BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue XXVI, 29 December 1900, Page 1230

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, December 14. For the second time since Judge Edwards has taken his circuit, he was presented with a pair of white gloves, to denote the absence of crime from

the calender. It H ■ strange custom, and one wanders what is done with these emblems. Before the dispersal of the pupils attending the High School for the Christmas vacation, there was a meeting of the relatives and friends of tha pupils, several members af the Board of Governors, as well as the Mayor, Mr. McArtney. who presided in the absence of Mr. A- P. Seymour, and Dr. Innes, to witness the distribution of prizes. A special prize was given by Mrs. Innes for the best eake, which was won by K. Buckhurst, the prize for scones being won by a boy named Litchfield. Mrs. Rogers acted as judge of cakes and scones. A prize is each year offered for the best essay, written by a Borough w school child, on the “Agricultural Show," and this year the first was awarded to Miss E. Hilliard, the second to C. White, Inspector Smith acting as judge. On Wednesday evening a large number of friends met in Wesley Hall, to welcome Mr. and Mrs. J. Crump, who have come from their missionary labours in New Britain, to spend a year’s furlough in New Zealand. The hall was decorated with flowers and foliage, and draped with flags. In a large monogram of flowers, placed at the head of the halL the initials of the guests of the evening were intertwined. and the pretty, quaint native names of their three children were placed at intervals on the walls. The Rev. Mr. Keall was chairman. Mr. A, J. Litchfield wrote regretting his inability to be present, owing to illness, but expressing bis sympathy with the feeling which prompted this evidence of good feeling towards Mr. and Mrs. Crump. A handsome illuminated address of welcome was presented by Mr. E. H. Penney, to Mr. Crump. who thanked him briefly, but promised on some future occasion to give a description of the manners and customs of the people among whom he had been working. During the evening songs were sung by Mrs. T. Davies, Mrs. A. J. Litchfield, the Misses Curnow and Paine, and Messrs. Birch and Paine. Before dispersing a bountiful repast was partaken of. the viands being arranged on the tables in a most tempting manner. FREDA,