SOCIAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3367, 20 November 1872, Page 2

SOCIAL.

The s.a. Albion, with the inward English mails via Suez on board, arrived at the Bluff on the 20th ult., and the Dunedin portion arrived at its destination on the 31st. The p.s. Nebraska, with the inward English mails via. San Francisco on board, arrived at Auckland on the Bth inst., with an unusual approach to punctuality, being only four days late. She took the mails south to "Wellington, where she remained to coal, transhipping the Canterbury and Otago mails to the s.a. Wellington, which arrived at Port Chalmers on the evening of the 14th. The latest post date brought by this mail was the IDth September, but the telegraphic dates were not nearly so late as those received via Australia.

It ia the intention of Sir George arid Lady Bowen to make Fern Hill, Dunedin, their residence for a few weeks before the end of the year. On the occasion of the Governor's vinit here, His Excellency will be accompanied by the Hon. Mr Waterhouse, who is desirous of making himself personally acquainted with this part of the Colony. This will be the first visit paid by Lady Bowen to Dunediu. The following office-bearers have been appointed by the Caledonian Society of Otngo for the ensuing year:—Mr K. Ramsay, president; Mr Kirkcaldy, vicepresident ; Mr Marshall, treasurer ; Mr Douglas, secretary. Directors—Messrs Callcnder, Rutherford, A. M'Gregor, Baxter, M'Caw, Goodman, Wright, R. Wilson, A. Lawson, A. Findlater, John Burr, W. Caldwell, R. Bain, J. Beveridge, T. Mason, T. 13. Sibbald, J. Wain, jun., Stables, G. Dowse, D. M'Donald, Hnstio, Wedderspoon, Roberts, Bennett, Bailey, M'Gregor, Speight, Lieut.-Col. Cargi'U, H. Calder, S. Clayton, J. Copeland, G. Duncan, J. G. Douglas, J. Edmond, .T. Fargie, W. HiggiiiH, J. Hume, It. Kilyonr, A. Lee, A. Murray, R. Mackay, Angus M'Gregor, George M'Gavin, J." M'Laren, W. Siraehan, Samuel Webb, Jack. At a meeting of the Dunedin Mutual Improvement Society, held on the 29th ulfc., office-bearers were elected for 1873, and the Secretary's and Treasurer's reports were received. The following in the list of new officers :—- President, II ih Honour Mr Justice Chapman ; Vice-Presidents, Mr R. Stout and Mr W. M. Bolt ; Secretary, Mr J. Barron ; Treasurer, Mr John Tait ; Committee, Messrs Perry, Stony, Beveridge, Bateman, and Wood. The following ironical advertisement appeared in the Oamaru Times of the Bth mat:—"To the Ladies and Gentlemen who attended the ball at the Masonic Hall on Oth inst. —Please accept the thanks of the servants who waited upon you on that auspicious occasion for the liberal amount you so kindly left to be divided amongst us, namely, £0 03 Od." Previous to the departure of Mr George Bailey from Switzers, for Dunedin, a few friends presented Mrs Bailey with a very elegant gold watch, together with a beautiful and valuable brooch and earrings, as tokens of the esteem and respect they entertain for her. The children attending the Sunday School at Switzers also presorted Mrs Bailey with a very handsome brooch, as a mark of their gratitude for her services as one of their teachers.

