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Evening Star, Volume III, Issue 801, 29 November 1865, Page 2

’T.IIE Members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of New -Zealand S.C. are requested to meet tomorrow morning at the Masonic Hall’ at ten o’clock.

Amongst the motions on the notice paper in the Provincial Council is one by Mr Grant, recommending the removal of the refreshment room attached to the Council Hall, or in the elegant phraseology of the hon. member ‘ ‘ that the bar or tap-room adjoining the Council Hall should be swept away.” We notice by an announcement in the Canterbury papers, that an encampment of the Volunteers of that Province will take place at Hilsborougji on the 15th December, and three following days. It is to be hoped that similar measures will be taken by the Otago Volunteers.

The Hokitika Advertiser thus refers to what it tSpnis an instance of how all the building operations are carried on there at highpressure : —As an instance of how all our operations are carried on upon “ high-pressure” principles, we may mention that on Thursday morning last six men commenced the erection of a five-roomed building in Hovel street, the outside area being eighteen by twenty-five feet, and on Friday, at one o’clock, the workmen dined inside, and afterwards drank success to the proprietor—the house having been finished inside and out, lined, the roof on and watertight, the windows glazed, and the doors fitted with locks, keys, and fastings. Of course, all the material was on the ground, or to hand before the men set in to woi’k, but it was nevertheless the smartest undertaking of the kind we have ever witnessed.

To-morrow being St. Andrew’s Day, will be generally observed as a holiday. The Banks, Solicitors’ offices, and the Warehouses and Shops in town will be closed ; and it is also expected there will be a similar cessation from business in the various Government offices. The Holiday will be chiefly remarkable for the Masonic fete at’ Vauxhall Gardens, which, if the weather proves favorable, will doubtless be a most successful one. Fortunately, the tide serves conveniently for those who prefer the water route to the Gardens, arid the steamers will be able to ply with very little cessation from 9 o’clock in the morning until the close of the fate. We are glad to learn that Mr W. IT. Clayton, who suffered such a serious accident yesterday, is progressing as favorably as, from the severity of the injuries he received, could be well expected. We are glad to state that the barristers and solicitors of the city will close their offices to morrow in order that their' employes may be afforded an opportunity of attending the Masonic Fete.

There was a very numerous audience at the Princess Theatre yesterday evening, and the performances of the Californian Circus troupe were, as usual, highly successful. Various alterations had been made in the programme. Madame Tourneur went through some daring and graceful feats of horsemanship, and Signor Raphael displayed great talent as an equestrian, and was fairly rewarded by the applause he received. M. Klaer and his Dog and Monkey caused much merriment on the part of the audience ; and the other artistes went through their business successfully. We are happy to see that the efforts made by the proprietors to provide such an excellent equestrian entertainment, are appreciated by the public. Wh are glad to see by an advertisement in another column, that the Dunedin Fire Brigade has invited the citizens to attend a public meeting, for the purpose of considering the present condition of that body in relation to the ratepayers. The present condition of things must be highly unsatisfactory to all parties. We learn from the Canterbury Standard of the 24tli that the Princess Theatre at Christchurch was opened the previous evening under the lesseeship of Mr Mumford of the Princess Theatre in this city. The paper referred to says :—“ It-must have been very gratifying to Miss -A. Wiseman, .Mr Richardson, and Mr Howe to find that a capital audience was glad to welcome them back again. The reputation of Miss Julia, Mathews had preceded her, and her reception by the audience was very enthusiastic. The two pieces played were 4 ‘ The Daughter of the Regiment,” and-the burlesqiie of “La Sonnambula.” In both Mass Julia Mathews sung some airs most charmingly. Though by no means inferior as an actress, as evinced in one or two scenes in the first piece, Miss. Mathews will draw houses more by her singing, tier voice is of more than ordinary compass, beautifully clear in some of its notes, and thoroughly under control. Iri the burlesque' she took the part of Alessio with a. spirit and vivacity which made a very great favorite. * Mr John Dunn, as Scalade, in the first piece, and Amina in the second, won the hearty approbation of the audience. The latter was the yery height of absurdity. The dresses and scenery in both pieces were very appropriate ; and if Mr Mumford continues to place a good variety of light subje'ets on the stage in the same artistic manner he may rely in securing; as he will well the patronage of the public.”