GISBORNE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 7, 17 February 1909, Page 66

GISBORNE.

Dear Bee, February 12. On Monday night the Garrison Hall presented quite a brilliant scene, the occasion being the opening performance of the military carnival arranged by Signor Borzoni, under the title of "The Birth of the Empire.'’ ’ The proceedings were formally opened with a speech by His Worship the Mayor, who congratulated the volunteers, and all those concerned, on being able to arrange such a highclass entertainment, the object of which, he explained, was to help to lessen the debt on the hall. The performance included tableaux of all descriptions, fancy dancing, character songs, marches, etc., over 200 adults and children taking part, whilst the City Band, under Conductor Lawrence, contributed largely to the success of the evening. Solos were also given by the members of the It it a Orchestra, and Mr. Harold Piper accompanied on the piano in his usual finished style. The audience were seated round the hall on tiers of seats arranged like a circus, with the performers in a ring in the centre, which gave everyone a fair chance of seeing all that was to be seen. During the interval on Tuesday evening

the people of Gisborne took the opportunity of presenting Mr aud Mrs Townley with a massive silver rose bowl, as a small token of the love ami esteem in which they were held by young and old alike. During the 28 years of his life spent in Gisborne, Mr Townley has devoted his time to the interests of that town and people, and has oeeupied the position of Mayor for 17 years. Mrs Townley’s name has become a by-word for good deeds, and she has ever been foremost in helping every charitable work along. The presentation was made by Mr de Lantour, accompanied by an appropriate speech. Speeches were also made by Mr L. W. Bright and Captain Tucker. Mr Townley feelingly replied on behalf of Mrs Townley and himself, and at the conclusion of the ceremony was “chaired” round the hall, whilst the large audience all joined in the. singing of "Eon He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

The carnival is to continue for eight nights, and so far there has been a large and representative audience each night, amongst whom were the Mayor (Mr W. 1). Lysnar) and Mrs Lysnar, Mr and Mrs de Lautour, Mr and Mrs Rees, Mr and Mrs Mann, Mr and Mrs Symes, Mrs Stevenson, Mr and Mrs Pyke. Miss Pyke, Mr., Mrs., and Miss Bright, Mr and Mrs F. Barker, Mr and Mrs V. Barker, Mr and Mrs A. Seymour, Miss Margoliouth, Mr ami Mrs A. F. Kennedy, Mr and Mrs Traill, Mr and Mrs F. Parker, Dr. and Miss Schumacher, Mr and Mrs Waschmann, Miss M. Wasehmann, Mrs Bennett, Mrs Donner, Mr and Mrs K. White, Mrs Hughes, the Misses Tucker, Mr and Miss Foster, Mr and Mrs Barton. Mr and Mrs Stock, Mr andMrs E. Matthews, Miss Williams, the Misses Davies, Miss Evans, etc. In Wednesday evening A VERY ENJOYABLE DANCE was given by Mr and Mrs Nolan at their residence “Otipi.” The diningroom and adjoining drawing-room were used as a ball-room, and a most recherche supper was spread in a large marquee erected for the occasion on the lawn just outside the dining-room, the tables being most tastefully decorated. The music was supplied by the Veta Bros.’ orchestra. The guests consisted chiefly of unmarried people, only a few very “young” matrons being invited. Mrs Nolan was gowned in a most becoming black taffeta dress, relieved with white; her daughter, Mrs R. Barton, wore soft white taffeta With chiffon trimmings; Miss Nolan, pale green ninon; Mrs Gillingham, white taffeta, with trimmings of lace and French knots; Mrs G. Reynolds, cream satin, with trimmings of silver, etc.; Mrs R. Crawford, Empire gown of chiffon, trimmed with chiffon and slight touches of silver; Mrs O. Sainsbury, black taffeta, with turquoise ornaments; Miss Sherratt, blue muslin over silk; Miss Waschmann, black silk, relieved with white; Miss Donner (England), white lace gown, with foundation of satin, made in Empire style; Miss Bennett, pale blue silk; Miss Mac Lean, floral muslin; Miss Reynols, white silk, with trimmings of green velvet; Miss C. Reynolds, black taffeta; Miss Lewis, cream lace dress, relieved with blue; Miss J. Lewis, white silk, with floral sash; Miss Bradley was also in white; Miss M. Williamson, deep blue chiffon over white crepe de eliene; Miss Gray, soft white satin; Miss K. Sherratt, white taffetas; Miss Murray, old rose, with brown velvet trimmings; Miss Gordon (Opotiki), white muslin; Miss Pyke, Miss Davies; Miss White, pink taffeta; Messrs W. Nolan, Smith, Sherratt, Gillingham, Barton, Curtis, Murray, Crawford, White, ami Reynolds. PICNIC. Saturday being an ideal day for a picnic, enabled those who were energetic enough to journey out from town to the Ormond quarry to spend a very pleasant day in the bush. The younger members of the party, to whom this form of amusement appeals particularly, were most enthusiastic in their appreciation, and very unwilling to leave when the time came for going home. Amongst those who were there I noticed: Mrs Hine and her children. Mrs Runciman and the Misses and Master Runciman, Mrs W. Sherratt, Miss Sherratt, Miss Gray, Mrs J. R. Murphy, Mrs Tombleson and her daughters, Mrs and the M isses Lusk (Napier), Miss R. Rees (London), Mrs Hodge and her small son, Miss Waschmann, Mrs C. Thomas and children, Miss Seymour, Miss D. Bennett, Miss Donner (England), Dr. and Miss Schumacher, and others.

ELSA.