CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue X, 9 March 1901, Page 467

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Hee, February 27. A very interesting time was spent •at the Art Gallery one evening during the week, especially by those who were suffering from the domestic trouble, in inspecting the various preduets prepared by the pupils attending the Domestic School of Instruction, conducted by Mrs R. Gardner. The prize list was a very long one, many certificates also being gained, and one certificate for teaching. This school has done a great deal of good and practical work in Christchurch, and K not as well known as it deserves to be; the laundry work was also much admired, as well as the cooking. After Mr Weston (the chairman) had delivered the prizes and certificates, a musical programme was submitted to the guests, and much appreciated. Songs were given by Mrs Burns, Mrs W. Wilson, Miss Thompkins, and Mr Bow ring, and a piano duet by Dr. *and Mrs Crooke. Among the many present were M~ and Mrs Chrystall, Mrs Heaton Rhodes, Mr and Mrs Weston, Mr and Mrs Hurst-Seager, Mrs and Miss Lewin, Mrs and Miss Anderson, Mrs R. D. Harman, Mrs and Miss Cook, Mrs Izard, Mrs R. D. and Miss Thomas, Mrs G. and Miss Merton, Mrs Seeretan, Miss Coster, Mr and Mrs Lourenson, and others, and many felt on leaving the Gallery that the silver lining of the cloud of the servant trouble was beginning to show.

News comes from Dunedin that Mrs Howie (so well-known here) has had her farewell concert in that city, and takes her departure for England on the 4th March. Mrs Howie is known in almost all the principal towns of

New Zealand, and has hosts of friends who wish her every success, and who will watch her career with great interest, feeling assured her lovely voice and charming personality will only add to her popularity, aiid that the name of Te Rangi Pai will speak to us from afar. Mrs Howie intends to go in for a course of training when she reaches England under the best adviee obtainable.

The Exhibition Concert Company gave a concert in the Choral Hall on Thursday, but failed to draw as good an audience as the merit of the programme deserved, with such performers as Miss Clarice Hunt, of Nelson; Mr Kilbume-Heron, of Melbourne; Chieftain Rangiuia, Miss Katie Young and others. On Sunday evening they gave a sacred concert in the Canterbury Hall (kindly granted by the Hall Co. for the occasion) for the benefit of the family of Fireman Berry, who was accidentally killed the previous week while attempting to mount the engine while proceeding at a rapid rate to a fire. The hall was. packed and the substantial sum of £ !<><> was their reward, and as the unfortunate fireman leaves a widow and six children. the eldest only 14 years of age. a little kindly help in their already narrow circumstances will be. greatly appreciated.

The Hon. C. C. and Mrs Bowen entertained the members of the Federal Commission and other friends at a garden party in their pretty grounds at Riccarton last Thursday afternoon, when a very enjoyable time was spent by all present.

Mrs Gould, Colombo-street North, entertained a few of her friends on Thursday afternoon at afternoon tea and croquet. Her daughter, Mrs Hannen, has returned from the Southern Lakes, and was present, and others were Mrs J. Gould, Mrs G. Gould, Mrs Ranald Macdonald, Mrs Bradshaw, Mrs Lee, Miss Lee, Mrs Wardrop, Miss Palmer, and several more. DOLLY VALE.