MARLBOROUGH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue V, 31 January 1903, Page 324

MARLBOROUGH.

Dear Bee, January 20, 19 j.J. Plays of different kinds, but all of them of exceptional merit, have visited us of late. Of course we like them, and when they come to our doors we spent! our money like millionaires, and go to see them. That is perhaps why so few of us can go tripping to Wellington to hear Madame Melba and other stars. We cannot have our cake and eat it too, and we —not being really millionaires —content ourselves with the plays which come to us. The Miss Fitzniaiirice Gill Company met with a splendid reception here, playing “Man to Man," “The Christian,”, and “The Sign of the Cross,” all three new to Blenheim, and all were well received. Of course the small stage militates against the proper staging of such plays, but here we go to be

amused, and not to criticise too closely.

Mr Bertrand Maud, who has lately sold his station in the Pelorus Sound, and is going to England, was the recipient on Thursday last of a presentation of a silver-mounted shaving set from his Havelock and Pelorus friends. Mr Maud will probably join his brother, Mr Boland Maud, in South Africa, after a visit to the Old Country. He carries with him the very best wishes of many friends in the district.

The Picton Hospital celebrated its formal opening by a social, which was very enjoyable and successful. Dr. Redman exhibited a magic lantern, with photographic views of the Pelorus and the Sounds, mostly taken by himself. There was also a graphophone present, which caused much amusement, exhibited by some gentlemen from Wellington cruising in the Sounds in their yacht, the Viking, which happened to be in Picton. Songs, recitations, speeches, and last, but not least, supper and a pleasant interval for friends to chat together, and the time passed all too quickly. Among those present were: Dr. and Mrs Redman, Mr and Mrs Riddell, Mr and Mrs Lecocq, Miand Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs McCormick, Mr and Mrs Blizzard, Mr and Mrs Stow, Mr and Mrs Maitland, Mr and Mrs Glover, Mr and Mrs Bathgate, Mr and Mrs Gibb, Mr and Mrs Perano, Mrs and the Misses Lloyd, Mrs Duncan, Mrs and the Misses Philpotts, Misses Puller, Falconer, McCormick, Millington, Greensill, Western, Webster, etc., Mr and Mrs Miles, Mrs Masters, Mr and Mrs Hornby, Mr and Mrs Stuart, Mrs Scott, Mrs Syms, Mrs Innes, and hosts of others, including many strangers, who are still sojourning in the town.

Most people feel sympathy for Mr and Mrs Rose, of the Wairau Pah, in the death of their adopted daughter Heni, who died last week, aged 17

years. A great feast and tangi was held at the pah, Maoris coming from all directions to join in the mournful ceremonies attending the funeral. Among the contributions to the feast was a large supply of mutton-birds, brought in by Mrs Dan Love, of the Waikawa Pah, who ordered the delicacy from Wellington. All Europeans, as well as Maoris, were invited to attend the funeral, which took place on Sunday.

The Misses Chaytor, of “Marshlands,” Spring Creek, with a party of friends, went into Picton the other day to have a boating picnic with Mrs Cleghorn, who is staying at Oxley’s Hotel. The usual troublesome wind arose, but the party enjoyed their outing. Still another party from Wellington are camping out, in a way, though they occupy picnic fashion the house lately occupied by Mrs H. F. Thompson, belonging to Mr Justice Conolly. The Public Works Department seem to be flitting from Blenheim. Several of the officials are being removed, and quite a little stir is being caused in town over the matter. People can only wonder if all progress in land, railway, and Picton harbour improvements is to be shelved indefinitely, or what. Appeals to the Land and Hallway League, to the Farmers’ Union, and other leagues to bestir themselves are being made. Marlborough has tasted the sweets of progression, and is no longer content to sit still under neglect to her interests. Wails are being heard from Starborough and other out-of-the-way places, which, it was hoped, the railway would bring in touch with civilisation.

Tennis is very fashionable in Pieton just now. The advent of a few men in the town makes all the difference in the world to the popularity of anything. Nearly every day now there is some good play going on—■ sometimes at Miss Greensill's, and

sometimes at Mrs Philpott's. The tenuis enthusiast is generally found there.

MIRANDA.