Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1419, 13 September 1872, Page 2

Local and General.

Magisterial. — There was no criminal business at the Christchurch Magistrate's Court this morning. Foresters. — The sixth annual dramatic performance in aid of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund, A.0.F., took place at the Canterbury Music Hall last- evening. The deserving object for wliich the performances aiv. given has? always secured a very considerable amount of patronage, and the results of last evening were in a pecuniary sense as successful, if not more so, than ever. The hall was crowded in every part, and we are glad to state that the fund will be credited wii.li ano inconsiderable amount. It is a generally recognised rule to regard amateur performances in a somewhat charitable light, aud we havo no desire, therefore, to criticise the individual performances of those who tendered their services gratuitously in ao good a c.-i use ; but if those who are more prominently interested in the matter will accept & bit of advico in as friendly a spirit jih ib is givon, they will be less ambitious in future so ' far as the selection 01 nieces is concerned. In last evening's ca*i, two or three of the parts were very fairly, even creditably sustained, but there is no itonying tho fact that the play of " Civilijs.iiion " was far too heavy a task to be undertaken by a number of amateurs, many of whom had evidently made their first bow to so large an audience in dramatic representation. They did their beat, however, to render the performances as successful as possible, and under these circumstances it would be unfair to criticise their efforts with anything approaching to precision. In recognition of tho valuable servicos rendered by Miss Cassy Matthews, the Foresters will give that lady a complimentary benefit at the Music Hall, tomorrow evening. The bill will comprise three light pieces, specially selected for the occasion. Ecclesiastical. — A meeting of the friends and supporters of the Rev E. Bailey was hold at Spensley's hall last evening. There was a numerous attendance, including a good sprinkling of ladies. Mr F. G. P. Leach was voted to tho chair. The chairman explained tho object for which the meeting had been called. Since Mr Bailey's departure, a few of bis friends had called on the Bishop of the Diocese ; his Lordship spoke in the highest terms of tho manner in which Mr Bailey had conducted the church services during his connection with the parish of S. John the Baptist. Mr Bailey, before leaving, was asked if he would return to Christchurch if his friends provided him with a church in case the Bishop should decline to institute him in a church under his control. Mr Bailey said he would much rather prefer coming to a church within the jurisdiction of the Bishop, but if that were not possible he would return to another church, if it wero the desire of his friends that ho should do so, and there conduct the services in accordance with the forms of tho Church or England. Mr Gates moved — " That this meeting desires to express its deep sense of fche loss the sommunity have sustained by the Itev E. Baik-y'o departure for England, and they cordially invite that gentleman to return to Christchurch, to minister amongst them." Mr Collius seconded the resolution. Mr Bruce, in supporting the resolution, spoko in the highest terms of praise of tho services which had been rendered by Mr Bailey during his connection with tho parish of St. John the Baptist. The Rev E. A. Lingard said as tho bona fide friend of Mr Bailey, he wished to say a few words. He must admit that Mr Bailey had made a few mistakes, but should ho return to Christchurch he would give him the true hand of fellowship, provided he returned as minister within the palo of the Church of England, and admitted that what he said of him (Mr Liugard) at the farewell conversazione was untruthful. The resolution was then put and carried. Mr Ick moved — " That in tho anticipation of Sir Bailey's accepting the invitation to return to Canterbury, a subscription list be at once. opened on the guarantee principle, to be expended after his arrival in tho erection of a placo of worship, or in tho ovent of a church being already procured, only so much of tho sum guaranteed should be used as an actual outlay in disbursing Mr Bailey's expenses and the ordinary expenses of the church." In the courso of his remarks, Mr Ick stated that Mr Bailey had a large number of friends who would subscribe liberally to secure his return to Canterbury, and one gentleman alone would give £100. The resolution, on being seconded, was put aud carried. The "chairman ,then read a lettor which was to be forwarded to Mr Bailey asking him to return to Canterbury. The letter would be open for signature by those who desired to sign it. On the suggestion of Mr Ick, a large number of those present signed the letter, and the proceedings terminated. LxTTELTOir Choral Society. — The members of the Lyttelton Choral Society, which was established only a few months since, gave their first concert last evening in the Colonists' Hall. It was by no means a perfect performance, but it was very enjoyable, and considering the short time tho Society has been in existence, it was very creditable. The first part consisted of selections from the " Messiah," and although the vocal portions were not enriched by orchestral music (the only accompaniment beiug an harmonium, at which tho conductor, Mr Landergan, presided), yet they were — with the exception of one chorus — creditably given. Even the solos, lacking as they did

artistic finish, were fairly sung, most of the vocalists clearly articulating the words, and singing with much expression. Tho recitative " Comfort ye my people," with tho succeeding aria " Every valley shall be exalted " were sung by Mr J. A. Plimmer, who, although he infused considerable expression into his rendering, was not in good voice. The chorus, " And the glory of tho Lord " wa3 given with precision and crispness. Mra Gibson gave the recitative — "Behold a virgin shall conceive," and the air " O Thou that telle3t," with remarkable correctness, and clear articulation ; had a little more expression been infused in it it would have rendered the vocalization much more artistic in its character. The bass recitative " For Behold," and the air " The people that walked in darkness," were fairly sung by Mr F. Jones. The chorus, " Glory to God," went very indifferently, there being a want of precision throughout. The pathetic air, "He shall feed His flock," was sung in alternate portions by Miss Warne and Miss H. McGowan Miss Warne sang with niuch feeling and clear articulation. Miss M'Gowan has a remarkably sweet voice, and sang correctly as to time and tune, buta defect which care and attention | will rectify was perceptible — her enunciation of the words was very indistinct. To Mr J. Carder the difficult recitatives, " Thy rebuke," and " He was cut off," with the arias '" Behold and see," and " But Thou didst not leave," were allotted. Mr Carder was , in good voice, and sang with great) expression and considerable musical skill. The magnificent f< Hallelujah Chorus," which, with the exception of a slight indecision iv one br two portions went well, concluded the first part. The 3econd part opened with Rossini's overture "La Gazza Ladra " arranged as a duet for the pianoforte, which was well played by Mis 3 Stout and Mr Landergan. A part song, " Sweet and low," was a pretty piece of vocal harmony. Mendelssohn's duet, " I would that my love," was well sung by Miss Warne and Mrs Gibson. Mr Carder gave H. Weidfe's song, " How fair thou art," with considerable feeling, although as a vocal effort'it was decidedly inferior to his singing in the first portion. Mr Ellisdon had evidently mistaken the character of the song he gave, — " Will he come ?" — it ought to have been sung by a lady, in order that the true expression might have been given. A glee, " The Men of Harlech," " The Bridesmaids' Chorus " from Der Freischutz, and the celebrated " Anvil Chorus " from II Trovatore, were well rendered. The concert concluded with the National Anthem. Although certain defects have been pointed out, they have been alluded to in a kindly spirit. Thoy are defects which are sure to crop up in any newlyformed Society; the remedy is easy, and may be expressed in threo words — earnest, continuous practice.