Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 164, 20 November 1868, Page 2

Local and General.

*V Japanese Trocpe. — We have been requested to state that this troupe did not arrive yesterday, as appeared in the list of passengers by the Otago. They are still performing before large houses in DunednTJ Mr Smith was a passenger by the Otagoro make arrangements in anticipation of the troupe visiting Christchurch. Theatre Royal. — The performances last night comprised the comedy entitled " The Babes in the Wood," and the farce called the " Regular Fix." Both pieces passed off very smoothly, and the acting of Messrs Wilmot and Roberts, Miss Green and Miss Mathews, gave entire satisfaction to the audience, who applauded them very frequently. Mr R. P. Whitworth's drama, " Flying Jib, or the Derby Day," will constitute the entire programme for this evening. Great preparations have been made on the stage to do every justice to the author, so far as its capabilities permit, and new scenery has been painted for the occasion by Mr Wilson. We know nothing of the merits of the piece, never having seen it played, but the West Coast and Northern papers have spoken most eulogistically of its production in those parts of the colony, and of Mr Whitworth's acting as Dick Britton. We hope the author will have the satisfaction of being greeted by a full house. Mr Osborne has lent his horse Trump, to the management, in order to give effect to the scene on Epsom Downs on the Derby Day. Plan of Christchurch. — We have received a copy of a new plan of Christchurch, which we think deserves to be brought prominently before the public. The plan, published by Mr W. W. Dartnall, surveyor, from surveys made by himself, possesses several new and useful features, and may be said to contain all the information which a map of Christchurch ought to possess at the present day. The levels are given at the intersection of all the streets ; the city is divided into four quarters to correspond with the present system of fire alarms ; and that part of the city which comes under the operation of the Building Ordinance is clearly shown. All public buildings are distinctly marked, and a table of reference enables anyone to find them out with little trouble. Keeent subdivisions of the town | reserves are minutely and accurately traced; and the plan of Hagley Park is as complete as it is possible to make it. Altogether this new plan reflects the highest credit on Mr Dartnall's abilities and industry, and the public will, we are sure, recognise its value. The map is lithographed by Messrs Ward and Reeves, and the workmanship is characterised by that good taste, accuracy, and finished skill, which they have taught the public to look for. Hagley Park Road. — A deputation consisting of Messrs Hamilton, Harman, Maude, Lane, Anderson, and OHivier, waited upon the Executive this morning, by appointment, for the purpose of presenting a memorial signed by considerably more than 400 persons, residents in and around Christchurch, against the formation of any new or main road through the Park. They were courteously received by Messrs Montgomery and Jollie. The arguments of the members of the deputation were very attentively listened to, and after a long interview, the deputation were informed that the Executive had also received a memorial, signed by several gentlemen, advocating opposite views to those of the deputation. As the subject was one of grave importance, they promised to give it their most careful consideration before advising his Honor on the course it would be expedient to adopt. vf^ Conscience Makes Cowards of us All. ' — The Washington County Post states that an iuhabitant of a certain village " down west" having bought a lot of sugar which had been adulterated with sand, inserted in the local paper the following advertisement: — "Notice. — I bought. of a grocer in this village 71b of sugar, from which I have extracted lib of sand. If the rascal who cheated me will send to my address 71b of sugar (the Scrip* tural measure of restitution), I will be satisfied. If not, I will expose him." The next day nine 71b packages of sugar were left at the advertiser's house, there being nine grocers in the village, and each supposing himself to have been detected. Concert-roomßores. — These objectionable individuals may be divided into the following categories : — l. The bores who, to the great discomfort of any nervous neighbours, will persist in beating time with their foot, their hand, or, at least, their finger. But worse than ;hese are class 2, the hummers, who insist upon humming their favourite passages, or even the entire composition in an undertone. Less annoying, but far more comical, are class 3, the readers, who bring the score with them, fight their way, with mild violence, to a place, bnry their heads in the book, and never look up, except at the very most to utter an expression of ecstacy. The most fearful of all bores are, however, class 4, the greeters, as we may call them. They are either relations of the concert-giver or of sume of the artists, and endeavour, by standing up, nodding, coughing, and so on, to excite attention, or they are friends of such relations, and aisuharge their congratulations to them over three or four rows of spectators.