The Hon. Maj<r Richardson delivered a lecture, on the 31st ult., in the hall of the Athenaeum, East Taieri, on " The Pathway to Success." Mr Andrew Todd presided. Major Richardson handled his subject in a masterly manner, showing that pluck and peraeveranco, coupled with truth, are the pathways to success, and adduced the careers of George Stephenson, Havelock, and Outram as examples. He gave the ladies a passing hit about the fashions, but made amends by adding that they (the ladies) were nevertheless great helps to success. The lecture was listened to with great attention throughout. The Rev. Mr Will, in proposing a vote of thanks to Major Richardson, said that tho hon. gentleman seemed to be at home on every subject, and from the hints he had given tho ladies, ho (Mr Will) was sure he would not make a bad milliner. This sally was greeted with loud laughter. The vote of thanks was caiTied by acclamation. The Province is about to lose the services of two old and valued officers—Mr G. M. Banr, Provincial Engineer, who has been ten years, and Mr Thomas Oliver, Engineer for the northern district, who has been fourteen years, in the Government service. They^ have sent in their resignations with a view to entering into partnership, and commencing the private practice of their profession. The annual meeting of the Otago Meat Preserving Company was held on the 25th nit. The balance-sheet showed that some loss had been sustained on the earlier operations of the Company. Messrs R. Campbell and C. Nichols wore re-elected Directors. It was announced that patent rights had been secured for Mr Loughnan's improved method of meat preserving. Samples of meat preserved by this process were inspected by tho shareholders present, and highly approved of. The samples exhibited a great advance upon the old system, and compared very favourably with the meat preserved by Jones's vacuum process. Mr H. W. Robinson has been appointed Deputy-Registrar of Marriages, &c, for the district of Hamilton. Mr H. S. Fish, junr., Dunedin, has been appointed a Justice of the Peace for the Colony ; the resignation, by Mr Henry Lyon, Riverton, of a similar appointment, has been accepted by the Governor. Mr William Harper lias been appointed Deputy-Har-botir Master of the port of Waikouaiti. Captain Thomson,-Mr Colin Allan, and Dr O'Donoghue, havo been appointed to

act as Commissioners to inspect and re* port upon the state and condition of immigrants and immigrant ships upon their arrival at Port Chalmers. Mr A, R- B. Thomson lias been appointed an Inspector of Sheep for the Province of Otago. At a recent meeting of the Taieri Caledonian Society, Mr A. J. Burns was elected President; Dr H. Inglis^ VicePreßident; Mr P. Dey, Treasurer ; and Mr A. Lees, Secretary ; together with, a board of directors.

The Bishop of Dunedin, Mrs Nevill, and several clergymen, arrived here from England on the 14th inst. ', At the Mechanics' Institute, Port Chalmers, on the 22nd ult., a lecture upon "Richard Cobden" was delivered by the Ilov. James Maxwell, minister of the Congregational Church. The President of the Institute (the Mayor) was in the chair. The lecture was listened to by the younger, who composed the greater, portion of the audience, with almost as much attention as by those elderly folk present, who, presumably contemporaries of the "Apostle of Free Trade," appeared to hearken with much interest to the story of his life. A vote of thanks was warmly accorded to Mr Maxwell at the close of hia lecture.

Sergeant Mallard, well-known in Port Chalmers and Tokomairiro, and who has the conducting of the Police cases at the Mayor's Court, Dnnedin, has been appointed Acting Sub-Inspector. Mr Andrew Fleming, second master of the Oamaru Grammar School, has been unanimously recommended by the Invercargill School Committee for the position of Rector of the new Grammar School. It in expected that the school will be opened early in January. The appointment of second master and mistress to the same school lias not yet been reported. Mr David Todd, of Balclutha school, has been appointed to the district school of Cromwell, and Mr Thomas Irvine to the school at Papakaio. Miss A. Hookham, of the Oamaru Grammar School, has been appointed mistress of the district school at Palmerston. Mr David M'Lauchlan, at present teacher at the district school at Wakari, has been appointed master, and Miss Jane Miller, at present schoolmistress at Waikouaiti, has been appointed mi -tress, of the now school at Kaikorai. Mr George S. Pope, formerly of Cardrona, has been appointed master of the school at Wangaloa. Mr John Murdoch, formerly teacher at Drybread, and lately a student at the University, hits been appointed to the newly established school at Upper Shag Valley.

