CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue XVII, 23 April 1904, Page 52

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dear Bee, April 13. The second day of the Easter races was a very disappointing one as far as the weather was concerned, and it meant coats and skirts and mackintoshes without a doubt- Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Stead entertained His Excellency the Governor and party at luncheon, which passed off very happily. Mrs. Stfad wore a dark tweed costume, finished with tiny gold buttons, white fox furs and black toque; Miss Stead, navy serge and military coat, piped with red, fiat red hat. Most of the entertainments of the week have been dinners and banquets, and Lord Ranfurly, as well as the officers of the three exploring ships, has been kept busily employed. On Thursday Lord Ranfurly unveiled the tablets in memory of our fallen troopers, and presented war medals to the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Contingents. A farewell banquet was given in the evening i the Canterbury Hall, which was largely attended. The tables were beautifully decorated by a. number of ladies, principally in scarlet and white, having a very bright appearance at night. On either side of His Excellency were seated the Hon. H. F. Wigram (Mayor) and Mrs. Wigram. Others at the same table were Judge and Mrs. Denniston, Bishop and

Mrs. Julius, Captain and Mrs. Heaton Rhodes, Sir John Hall and Mrs. J. D. Hall, the Hon. C. nnd Mrs. Louixson, Mr. nnd Mrs. P.ollitt, Hon. C. C. Bowen, Captains Scott, Colbeck, Mackay, Mr. and Mrs, Pazling, Mr. W. Recce, Mr. G. G. Stead, Mr. Devenish-Meares, and Col. onel Pitt. Mrs. Wigrain wore white silk, veiled in black lace, and black silk coat; Mrs. Denniston, black satin, trimmed with cream lace; Mrs. Julius, black satin evening dress and grey cloak; Mrs. Heaton llhomes, all black, diamond ornaments; Mrs. Louisson, black satin, trimmed with lace, diamond ornaments. Among others present were some of the officers of H.M.s. Tauranga, Discovery, and Morning, Dr. and Mrs. Mickle, Di', and Mrs. Jennings, Major and Mrs. Snow, Colonel nnd Mrs. Slater, Dr. and Mrs. Morton Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Cobham, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Haydon. Mr. and Mrs. 11. Wood. Professor and Mrs. J. R. Scott, Mr. and Mrs, J. Bickerton Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. F. Graham, Mr and Mrs. Hood 'Williams, Mr. - and Misses Hill, Misses Devenish-Meares, Misses Bowen, Mr. Carrick, and Miss Martin, and many others. Mrs. George Gould gave a ladies’ bridge party at her residence, “Avonliank,” on Monday, when a merry time was spent, finishing up with a charming supper. Among the guests were Mrs. J.

Gould, Mrs. J. H. Besv.dck, Mrs. Ormond (Napier), Mrs. Cazzer (England), Mrs. G. Wilder (England), Mrs. Pyne, Mrs, Wardrop, Mrs. T. Cowlishaw, Mrs. Mills, Mrs. Campbell, Misses Cleveland, Wilder, and Williams. A very delightful ball was given on Friday by Mr. Kavillo at Hororata, a number going from Christchurch, and a house party of about twelve being accommodated at the homestead. The hall was beautifully decorated. Freeman catered, and the floor was perfeet. The ball was a fancy dress one, and caused great amusement as well, one of the best characters being Mr. V. Hargreaves as a “Nigger;” Three Japanese ladies were also much admired, and a pink paper lamp shade was a very effective costume. Weddings are coming thick and fast. Three are to be celebrated to-day, more to-morrow, and again next week.

DOLLY VALE.