PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 8523, 1 November 1888, Page 3

PALMERSTON NORTH.

(FROM OTJR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) October 31.

The “Messiah ” is now inactive preparation for Christmas by the Palmerston Harmonic Society, and there was a very satisfactory rehearsal last evening at the Bank Chambers. It was suggested that all available.assistance of amateurs in the neighbourhood, both vocal and instrraental, should be secured, so as to give this magnificent oratorio with a sufficient number of performers _to do it justice ; but the great difficulty appeared to be the want of a hall sufficiently large for the purpose. The new skating rink was named as being suitable, but nothing definite was settled. I believe some well-known soloists from your city have promised to assist, Mr Prouse being mentioned among others. During the interval last night a new march by our local professor, Herr Norberg, was played by the orchestra for the first time, and was much admired by all present. The funeral of Mrs Jarman, of Pokangina, whose melancholy death was reported yesterday, took place at tho cemetery here this afternoon, the service being conducted by the Rev H. B. Harvey. There was a very large attendance of settlers from Pohangina, Ashurst and neighbourhood. Mrs Jarman died at the early age of 21, and leaves an infant child only a fortnight old. His Lordship the Bishop of Wellington passed through Palmerston to-day on his way to Wanganui and other places along the coast, where he purposes holding confirmations.

An entertainment is to be held' at Bunnythorpe on the 12th proximo, in aid of the library fund in connection,with the local school. Several of our Palmerston amateur celebrities have promised their services.

The Returning Officer again (for the fourth lime) invites nominations for the vacant seat in No. 3 Ward, and I hear that Mr B. Larcomb, C.E., will be a candidate. Mr Larcomb has had experience in Council matters, and, as I said before, will doubtless, if elected, .be a very suitable man, practical knowledge being much wanted at the present time. I am told, there is every prospect of the Fire Brigades’ competition (to be held on the sports ground on the Prince of Wales’ Birthday) being a great success. Teams are • expected from Wanganui, Napier, Spit, Waipawa, Woodville, and possibly from Feilding. Our two local teams are in active practice, and should give a good account ®f themselves. The sports willjbe thoroughly enjoyable, .weather permitting, and I, believe the public are subscribing liberally in the way of. special .‘prizes.: After the brigade competition ; the new . brigade •: is to be christened by Mrs Macarthur, the wife of our Parliamentary representative. ‘ As previously 5 intimated there will ,be a benefit given in aid of the brigade’s funds by the proprietors of the skating rink, and there is some talk of. the; day’s proceedings finishing with a ball, at which latter the local Volunteers will take a permanent part. .