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New Zealand Times, Volume XLX, Issue 8165, 17 August 1887, Page 4

Sik Julius von Haast has not lived long to wear his well-deserved Jubilee honours. The news of his sudden death came with a great-shook last evening to all who read the unwelcome telegram from Christchurch. New Zealand loses in Sir Julius von Haast one of her foremost and mast valuable science-workers. Had he left behind him no other record of his life-work than the Christchurch Museum, that would have been no mean testimony to the loving labour of a long and distinguished career. His removal by death at the comparatively early age of 63, when in the natural course of things, with his apparently vigorous physique, ho should have had yet some years of useful life before him, is a serious public loss to this Colony, with whose scientific history his name will ever be honourably associated.

Matters theatrical have been rather dull -In New Zealand for some time, but it is - satisfactory to learn that we are to have -quite a revival in this respect shortly. Darina the Christmas holidays we shall have quite an array of talent on our shores, and ■ & the meantime there are» - .companies to visit us. The following list uf engagements at the Christchurch Theatre Koyal speaks for itself August 24th, the Bellringers, for nine nights ; 7th September, Hugo’s Minstrels, for one week; latter part of October. 1 the Majeroms; Ist November, Mr George Leitoh’s company ; 15th November Bland Holt’s company for three weeks. At ’Christmas Miss Carrie Swain will be in Christchurch, and after her Mr Wybert Eeeve. The London Circus will play opposition to Mr Leitch in the Cathedral city. The Majeronia and the Buffalo (Hugo’s) Minstrels will play here before Christchurch, . and Mr Leitch, Mr Bland Holt, Mr Wybert Eeeve, and Miss Carrie Swain after their season there.

The Mammoth Minstrels presented a fresh programme to a large audience last night. Novelty was added to the entertainment by the addition of two new corner men, Messrs C. Woodward and Delowry, who did a good ■ deal to increase the attractiveness of the first part, both gentlemen being good end men. The irrepressible Mr Faning, and the equally irrepressible but very asthmatic Mr Cottier, however, well maintained their - prestige as comedians, though the rivalry -was strong enough to brighten both up con- . Biderably. Miss Violet Kingsley and Miss Amy Blackie’s songs were redemanded, and the choruses were very prettily sung, In the .second part Misses Blackie, Kingsley, and Smith, the Woodward Bros, (one of whom did a remarkable act on the trapeze), Messrs : Delowry, Craydon and Holland, Mr Cottier, Mr Faning, and other members of the company took part in a capital variety entertainment; and a farce, "The Bankers ■-Daughter,” sent everyone home in a good humor.