AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9249, 31 December 1888, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

BASEBALL MATCH. OwiN'G to the non-arrival of the mail steamer Alameda until the 9th December, the base--1 ball match, and balloou ascent by Professor Bartholomew, which should have taken place on the Sth December in Potter's paddock, had to be postponed till the 10th December. In consequence of the stormy wind which was blowing that ; afternoon, it was impossible to make the balloon ascent. The balloon is capable of holding 40,000 cubic feet of air, and '■ measures 44 feet in diameter by 66 feet in height, and during the half gale which was blowing at the close of the match an ascent was impossible, and this ' caused 'much disappointment to the many who expected to see Mr. Bartholomew rise to over one f mile in perpendicular height before dropping from the balloon.

After the arrival of the steamer; and during the forenoon of Dec. 9, the visitors strolled about the town viewing the various objects of interest, and afterwards partook of an excellent lunch at Gallagher's Imperial Hotel (at which the quality and abundance of New Zealand's productions in the shape of vegetables, fruit, etc., excited their admiration). In the afternoon a number of them braved the rain and drove round the suburbs ill brakes, visiting Mount Eden, the Fpsom ground, and returning by way of Ellerslie and Remuera to town, calling at and inspecting the Cricket Ground en route. When on their*way to New Zealand they of course called at Honolulu, but owing to the day of arrival being Sunday no match was played, though a monster petition was pre- i sented to the Government to waive the . laws I regarding Sabbath observance. Though the King and his Ministers expressed themselves as anxious to see the game eventuate, Mr. Spalding declined to play. This, however, .did not prevent tho Americans from having a truly royal reception, for they were garlanded with flowers arid escorted by the Royal band, they were driven to the King's palace, where a magnificent "laua," or native feast, was prepared for them, while the populace cheered them at every turn. An evidence of the all-absorbing interest taken by the American people in the game of baseball and the present tour is given by the fact that nearly every prominent journal in the States has a special correspondent with the team to chronicle its doings and furnish notes upon the new countries (to the American public) visited. The New York Sun, Chicago Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, and St. Louis Democrat will be represented by Mr. McMillan, of Chicago; i the Philadelphia Sporting Life, Chicago Times, Boston Herald, New York Press, Chicago Evening Journal, and Outing Magazine will be furnished with reports from the pen of Mr. Harry Palmer ; while Mr. J. M. Ward will supply details of the matches, etc., to the New York World, Boston Globe, St. Louis -Despatch, and Philadelphia Evening Press. The New York Herald and Chicago News have retained a "special" each in the persons of Messrs. Goodrich and Crane

respectively. These " paper men" were, on the Alameda's arrival, met ana heartily welcomed to Hew Zealand by representatives of the Herald and Star, and in the afternoon driven to various points of vantage in and around the city, though the heavy rain interfered sadly with what was otherwise a pleasant outing. Though Dec. 10 was a busy day in business oirolos, » there was a very fair attendance at Potter's Paddock to witness the

baseball match between tho teams with which Mr. A. G. Spalding is touring the world, and by the time the play commenced there were fully 1500 spectators on the ground. The wo teams of Chicago and All-America, shortly before one o'clock, formed a procession of carriages on the Queen - street Wharf, and headed by Impey's Band, drove slowly up Queen and Hobson streets. The van was led by a little negro drum-major, who accompanies the team, and whose clever tricks with his

iaff caused considerable amusement en

route. The rear of the line was brought up by a four-horse drag containing the friends of the players, behind which followed a largo number of carriages occupied by private persons. The game excited considerable interest, and at the close of the match the score stood: Chicago, 22; All America, 12. '

