NAVAL AMATEUR THEATRICALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 687, 26 January 1866, Page 5

NAVAL AMATEUR THEATRICALS.

The officers of Her Majesty's ship 15sk gave an amateur dramatic entertainment last night at tbe Prince of Wales Theatre in aid of the Royal Seamen and Marines Orphan School and Orphan Home. Tho performance was under tho patronage of Commodore Wiseman, the Captains and Officers of the Australian fleet. We regret that owing to the arrival of the Southern mail and a pressure of important news, we cannot give a lengthened notico of this entertainment. The house was full. !he aspect of the house was unusually animated, and the actors were greeted with frequent applause- Xhe oiHcera were aided most efficiently by th* ladies of the corps dramatique at this establishment. We shall give a further notice in our next i»>ue.

[RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COUET. Thuhsday. (Before Thomas Beckham, Ksq., 11.M., and Dr. Home, J". P.) IUIUNKEN.VESS. Francis Douglas and John Mann were charged with being drunk, and fined 20s. and costs, or in default, 18 hours' imprisonment with hard labour. LARCENY. Joseph Jaglimau was brought up, charged with stealing a pair of boots, value ISs., the property of John Mahoney. He was remanded until to-day. Undefended Cases. Verdicts were given for plaintiffs in the folio wins? cases:—Graham and Co. v. Frazer, £5 135.; Russell v. Morley, £2 25.; Robley v. Russell and Casey, £5 ; Pope v. Mills, £9 1 Is.; Marshall v. White, £8; Francis v. J. S. Pendleton, £G 9s; Veale v. Cooke, £12 18s; Cooper v. Ford, £2 ; Lewis v. Davidson, £3 9a 3d ; George v. H. Smith, £15 12s 6d : Gregg and Co. r. Ijetham, £3 13s 6d ; Graham and Co. v. Knapp, £o 5s 10& ; Vaile v. Atkinson, £7 Is 9d. cases adjourned. Alexander Bros. v. Buekliind, £30; Harris and Laurie v. Harris and Turner, £39 13s Id ; Bucklaud v. Eose £9 17s 3d. JUDGMENTS CONFESSED. Judgment was confossed in the following cases :— Robley and Russell v. Wynn, £22 13s ; Marshall v. Takey, £1 10s 8d ; Mackie Bros. v. Jacobs and Co., £14 Is 9d ; Cummings v. Smith, £2 9d; Scott v. MeCabe, £2 Ss; Hannfcen v. Fairg, £5 ; Mould and Burston, v. Brunskell, £L Its lid". NONSUITS. Nonsuits were recorded in the fallowing cases Davidson T. Townsend, £3 2s; Ford v. Minogue, £11 9d; Dennis v. £2 15s; Kirkwood, and Son v. McCartie, £1 10a; Kirkwor d and Son v. Priestley, £1 15s; Ncumengen v. Worms, lfis6d; Mackie Bros. v. Lundon, £1 ISs. Case fok Judgment. PICK V. ATKINS AND CO'.".SI.N'S. In giving judgment in this c:tse, his Worship said the ( ourt v ns of opinion that defendant has a lien on the cait, and therefore a nonsuit must be recorded. LEE V. KOE. This was a claim of £13 55., as wages alleged to have been promise 1 by the master of the schooner Isabella, in addition to Die wages for which lie agreed to servo on the passage from Auckland to Hokitika. It would seem from tho evidence that after leaving the Manakau and proceeding on the voyage as far as Nelson, tho master then promised the plaintiff extra wag; s to continue to navigate the v.ssel to Hokitika. The defendant dcnic3 that he is liable, and says that tho promise to pay cannot be enforced. -llis Worship then cited Addison on tho subject, and then continued: The only question is if there were any extiaord'.nary circ'.iuut.inccs further than those required in navigating Ihe vessel. Under the c'reumrtanccs the Court would not So justified in giving judgment against present defendant at all events. TIIXKS V. IifIIGESS. 11l this case the Court was of opinion that plain'iiT had no cause of action against defendant. Verdict for defendant. 1.1811A1.D v. YOUNG. Claim £2 ISs., for wages. Judgment for £2 6s. »d, HUNTER v. WALLACE. Claim, £8 2s. (id., for a cow. The defendant admitted having purchased the cow, but that he had purchased it under a warranty which was found to be fidse. The cow was then returned to plaintiff, and defendant had not since seen it. Judgment for defendant. LINCOLN - V. HCKTEU AND CO. Claim, £50, for conversion of certain property. Mr. McCormack for plaintiff, Mr. Brookfield for defendants. Frank Lincoln deposed : I camo to town to purchase cattle. I had some conversation with Mr. Hunter on tho subject, lie knew I was carrying on business as a butcher at Coromandel. He agreed to accept my promissory note, endorsed by either Mr. lveetley or Sir. Russell- I attended the sale, and