TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1193, 6 February 1864, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Princess' Theatre.—David Copperfield, dramatised by Mr. George Fawcett, from the original work by Charles Dickens, was produced at this theatre on Wednesday night last. The novel itself is one of the finest productions of the author, who seems to have brought to bear on it all the efforts of his genius combined with more than usual attention on his part to artistic finish and refinement. The early struggles of tiie unhappy orphan, owing to the imprudent marriage of his mother with the gloomy tyrant Murdstone, which the fanatical conduct of his bigoted sister renders still more wretched, the love and devotion with which Agnes regards him, the unswerving affection of his faithful nurse Peggoty, the rough kind-heartedness of her brother I softened by the tender love which he bears towards his niece,|Emily the unhappy victim of Steerforth's treachery, are depicted with the utmost power and the greatest pathos. Nor should the eccentric mas- I culine, large-hearted old aunt, whose whole existence has been embittered by the miserable marriage she had contracted in early life, and who pours upon young David all her pent-up affections, and whom it is impossible to help loving in spite of her oddities, be forgotten. The whole book is in facta perfect transcript of the career of the author, who sketched many of his personages from real life. But perhaps the two best characters in the whole work are those of Wilkins Micawber and the villain Uriah Heep, who hides his baseness and treachery under the mask of humility, and whose constant expression, "I am only an 'umble individual," has passed into a household word. The version of this work as pre&nted at the Princess' Theatre ought more properly to have been entitled Wilkins Micawber, as the character of Copperfield, around which Dxckens probably intended the true interest of the

story to centre, has, we think, been unduly thrown into the background. Mr. Faweett's delineation 0 f the fomer character was very good. The intense self-importance of the iian, and his constant expec. tation that something " will turn up," were graphically represented. Of the other incidents of the play there is really very little to say, the roles being meagre in the extreme. Miss Aitken, as Emily, Was very effective and showed a good appreciation 0 { the character. The piece was very well put u pon the stage, the scenery and accessaries being very excellent, especially the embarkation scene in which Micawber ".having renounced the luxuries of civili. zation, waves a final adieu to Albion." We were glad to notice that the house was so well attended. It must be a great encouragement both to the lessee and the company to find that their efforts for the entertainment of the public are appreciated by them. The well known piece, "The Ticket-of-Leave Man," was played with great success on Thursday last; this drama seems to bid fair to attain the same popularity in the colonies which it enjoyed at home. Last night the pieces represented were the " School for Scandal," and Byron's burlesque of "Aladdin, o r the Wonderful Scamp." The former was very well played, the characters sustained by Miss Aitken, Mr. Fawcett, and Mr. Shiels respectively being capitally acted. The dresses, and scenery were firstrate. It is really a matter of surprise that with so confined a space, and such limited resources so good an effect should have been produced. The plot of the comedy is so well known that any analysis of it would be superfluous. Suffice it to say that the actors, one and all, exerted themselves to the utmost of their ability, and that the result was a perfect triumph: the piece, probably one of the wittiest and most sparkling in the English language, lost nothing in the hands of the Christchurch Company. The farce, which is very smartly written, abounds in puns which, if the paradox may be allowed, are good from their very absurdity, and Mr. Fawcett was irresistibly droll in the character of Mrs. Twanky, and the audience seemed intensely amused with his

personation. The performances being for the benefit of this gentleman, the house was crowded in every part. Post Office.—We are glad to observe many improvements effected or on the point of being effected in the management of our inland mail service. But such repeated complaints reach us from all points along the North Road that we shall do a service in drawing the attention of the Post-office authorities to them. A mail is sent up as far as Leithfield three times a week, and if this mail were made up and forwarded with any.:]attention to the wants or convenience of the northern districts, they ought to be very well satisfied. But it appears that separate mails are not made up at Christchurch, and that care has not been taken to arrange times of arrival at Kaiapoi, and of departure thence northwards, so as to prevent unnecessary delay. Thus, twenty miles Christchurch, the mail which arrives in the middle of the day only brings the newspapers of the morning before, while letters posted in the afternoon of Monday do not reach Kaiapoi in time to be forwarded thence northwards till Thursday! This is a state of things which might be easily amended without increased cost to the public. While on the subject of new arrangements, we would suggest that Dilloway's public-house, only separated from Christchurch by the Park, is not the place for a 'Riccarton' Post-office. If the new Post-office is intended to be of any real use to the Riccarton district, it is obvious that it should be established somewhere near Riccarton Church, about four miles from town.

