Local Intelligence.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 676, 15 July 1865, Page 2

Local Intelligence.

Freemason's Ball.— Tho Freemason's Ball, which was postponed from the 24th June, and which has been looked forward to with considerable interest, came off on Thursday evening, in tho newly-erected Hall, Brougham-street. The Ball was probably the largest ever given in this province. Quite, if not over, 200 were present, who, judging from the unflagging spirit with which the dances wore kept up, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Hall (which is 50 feefc by 26) was, however, hardly large enough for the .company, and if any complaint was uttered it was that in the early part of the evening tho room was too crowded. The Hall was very neatly decorated with evergreens, and the refreshment room with flags, and every accommodation provided in the Bhape of dressing and ante rooms. The band of the 43rd L.1., under the direction of Bandmaster Lay, occupied tho gallery, and played tho selections on the programme of dances with unwearied spirit. About 8 o'clock the company began to arrive, and in an hour afterwards the assemblage, which included Colonel and Mrs. Warre and tho officers of the garrison, was complete. The Brethren and Officers of £he lodges^ of course, appeared with their collars and badges, the military in their uniforms, and the ladies in that pleasant variety of colours which is denied to tho unfortunate men. Shortly after 12 o'clock, tho party repaired to the supper room, where an excellent " stand- 1 up " supper awaited them, provided by Mr. B. C.' Lawrence, confectioner, of this town, in a manner which did him great credit, after doing justice to which the party resumed the dance ; fhis was kept up till an advanced hour, when the performance of the National Anthem brought the Ball to a successful termination. Exercise of Presogative. — We understand , that by tho s.s. Storm Bird, which arrived on Saturday last, an order was received for the immediate release of Mr. John Henderson, brewer, who was sentenced on tho 9th June to one month's imprisonment for an assault on Peter Gay. The order of release was dated at Wellington, 24th June, but from tho steamer being detained by bad weather at Wanganui and on the passage thence, it did not arrive until thirteen days after date, and within one day only of the expiration of the full terra of imprisonment. We understand also that His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to commute the punishment of L. Y. Provost, sentenced to two years imprisonment at the Criminal Sittings of the Supreme Court held in New Plymouth in February last. He was released on Thursday. Accident to the Boats. — The Lighter Cora. pany, we regret to say, have sustained a rather serious loss at the ontset of their career. On Thursday evening after discharging the steamers two of the large boats were moored out by tho out-haul buoy — the sea being quiet and the wind off shore. During the night, however, a heavy surf set in — the result of some storm out at sea — and one of the boats (a new one) either got adrift or sunk, and the other waa capsized, and is, no doubt, a good deal strained. Masonic Ham. Theatre. — On Monday evening last, Mr. and Mrs. C. O'Brien gave their first performance in Taranaki. The pieces selected wero Wilks' drama of the " Seven Clerks," and >T ; the farce of the "Irish Tutor." The character of Victorine in the former was well sustained "by Mrs. O'Brien, and also that of Mary in the farco " which followed. Mr. O'Brien as Doctor O'Toole ' pourtrayed the true Irish character, and was re- • ceived with great approbation. These artistes were well supported in their characters by ama- ' tours, who had given them their assistance. The stage effect was well arranged, and the accommodation afforded in the hall was good. The Band of the 43rd Kegiment contributed mnoh to the amusement of the evening. There was a yood attendance, and we perceive from the encouragement given, the drama of "The Seven Clerks " will be repeated with the same cast of characters this evening, to be followed by Bernard's popular farce of " O'Callaghan on his last legs." Outgoing Mails. — By the s.s. Airedale, on Sunday last, was despatched 1460 letten and 948 newspapers. It will be seen that there is a falling off of 500 letteis from last month. This, doubtless, is attributable to -the non-arrival of the English mail. The following return has been furnished us by the Postmaster :—: — Letters, Newspapers, United Kingdom, via Southampton... 692 600 " Marseilles... 149 3 Australian Color.ies ... 129 71 Southern Provinces ... 467 208 AJI other places . A 23 11 1460 048 The Superintendent. — His Honor the Superintendent returned from Wellington on Thursday last. Hovsb of Bepbesentatives. — It will be seen by our advertising columns that Mr. A. S. Atkinson is a candidate for the vaoatot eeat for Omata. Mr. F. TJ Gledhill is also infho field. The'nomination is on Monday next, the J7th instant, at ' noon, and the poll on Tuesday, tho 18th, * '