Local Intelligence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1998, 19 December 1863, Page 3

Local Intelligence.

The " Wellington Almanack." — The Wellington. Almanack was published on Tuesday last, and is admitted to be the cheapest and the best that has yet been published in this province. Besides the usual Almanack matter, it contains a large amount of useful information ; a diaiy for every day in the year, ahousekeeper's Ready Reckoner, and a Directory for this Proeince. No person in business should be without one, as it will be found most useful as a book of reference. Steam Excttbsion. — We understand that the Steam Excursion that has usually taken place on Boxing Day, in connection with the Odd Fellows' Society, will this year be postponed to New Year's Day. The Committee has been compelled to make this alteration in consequence of the impossibility of obtaining a steamer for Boxing Day. The New Judge. — The Otago Ijaily Times, generally a very correctly informed journal, says — " We are given to understand that the new Judgship for the Seuthland and Diggings District has been conferred on Mr Sewell, the Attorney-General under the Pox Ministry." We understand there is no foundation whatever for this statement, and that it is intended to obtain the new Judge from England. School Examination. — The usual examination ofthe pupils ofMrToomath'sacademy, prior to the Christmas vacation, was held on Tuesday last, and as on all former occasions, the result was highly satisfactory to the examiners, as well as to those of the parents and friends of the children who were present. The subjects selected were Scriptural Knowledge, Geometry, Arithmetic, Geography, English History, and English Grammar, while specimens were shown of Writing, Drawing, and Composition, The proficiency displayed was very creditable, and one lad — Master W. W. Knowles — caused equal surprise and pleasure by the extentof hisacquirements. It was particularly gratifyin gto observe that principles rather than formal " rules" had been inculcated, thus giving a facility of application that ensured quickness and correctness, especially in arithmetic. Many prizes were awarded, tho first one being taken by the youth we have already mentioned, while Masters Barraud, Mace, Wilkinson, Rowlands, and several others were very creditably distinguished. A very pretty present was made by the boys to the Principal and his assistant, which being suitably acknowledged at the close of the examination, completed a pleasant afternoon's work. Rangirihi.-— A maori named Tupehupehu, who affirms that he was in the Rangiriri Pa when it was taken, states that 165 men were killed, and 183 prisoners taken, that nearly all the natives in the pa were wounded including himself. Bbeach of the Arms' Act.-— William Thomas of Waikanae, who has been remanded several times on the charge of selling a gun to a native, was fully committed to take Ms trial, oa Thursday last, at the next Circiut Court.

Wellington Choral Society.— The first Private Concert of the fourth, season of this Society, took place at the Odd Fellows' Hall, on Thursday evening last, and notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, it was fully and fashionably attended. The style in which the choruses were executed, showed considerable improvement since last season. Handel's recit. and air — " Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind," were rendered with great taste and feeling. The second part or the programme was well arranged, and the whole, more or less, well performed. The piano solo " Erin," was so well played as to elicit a rapturous encore. The part song — " O never fear tho' rain be falling," was sung with great spirit, and seemed very appropriated, as at the time it was pouring in torrents. We are glad to notice a new feature introduced into the programme, a violincello solo, " Murmure dv Dihone," by a gentleman who has recently arrived among us. The taste and judgment with which it was executed, elicited a rapturous encore, which was gracefully complied with ; and it was indeed a great treat. The trio — " King Canute," was spiritedly sung, and was highly applauded. The solo and chorus — " Come where my love lies dreaming," was charmingly rendered, and the solo, although sung before here by professionals, yet, to our taste, was more truthfully sung on this occasion, and also elicited a hearty encore. The whole concluded with the Danish National Melody " England's Prayer," harmonized by E. Stirling, as a substitute for tho National Anthem usually given. The Society's first Concert, as a whole, was a decided success ; and augurs well for the current season. The Choir does not appear so large in point of numbers, yet on the whole, they appear to have retained their vocal strength.