Fire.—Yesterday the alarm of fire was raised in Christchurch. It was discovered that a cupboard adjoining the chimney in one of the rooms in the house occupied; by Mr. Jones, bookbinder, near Colombo street bridge, ha<f become ignited. The fire spread to the roof, but by the prompt measures taken, was speedily extinguished. As it is very important that the precise locality of a fire should be known at once, it is desirable that some signal indicating the exact spot should be given. To effect this, it is only necessary that the city should be divided into districts, and that the bell should be

rung in such a manner as to point out the direction

of the fire. This might easily be done by some arrangement between the members of the Fire Brigade, who might agree upon some preconcerted sig-

nal, and thus avoid the confusion and loss of time consequent upon the present system, if system it may be called.

The Delivery of the English Mail—On Tuesday the inhabitants of Lyttelton experienced the benefits of the changes and improvements that are gradually taking place in the postal service of the province. Letters' were ready for delivery in the subscription boxes one hour after the arrival of the Queen, and in the town "a few minutes afterwards. Another boon we are grateful for is a second delivery of letters received from Christchurch and other places by the three o'clock post.

The Gbeat Ckicket Match.—The preparations for this great event are rapidly approaching completion. There are three tents, commanding a full view of the field; these are capitally arranged, and the seats are very convenient. The latter are covered with carpeting, and are very easy both of ingress and egress. There is a large cricketers' pavilion, and a room fitted up with every convenience for ladies. The long refreshment bar extends for about 120 feet, and is replete with every requisite. In the field will be placed tents for the purpose of photography and printing, besides others devoted to the sale of refreshments, &c., The ground, which is enclosed ;with palingß, comprises an area of about 600 yards, and is in very good order; but its condition is Somewhat impaired by the want of rain. However, every provision has been made by means of water-carts to bring it into a proper state. Messrs. Blake and Lippard, of the A 1 Hotel, will be the caterers on the occasion. A stand has been erected for the use of Mr. Koliler's band, and the music performed by them will, no doubt, add to the enjoyment of the scene. Great credit is due to Mr. Kohler, upon whom, in the absence of Mr. Jones, the superintendence of the whole arrangements has devolved. The prices of admission will be, for the grand stand for the three days, <£2 25.; admission to the other seats, 7s; 6d. aud ss. respectively, and to the promenade, 3s. each day. All the seats are covered with canvas, and are tastefully and elegantly decorated. No doubt, the tout ensemble will, if 'he weather constitute favorable, be one of the gayest scenes ever witnessed in Canterbury.

The Chops.—Owing to the late heavy gales the crops have suffered severely, the grain being in wauy instances completely threshed out.

Free Scholarships.—We have been requested to draw attention to an advertisement under the above heading, which appears in our columns this day. The Christchurcli College authorities propose offering annually one free scholarship at the College to the most advanced pupil at any of the schools in connection with the Church of England in the province. The successful candidate will bo educated gratuitously for three years, and will hold that position, subject to continued diligence and good behavior. Another condition is that he shall have attended school for six months, such attendance to be, certified by the master. The first examination of the applicants will take place in the College Library, on Thursday, in Passion Week, March 24. Candidates will be examined in Scripture History the Church Catechism, reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, geography, and the History of England. This arrangement will be a great boon to the boy 9 educated at the variou ischools, for there are many