purchased six head of cattle and twenty sheep. As Ihe sheep were turned out of the yard, Mr. Huntjr said, " Let those cattle be put into a yard by themiielves ; they are to bo shipped in the morning; '.hay belong to Mr- Lincoln." At Mr. Hunter's request X had tho sheep marked. I went into the office, where an account was furnished to me by the clerk. I gos a promissory note, and it was filled up by the clerk. I got it endorsed by Mr. Keetley. Mr. Domett refused to accept the note, so I returned the note to Mr. ICeetley, who I believe destroyed it. Mr. Brookfield objected to tho witness being examined on the contents of a document which was not in Court, and after some discussion, His Worship ruled that the questions respecting tho endorsement might bo put, but if it were not made evidence by a subsequent witness, it would be struck out. Mr. MeCormick: Then I shall appeal to the Su preme Court. Uia Worship : Do you threaten the Court, Sir? Be carelul you are not committed. Mr. MeCormick : Does your Worship refuse to hear me ? His Worship : Tho Court will not hear you if you are disrespectful. Mr. MeOormick: I submit, your Worship, that I am not disrespectful. His Worship : You are if you threaten the Court. Mr : Your Worship will have to shew that lam misbehaving myself by faying that I will appeal to a superior Court. It is a thing often done, and I am not overstepping the bounds of respcc; in making use of the expression. His Worship : Then do not lose your toniper, (ir. You have done so before, and it must not be. Pioceed with your case, sir. Examination continued : Mr. Dumett subsequently told mo that tho cattlo had been re-sold. I subsequently hired a b iat for the express purpose of taking these cattle down, I am liable for the oxpenso. I was not able to proceed to Coromandel, in consequence of not being able to get the cattle I immediately took steps to bring the matter into Ccurt. By Mr. Brookfield: I claim £16 for loss of bu iness. Tho boat cost me £1 10s. When I bought tho cattlo I signed no book. When Mr. Hunter said " vou had better get your sheep marked," I consider he gave them into my possession. The cattle remained in Mr. Hunter's yard. The sheop were marked with tar on the forehead. Henry McKenzie deposed : I was present at the sale of cattle held on the Bth inst. by Messrs. Hunter & Co.J Newmarket. I know the Is at witness He purchased cattlo and sheep at that sale. Mr. Hunter did not to my knowledge read any conditions of sale. After the sale I hoard Mr. Hunter say that Mr. Lincoln's cattlo were to bo put into a yard by themselves. Mr. Lincoln sont me to feed the cattle ho had bought, hut when I got them ho was not in the yard. James Russell deposed: I know plaintiff and defendant. I remember defendant making apjlication to me early in the mouth respecting a promissory note. Mr. Hunter asked me if I had agreed to endorse a promissory note for Mr. Lincoln, as ho had bought some cattle, and told liim that T would endorse the note. I told him th't Mr. Keetley's endorsement was quite sufficient for such an amount. Mr. Huntor had told me that Mr. Eeetley's name was on the note. Mr. Hunter agreed to that, and I thought there was an end of the matter. Mr. Hunter told mo at the commencement of our conversation that Mr. Lincoln had bought the catilo, and that the note was in payment of it. I saw Mr. Niolioll Si' 6or six times after this. On ono occasion he brought a promissory note for my endorsement. Mr. Hunter said he was satisfied with Keetley's endorsement. By the Court: I told Lincoln before he bought the cattlo that I would not endorse the note. His Worship said: If that wis all the case, he did not think plaintiff had made out his case. UTTNTSK AND CO. V- MESSENGER. Claim £10 03, value of a cow alleged to hare been sold to defendant by plaintiff;). "1. Mr. Brookfield for the plaintiffs, Mr. Wynn for tho defence. . . . , Mr. Messenger deposed: On the 14th August last I attended a eal > at Newmarket. I did not buy a bullock for £15 10s. I purchased fereral bullocKs. I paid for all tho bullocks I bought that day by a promissory Jnote. Tim is a receipt for ill I bought that dav. , •. Mr. Brookfield liore accepted a nonsuit. , . O'BRIEN V. MOONEY. \ Claim los, for money lent. Judgment for plaintiff. HBNDKRSON" v. WKBBBB. Claim £15 2s 6d., for balance of account. The defendant did not appear, and a verdict was accordingly giren for plaintiff.

