BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XXVI, 30 June 1900, Page 1240

BLENHEIM.

Dear I See, — June 18. I hear that great preparations are •being’ made to make the Wairau Tennis Ball an immense success. It is to lake place next Friday evening-, and those who are acquainted with thu energy and culinary skill of the youngladies of the ('InI) need have no misgiving's as to the result, so, given a line night, it is sure to be all its promoters desire. The Wairau Cricket Club held a meeting on Friday evening'. and decided that their annual ball should take place on July 18, and that it should be, as on the last occasion, plain and fancy dress, which always adds to the interest. Mr. C. McShane was elected secretary. Mr. Buick's book, which is, I believe, called “Old Marlborough,*' will be, I gather from what I have heard, intensely interesting. I hope shortly to possess a copy oi my own, but in the meantime must be content with what I have been told of it. It evidently starts with the geological formation of the district, which the title of the first chapter, “Divine Architecture," indicates, and touches on the ancient pit-dwellers; the coming of the Maori; the raids of Te Ruaparaha; the Wairau Alassacre; and so on down to the present day. The history will iose nothing in the hands of so clever a writer as Mr. Buick, and I sincerely hope that his venture will be a success. At the end of last week r ‘. Gouller, when cycling in the vicinity of St. Clair, came into colli ssion with another cyclist, and had his collar bone and several ribs broken. The other rider sustained some scratches, and the front wheel of his bicycle was crumpled up. Trooper Ernest Freoth, of the first contingent, has sent his relatives here some trophies from South Africa, including the box of chocolate sent by the Queen, and various articles taken from ( ronje’s laager, at Paardeberg. These were shown in Mr. E. Parker’s window, round which there was always to be seen a crowd of interested spectators. On Saturday evening the various choirs, and members of the Choral Society, met in the Presbyterian Sunday School to practise anthems and oratorio music for the thanksgiving service io be held when Peace Day arrives, which 1 hope will not be fjtr distant. Air. A. At. Cheek was conductor. The ladies of the Church of the Nativity intend to hold a sale of work in the Sunday School next Wednesday. when a numlier of useful articles will bo sold. On Thursday evening an organ recital will be given in the church, and the opportunity will b<‘ taken to present the Sunday School

prizes.

FRIDA.