smart lads who attend them, whose parents arc precluded by circumstances, from giving them such an education as their talents justly entitle theni to receive, and whereby those talents may be developed. It is expected that the greatest competition will be manifested by the pupils residing in the country districts, as they are not, as a rule, set to work at so early an age as the boys in the towns, and consequently have more time to devote to the pursuance of their studies. j« l ax. We are informed that the sample of prepared tlax fibre, sent to several extensive paper manufacturers in England, has been approved, and prices ranging from £15 to £28 per ton are offered. It is believed an important branch of local industry in the preparation of an article of export is on the point of being developed, and there is no doubt but that after a while a great increase will be made in the productions of the province, thus we shall derive a large and permanent addition to our resources by changing what is at present a useless, and in many cases, vexatious encumbrance, into a profitable article of exportation. Electro-Biology.—Among the other attractions for the ensuing eventful week, we notice that Captain Wilson intends giving a lecture on the above interesting subject on Tuesday next, at the Town Hall. As the seance purport to be adapted both to the scientific and the mirth-loving of our population, no doubt it will be numerously attended. Match. —Yesterday a match at the game popularly known as " putting the stone " took place on the ground near the Devonshire Arms. The competitors were Edward Coleman and William Heaton. The stone, which weighed upwards >f one pound, vaß thrown by the former to a distance of 88 yards, exceeding that of his opponent by two yards. Coleman, therefore, was adjudged the winner of the stakes, which amounted to £20. English Mail. —The last mail contained the following number of letters and newspapers :—For Christchurch, 4884 letters and 6500 newspapers ; for Lyttelton, 1089 letters and 2200 newspapers. The Christchurch letters and papers were contained in 34 boxes, aiid those for Lyttleton, in 10. These amounts include 58 registered letters. West Avon District.—The ratepayers of the above district met pursuant to advertisement on the 3rd instant, at Mr. Parish's Inn, Great South Road, for the purpose of electing members to serve on the Boad Board, when the following gentlemen were declared to be duly elected:—Rev. J. Wilson, Messrs. G. A. E. Ross, W. B. Tosswill, E. M. Templer, and S. Field. After the meeting the newly constituted Board held its first, sitting, when Mr. W. B. Tosswill was unanimously chosen chairman. Oxford Road District.—A meeting was held at Fisher's Accommodation-house, Oxford, on the 30th January, for the purpose of electing members to constitute the first Road Board for the district. Major White was called to the chair, and a poll having been taken, the following gentlemen were declared duly elected :—G. A. White, H. Gordon, H. Kenrick, S. Redfern, and W. Fisher. • A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. Ashbprtox District.—A meeting of the electors of this district was held at Turton's Hotel, on the 2nd inst., Alexander Lean, Esq., in the chair, when the following gentlemen were elected for the Board. Messrs. Benjamin Moorhouse, Percy Cox, Robert Park, Edward Chapman, and Alexander Lean. The first meeting of the Board will be held at Thompson's house, on Thursday, Ist March, at I o'clock. Election of Road Boaki> fob the Bats District.—A meeting of the electors of the above district was held at the Travellers' Rest, head of the Bay, Akaroa, on Saturday, the 30th ult. J. E. Thacker, Esq., was called to the chair. The following gentlemen were unanimously elected to serve as the first Board:—Messrs. T. Ware, F. Priest, Geo. Marshall, J. Stewart, and J. E. Thacker, with Mr. Thacker as Chairman. The proceedings passed off very quietly and without excitement. Australian Volunteers—Up to yesterday evening the number of men actually enrolled in Melbourne as military settlers for New Zealand was 353—namely, 114 married and 239 single men. The assembly-rooms at Hockin's Hotel, which have been engaged aB the recruiting offices, have, in fact, been thronged each day. With comparatively few exceptions, the applicants were fine, healthy, active looking men—decidedly above the average type of aspirants for military fame. The Thomas Gresham, a ship of about 1200 tons, has been chartered for the transmission of the first batch of " military settlers," and on Tuesday or Wednesday next will probably take some 400 persons away. Not all are yet on board, but a good portion are, and many are absent on leave. On Saturday and yesterday so we are informed, a money-broker was doing a roaring trade on board, buying up £11 advance notes for £8 or £9. It is not wholly improbable that a little desertion may take place under such circums'tances. There was no enrolment in Melbourne on Saturday, but the work will begin again to-day. On Thursday last we learn that seventy-eight single and twenty married men were enrolled on Ballarat; and Capt. Frazer, the agent, then proceeded to Creswick and Smythesdale to get more recruits. On Castlemaine, Capt. Langden, another of Colonel Pitt's accredited agents, was almost mobbed at his hotel by the eager recruits. He enrolled fifty-six, twenty-two single men and thirty-four married men (with ninety-six children.) In the end, he obtained twenty-two men from Kyneton and nearly sixty from Castlemaine, the majority of whom are married men.—Argvs, Jan. 25. The All England Eleven.—" There is one fact," says the Ararat Advertiser, " which we have not seen recorded in any of our Victorian journals in reference to the English cricketers, and that is that all of them possess blue eyes. Even Mr. Caesar, whose complexion is darker than that of most men, has eyes of a dark blue; and as it is well known that all the crack English rifle Shots have also blue eyes, it would almost seem that this color is indispensable in any occupation where quickness or strengtli of sight is requisite."