T ® IAL TRIP OP THE BLUJiNOSE STEAMEB. fh* 1 little paddle steamer, the property of Messrs. mbbon and Co., which has been laid up for repairs anti for the purpose of obtaining new engines made IV * "tit tr ',P yesterday afternoon, to Cornwalli3, im the Juanukau, distant about fifteen miles from Osehungn. Unfortunately the weather for the first two or three hours in the aftcraoon was very unfavourable, several very smart showers falling'. Subsequently the wind suddenly changed, ani a very pleasanfc evening- wa* the result. It was originally intended t.iat the -Biuenoso should leave Mr. Gibbon's wharf at Onehunga at noon, in company with another small paddle-boat, named the Woodpecker, also beioogicg to the same firm, .rhe latter boit, however, was hardly in resdinesi, and the unfavourable appearance of the weather in the morning caused it to be about one o'clock before the Bteamer left the wharf. When cho did leave, however, she was well filled with a large party of pleasure seekers who had been invited by Mr. jE. Gibbon, to do honor to the occasion. Many of the fair sex of Onehunga numerously attended by cavaliers, and also a goodly number from Auckland, were on board, and despite the very unfavorable circumstances under which tho trip took place, we will venture to say that everyone present most heartily enjoyed themselves. Before entering into particulars of the trip itself, we may mention that the paddle steamer Bluenose was formerly emplojsd on the Waipa river, her engines being more particularly used for the purpose of a eaw-mill in tliar, locality. Since being laid up, however, she has undergone a thorough repair, and almost complete renovation; it being now intended by this enterprising firm to employ her in carrying freight and passengers up the Waikato. A new set of engines, built by Messrs. V ckery and Masefield have been introduced into her, whilst comfort and convenience has been studied in every way by the Completion of an excellent saloon and cabin accom--modation for passengers ; considering the circumstances under which the trip was made everythingwas found to work satisfactorily, the engines doing* good duty, against a strong tide, and reflecting every credit on the makers. It was originally intended that the trip should be to the liuia, distant about twenty miles from Onehunga, and where the proprietors of the bo it hava another saw mill, oniy on« among a series, embracing flamiltoil, Rangiriri, Onehunga, and one or two •ithers. 'I he late hour at which tho steamer started, however, made it expedient that a shorter distance should be traversed, and, therefore, it was determined to make the landing-p'.ace i'ornwallis. the pro; erty of j.Mr. ir. IT. Hoe, who was among the pleasureoeekovs on board. After an enjoyable t: ip, therefore, notwithstanding the rain which gave ph- .ty of opportunity to the gentlemen of being serwcoable to the ladies by procuring v-'rappers, &e. t to protect them, somewhat from its influence, Mr. Roe's wharf was reachc-d something under a couple of hot.rs from the t me of starting, showing a continued speed of about : ix knots an hour, 'the steamer being laid alongside tin; wharf, the passengers very quickly deserte l herv with the object of a stroll, along the beach and making an iuspe-tion of Mr. lioe's premises, which were well worth the trouble. As soon as the majority of passengers hud gono on shore, active preparations were at once instituted y the hospitable host ani hostess for laying out a lunch on deck fully sufficient for double the number of visitors, and comprising every delicacy that the season would produce. It is hardly necessary to say that the lunch was done ample justice to by the visitors present whose appetites had been sharpened somewhat by the sex air. After a stay of about two hours' duration at this pretty little spot, the Bluenose, with her living freight once more on board, was again cast off and after proceeding a short distance further down the harbour until opposite the entrance of the Huia she was turned round with the intention of proceeding home. Wo ratiifc not forget to mention that there were two capital musicians on board, who -were never idle in making music to the response]of tho dancers. During the trip home the masculine portion of the community adjourned to the saloon for the purpose of proposing tho uiual toasts common to the occasion and wishing success