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Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 326, 10 May 1877, Page 2

As will be seen by our report of the proceedings at the Magistrate's Court to-day, the charge of stealing grain preferred by Mr. Liddle against Mr. Pratt has been dismissed. We understand that the matter -frill short]}- come before the Court in another form. The fortnightly meeting of the Harbour Board will be held at half-past ten o'clock to-morrow morning. The regular fortnightly meeting of the Municipal Council takes place this evening, at the usual time. ' The monthly inspection of the Oamaru Companies of Volunteers will take place tomorrow evening, at half-past seven. The concert given last evening in t'"e Teesstreet Ha-'l, under the auspices of the Star of Hope Lodge, 1.0. G.T., was attended by a larga and very appreciative audience. The room was literally crowded, the sinallness of the charge for admission perhaps inducing many to attend who might not otherwise have done so. The chair was occupied by Mr. N. Fleming, while Mr. Finch kindly presided at the piano. The programme was a long and .varied one, comprising songs. ! reading*, and recitations. We have no intention to enter upon a lengthy criticism of the various items, for it would b-> impossible to do so with asy degree of certainty, inasmuch as no programmes were distributed

amongst the audience. We may say, however, that with a few exceptions the programme was gone through in a manner which reflected credit upon those taking part in the entertainment, and that a pleasant evening's amusement was afforded. As this concert is announced as the first of a series to be given during the winter months, we may be permitted to make one or two suggestions, which, if acted upon, will tend to make them more attractive and more successful. In the first place, then, it should be made a rule that no one should be allowed to sing without a proper accompaniement. To see people jump upon the platform and commence singing a song without an instrumental accompaniement, reminds one too much of a "free and easy," no matter how well the song may be sung. In the next place it should be mads a -v.m qua, nou that persons taking part in the concerts should attend some kind of rehearsal in order that the singer anil the accompanyist might arrive at a better understanding th"n was apparent in several cases last evening. In making these remarks we are not actuated by a desire to find fault, but by a wish to see these pleasant little concerts made as succesful as possible. The programme was brought to a close shortly after 10 o'clock, and votes of thanks having been accorded to the Chairman, the accompanyist, and the amateurs, the audierce elispersed. No less than 294 lads have been enrolled as members of the Caledonian Society's Evening Classes at the Normal School, Dunedin. The Christoimrch Star has the following:— "Mention is made elsewhere of another fatal accident which has occurred on the railivay, close to Oamaru. Particulars are not yet to hand, but there is nothing, so far, to indicate that any railway official was at all t■> blame in the matter. The incident will, however, go towards making up that total of railway accidents, the result of carelessness or otherwise, which it ii necessary should be reached, before public attention can be brought to bear with sufficient force to compel the prevention of the many small railway accidents which miyht be avoided, but are not, and any of which might he ea-iiy converted into a serious disaster. Until attrition is so br >nght to bear, we have no hops from merj alterations in regulations, or oliicial piradc of strictness, which is shown prindpa'ly in incivility to the public. As a further contribution to tha above sum to.'al, we put the following querijs : —ls it true that not very long ngo a tj -ain was brought to a stand till in the !.yt tolton tunnel firougli the driver not understanding th. sign ds ? Is it true that, on m >re than one occasion during the last few months, inexperiencjd men. who were not engine-driver.-', have I.cji all iwed to drive engines on thes Canterbury lin-js ':"