WHANGAREI.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue V, 1 August 1903, Page 341

WHANGAREI.

Dear Bee. The exceptionally fine winter weather which we have been enjoying continues. FROST HAS FOLLOWED FROST, and here I find myself looking down our orange grove, with the trees laden with their rieh yellow fruit, and the ground white with frost. This, of course, is very unusual, for though we arc not free altogether from frost, yet as a rule, when it comes our way, it is very mild. Even the kiddies going to school have been seen munching thin ice as if it were caviare. So your readers down South may be consoled with the knowledge that even we far Northerners have not escaped from the not too welcome embrace of Jack Frost. By the bye, dear editor, I hope you do not object to one making copy out of the weather, for personally I think it is so nice to be able to read just what kind of weather one’s friends in different parts of the colony are experiencing, and in a paper like the “Graphic,” with an all-colony circulation, wc get in touch with every part of New Zealand.

A ladies* club is being frrined here, more particularly for the convenience of those who live in the country. Country ladies know the irksomene*- of havin'* to wait about town while their husbands are attending sale or other business, and the want of some quiet place where one can rest for an hour or two is experienced in all country towns. An exceedingly enjoyable “Book After* noon*’ was given by Mrs Foster, at her residence, Norfolk-street. as a farewell to her sister. Miss Fanner, of Gisborne, who Ira J been staying here for two months. The guests were entertained in the drawingroom, and a dainty afternoon •tea was subsequently served in the diningroom. Mrs Gillon won the prize for correctly “diagnosing” the greatest number of books represent<nl by the fair wearers, while Miss Drummond was winner of the prize for the inoM original representation of a title. The hostess received her guests in a black skirt, pretty sulphur coloured silk blou>c. with frills of chit Ton: Mi>s Farmer, in a viola* cloth, made with one of the long fashionable bodices, elaborately trimmed with violet velvet and ecru lace. Amon* the guests were: Mrs Gillon. representing “Guests of Mine Host” i point rayed with photographs of the gueMsi: Mrs IL X. Boult. “Two Years Ago’’: Miss Macken, “The Sign of Four”; Miss Clark-

Walker, "All Sorts and Conditions of Men’; Mrs Bispham, “Susan Fielding”; Mrs Piekmere, “My Little Girl”; Miss Drummond, "Neighbours from the Green”; Mrs Knight, “Blaek and White”; Mrs Mackie. “A Hard Knot”; Miss Eva Wilson, “Pudding Head Wilson”; Miss Garey, “Peg, the Rake”; Miss Reybiirn. “Two Years Ago”; Miss A. Macken. “A Hero of the 19th Century”; Miss I. Aiderton, “Purple and Fine Linen.”

The monthly social in connection with Christ Church took place last week, and proved one of the most enjoyable held this winter. Several songs, duets, etc., were rendered, and were greatly appreciated by those present. Another takes place first week in August. A children’s party was held at the residence of Mrs G. E. Aiderton. “Wairere,” in connection with a dancing class Mrs Bispham has under instruction thia week. The Maypole was danced by sixteen children, with Miss Beryl Steadman as the May Queen (looking very sweet and bonny in a gold and white gauze dress, a crown, staff and bouquet). The other dancers were in May costume, and the function passed off splendidly, the little ones seeming to enjoy themselves thoroughly. Among the guests were: Mesdames Colonel Goring. T. IT. Steadman. E. N. Boult, Me Donald (2). P. Bedlington. L. Hanlon, L. L. Cubitt, Grimshaw, Woolley. G. Sissons, and Crane. and the Misses Smith. Woolley, P. Johnson, Jowitt, Stewart. McDonald (2). Hanlon (2), Crane. Smith. Halliday, Grimshaw. Sis sons, Steadman (2). McKinnon. Stone, and Hutchings. Masters Woolley, Sissons. Cubitt. Hanlon (2), Stone, and others.

NGAIA.