SOCIETY

Observer, Volume 2, Issue 48, 13 August 1881, Page 554

SOCIETY

—Little Julia George, Sir George Grey's grand neice, promises to be a great beauty. — The two bank clerks have initiated proceeding? against the broker in Shortland Crescent, and intend seeing the matter through. —The wedding of the eldest hope of a popular Queen-street draper has been put off owing to the illness of the bride elect. We sincerely hope it is nothing serious. —The favourite baritone and sweetest contralto of Pitt-street choir, whose nuptials were to have taken place last May, have, it is understood, postponed the happy event sine die. —It is stated that a certain individual, whose likeness to the "missing link " is undeniable, is about to commit matrimony. The name of the unfortunate female is not given. —Jack Gibbons has just returned from the Waikato, having gone there to arrange about that bicycle race. His whiskers suit him ; but that hat— give it away, Johnny. — At the meeting in the Excelsior Hall on Tuesday night to elect a trustee for the Karangahape district, Mr Carlile who was returned by an overwhelming majority very naturally invited his friends to liquor with him, and among the friends was Mr — , who proposed an opposition candidate. — Mrs Johnston, of Symonds-street, gave a highly enjoyable dance last week, on the .occasion of her eldest daughter attaining her majority. "There were jolly boys, arid pretty girls, Enough to please them all. A regular slap-up sort of kick Was Mrs Jolnißton's ball." — Tableaux viuants and theatricals were on the -menu, and were carried out with artistic effect. The acting of the ladies especially would have done credit to a far more pretentious representation. Messrs. A. Bartlett, W. Johnston, and Kinloch were in the masculine divison of the dramatis persona:. —Mr B. Dixon, of the Bank of New Zealand, made his first appearance at the Choral Hall on Tuesday evening last. His singing would have been a great treat, but for the fact that married life has not improved his upper register. In one of his recitatives he funked the high notes and allowed the instrumentalists to do it for him. — Two gentlemen were overheard making some lather strong remarks about a certain marriage or rather celebration of marriage paragraph, m last issue, when the party who sent it to the Observer came up and took up the cudgels on the editor's behalf. He also (in his anger) mentioned some names which might (so they say) do them harm. We can, however, hardly think so. — In order to prevent misconception, we desire to explain that the Thomas Russell advertising snips' stores and chandlery in 1864 was not the Mr Russell so well-known in connection with the Bank of New Zealand, but a very ordinary person, who had a shop close to where Mr Graham's bonded store now stands. : — Alf denies that he was flrting in the Domain, and thinks that anyone who would mistake him for " that other fellow " must be a— well, never mind. " Hard language or abuse We never, never, use." Cheer up Alf ; it will perhaps be your turn some other Saturday. —We learn from a source, unquestionably reliable, that in hinting that Mr James Williamson only gave a trifling sum for the Surrey Hills estate in the first instance, we fell into an error. Twenty years ago the half share of this property was valued at £60,000, which sum Mr Williamson bought nis partner out for. It seems therefore clear that in selling the estate for £100,000 Mr Williamson is sacrificing a considerable sum. One of McArthur's employees was reading the Star the other evening, when his eye lested on the heading 1 , "Father Larkins committed for trial." "Not old Nosey, surely," he ejaculated, tearing his curly hair and flinging handf ulls recklessly on the floor ; but when he read on a bit he found the paragraph had nothing to do with the distingnshed New Zealand representative of the Lord Mayor of London. —Heard in the Theatre Royal.— She : "A-ldsh-hn 1 Those horrid men smoking down there." He (awfully funny fellow) : "Do you know that people used to smoke in the theatres in Biblical times." She : "Never! Will you bet a pair of 4 buttons on. it." He : "Of course I will. What does the verse in Proverbs mean — ' And the smoke ascended from the pit 'as a furnace ?"' She : "Oh, you sacriligious man. Take me home to my Maw." "St. Barnabas," who executed such execution amongst the young ladies of Auckland a few months ago, but was transferred a short time since to a small Southern station, writes to a friend that he is in a state of abject misery. There is only one girl in the place, he says, and she has' carroty hair, and, what is worse, V belongs to another fellow." Poor Barnabas ! But why should he object to carroty hair? unless he has dyed his own— well, auburn locks.

—To the Editor : Sir,— ln your issue of 23rd ulto. you say that I have had to surrender my iiome in the Kaipara, consequent upon Captain Collbeck having taken advantage of certain legal technicalities. This is not the case. Captain Colbeck held a mortgage over my property, which he has now foreclosed. I cannot see that my private business can be of much irablic interest ; but if it is, then, in bare justice to Captain Colbeck, let the truth be told. — I am, etc., Lewes Bye.

