Personal Paragraphs.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue XXIV, 15 December 1900, Page 1129

Personal Paragraphs.

“Banjo” Paterson has been the social “lion” in Wellington during his stay there, and his lectures have, been immensely popular, but unfortunately he was unable to secure the Opera House, and had to lecture in the Federal Theatre, which was quite too small to hold the large crowds which flocked to hear him every night. The Hon. . aud Mrs. Rolleston returned to Canterbury last week from their trip to England", aud were warmly’ welcomed by a large number of friends upon their arrival. The Hon. Lady Dorothy Gathorne Hardy and her husband are expected in Wellington shortly on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Williams. Lady Dorothy was well known in New Zealand before her marriage as Lady Dorothy, Hoyle, youngest daughter of our late Governor. Lord Glasgow, and her many friends in New Zealand will be delighted to see her again. His Excellency the Governor was the guest of the Hon. George aud Mrs. McLean during his short stay in Dunedin, and Mr. and Mrs. McLean gave two large dinner parties on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, at their charming residence, in honour of His Excellency’s visit. Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Leys and Miss Winnie Leys, of Auckland, returned home via Sydney this week after a nine months' tour to England. Scotland, Paris, Italy and Switzerland; They had a most enjoyable time, and Mr. Leys, who was in poor health on leaving for England, is now much improved. Bis friends will be glad to see him back home under such improved conditions. Miss Kathleen Fell returned Io Nelson last week from London, where she has been having her voice trained. Her friends are glad to welcome her home. Her cousin. Miss Fell, of London, has arrived with her to visit relations in New Zealand. The resignation of Dr. Robertson has been received with great regret, by the Waipawa Hospital Board, as, during the short time he has been in charge of the hospital he has become very popular. He took the place of Dr. Godfray, when the latter, who has been lately wounded, went to South Africa. Dr. Robertson’s place will be filled by Dr. Shepherd. Miss Matthews, L. L. A., late headmistress of the Napier High School, who formerly conducted the Mount Eden < ollegiate School in Auckland, intends to take up her residence in the Northern city ot:< e again, where, with Miss MeHarg. she will open a. school some time in February. Both ladies are already well known in Auckland having made a great many friends during the years they taught there." As an educational institution for young ladies the Mt. Eden Collegiate School occupied the first position. The FonSonby Musical Society, which has recently been formed, gave its first public performance last week. The choice of the society for its first concert fell on Cowan's "Rose Maiden,” a cantata which has already been performed by two other local societies a little time ago. The stoloists on this occasion were Mesdames Chambers (soprano), Mrs Coates (contralto), Mr A. 1.. Edwards (tenor), mid Mr Wilfred Mannipg (baritone). Both the ladies and gentlemen wen- well versed in their parts, and their contributions to the evening met with much approval from the audience. The chorus, sixty strong, was also good, attacking with spirit and precision and being well under the command of the conductor, Mr R.Leslie Bunt. In'some respects lhe orchestra was rather lacking, but the concert as a whole may be regarded as affording good promise for the future of the society.