A debate by thirty pupils, recitations, and vocal and instrumental music, constituted the entertainment given at the Masonic Hall, Dunedin, on the evening of the 7th iriflt., in aid of the Prizo Fund of the Middle District School. There was a crowded attendance. The entertainment commenced with a debate by the pupils—boys and girls—the subject being " Ought the Education of Females to be equal to that of Males ?" Many of the pupils displayed an easy, distinct, and effective utterance; and, without speaking disparagingly of any of the others, wo think it only fair to say that the efforts of Miss Whittington, who opened the debate on behalf of the ladies, deserve to be specially mentioned. The same may justly be said of Master BayIcy for his pianoforte solos, which were excellently played. Several of the contributions of the lady vocalists, Mrs Moss and Miss Webb, were such as the ear sould dwell upon with a sense of great pleasure. Among the gentlemen vocalists were Messrs Marsden, Lachman, and Morrison, who well earned the approbation which greeted their efforts. Several recitations were fairly given by Miss Whittington and Miss Harper, and there was also an instrumental duct by the Messrs Oliver. Mr Moss accompanied everything on the piano satisfactorily. Much of the applause was of a kind that is of all other the most agreeable to give and to receive, being at once Bjiontanoous and hearty. The local Lodge of Oddfellows, Tapanui, celebrated their third anniversary on the 18th ult. with a supper and ball. There was a fair attendance. Mr J. M'Allister, N.G., presided, and detailed the financial position and progress of the Lodge. The supper was excellent and the music good, and dancing was kept up till nearly daylight. Mr N. M'Millan was caterer, and gave general satisfaction.

On the 4th mat., Mr Robertson was unanimously elected secretary to theDunedin Fire Brigade. Mr Robertson is an old member of the Brigade, and lias held the oflice of engine keeper for a long time past. An interesting lecture was delivered during the latter end of last month, in the North East Harbour Schoolhouso, in aid of the funds of the District Library, by Mr G. B. Bell, who took for his subject the "Electric Telegraph." The lecturer handled his subject in a very able manner, illustrating both the old and new systems by the aid of diagrams, which could not fail to give the audience a very good idea of tho subject. At the end of the lecture a hearty vote of thanks was tendered to Mr Bell, who announced his intention of delivering a lecture on the steam engine at some future period. The employe's of Messrs A. and T. Burt, Dunediu, entertained those gentlemen at a supper held in the local Masonic Hall, on the evening of the Bth inst. The tables were plentifully provided with good tilings by Messrs Donaldson and Galloway, in their usual excellent manner, and to which ample justice was done. Mr Anderson occupied the chair, and Mr Duncan the vice-chair. ■ After the tables were cleared, various loyal and other toasts, including the health of the proprietors and the employe's, were drunk. They were interspersed several excellent songs, and a most pleasant evening was spent. We are happy to see this agreeable manner of cementing friendship between master and man adopted, and hope that this may only be the precursor of many similar reunions. .On. the-17th ult. the second concert of the series came off in the Bluff Public School (Southland), and was a decided success. The chair was taken by Captain Greig, Harbour Master, who not only conducted the meeting, but also gave two very interesting addresses on rivers and their peculiarities—making special reference to the great rivers of Siberia. Miss F. Greig gave several pianoforte selections —all charmingly executed, especially Sydney Smith's " Cascade." The only gentleman reader was Mr Waddel, whose rendering of "Mary, Queen of Scots," was very mucli above the usual run of amateur's efforts. Mr South, the teacher, conducted the musical part of the entertainment, and gave also .Russell's great Bcena, "The Ship on Fire," and two songs, " Old Simon the Cellarer," and " The Monks of Old." " A litfclo girl warbled " The Village Bell," in a very pretty manner. The Misses Fordhara, Waddel, and Churchward acquitted themselves very creditably, and are the pos3essoi*s of very sweet and pure-toned voices. The recitations, by MessrsW. 'Churchward, C. Waddel, F. O'Toole, J. Hunter, and D. M'Dougall, were all, creditable, some of them causing considerable merriment. As before, tho choruses were by no means the least enjoyable part

of the performances, Hfrving, as they did, to give life and variety to the whole. After votes of thanks to Captain Greig and Mr South,.,the-large, audience dispersed, many-of them, proud and happy parents.

