Local Intelligence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XIX, Issue 2051, 21 April 1864, Page 2

Local Intelligence.

Negro Minstrelsy. — On Monday evening last a very amusing entertainment was given at Buckeridge's Hotel at the Taita. by a company of serenaders belonging to the 2nd battalion 14tk Regiment. The programme was well selected and the various pieces were sung with a precision that would have done credit tomore practised performers. The step dancing was loudly applauded, and the comic business was well sustained throughout ; the jokes being nearly all new, and the repartee smart. We understand it is the intention of the troupe to give an entertainment in aid of the fund at present being raised in Auckland for the relief of the soldiers' widows who have fallen at the front. The day is not yet fixed, but whenever it is, we wish them the success their merits and the cause deserves.

Majob Gobtox's Lkgvuiik— On Tuesday eveuing the hal ol tbe Ailienaum was crowded by n select audience, assembled to listen to Major Gorton's lecture. The subject chosen was '"A lour through the Burmese Empire," which the gallant Major \ and two hrothei officers of the 29th retriment, had undertaken some years ago. The lecture opened with a brief yet graphic geographical sketch of the country in question. The tiio of travellers had ascended the Irrawady River in a canoe, and visited several of the towns and villages on its hawks. The lecturer gave a very amusing description of the ceremonies attending their reception by the governors of these villages, from which it appeared, that the party had to take ofF their shoes before entering the residence of each minor potentate, and theu to sit down on the floor, " with feet to the rear," in which position they were served with refreshments, consisting of a cigar and a glass of water, some putrid fish, and lastly a lot of "lollies" of vile odour and wretched taste. Truly an epicurean banquet, which the gallant Major had perforce to swallow, or else commit a gross solecism in manners. But there was balm in Gilead, us after tbisrefreshinenl, they adjourned to tbo court-yard of tbe vice-regal residence, where 100 dancing girls went through their pleasing performances, for the delectation of tbe visitors. The governor very courteously asked the Major at the close of the dancing, which of the nymphs he thought prettiest, and on one of the ladies being awarded the palm, at once offered her to the M»jnr as a wife. The honor was ho.rever gratefully declined. At length the capital, Amarapoora, was reached where the travellers attempted to obtain an interview with the king, and behold that sacred animal the white elephant. AMr Spiers, the English agent there, gave them but a cold reception and after some farther ineffectual efforts, even to the length of requesting admission at the palace gates, when the guaid compelled them to beat a hasty retreat at the point of the bamboo, the project was abandoned, and soon afterwards they returned to head -quartets The lecture contained some very interesting descriptive notices of the country, its public buildingsand pagodas; the people—their manners and customs. Major Gorton was frequently applawded during the delivery, and received a cordial vote of thanks at its close.

Professor Parker. — Yesterday this gentleman started for Pabautanui, where he and Miss Bonum(f>int purpose (jiving one or two performances in uccordar.ee with an invitation lie has received. It is probable Professor Parker will be absent a week, and on bis return to Wellington a final performance will be given ere \m departure northwards.

Mb. Chas Russell-— This gentlemen has now taken up his residence in Wellington, as a pianist and teacher of music. From bis wellknown ability we have no doubt but that he will find sufficient and remunerative employment in bis professional duties.