CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XX, 17 May 1902, Page 974

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, May 7. The commencement of the holiday season at the schools is often the signal for some juvenile festivity, but this week the young people have had no less than than three “ evening parties,” while their elders have been feasting on music. On Monday Mrs Ranald Macdonald gave a eharming evening at her pretty residence, “ Hambleden,” receiving her guests in a lovely gown of pink brocade, trimmed with black; M.ss Helen Macdonald, dainty white silk frock and pink sash; Mrs A. 1”. G. Rhodes, black

satin; Mrs George Gould, in pale blue silk; Miss Wells (Amberley), a pretty blue silk gown; Miss Tabart, all black; Miss Bloxam wore white; the Misses Burns, pink accordeonpleated frocks; Misses Anderson, cream silk frocks; Miss Stead, turquoise blue silk and white lace; Miss Wilding, cream voile; the Misses Cook, ’ Miles, Morton, Moliueaux, Prins, Moore, Messrs Rhodes, Palmer. Moore, Perry, Molineaux, Masters, Way, Burns, Holderness, Gould, Cox, Harper, Anderson and others. On Tuesday Mrs Bloxam gave a delightful little dance for young people at her residence, Papanui, when many of the same guest# were present, and on Thursday Mrs George Gould gave a children’s fancy dress dance at her pretty home, Avonbank, from 4.30 to 8.30. The large draw-

ing-room wa-» ward for daneing, and the daintiest refreshments nerved in the dining-room. It is the prettiest fieture imaginable to see the miniature representations of some ef our most notable characters, the little people are so conscious of the dignity they have to . support. Mrs Goul 1 wore a cream skirt and tucked silk blouse to niateh; her little daughter, a costume of Charles IT. period, of pale blue silk slashed with white; Master R. Gould, as Pierrot, and Master A. GonM, a jockey; Mrs ,1. Gould wore white silk; Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, black satin; Miss Rhodes, a nurse; Master Rhodes, In khaki; Mrs Pyne, black satin; Miss Pyne, as Queen of Hearts; Miss Jean Campbell, the May Queen; Mrs Pat. Campbell, black satin. and chiffon trimming; the Masters Campbell, tn Highland costume; tiny Miss Dalgety as “ Kate Hardcastle,” and her little brother as “ Christopher Marlowe ”; Miss Helen Macdonald, “Ping Pong”; her sister, a sweet little Japanese; Miss Ogle, a charming Empire frock of white brocade, sash of black crepe de chine, fastened in front with brilliant buckle, blaek velvet hat and feathers, and carrieij a. silver staff with cerise streamers; Miss Stead, as Bitby, wore a lovely robe of tucked lawn and lace and sweet Dutch bonnet, and carried a rattle; a Little Bo Peep found favour in Miss Fox; Miss Woodhouse made a sweet little “Dresden China”; Miss Hall was a charming “Poppy.” The Misses Kettle, Burns (2), Julius. Cameron, Moore, Wilding, Masters Wilding, Denniston, Blunt, Macdonald, Archer took the, various characters of Kate Greenaways, peasants, dancing girls, court uniform, cooks, cricketers, clowns and judge. It was a most successful and pretty assemblage, the verandah was enclosed as a promenade, while the d ecorations throughout were beautiful, the autumn- foliage and chrysanthemums being in profusion.

The second concert. “The Messiah.” given by the Musical Union last week, was in every way as sue-