Mrs Hubbard, of “Pokoldni.” Pelorus bound, hv eome to Blenheim to meet her sister, Miss Wilson, of Invercargill. and both are spending a few days with Miss Clark, before going to the Sounds. Messrs. Isaac Gibbs and J. J. Kinsey have left Christchurch for the North, •nd will be absent about ten days. Mrs. < Dr.) Jennings has returned to Christchurch from Hawke’s Bay, after • very enjoyable holiday and looking much better for the change. Mrs and Miss Nimmo hare returned to the Masonic Hotel, Napier, after a fortnight’s visit to Auckland. Miss Bessie Hislop has returned to her studies in Dunedin, after a visit to her family in Wellington. Miss Shroeder. of the North Island, is staying with her aunt. Mrs T. Carter. at "Burleigh,*’ Blenheim. Ladv Tanered and her daughter (Mrs. ‘ Somerville). Rangitikei. are staying in Wellington, at the Empire Hotel. The Premier \ isited Boss on Wednesday last, and is to deliver a political address at Reefton on the 10th. •nd is meanwhile spending a few days at Oamaru. Mrs. Marshall (Marton) is staying in Wellington with her aunt, Mrs. Williams. Mrs. J. C. Palmer, Christchurch, is paying a short visit to Mrs. G. E. Rhodes. Meadowbank. Mrs. O’Rorke purposes spending some time in Temuka, having taken a house there. Mrs. Burns, Christchurch, was in Temuka last week, to be present at a wedding. Mr. and Mrs. R. Struthers have returned to Christchurch after a most enjoyable trip to the Old Country. They hope to get into their new house, Bapanui Road, before Christmas. Mrs Carey has returned to Blenheim after an absence of two or three months spent in Pieton and Wellington. Mrs Foster, ‘‘Starborough,” Awatere. came into Blenheim last week for a day's shopping, and brought Miss Scott, whose father is building the railway bridge over the Awatere Ki ver, with her. Mrs Goldsmith, of Napier, has returned from a visit to Wairoa. Mrs Townend has returned to Havelock after staying with Mrs T. Tanner, of "Balquidder,” Napier Terrace. Mr H. Campbell, manager of Longlands station, Hawke’s Bay, has returned from a visit to the West Coast. Mr Richardson, of Napier, and Mr F. W. Williams, of the same town, have offered a cash prize of two guineas and a champion belt respectively to the Ahuriri Mounted Rifles for shooting. Mr Nairn, brother of the late Mr Nairn, of "The Lawn,” Clive, has arrived from England, and is staying with relatives in Hawke’s Bay. Lieut. Jack Hughes is on his way home to Napier in the Harlech Castle from South Africa. His many friends are looking forward to giving him a most hearty welcome. Mr and Mrs Tabuieau, of Napier, ret timed from Auckland last week in the Mararoa. Mr. Harcus Plimmcr. Wellington, has resigned his literary appointment rm the staff of the “New Zealand Times” there, in order to go upon the stage, and has received an appointment in the Nance O'Neill Company, which is shortly to visit New Zealand ■from Australia. Mr. Harry Plimmer, his brother, is also a member of the same company, and is now universally recognised as a most talented young actor. ')fr. Clarke, late of Lepperton, after a very pleasant trip to the Old Country. has returned to New Plymouth, where he intends to reside. Mrs. McKay, of Auckland, passed through New Plymouth last week on her way to her mother, Mrs. Earle, of Wellington. Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Vaile, of Epsom. Auckland, have been on a visit to Botorna. 3t is understood that Major George, Of Wapiti, Auckland, contemplates taking up his residence in Melbourne. Mrs. George will be greatly missed in Auckland. Mnu Ashley Leggatt, of the cable staff, has been transferred to the East on promotion, and left Nelson last

Mrs. and Miss Hannigan (Wellington) are in Christchurch. the guests of Mrs. Mantling. Ferry Road. Miss Hannigan h*a been successful in gaining the gold medal in the Trinity College examination for singing. Mr and Mrs Ly>nar, who have been visiting Mrs Tiffen. of Napier, left foe their home in Gisborne on Friday. Mrs H. U. Jackson and Miss Field, of Nelson, who have been spending a few weeks in Christchurch, have returned home. Mr and Mrs Bradshaw (England), have arrived in Christchurch, and are the guests of Mr and Mrs J. Gould, Fendalton. Mrs G. Deumer and her two little children have gone on a visit to Wellington. Miss Role'rts. who has been visiting Mrs Stead. "Strowan.” has returned to