HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2046, 5 April 1907, Page 4

HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

By "Ponolopo.” Wellington, A NEW TRAM ROUTE.

Karori—that pioturosquo suburb among the hills at the back of Wellington—has up to now boon somewhat inaccessible. There is situated our eemotory, and, as one spoakor at the oponing of the lino remarked, at any-rato onco a AVollington poison must visit Karori—at least the probabilities are ho will. By Kolburno cable tram or electric tram, and then on by coach or foot, that was the way the residents came and wont. Last woe'l; the tram line was opened that loads into tlio lioart of the township, and during tho holidays the cars have boon packed with those anxious for now experiences. It is a long and lovely ride, each curve—and it is no trip for nervous poople, so sharp and continuous are the curves—displaying somo new peep _ of bills or harbor. In summer the slopes are glorious with gorso and broom, and oven now the hills are beautifully greon after tho recent rains. Tho growth of houses along tho lino is marvellous. Every flat bit of ground has been occupied, and now they are scooping little terraces out from tho hillside. Often the -front door opens a few yards from an alarming precipice, and the inhabitants of many of the eyries must lie strictly temperate. Iw 0110 I ll ' stance a terrace of houses has been built across the other side of a deep gully, bordered by the road. To reach tho latter frail bridges were thrown across tlio gulf. Olio of those was broken, only a few foot remaining. Perhaps some spartan dame, in order to keep an intruder out or her husban dat home, might have “lot her portcullis fall,” and smashed the bridge I As a study of varied architecture —mainly that which should bo avoided —the Karori trip may be recommended. Colors and designs of many houses are alike commonplace, but now and again an artistic bungalow among the green sotting of trees and shrubs delights the eye. In one respect the oponing of the now lino will bo highly comforting to weary housewives if it brings the town nearer, and induces servants to take situations in tho suburbs. JAPANESE WARSHIPS.

I have just come in from watching the trio of Japanese warships coming into tho harbor. A stiff northerly is blowing, and white-capped waves show that even in the harbor there is sufficient motion to make navigation difficult, and extremely unpleasant. But the three boats were splendidly handled. They ■ came slowly round Point Jerningham, went straight across the west side of Quarantine Island, and then made’a magnificent curve round to tlio white buoy, where tho warboats lie. They are deep-grey in tone, somewhat shorter and higher than most of the naval boats one sees here, ' and they each have one tall mast, fitted with the wireless telegraphic apparatus. The whole time they were in sight they kept the same distance between ship and ship. When they became stationary there was a great display of flags and many guns fired, the flashes of fire from the mouth of the cannon preceding the report. Our guns answered the salute and flew the Japanese flag, its vivid crimson and white thrown into fine relief against the grey hills. There tho three warships are lying, and on the wharves the folk gaze and criticise. The Mararoa, coming from Lyttelton, took a long time to berth at the Queen’s wharf, and an impatient officer, watching a wharfinger fumbling a rope, cried out, “Look sharp, before the Japs, are on us.” A large crowd will probably go on board when the ships are thrown open. On the last' visit of Japanese naval boats, the officers and -middies were much entertained, and made themselves very popular by their whole-hearted enjoyment and their determination to attempt everything. They even played tennis, though they knew nothing of the game, and were in desporatc earnest over the sport. They made many acquaintances and some friends, and are not, like some British naval men, forgetful of kindnesses received as soon as they leave a place. A friend of mine has heard from Commander liiroso regularly since the Japanese officer was bore. He was the brother of that heroic man who was blown to pieces on his” own ship, only - his hand being recovered. This was buried in Japan with full military honors. SOCIAL NOTES. By the lonic last Thursday left Major and Mrs Johnston. Major Johnston was staff-officer of artillery, and was a most capable man, whose loss here on artillery matters will bo sorely felt. He refused a presentation, but the artillery officers gave his little son a vory handsome silver watch, and his wife a couple of New Zealand rugs. Major Johnston will probably rejoin his regiment. Captain Bingham also left by tho Sydney boat for England and his regiment. Miss Nellie S'kcrrett and Mr and Mrs Martin and their family were passengers by the lonic. Dr. and Mrs l'rendergast Knight and Miss Ewen have just returned from a motor rido up Palmerston way, and on Saturday Mr and Mrs White and Mrs Stafford started on a motor trip that will probably take in Wanganui. Miss Lorna Rat'tray, who came to Wellington to see her brother and his wife off by the lonic, is a guest of Mrs Fulton. Miss Hall-Jones is recovering from her recent illness. Her sister, Mrs Ghristio, is still in Dunedin. Mrs Cecil Jones and her daughter are in Christchurch, guests of Mrs Kinsey. Mr and Mrs John Duncan and Miss Duncan are leaving for England. Invitation's for the first large dance this year have been issued by Mrs Walter Nathan, and it is hinted the Wellington Club may give a ball when the squadron arrives. The engagement has just been given out of Miss Benjamin, the lady solicitor, who left Dunedin and settled in Christchurch, and Mr A. M. DeCosta, one of the staff of Messrs Findlay, Dalziell and Co. Miss Benjamin lias been in Wellington recently. Miss Medley, whose pianoforte solos at- the Exhibition were much admired, has been the guest there of Mrs C. C. Bowen. Mr and Mrs Lichfield have, come from Christchurch, and are settled in MiMartin Kennedy’s house.

