TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLII, Issue 4296, 18 November 1874, Page 2

TOWN & COUNTRY.

Oantbbbttbt Swb Yabds.—The opening of the new aial'e yard* takes place to-day. Chambbb of Commbeob.—The monthly general meeting will be held onThursday at sbreiisH Opbea.—Bellini’s "La Sonnambula” was performed by the English Opera Company yesterday evening. During their former season it was about the least meritorious of their productions, but so marked has been their improvement in its rendering that it may now be fairly ranked among their most successful efforts. As the heroine, Hiss AJjice May sang the exacting music pertaining to' the part with fidelity and beauty of execution, and her acting, whether serious or gay, was always natural. At the end of every act Miss May, with the other principals, received enthusiastic calls, that at the finale being accompanied as usual by numerous floral offerings to the favourite' oantatrice. Mies Lambert, who made a capital Lisa, was in splendid voice, and sang "Sounds so joyful’’ very nicely. Mr Hallam’s Blvino is a decided improvement on his El vino of last season; bis acting last night was excellent, and his vocalisation of the duets “Take now this ring” and “All is lost now” with Miss May, and in the solo “Still so gently,” left little to be desired. After singing the latter, he was heartily recalled, and acknowledged the compliment. Mr Yemen as Alessio was exceedingly amusing, and continually provocative of roars of laughter. As the Count Hodolpho, too, Mr Templeton achieved another success, and his performance of “As I view these scenes so charming,” and " Maid those bright eyes ” drew forth the hearty plaudits of a discriminating audience. The part of Theresa was satisfactorily filled by Miss Florence Howe. The choruses throughout were excellently sung, and the orchestra played with their distinguishing carefulness and efficiency, For this evening, that charming opera the “ Bose of Castile ” is announced.

t — W* the iSlimßte will hold a«BaHP&tl<ui(«6t Holy Church, mornte- Pasxobax meeting of the >'manejms c&ipmittee off- thu Association will f : se heSpjjn Kangiora, on Beit/iop tKi;¥rahßsoti6n of important ''WillMS.' \ Coach AooipENi,—An acoidelt, which, fortunately, was not productive of Serious result*, happened to the Oxforctmailcoaoh on Monday ‘ afWrhoM lait,' at Mo'erdki' Downs.'"" ’Shortly afters the coach left; Messent’s Hotel on the down trip; the hone* shied at a „ dray, and despite the, effort*, of Mv. Seaton, the driver, the coach was drawn into the ditch at the side of the road. The sudden shock. threw Mr Seaton and the two passengers, riding on tlm box seat into > the gonr'dance; and the . horses dragged the coach along almost.on its tide, with one wheel in the ditch. Mr 0. Young, a passenger, got out, and-succeeded in pulling the female paasengers out by the door, but they fell heavily, and were very ttinch bruised; and d little child that was in charge of one of them miraculously escaped being killed. The other male passenger, jumped out of the window, and got several hrmaep. The horses continued to drag the coach, until they were stopped some distance east of the river Oust. ■ All the passengers were much shaken, but no hones were broken.

Female Refuge.—A meeting of the provisional committee was held at the Superindent’s office, at 3 p.m,, yesterday. Present— His Honor the Superintendent, the Bight Rev the Primate, the Very Rev the Dean of Christchurch, the Rev H. Edwards, the Rev 0. Eraser, the Rev W. J. Habens, Mt Wm. Montgomery, the Hon. J. B. Acland, Rev J. Buller, Mr L. Harper, Mr George Hart, Mr H. J. Tancred. On the motion of the Very Rev the Dean, seconded by the Rev J. Buller, the chair was taken by Mr H. J. Tancred. It was intimated that Mr George Gould had given a donation of £25, and an annual subscription of £ls; also, that Mr Garrick had given an annual subscription of £3. The subscription lists handed inamounted to a total of £142. It was resolved that the list of subscribers should be published in the newspapers. The Rev W. J. Habens moved—- “ That the chairman be requested to convene a general meeting of subscribers, to elect a working committee, &o.” The Rev 0. Fraser seconded the motion, which was agreed to. On the motion of the Hon J. B. Acland, seconded by the Rev J. Buller, the chairman of the meeting was appointed hon. treasurer pro tern. Oathedbal Guild.—A .general meeting was held yesterday evening in the College library, the Very Rev the Dean presiding. The first business was. the election of two members of committee to fill up recent vacancies. The Rev H. J. Edwards and Mr B. W. Mountfort were proposed and duly elected. Mr Mountfort then exhibited the plans of the Cathedral, describing the work already executed, and also the portion now undertaken. The most interesting exhibit was a very beautiful design, lately received from Sir G. Scott, for the western doorway, which the Guild has undertaken to ereOk. The Rev C. Bowen then read an admirable paper on the formation of a Diocesan Choral Association, which elicited considerable discussion, and which resulted in the following resolution being passed by the . meeting—“ That the Primate be requested to call a meeting of clergy and choirmasters to arrange the preliminary details for such an association." A cordial vote of thanks to Mr Bowen, for his paper was proposed by Mr Parker, and seconded by Mr Jameson, and unanimously passed; after which the proceedings terminated.

PopuiiAß Amusement and Enthetainment Association. —A meeting of the committee was held at 4 p.m., yesterday. Present—Messrs Wynn Williams (in the chair), W. R. Mitchell, G. Gordon. A letter was read from Mr Ness, A.0.F., stating that there was not sufficient time to get up a Richardson’s show. A letter was read from the City Council, granting the committee the use of Latimer square, materials and labour on Anniversary Day. On the motion of Mr Mitchell, the name Of Mr Cuff was added to the ground Mr Mitchell drew attention to the absence from the committee meetings of those who bad assisted in originating these sports. Formerly, his Honor the Superintendent, the Tory Rev the Dean, the Rev G. Fraser, and others attended the meetings, which were now conspicuous for thojr absence. As a good, day’s sport, Without intoxication, was- provided - each year, -bethought the gentlemen he had referred to should not cease to take an interest in the affair- It was resolved that a ten guinea cup should be given for a two-mile race, open to all amateurs. The programme of events was then gone through, and it was decided to publish the same. ,