CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XI, 14 March 1903, Page 753

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, March 3. Now tlie Lenten season Is upon us there seems very little doing in a frivolous sort of way. In Christchurch you may go to church as often as you like, and at such time in the day as suits you best, but there is nothing else for you to do until this period is over- You will find yourself taken aback by the refusal of a child to take some of Jones’ candy for the reason it is Lent.

The English cricket team returned to*. Christchurch last week, and the first test match was played at Lancaster Park on 27th and 28th February, and 2nd March. The largest attendance of the public was on Saturday afternoon, when quite a crowd assembled and great interest was taken. Many colds were taken too for it was a bitterly eold wind blowing all day and ended in a white frost on Tuesday morning. The visitors of course won, and seven wickets to the good, but the New Zealanders were certainly not favoured by fortune the two first days, but played a plucky game. Mr Warner, the captain, stayed again with Mr and Mrs H. J. Wigram, Messrs Burnup and Taylor were the guests of Mr and Mrs G. G. Stead at Strowan, and Mr Johnstone took advantage of his few days in Christchurch to visit his aunt Sirs Denniston at Peel Forest- Among the spectators on different days were Mr and Mrs Wigram, the latter in navy blue doth striped with lighter shade, blue and green hat; Mr and Mrs A. E. G. Rhodes, the latter in a lovely blaek silk voile, and very handsome long cloak with wide sleeves of grey rough cloth lined with grey satin and trimmed with brown fur, large black velvet hat and feathers; Mrs G. Rhodes (Meadowbank), pale green frieze costume, handsome jacket and pink hat; the Bishop and Mrs Julius, the latter in black cloth strapped with silk, black and white bonnet; Miss A. Julius, navy blue costume,

white vest, fawn jacket, and tuscan hat; Miss B. Julius, navy blue cloth, white bands and collar, sailor hat; Mrs J. C. Palmer, navy frlue cloth with light stripe, white vest, Panama hat; Mrs F. Perry (Hawke’s Bay), bright rose pink doth, tuscan hat with lace and pink roses; Mis Alister Clark, dark costume, and pretty hat; Mrs Pyne, heliotrope frieze, white vest and embroidered collar, tusean hat; Mrs Williams, all black; Professor and Mrs Cook, the latter in sage green frieze eoat and skirt, white vest and hat; Miss Cook, navy skirt, white blouse, long coat and burnt straw hat; Mrs H. Harris, royal blue voile tucked skirt and bodice, white lace vest, blaek hat; Miss Harris, blue voile finished with white lace, black hat; the Misses Ross, Williams, Maud Garrick, Hill, Mr and Mrs Wilding, the latter in black silk tucked jacket, black skirt and hat, black and white ruffle; Miss Wilding, fawn coat and skirt, hat to match; Archdeacon and Miss Lingard, Mr and Mrs F. C. Raphael, Mr and Mrs If. D. Carter, Messrs H. Brett (Auckland), G. Fenwick (Dunedin), Blundell (Wellington), the Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, and many more.

Mrs and Miss Helmore had some of their friends to afternoon tea, tennis and croquet one day last week, and the beautiful old garden was much enjoyed by the visitors.

On Saturday, if fine, there should be an amusing and enjoyable time at the Polo Sports to be held at the Metropolitan Trotting Club’s ground, Addington. Some handsome prizes are offered and for the first time a Ladies' Driving Competition is on the programme.

The last of Mrs Wynn-Williams’ "At Homes” took place on Wednesday, and a most enjoyable time was spent by those present. The garden is at its best now, and just a blaze of flowers.

The shops are assuming quite a wintry appearance, and I am told we are to be permitted short skirts for walking, flat hats will be much worn, and long coats with wide sleeves.

DOLLY VALE.