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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 11, Issue 819, 19 January 1867, Page 2

Concert. — The third concert of the Philharmonic Society was given on Thursday evening last, in the Council Chamber. The attendance was large, the chamber being filled to overflowing. The heat was extreme, and the means of ventilation very imperfect; but in other respects the arrangements for the accommodation of spectators were good. We allude to the oppressive nature of the atmosphere within the chamber, in no spirit of fault finding, but simply as again suggestive of the oftrepeated question,— -When are we to have a music hall ? The want of such a building is more and more felt upon every public occasion, and we cannot help thinking that if energetic steps were once taken in this matter, the requisite capital would be forthcoming. But to z*eturn to the subject of the concert. The first part opened with an overture from " Samson," and consisted chiefly of choruses and other pieces from "The Messiah" — this selection having been made at a time when it was believed that the concert would take place at Christmas. Of the execution of the various pieces enumerated in the programme, it is not our intention to write critically, or to imitate the questionable taste which prompted a letter that recently (in the editor's absence) appeared in the columns of the Herald. Ladies and gentlemen who make the necessary sacrifice of time and feeling to take part in these performances, have, we think, a right to expect that their well-meant efforts shall not be made subject of criticism, ill-natured or otherwise, in the newspapers of the day. The selection which formed the first part would probably be considered by the critic to want more force and strength than the society was able, on this occasion, to exhibit ; but, taking into consideration the unavoidable absence of members, and other deficiencies, the execution was exceedingly creditable. In the pastoral symphony we were glad to see an addition to the number of instrumentsone of the singers having, for the first time, taken second flute ; while, in the exquisite air "D'eglise," the introduction of the harmonium tvas a pleasing and effective novelty. The air, "He shall feed his flock," was rendered by a fair songstress with her usual taste and sweetness. The second part was probably the more popular part of the programme, at least to the general listener. The overture, from Semiramide, was more appreciated than the first, possibly as capable of being better rendered with comparatively few instruments. Bishop's glees, we need not say, are always charming. A solo, announced in the programme, was omitted, for which, doubtless, there was some good reason ; but this is matter of regret, as solo singing is very pleasing to a miscellaneous audience. The pianoforte duet, by a lady amateur and the talented conductor of the society, was au exquisite performance. But we have particularised further than we intended ; suffice it that, through the exertions of a comparatively few, an entertainment of a high order was given to a generally appreciative audience. We conclude by hoping that the working members may increase in numbers and strength, and that we may soon have a hall in which the glorious strains of the great composers may be listened to without personal discomfort. Hawke's Bay Agricultural Society.-— A public meeting, to consider a proposal to hold an exhibition of stock and produce about the time of the races, is convened for Wednesday, the 30th inst., at 3 p.m., at the Meanee Hotel. We hope to see a good attendance upon the occasion. Stamps. — A fresh supply has come to hand by the Lady Bird. The banks have also received a parcel of cheque books, with stamp mpressed, which they issue upon applica ion. Confiscation. — We learn from an authentic private source, that, before going southward, His Excellency declared the Petane-Waikare block to be confiscated. Provincial Council. — By proclamation of His Excellency the Governor, dated the 10th inst., and appearing in a General Government Gazette published on the 11th, the Provincial Council of Hawke's Bay was declared to be dissolved.- We understand that writs for the new elections will be issued so soon as the new rolls, rendered necessary by the Representation Amendment Act of last session, have been prepared. Artesian Wells. — These are at present in a state of statu quo, in consequence of Mr. Bennett, the contractor, having gone to Canterbury for a supply of piping. Marine Act 1866. — The powers vested in the Governor under this Act have been delegated to His Honor the Superintendent of this province. Arrival of Natives. — On Wednesday last Te Heu Heu and some 70 natives, hitherto disaffected, arrived at Pa Whakairo, having been sent from Taupo by His Ex-' cellency the Governor, to Napier, that they might make formal submission to Mr. M'Lean. The absence of His Honor has caused them some disappointment.