OTAGO

Colonist, Issue 31, 5 February 1858, Page 2

OTAGO

The annual soiree in connection "With the day and Sabbath-schools of Port Chainlets was held in the Presbyterian Church on the evening of 'Tues-day,-the "29th. The day, fortunately, happened to he unusually fine, and the large building, which was adorned with flowers, flags, etc., was filled to overflowing After tea,'grace having'been sung by the children, the Rev. Mr. Stannard was voted to the chair. Tlie Rev. gentleman's opening address was very appropriate to the occasion,1 being on the blessings .of education and the duties of parents ia regard to their children. The children having sung, Mr.. Allan, schoolmaster, gave a short report of the day- and Sunday schools, and addressed the audience on the " Importance of Knowledge." Thereafter he questioned the children on "Modern Geographical Discoveries, and the Geography of Europe," which seemed to interest the audience'in a high degree. Mr. Morris, who has lately arrived in the district, followed, his subject' being, the. " Importance of Religion, both in the School and in the Family;" at the same time he congratulated the people of the district on the good work now going oh among them —that of haying their children educated. At intervals during the evening several appropriate pieces of music were played by Messrs. Richardson, Begg, M'Lisky, Monson, Taylor, and Allan, the instruments consisting of three concertinas, a flute, and two violins. The children varied the entertainment by singing a number of hymns and school songs. A magic lantern was then introduced; Messrs. Strachan and Monsori conducted the artistic part of the exhibition and Mr Allan explained the scenes; While dismission was being sung by the whole company, a loud report of cannon was heard; this was a signal for an open air exhibition of blue lights and rockets provided for the occasion, and with which the day's entertainment was concluded.^-Ofa^o Colonist, Jan. 8. Public Clock.—Some years ago we understand the Provincial Council voted the sum of ,£SO towards a public clock, and some of; our public spirited townsmen undertook to get the amount supplemented■; by private subscription;; whether anything ifurther has been done in the matter, we know not, but certainly it is high time that the authorities should take the subject 1; in hand.— Ibid. , , ■ •-■■ -v/.vr,.-.. ■■ •» ;

A Provincial Gazette contains a Proclamation by his Honor the Superintendentj abolishing the postage on local newspapers; and .estabMiing the following rate of .book postage for.books printed within the province, and conveyed by the local post:—Not exceeding one ounce in weight, Id. ; for every additional ounce, or fraction of an ounce, Id. The books must be in covers open at each end, with.no writing thereon except t)ie address, and having nothing else enclosed, or they will be liable to postage as letters.— lbid. . . .