AUCKLAND ART SOCIETY CONVERSAZIONE. A conversazione took place on December 7 in the Art Gallery, under the auspices of the Auckland Art Society, at which " black and white" sketches, and rough sketches in oil and water colours, &c., were exhibited by members of the Society. There was a crowded attendance, among those present boing His Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Devore). Mr. C. Blomfield showed a large number of outdoor sketches, in oil, of bush and mountain subjects, and some charming creek scenes atCoromandel. Ho also exhibited some views of the Taupo district, the Huka Falls, and of the pretty falls at Waihi, on the Lake. One sketch showed the remarkable Karangahape Cliffs at the western shore of the lake, 800 feet in height, and which _ are interesting not only on account of their rugged grandeur, but of a curious Maori legend connected with them. On the top are two stones bearing a rude resemblance to two dogs, and the Maoris believe these to have the power, if offended, ol calling up a taniwha or monster from the deep, who wreaks vengeance on the occupants of any ill-fated canoe venturing too near. Mr. Blomfield also showed some life studies of Taupo natives, etc,, Mr. Kenneth Watkins contributed a first proof etching in copper, illustrating the words, " And the weary are at rest." It depict •) the site of the burial place of some of the crew of H.M.s. Orpheus at Kerikeri ? and is interesting not merely from its artistic merit, but as commemorating an episode whioh will be long remembered by the people of Auckland. _ The etching shows refined and delicate work in detail, and also gives a good idea of wave power. Mrs. J. McCosh Clark's etching of " Kawau," and her sketches of Lake scenery were marked by her characteristic good taste and artistio ability. Mr. Horsley s contributions were hi the nature of atmospheric effects, " The End of the Day" and Moonlight," were j tastefully executed. There were three landscape sketches in oil, furnished by Mr. H. Leech, one of which showed considerable merit. Of Mr. W. A. Bollard's sketches, the best were two moonlight scenes. . Mr. B. Phoney showed a sheet of sketches in pencil and water colours. The heads iu pencil were the best. Also a figure drawn in the Mahlstick Club, illustrating the subject "Motion," namely, a man sawing wood, which was well executed. Miss Buchanan, of Devonport, showed three small panels on easels, in oils, which were of some merit. A series of monochromes by Miss C. W. Home had some very good points in them. Mr. C. L. Kerry contributed three pen and ink sketches, which displayed some good figure work. A sketch on the Kimberley goldfields was remarkably good, Whangarei scenery was represented by a sketch, in oil, of Parua Bay, by Mr. W. H. _ Shakespeare. Mr. Sprott, a recent addition to art circles, furnished a number of sketches in oil and crayon, showing him to bo an artist of refiued taste and of considerable promise. One of the exhibits which attracted a good deal of attention as marking an advance in a branch of local art. was a chromo-lithograph entitled " The Belle of the Kainga," a young Maori girl. The picture is a specimen of c hromo-lithography, produced in ten colours, at the lithograpnic establishment of the New Zealand Herald (Messrs. Wilsons and Horton), and which was presented with the Christmas number of the Auckland Weekly .News. The harmony of colour, general effect, and artistic workmanship were much admired. On the wall we noticed a photo enlargement, worked up by hand, of the late President of the Society, Mr. Albin Martin, and which has been purchased from Mr Josian Martin, photographer, in order to be' hung up in the room of the Society. / Mr. T. L. Drummond exhibited a series of charcoal drawings and sketches in oil. One of them was an illustration of a passage from " Ranolf and Amohia " — " Or bolted fragment of some wreck, atormbreachcd and shattered.''

