LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 175, 15 June 1871, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

We are glad to learn that out of 200 of the electors objected to by the Registration Officer for the Waikaiiv district, only seven have been allowed.

Thk entertainments which go by the name of Readings, held at Lawrence and Wethers tones, show a marked vitality this session compai ed with last. This remark refers more particularly to Lawrence. It might be somewhat difficulty to account for this pleasing change. Peihaps a clue to it may be found iv the fact that several of those gentlemen who " shine " at these entertainments have lately given more than ordinary attention to the practise of music and rehearsal of the various pieces they purpose performing. We have heard it stated by people whose jutlgmeut is not to be slighted, that these so-called Readings have missed the object they originally hnd in view. It may be so. Indeed we do not doubt the assertion ; for how often do we find a frivolous piece of composition, indifferently read, "bringiug down the house,'' to use theatrical parlance, while a master-piece from some of the English classics falls upon deaf ears and a listless audience. But this, we consider, has its remedy. Let those gentlemen who take part in these Readings give some preparation to the task they undertake. Let them devote a few minutes to the rehearsal of their piece, even although they should "practise at the glass." It is too often forgotten that the ability to read well, like the ability to sing well, or the ability to do auything else, is only to be acquired by practise. A person must not only know the piece he reads sufficiently well to make it his own before he reads it in public, but he must become acquainted with the sound of his own voice betore he can modulate that voice to suit his audience, and to suit the piece. It is a common thing with some 1 eaders to give their names for a leading and never look at the book till they ascend the platform ; the result is they drag out a weary quarter of an hour, or perhaps more, to the great misery of their audience, and bring contempt upon themselves, upon the author, and upon the Readings. The best elocutionist that ever lived would not ascend a platform and give a reading without considerable preparation ; then why should a man who is not an elocutionist dare to impose upon the tiiue of au audience by a huniHirura reading. We have no desire to say anything that is in any way calculated to prevent gentlemen from giving their services at these entertainments, for it is evident that all those who read are not likely to be elocutionists, but we simply throw out the remark that some gentlemen would perform their task in a far more pleasing manner both to themselves and to the public who patronise these social gatherings if they devoted a few minutes co-the preparation of their piece. By a little attention in the direction we have indicated, we believe the tone of these Readings might be raised, a more pleasant hour spent, and a taste for reading created amongst the young and rising generation, which, in after times, would bear its good fruits.

On Thursday evening lasfc a few friends of the late Mr. William Lapsley,- who died in the Tuapeka Hospital, met in the C6minercial Hotel to present Mr. Reynolds, warder of the Hospital, with a small acknowledgement in the form of a gold ring, for the kindness he had showed to the deceased during his illness. Mr. Mears, who made the presentation, addressing Mr. Reynolds, said that he had been deputed by some of the late Mr. Lapsley's friends to convey their thanks to Mr. Reynolds for his untiring attention to their deceased friend during his protracted illness. In presenting the ring, Mr. Mears continued by saying that he hoped Mr. Reynolds would not look upon it for its intrinsic value, but rather as an expression of their gratitude for his kind services to their friend. Mr. Reynolds, in acknowledging the gift, said he was not a little surprised to receive such a warm recognition of his services to their deceased friend. He considered that he had done no more than was his duty, and, under the approbation of the Hospital Committee, he accepted the testimonial with many thanks.

THE second anniversary of the Loyal Roxburgh Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., takes "place tomorrow evening in Beighton's Assembly Room. Several of the brethren of the Tuapeka Lodge have informed us of their intention of being, present.

Great complaints are made by the Waitahuna people, and not without ample grounds for them, about the frightful state of the road from the Round Hill to Waitahuna Gully. It seems that all the waggon traffic is now coming that way, and the road is out up to an almost impassable condition. We trust the member for Waitahuna will not omit to use his- influence to get a sufficient sum put upon the estimates, say c*tnct .-.- cc l A r > r > *■" -p>w4» i* WV» a~ «i»s he wjU

The following characteristic speech was made by Mr. Haughton in the Council on Mr. Reid's motion that the honorarium be reduced to 15s :— He said he did not agree with either of j the proposals before the House. The resolution proposed by the Government was just that sort of namby-pamby thing they might expect from that quarter, and he supposed this was but the first instalment. —(Laughter.) If they adopted the amendment, and agreed to a fixed sum for each session, they would place a great deal of power in the hands of the Government. The Government might easily delay the business of the session, and as soon as honourable members considered they had expended £25 worth of energy, they would be very anxious to go home. He would "venture to say that if h&qouldby any means tire out a certain numberof wearisome country members, he would do so, anti&e firmly, believed the present Government would not hesitate to do the same. - (Laughter.) After some remarks upon the speech of the Provincial Solicitor, the honourable member said he -was sorry to see Mr. Reid obliged to take to himself a parcel of political infants. He mast, of course, except Mr. Cutten from the list ; but what was that gentleman's position ? He was in the position of Rip Van Winkle ; he went to sleep 14 years ago, and had just woke up, and was now desirous to have everything brought back to the old position. As for the honourable member at the head of the Government, he had only one tune to sin?, and that was the Old Hundredth.— (Laughter.) He would move another amendment to the effect that the allowance of expenses to members should be continued at the rate anthorised by the late Council, namely, 20s. a day, with travelling I expenses.