and prosperity to the Bluenose and hr enterprising owners. The Rev. Dr. Pubuhas was requested to take the chair, and having done so, the rev. gentleman said that he only wished that some one more thoroughly acquainted with the subject had been asked to preside. It was not that he did n jt take the greatest interest iu the undertaking, but that he was no hand at making a speech, and therefore could not expect to do it fair justice. There was, however, no necessity for him to say very much. Be felt the greatest pleasure in being present en the occasion, and being among a large number of visitors who were partaking of the hospitality of the worthy host and hostess. The Bluenose, they would all probably know, was the first steamer that had been built at Onehunga; her engines had now been improved, and the boat had been made considerably more serviceable, and he begged most sincerely to congratulate Mr. Gibbons on the improvement that had been effected. The Bluenose has already done good service—far more than li-d evt-r been expected—as s moveable saw mill on the Waikato, ai d certainly their affairs generally were more flourishing than at present. Ho (the speaker'! took tho moit lively interest in everything appertaining to Onehunga. The steamer had been built, in the first instance by a stianger —Mr. John MeLeod, and there was some disappointment occasioned that the work had not been moro successful. Tt depended, howeror, upon, an Onehunga man to improve her. He w juld not detain them any longer, but would simply, propose the health of her Majesty the Qneen, coupled with those of the Royal Family. Mr. Hoe said th it lie rose with much pleasure to prop-'se a toast —the health of their host and hostess. He hardly knew which to admire most—the great hospitality that had been shown to them that day by the hostess, or the enterprise that had been displayed by their host. He (the speaker) belonged to the same craft as their worthy host. The boat they were now on board hid done much previously, she had now been improved by an Onehunga man for a special purpose, for trading on the Waikato, and he hoped before long to see their expectations realiied by the produce from that locality being brought down to Onehunga. He would again propose the health of their host and hostess, with the sincere hope that they might li v e long to reap the fruits of their enterprise, and likewise that the company present might all have the opportunity afiorded them of meeting together again under somewhat similar circumstances. Mr. Gibbon who had been taken very unwell whilst on board, said that he could not but rise from where ho was lying in the cabin, to return the company present his most sincere thanks on behalf of his wife and himself, for the very cordial manner in which they hud drunk their healths. He had already taken a turn out of the Bluenose on the Waikato for another purpose ; he trusted that the boat had ht- been very much improved, and firmly believed th:.;. she would be found to realise their most sanguine expectations. The GhalH3lan said that he was very much disappointed that Mr. Gibbon was too ill to enter into tho object! ;or which the steamer was now to be applied, he would call on gentleman present to propose the health of the "Marine Board." Mr. Lowhy had great pleasure in proposing prosperity to the Marine Board. At present they were suffering from the depression in times, but he hoped yet to see the harbour of Onehunga equal to that of Auckland, and he had no doubt that it would eventually bo in the first position of any i» >-ew Ze,la ° d - Mr. Gihi:on- b gged to couple with .he toast of the Marine Board that of their Inspector al r Ayliner, now on bo ird. He looked upon the Matire Board as being a most useful institution, not intended to pick flaws unnecessarily, but merely to ensure the safety t j ian k e d them sincerely for the taasfc thev ht.d just drank- He regretted that the head of the"' Murine Department was absent down South, aS ho felt sure he would liavo cy much pleasure in being present. Hew. . d all owners would look at the operations of thy ..nuine Board in the same lisht a3 did Mr. Gibbon, as it would make their duties ai; all times ph.a-ant to those concerned. He was sorry that the boat hf.d been improved iu hard lime.-, and c.' ' • only say with the rhymist, u Hard times, ooine :y,ua no moro.' He l'elt sincere pleasure in being present when such a practical indication of enterprise had btvu exhibited. Mr. Maxlky had much pleasure in proposing the toast of the Press. He was glad to tee some of its members present to observe how they were prospering in Onehunga. Mr. WHJjTamsox briefly returned thanks on behalf of the Daily Southern Cross and HbSAXD. Mr. O'Kbepe rose with much pleasure to propose prosperity to tho boat and..its' undertaking- The. subject h'vd already been spoken of pretty lull;, but