The other charcoal done in the Mahlstick Club. MrD&N also exhibited an i Vt m °ndi R. Atkinson of sks( >f%Mrj The history of it is-that came into Mr; • j> ln3o »i and finding a piece d" 8 ■ . an easel, without anv„ t»L? CaDV ? 3l i. o^ ; ing/, executed the figure m V ° U3 The sketch showed considerable l^l^ ; ing, and effect in light and shadow—t 1 McCosh Clark furnished an etohi % five sketches illustrative of Lake^ g;ami ?? d v USs ® nfc some excellent otc®*& •T* ?u y . ton ' formerly a 'mem& ot the Society, but now resident in England This is ft new departure for Mr. KvZ' [ and we must congratulate him on hisW! ' cess. A large series of sketches wet* contributed by Mr. :W. K. Slader i a water colours and pencil,'- which comprised ; figure and landscape drawing. - A. bortf^ of sketches - was al,o show! by£S artist, some of them of considerable merit tt 5"i ttk Wright had a ver choic ° Si tion of drawings, in water colour and pencil 1 in which the. effect was gained with little labour. Mr. 801 l exhibited seventeen excellent sketches in water colour, mainly of local scenery Mr. W. Wright /had; three marine sketchy in oil. Mr. p ark . mson, Devonport, contributed a v seri * of sketches in water colours, of figure land scape and flowers, showin s 'somlSly ex* cedent work. Mr. J. Hohley, furnished three sketches in oil, Mining Mists" being the best. ~ Mr. Trenwifi, had tiffin sketches in oil and water most of them work done m the Mahlstick a portrait of Miss Niccol, by Miss Marion Wright, shows some very careful work £ the face. _ Miss Ida Outhwaite contribute a sketch in oil of Waiheke, and a verv V teresting book of sketches. Miss Robinao* furnished a bit of forest scenery. « Mr. Au, E. Aldis, juri., a series of sketches of the Lake district, principally at i WaiorakeL Mr. W. Harae furnished a scene from Ranolf and Amohia and Mrs. W. Rattray threo sketches in oil. . A series of portraits were excellently executed by Mr.! A. ■ IS.Hunt. A frame of Christmas cards by Miss Maud Vaile showed considerable • taste and ability.. Miss Cohen exhibited [ four sketches in oil, and Miss Home five, the latter being principally Te Aroha scenery. Mr. W. Bollard, six sketches in oil. I here was also a fine collection of bromide portraits, photographed by Mr, H. B. Morton, _ . , The Orchestral Society, under the conductorship of Mr. ;> Tallis , Trimnell, Mus. liac., Oxon., had arranged a splendid programme of high-class music for the . delec* tation of the visitors, being desirous of illustrating the triumphs of Music side by side with those of Art, but ' the large crowd present baffled their excellent intentions,

I AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SUMMER .• MEETING. . s Tho Summer meeting of tho Auckland Pacing Club was opened on Boxing Day, under circumstances of unusual splendour: for in addition to the attractions of a splendid racing programme,-in which the greatest I horses of the colony wore to compete, there » was weather of the most perfect character. J In round numbers, we may estimate the r attendance at 6000' people, and the scene ' reminded us forcibly of the days when tho , city was in the full tide of prosperity, and everything in full swing. .. Of course the fact of the Australian squadron being in harbour, and Admiral Fairfax having accepted the invitation of the club to be present at their meeting, was in itself an attraction. A space was set apart and decorated with flags on the grandstand over tho main entrance, for the Admiral and his company. Admiral Fairfax arrived shortly after the first race was concluded.; Amongst the other visitors on the course were Sir Lambert Dobson, Chief Justice of Tasmania, to whom Sir F. Whitaker devoted all attention and courtesy during the afternoon. The following are the results of tho several events : — .' „: . ■

Trial Stakes, of GOsovs, with a sweepstakes of lsov each to go to second horse. Weight f° r age. . For three-year-olds and upwards. Maidens, if three-year-olds, allowed 51b; four-year-olds, 71b; five year and upwards, 101b. One mile. Mr. R. Burke's br c Cuirassier, by Musket 3 —Frailty, 3vrs, 7st 111b (Kean) ... Mr. James Carnegie's br g Pretender, aged, Bst 111b (A. Skirving) ... ... 2 Mr. W. Bobbcit's blk c Patchwork. 3yrs, 7st 111b (A. Cook) ..: J : 3

