The Press. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1865.

Press, Volume VII, Issue 795, 17 May 1865, Page 2

The Press. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1865.

We have omitted our leading article in consequence ofthe length of our report of *&c addresses delivered at the meetingof #»& Michael's Institute on the subject j i

Debtobs' and Cbeditobs' Act.—Owing to the extended jurisdiction of the Resident Magistrate lightening the causes under theDebtors' and Creditors' Act, his Honor Mr. Justice Gresson has signified his intention of hearing cases under the Act once every six months instead of at intervals of three months as heretofore. This will greatly facilitate the winding up of insolvent estates, and will shorten the process by about two months. The next hearing will take place in the old Land Office, on Monday, July 5.

The Ratbpayebs' Roll.—-There wfll be an adjourned meeting of ratepayers held this evening, at the Lyttelton Hotel, at seven o'clock. The meeting was called, before the late decision of the magistrates in respect to the roll was made known, and the purpose was to be, the establishing of a club, entitling all members to professional assistance in making their claims against the late assessment; the decision will, however, we should imagine, at least for the present, render such a step unnecessary.

Thb Volunteebs.—A general meeting of No. 2 Company will take place this evening at the Foresters' hotel at seven o'clock. A full attendance is requested, as the business is of importance.

Ball at Kaiapoi.—A public ball, under the patronage of the officers and volunteers of Kaiapoi, will take place at the Kaikainui hotel on Wednesday, the 24th May (the Queen's birthday).

Sittings in Chambebs.—The/ following cases were heard in Chambers yesterday by his Honor Mr. Justice Gresson :— ln re William Henry Newton (a debtor). On the application of Mr. Cowlishaw, rule for discharge of protection made absolute on the causes shown. Church Property Trustees v. Goodwin—Postponed until Friday next, to allow pleadings to be amended. The following cases were postponed until Friday, in the absence of Mr. Travers: — Be Law Practitioners' Act, 1861, and re Wyatt and Travers, and re W. D. Barnard 5 re Law Practitioners' Act, 1861, re L. E. Nathan k Co.; re Law Practitioners' Act, 1861, and re W. T. L. Travers, and re W. D Barnard.

Me. Dillon at Lyttelton.—On Monday evening there was a capital attendance in the Assembly Booms, Lyttelton, to hear the readings of Mr. and Mrs. Dillon and Mr. Fawcett. Mr. C. Dillon read Dickens's Christmas Carol in a most masterly manner, and also gave portions of the murder scene from Macbeth, with Mrs. Dillon. Mr. Fawcett/s reading | ofthe great trial Bardell v. Pickwick, greatly amused the audience, and tended much to his reputation as a reader. Mrs. Dillon sang the ballad "Logic o Buchan," and was rapturously encored. Mr. Carder and Mr. Quintan also during the evening added to the amusement, the one by singing " The Young Recruit," the other " Thou art so near," both of which were encored. The entertainment was a complete success. Pbincess's Theatre. — There was a very fair house at the theatre last night to witness the repetition of Joan of Arc and II Trovatore. The former piece was well received, and capitally played throughout —Miss Rosa Cooper playing the part of Joan of Arc, a very heavy one, with great spirit, and her rendering of some of the passages being remarkably good. Mr. Hall, as Valianto, never failed to raise a laugh on his appearance, and put the audience into a capital humor for the burlesque. HTrovatore is certainly one of the moßtamnsingburlesques produced in Canterbury > some of the puns are very good, and the parodies on the popular airs in the opera are capital; particularly those on "H balen del Suoriso," and "A che la morte." Mrs. Hall, as Manrico, the troubadour, sustained her part with her usual sprightliness; but the gem of the piece is the Azucena of Mr. Hall, and we would advise all who enjoy a hearty laugh to go and see him for themselves; it is too grotesque for description. The whole company were well np in their parts, and played most successfully. The piece must he considered a complete success, and we predict for it a good run. To-night the burlesque is to be repeated, and the comedy of the Pride of the Market.