eessful as the flrat, Mdlle. Dolores and Mr Browse both being in exeellent voiee. People seem a little uncertain which they liked beet, “Creation” or “Messiah,” but generally decide that Mdlle. Dolores sang “1 know that my Redeemer” best of all. Mdlle. wore a lovely gown of white brocade, with broad stripes of yellow satin, and her beautiful diamond ornaments. Mrs Ernest Barber (Miss Alice Gray), who sang the ulto solos very charmingly, wore her wedding gown of ivory white brocade. Mr Percival Aylmer, the tenor, sang some of his solos excellently, biit evidently suffered from nervousness. b:t be looks so young, in fact, quite bi.i'sh in appearance. that it is to be hoped be will get over that and be able to do his tine voice justice. Among the numerous audience were: Judge Denniston, Mrs G. and Miss Denniston (Dunedin), the Bishop, Mrs and Misses Julius. Rev. A. Julius, the Hon. C. and Miss Louisson, Mr and Mrs Wigram. Mrs Burns, Miss Fairhurst, Mrs Prouse, Mrs F. M. Wallace, the Misses Dickie (North Island), Messrs. F. anil A. Walliee, Mrs and Miss Graham. Mr and Mrs H. D. Carter. Mr and Mrs de Vries, Bishop Grimes, Mr, Mrs ami Mss Izard, Professor and Miss Cook. Mr anil Mrs Bond, and many more.

Then came the Amy Castles concert, and as usual when any i.ne Is boomed like Amy Castles has been, there is sure to be disappointment, but if people will only take her at her own valuation, as merely a student. there can be no disappointment-. Her singing is like a silver flute, with all the freshness of youth, just purity itself, and if we should ever hear her again, then will be the time to judge. She has a charming stage presence, and wore a lovely gown of white satin, with silver spangled net over. Miss Maud Dalrymple has a very sympathetic contralto voice, and gave great pleasure with her singing; she also wore a graceful white satin. Miss Una Bourne is a delightful pianiste, though only a girl yet,

•nd soon established herself a great favourite, while Miss Florence McKay surprised everyone with her violin playing. Signor Daui also came with a great reputation, and I think with the general public sustains that reputation, 'but some dare to differ, and I have heard his singing called “a dramatie noise.” A tremendous house greeted them, the Canterbury Hall being filled to overflowing. Among the audience were; Dr. nnrt Mrs Mickle, Mrs and Miss Thomas, the Hon. ('. and Mrs Louisson. Mr C, and the Misses Louisson. Mr, Mis and Miss Bickerton Fisher. Mr and Mrs D. Matson. Mr R„ Mrs and the Misses Allen. Mrs P. Lawrie. Mr and Mrs Wig ram. Mr anil Mrs J. Anderson— Miss Anderson. Mr and Mrs A. Anderson. Mr and Mrs N. Mae'.eth, Miss K. Wood, Mrs Burns, Misses Fairhurst. Freeman, Fodor, Grant, Mr and Miss Connul. Mr and Mi s Hargreaves, Mr and Miss Ainger, Mr W. D. and Misses Meares. Mr and Mrs R. Brown, Mrs W. Maefarlane (Kaiwarra), Mr C. anil Miss Wils-m, Mrs anil Miss Graham. Mr and Mrs Meredith Kaye, Mr and Mrs Gibbs, Dr. and Mrs Jennings, Mrs W. Stringer, Dr. and Mrs Crooke. ete.

The Christchurch Ladies’ Golf Club opened their season on the Shirley Links on Tuesday afternoon. A large number of players and their friends were present, and afternoon tea given, presided over by their captain. Miss Turnbull, assisted by Mesdames Stead, Dennis: on. and other ladies of the committee. A silver manicure set presented by Miss Cowlishaw was played for during’ the afternoon, and won by- Miss Rattray, of Dunedin- Among the players and onlookers were, Mesdames Wigram, M. Campbell. Boyle, Denniston, Misses Stead, Cowlishaw, Campbell (two). Nicolls. Hewlings. Symes, Torlesse. Hili. Russell. Williams. Ainger, Mesdames Kettle. Jaekson, Scott and others.

On Thursday the new wing of the Public Library was formally thrown open to the public by the Hon. W.

Montgomery. A number ot inviWtkuis bad been isaued. and the read-ing-room was full- Short addresses were given by the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, Mr T. S- Weston, the Hon. W. Montgomery, Hon. C. C. Bowen and athers, interspersed with songs by Mrs Ernest Barber, Miss Graham, and Mr A. Millar. At the close of the proceedings afternoon tea was served in the gallery. DOLLY VALE.