Local and General.

Lyttelton Winter Readings. — The fifth of the series took place in the Colonists' Hall last evening, and was most successful in every respect. The president (Dr Donald) occupied the chair. The programme commenced with a pianoforte solo, admirably played by Mrs Grant. Mr C. Warde gave with great pathos a piece entitled, "A broken Heart." The manner in which this piece was read elicited at its close long and loud applause. Mr Carder sang a new song, by Virginia Gabriel, " Out in the streets." This was well rendered, and the chorus was excellently sung. Mr J. D. Macpherson read portions of Dickens' " American Notes." Though too long, they were admirably read. Mr Ellisdon sang in fine style, " King the bell, Watchman," the chorus being also well taken up. An encore was demanded, and the last two verses were repeated. Mr Marshman gave in his humorous style a reading, entitled "Mrs B." The piece ■evoked roars of laughter. An instrumental duet from " Ernani," by Mrs Grant and Mr Woledge, followed, and received loud applause. The Rev A. Reid gave an excellent reading— Spurgeon's ; "John Ploughman's .talk." Mr Woledge gave his inimitable comic song " Robinson Crusoe," and we need iiardly say that he. was vehemently encored. Mr Grange read remarkably well a series of short Scotch pieces. The programme was brought to a close by a recitation by Dr Donald. Before the National Anthem was sung, the president, after thankiDg -the audience for their attendance, asked them to accord a special vote of thanks to Mrs Grant, who had always most kindly assisted them at these entertainments, and also to Mr Woledge for his valuable services. The vote was carried hy acclamation.

Monet Order Office. — It is notified in! the New Zealand Gazette of June 30 that the Kowai Post-office has been appointed a money order and savings bank office. The Babff Mtstert.— lt appears, from a notification in the New Zealand Gazette of June 28, that Mr Barn: has received an appointment after all. He is gazetted as Receiver of gold revenue at Kanieri. Volunteers. — It ia notified in the New Zealand Gazette of June 30 that the resignation of the commission held by Lieutenant Charles Alison, of the Christchurch Artillery has been accepted. " The Municipal Corporations Act." — Few people have the courage to tackle the voluminous Act under which our City Council, and similar bodies in other places, is constituted. Mr E. B. Bishop therefore deserves the thanks of all ratepayers for a useful and convenient abstract of the. Act, which has just been published at a price which places it within the reach of all. Theatre Royal. — Sheridan Knowles' beautiful drama, " The Hunchback," was submitted last night, and produced some of the most evenly-balanced acting we have Been during what we may term the dramatic portion of the season.