HASTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 8, 24 February 1909, Page 66

HASTINGS.

Dear Bee, February 20. We have had rain, delightful rain, which lasted for several days, soaking deep into the thirsty soil; soft, warm Jain., which has coaxed the drooping shrubs and flowers to renew their youth. Several little tennis and croquet parties have been postponed on account of the wet weather. However it cleared up beautifully for the repetition of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” by the pupils of Woodford House school, on Thursday night, which was, as before, a most delightful entertainment. Great praise is due to Miss Hodge and her staff of teachers for the way in which they have brought -the scholars so near to perfection. The costuming of the girls taking part in “Midsummer Night’s Dream” was most striking, and shows what an immense amount of labour had been devoted in order to bring about such good stage effect. The whole performance was capital, and is one more step in securing the standard of bliss Hodge’s school, which is well-known throughout the Dominion as one of the most refined schools for young ladies. Even parents from Can terbury send their daughters to be finished by Miss Hodge, for whom all have a warm regard, especially my married friends whose little ones are under her care and supervision. bliss Hodge entertains the parents and friends of her pupils in many ways during the year, the exhibitions of their physical drill being particularly fine.

Refreshments are always provided, and in many ways she retains the popularity of her school, and it is hoped that she will give us an early opportunity of again expressing appreciation of the histrionic capabilities of her students. Among the students who took part. I wish to specially mention Misses G. Kennedy. M. Todd, P. Lusk, N. Waller. D. McNiven, who each played their part successfully. bliss L. Dobel (singing fairy) sang “1 Know a Bank,” and received a well-deserved encore. The young ladies who took the parts of Queens all looked very graceful and pretty. Miss G. Downe’s took the part of Oberon splendidly, and bliss Q. Nelson looked well as the Duke of Athens. The pupils received well-deserved encores from the very enthusiastic audiAmong the latter T caught a glimpse of various smart toilettes. Lady Russell, black silk, handsome lace; bliss Russell looked exceedingly well also in black, with beautiful, long coral necklet, handsome dove-coloured cloak, brightened with silver sequins; bliss M. Russell, shell pink silk, profusely trimmed with soft lace; Mrs. Hindmarsh, pale green chiffon taffeta; bliss Austin, a sweet frock of white muslin, trimmings of pink iloral silk: bliss Maekersey. soft white dress, with saxe blue touches; Mrs. Jack Beamish was wearing black, with stylish pastel grey evening cloak; bliss Hodge, black silk, relieved with white. I also noticed Mrs. Lowry, Mrs. Z. Cameron, bliss Adams, Mrs. C. Scott, Miss Evans, Miss Williams, Messrs. Hindmarsh, Braithwaite. Cameron. Hoben, Hurley, Williams. Beamish. Evans and many ethers.

PERSONAL NOTES. Mr. and Mrs. Hurley (8.N.5.W.) have returned from their holiday in Auckland. Dr. and Mrs. Barcroft are now residing in their new residence, Market-street. Mrs. McNairn Miller (Auckland) and her family have been spending a few weeks with Major and Mrs. Gascoyne. Mr. Sydney Hoben has returned from his holidays in Auckland and resinned his professional visits here. Great sympathy is felt for Mr. Brittain (late of Stock Department, Hastings, now of Gisborne), in the sad loss of his mother by frowning in the wreck of the s.s. Penguin on Terawhiti Point.

SHEBA.