CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue IV, 27 January 1900, Page 178

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, January 15. Everything we have to talk about now revolves on the same hinge, "the war,” and all my items are hanging on the same peg, for there is scarcely a function organised but has some war-like object in view. On Thursdayevening an immense gathering of people were out to see the procession, and some 8,000 paid admission into Lancaster Park, where there were various evolutions of the volunteers, Scotch dances to pipe music, and a grand parade of cyclists with numerous coloured lights. Dr. Jennings, and Messrs Selig and Grierson were mainly responsible for maturing and carrying out the idea, and they must have felt more than satisfied with the result and the handsome addition to the War Fund. Airs btudholnie, Merivale. is organising a monster garden party promenade concert and art union, to come off on the 25th in their pretty grounds. She is well known as an excellent "General,’ and will be assisted by the May-or (Mr W. Reece), who is chairman of the War Fund. If fine, there is sure to be a large attendance. The Rev. Curzon Siggers, of Dunedin, is paying Christchurch a visit, and preached at St. Michael’s on Thursday evening, when there was an interesting service for the war, and afterwards delivered a lecture in the Schoolroom on "South Africa.” The collections at both were devoted to the Patriotic Fund. 1 here is great excitement among the nurses, as there is just a possibility some may be sent to the front, and they are more than anxious to go. Mrs G. E. Rhodes and Mrs Heaton Rhodes head the list of subscribers to despatch them with .£IOO each. Our New Zealand mothers and sisters will feel glad to think of some of our nurses being in attendance if harm should befall any of our contingent. January 17. Here I am again trying to give you news of social doings when there ia a positive famine in the land of

away holiday making, and others are on more serious thoughts intent. The time is drawing very near when our second contingent will leave us, and about the same date four picked nurses will leave by the steamer Lincolnshire for Capetown to go on to the field or wherever they are wanted. They are Nurses Peter, Webster, Littlecot. and Hiatt. All honour to these noble women who for the past few weeks have left no stone unturned to gain the consent of those in authority to accept their services for duty tit the front. They belong to the British Nurses’ Association, and hold splendid testimonials. Mrs Mickle is sending a parcel by the Waiwera for the injured, containing 2G7 shirts, 223 pairs socks, and 334 handkerchiefs, and Miss Cabot has 515 "Nightingales” and a large parcel of socks and handkerchiefs. On Saturday afternoon a game of polo was played on the club grounds, Hagley Park, when Dr. Fox, Messrs J. D. Hall, E. D. O’Rorke, and G. Turrell were the winners. There were not a great many onlookers as very few people knew about, it; it is so long since any matches came off. Mrs O Rorke provided the ever welcome tea. We have said good-bye to Mr and Mrs Brough and Company for some time and did So regretfully, and I think 1 may safely say the feeling is reciprocal, for they like Christchurch. Mr and Mrs Brough and Miss Temple have a host of friends here, and as much time as they have to spare is eagerly seized upon. Mr and Mrs Wardrop at the Bank, Hereford-st., gave a supper party in their honour the Sunday before they left, when Mr and Mrs O’Uorke, Mr and Mrs Ogle, Mr and Mrs Burns, and others were present. Mrs Howie, Wilson's Road, gave a i,.neheon party one day for them.

DOLLY VALE.