CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue II, 10 January 1903, Page 121

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, December 29. How soon now will 1902 be a year of the past, with all its joys, its sorrows, mistakes, good or bad deeds. The leaf will be turned over and.

only the impressions remain, and these are indelible. We all unconsciously leave that impression as we journey on, “footprints on the sands of time,” and those of us with the strongest personality the more lasting impression. In starting the new year we can make good resolutions, and though an old adage says something- about "good intentions paving the road to destruction,” 1 hold that the good intentions are better than nothing, and some may blossom and even become golden grain. We have at anyrate been able to grumble to our heart's content at the Christmas weather, and not without cause, for we had a deluge for two days, the Christmas shopping- with the little people being quite out of the question in streets that were rivers. The cabmen and the shopmen changed places this year, for the former reaped the harvest, and not the shops. How the churches got decorated at all is a wonder, and the most of them were just confined to the chancel, anil a very good effect obtained. As we sighed over our own ill luck many a thought went out to our Australian cousins, hoping the deluge was on them too, for it meant life to them and only spoiling our pleasure.

Christmas time is always one of family gatherings, and a little sad and lonely for those without the pale, but many of the unattached, as well as parties, took advantage of Saturday being given in as a holiday and went some excursion. Camping out parties as a rule decided to abandon that form of pleasure. Mrs Kitson gave a delightful Christmas party for young people, with Christmas tree, in the Art Gallery. Dancing, good music and a delicious supper made the merry hours fly. Several friends assisted Mrs and the Misses Kitson to entertain the numerous guests, amongst whom were Mr and Miss Cox. Mrs and Miss Wilding, Mr and Mrs H. Loughnan, Misses Wilson, Prins, Mr and Miss Wright, Miss Campbell, Messrs Kitto, G. Pascoe, Lawrence, and others.

Mr Frank Thornton and a very goo< company are performing at tha Theatre Royal this week, and on tha opening night had a crowded housa and great reception.

DOLLY VALE