NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XVI, Issue 2161, 22 March 1870, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

We understand that (he Coroner lies fixed the Hinount of bail in tho ruse of Marsrnret Paterson and Emily Jane Williams, committed for trial for arson, at £300 each, with two sureties each at £250 each surety. Up to last tho required amount of bail wa? not forthcoming. There was a xory pood attendance at the Art Exhibition yesterday, and we have no doubt visitors from the country will avail themselves of the last week. The usual weekly promenade ball at tho Canterbury Music Hall Inst evening was well attended, and dancing was kept up with much spirit to an early hour. We notice that the a s Airedale will leave Lyttelton with the mails ria California on Monday, March 28. The mails cloao nt ChristchurcTi at 1 15 p m, but lato letters may be posted till 1 50 p m. We learn from the " Southern Cross," that in compliance with the request of the Governor, Her Majesty has been pleased to signify her pleasure that gentlemen who held office as responsible Ministers for three years, shall be styled Honorables during lifo. Meetingß of creciitora were held yesterday before the Registrar of the Supreme Court. In the estate of Doyle Bros., Mr A. J. Raphael was elected trustee, and Messrd W. Wilson and A. Ayers, supervisors. The liabilities are set down at £343 14s 4d, and the assets at £291 10s ; deficiency, £52 4s 4d. In the estate of Thomas Osgood East tho meeting was adjourned for seven days. Tho trial of the Malvern Hills coal in our steam-engine has been most satisfactory. From the report of the engineer we gather that the coal possesses several advantages over the Newcastle (N.S.W.) coal, with which it wae tried in competition. One vt/y noticeable advantage is that the Malvern Hills coal does not produce nearly so much soot as the Newcastle, thereby obviating the necessity of frequent cleanings. The rapidity with which steam can be generated with it as compared with the Newcastle coal is also much in its favor. On the occasion of its being tried in our steam-engine, steam was got up with it in ten minutes lees time than was accomplished with the Newcastle coal. From the variety of tests to which this coal has beon subjected, and in all of which it has proved successful, we think that there can now be no doubt of its utility both for domestic and manufacturing purposes, and already persons are inquiring how or where it can be obtained. We trust tho spirited proprietor will take the hint, and lose no time in putting this valuable mineral into the market. The City Council last evening decided unanimously that it was desirable a second eteain fire engine should be purchased, and a committee was appointed to take the necessary steps for collecting subscriptions to purchase the same, the Council determining that should a sufficient, sum be raised by subscription for the engine, the Council would sink two additional reservoirs in the city. We understand that the cost of a steam fire engine would be about £600 -, of this sum the Insurance Companiea would contribute £200, and as several gentlemen have promised to subscribe liber* ally, we trust that by next mail.the order for the new engine may be sent home. It is to be hoped that every citizen will give something—more especially those who reeide in the densely populated parts of the oity, or who have large and valuable property to protect from the ravages of fire. The "Evening Star" says :—The Auckland Police Force ie to be incorporated with the Armed Constabulary, in terms of a resolution passed during a recent session of the Provincial Council, which gave the Superintendent discretionary power to effect such an arrangement. The police will be taken over by the General Government, and enrolled ac Armed Constabulary, but the number and distribution of the force will still be subject to the will of the Provincial authorities, who will pay for the maintenance of the force at a rate to be agreed upon. TJie General Government will, in fact, supply police for the use of the Provincial Government, and the force will be organised by the officers of the Armed Constabulary. k The concert of Madame Carand'lni last evening afforded the usual satisfaction to its audience. We regret that it was necessary to substitute some pieces for others, on account of Miss Rosina having unfortunately slightly sprained her wrist—but the programme was not allowed to suffer. Madame Carandini, although not recovered from indisposition, gang with her wonted energy; and Miss .Rosina gave Gounod's "Bing on sweet Angelua." Thursday's programme promises to be a special attraction. Madame Carandini is to sing "Angela ever bright and fair." Miss Fannie promises " My. Mother bide mc bind my hair," and there ia a trio from Elijah. The old favorites "My pretty Jane"jandfc? I know a bank," being also included*/fWfehop.4 as the last of the s series, a good programme will draw a good house. The Theatre Bbyal was well attended last evening, when " Woodcock's Little Game " and tho burlesque of "Lalla Kookh " were produoecl. In the first piece Mias Cassy Mathews aa Mrs Colonel Carver, and Mr Wolfe as Mr Woodcock, kept the audience in a roar of laughter by their comicalities ; Miss Jennie Nye aa Mrs Larkings was also very good. The burlesque, founded,on Moore's." Paradise and the Peri," was splendidly put on the stage. Miss Forde as Feramorz,"a eortrof itinerant troubadour, sang and acted with her accustomed grace, and Miss Cassy Matthews, as Fadladeen, the grand chamberlain, was intensely funny. As Lalla Bookh, Miss Jennie Nye made a very charming princess. The part of the Peri, which was taken by Miss Uerberte, was played by that lady in a very creditable manner. Mr Forde as Khoreanbad, a villain of tho true melodramatic school, was quite at homo, evoking roars of laughter. The other characters were very creditably played. The piece contains several duets and solos, which afford a good opportunity for the dieplay of the musical abilities of Miss Forde and Miss Jenny Nye. Mr Willis deserves every credit for the really beautiful scenery which has beon painted for this piece j the city of the fire worshippers, and-the gorgeous last scene representing the return of the banished Peri are well deserving the applause with which they were greetfd\ The same programme will he repeated this evening.