Picton. has been lucky this year. In addition to having gained second prize in the “Graphic” story competition, she has also taken third prize in the “Otago Witness” Christmas competition. Miss Malet has returned to Christchurch from Sydney, and was “at home" last week, when quite a number of her friends were glad to welcome her back, amongst whom were Mrs Fox, Mrs W. B. Cowlishaw, Mrs Woodhouse, Mrs J. M. Turnbull, the Misses Stopford, Reeves. Cotterill, Wilson, Ronalds. Hill. Turnbull, Cowlishaw, Ainger, Beswiek. and others. Mrs Mathias, Fendalton, Christchurch, gave a very pleasant afternoon tea on Thursday, when all the guests were charmed with the lovely spring flowers in the garden. Some of those present were Mrs Buras, who sang delightfully, Mesdames Julius, Cowlishaw, Denniston. Reeves, Moorhouse, Helmore. Macdonald, Broham, Strachey. Haslam, Robinson, Misses Wynn-Williams, Cowlishaw, Beswiek, Turnbull, Helmore. etc. Mrs Speed. “The Mount,” Picton, has been in Blenheim for a few days visiting her daughter. Mrs Howard, who is now fast recovering from a who is now fast recovering from her severe illness.

Mrs Wells, Amberley, is in Christchurch. staying with her sister, Mrs G. Gould.

Miss Ella Julius, of Christchurch', went South recntly on a visit to Mrs Elnorthy. at Pareora. Mrs Powell . from the West Coast, spent a few days with Mrs Robertshaw in Picton on her way to Tua Marina, to be present at her son's marriage to Miss Barnett.

. Mrs Welford has gone to visit her sister-in-law, Mrs T. Mowat, at Marton. Mrs Welford expects to return to Picton to spend Christmas with her people.

.Miss Ceeil Johnston (Blenheim) is visiting Mrs E. Kenny in Picton.

The Picton Rowing Club has presented Master A. Stow, the coxswain, who steered the Picton champions in Dunedin in 1898, and in Auckland in 1899, with a handsome gold medal in the shape of a rudder. Mrs Griffiths has returned to Blenheim, having had a pleasant time in visiting friends in Auckland, and her parents, Mr and Mrs Snodgrass, in Tauranga. Miss Snodgrass accompanied her sister from Wellington to Blenheim, where she will spend a week or two.

Mrs and Miss Dobson, who lave been away for some months in Gisborne, have returned to Blenheim. Mrs Powell, of Westport, has come to .Blenheim: to be present at her son’s marriage, and is staying with Mr; Cheek.

Mr Geo. Stubbs, who has .been enjoying a few weeks’ holiday, has returned to Blenheim.

Mrs R. McCallum. Blenheim, made a short visit to Wellington lately, and returned home last week.

Dr. Boor, of Nelson, paid a visit to Blenheim: lately to. it is understood, attend some Masonic function.

. Miss Poynter, who has been visiting Mrs Mackenzie in Picton, has ed to her home in Otago.