I Great Northern Foal Stakes of 300sovs added to it, B\reoi)ntakoo of JtCnovu octoh ; | the second horse to receive 50sovs, and tho third horse 25sovs from the stakes. For two-year-olds. Colts, Sst 101b: fillies and geldings, Bst 71b. Closed with 70 subs. Six furlongs. , ■ . Mr. C. Beresford's blk c Corunna, by ~ Musket— Moore, 2yrs, Sst 101b (Kean) ... 1 Mr. W. Somerville's br f Cissy, by Musket—Frailty, 2yrs, Bst 71b (T. Taylor)... 2 Mr. James Munn's br c Quilt, by Robinson Crusoe—Patch, 2yrs, Sst 101b (A. Hood) ... 3 The Auckland Cup of 500sovs, added to a sweepstakes of lOsovs each. Second horse to receive SOsovs, and third horSe 20sovs out of the stakes. Sweep to be paid half an hour before the race. Two miles. Mr. G. G. Stead's br h Lochiel, by Prince Charlie—Nelly Moore, 6yrs, est 10b (W. Clifford) ... ... ... J Mr. W. Somerville's br f Hilda, by Musket—Ouida, 3yrs, 7st 31b (Katterns ... 2 Mr. J. Jones' blk h British Lion, by Leolinus—Spritsail, syrs, 7st 7lb (McGrath) 3

Handicap Hurdle Race, of lOOsovs j second horse to receive lOsovs out of the stakes. Over nine flights of hurdles. Tw> miles and a-quarter. Mr. M._ Gallagher's gr g Peter Os?eoc, by Perkin Warbeck— aged, 101b (Fergus) ... ... ... ... ... 1 Mr. J. Rae'a b g Orangeman, aged lOst 61b (J. Rae) ... ... ... ! ... 2 Mr. N. Dickey's ch g Recruit, aged ost 71b (Hadfield)... ... ... ... ■ j ... 3 Handicap of 70sovs, secod horse ' to receive lOsovs out of the stake. For three-year-olds and upwards. Three- ' quarters of a mile. • ' Mr. J. Marshall's b c Braemar, by Misket Erycina, 3yrs, 6st 121b (Lindsay) ... 1 Mr. Robert Millen's b g Tupaki, agel, 7st (Farrell) ... . ... i ... 2 Mr. W. Somcrville's br c Teksura,3yrs. 6sfc 121b (Gallagher)... ... ...j ... 3 Chbistmas Handicap of 100 sova; second horse to receive 10 sovs out of tb stakes. For three-year-olds and upwaro. One mile and a quarter. 1 -

Mr. John Chaafe's brc Tartar, by Misket —Steppe, 3yrs, 6st 51b (H. Smith). ... 1 Major lb. Nelson George's b c Raglan 3yrs, 6st 111b (Cousins) ... ... j . ... 2 Mr. C. Beresford's b h Escutcheon 4yrs,' Bst 81b (Kean) ... 3

At St. Andrew s Church on Deomber 21 an entertainment 4 was given ii aid of the Sunday-school funds. Mr. icDowell, 8.A., gave a lecture on the Hey Land, which was illustrated by limolijht views shown by Mr. Ibbetson. A amber of Christmas carols were also sun;, and an organ recital was given by Mr. Clpan, the organist of the church. The otendanco was rather small. There was high festival held in dl Saints' schoolroom on Dec. 20, the case being the presentation of prizes to the vinners at the late Industrial Exhibition in onnection with the Sunday-school, a Chrstmas tree and entertainment. The buding was

