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New Zealander, Volume XVII, Issue 1567, 24 April 1861, Page 3

Hobson-street Presbyterian Church.—Un subhath lust, the adherents of St. James’ Church met for morning service for the first time, in Hobson street Presbyterian School, when the Rev. Mr. Bruce, from these words, “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified,” delivered an excellent discourse to a respectable and highly attentive audience. In the evening the Rev. Mr. Macky preached from “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” But the weather proving very inauspicious, the attendance was not that which would otherwise have been attracted by the deserved popularity of the preacher. Although the new congregation will in the meantime tend to thin St. Andrew’s, yet Mr. Bruce continues to act in the most liberally disinterested manner, by countenancing the embryo Church in every way that lies in his power, thus laudably preferring the general good to any individual advantage or superiority. In fact, on all sides there appears to be a general wish, that the rivalry of “ doing good” may be the only spirit of emulation between the parent and infant Churches. As an additional Presbyterian Church in Auckland will give the supporters of that body a very superior standing, and as land is gradually getting scarcer and dearer, it would give a very agreeable surprise to the new congregation, if any of their wealthy Presbyterian friends, either individually or collectively—would melt the icicles which hang around their hearts, open the sluices of the fountains of their generosity, and present them with an eligible site for a building worthy the name of “St- James’s.” That would he one sturdy stride in t he march of progress.— Communicated. Herb Werner’s Concert. — A grand popular Concert was presented to the public by Herr Werner on Monday evening last at the Odd Fellows’ Hull, which, notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, was crowded to excess. This result arose from the attractions contained in his programme, for independent of tire effective baud of ths Hth Xfcgt.. ho was egsistod by njore

than one musical celebrity. After the audience had succeeded in establishing themselves in seats, which was a task of considerable difficulty, the performances commenced about 8 o’clock, and continued until nearly 12, constituting a musical banquet of enormous proportions, which at the latter end became wearisome. We say with truth, that if ono third of the pieces bad been omitted, the remainder would have been enjoyed with greater zest. Herr Werner’s command over the clarionet was displayed in a Solo with band accompaniment. It was most masterly performed, and he received the well merited applause of the audience. Mr. Harrison sang “ a Father’s love,” in our opinion, much too flat. The effect of the melody was impaired by a display of affectation which ill suited his full and commanding voice. The lady amateurs are all in their pupilage and are full of expectation for the future, but as they each exhibited a promising amount of skill, they may lay claim to encouragement for the future. Madame Werner displayed considerable feeling in the German song—“ The Swiss Patriot” —and was much applauded. A large section of the audience was evidently much delighted at the performance, for they invariably encored every song. It affords us pleasure to find that a musical taste pervades a large portion of the inhabitants of this city, who exhibit it in their support of talent when presented for their The result of the Concert to Herr Werner will, we hope, prove satisfactory. Southland, —A new province having been latelycreated, it became necessary that its interests should be represented by the press, and thus we see that Invercargill now possesses the “Southern News,” under the editorship of Mr. Geo, Smallfield, to make known its advantages, its claims and its wants. Civilization marches hand in hand with the printing press, and whenever the latter is fairly and honestly conducted the former cannot fail to be aided. We judge from the early numbers of the above journal which have reached us, that the germ of merit is apparent in its columns, and we trust that the interest of both the proprietors and tho public wi'l be secured by its continuance.