WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 17, 25 August 1893, Page 15

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.)

-_. , J , Augußt 19tb, 1893. OK Wednesday the 9th inst. at the annual meeting of the Ladies' Society of 8t Vincent de Paul, which was held in the presbytery, Hill street, Miss Graoa (vice-president of the Society), eldest daughter of the Hon Dr Grace, O.M.G , M.L 0., and Count of the holy Romaa Umpire, was presented with a beauiiful souvenir in the shape of a dinner gong, mounted on oak inlaid with silver and suitably inscribed. Tbe presentation was a mark of respect and esteem towards Miss Grace on her approaching marriage, and consequent severance of her connstion with the Society. Tbe Rev Father Dawsoo, Adm., in asking Miss Grace s acceptance of the gift, spoke in high terms of praise of we energy, punctuality, and devotion for which she had always been wmarkable in her work in the Society, and wished her long life and happiness l 0 her new sphere, expressing also great regret at her approaching departure (I understand that Miss Grace will accompany her husband to India). Miss Grace having feelingly and graciously replied, the meetiag was brought to a close. I see that it v the intention of the gentlemen of the medical profession to pre 9 ent to Miss Grace, as a wedding present, the portrait of her father, to be painted by Mr James N. Nairn, a noted portrait painter of this city. Although Lord Glasgow is Conservative ia politics he bids fair to be a prime favouiite with the Liberal workingmen of this city, as he has taken an active and intelligent interest in all that concerns the masses. For instance, on the 10th instant, his Excellency, accompanied by his aide de c*m P , Mr Clayton, paid a visit to the Working Men s Club, a handsome new building on the reclamation fronting V.ctoria street He was received by the president, vicepresident, and committee. After signing tbe visitor's book his SSJT 7 7" £ OWa 0T " the bnilding ' and «P«»ed himself h^hly pleased with everything he had seen, and complimented the officers and members. After some further congratulatory remarks, Lord Glasgow and Mr Clayton were duly proposed and seconded Club honorar y members of tbe Wellington Workingmen's ♦5* "gret that I announce the sudden and unexpected death of Mr W. F. Boss, a well-known Catholic and businessroan of this city, which, from advices received per the last San FranCisco mail by his sorrowing family, occurred io the city of Chicago !0o7u«"! 0 o7u«" eDd ° f JUQe * Mr aQd Mrß Boßa left Wellington on the 18th May on a trip round the world, intending to visit the " World's Fair en route, and return to the colonies by way of Europe ia time to witness the race for the Melbourne Cup. I gather from a report of the sad event tbat Mrs Ross is returning to Wellington accompanied by her son, Mr Samuel, who has been living in San Francisco for some time, and they bring with them the remains of the deceased gentleman for interment in Wellington. Mr Ros, was 52 years of age, and a native of Port Adelaide, where his mother still lives He came to Dunedin in 1865, *here be married, subsequent!, settling in Hokitika un U 1878, when be came to Wellmgtoa aad entered into business as a fruiterer and fbrisr on Lambtou Quay. The deceased had long been connected with volunteering io this Colon,, and was a noted shot^ holding for many years tte championship for the ProTinea of Westland. There are left to mourn his loss bis widow and eleven children Miss Ross is a young lady well knowu in musical circles, and her fine soprano voice has beea of tea listened to with pleasure by the congregation of the beautiful little church in Boulcott street, where she is tbe l.ad.ng lady aoloist. This family bare a host of friends in Wellington, who deeply sympathy with them in their great loss. — R.I.P. The last Catholic « social » of the season wag held in the Skating Rink, on Thursday evening, and, despite bad weather, was a crowning success, which must have been a matter for congratulation to the ladies of the committee, who had worked fio hard towards that end A programme of music, song and recitation w a3 admirably performed, special features, in which were a clarionet solo by Mr W H Corngau, of Dunedin, Mr J. Sheridan's recitation, "How Bill Adams won the battle of Waterloo," a comic recitation by Mr Morgan which was encored and Mr Hale's recitation « The Showman " St Mary of the Angels' choir, under the conductorsbip of Mr Oakes »ng the glee "In Fairyland," from " Oberon," in fine style A dance wound up the evening's entertainment, Mr T. Davis acting as M.C Mr T. Hyland was the efficient secretary, and the music was ■upplied by an orchestra under the baton of Mr J. Kearsley The entertainment given in the Drill Shed, which was mentioned in detail in tny last communication to you, and which was id aid of the new Catholic infant school, has resulted in a net return of £45 There » upwards cf £250 in hand for (his purpose, and as £500 are required, it is intended to raise the sum necessary by a hoase to house canvass in the Thorndon parish. • * £ h8 *?.' J ath " DaWBOD ' Adn) . received a cablegram on the 7th mat from his Grace Archbishop Redwood announcing bis arrival in Han. JTrancisco.

The political horizon of New Z -aland is <l«rk with ths shadows of coming events. Woman's franchise embodied in the Eleotoral Bill is before the Upper House, and the prophets of the newspaper world predict a victory for its adherents. Should this Bill pass, New Zealand will be ia the van of reform, for it will be the only country in the world where the ladies are eotrnated with the privilege of voting for representatives to Parliament. Sir Robert Stoat's Licensing Bill having beeu shelved, the Government have introduced a Licensing Bill of their own, which the knowing oneß also Bay has success written large upon it. Should this Bill pans, although it may reduce the number of licensed houses, containing as it does some severe restrictions on the '• trade," it may prove a blessing in disguisa to the respectable hotelkeeper and to the candidates for Parliament at the general election ; for it would probably prevent, to a large exteot, candidates being compelled to pledge themselves to the "Direct Veto" or to "Prohibition." The very near future will decide for good or ill the fate of these great measures. After the House rose this morning at 2.10, the Government steamer Hinemba left Wellington on a parliamentary excursion trip to Queen Charlotte Sound, having on board a number of tirei legislators and thtir friends, including lady relatives of the Members. The party return to town on Monday.