crowded to excess. The affair vis a great / success, and the scenic represent'tions were / enthusiastically applauded. * / There was a capital attendant) on Dec. & at the apron, collar, and neckie carnival at) the Columbia Rink. The fivenile championship race was run at nine ('clock, ana excited great interest. Seven ompeti/dra took their places on the riii, nao e _'y? Anderson, champion Caledoi&n Kink , (scratch); Donovan and Harvy,/^ eC3 ' Carter and Hamilton, Bp<e»*- Eaton and Gavin, 70sees. The Ae went for the prize medal all tbay . mew, an( the result was one of he i 1, 63 ? and best contested skating cntests that) has taken place on .the Cohnbia rink. Several of the competitors fell, lit resumed, and kept on to I,he Hitter end. The champion gave a fine exhibition of ist skating, for, though heavily handicappi, he passed man after man, and waltzed ome an easy winner, having 1 been almost wntnniousiy cheered throughout the raci was the fastest on record in a® ° ornfl i v rink, if/not in New Zealnd, n /' 21min ~ilsec. The mile v$Q an( j well-cph tested, Master Clc« b L' vev Calvin, scratch; Donovan ind Harvey. „ 20pec; Carter and Ham-ton, Mmc, ton, lOsec. The boy Clou madeagamo endeavour to. win the meda a ° ™ n _M, quently cheered, but DonovO £ rsb cJL / the judge's eye, Clout being* good seco> • The new Opera House, vellington, opened on Thursday night, December b, by the Wellington Amateur Opratic Society, with the "Mikado." The building was crowded with a large and fcsbionable audience. The performance was i signal success*

The lecture on "Scottish Humour" was |i-delivered by the Rev. R. S. West at St. ft vid's. Presbyterian Church on the 4th fi member, Mr. W-. P. Hunter presiding. ' ere was a good attendance. An excel-i-'r, musical programme was contributed $1 Mrs. Edmonds, Miss Davis, Messrs. . wart, Peace, and J. McGregor, Messrs. ,f bes and Wilson playing the accompani-

pSjfeats. An interesting conversazione was held at v a Choral Hall on '23rd December, in aid of e funds for getting up the usual Christmas jjffeeat for the Sunday-school children of St. IJ I aul's Church. The Rev. C. M. Nelson Is j id Mrs. Nelson had the principal managers ft- ent of the whole affair, but they were $ f ; sistcd by the churchwardens, vestry, and jjj I. dy members very energetically. t? 1 The performance given in the Opera House to j v .1 Dec. 7 by the Burns' Club, in aid ov the Op | ' jidustrial Association, was the most suceessA if'ul amateur gathering held in Auckland in a paany respects. Of course the programme art ,as essentially Scottish in all its-main tealil | -ores.. Altogether the entertainment, alii- I 'hough carried out to a rather lengthy reach, i | o roved very acceptable, and the large au- '■ i dience assembled in the Opera House on f : Dec. 7 seemed to be thoroughly pleased with H- } the entertainment provide* ±°r them. | t • The pupils of St. Mary's Convent, Ponsonby, .J 5 rave an excellent concert at the Convent " buildings on the 7th December, previous - I to separating for the Christmas holidays, i A complimentary concert to Mr. A . 11, 1 Webbewaa given by his pupils and friends iat St. James' Hall on Dec. 6. It was ten--1 dered as a mar& of recognition and appreiciation for his.having during the last six j donJlis delivered a series of lectures, and > Led,9o conducted classes for a course of inr Jjtruction in music, both of which have been ' ffree. The concert was a thoroughly enjoyj (iblo one. i it. St. Sepulchre's schoolroom on the 20th J December a Christmas-tree and fancy bazaar 11 in connection with St. David's Presbyterian (Church, was held in aid of improvements . :to the church property. There was a large n .attendance, and this, combined with tho - - decorations of ferns and evergreens, gavo ! the scene a very gay appcarance. j During the afternoon and evening music was provided by Misses Eraser ana Paterp on, Mr. J. Robertson, and others. A concert ani Christmas-tree entertainment in aid of the funds of St. John tho Baptist Church, was held at Gladstone . Hall, Northcoto, on December 12. The recently formed Birkenhead and . Ivorfchcote Choral Society gavo their first ■ concert at the Gladstone Hall, Northcote, on | December 19, before a large audience. j The choir was numerous, and included 10 f sopranos, 14 tenors, and IS basses; the altos j were outnumbered, there being only 5. The chorus included many powerful voices, and j the volume of sound was good, whilst an : accurate tempo was maintained, the ■ greatest attention beincr paid to the conductor's beat. Mr. Parkin kept the singers admirably under his control. He deserves : very high credit for his efforts on behalf ■ of the society. | A very good entertainment, consisting of I i tableaux vivants, vocal and instrumental

