TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1321, 22 November 1864, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The Citi Drainage.—At last the labours of the Committee appointed to inquire into and report on the best system of drainage for Christchurch, have arrived at a conclusion, and it is with pleasure that we present our readers with a copy of their report in our issue of this day. We have been requested to state that the plan which accompanies the report is now open to inspection at the office of the City Surveyor each day during office hours. College.—We understand that Mr. Broughton has resigned the Headmastership with the intention of proceeding to England immediately. Arrangements have been made with Mr. Luigard, the assistant master to take charge of the head master's pupils, &c., pending the appointment of his successor.

' Volunteer Cavalry. —On Saturday next a meeting which is expected to be fully attended, of the persons favourable to this project, will be held at the offices of Messrs. Ollivier and Son, at 2p ; m. The meeting is convened for the purpose of receiving the committee's report, advertising for the uniform (samples of which will be submitted), swearing in the members, appointing sergeant-major and drillinstructor, and in fact putting the arrangements in proper working order. Specimens of saddles, bridles, &c., will also be shown. The Price of Bread.—We are informed that at Papanui the best bread is selling at Is the loaf of 4lbs. In Christchurch Is 2d and in some cases Is 3d is demanded. We were further told that a Christchurch baker was selling bread at Is per loaf at the former place. How this comes to pass is, as Thatcher would say, "one of the things we should like to know." >

Gas.—The undertaking of lighting the city with ' gas is going on rapidly. An advertisement states that the directors of the Company will be prepared to supply gas to intending consumers early in December, and that they have made arrangements with Mr. lieece to supply the internal fittings. They will supply the service pipes between the mains and meters gratuitously. Tenders are called for sinking an artesian well at the gas factory. The theatre will, we believe, be the first public building-so illuminated in Christchurch, the necessary preparations being busily carried on. . < The Unemployed.—On the 15th instant a second deputation from the unemployed at Kaiapoi, and its vicinity, waited upon the Government with reference to the prevalent distress. They were informed by the Provincial Secretary that the Government would make careful inquiry into the alleged distress, with a view of ascertaining what amount of truth there might be in the statements which had been made, IfflU j«lmi llf q.,. loin p. mnmn nf rplimrinrr ongpa dividual suffering. For this purpose, a commission consisting of the following gentlemen would be appointed:—Rev. W. W. Willock, Messrs. J. Beswick, and C. Dudley. The commission would attend to any representations which might be made to them," and would be authorized to provide work for the applicants, provided that the remuneration for such work did not exceed 5s per diem. The deputation then withdrew. On the 19 th instant, the commissioners sent in the annexed report:—" Kaiapoi, 19th November, 1864. The commission appointed by the Provincial Secretary to consider and enquire into the supposed distress amongst the labouring classes at Kaiapoi reports, that the commissioners met yesterday morning and evening, after notice given, at the Court House, to receive applications for relief and inquire into the circumstances of each case. The result is, that out of fifty applications the commissioners though it right to give work of a temporary nature to thirty-six married men, generally speaking having families, and twelve single men—to the former for six days a week, except in the instances (where either the man had property of his own or there were no children), work was promised for only five days in the week. To the single men work for four days a week was made the rule. The commissioners have to report that in conducting the inquiry no case of want of the necessaries of life has been brought to their notice. Yet from the length of time many of the applicants have been out of work, the commissioners feel saisfied that distress to some extent has prevailed, and that the present relief is not only desirable but also necessary to prevent immediate want, and -further, from the circumstances of several of the applicants, your commissioners are fully alive to the fact that the administration of relief must be exercised with tha greatest degree of circumspection. The commissioners are glad to state that work has been found close at hand of a most useful nature, and such upon which the men can forawhile be profitably employed. Upon this work a number of men have already commenced, the commissioners venturing to take this step at once without waiting for an answer to this communication as the best way of allaying any discontent which may exist. In conclusion, the commissioners would briefly promise that they will endeavour faithfully to carry out the conditions upon which, as, stated in your letter, the Government have offered this assistance. W. W. Willock, Charles Dudley, Josiah Birch, Joseph Beswick. To W. Rolleston, Esq., Provincial Secretary."