lie wished to add a few words respecting the undertaking, which he hoped would meet with every sue, cess. The Bluenose, they had been before informed had been altered from a moveable saw-mill to a passenger boat of iio mean pretensions. Ia its former sphere tho engines had done good justioo by cutting some two million and fifteen thousand feet of timber on the Waikato. There was a large field for enterprise opening up in the Waikato at present. It was true things we.'c not very cheering. He believed, however, if thai district came into the hands of the Provincial G-overnment, that its resources must ultimately become developed, it being a mere matter of time. The Messrs. G-ibbon had persevered throughout steadily »nd with modesty, never exalting themselves, but making good and gradual progress. Ho (tho speaker) knew the Waikato very well, and hailed with delight Mr. Gibbon in Mb now sphere, the result of -which he sincerely trusted would prove remunerative to all concerned. Ho had been informed that next year the produce in the Waikato might be expected to lio very largo in amount. Large quantities of crops were alieady being offered, and he believed that the natives wero iu possession of a large number of eruns. The Ckaihman said, on behalf of Mr. Gibbon, ho would return thanks. lie (the speaker) had formerly an intimate acquaintance with the Waikato, but, under very different circumstances, and ioug bofore a steamer had been seen in the district. He was very glad to hear that such a large quantity of produce nn\'ht be expected from tho Waikato, for ho was afraid that it would hare been otherwise from what he had heard. Ho might inf.rm timm that he (the speaker) ha I paid the freight for the first cargo of flour ever brought from the Waikato. Tho owner had no man y to piv the freight himself, and he came to him to try and borrow it. lie had lent it, certainly it wis somewhat of a venture, but the man camo very honestly and repaid him. Tho next year a far larger quantity had been brought down, and the "'amount tinco then had surprisingly increas d, ■which could readily be believed wlieu he informed them that within three months the total value of the produce brought from tho Waikato had reached ten thousand pounds If the natives could manage this ■what might bo expected ■*? districts be.-ame populated with white settl.-r.. ''"a certainly looked to see this district form L..<; most important item of the Province, and ho should bo glad to sec Mr. Gibbon <'o we'd. 13c might also inform the company present that- ho believed wirlii ■a very few weeks thi-.t a il.ix company would 'j started in the Waikato, and he felt, sanguine that -Thatover misrht be the amount of capital invested in the first instance, that the rotnrns would bo cent, per cent, for the original outlay. Ho believed a company hid been started in Canterbury, and was sorry i-liat they bad sot. the start of them, hut it c uld not be helped. Before sitting down lie would beg leave to propose the health of the Engineers and prosperity to the foundries of Auckland, without their aid the colony would be at a stand still. In connection with "this tosst he would also couple the names of Messrs. Viekery and MasefieUi, the makers of die engines now 011 board ihe Bluenose-. Jlr. \ icKEiiY brietly returned thanks, "he would tcave it to some of his friends 11 respond for him, es •he was no hand himself at speechifying. Mr. Taijuteau proposed the heilth of The Ladies in a short and pithy speech, which was responded to by Mr. G-bat, of the i urae a. At length the Government wharf at Onehunga was reached about 12 o'clock, and the steamer quiekiv lost her passengers, who hastened hrimc evidently well satisfied with the treat that hid been ail'.irdcd thom through the hospitality of the host and hostess. The numer of persons oa board must, have been over sixty, had the weather been more favourable many more would have been present.