Modern Spiritualism, which the Melbourne Argus considers the greatest delusion of the age, i 8 likely to receive some accessions to its; ranks, if its, apostle, the Rev. J. M, Peebles, pays Dunedin the contemplated visit. At the last meeting of the Society established here for the investigation of the subject, and whichnow numbers one hundred and twenty members, it was intimated that in view of this visit the next fortnightly meeting would not be held. Letters have since been received from Mr Peebles, from which :it appears that he will visit Duwodin before he completes his work in Australia, 'it being his intention to return, home by way of India, Tho Melbourne journalists, it appears, differ in their estimates of Mr Peebles's. abilities as a lecturer. His friends, however, state that his influence k not so much owing to his eloquence, as to his faculty of inculcating the truly Christian principles of love and charity, and demonstrating the truths of positive religion. Mr Peebles, it is said, also works as a developing medium, and he lias with him a gentleman of rare mediumistic gifts, who when a boy passed through some extraordinary adventures among the Indians, and was rescued by him from a vagrant life.

The annual meeting of the United Otago District, Ancient Order of Foresters, was held at the District Chambers, Royal George Hotel, on Friday, the 25th ult. Present—D.O.R. Bro. J. Hughes, in the chair, D.S.C.R. Bro. Gibson, D.S. Bro. Woodland, D.T. Bro. W. G. Geddes, and D.B. Bro. J. Melville, and Delegates representing Courts Pride of Dunedin, Robin Hood. Enterprise, Pride of the Leith, and Bruce. The auditors' report and balance sheet were read and adopted. The United Otago District numbers 17 Courts, and about 800 members good on the books, being an increase of above 100 during the year. The value of the Courts in the district in about £3700, and the District Funds about £1170, making a total value of the United Otago District of £4870. When the election of officers was proceeded with, Bro. John Wilson was elected D.C.R. ; Bro. G. L. Asher, D.S.C.R. ; Bro. W. Woodland, re-elected D.S. ; Bro. W. G. Geddes, re-elected D.T. ; Bro. R. Stevenson, D.B. ; Bros. M'Kenzie and Brundell were elected Auditors. A vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring officers. P.D.C.R Bro. John Hughes was awarded a neck ribbon, also a silver medal, for his services during his term of office, and it was resolved that his name should be placed on the respect board. The South Dunedin Schoolroom, Dunedin, was crowded on the evening of the j 15th inst., the occasion being the annual entertainment in aid of the School Prize Fund. Tl\e amusement provided was, of its kind, most excellent—the pupils diverting the audience immensely with humorous readings, recitations, and dialogues ; some of the youthful performers displaj'ing considerable ability, and all of them the most perfect self-possession. The most noticeable items were a song by a " prodigy"—height, 3ft nothing—and a mock Parliamentary Debate by eighteen pupils. Several lady and gentlemen amateurs rendered valuable aid, singing some very tolerable songs, and favouring the audience with a few passably good instrumental selections.

