BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVII, Issue XIII, 28 September 1901, Page 615

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee. September 1& The Friendly Societies have decided to hold a garden party this month to raise funds for their annual pienic on November 9th, and a meeting was held in the library on Friday evening, which ladies were requested to attend to make arrangements. It has been suggested, but I am not sure that it is quite settled, that the picnic should be held at Seddon this year, the pic* nickers going by train, the line being now completed to the township.

We are pleased to hear that Mn Clouston, who was taken seriously ill in Dunedin on his way to Australia, is much better. He has decided to abandon his Australian trip, and-will go instead to Rotorua, Mrs Clouston accompanying him. The New Zealand flag is floating at half mast oh the Government buildings in honour of the late President McKinley, whose tragic death has filled So many with horror.

A Floral Fete and Children’s Exhibition is arranged to take place in the Drill Shed on October 9th, the proceeds of which are to be -devoted to the Church of the Nativity Sunday school.

A very old resident of Blenheim, Mrs F. J. Litchfield, died last week at the age .of 82. She and her husband and family came to New Zealin 1853, and after a sojourn in Motueka of a few years came here in 1859, where she has lived ever since. Mr Litchfield, however, went to England again, where he died a few years ago. Mrs Litchfield leaves four sons —Messrs A. J. and W. Litchfield, who are living here. Mr A. Litchfield, who is in Palmerston North, and Mr F. Litchfield, who is farming near Auckland.

Last June the theory examinations of the Associated Board’ of the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music was held here, and for senior harmony Master Hillier ’ Cheek had marks out of the maximum 150. An-

other of Mr Cheek’s pupils who did well was Miss Minnie McArtney, who obtained 86 out of 99 marks for harmony and grammar of aansic (distinction pass). Two of Mr Lueas* pupils—Misa F. Pritchard and Miss May Lucas—and two of Mr Cheek’s— Miss Ivy MeArtney and Miss Olive Peake—passed in elements of musie. Ou Saturday afternoon Mrs J. Reid opened her tennis court, and on that pleasantly sheltered ground, surrounded by lovely flowers and choice flowering shrubs, a very enjoyable time was spent. Seats were placet! under some trees, where afternoon tea and delicious cakes and sweets were served. Games were played all the afternoon, one quartette succeeding another, the players finding that tennis requires considerably more muscle than ping-pong, which is just as popular here as elsewhere, and that the balls seem sluggish and heavj- in comparison. Among those present were Mrs Anderson, Mrs Furness, Mrs Carey, Mrs Hulme, Mrs L. Griffiths, Mrs B. Clouston. Mrs Vicars, Miss Stock. Miss Furness, Miss Anderson, Miss Farmar, Messrs Reid, Orr, Carey, I.aery. 'etc. The competition between the ladies of the Golf Club for the trophies presented by Mr Clifford took place last week, and the first prize—a gold brooch—fell to Miss Amy Williams, Mrs Mclntosh winning the second prize—a scent bottle. Mrs Monro could not play, as she was nursing one of her children, who was suffering from measles. Yesterday was an atrocious day. so windy and dusty it was, and this afternoon rain (much needed) has set in, which is welcpme to all. especially the farmers, who have been complaining bitterly of the drought.

FRIDA.