Untitled

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 367, 27 June 1877, Page 2

The p.s. Samson will not sail for Dunedin till 11.30 p.m. to-morrow. Consonant with all other actions of a Government that seems desirous of concentrating every useful official and every little advantage in the Empire City, Mr. William Conyers, the esteemed head of the railway department for the Middle Island, is to be removed to Christchurch. We presume that is the first stage on the road to that blissful haven of officialdom —Wellington. The conversazione in connection with the St. Paul's Young Men's Association will take place at the Oddfellows' Hall this evening, when an enjoyable and profitable entertainment may be anticipated. There was only one case down for hearing at the Eesident Magistrate's Court this morning' when Messrs. Sumpter and Clowes, J.P.'s, were on the Bench. This was a charge of assault preferred by Alfred Victor Johns, bailiff of the Court, against John Morgan. The accused denied the charge and declaimed wildly against being brought' into Court. When requested, in a polite manner, by the constable to take his place in the dock, John said he would not do so, that he had no intention of going into the dock that day for any man, and that he meant to have the case adjourned for a week. With majestic bearing he marched round the room, and gave vent to his long pent-up feelings—feelings which had been allowed to fill his bosom during 24 hours' incarceration within the dreary walls of the lock-up. Sub-Inspector Smith, however, brought his soft, persuasive powers into play with the noisy John, and induced him to step into the dock. On the charge being read over, the accused denied having assaulted the bailiff, and inquired, in imploring though boisterous tones, why the bailiff had seized his horse. It seems that yesterday Mr. Johns was called upon, in the execution of his duty, to distrain upon a horse belonging to Morgan. Shortly after Morgan met him, and the assault complained of was then committed. The case was remanded until halfpast ten o'clock to-morrow morning, on the application of Mr. Johns, owing to Mr. Balmer, who was to appear for him, not being able to attend. On the Bench intimating that the case was remanded, John expressed his thanks, but he changed his tune to one of a doleful nature when he found he was to be again locked up, and made considerable noise while being removed, asking, in plaintive tones, to be let alone. Altogether, it v-»s - retty apparent that Morgan was a fitcandidate for admission into a lunatic asylum.

The brass band of the Georgia Minstrels marched through the town at mid-day today performing a few of their airs. When we saw it announced that the Company possessed a brass band we concluded that it was one improvised in order to afford additional attractiveness to their announcements, as is usually the case. Having heard it play, we have altered our opinion, and and look upon the brass band performance as so good that if the troupe this evening, at the Masonic Hall, excels what we heard from them to-day, they will indeed be worth listening to. A correspondent remarked that the price charged for admission was high, but he should not lose sight of the expensiveness of bringing the Company to Oamaru. We expect to see the Masonic Hall crowded this evening on the occasion of the troupe's first appearance.

The Tees-street Hall was crowded to excess last evening, on the occasion of a concert in aid of the Hospital funds, given under the auspices of the Star of Hope Lodge of Good Templars—an excellent programme having been arranged by the Committee. After a few appropriate remarks by the Chairman (Mr. Neil Fleming), the first song, "We'd better bide a wee," was sung in a tasteful manner by Mrs. Kinnear, who kindly offered her services on the occasion. The duet, "The minute gun at sea," by Miss Begbie and Mr. M'Donald, was given very nicely. Miss Allison followed with that familiar ballad, "Oh, sing to me the auld Scotch songs." The next item was a recitation, "The Blind Boy," by Master Weir. He was followed by Mrs. M'Williams, who sang, "We met; 'twas in a crowd,''in excellent style. Mr. Macpherson, by special request, sang that excellent Scotch comic song, "The bonnie wee >vindie," in a manner that drew forth an encore from the audience, and in response gave a sentimental song, which was well received. Miss Arnold then read a selection entitled "Woman's Generalship " in such a creditable manner that it gave the audience entire satisfaction. " The Queen's letter," by Mr. Jennings, came next, which was followed by a recitation by Mr. Graves, entitled "Lenore." This beautiful poem was clone full justice to by the reciter; and the audience fully testified its approval at its conclusion by loudly encoring him. In response, he gave another recitation, entitled "King Robert of Sicily," which, however, was rather lengthy for an encore. Mr. Walls then sang "Let the Angels in," very creditably, and was followed by Miss Ward, who read that humorous sketch, "The Musical Butcher." Mr. Carncross then gave a reading entitled "Mike Fink's Piide," which was received with roars of laughter. Mr. Jennings next sang, "Up with the lark in the morning," followed by Mrs. M'Williams, who sang "Far away" in good style. "Strangers Yet" was tastefully sung by Miss Begbie. Miss Arnold then read another humorous piece, which appeared to be thoroughly appreciated. Mrs. Kitmear then followed with Silver threads amongst the gold," which was deservedly encored. Another song by Miss Allison brought to a close this really enjoyable programme. Before the audience dispersed, the Chairman called for a vote of thanks to those ladies and gentlemen who had so kindly assisted in making this entertainment a success, and it was demonstratively accorded to them by the audience. Mr. Jones was also voted hearty thanks for the efficient manner in which he had accompanied the singers during the evening. A vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close.—lt is due to Mr. Flett to mention that he kindly lent the piano for the occasion.—The exact amonnt that the Committee will be able to hand over to the Hospital is not yet known, but it is thought that it will be nearly £lO.

The Rose Brothers gave their farewell performance in the Masonic Hall last night. The attendance was not so large as the character of the entertainment deserved; but this was owing to counter attractions. We understand that it is the intention of these clever artists to seek the large centres of population as the scenes for their future efforts. It is generally acknowledged that they are far more successful in the rope tying trick than were the Davenports. Last evening the scrutineers w r ere Messrs. Wheatley and W. Aitken, and the knots that these gentlemen tied seemed unravellable. But scarcely had they finished when sundry antics performed by the subject proved how unavailing their efforts had been. The ventriloquial portion of the entertainment was provocative of continuous merriment, and the concertina solo was so thoroughly appreciated that it secured an encore. We cannot compliment the gentleman amateur who sang "The Mountebank" in response to an encore, on the success of his performance. Such a song, with its difficult harmonies, should not be attempted except under favourable circumstances, and it can scarcely be deemed a wise proceeding, there, fore, to essay to sing it without either knowof its character, music as a guide, or proper accompaniment. We hope to hear it sung by the same gentleman on some future occasion in order that he may be enablep to redeem the reputation he jeopardised last night. We believe he is quite equal to the task. The accompanist, of course, did his best, but it is impossible to conjure up an accompaniment, without the text before one, at a moment's notice. I