—A number of the members of the Friday evening Rink were greatly disappointed in not having the pleasure of the company of the Pinafore troivpe on Friday week. It appears that Mr Pollard wrote to the Secretary of the Kink, asking him if the committee would have any objection to the troupe coming to the dancing that evening. The committee said the did not mind a dozen or so coming and looking on. Mr Pollard of course refused to allow the children to come under those_ circumtances, as he considered the. reply an insult.

— A Juvenile -party was given at Parnell by Mrs John Kissling, last Monday. — Major George gave a large dance at his new house at Epsom, last night. — An old song modernised — " Can anyone tell me where Pat has gone." — Mr Hopkins was a passenger to Sydney by the Arawata on Wednesday. He goes home by the Kaiser-i-Hind, the new P. and O. boat. — In the quadrilles young P. found the floor harder than a bed of feathers, after measuring his five feet eleven inches thereon. It was so cruel of Jessie to laugh. — Mr A. Brodie's off to Wellington to get some more "sugar " with which to delute that flood. Thames people reckon that their County Chairman can draw blood from a stone — a Roll(ing)stone, you know. Why don't you laugh ? — Gulliver's travels are to be continued — to St. John's College. The students at that institution are to be congratulated on having, as their new principal so thorough a gentleman and so accomplished a scholar as the Rev. Edward Hale Gulliver, M.A. — Mr Edward Lewis is hard at work trying to get up an entertainment on behalf of Ponsonby Church. The right man has hold of the reins, and judging from the names of those who have promised their support Mr Lewis Avill carry it out successfully. — Mr Morgan, of Newmarket, gave a grand party in the Newmarket Hall on Wednesday last. Songs were interspersed with the dancing, an excellent supper was provided, and the host and hostess received hearty congratulations. This was Mr Morgan's first attempt. — Mr Bleazard has something unique in the fountain way in the grounds of his house at Mount Eden. On a small island in the middle of a lakelet stand bronze figures of a little girl and boy holding up an umbrella, from the stick of which a jet of water rises. The idea is certainly original, and the group has a very pretty effect. — Mrs Barton Ireland is holding a series of | evening parties every Friday at her private house, St Stephen's Avenue. The usual programme consists of a limited number of dances, I charades, and coffee. These reunions are most enjoyable, avd it is to be hoped other ladies will adopt, the same system. — Herr Carl Schnutt's first concert on the 18th inst. is all the talk in musical circles. The programme includes a number of novel and attractive items, notably Herr Sehmitt's " Festival " march composed for the reception of the Duke of Edinburgh in New South Wales, and an aria and duet from the same talented author's Cazille. — The members of St. James' Choir have presented their popular leader (Mrs Mitel: ell) with a large and handsomely got-up shield containing photos, of themselves — about forty in all. Mrs Mitchell has been of valuable assistance to the choir for many years, and all regret of her departure. The question now is: "Who'll be leader?" — one not very j easy to solve either. The name of H. Claude Brooke, A.A., has been suggested, but it is i feared he would require too great a consideration for his services, and the St. James' folk can't afford over £500 a-year. — To observe the autocrat of City East School as he progresses down Queen-street on Saturdays, attended by his henchman, little J. P. Gas- well, the peripatetic philosopher, is a sight for the gods. One cannot help thinking what j an excellent Bailie Mr Worthington would make ; and Gas-well as Gobo the great man's shadow would be simply immense. " The idea of that contemptible Observer taking liberties with my name," quoth the pompous pedagogue. "I, too, am a sufferer," pathetically replied the pedantic elocutionist, "such, alas, are the penalties of greatness." — Sir, — I quite concur in your remarks re Mr Abraham Boardman's speecli at the Jate meeting of the Union Sash and Door Company. I wonder if, when he made those remarks touching Mr Monk's efficiency, he remembered the saying, ' ' People who live in glass houses, &c." Those acquainted with the reasons why he severed his connection with the South British Insurance Company, will doubtless accept his remarks about another manager's efficiency, at their true value. Or, looking at it from another point of view, has he an eye to the berth himself ? If talking by the yard about nothing at all is a qualification, there is not a fitter person for the position. — I am, &c, Shareholder.

— Next to Granddaddy Larkins, the person ■who feels most keenly the slight put upon Axickland by the non-appearance of the Squadron in the waters of the Waitemata is Mr Francis J. Shortt, the amiable aesthetic and too — too talented shavist of No. never-mind-what, Queen-street. When we read this amazing Figaro's indignant protest in Monday's Herald we drew out a silk bandana and wept copiously, for all that lie had lost was at once apparent to us. Think of the scene : Prince Albert Victor tipped back in one of Shortt's American chairs and the wily barber lathering his Royal chin with patent shavingcream. In the other lounge Earl Clamvilliam having his hair singed, whilst over the basin leans George of Wales, his head all white with egg-wash and shampooing. How gaily, and with what sweet scandals and racy yarns, would gossiper Shortfc have amused his distinguished clients. If the fun lagged, good Mr Lewisson could have been sent for from next door, and then when the noble party had gone what yarns the pair could have made up about them. Indeed the Squadron's not comingwas very hard on Mr Francis J. Shortt, and we pity him. — " Old Chum " writes :— " That little story of old G. of Hobson-street and his tenant reminds me of how lie was sold by F. H. Lewisson some years ago. It Avas in the good old war times when ' mixed ' drinks, such as brandy and soda were charged a shilling. Lewisson and two friends were near the top of Shortlancl-street, or as it was invariably called the 'Crescent,' when they saw old G. coming towards them. The sporting jeweller loves a joke and hates meanness, so he determined to 'have ' old G. He stopped him, began talking, and suggested that G. otight to 'shout.' The old man Avas not on, so,, alter a good deal ,of cjiaffrng;, LeAvisson offered to 'toss' him to

