HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL

Gisborne Times, 18 May 1906, Page 3

HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL

THE COMING SESSION

Q>V rpNKt.Ol'U.) Wellington. J Parliament buildings are beginning slum- signs of the apprnaelting sessin Charwomen are luisv scrubbing and swee ing, mill one is apt to fall into buckets at g over brooms unless one walks ward The hammering of carpenters, too. hoard in the House. «nd the officers we; a worried look as if the shadow of a| preaching politics was clouding tinspirits. The " talking shop." ev en win[lie shutters are up. is one of the ehea sights of Wellington, and visitors ur generally taken there to gaze on 1 1 i. luxurious surroundings of our representa tires. There really is little wonder that so many of them feel so drowsy in thosi softly-padded arm-chairs. From the gallery we noticed each seat was ticketed, and one. Sir William Steward's, was doubly labelled. Visions of an exciting contest between the gallant Major and a rival arose, but on closer inspection we found bulb bore the Wuimate representative's name. It is a little sad to find the old familiar fares ousted by new men. although, in the unknown and untried, there are always possibilities which, alas, are seldom fulfilled. One noticeable moveill the general post is that of -Mr Fisher, who has reserved a front bench in the Opposition ranks, the seat wlu-ro Mr Mu .'lianxn. spruce, rosy-cheeked, white haired tnd boyish figured, was wont to sit. Jiel may's is x desert of chaotic chairs and aides, aud the great lob’u, ■ ' -ee i : note polities are . , Ihamher, is strip;-.- -'i c - - arpots. Only . .. try u mv, ay - m filer. The reading-room upstairs is a most

;htful place. Lt is partitioned off

bookcase* into cozy alcoves, some with lire places, and when the fire is lit. a great arm-chair ready, and a favorite book to hand, there is little else to wish for. Those, and they are many, who are granted the privileges of this splendid library have much to be grateful for. Strangely enough, there are seldom many students reading there, but that may be from want of time, not from want of inclination. At present, despitv the'atrocious weather, the grounds about the Parliament buildings are pleasantly green and the gardens of Government House are also being " redded up ” for Lord i’lunket's coming. The Hon. Kathleen l'hmket. who went with Mrs aud Miss Braitlnvaite to Ceylon, will shortly be back in New Zealand.

THE MAOIH IN TOWN. There have been many Maoris in town recently, owing to the Native Land Court being held here, and to visitors they form a most interesting feature of Wellington. Their dress is so quaintly unconventional. Summer or winter they make little or no difference, and go wrapped about in great rugs or shawls when the pakelia woman is wearing Itollands aud muslins. They rejoice in color, aud revel in tartans, and form brilliant splashes of color occasionally as they stroll along—they never lnirry. The hotels near Parliament are favorite lodging places with them, and the other day half-a dozen wahincs with some babies found a pleasant, though damp, restingplace on ths lawn in front of Parliament,

close to a large white label entreating people not to walk on the grass. I lia' c

hanging in my hall a very tine kit made in I’arihaka, which a Maori lady, sauntering by, caught sight of. I resisted her entreaties to sell it. It was not for sale, and she went away sorrowful, but she re turned the next day with a number of small bags tied up in her handkerchief. Would I c-xchiv'ge my kit for these > Even when I politely refused she lingered so wis fully round the coveted bag that I had at last to gently but firmly direct her attention to the door, A TRIO OF MUSICIANS. Tho event of a rather dull week has been tho Andrew Black concerts, which were certamlv most important to musical Wellington, who talked enthusiastically over tho great baritone’s temperament, voice and culture, as well as of the charming violin playing of Miss Sinclair and the wonderful pianoforte playing of Mr Borschke. Mr Andrew Black is liiuNj thought of at Home, and of course here is a personage in the musical world, but it was a. thousand pities he had to sing in the Town Hall. To begin with it is a white wilderness of a place, too big ever to be filled except by a free political meet ing with a possible row as a postscript, and the untenanted eeats are depressing and cause an annoying echo. On the

evsnings of the concert, too, the famous picture by Hunt was being exhibited, and folic It ad to pass the door of the long hall and climb up the stairs to get to the room where it was hanging. The noise they made caused much wrath among the musical enthusiasts, and their bad language, even if unexpressed, probably cancelled all tho virtuous effect the picture might have exercised. Mr Black is. in appearance, most umnusicianly. He is prosperous, burly and cheerful, with eye glasses and a turn-down collar, and his hair is the ordinary length. The appearance of hi* pianist, however, satisfies all demands for artistic individuality. Ho is very pale and boyish, and his auburn locks fall over his collar and ripple on either side of his face. The disadvantages of this coiffure aro obvious when tiie stress of musical emotion is greatest, for the pianist’s locks would then fail over his face. At first he shook his head to try

and clear his countenance, and when that was ineffectual, brought up his right hand iii magnificent flourishes and brushed

buck the wayward tresses, Sympathetic women yearned to lie back bis hair with a little bow of blue ribbon on either side of his head, or to present him with some invisible hairpins. Really, exquisite as was his playing, a number of frivolous people in the audience were more interested in

ic vagaries of his liair, and when he came

out to bow wat.-hed eagerly to see if it would fall over his face. There must be some reason —perhaps as old as Samson