The consecration of the Church of England, Lawrence, will take place on Friday, the 30th inst. On the evening of the same day the Right Rev. the Bishop of Dunedin, will deliver a lecture on "Natural Theology," in the Tuapeka Athenjeum. A confirmation service will take place on Sunday, Jnly 2.

On Monday last, information was brought to Constable Dunne, Waipori, that a Chinaman had gone to the Lammerlaw on Saturday last to obtain wood to fix his tent, and had not returned up to Monday morning. Mr. Dunne, accompanied by twelve Chinamen, immediately went off in search of the missing man. We have not heard whether he was found.

We would draw attention to Mr. Michael's sale of dairy cows and horses, on Saturday, at the Commercial Sale Yards.

Owing to the arrival of the Suez mail telegrams, we are compelled to hold over our reports of the proceedings in the District and Resident Magistrates Courts, our Blue Spur Mining Correspondent's letter, and several other matters of local and general news.

As will be seen from our advertising columns, the Lawrence Amateur Christy Minstrels purpose very shortly giving another of their amusing entertainments, the programme of which, we are led to understand, will be by far the most attractive one yet offered by them. The object of this performance is to enable the company to liquidate some outstanding liabilities incurred during the course of its existence, by the purchasing of instrumen+s. music, &c. And as the indirect expenses attached to this class of company are by no means light, we cannot but confess that they have every right to make this appeal to the public on their own behalf, more especially after the numerous charitable and benevolent causes for which they have so often and willingly performed. As the amount required by the Christys to place them in a state of solvensy is not a very large one, the prices of admission will be correspondingly low, consequently we have no hesitation in predicting an overflowing house on the occasion.

On Thursday last an accident occurred on the Waitahuna road through the capsizing of a spring cart, by which Mrs. Eastman, a resident of Havelock, lost her life. The full details of this melancholy occurrence will be found in the report of the Coroner's Inquest in another column. We are informed th.it Mr. Purdy and Mrs. Eastman — whose husband died very suddenly in the Tnapeka Hospital some time since — were coming io Lawrence to make softie pi'Sliniinary arrangement previous to their marriage. This accident is one which teaches several lessons, and we are glad to notice the remarks' made by the Coroner, and the rider attached to the verdict. There is not the slightest doubt that waggoners are very culpable in the reluctance they evince to budge an inch from the middle of the road when any vehicle meets or overtakes them, and it is only surpris^, ing that so few accidents occur from the same cause. But in the present case there can be no doubt the stones left on the road by the roadmen was purely the cause of this accident. It is all well and good to ndopt lnuans to keep the heavy traffic on the metal, but when these means require the sacrifice of human life, they are rather expensive, and should be done away with, and some safer method adopted— such as we find in Victoria, or in the home conn try, ( where t'ussels are used. We hope this calamity will prove a warning, and be fruitful of good results. Mrs. Eastman was 34 years of age, and a native of Ireland. We are glad to learn from a Teviot conespondent that the river is keeping at a low level, and all the claims are in full work. A meeting of those interested in the day school in connection with the Roman Catholic Chapel was held iv the Chapel, Colonsay-street, on Thursday last. The Rev. Father Coleman occupied the ahrfir. Mr. Donovan was. elected Secretary., . The teacher, Mr. Sproule, read a statement of the present position of the school funds, which were found to be insufficient for the necessary expenditure. The meeting then decided on electing a school committee for the better working of the school. A committee, consisting of the following five gentlemen, was then unanimously elected,, viz, : -The Rev. Father Larkin. and Messrs. O'Neil, H Sproule, Donovan, and Harris, three to form a quorum.. This part of the business having been completed, a collection was then made, realising the sum of £1 16s 6d, which was handed to the Rev. Father Larkin. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the business. We again remind those persons interested in the annual ploughing match that a meaning to make preliminary arrangements will be rield in the Tuapeka Athenaeum this evening, at eight o'clock. At a meeting of the Waste Lands Board, held on Wednesday, the 7th inst., Messrs. Connell and Moodie, on behalf of the Presbyterian Church Trustees, Lawrence, applied to purchase a quarter acre at Blue Spur, at present held as residence area, title to be issued to them under the Presbyterian Church of Otago Land Act, 1866. The application was referred to the Government for Warden's Report thereon. Mr. Peter Cook applied to purchase section 31, block X., Waitahuna East, occupied by him under agricultural lease. The application was granted. Mr. S. Henry applied to purchase section 15 and 16, block 111., Tuapeka East, and occupied by him under agricultural lease. Application granted. A memorial against the occupation of River Place, Waipori, by buildings, was read. It was resolved that notice should be given that no farther bnildinsß be erected. Messrs. Uren and Tonks applied to fie Board to sanction the assignment to them of the coal lease granted to Mr. George Walker. A similar application for transfer from Messrs. Felton and Barkman to William Felton was also made. It was resolved that previous to any decisions on the applications being arrived at, the opinion of the Provincial Solicitor as to the power of the Board to sanction such transfers should be obtained.