Princess' Theatre.—Oil Saturday night, the performances at this theatre commenced with Scott's romantic drama, "Rob Roy," and terminated with the very sparkling extravaganza of the "Fair One with the Golden Locks." The popularity of the former, and the very great intimacy of almost every admirer of genuine novel-writing with the origin of the story, render it unnecessary to give any of its details. The re-appearance of two of the performers of the previous season, Mr. Shiels and Mr. Batson—the former as Bailie Nicol Jarvie and the latter as Francis .Osbaldistone—was the signal for loud applause. In Scotch comedy Bailie Nicoi Jarvie is admittedly the greatest of Mr. Shiels' impersonations. True he is favoured with every advantage that could possibly contribute towards th 6 representation of this character in the manner intended by the author; but unlike many of hiq brother professionals who, although possessed of an interpretation of the Bailie of the Glasgow Salt Market, think proper to indulge in a system verging on buffoonery, rendering the part ridiculous. Mr. Shiels, avoiding exaggeration, brings out the character in its true, simple, and natural light, because he isaware that to diverge from the intentions of Scott would bo committing one of the greatest mistakes that it is possible to conceive. And wo were glad to see oil Saturday night that his brief absence from Christchurch had not lessened in the slightest degree the appreciation in which he was held prior to his departure. To say much about his acting, would only be repeating what wo have said of him on other occasions, liis repeated exclamations of my conscience, and the scene in which he discovers himself face to face with the highland outlaw, whom he lias the good sense to term "an honest rogue," were irresistible,as was also that portion of the drama where he considers his reception by Helen Mac Gregor to bo " a wee little on the nortli side o' friendly." Mr. Cox took the part of Rob Roy, but we must confess that his acting was not what we anticipated. For instance, in the scene where he is betrayed to the soldiery by the treachery of Rashleigh Osbaldistone, and where, after a severe struggle with his captors, he is secured in a manner to render his escape impossible he rises from the ground to confront the treacherous Rashleigh without the most remote symptom of exhaustion. Now, this is unnatural, for after such strenuous efforts to regain his liberty from the ignominy of the scaffold, it is

reasonable to cxpect that his endeavours to plish this object should be corroborated by a show o exhaustion in the attempt. Hi ß V », ' somewhat deficient for tragic act % !n fl " d f " whe seem that he was continually ffer "/ fh^e n effects of a severe cold. Irreapeetivcofthese draw backs, however, some P"V on V v L Helfn Mac not be excelled. With Mrs. Cox, as Helen Mac Grezor, some fault is also to be found. Although m regards make-up, sheappeared to better than anv other lady, without exception, whom we have seen sustain tife part of the outlaw's wife on the Christchurch stage; still her acting as a woman driven almost to madness by the persecution of her Inisband and family, was open to improvement. Mr. J. South made his first appearance as Mr. Owen and his acting throughout was remarkably good. The Dugald Creature, a very difficult character, was well performed by Mr. Hnll. Francis Osbaldistone, by Mr. Batson, was nothing more than what we could term a very average performance. The part, when properly gone through, is one which is certain to take a very prominent position in the play, but neither Mr. Batson's appearance nor address arewell adapted towards realising this end. As Kashleigh Osbaldistone,Francis'cousin, Mr. W. South succeeded in performing the characterin such amannerastogain commendation; but as we have hinted in a previous notice, his utterance is rather rapid. Diana Vernon was allotted to Miss E. Wiseman, and the little she had to do was well acted. In this hasty notice we must not forget to mention Miss Fanny Wiseman's performance of Mattie; her assumed Scotch dialect was wonderfully perfect, and her acting in the opening scene with the Bailie was such as we have seldom witnessed in an older and moreflexperienced actress. Captain Thornton was creditably taken by Mr. Richardson, as were also most of the other characters. Between the pieces Little Laura danced the Highland fling exceedingly well. In a child so young it is astonishing to witness the display of so much ability. Her appreciation by the audience was fully testified by the repeated applause she received. The " Fair One with the Golden Locks "concluded the entertainment. Mr. Hall was as funny as ever, and his mimicry of Wharton was indeed irresistible. The- " Chough and Crow" was splendidly sung by the Misses F. and E. Wiseman, assisted by Mr. Hall. Lytton's much-admired comedy of " Money " was, on the whole, successfully played last night, but the demand upon our space consequent on the arrival of the English mail, prevents us from giving a detailed account of it in our present number.