—for musicians wearing their hair long. Paderewski’s aureole was as well known as his playing, and it was a constant grief to his devoted retinue that he would crowd it with a lop-hat. Without the hat lie hail the head of a melancholy angel. Miss Sinclair, Mr .1 (lack's violinist, is a champ

jug girl with a wonderful cqnunand oyer her instrument. Of all her selections Doorak’s weivtl “ Humoresque ” delighted most. MUSIC FOR THE SICK. Very often in Wellington musical peuplo organise concerts for tho poor and the sick. They go to the Old Men's Home, tho hospital and the asylum, and their efforts arc being appreciated. On Tuesday of last week, a most stormy evening, a party, organised by Mr J. F. Carr, who is one of our most delightful concert singers, went up to tho Home for Chronic Invalids. This is the splendid building erected with the money raised at the great bazaar opened by the Princess of Wales when in Wellington.. Then it was to he called the Home for Incurables, hut wisely that most depressing name was altered. It stands on an eminence in the Hospital grounds overlooking Newtown, and at

night is a brilliant beacon with all its windows ablaze. All one end consists of two great windows, forming semi circles, and enclosing a space where the invalids may bask in the sun and enjoy the view. The two large wards are full, and tho concert was held in the women’s ward, till the inmates being in bed, but most of them were eagerly interested in the hour's programme, made short so as not to weary the audience. Songs, music, and reeita tions were ell gay, and one could hear low laughter and see many smiles on the wan faces. But this homo—where Hope hardly ever enters—is many times sadder than ft hospital, and it is little wonder if Nurse Tewsley, who is in control under the matron of the hospital, linds it a sad responsibility. But it is a most peaceful haven for poor worn-out bodies. The wind howled and the rain came down in torrents outside, but only enhanced the warm, spotless, comfort of the ward, with

its blazing tire, easy chairs, rows of snowy beds, and vivid red draperies and screens. The nurses, ten, look so sweet and cheery in their fascinating uniforms, A number from the hospital earns down to the con cert. Miss Amy Hyde was one of the singers. She lias a most charming voice, and sang a coon song, "Kentucky Babe,” delightfully. Miss North Barrett, recently arrived from Melbourne, also sang sweetly. •Afterwards MLs l.’aytje, the Matron, entertained the guests and performers in the

sitting room downstairs. The little confort was much enjoyed by the invalids, one little girl, suffering from spinal disease, imploring the performers to come again soon. ABOUT PEOPLE. On Saturday last the I’remier and Mrs Seddon, .Miss May Seddon, Mrs Frank Oyer and her little daughter, all went to Sydney for a month or three weeks. Miss Foster, of the llutt, is visiting Gisborne. By the Kimulaka left Mrs W. A. Fitzlierbert and lu-r family. 1 bear Miss Filzherhert is to be married at Home.

'apt. and Mrs Bono also were passenger

by the same boat, aud Mr and Mrs Martin of Martinborough. Mrs Lewis, lion Auckland, is sieving with her daughtor Mrs Grey Williams, in Hobson street The two Miss Gibsons, from Martini, are guest* of Mrs Malcolm lloss. and Miss Walters, of Carterton, who have beau •laving with Mrs Stott, went home last reek. Mr Owen Cox and his nieee. Miss ionsor, have returned to Sydney. A

large farewell tea was given last week by -Miss Calmer for Nurse Bees, who left in charge of poor Capt. Mayoss by the Iliumtaka. There is little elmnee, 1 hear, of the Captain s recovery, but lie may linger for some time. Many friends gathered at Miss I’almer's to wish Miss lu-es a pleasant holiday. Lord I’lunket arrived from the South on Saturday. Lady I’luuket. who is not very well, is staying at liishrcourt. Chpt. Bingham is iu at' l . on His Excellence.

1 FAMOUS , Napier, last night. iiui'o was tremendous enthusiasm hero in connection with tho Audrew Black conoeit-, the groat siog*r being greeted with crowded houses