WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XXIII, 7 June 1902, Page 1165

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, May 29. The second of Messrs Barnett and Hoppe’s series of chamber concerts took place in the Sydney-street Hall on Tuesday last. It was in every way a most delightful concert, and the programme was even more interesting and attractive than that presented at the first. The two big works on the programme were Max Bruch’s “Trio in C Minor" (op. 5), and “Noveletten,” by Neils Gade, the performers in both items being Mr Barnett (piano), Herr Hoppe (violin), and Mr A. H. Ihumnerton (’cello). Both trios were g l yen with lino effect, and the performers gained great applause for their skilful interpretations. Herr Hoppe gave as liis violin solos, four short pieces, bracketed— Schubert’s “Tyrolienne,” “Berceuse,” by Haakman, a serenade by Emil Fritsch, and a set of “Swedish Dances” by Max Bruch—all being played with much finish and grace; the Dances especially were delightful. Mr Barnett played beautifully, and was loudly encored for his solos, which were “A Study in C Major,” by Rubinstein, and two new compositions of his own, bracketed. The audience were hardly satisfied with so short an encore piece—another of Mr. Barnett’s own—and would gladly have heard more of this artistic pianist. The vocalist of the evening was Miss Phoebe Parsons. She was in very good voice,

though suffering from a cold, and sang “Orpheus With His Lute” most effectively, receiving an encore. Her second items were two songs of Noel Johnson, bracketed. “Since I Have Loved Thee,” and “Love in the Meadows." and these were also very prettily sung. There was a very good audience, some of those I noticed present being Lady Stout, Miami Mrs Einbling, Mr and Miss Fraser, Mrs ami Miss Stowe, Mrs and Miss Richmond, Mrs Fitchett, Mrs Maughan Barnett, Mrs Fell. Mrs and Miss Somerville, Mrs and Miss Butt, Mrs and the Misses Cooper, Mrs and Miss Prousc, Mr and Mrs G. Kemp, Miss Kemp, Miss Greenwood, etc. Ping-pong has started again with nearly a 6 much vigour as when first the fever took such a hold on every one. Mrs. Arthur Pe.- rce has opened her “takes” with an American tournament. She lias invited a large number of her friends to take part in it, and as every one plays every one else in these tournaments, it will last for several months, and players can make up their sets when they choose, and go and get them off. I think it is a delightful idea, and will keep up the interest in ping-pong. Mrs Beauchamp's large afternoon “At Home” on Wednesday was a very enjoyable one. There were numbers present, and the rooms looked very gay with flowers, etc. There were two tea-rooms, both tables being artistically decorated with purple and yellow irises,, with centres to match. Miss Phoebe Parsons

charmed her Lear er a with her ringing during the afternoon. Mrs Beauchamp received in a pretty gown of eoft cream voile, tucked, and the bodice softened with lace and pale blue silk. Among the guests I noticed Mrs Dyer, Mrs Waters, Mrs Derry, Miss Dyer, Mrs and Mias Sprott, Mrs and Mias Kemp, Mrs Mar tin, Mrs Mantell, Mrs amt the Missea Miles, Mrs Tripe, Mrs and Miss Mills, Mrs Bucholz, Mrs and Miss Stowe, Mrs and the Misses Joseph, Mrs lAUighnan, Mrs and Miss Tolhurst, Mrs Ben jamin, Mrs Milward, Mrs and Miss McTavish, Mrs Deane, Mrs Fitchett, Mrs Brown, Mrs and Miss Walker, Mrs and Miss Marchant. Mrs and Miss Prouse. Mrs Gilruth, Mrs and the Misses Johnson, Mrs and Miss Haseldene. Mrs Kennedy, Mrs McEwen, Mrs and Miss Tregear. the Misses Hey wood, Scully, Nathan, Skerrett, and others. Mrs Robert Loughnan and Mrs Stott both had very pleasant little teas last week. Miss Marion Quick left on Saturday for Melbourne, where she is to l>e married shortly. Her youngest sister, who lias been visiting relations in England, is to arrive in Melbourne, on her way home, in time to be present at the wedding* Miss Ncavc. of Dunedin, is staying in Wellington with Mrs Tolhurst, Grant Road. Mrs and Miss F. Denniston, also of Dunedin, passed through Wellington last week on their way farther North. Mrs Kemp, who, with her daughter, has been paying a round of visits to relatives in New Zealand during the last few months, has returned to her home in England. Alias Remp is staying on for a more lengthy visit, and is with her aunt, Mrs Pharazyn, Hobson street. Her health has not been very satisfactory lately, and it is hoped that the long rest and change will quite restore it again. OPHELIA.