Disappearance of a Debtor. —An auctioneer of this town, who is largely indebted to persons who have intrusted him with stock for sale, has absconded. Not long ago he figured not very creditably in the Resident Magistrate's Court on account of a Bill of Exchange, and he endeavoured to mend the matter by writing to a contemporary and grossly mis-stating the grounds on which the judgment was given. We trust that he may be apprehended and punished for his defalcations, although we fear his creditors will never see their money again. When will people here cease to give indiscriminate credit ? Supreme Court. —His Honor Mr. Justice Gresson sat but a short time in Court, under the Debtors and Creditors' Act, on Saturday. In the matter of Donald Coutts, a debtor, Mr. M'Kay, the opposing creditor, was examined ; and the Court adjourned till the following Monday morning, when the matter was resumed. Under the 41 st Section of the Insolvent Act, Dr. Foster, on behalf of the opposing creditor, opposed the application for relief to the debtor. Mr. Garrick, alluding to an action which was tried-at Invercargill between the parties some time ago, contended that the words " malicious injury '' must mean an indictable offence. Dr. Foster argued that an ordinary action would satisfy the terms of the statute. His Honor rejected the evidence meant to be adduced on the ground that malice was not a necessary ingredient to sustain an action. The matter then dropped ; and the hearing was adjourned—extended protection to be granted in the meantime, with leave to call a meeting of creditors. The Court adjourhed till 11 a.m. this (Tuesday) morning. Wesleyan Church.—The annual missionary sermons were preached at this chapel on Sunday last. The Rev. J. Aldred officiated in the morning, and the Rev. —Fitchelt in the evening. The attendance was very numerous at the church in High-street, Christchurch, and we believe that the churches in Lyttelton and Kaiapoi had also very large congregations. At the collections made here, about £20 was collected, which will be devoted to the Mission Fund. On Monday evening, there was a tea meeting at the school-room, in High-street. A good many persons were present, and after tea several of the ministers present delivered short addresses, giving an account of the general religious progress of the place where

Congregational Church.—xne new church in Manchester-street. —It will be opened for Divine Worship on Sunday next, the 27th instant. The Rev. C. Frazer, Presbyterian minister, will preach in the morning, and the Rev. J. Buller, President of the Wesleyan Australasian Conferencein the evening. During the week, prayer meetings will take place, and on Tuesday, the 29th inst., a tea meeting will be held in the chapel, at 7 p.m. In the afternoon of Sunday, the Rev. J. W. Habens will preach a sermon especially for children. The Census.—We are desirous of drawing the attention of our readers to the fact that the census will be taken on Friday, December 2. It is to be hoped, that as the objects of the Census are so important, both for obtaining a perfect record of the progress and actual condition of the colony with respect not only to its population but to its cultivation, that all persons will endeavour to fill up the papers as correctly and as punctually as possible. We append the notice attached to the census paper, and addressed to the occupier or person in charge of any house : —" This paper will be called for on Friday the second day of December (or as soon after as practicable) by the sub-enumerator, to whom you are required by law to deliver it, with the answers written in the proper columns, and signed by you. It is the sub-enumerator's duty to verify the facts; and, if the form from any cause should not have been filled up, or should have been insufficiently or erroneously filled up, to record the necessary particulars, or make the necessary corrections, from inquiries which he is authorised to make for the purpose. A penalty of £20 will be inflicted for wilfully refusing or neglecting to fill up, sign, and deliver the form,, or to answer the necessary inquiries which the enumerators and sub-enumerators are authorised and required to make; or for furnishing false returns or answers ; or for obstructing any person in the performance of any duty imposed on him by the Census Act, 1858. Enumerators are strictly charged not to divulge any information given in this paper."