The latest scientific wonder is photographing on steel. The engraving thus obtained, it is said, will yield 5,000 copies. This is the grand point long aimed at, and will make a revolution in affairs of art and literature.

Transportation to Australia. —We are authorised to state that his Excellency has received by the mail a dispatch from the Duke of Newcastle* to the effect that the English Government has resolved to accede to the wishes of the Australian colonists in the matter of transportation to Western Australia. The present modified system of transportation will be continued, the expectation being entertained by the English Cabinet that Western Australia will eventually decline to receive any more convicts. Ibid.

Seat of Government. —When the General Assembly lately assembled at Auckland voted that the seat of the Government of the island should be removed to a central site on Cook's Straits, it was agreed that the ultimate decision should be left to the Governors of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. We observe, from a circular received by the mail yesterday, that the Provincial Council of the Province of Auckland are by no means prepared to assent to the action of the Assembly. They have addressed a strong appeal to the Governors of the colonies already named, pointing out the injustice which the removal of the site from Auckland would occasion, and expressing a belief that the duty proposed to be laid upon the

Governors of the three principal Australian colonies would not be undertaken by them. The remonstrance concludes as follows " The Provincial Council respectfully submits that your Excellencies ought not to descend from your proper and functions to interfere with differences and disputes arising in other colonies, and with which your Excellencies can have no concern. The Provincial Council again assert their firm belief that such an interference would be opposed to the wishes of a large majority of the people of this colony, and that at all events an opportunity should be afforded to the people to express their sentiments upon n subject of so much importance to themselves and their posterity, and to declare, if they will, their concurrence in a proposal, humiliating alike to the colony, as it is degrading to those who propose it. That, in conclusion, for the reasons above stated, the Provincial Council again respectfully, but firmly, protest against such interference, and pray your Excellencies to leave the colony of New Zealand to adjust its own affairs, by means of the ample powers conferred upon it by the Imperial Government for that purpose." There can be little doubt that this advice will be followed.—lbid.

One of the Advisers op the King of the Greeks.—A Paris letter in the ' Independance,' speaking of the persons who are to serve as counsellors to the King of the Greeks, says:—" Count de Sponneck, the principal one, is a man of distinguished merit, and left a very favourable impression on the diplomatic world in Paris. M. Drouyn du Lhuys speaks of him in the highest praise. He has occupied diplomatic posts at Vienna and at Berlin; he was several years Minister of Finance at Copenhagen, and all the questions on the order of the day are familiar to him. To great coolness he unites extraordinary energy. The following anecdote shows the whole character of the man:—He recently embarked at Copenhagen for Hamburg on his way to Brussels, having with him a favourite dog. During the passage the animal, while gambolling about on the deck, fell overboard. 'My dog, my dog!' exclaimed the count, much excited. 'Captain, for mercy's sake, stop!' 'lam very sorry,' replied the captain, ' but the regulations formally forbid us to stop for animals. Our minutes are counted. I cannot stop the vessel.' 'And if it were a man?' said the count. 'Ah! that would be a different matter.' Scarcely had the words been uttered when the cry of 'A man overboard!' was heard. The count had jumped into the sea, dressed as he was. The vessel was immediately stopped, a boat lowered, and the count and his favourite brought on board." Times.