Dunedin. Mr and Mrs G. A. I*. Tapper have returned from their wedding trip, and are settled in Carlton Mill Road. Mr Maude, senr. (Christchurch), met with a rather Iwd bicjcle sccident last week, but is progressing towards recovery. Mrs. Derry Wood occupied her new home in Ashburton last week. Mrs Nantes, who has been visiting the South, returned to her home in Napier last week. Mrs and the Missea Mills are staying at the Criterion Hotel, Blenheim, until they join the Hon. C. H. Mills in Wellington in a short time. Miss Rees, of Blenheim, is staying at the Private Hospital. Napier, and her mother. Mrs Rees, of the Private Hospital, is paying a short visit to Mrs Steadman, of the Bank of New South Wales. Hastings-street, Napier. Mrs Trout beck, of Wanganui, has been staying for a few days at thu Masonic Hotel, Napier, and is now visiting friends in other parts of Hawke’s Bay. Mrs. Rhodes. Wellington, is staying with her niece, Mrs. Alec. Roberts, at “Westerfield,” Ashburton, on her way back to Christchurch from her visit to Mount Cook. Mrs. Hamer and her children, of Christchurch, paid a short visit to Mrs. Tuckey in Wellington, returning home on Wednesday last. Miss Mary Williams, daughter of Mr. Justice Williams. Dunedin, is spending some weeks in Wellington, and is at- present the guest of Mrs. Travers, at the Hutt. Miss Studholme. Waimrte, has been visiting Mrs. W. Moorehouse in Wellington, and leaves for Christchurch next week, where she will be the guest of Mrs. Arthur Rhodes for the Jubilee festivities. Mr. G. G. Aickin. station-master, New Plymouth, who has been transferred to Wellington, was last week presented by the railway employees with a handsome gold Albert as a slight token of esteem. Mr. Stevenson, locomotive foreman, made the presentation, with suitable words, and Mr. Aickin feelingly responded. Mr. Cooper is relieving station-master. Dr. Mason, who has been appointed head of the new Department of Public Health, has begun his new duties, and occupies the office in the Parliamentary buildings used by the Hon. J. G. Ward during the session, until more suitable quarters are found for him. The Medical Association in Wellington entertained Dr. Mason at a banquet on Friday evening, to celebrate his appointment. Mrs. A. D. Gray, who has been on a visit to Auckland, has returned to her home in New Plymouth, accompanied by her mother. Mrs. Falder. Miss N. Brash, of New Plymouth, has gone for a trip to Cambridge, on account of her health. Miss B. Wood, who has been visiting friends in Nelson, has returned to Inglewood. Mr. and Mrs. G. O’Halloran, of Auckland, have returned from New South Wales, and intend taking up housekeeping in their new residence, Epsom, shortly. Mr. A. Cowie, from Auckland, has returned to New Plymouth to take up his duties pertaining to the church. Mrs. Biss, who has been on a trip to Wellington, has returned to New. Plymouth. Mr. and Mrs. Coote and their family (Nelson) have arrived from England, and are at present the gnesta at Mrs. Oldham, at “Wirneth,” Nelson. ,

Mrs. Revell, of Wellington, is visiting her parents and friends in Christchurch, and will sing to-night at the concert to be given by the Society of Musicians in the Exhibition Hall. Mrs HUI, of the Bluff Hill. Napier, has been very successful in the homa industries section at the Canterbury Exhibition. She has received a gold medal for her point lace for church decoration, as well as a certificate for home-made hearthrugs and mats. Sha was also highly commended in other classes of the same section. The Hon. W. and Mrs Eolleston. who have returned after a delightful trip round the world, give an amusing account of their trip. They have visited many interesting places, some old and some new. beginning with Australia. Then on to Colombo. Naples, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Genoa to Murseillts. through France, and they were present at the opening of the Paris Exhibition, which they deseribe as nothing to see but empty packing cases except the buildings. In London they met many ex- New Zealanders, and received kindness and hospitality from many quarters. They were the guests of Lord and Lady Glasgow for a lime, who still have a warm corner in their hearts for New Zealand, and have in their house what they call a New Zealand room, in which a great deal of the furniture is made of New Zealand