BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue IV, 27 January 1900, Page 177

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, January 15. Mrs lingers entertained a few young friends at “Eltham Lodge" one evening this week, before her guest. Miss Atisln (Christchurch) took her departure, and a very pleasant time was spent, music and games making the time pass quickly. Some of those present were the Misses Kogers (2), Auslin, E. and 11. Bull, Horton, Maclaine, B. Smith, and Messrs Kogers 12), Maclaine, Banks, Geoffrey Horton, etc. Ou Wednesday evening Mrs Orr gave a small progressive euchre party, ami those who were present were the Misses Nimmo (Wellington), Potts (Reefton), Nurse Broadbent (Carterton), Archibald (Wellington), Ball (2), McCallum (2), and Messrs Orr, F. Grady (Wellington), Fish, Bunting. Hawley, K. MeCallum, G. Broad, L. Griffiths, etc. The garden party in aid of the Transvaal War Belief Fund took place at Dunbeath House, the residence of Mr C. H. Mills, M.H.K., last evening, and proved a great success. The weather was showery all the morning, and there were gloomy prophecies about the failure of the party, but as the cause, was such a good one the Clerk relented, the rain cleared oft in the afternoon, and the breeze and bright sunshine speedily dried the grass. Special trains were run from Picton and Blenheim, but a. great number drove out. A splendid marquee, sent by Mr J. Penney, was erected on the lawn, in which refreshments were served, and there was a specially tempting table, where four young ladies, the Misses E., J. and C. Chaytor, and Christophers (Greymouth), dispensed raspberries and cream, fruit salads, jellies, water melons, etc. The marquee was lighted by acetylene gas, put in by Mr F. Adams. The verandah was lighted up and seats placed, the piano having a prominenit position, and from there a programme of songs was rendered, the Garrison band playing selections between each song. Mr Mills gave a short opening address, in which he acknowledged the kindness of Mr .1, Penney, Mr F. Adams, and the Garrison band, who gave their services and did all they could to promote the success of the party. The singers were Messrs Mclntosh, L. Bartlett, Drake, and Mills —at least their names wtre on the programme, but some one else sang whose name I could not ascertain. A fortune-teller, who had numberless patrons, had a room at the end of the verandah, and small tents were dotted about the lawn, in one of which a bait trimming competition for men was carried on. Another was called the "deception" tent, but all kept at a wary distance, no far as I could see, and I never solved the mystery. The hats and bonnets trimmed by the men were judged by Mr Meintosh. The young ladies who were them were placed on the verandah in a row. and each stepped out in turn to exhibit the millinery effort, turning round that each part might be seen. Mr Wallace took first prize, Mr Drake second, and Mr McArtney, the Mayor, was highly commend? I. A beautiful doll, given by Mrs B'tshell, and most fashionably attired, was first- won by Miss Christophers, then by Mr J Redwood, neither of whom would keep it, so it was put up again. The photograph of the doll was rallied, and the doll given to the winner. Altogether the doll realis 'd sevcial pounds. Mrs and the Misses Mills were übiquitous, and did ail they could to promote the pleasure of the visitors. I have not yet heard bow much was realised by the party, A good deal of interest has been taken here in making the “Nightingale wraps" for wounded soldiers in South Africa, and when we hear of the extremes of temperature there we can understand what a comfort they maybe. Lieutenant Chaytor writes of 100 in the shade in the day, and 40 at night, which must be very trvinon

FRIDA.