CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXV, Issue 1, 8 July 1905, Page 48

CHRISTCHURCH.

Dem Dec, The novelty and sueeess of the season was the "Dickens’ Chaiacter” dance given by Mr ami Mrs Carey-Hill in the new schoolroom at Merivale. I told von how busy we were planning and preparing costumes for it. and really our efforts were most successful. Several of the characters were .splendidly carried out. Not only were the Cruiekshank pictures correctly reproduced, but the characters were also acted up to. Mrs Carey-Hill as "Mrs Jarley” was splendid. and kept, her waxworks dancing merrily to the strains of Miss Scrivinet’s hand; Mr Carey-Hill represented "Mr Tracy Tupman;” Miss Bullen. Mrs Hill’s sister, was "Miss Flite. the Little Old Lady of the Law Courts." She was very merry, and chattered gaily with ".larndyce" of the Court of Chaneerv. Mr Stuart Boss. Mrs Qnaine looked well as "Lady Dedlock;” another “Lady Dedlock” was Mrs Appleby. Mr E. M chlt. as “Sairey Camp." won all hearts, and secured the votes of the company for the first prize. "Miss Flite’’ won the second, ami Miss Mace, as "Miss Monflatliers,” of the select young ladies’ school, took the third prize. Mrs Wavmouth looked well as "Madame Manlalini. Madame Lafarge appeared thrive —"Mrs Diamond." "Miss Graham.” and "Miss Winnie Gibson." They wore characteristic gowns, and carried their knitting. There were two "Fagins”—Dr. Gibson and Mr F. \V. Thompson. Both were capitally got up. and the latter was inimitably funny. Mrs Thompson as "Mrs Nickleby” was very good. Her daughters were "Dolly Varden” and ‘•Doll’s dressmaker.” Mrs Dick Anderson was "Mi's Squeers,” and though her bowl and spoon were innocent of brim stone and treach*, she looked very businesslike. Master It. Deacon was tin* famous ‘•Barnaby Budge.” and carried his cage and his blackbird on his back. Mr Mervyn Stevenson as "Mr Micawber;” Mrs Gilbert Anderson made an

excellent ‘‘Mrs Todgers;” Miss Way. “Betsy Trotwood;” Miss N. Guthrie. “Mary.'’ housemaid to “Mr Nnpkins” (Tpswich); Miss G. Anderson. “Little Nell:" Miss Mart in. "Cherry I’ceksnilT:" Mrs De Vries made a charming “Mrs Dupin.” and took every opportunity of

advertising her imi accommodation; Airs Chilton looked well as ‘’Belle Wilfrr;” Mi*s Ldiiisson wore a very becoming frock of white muslin, with large poke bonnet. Others present were. Mr and Mrs Wanklyn. Dr. and Mrs Manning, Air and Mis* Reece, Aliss Meredith-Kaye, Aliss Gasset. Dr. and Mrs Anderson, the Alisses Secrrtan, Miss Stavely. Mrs L Gibbs. The hall was prettily decorated with evergreens and holly. One portion was arranged as a drawing-room, the stage being devoted to card-tables. The delicious supper from Freeman’s was carried out in a manner appropriate to the Dickens’ period, and at 12 o’clock hot spiced wine was served, and the toast, ’’The health of the host ami hostess,” was honoured. The match of the Dagley Park Golf Chib for Mrs Gould’s prizes resulted in Mi-s Nora Campbell winning the first and Airs Frank Robinson the second. 'l’he Shirley links have been much patronised lately. The mixed foursomes match was played off on Tuesday. Miss Inman and Air T re wick being the winners. For the monthly handicap medal match an unusually large number of competitors went out. This was won by Miss Stead, making her third consecutive win of the much-coveted button. Miss Kettle made the best score in the second grade. 'l’he ladies' hockey team met a vi-iting team from Akaroa on the Elmwood ami defeated their opponents. 'l’he Misses Nedwill gave a “Bridge party” on Tup clay evening. The lady’s prize, a handsome cut-glass and silver scent bottle, was won by Miss Denniston. The men's prize went to Mr Aitken. Some of thr guests were Mr and Airs T. Cowlisbaw. Mrs R. I). Harman, thr Misses Deans, Denniston, ami Cracroft-\\ ilson. Messrs Collins. Jackson, Hamner. Aitken, Dr. Nedwill. Gibsun, ami Adami. Miss ,lanet Ogle gave a ‘Pit party” to her girl friends on the same evening. 'I hr prize was won by Miss Lucy Kitson. On Tuesday afternoon Airs A. E. G. Rhodes gave a small afternoon tea. at which Captain Tudor, H.M.s. Cha Heitger, Miss Fanshawe, and Miss Dortal were among the guests. Aliss R«ta Wilson gave a girls’ bridge party on Thursday. Airs Wilson wore black satin, Mrs Guy Ronalds pale blu« and white muslin, Miss Wilson white silk. Thr rooms were prettily decorated w’ith red berries. Some capital games were played. The guests included the Misses Kettle, Deans, Symes, Nedwill, Denniston. N. Campbell. At. Anderson. I 4 '. Moore, and Harley. Mrs Bowen’s ‘‘Old Girls” gave a delightful entertainment in Miss Cox's assembly rooms on Thursday evening. I’he programme consisted of two short plays, admirably performed, with musical items in between. Afterwards thr room was cleared and dancing most th /roughly enjoyed. Quite a gloom was cast over us last week by the unexpected death of Mrs T. Garrard, who is sincerely mourned, and will be greatly missed by her large circle of friends. Iler funeral was largely attended, very many ladies being present. The lloral tributes were beautiful. ami the florists w<*re unable to fulfil all thr orders given for white

flowers. Tlk» deepest sympathy is for Air Garrard in his sad loss. The students of Canterbury C<»l!cge celebrated Diploma Day yesterday; in the orthodox fashion. A great - procession para det I the city during the UKiruing. PrehistoHs men. in sheep skins, Roman gladiators, soldiers, sailors, and a band of Robin Hood's Merry, Merry Men in Lincoln green. The comic element attracted great attention, particularly the tall youth clad in a crinoline costume with a wonderful hat. as she leant on thr arm of a silk-hatted cavalier, smaller than herself. “Capping* ceremony passed oil well in the Afternoon; the students, although full of fun, were most orderly during thr proceedings. In the evening they held a dame in Canterbury College hall, which was largely attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mrs Blunt ami Mrs C. C. Cook were the chaperones. Have not time to tell you of any of Ihe pretty dresses.

DOLLY VALE.