Local Intelligence

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1599, 12 July 1861, Page 5

Local Intelligence

THE SAN FRANCISCO MINSTRELS. Wi: noticed the arrival of these vocalists in our last, and having since heard theii performances, give them a hearty welcome. There is so little ■lovelty in our ordinary amusements that When a vessel arrives " frighted with fun," it is not surprising that " all Wellington " should wish to have a share in its cargo, provided it be of a (irst rate quality ; aud, judging from the numer ous audieuces that have beengathered together, the San Fransisco consignment is A. I. There is in the entertainments of these Minstrels good music and eXquslte drollery. Everybody likes the one, and we do not envy the biliary organs of those who bave no relish for the other—

A little nonsense, now and then, Is relished by tho wisest men. Grave old stagers, who tell us their joking days are over, who would scorn to he fouud relaxing a muscle c yen though Joe Grimaldi bimself were to appear in Tippity-witchet or Hot Cod lings, will periap.-? resist all such attempts to amuse as that now offered, as possessing no interest for tbem ; yet to tbe mass of the public, the representation of negro life, pathetic songs most tenderly sung, buffos of exquisite drollery, and dancing with step and grace certainly unequalled by anything we have seen In New Zealand before, are attractions which they cannot be bard hearted enough to resist.

We do not attempt to describe the entertainment in detail. We content ourselves with saying that tbe first part is devoted to the singing of Negro Melodies, such as those which owed their origin to, the Ethiopian Seranaders who performed in London some fifteen years ago, whose performances of Lucy Neal and Mary Blanc are familiar as types of the pathetic, Old Dan Tucker and Buffalo Gals as types of the buffo. The Californian Minstrels do not only sing many of the old songs to which we have so long bee_ accustomed, but introduce very many new ones. Tbe Races and Riilway performances are a study. The imitation by Bones of the clatter bf the horses hoofs, or the progress of the engine as it advances or recedes is perfect, and surprises every one. The second part consists piincipally of solos, almost all of which have on each night been resolutely encored. The compass, power and fullness of Mr. Taylor's voice is astonishing, and his sea songs are calculated to kindle an enthusiasm akin to that which our fathers tells us Brahatfi and Incledon used to produce. Mr. Wilson's Irish characters are Hiberian to the backboue. Mr. Howson's immitation of the Blue tail fly is so good that if tbe grave old stagers before alluded to, were but to witness it, we dare engage they could not resist letting a smile of pleasure beam ' over every part of their countenance. The dancing uf Mr. Burgess needs to be seen ; it cannot be described, so we do not attempt it. Part 3 consists of huraerout burlesques, and singing in chorus made most amusing by tbe drollery of Bones. We need scarcely say that there is nothing to offend auy of our proprieties, on the contrar) the whole affair from*' the gentleman usher who seats the audience " to Mr. Bones' farewell address of thanks is well conducted, and we trust the afternoon performance of Saturday for the young folk will be numerously attended. The stay of tbe Minstrels is very short, they go by tbe first steamer northward. Our Hutt friends will be glad that next Thursday, the 18th inst., they may expect the opportunity of attendisg a performance in their own neighbourhood. Last evening Mr Leslie announced that the Company had determined to reduce their prices. The prices of admission will now be 3s. for front seats, 2s for back, and children half price.

Royal Olympic Theatre. — On Monday last this favorite place of amusement was again crowded to excess, by a most fashionable, audience. The attraction for the evening was the beautiful operatic drama "The Child of the Regiment," a new ballet, and the original and most laughable extravaganza of " Collin the Youth who never saw a woman." The Drama was sustained throughout most admirably ; everyone seemed to be in the best possible humour, Mrs. foley especially, who's singing brought down rapturous applause ; this lady's energy in catering for the public amusement is most unceasing and deserves our warmest thanks, and we were very glad to see her little company so well supported. Mr. Webster and Mr. Swan both sustained their respective character in a most praisworthy manner; theeStravanza brought the performance to a close ; introducing to us once more the extraordinary youth who for 18 years had never seen a woman. We need hardly say that it kept the house, in a perfect furor and sent everybody home most highly pleased with the nights amusement, indeed we have heard it remarked on all sides l that the audience was never better pleased with

any~s!raiTar emsnainmentifi "Weliragtori.. We observe by an advertisement in auotber column that a most attractive bill is announced for Monday next, and we doubt uot from the approbation they have hitherto met with, to see the house again filled* . Public Meeting at tele Hutt.— We have beeo requested to direct attention to an advertisement which appears in ahother column, convening a Public Meeting at the Mechanics Institute, Hutt, on Tuesday evening uext, the 16th Inst., to take into consideration the rCply of tbe Crovernor to the Deputation of Wellington Members, respecting Military protection for this Province. Wellington AteUnjevm.— We have mtioll pleasure in directing attention to an advertisement which appears in another column of today's paper, announcing that the Committee intend giving a Conversazione- at the Odd Fellows' Hall, on Thursday, the 18th July, in aid of replenishing the Library of the Institute. The Volunteer Baud, and several members of tbe Choral Society, have kindly promised tbeir assistance, so tbat parties attending may anticipate witnessing an entertainment of a very, attractive character. Tbe refreshments are to be provided by Mr.* Laing; and we uuderstan-* 1 that every arrangement will be made for the comfort and accommodation of visitors- We trust that there will be a lftrge attendance, and that the receipts will be sufficiently ample to accomplish the laudable object the Committee have in view.

Masonic!. — The Elrethreu of the New Zealand Pacific Lodge of Free aad Accepted Ma-