TENNIS MEETING. Excellent tennis was witnessed on Saturday at the championship meeting on the Brougham Hill courts, which had to be utilised because the heavy rains had made the grass courts at Day’s Bay too wet. Brougham Hill courts are asphalted, and in a most dismal setting of back-yards, but they wore in good condition, and the play was fast and furious at times. The owners of some familiar names in tennis were playing. Miss Travers was in great form, her little white-clad figure and russet locks confronting Miss Numioly, the champion for twelve long years. Miss Travers is volatile and impetuous, and her little squeals are eagerly listened to by tho onlookers. Miss Nuunely is intensely collected, and, for all her slim, fragile look, seems tremendously wiry. Her play is an exhibition of long surf drives, planted with deadly precision where her opponent least expects them. She holds an unbroken record in New Zealand, and seems likely to do so for some time. There is a girl hero whom an enthusiast is training, teaching, and even dieting, and who, according to him, will bo the coming champion. Miss Powdrell was playing.* She, too, is thin, with a brown face that tells of open air and sunshine. Mr Fisher was playing well, his queer green cap on that be al-

ways wears at matches. Perhaps it is a mascot, liko Mr Hamilton’s tiki, which ho always curries in his pocket, mid which, lie declares, brings him f air trips across to Lyttelton. Though there was some most sensational play from Mr Peacock, Mr Dickie, Mr Lycott and Mr Luishloy, it was generally admitted that tlio match between Miss Nunnely and Miss Travers was tile feature of Saturday’s play. Never has tlio former been so near dofont. Her victory depended on two games in a three-sot match, and naturally tho excitement was tremendous. Miss Travers well deserved the hearty applause she gained. Miss Nunnely now meets Miss Powdroll. ANDREW MACK. The Irish actor, of whom we have hoard so much, had a narrow escape from boing prevented from appearing lust Saturday, owing to the vagaries of the ’Frisco boat, which was Into .ns usual. Ho has taken Wellington by storm with his Irish humor, his charming personality, and his melodious tenor voice. Tho play, in which Tom Moore is tho centre figure, is romantic and altogether fascinating. Mr Mack’s scenes with tlio little school children arc intensely natural, and ho makes love in that convincing way that pertains to his countrymen. Evory seat has been taken for the holiday season, and tho management ought to feel pleased. Tho women of tho caste are clever, Miss Jano Kelton, who takes tins load, having cxceptioiial good looks and groat talent. Of course frpm a historical point of view tho play is misleading. Tlio grand finale is tlio crowning of Tom Moore as Poet Laureate by the King. Doubtloss Moore should have had this distinguished position, but certainly ho never did, and children who are in tlio audience nro warned to take the incidents of the play with a grain of salt.