CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue VII, 14 February 1903, Page 468

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, — February 4. How wonderfully enthusiastic it is possible to become when a new element is introduced: this week we are born cricketers, or think we are, and some of the critics could do much better than the representative team which will give us an opportunity of seeing Lord Hawke’s team play cricket ou the 6th, 7th and 9th. The latter are expected to arrive in Christchurch from the M est Coast to-night, when they will be the guests of the Mayor (Mr 11. F. M igram), Judge Denniston, Air A. E. G. Rhodes, Mr J. Gould, Mr R- M. Macdonald, and at the Christchurch Club. Mr and Mrs J. Gould give a garden party on Thursday, the sth, to meet the English cricketers at their residence, Merivale, which is an ideal place for entertaining. We are all longing for fine weather. It has been so cold, rainy and altogether unseasonable for two months that there is a possible chance. Mrs Wynn-Williams was “at home” again last Wednesday, but the unpropitious state of the weather prevented full use being made of the lovely garden and lawns. On the 12th a garden par ty in aid of the Melanesian Mission will be held in Mr Wynn-Williams’ grounds, when, if fine, there is sure to be a large attendance. The Rev Robison, of All Saints’, Nelson, an old Christchurch boy, will be one of the speak-

era. Tliere will be, a* usual, Island curios on sale, afternoon tea, etc. Mi's Matbias, Fendalton, gave a number of her friends great pleasure last Thursday at a garden party in her pretty grounds. Croquet was played all the afternoon, and in the house some excellent music was given by -Mrs Wilding. Mrs Beswick, Mrs Denniston, Mrs Haslam, and the Misses Cook. Mrs Mathias received in a pretty grey gown with silk and lace vest and heliotrope bonnet; Mrs Julius wore a handsome black costume, bonnet, trimmed with pale green; Miss Julius, all white; Mrs Denniston, all black with sequin trimming; Mrs G. G. Stead, black satin coat and skirt, cream satin and lace vest, and pale bine toque; Miss Stead, pale grey voile with triple skirt, black picture hat and feathers; Mrs Ranald Macdonald, vieux rose voile, eream lace vest, cream hat with pink roses; Mrs Wilding, fawn gown, cream lace vest, fawn and brown toque; Miss Wilding, white skirt, green and white muslin blouse; Mrs J. Gould, a lovely gown of embroidered black chenille over white silk, ehiffon ruffle, black and white hat; Mrs T. Cowlishaw, pale grey voile tucked from the waist, large black hat: Miss Cook, white serge skirt, white silk and insertion blouse; Mrs Palmer. Mrs and Miss Reeves, Miss Wynn-Williams, Mrs and Miss Helmore. Mrs and Miss Gossett, Mrs Crooke, Mrs Elworthy, Mrs Boyle, Mrs and Miss Hill, Mrs Maling. Mrs and Miss Inman, Mrs Pat Campbell, Mrs Wigram, Mrs H. O. D. Meares, Mrs Fox, Mrs Archer, Mrs Bevan-Brown, Mrs and Miss Moore, Mrs G. Gould, Mrs H. H. Cook, Mrs G. Lee, Mrs Ogle, Mrs Woodrofl'e, Mrs Hanrner, Mrs Cobham, Mrs Turrell, the Misses Mnrray-Aynsley, Cleveland, Lee, Winter, Bowen, Meares, Harper. Sanders, Ainger, Elworthy, Mrs and Miss Ronalds and many others. Mr James Embling, the retiring general manager of the Bank of New Zealand, came down to Christchurch last week to bid his old friends good-bye before leaving for England by the Ruapehu on the sth, and was entertained at luncheon at the Christchurch Club, when about GO gentlemen were present.

On Saturday the new tennis courts at St Albau’s were opened in the presence of a large number of members. There are to be croquet lawns and a bowling green; the ground secured was part of the Hawkesbury property, and the Hon J. T. Peacock was elected first president. The Midland Cricket Club’s new pavilion in Hagley Park was opened on Saturday afternoon by Mr Wynn-Williams, with a few well chosen words. Mr Wynn-Williams lias been president of this club for twenty-five years consecutively. A number of ladies provided afternoon tea for friends and foes, and a match was played between the picked team for the English match and another thirteen.

Mrs Walter Aloore, St. Albans, gave a children’s party on Saturday afternoon, assisted by a few grown-up friends. The weather was very threatening, but did not damp the children’s ardour in the least, and a rollicking time was spent by all. finishing with a delicious tea and sweets.

DOLLY VALE.