woods and quantities of our curios; while in the garden flax bushes, a t ree fern, and other natives of N.Z. flourish. At Eten, Mr Roilestou's eld college, and his father’s before him. an interesting entry was found in the register of his father's name when nine years old, in his own handwriting in 1801. Both Mr and Mrs Rollestou visited their native towns, but found very few remaining who remembered them. Miss Fanny Sealy, of Nelson, has received an appointment at the Wanganui Girls’ College as teacher of music. Miss Sealy is well known in Nelson as a most efficient musician and teacher. The Hon. J. G. Ward represented the Government at the Dunedin show Irfst week, and afterwards paid a brief visit to the Hon. J. McKen zip, at Shag Point, who was also honoured by a visit from His Excellency the Governor during his visit to Otago. Miss Louise Croucher, of Richmond, a pupil of the Nelson School of Music, has been awarded the gold medal presented by the Associated Board R.A.M. and R.C.M., London, to the candidate who gains the highest marks in the colony for any practical subject. Captain Baynes, of H.M.S. Mildura, and Mrs. Baynes, recently made a short trip to Wanganui, while the warship remained in Wellington. Mrs. Samuels, Wellington, was present at the Otaki show last week, and officiated as judge of the cookery and needlework exhibits; Miss Isabel Blackett, of Wellington, also attended the show as judge of the art exhibits. His Excellency the Governor and the Hon. H. Butler recently spent two -er three days at Waimate, as the guests of Mrs. Michael Studholme. Captain Alexander, A.D.C. to the Governor, has now quite recovered from the effects of the accident to his knee, which he met with at Auckland. During the last few weeks Captain Alexander has been the guest of Sir Arthur and Lady Douglas, in Wellington. Mrs Wigley, Opuhe, Canterbury, spent a few days in Wellington this week with Mrs Adams, on her return home from visiting her relatives at Mokoia. Mr. E. Mules returned to his home in Nelson last week from the Auckland University, where he has successfully passed his examinations. The members of the Christchurch Drapers’ Hockey Club assembled at the Clarendon Hotel last week to bid farewell to their late secretary, Mr H. Strange, who is about to leave on a business trip to England. Mr G. Good referred to the loss sustained by the club through the departure of Mr Strange, and wished him a pleasant voyage and a successful business career at Home. He also presented him with • silver mounted seal cigar case, and a silver mounted ebony walking stick, ns mementoes of esteem from the members of the club. Messrs

G. H. Weir (elub captain), and F. W. Suckling (field-captain) endorsed the remarks of the ChairuMUi. and three hearty cheers were given for Mr Strange, who afterwards thanked the members for their good wishes and handsome presesitd. .Diamond weddings are of very rare occurrence, but Mr and Mrs William Duff, of Mary Hill, Waihola. Otago, were fortunate enough to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding day last week. Owing to the fact that the worthy couple had just recovered from an attack of influenza, only the elder members of the family were present. Mr and Mrs Duff were, however. in excellent, spirits. and many anecdotes were related by the former as illustrating the difficulties with which the pioneer settlers, of whom he nod his helpmeet are such fine examples. had to contend. Dinner over, Mr James Strain, a son-in-law. proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Duff, congratulating them upon the happy celebration. The toast was drunk with musical honours. In reply. Mr Duff expressed the great- pleasure he and Mrs Duff felt at seeing so many of their family present, and said he was highly gratified at their kind expressions of love and goodwill. He concluded by expressing a fervent, hope that God’s blessings would rest on all those present. It may be mentiouetl that Mr and Mrs Duff are among the early settlers in Otago, having arrived in April. 1848. by the Philip Laing. After two years’ residence at Anderson’s Bay they resided at Green Island for 12 years, when Mr Duff purchased the estate on which he at present resides, and along with his wife, enjoys to the full the evening of life, after having won golden opinions from very numerous friends, both young and old.