Since the advent to Duncdin of Mr William Hoskins and Miss Florence Colville, theatrical matters have much improved. Miss Colville, whose connection with the stage dates back only a few years, has shown a remarkable aptitude for her profession, whether in tragedy or comedy. Gifted with a pleasing address, rare personal attractions, arid the ability to secure the attention and admiration of all classes, the success of this young lady has naturally been of a most gratifying kind. Miss Anstead, who was also a great favourite with theatre-goers, Miss Alice Bray, and Messrs J. P. Hydes, South, and Thorpe, all of whom were formerly engaged at the Princess Theatre, are now making a tour of the Proviuce. In their place we are promised the accession of Mi* and Mrs Walter Hill, who have been playing at Auckland, and Miss Mabel Herberte, from Cliristchureh. Miss Jennie Nye, who is about to proceed to India, took her farewell benefit at the Princess on the 18th in.st., when there was a good houso. Miss Nye appeared as Grace Hark away, in.the comedy of London Assurance, and was honoured with floral offerings from all parts of the house, as well as universal applause. Among the other members' of the company are the Misses Marion Willis and Docy Main waring; Mr H. N. Douglas, who lias deservedly become an established favourite with many here ; Mr Musgrave and Mr L. Booth. On the 18th isast. the Enderby-Jaekaon Troupe made their first appearance in the Masonic Hall, to a crowded audience. The troupe consists of Mr Harry Rickards, Miss Carrie Rickards, and Mr Henry Hallam. A general meeting of the H. A.C.B. Society was held in St. Joseph's Schoolroom on the 18th inst. There was a large attendance. Mr E. Carroll was elected President; and Mr J. Murphy, VicePresident, pending the arrival of an officer from Melbourne to formally open the Society. The annual meeting of the Priory of Otago, attached to the Religious and Military Order of Knights Templars, Scottish Constitution, was held at the Masonic Hall on the 18th inst. The principal business transacted was the election of officers for the ensuing year, and this resulted in the offices being filled by the following Fraters :—Prior, Thomas Sherlock Graham ; Sub-Prior, John H. Sanders ; Marshall, John Hyde Harris ; Hospitaller, James G.'M'Leod ;• Chancellor, T. M. Hocken ; Treasurer, Robert Paterson; Secretary, Thomas Fordyco ; Chaplain, G. H. Campbell; First Standard Bearer, C. J. H. Robertson; Second Standard Bearer, James Gore ; Chamberlain, Louis Court; and Outer Guard, George Smith. We understand that the Priory of Otago is the only representative of the Scottish branch, of this Order that has been established in New Zealand, and that the officers who retired on the above date have held office ever since the foundation of the Priory in 1859, under the presidency of Frater Paterson, its first Prior.

Ontholfth inst., special services were held in St. Paul's Church, Dunedin, to commemorate the return of the Biahop of Dunedin to his diocese, and the arrival of the clergymen who accompanied him from England. At tho 11 o'clock service the church presented a crowded appearance, every available seat being occupied. The communion table was decorated with lilies, and other choice flowers, and above it was worked in coloured letters the toxt, " He bringeth them to the haven where they would be." Round the reading desks and pulpito were entwined evergreens. Prayers* were read by the Uev. E. G. Edwards, the lessons by the Rev. T. Smith, and the sermon waa preached by the Right Reverend Dr NerxiL The

musical portion of the service consisted ( of processional psalm "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord," Sir F. Ousely (sung aa the Bishop and Clergy entered the porch) ; the anthem " How lovely are the Messengers," from Mendelsohn's "St. Paul;" besides the usual canticles, hymns, and the psalms of the day. During the offertory, Mr Towsey played "Larghetto," Beethoven, Symphony in D, and at the conclusion an Extempore. The Bishop took his text from Ist Corinthians, iii. chap., 11 verso, " For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." The afternoon service was especially for children, and an address was delivered to them by the Rev. T. Smith. In the evening there was a choral service to Tallia's music, the processional hymn at the opening being No. 385, Hymns Ancient and Modern. The organ pieces were :—Offertory : selections from Handel's Water music ; concluding — " lusanae et vanae curae," Motett— Haydn. The Anthem was—" The Lord preserveth the souls of His Saints." The sermon was preached by the Rev. T. G. Penny, from 1 Cor., xiv. chap., 2G ver. —" Let all things be done to edifying." The discourse, which was of considerable length, dwelt chiefly upon Apostolic work and Church extension. The offertories at tho whole of the services were in aid of St. Paul's Sunday School.