concert, was giver, at tho Three Kings School, on December 14, by the Merlin Dramatic Club, in aid of the school library. There was a crowded attendance, and

' ! every thing passed off successfully. The ; tableaux being encored every time. •j :®A very pleasing entertainment was given board H.M.s. Orlando by a part of her . crew to the officers and men of the fleet. The first part consisted of a negro chair performance, in which some first-class singtog and comical acting were given. Splendid banjo music followed, and tho whole concluded with a laughable farce, "Bounce 'em-Out." At intervals the ship's band rendered some selections of music in a most finished style. !• The Ponsonby Choral Society gave their j fourth concert of the season at All Saints' ; schoolroom on Dec. 2S. Selections from j The Messiah " were included in the pro- ; jramme, but the chief interest centred in ! the production of "The First Christmas I Morn," described as a "Biblical pastoral," • and the author of which is Henry Leslie. I There was a moderate attendance of the I üblic. Mr. Trimnell was in his place as ! conductor, whilst Mr, CV Hemus was leader | of the orchestra.

A Christmas entertainment of a very agreeable character was held on Boxing Night at the Kohimarama Training School. There were no visitors, but Mr. Hogan, the master of the school, assisted by Miss Hogan and the teachers, exerted themselves so successfully that the boys thoroughly enjoyed the treat provided for them, and their joy was enhanced by the view of a fine Christmas tree from which each boy obtained some gift worth having. . At the Young Men's Christian Association Hall on the 19th December, a limelight entertainment, consisting of views in the south of Europe, was given by tho Rev. J. S. Hill. There was, a good attendance, and a collection was made on behalf of a fund to obtain a piano for the Young Women's Christian Association.

There was a musical festival at All Saints' Church, Ponsonby, on Dec. 19, the choir (some 30 strong), under the efficient conluctcrship of Mr. Edger, rendering some carols and other music appropriate to the seasca very effectively. Considering the counter-attractions there was a fair attendant. As a voluntary, the organist played, "F« Unto Us a Child is Born." The offertory was devoted to the music fund. Ar. audience of overwhelming number assembled at the Choral Hall on the 13th Decenber, when the Ladies' Orchestra appeared in public for the first time. The throig was so great, indeed, that many persjns could nob obtain admittance, and this though the capacities of the building were so taxed that the choir seats at the western end were crowded by those of the audience who had failed to find room in the