see who should pay for drinks for the four. The rich man agreed to the proposal, stipulating, however, that they should be four threepenny glasses of beer. The coin was 'skied and Lewisson lost, so he proposed that they should go up to the Masonic. The Belfast Hotel, now the Provincial, belonged to old G. at that time, so he said to Lewisson, ' Seeing that the Belfast belongs to me, it would look better if we went there, if you have no objection.' ' Not in the least,' said Lowisson, 'and it would look still better if you paid for the drinks, so I will hand you the shilling.' The old man took the coin and went into the Belfast. The landlord came forward to attend to them, and G. said, 'Give your orders, gentlemen.' 'I will take brandy and soda,' said F. H. "So will I,' said eacli of his friends. The millionaire took a small glass of beer, so he had to pay three shillings and threepence and only had a shilling to pay it with. Yes ! the old man was ' had ' that time. — The Thames people havn't worn the flood thread-bare yet. Here is another story about it. Barley Joe Williams, the oAvner of the Provincial, finding his hostelrie dry, whilst the rest of the neighbourhood looked as if it was starting in business as a little ocean on its own account, felt as confident as the man who built I his house on the rock. " Not a drop will come i in, missus, so I'll go out and see the fun," said he. So he went out into the flooded streets, thankfully contrasting the condition of his ' house with Mat Vaughan's, which was snb- ; merged. He knocked round, had a few I whiskies, and, having cut his foot, went home. I Judge of his chagrin on return, when he found [ Uyo feet of muddy water on the ground floor of ! his piib., while the "missus" and all hands were working like niggers to save the lares and penatcs. Joe, as he hobbles round with a poultice on his foot and a collar of red flannel I round his neck, says : "That's what comes of ' a fellow gadding round, and not minding his j own business." I — We have heard incidentally that a paragraph in last issue, which announced three engagements in connection with the Wellesley- ! street Baptist Church, was utterly false. The item, as we stated at the time, was furnished by a correspondent, who gave his name and address, and we had therefore no reason to suppose the statement was in any way incorrect. ! We are, however, about tired of being taken in | by rascally practical jokers who wisli to afford amusement to ill-natured scandal-mongers, and we hereby give notice that from this date we shall expose any pei son whom we have good reasons for believing lias wilfully sent in an announcement of a fictitious engagement, or any other garbled mis-statement calculated to cause annoyance to respectable persons. Of course we shall still carefully protect correspondents who send pars, which they honestly believe to be true. The persons it is necessary to get at are not bomt fide contributors, anxious to give publicity to a piece of interesting social news, but idiots who think the Observer a suitable medium for paying off grudges, etc. — The Ponsonby •' At Home" last Friday evening was a great success. Indeed it was almost too successful, as far as numbers were concerned. In the early part of the evening especially, so many couples wore on the floor together that collisions were frequent, pet corns suffered, and the language which some of the men felt inclined to use, but heroically swallowed before it reached the tips of their tongues, was such as would have caused an eternal separation between them and the ladies with whom they were dancing. The ladies' dresses were, almost without exception, rich and hand- ! some or pretty and graceful, according to the \ age of the wearer. A considerable number of i both married and single ladies wore black silks, plain or enlivened with colours, of which cardinal was the favourite. Mrs Greenwood wore black silk trimmed with cardinal satin ; Mrs Quick, bine silk trimmed with Indian muslin ; Mrs Stevenson, drab silk trimmed with cardinal ; Mrs Devore, a fancy China silk with a cardinal satin boddice ; Miss James, grey silk relieved with blue ; and the Misses George proved the truth of Punch's assertion that the aesthetic style of dress suits those charms which are sufficiently great to make them independent of the dressmaker's art. The music was, as usual, good, but if it had a fault it was rather too fast. The wet weather was rather unpleasant for those of the sterner sex who forsook the smiles of the ladies for those of the P. C. H., and when they went out to "have a wet" they got one more than they anticipated. It is a pity that the young men of to-day are so delicately constituted that they cannot dance from eight o'clock till half-past twelve without the use of stimulants. The ladies can do it, so the term "weaker sex" must surely be misapplied.