LITERARY DIVERSIONS ON ALL FOOLS' DAY, 1859.

New Zealander, Volume XV, Issue 1352, 2 April 1859, Page 3

LITERARY DIVERSIONS ON ALL FOOLS' DAY, 1859.

We had quite forgotten the flight of time—we were unaware that the first three months of the year 1859 had winged their way to the unfathomable abyss of the Past, until yesterday morning Ave took up the Southern Cross. The date was ominous of amusement, —"April 1." It was quite clear we were to be made fools of that day. Looking to the tide*tables to learn when the "Gil Bias" and "Zephyr" would be likely to start on their voyage for Melbourne, we found that we were treated to the dates February 1, 2, 3, 4, and the date of the new moon was given for the same month —thus back-dating a bill with a vengeance. Turning to another column, we read that " several articles in type on topics of general interest have been shut out by press of matter" —whereas, on taking up a " Supplement," printed (of course by some singular mistake) on only one side of the paper, we found that more than two columns were occupied with a dry and dreary Return of Correspondence between Superintendent Brown and Governor Browne, Governor Browne and the Colonial Secretary of State, the Colonial Secretary of State and Governor Browne, Superintendent Campbell and the Secretary of State, ex-Superintendent Brown (in London) and the Colonial Secretary of State, and that Secretary of State's Secretary to Mr. Brown—all arising out of the celebrated Auckland City Council and Government House Grant and similar cases, and the " Legal Opinions" thereon by the late Provincial Law Officer; which the Governor was bored into sending home but about which the Home Government declined to bother itself in any way, leaving all such matters to be decided by the proper legal tribunals. Such was the quiet reply of Mr. Labouchere in February 1856 —such is the tenor of the answer Messrs. John Ball and Herman Merivale are "directed" to return to Mr. Brown in July and August 1856. Certainly we do admit our " sheer incapability to grapple with the political questions of the day" in this fashion ; and we have the happiness of knowing that our readers prefer our "giving copious extracts" on topics of real general interest, to stale despatches that have wholly lost their interest—if they ever possessed any.

Professor Carl Schmitt. —On Thursday even ing, at the close of the weekly practice of the Auckland Choral Society, Professor Schmitt—who has promised to aid in the Society's public performances—afforded the members who were present a rich musical treat by his masterly rendering of two of De Beriot's finest violin solos, with pianoforte accompaniment Mr. Brown being the accompanist. "We were among the auditors, and can with truth say that so great a musical treat we have not had since we last heard any of the first violinist* of the day in England. In tone, style, and execution, Professor Schmitt deserves all the commendations awarded to him, and we look forward to the forthcoming concert (on next "Wednesday week, we believe) for a repetition of the treat. Mr. Brown is quite at home in this style of music, nd he and the Professor played to each other admirably.—ln our next we hope to be able to draw attention to the announcement and the programme of the concert, at which, we hear, among others, Mr. Brooks', the harpist, his son, and Mr- Strauch will assist. Exhibition of Wangarir Fruit.—On Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Petingale exhibited, by permission of Mr. Vercoe, in the large room of the Exchange Hotel, some remarkably fine specimens of fruits grown in his well-known orchard and nursery at Wangarie. There were of grapes, the white sweet-water and black Frontignac ; ofpears—the Charmontelle, the Citron des Cannes, Cadillac, Marie Louise, Golden Beurre, Golden, Bon Chretien, Brown Beurre, Bergamotte, and Dr. Uvedale's St. Germain, all remarkably fine and some monsters. Of apples—(some the largest and finest we have seen) —Norfolk beaufin, Stone pippin, Nonpareil green and scarlet, Blenheim orange, Russetts (brown and king), French crab, Newton pippin, Court of Wick, Reine Blanche. Also, some fine Lisbon Lemons, Quinces, Passionflower fruit, and meddlars. The whole collection was much admired, and it was not wondered that other fruits from Mr. Petingale's should though not shown in his name, have carried off more than one prize at the late Horticultural Show. The collection was disposed ofbyiaffie, at the suggestion of some of the visitors, and the prizes were keenly contended for. The Band of the Goth continue their performances on Tuesday afternoon on Government House Lawn, and the audiences continue numerous. On Tuesday next, they will perform the " Grand March composed for* and dedicated to H.M.'s 65th Regiment, by Carl Schmitt."