CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVII, Issue XXII, 30 November 1901, Page 1052

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, November 20. The wires would flash you the news of our rough and rude shaking up on Saturday morning, when our Cathedral spire was again damaged by the earthquake, though not- to the same extent as it was about thirteen years ago, probably the improvement in its construction alone being answerable for that. The cross, with its base, is moved towards the east, and a section lower down is also shifted, making the spire look anything but safe, yet experts say it is, and service was held on Sunday, but the bells were not rung. Our neighbours at Cheviot have suffered very badly, the McKenzie township being in ruins, and one little child was killed by a wall falling in while it was in bed. It is not only the actual loss that these poor people are suffering from, but the nervous tension that goes on all the time the earth tremours last, which in this instance has been several days, and some have had no sleep at night. It is pitiful to think of. Christchurch people are not backward at helping fellow sufferers, and a fund is started to assist in putting some of the most unfortunate on their feet again. The break in the Cathedral spire is a most unfortunate thing, just when we are struggling to finish the building itself, the work of which has been going on some weeks now. It is suggested taking down a good deal of the upper portion of the spire and to rebuild in wood. It certainly would give a greater feeling of security. But to turn to pleasanter matters, mi Friday Dr. and Mrs Crooke gave a

delightful afternoon “At Home” at their rooms at the hospital, the lovely grounds sloping down to the river looking their best after the recent

showers. Many of the guests enjoyed strolling about under the trees, while others played croquet, and some discoursed charming music in the drawing-room. A piano duet by Mrs Wilding and Dr. Crooke was much enjoyed. Other items, songs, and afternoon tea, made the time all too short. Mrs Crooke received on the lawn, and wore a handsome black gown, with grey tulle hat and feathers, and carried a posy of roses; Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, a chic costume in blue, hat to match; Mrs Julius, black silk with white chiffon front and ruffle, pale blue and black bonnet; Miss Julius, pale grey coat and skirt with lace front, large black hat; Mrs Heaton Rhodes, soft pink gown with cream lace, black picture hat; Mrs Denniston, blue and white foulard trimmed with lace, black toque; Mrs Wilding, wedgwood blue and white gown trimmed with lace, black hat; Miss Wilding, pink floral muslin, white and pink hat; Mrs R. Macdonald, black ami white costume, ruffle and hat en suite; Mrs J. Palmer, charming pink costume, chiffon ruffle; Mrs I. Gibbs, Royal blue voile handsomely trimmed with wide cream insertion, black and gold toque; Mrs Bourne, black coat and skirt, soft white front, large black plumed hat; Mrs Fenwick, handsome black toilet, lace and jet mantle; Mrs Lewin, fawn voile over pink, black chiffon toque; Dr. and Mrs Moorhouse, Dr. and the Misses Nedwill, Dr. and Mrs Fox, Dr. and Mrs Thacker, Mrs Morton Anderson, Mr and Mrs A Cracroft Wilson, Professor, Mrs and Misses Cooke, Miami Mrs A. H. Turnbull, Mr and Misses 11. J. Hall, Mr and Mrs W. Wood, and Miss Wilson, Mrs J. J. Kinsey, Miss Fairhurst, Mr and Mrs W. Cow lishaw, Mrs ami Miss Helmore, Mis J. and Misses Anderson, Mr and Misses Ainger, Dr. and Mrs Jennings, Mr and Mrs Burns, Mr and Mrs Fisher, Mrs Mathias, Mrs Gould, Mr and Mrs R. Harman, Mrs and Miss Bowen, and others. The Misses Hill gave the final afternoon of the Ping-Pong Tournament, Miss Cowlishaw and Miss Helen Denniston being left, in to play, the former proving the winner, and

so much pleasure has been derived from this innocent amusement that I believe another is already in progress. It would be u great improvement for the summer to have a table on the lawn in some shady nook. It would be delightful. The promoters of the bazaar for the Melanesian Ship Fund have the satisfactory balance of £t>7o to credit. I think we all wished the title of Prince and Princess of Wales had been conferred on the Royal visitors before they came to our shores, now, having known them as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York we feel as if something had been taken from us, as we are not likely to meet under the new name.

DOLLY VALE.