bod; of the hall or in the gallery. When the. menbers of the orchestra appeared, and . when Miss E. Reeve took her position at the conductor's stand, completeness was given to £ great scene, which distinctly marked mui-cal progress in this city. It has remained for Professor Schmitt to first establish a, ladies' orchestra in the colonies, and the best guarantee of the popularity and futire success of this band of players is shorn in the triumph of their first appearand There were sixteen instrumentalists. ;;; Mis, Otio Chew was the .leader, tho other 4 firetviolinists being Misses Fisher, Harding, Vagi, O'Brien, Westpfahl; second violins, .Vlises Nellie Chew, Baker, M. Hogg, and Havvood ; third violins, Misses Garlick and Godwin ; viola, Miss Fenton ; violoncello, : Mist Essie Chew; double bass, Miss A. Budland; triangle, Miss E. Harding. An entertainment was given by tho ptpls of St. Patrick's Convent Schools, Hobon-street, on December 18, previous to tie annual adjournment for the holidays. Thepupils sang several excellent choruses, teniired with harmony and expression, ondthey were loudly applauded. Tho tertiinment wa3 followed by an amusing, eke^h. Oi tho 17th December the Victoria and Holion Rifle corps were inspected in tho Brilshed by Colonel Hume and put through a vriety of manoeuvres, which were execute with great steadiness. At tho concluiin of the parade, the whole of tho offidrs of the Auckland Garrison adjourned to Ibbson's Rooms, where a farewell mess dink was tendered to Colonel Hume. At nin«p.m. about 40 guests sat down to an exedent repast, which was la.'d in Host Robon's best style. Ai entertainment was given at Kicikiriroaschoolroom on the 13th Dec. A most •. enjaable evening was spent. A choice programme 0 songs was gone through, and . £Vr ! -'nool children sang several pieces in a creditable manner. ■ A -supplementary race meeting, under tho uusp»pes of the Pakuranga Hunt Club, was held \i|i the 15th December on the Otahuhu ricec-uree. The meeting throughout; waS, V very pleasant and interesting one. The purse was in fair order, the fields in : almost all cases were exceptionally large, and tie close and exciting, and there tas no accident ■ of any consequence to. mart ho day's enjoyment. Messrs. Jolin tawod and F. M.H.R., officiated 9? juojes « the absence 0 Mr. Thomas oirint Mr. T. Brown (the huntsman), ossisteuby three mounted constables, kept the COUEO clear ; Mr. T. Stephens wielded tie stuters flag, and Mr. F. W.Marks - Ball l° jhe seales Hunter's Artillery Ee l'" . » yud . , a numb of choice musical eiectiorf on tho grandstand law during att-ertoon. D At the City Hall on December 17, a ton- : .iw? and lanco was given by tho Waitemata Clnh %ii' lab ' in aid 0f tho funds Of tho ?i th • Tie attendance was very poor,' bub ®ne various songs were well rendered, and receded hkrty applause. The concert con«uaed witi a song, " Marphisa," by Mr. W. ; j ' . eo 'S®! The hall was then cleared for '' ! hoSoFti v] " waa ke i "P 4111 W early

A. very interesting entertainment in connection with the Parnell Convent schools, was held in the select school of the Sisters of Mercy on Dec. 14. There was a large gathering of parents and friends of the pupils, andt the greatest satisfaction was evinced with the musical selections and dramatic impersonations of the pupils, whose performances throughout reflected the utmost credit on their painstaking teachers, the Sisters of Mercy. A children's dance was given on Dec. 14 in the Ponsonby Hall, in connection with the Ponsonby "At Home," under the auspices of the ladies' committeenamely, Mesdames A. "Devore, D. P. Evans, T. T. Masefield, C. Macindoe, and B. Buchanan. A very successful concert in aid of the funds of the Mount Hobson Public school was held on December 17, in the Mount Hobson Hall, Mr. Shera presiding. On the invitation of His Worship the Mayor, Mr. A. E. T. Devore, the City Council officials attended a banquet tendered by him at Canning's restaurant on Deo. 14, and, in keeping with the reputation of the establishment, the menu and Surroundings were of the most pcrfect character, and the waiting all that could be wished. The display of flowers, plants, fruits, ,: &c., was in itself a picture of taste. His Worship the Mayor presided. An important event at Coromandel undoubtedly was the opening of the Caledonian Hall, by members of the Auckland Burns Club, on Friday, December 14. The programme presented was an excellent one, and was much appreciated by the largo audience assembled on the occasion.

