GARDEN PARTY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2457, 28 January 1893, Page 4

GARDEN PARTY.

The weather was so much against anything in the way of outdoor pleasure on Thursday, that people in Geraldine were fully convinced that the garden fete and bazaar at Orari Gorge would be postponed. This surmise as it “ got wind ” developed into a fact, and anyone that had thought of braving the elements gave up such intentions. ISotwithstanding this and the fact that the weather was indeed wretchedly bad, the fete and bazaar were held, and, considering all things, were a success. About 2 p.m., the time advertised for commencing, the weather cleared up for an hour, and close on 150 persons arrived, mostly from Woodbury and places near at hand, although there were noticeable one or two from Temuka and Geraldine. The affair was held at Mr C. G. Tripp’s residence, and on the lawn adjoining, and was in aid of the Geraldinne Anglican church. Subjoined is a programme of the afternoon’s proceedings. CONCERT. At d.iiO p.m. a bell was rung and it was announced that a drawing-room concert would take place in the house. For this a further charge of sixpence was made, and a few pounds must have been raised by this effort alone, for two rooms with the dividing partition folded up were used, and the larger one was full of people. The programme opened with a piano solo by Miss E. Tripp. Then Mr Harvey sang “ Rose Marie,” with banjo accompaniment, and was succeeded by Mrs Bardsley, who sang “Sunshine and Rain.” Mr Besley sang “ Sally in our Ally,” and Miss Griffith got encored for “ The wearing o’ the Green.” Responding she gave a pretty rendering of “ Home, Sweet Home. Mr G. M. Gillington cohtributed an amusing recitation in narrative form of “ How Bill Adams won the Battle of Waterloo.” Mr Giilington comes from Government House, Wellington, and was tutor to Lord Onslow’s eldest son. He is a very good reciter; more especially of anything with a vein of dry humour in it. Mrs Bardsley sang “ Oh, hush thee, my Babe,” and then the duet in chapter “ Where are you going to my pretty maul ?" by Miss Griffith and Mr Besley, for which they were loudly encored, closed the programme. the garden fete. During the concert it was raining rather heavily, but before it was over the sun came out, and the rest of the afternoon was bright and clear. People then found their way to the lawn, where the bazaar was held. A fancy goods stall crammed with a variety of articles for sale was under the management of Mrs John Barker and Misses Ella Tripp, Bessie Acland, and Rosa Aclaud. A large wheel-barrow full of goods was under the care of Miss Lucy Blakistoun, and the refreshment stall was presided over by Mrs Turton, and Misses H. Acland D, Acland, Emmy Tripp, Edith Tripp, and 33ay Preston. All seemed to be doing a large amount f)f business, though none appeared to do more ,thhh Mr G. M. Gilliugton with his “ Aunt Sally." Thjs was in great demand by the young people, and a good number oi shillings were taken. CONCERT. Another concert w,as held at 5 o’clock, when the room was again full. Miss E Tripp came first with an overture on the piano, and Mr Harvey, with guitar accompaniment, sang “Way down upon the Swanee River,” Mrs Bardsley sang “ Cherry Ripe,” and Mr Besley “Tom Bowling.” Miss Griffith, for the song “Long Ago,” was encored, and sang “ Goodbye, Farewell,” Mr Gillii.gton, in capital style, recited •“ ?’lm Revenge,” and Mrs Barsley contributed ancthep solo. Miss Griffith and Mr Besley ouce more appealed ; u the duet “ Where are you going to my Pretty M>W,” and were recalled. A dark-skinned young hadv. with a great want of teeth, and a of the same race, then appeared and i went Plough the duet, mimicking Miss'’ Griffith and Mr £e sley. This caused a roar of laughter, and closed the second concert. THE SPORTS. The shffi of T 5 was collected on the ground for sports and races, but as they were left till six o’clock before any start was made, and it camp on to ra, n heavily when the first race over, they were not sg enjoyable as they might have been. Mr R. Orton acted as starter, and Mr Tripp, junr., Mr Ramble helped to conduct the races! fhe whole proceedings closed about 7 o’clock. is r v dojibt the members of the English Church, Geraldine, ydll be exceedingly thankful to Mr Tripp an 4 his daughters and friends for their trouble in frying to free them of debt. If the weather had been fine there is not the least doubt but that a large sum would have been taken in gate money, ?f in nothing else.