WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XII, 22 March 1902, Page 566

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, March 13. With the exception of the Wilson Barrett Company, we are extremely dull in Wellington. However, the Squadron has arrived here, and I hear rumours of various entertainnjents in honour of Rear - Admiral Beaumont and his officers. There is to be a ball given by the members of the Gentlemen’s Club next Tuesday, and, judging from past experience, this will be a great success. On Tuesday the Fire and Marine Insurance Companies held their annual picnic at Day’s Bay. The weather was gloriously fine, and a most enjoyable day was spent. The steamer Duchess conveyed the party across the harbour. Luncheon was served in the large hall in the pavilion at the bay, and Minifie’s band was in attendance, arid enlivened the proceedings with excellent music. There was quite a long programme of sports gone through during the day, and included a great variety of events. Those who acted as committee, judges, etc., were Messrs C. J. Cooper, J. Howe, T. W. Pilcher, C. Brook-Taylor, H. W. Kelly, F. L. Ashbolt, H. M. Lyon, AE. Kernot, D. A. Abercrombie, and G. 11. Harbroe. The winners of the various events were:—Juvenile Handicap: A- K. Luckie. Three-legged Race: F. Webb and C. Tariff. Staff Handicap: T. 11. Johnston. Wheelbarrow Race:Cleland and Davis. Naked Light Handicap (chief clerks): H. Johnson. Reinsurance Kangaroo Hop: J. Osbourne. Duchess Canter (ladies) : Miss Ivy Gibbs. Donkey Race (committeemen): C. Brook-Taylor. General Average Medley Race: F. Manlier. Champion Ping Pong: C. Pearce. Ladies’ Ping Pong: Miss Stafford. Combined Ping Pong doubles: Miss Hislop and C. J. Cooper. In the Tug-of-War, Colonial v. Foreign Offices, the former team was victorious. The prizes were presented on the way home in the Duchess by Mrs Etten, wife of the Chairman of the Underwriters’ Association.

The Misses Fitzherbert gave a very pleasant girls’ tea last Tuesday at their residence, . wer Hutt- Afternoon tea was greaftly enjoyed in the garden, and croquet and ping pong made the afternoon all too short, especially for those who had to catch the train back to town. Among the guests were the Misses Hoadley (a guest of the Misses Fitzherbert), Higginson, Coleridge, Brandon, Jones, Bell, Gore, Harcourt, Johnston, Parker, etc.

OPHELIA.