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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 248, 22 October 1867, Page 2

The arrival of the Cisay has enabled the Government to proceed with two important pnblic forke, one of which, at least, -wae jnuch required, and tlfe execution of which has long beeo delayed, We allude to tha iron bridge to be 'erected over tho Waimea Hi ver on the li»e

of the Appleby-road, the materials of which, as far as the iron-work is concerned, will be landed from the Cissy this week, and the work will then be com-

menced forthwith. It has for some time

past been the intention of the Government to erect a large iron bonded store at the Port, in immediate contiguity to tho Custom House. The ironwork for this building has also been brought by the Cissy, and is now beiug landed on the wharf. We regret to announce the death of the Rev. Charles Sarda, who was on his way by the Airedale to take charge of the Catholic Mission at Akaroa, Canterbury, aud who arrived here oa Saturday evening last, being at the time in very delicate health. Finding himself worse, he was taken under Dr Cusack's directions to St. Mary's Station, where he died this morning at 4 o'clock, of rapid consumption. The deceased priest was iv his 28th year, and had beeu a missionary for some time among3t the Maoris in the Northern Island. His body will lie in state at St. Mary's to-morrow, aud the funeral will take place on the following day. The performances at the Oddfellows' Hall last night were for the benefit of Miss Annie Merton, aud this circumstance would alone have sufficed to attract a very large audience, but for the very inclement state of the weather which prevailed during the whole of yesterday afternoon. The attendance however, in spite of this was far more numerous than might have beeu expected, and the performance went off successfully. The programme consisted of David Garrick's adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, generally known under the title of Katherine and Petruchio, and the operetta of The Swiss Cottage. We need not remind our readers that, in order to insure the effective representation of a Shakespearian comedy the most perfect acquaintance with the text is at least demanded. As regards some of the minor dramatis personam last night a deficiency in this regard was somewhat too palpable, and of course did not exercise a propitious influence on the fortunes of the representation. The excellent manner iv which the parts of Katheriue and Petruchio were rendered by Miss Anuie Merton and Mr Newton made much amends however for this shortcoming, and the various caprices of both hero and heroine afforded infinite amusement to the audience, many of whom were probably much mystified by the old English phrases and allusions with which the text is interspersed. The- play was weli ' mounted;' and though perhaps its performance was a more ambitious effort than the numbers of the company would warrant, it was well received throughout. The musical interlude which followed included two songs given with much effect by Miss Auuie Merton, which were of

course encored; the popular Americau war., song by Mr Newton, which also received "an encore, when he gave a very ssweett t ballad, The Soldier's Daughter, which,' 1 though suffering from hoarseness, he sang^ very expressively. Auother local song oh '; the late 'paper-hunt,' by Mr Manton, drew; forth the most enthusiastic plaudits, and a' very pretty set of valses, composed by Mr Seymour, were received with like favor. Tbe operetta of The Swiss Cottage, with all the incidental music, went off most satisfactorily, Miss Annie Merton playing the capricious Lisette with all possible success; Mr Sefton as the amorous Natz, and Mr Newton as Corr poral Max being both deserving of our congratulations. The music was,' as ever, i excellent, the overtures to Fra.Diavolo and Semirarnide being given in capital style. The programme for this evening is a very attractive one — a sparkling comedy, a first-rate farce, and the usual musical interlude. On Thursday Mr Newtou takes his benefit in Lord Ly tton'g ♦play ot 'Richelieu.'

We learn from our Auckland files that the clipper ship Ida Ziegler had completed her ninth voyage to Auckland, where she arrived on the 16th, with a large general cargo and 134 passengers. The Nathan Troupe are performing to good .bouses in Auckland. The soiree of the Pittstreet Wesleyap dharch' tc(ok place On the Bth inßt., and was very largely attended* Mr Buller, Ch&irraa^ of the . NortherA

District presided, and tea was served in the; school-room below the church, which was decorated with evergreens aud flags kindly supplied by Captain Craighead, of the Ballarat. The aunual report was read, aud several interesting speeches delivered.