CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XXII, 2 June 1900, Page 1047

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee. " May 21. A most enjoyable dance was given in the Montreal-street Hall on Wednesday evening, Mrs. 11. W. Bishop and Mrs. C. Dudley - acting as chaperones. A small subscription paid for the hall, and the supper was provided by the ladies, and unfortunately Mrs. H. Sims, who was to have been one of the chaperones, was unable to be present. The music, by Fox’s band, was excellent, and all present agreed “what- a jolly little dance.” Mrs. Bishop wore a handsome black gown; also Mrs. Dudley. Mrs. and Miss Milson were among those present—the latter looked exceedingly well in white satin; Miss Louissou. very pretty pink satin; Mrs. C. Denny - Brown, all black, the bodice trimmed with pearl trimming; Mr. and Miss Denham, Miss Meares, Miss Wood, Mr. Fraser-Tytler, Mr. C. Denny Brown, Miss 11. Denniston (Dunedin), Mr. M. Denniston and many more. On Friday Mrs. C. Louisson. Glouces-ter-street West, gave a most enjoyable “Book Title” evening, followed by a dance, between sixty and seventyguests being present, mostly young people. Miss Scoular (Dunedin) won the prize for the most original design of “Homeward Bound,” and Mr. Reid for guessing the greatest number. A delicious supper was served, the table decorations of yellow and white being much admired. Dancing was kept tip till about 3 a.m. Mrs. Louisson looked well in all black; Miss Louisson, black skirt and white silk blouse with lace insertion and turquoise blue velvet waist belt and trimmings; Miss — Louisson, white silk; Mrs. Marks, blaek satin, the upper skirt vandyked and edged with jet, heliotrope tucked evening bodice with narrow shoulder straps and white lace long sleeves. Mrs. Morton Anderson gave a charming progressive euchre party on Friday evening at her residence, Worces-ter-street, nine tables being employed. Among the guests were: Miss Rathbone, who won the first prize, Dr. and Mrs. Thacker, Dr. and Mrs. R. Anderson, the Misses March and Mr. G. March, Mr. H. and Miss Shand, Mr. and Mrs. V. Hargreaves, Mr. and Mrs. R. McDougall, Miss Kinsey, Mr. and Miss Curnow, Mr. and Miss Wilson, and others. On Saturday at 1 o'clock the firing of a gun, and the ringing of the cathedral bells gave us all to understand that what we had been longing for for so long had come to pass, and a general stampede was made for the newspaper offices, Luncheons half through or left untasted, work left just where the hammer had fallen, pens dropped, and with one accord everybody seemed in (he street with the words changed from “Is it true?" to “It is true.” The people w-re delirious with joy, the bunting displayed, favours worn, and general noise of bells, firebells, sirens and other whistles, bands and cheering, far surpassed Ladysmith or the sendoff of, our troops, and such a smiling, beaming crowd. I think the relief of Mafeking will never be forgotten. At 3 o’clock Mr. Reece, our popular Mayor, read the official announcement from a raised platform in Cathedral

Square, and. though not one-tenth of the vast assemblage could hear either the message ar his short touching speech, they were all there ready to join in the cheers for the brave General Baden-Powell, whom we are glad to claim as our countrymen. A long procession moved through the streets until past 5 o'clock, when there was a lull till the searchlight from the Cathedral spire brought people out again, and some 15,000 people went to llagley Park to watch the bonfire and rockets; yet the streets seemed thronged, and when the park detachment wended townwards Christchurch was a living mass, which moved backwards and forwards, shouted and sang itself hoarse, filially leaving it to the various bands, ami only thinking of home in the “wee sma" boors.” Me have always looked forward to the Queen's Birthday as a holiday to be made much of, partly on account of being able to show our loyalty and partly because it is the'last before the drenrv winter, but so much enthusiasm has been expended last Saturday and Monday that any other holiday coming so close must fall a little flat, even the anniversary of our beloved sovereign's uatal day. There will be the usual gathering of volunteers, finishing with a sham fight; and in the evening the Mayoress' Fancy Dress Ball for children. and a Scottish concert for the Scholarship Fund. The ball will tie the greatest attraction, and one wishes the galleries were made of imliarubber, that all might have a peep at the gay scene. On Tuesday night the Musical t'ni.m gave its first concert of the season, consisting of Cowen's "Bose Maiden." The Team-street Hall was well filled, while the. platform, with its gay deorations of bunting and red, white and blue draping- in the background, the ladies' white dresses, with the led bulges (soprano), and blue (alto), many wearing the tricolour favour as well, even the harp had streamers, and the whole made a very pleasing picture. Mr F. M. Wallace was greeted with a very hearty welcome on his first appearance since his return from England. The soloists were Mrs Burns, who looked well in white brocade, with tricolour badges;Miss Lilian Smith, a very pretty dress of eau de nil silk: Messrs Collier and Sydney Bell, who atfl acquitted themselves in a thoroughly capable and pleasing manner. The addition of the harp, played by- Miss Katie Young, in the orchestra, was a very great treat, some of the accompaniments being much enhanced by the rippling of the harp. Among the audience I noticed Mr and Mrs IV. D. Meares. the latter in all black; Miss Meares, pale blue silk; Mrs Julius, black silk, the bodice relieved with crimson velvet and jet; Mrs Wilson (Norfolk Island), black dress, long blue doth cloak. lined with pink; Miss Julius, white silk: Mrs W. Reeee, blade silk, peacock blue cloak; Mrs and Miss Wilding. Mrs F. M. Wallace. Mr and Mrs A. Kaye: Miss Raphael, dove coloured silk, trimmed with white; Mr and Mrs ChrystaTl. Mrs H. and Miss Wells, Mrs Chas. Louisson, Mrs Marks. Mrs Mathias, Mr and Mrs J. Little. Miss Hicks. Mrs H. C. Godfrey. Miss Hodgson, Mrs Graham. Mr and Mrs Roberts, ami numbers more.

DOLLY VALE.