Our Contributions.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 465, 7 January 1881, Page 2

Our Contributions.

OUR SYDNEY LETTER.

(From our oivn Correspondent.)

Sydney, Dec. 22. The summer is now fairly upon us, and for two months there have only been a couple of heavy showers ; ami consequently the dread of the water

supply giving out is the. common topic ofconversation, Tho street watering has been reduced to a minimun, and the result is not favorable to the comfort of

the citizens. It is very possible that baths will soon be prohibited—at least fresh-wntcr baths, and then our ability to stand the suur-ue heat will be further reduced. However, it is of no use crying out too soon, and it is earnestly to be hoped that a copious rainfall may soon relieve apprehensions. » >

On Saturday last, the 18th ihst., the. grand orntorio, "The Messiah," was given in the Exhibition building to ft large audienco, who, to judge by the constant and unseemly applause, highly npprecialed it. The fashion of numbers of would-be genUeinen, many of them near the front, wearing their hats all the time—a thing they would not dream of doing at an operabouffc—was. very reifying, and-to a great extent justifies the objections of those who disapprove of sacred matters of this nature being- given at all in public, on the ground that so doing is calculated to bring religion into contempt

On the 17th and 18th inst. a bazaar was held at Manly Beach for the benefit of the local Episcopalian Church. It was a beautiful day, and a number of Sydney people went down by steamer. On the whole, it, was fairly successful ; but when I visited the show, an hour before it was finally closed, the proportion of sellers—mostly of the feminine gender—appeared to be about 10 to 1 to the buyers. The result to myself was —a rose for my buttonhole, the total j| outcome of an expenditure of 15s. As the money doubtless went to a good purpose, and as it is probable many move -, came off much worse to the bad, pecu- * niarily, it is as well to be satisfied, j The opera company have lately.presented " Maritana," " Girofle-Giroiia," and, a few similar productions, to very good houses. Tc-night (the 22nd instant) they play Planqnette's opera, "The Chimes of Normandy.* , The company play fairly well, but they cannot be called a first-rate company, as the ever-pepular Armes Beaumont and Mdme Hersce.are the only performers of any note. " Carmen " has been played several times ; also the everlasting " La Fille de Madame Angot." ; " Perhaps the i» former is their best production. '

At the Giiiety Theatre " Quilp " will be played this evening.—At the QaeenV,. ''Driven from Home" is Worei .the \Mpublic. ■ ; The Eev Canon Walsli, recently returned to tho colony front Home, lias received a public welcome and testimonial ' from his many adherents and friends. Evans, the gentleman who some time ago converted a Lands Office cuequo for

£18 15a into one for £818 15s, got the same cashed at the Bank of New South Wales, and levanted to 'Frisco, was arrested in that city by Detective Camphin ; and having recently arrival in Sydney, made his appearance at tlm Water Police Court yesterday, when ho was fully committed for trial at the next Criminal Sessions ; the proposed bail of two sureties of £500 not being f.irtlicom - ing, prisoner went to gaol. counsel endeavored to get the amount of bail reduced, on the ground that,except,£loo, all the money had been recovered —but the magistrates did not seam to see it, and quite right, considering that onboard ship he could scarcely havo Spent more. He was arrested upon tho arrival "of the vessel at 'Frisco, so he did not have an: opportunity of "doing tho heavy" at the expense of the Lands Office. '

.Mr Gordon, senior partner in the firm of Gordon and Sheppard, architects of Wagga, was drowned lately. He was one of four of a boating party. All undressed for a bathe, and Mi , Gordon sprang from the boat, exclaiming, " I'll bet L 5 on my reaching the bridge first." After swimming some distance he suddenly disappeared. Every exertion has been made to recover the body by dynamite explosions and grappling irons, but without success. The deceased was much respected in Wagga, and the event has cast a gloom over tho town. Christmas time being near, I hope that you and your readers, Mr Editor, may' have fine weather and a liappy time of it.