WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXV, Issue 22, 2 December 1905, Page 48

WELLINGTON.

Dear Bee, November 24. Friday was the occasion of a very jolly affair, the annual sports and garden party at the WELLINCTON GIRLS’ COLLEGE. Interest in this has increased so greatly of late years that an invitation is eagerly looked forward to. The school grounds were gay with festoons of bunting between the trees that line the avenue, and the flagstaff itself displayed all the flags it could safely carry. The wind, which was very high, did not interfere with the success of the gathering. Afternoon tea was ready in the big hall, and the girls themselves were Indefatigable in looking after their guests, and seeing that everyone had tea—a difficult task in such a crowd. The sports programme began early, and lyent on late, as the large number of entries delayed matters in starting. It ■fvas a pretty sight to see the girls in the neatest of blue and white serge gymnasium dresses running, jumping, bicycling, with zest and enjoyment. The Events included sack races, blindfold races, hurdles, bicycle, egg and spoon races, etc., as well as the finals for •roquet, tennis, putting, etc. The prizes Were numerous and attractive. Miss Jdaelean (lady principal) looked very Well in a smut tty-made dress of voile, finished, with lace and touches of velvet, find picture hat; Miss Morrah, pretty otamino dress with lace cuffs, and a emart toque; Miss Ecclesfleld, dark tai-lor-made, and black toque; Miss Fraser, blue canvas with white broderie, floral toque. Assisting with the programme iwere Mr Harrison (gymnasium instructor), Messrs Luckie, Joynt, Maclean and Young. Among the guests were Mrs and Miss Brandon, Mrs and Miss Blundell. Jlrs Firth, Misses Kirkcaldie, Misses West, Miss Morrah, Miss Bulkley, Miss Fitzgerald, Mrs and Miss Somerville, Miss Van Staveren, Miss Nation, Mrs and Miss Young, Misses Harding, Miss Ward, Miss McKellar, Miss Freeman, Misses Fell. Miss Mills. Miss Stuart, Mrs and Miss Dunean. Mrs and Miss Browne, Miss Simpson, Miss Marchant, Miss Butts, Misses Hannay. Miss Richthond, Miss Atkinson, Miss Henrys, Miss Fordham, Mrs and Miss Thompson, Misses Hannah, Miss Henderson.

I cannot tell you how grieved everyone in to hear of Mrs Harry Butler's tragiu end; the shock has been deeply felt in Wellington, where she had so many warm friends. Letters received from her lately gave such a pleasant account of life abroad that her lot seemed *n enviable one. Then the distance from Brittany to* England is so short that Mr and Mrs Butler took frequent runs across to see their people. Many expressions of sympathy have been sent to Mr Butler, who is left with two motherless little girls—Freda, and Bonnie. Only a few weeks ago Mr Butler’s father, the Earl of Lanesborough, died, his eldest sou, Lord Newtown Butler, succeeding to the title. Mrs Butler was formerly Miss Isa Daniel, daughter of Mrs Abbot, of “Balgownie,” Wanganui. Her two sisters. Mrs Lomas and Mrs Watt, are both living tn South Africa. Mrs Abbot, who has been at the Cape for the past two years was due in London a short time ago. Then another sad piece of news is the death of Mrs Edward Keiller, which occurred at Taupo last week. Her case was considered serious, but youth was •o much hi iter favour Hint there was •vary hope she would recover, so her end

was terribly unexpected. She haves two tiny children.

The air is now full of politics, and all social events seem to be suspended for a time. The candidates are apjMirently having a competition as to who can make the most speeches in the shortest time. Those who possess motor-cars appear to find them alternately invaluable and infuriating. Mr Hislop’ Mr Barber and Mr Wilford have all had contretemps lately. Writing of motors reminds me that Mr and Mrs Donnelly have been here with their big car, which has caused quite a sensation.

I am glad to give more cheerful news of Mr Buller, wlio is making steady progress after his severe relapse.

Another popular invalid, Captain Hughes, is now convalescent after his

nasty accident.

OPHELIA.