New Zealand Exhibition.—A circular has been forwarded to us from Mr. H. Way mouth, the honorary secretary, with reference to the Literary and Scientific Association of Dunedin, inviting the presence and co-operation of persons of influence and literary attainments at the sitting of the Conference. Contributions of papers containing information on the condition and progress of the colony are requested, as it is intended that essays on all classes of subjects connected therewith shall be read at the various meetings which will be comprised in the January session, which commences on the 3rd of that month. It is expected by the committee that papers of great value, the composition of gentlemen Well qualified by position and intellect to furnish them, will be contributed. It is scarcely probable that such an opportunity fora Literary and Scientific Association will again occur in New Zealand for many years to come, and it Will be very advisable for those who take an interest in the advancement and welfare of their adopted land, to avail themselves of it.

Bank of New Zealand.—ln almost every town in the colony the Banks are building new and handsome places, of business. Nor. in other places is the Bank of New Zealand "a whit behind the very chiefest"—except in Christchurch.. Here the directors seem satisfied with the inconvenient and unsightly little cabin in Cashel street, whilst at the same time they have in their possession a capital sectibn, centrally situated, but which is left almost in its primitive condition of wilderness. In Oaniaru they have followed the march of improvement, as will be seen from the following extract from the Oamaru Times: —" The new building about to be erected by the Bunk of New Zealand in Tyne street, has been contracted for by Mr. Greenfell, of this town. The architects are Messrs. Mason and Clayton, Dunedin. It is to be a handsome and commodious two-storey building in the Italian style, combining offices witli manager's house, built entirely of the stone of the district, and is contracted to be fluished by the Ist of March next."

Lyttklton Municipal Council.—The Council met on Friday last, but the business transacted was of an unimportant nature. Nearly all the members were present. Dr. Donald, the chairman, informed the Council that the pumps ordered for the town from Messrs. M'Ewen and Co., of Melbourne, had arrived in the Omieo. Permission was given him to accept a bill for the amount—-XI 9 Iss. Tho Surveyor's report y«s read and considered, some of his suggestions being recommended to be carried out. The Council then adjourned.

Thatchek.—The entertainments given by Thatcher and his company continue to be moderately well attended; but on Saturday night the hall was not so full as usual, owing, perhaps, to the " Scotch night" at the Theatre. It iB perhaps a question whether

Christchurch can support two especially as the pockets of the inhabit* been so heavily taxed of late by the Oner! ? hay e Thatcher alludes to this fact in one <.f i • leed . Yet there is no falling off either in his ow, i S °"Bs - ment or in those of his colleagues- for 1 Ilattamusing as ever, Madame Viteili al.lv Was as him, whilst Mr. Small seemed actually h? Pl>ortin g mirth. Could the rival houses combine tl J,*? 1 k for a few nights, what a scene of fun I , rce » have! Fancy Shiels and Thatcher on ° u!(1 boards 1 Some of Thatcher's best soncs w? Sarne ones which made such a hit,as the " Overt),, >, t,le the " Disappointed Chum." But the one an<l with perhaps the greatest point was "M v m 1(1 was a Magistrate." This created shouts of i,„ It details in the most absurd manner ,! t l tr ' the transformation of a public f magistrate into the holder of a "hii/offi,! "I 11 big salar-i-i-y." This is sung to the tune a Johnny was a shoemaker." but Thatcher's hall ian immense improvement on the ludicrous' 7 type. The entertainment was diversified | H - r)r ,° to ' between Thatcher and Mr. Oakey, on the fl et piano. This was a pleasing episode in the* • in ' l and Mr. Small sung his Irish and other usual amusingstyle, and was especially swtmlm « Hamlet," Madame Viteili favouring the'uS with some of her charging ballad*, excciucii f"? much taste. Last night, the perforniam-r.s w continued, with a change in the programme" Sfcv er, J new local points being introduced -amorist ,th the mysterious disappearance of a w-ell-km>w n 'sr ! salesman, which seemed highly to entertain n. audience. The unfavourable condition of the w ther doubtless deterred many persons from attend^"