ROTORUA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XXII, 30 May 1903, Page 1533

ROTORUA.

Dear Bee, Alay 25. There has been a fair amount of excitement here this week on account of the visit of the Premier and Airs Seddon to Rotorua. Airs Seddon, Miss Ruby Seddon, and Master Seddon arrived o:i Friday, the 22nd, and did a good-deal of sight-seeing before the Premier arrived on the following Tuesday. Full accounts of proceedings following bis arrival have been published, so I need not detain you by repeating them. Perhaus a short account of the . . _ .. GARDEN PARTY in the Sanatorium grounds may prove of interest to you. The guests and the Premier and Airs Seddon arrived at th;: grounds after three o’clock, long after the hour they were elxpected, but their delay was caused by the refusal of Wairoa geyser to respond to soaping, and the consequent waiting, in tile hope of seeing it. The (Sanatorium grounds presented . a very lively appearance with the Maori band in uniform in the rotunda, discoursing gay_niu»ie, and crowds of people (many gaily-dressed Maoris among them) upon the green lawns. The tea tent, was prettily decorated with trailing lycopodium and tree ferns, in addition to its usual dainty, Ijttlq tea tables. Many of the latter'were scat-

tered about on the adjoining lawn. A programme of songs, etc., had been arranged. but owing to the late arrival of the guests only half the number of items were given. Upon the arrival of the carriages conveying the guests a hearty welcome was extended. The Premier and party, who ascended the rotunda, where two bouquets were presented to \lr< Seddon and Aliss Seddon by littL' gills. Mr S. T. Brent, in a short, eu’o gistie speech introduced Mr Seddon, who responded and expressed his pleasure at the compliment paid him by the people of Rotorua, and then referred t> other matters principally tonnictetl with Itotoiira. Ihe piano was stationed in the. rotunda, and from thence the solos were given. Two part songs by Whakarewarewa Maori school children were great'y appreciated, as also were songs by Mrs Peace, Aliss Alalfroy, and Air Tomlinson, and a recitation by Mr Lundon. Aliss Empson acted as accompanist. The guests appeared to greatly enjoy several poi dances by Alaori girls. The rest of the programme was dispensed with, as time was limited, and everyone adjourned for afternoon tea. This was in the hands of a committee of ladies, and was most successfully arranged, proving its always a most enjoyable part of the afternoon. Airs Seddon was wearing black, with handsome sealskin jacket, black hat with ostrich plumes; Mrs AVohlmaim, black velvet with white Alaltese lace collar, black toque; Airs Nunnelly, blaek serge; Mrs Peace, grey silk, floral toque; Airs Penney, black: Airs Barron, black, white Astrachan collar and muff, black picture hat; Airs Turner, blaek: Airs Alalfroy. blaek; Mrs Crowther, brown velvet, hat to match; Airs Speers, black silk; Mrs D. Griffiths, black: Airs Parker, black; Airs Andrews, blue velvet blouse, dark skirt; Airs Young, black; Airs T. Walker, Royal blue costume; Aliss Turner, navy serge; Aliss Hawksworth, black, strapped with black silk, black hat; Aliss Griffiths, cornflower blue cashmere; Aliss Giiffen, grey coat and skirt: Aliss Alaunsell, black costume: Miss Empson. navy Russian costume, bluey grey hat with grey bird; Aliss Alalfroy. black skirt. red blouse, grey jacket and hat trimmed with red: Miss Burgoyne. dark skirt, peacock green blouse, blaek hat. There were crowds of others, buzt space will not permit me to mention more. The arrangements for the garden party were ably managed by Air D. Griffiths, Air Parker. Dr. Wolilmann. Revs. Blackburne. and Kreymborg, Air Brent , an I Ah- Peace.