WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue I, 5 July 1902, Page 46

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, June 2®. How Httle we thought, a few days back, what sad and painfully sudden news Wednesday would bring us! The serious illness of His Majesty the King has cast a depressing gloom over the whole community, coming so unexpectedly after the news of his apparent recovery. Crowds of people await each piece of latest information outside the newspaper offices. Of course, all festivities are cancelled, also the ball at Government House, which was to have been held to-morrow night, and the Reception there on Tuesday. The only arrangements which were carried on were the school-ehildren’s treats and dinners to the poor, as this was His Majesty’s expressed wish. It was a sad piece of news to greet the returned troopers of the Seventh Contingent- with yesterday. The troopship Manila arrived in the harbour at about half-past twelve, and the Contingent was landed immediately after being passed bv the Health Officer. The troopers were enthusiastically welcomed with cheers, and

were afterwards entertained al a luncheon by the Ministry in the DriH Shed. His Excellency the Governor presided. Major Johnston (iu command of the Contingent) being on his left. Others who were present were Sir J. G. Ward, Mr Aitken (Mayor), General Babington and his A.D.C. Captain Campbell, Major Moore, and several members of Parliament. The health of the King was proposed by Lord Ranfurly, who made a short speech, referring briefly to the sorrowful news of our Sovereign's illness. which they had received but a few hours before. The toast was honoured enthusiasticaUy, and the National Anthem was sung. Sir Joseph Ward proposed “His Excellency the Governor,” and also “The Seventh Contingent.” and Captain Johnston replied to the latter in a very brief speech. The troopers seem very bright and well, and are full of their adventures. There are two invalids among them, but they were carried into the Drill Shed and were able to take nart in the festivities there. Tha Misses Harding gave a very plehsant afternoon “At Home” to a number of their girl friends last Friday. Unfortunately it turned out a horribly windy, wet day. but in spite

of this there were numbers present. Tea was prettily laid in a morning room, and ping-pong was kept going in the dining-room. Another attraction was a fortune teller, who was kept very busy on the landing at the top of the stairs. The quantity of lovely spring flowers were the envy and admiration of all. Violets and primroses were particularly in evidence. I believe they came from the Wairarapa, where these sweet flowers always flourish. Mrs Harding was present, and wore a black gown, trimmed with lace. Miss Harding wore a figured green foulard gown, with a white vest; Miss H. Harding, a dark skirt and white tucked silk blouse; and Miss E. Harding wore a cornflower blue gown with white silk vest and lace revers. Some of those present were the Misses Edwin, Hislop, Brandon, Higginson. Gore. Fitzgerald, Harcourt, Bransfield. Barron, Swainson, Sprott, Moriah, Skerrett, and others. Quite a number of people have arrived in Wellington for the expected Coronation festivities, among them being Mr and Mrs Hugh Beetham and Miss Beetham (Masterton}, Mr and Mrs Abraham (Palmersronl. Miss Roberts and Miss Gibson (Dunedin). Miss Elworthy (Timaru). Mr and Mrs Godfrey Pharazyn (Rangitikei), and others. Mr and Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, of Christchurch, and the Misses McLean (Dunedin) are guests at Government House. The Misses O’Connor were among those who went for the Islands trip by the Waikare. OPHELIA.