The annual regatta of rowing races under the auspices of the Auckland Rowing Association was held on the 15 th December, and was perhaps the most successful of tho many enjoyable meetings given by that body, which has done so much during the past three years, to promote and encourage rowing on the Waitemata. Though a fresh breeze blew during the afternoon, which caused the water to bo a bit lumpy, yet it was not sufficiently so to cause any of the gig races to be interfered with, though the courses were changed from tho western to the eastern side of the wharf. Tho Devonport Ferry Company's line, steamer Britannia made a comfortable flagship, and with a number of other vessels at the wharves, made a display of bunting in honour of the occasion. Mr. H. VV. Henderson acted in tho very difficult capacity of starter, and with but few exceptions got the competitors away on even terms, while Sir. J. M. Brigham, the umpire, took careful note of any fouls, etc. from the steam launch in which he followed each event. The judge, Mr. G. S. Kissling, had his stand on the Railway Wharf, while a detachment of the Auckland Navals, under Captain Parker, had' their pinnace gaily decorated for the occasion, moored at tho winning post, and gave note of each victory to those who were not in a position, by firing a gun at the finish of each race. The events themselves were splendidly contested, and, with hardly any exception, all the crews entered came to the post, while the finishes, were frequently of a most exciting character, and victory gained by desperate spurts in the last few lengths. I There was a crowded audience at the Choral Hall on December 21, when, in accordanco with their custom at this period of tho year, the Auckland Choral Sociotj produced Handel's sublime oratorio, "Th« Messiah." It was rendered with great success. There was a very large attendance' of performing members, there being about 160 singers and instrument' talists. The soloists were : Soprani, Miss Ross, Mrs. Tayler; alti, Mesdames Geddfe and Burgess; tenor, Mr. W. Martin; bassi, Messrs. Worrall and Abel. Herr Schmitt conducted in his masterly style, and Mr. A. Eady was an efficient leader of the orchestra. The annual free performance of " Tho Messiah," by the Auckland Choral Society was successfully given on Dec. & at the Choral Hall, under the direction of Herr Schmitt. The building was packed, numbers being unable to gain admission. J A very successful concert was held on Dec. 20 in the Wellesley-street School, in lid of the sports fund, Mr. W. Gorrie occupying the chair. An excellent programme, comprising songs by Misses G. Crowther, M. Slator, A. and L. Coombes, Knight, M. Tudehope, B. Lewis, Drummond, Buike, Sir. Blakey, and the scholars, recitations by Masters S. and A. Vaile, Butler, and Strong, instrumental ~ items by Miisea Keene, Ellis, Ballantine, McGibbon, A. Golclie, and a stump speech by Mr C. Worthington. -. i On December 20 a very pleasant entertainment was given in Waite's Hall, Miunt Eden, by the ladies of St. Barnabas' congregation, in aid of the funds of the church. A committee of ladies, consisting of Mesdames Sprott and Duffus, and Misses Gibbes and Armstrong, Cooper, Jouriain, and Davis, efficiently managed the dl'air, with the exception of the musical po'tion, which was under the able direction o: Mr. T. H. Webb. The entertainment reilised the sum of £15 nett. !

A very successful entertainment was given in Henderson school house 01 the llth December, in aid of the funds fir the school children's sports. Mr. R. laurie ■\7as in the chair. Mrs. LaTrobe arranged and conducted the concert. The priicipal part was performed by the children, vhose part songs and recitation of " The 3ells" were especially good. Mr. Jones' band played very finely, and Messrs. Potters and Bush's pieces were also well received. The entertainment under the auspices of the TakapunaMutual Improvement Scciety, on behalf o: the funds of the School Committee, took place in the Lake schoolroom on the 18th December. There was a largo attendance. The president (the Rev H. S. Davies) occupied the chair. Thj programme, lirgely provided by friend? of the members from Auckland and Devjnport, was an excellent one.

A concoft in connection with the choir fund of St. Join's Church, under the management of the ch»ir master, Mr. Burgess, wis held on Dec. If, at Te Awamutu. There wis a full attendance of the public, and a very handsome rettrn was netted.

A concert was given in the Public Hall, Russell, by the children of the Russell School, to raise funds to provide material fa- games. There wis a very large audience, and the performance was a great credit to tho children.