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Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2349, 12 October 1870, Page 2

Mr Driver and his Constituents. —lt was intended by Mr Driver to address his constituents on Friday evening ; but as the meeting of the North Dunedin Mutual Improvement Society was previously announced to take place on that evening, he will hold his meeting on Saturday instead. Education of Girds. —The Hon. Major Richardson gave a lecture last night, in Knox’s Church, on the education of girls. We do not know that tlm lion, gentleman said anything on the subjlct that was not already known ; but he recalled old truths to memory in a very pleasant way ; pointed out his ideal of what woman was in the classic ages, in the age of chivalry, and what he thought she ought to bo now. Deserved as was the compliment to Florence Nightingale, and the heroines who tended the wounded in the Crimea, wc look forward to the period when, with equally tender sympathies and gicater judgment, the woman of the future will prevent, instead of mitigating, those needless butcheries of men in war that are a disgrace to the moral training and fie intelligence of mankind. The Major was frcqiv ntly applauded by the numerous audience who assembled to hear his opinions. Port Chalmers Railway. The very judicious step of an alteration in the gauge to 3 feet 6 inches, so as to make the railway an integral part of a uniform system has been agreed to between the promoters and the Provincial Government. We believe we are justified in stating that this concession on the part of the promoters will involve a serious loss to them, as they had au offer of a quantity of plant suitable to the 4 feet SJ inch guage on very favorable terms. Report says that, notwithstanding the experience of Great Britain that it might be done with safety, the Provincial ngineer refused to permit any alterati n in the radii of the curves. This is one of the penalties of placing men in office who have had no practical experience of what they are to superintend, and it is carrying out in practice the exploded theories propounded in the lecture delivered at the New Zealand institute. It is perhaps fortunate for the Province, under the circumstances, that the Clotha Railway will he, in all probability, under different direction. If wc are wrong in our informal t'on we shall be glad to correct the report. Princess Theatre. repeated last evening to a good house. Wc do not hesitate to pronounce this piece the best ever represented on our stage. It L, too, a piece well designed for testing the capacities of the astists. Full of striking interest—of rich and varied character painting—abounding in generous sentiment—alternately humerous and pathetic—this comedy demands careful attention and great ability to secure in its representation a successful result. In such a piece there is always danger of its artistic beauty being foiled in the delineation. But the new company cannot certainly be hold chargeable with this defect. Whilst adhering strictly to the text, they evidently tmbody the the whole spirit and intention of the author. The great success attending the representation of “Caste” may he said to consist in the actors thoroughly appreciating the design of the author, and having the skill to adopt it. A powerful delineator may give an undue prominence to his part—maj completely isolate it from its surroundings ; hut the true artist, whilst keeping his eye on the general effect, will tubordinate his effort t r i the harmony rf the whole. In this consist the striking features of the new dramatic corps, which maintain a uniform balance of action, dovetailing the various parts into one compact whole, until it resembles a splendid mosaic, diversified but harmonious withal. To this circumstance is to be ascribed their success; but this triumph of effect can only be secured by a profound study of the design of a piece and the intention of the author. The immense applause with which “ Caste ” was received last evening amply testified the general appreciation of this brilliant performance, We repeat that “Caste,” as represented at the Princess’s, is not only the best comedy we have seen in Dunedin, but is fairly entitled to rank among the best we have seen anywhere. We notice that this piece will be withdrawn after to-night, and would earnestly recommend all who desire to sec a splendid comedy powerfully played to visit the theatre this evening. Port Chalmers Town Council.— The regular meeting of the Town Council of Port Chalmers was held last evening. Present .-—Messrs M'Kinnon, limes, Miller, Clarice, Law, Gordon, and M'Cullum. In the absence of the Mayor, Mr limes was chosen chairman. On the motion of Mr Miller, the question of water supply was postponed. A letter was read from the surveyor respectirg Constitution street. Mr Clarke considered that the contractors were going on with their work very well, and that no obs'aclo should be placed in their way, as their tender was a low one. Mr M'Kinnon thought it hardly fair to other tenderers to allow them to use a tramway. Mr Law said the clause in the specification, prohibiting a tramway, had no business there, as it caused the tenders tphe so much higher. The matter then dropped. A specification was read of works required at Ajax road, and the same objection was made to the clause with reference to the use of tramways. Mr Clarke moved that the specification he referred to the Public Works Committee. Mr M’Kinnon seconded the motion, and Imped the Committee would look well over it and future specifications to prevent mistakes. Mr Miller objected to any alteration of the specification. Mr l aw considered it might be amended by striking out certain clauses. Tire chairman, as a member of the Public Works Committee, objected to placing the whole power in the hands of the surveyor, uncontrolled by the Works Committee, It was resolved that the Counoil make such altera*ions as they may consider necessary Mr Clarke drew attention to a fence of Mr Gilbert’s, which he thought ought to be removed. The clerk was directed to write to Mr Gilbert on the subject. It was resolved that the town pump should be repaired. On the motion of Mr M‘Kinnon, notices were ordered to be served on several residents in Constitution street, directing them to build retaining walls to their propertics, A number of accounts were passed

for payment. The finance report was postponed for consideration when the Mayor was present, and the Council adjourned to Monday, the 24th inat. We notice by advertisement that Mr Birch will come forward to address the electors to-morrow night (Thursday), in the Masonic Hall, at 8 o’clock sharp. The Lodge of Otago, No. 844, E.C., will hold their regular monthly meeting in the Masonic Hall, this evening, at half-past 7 o’clock. A lecture will be delivered in the Masonic Hall on Friday evening next at 8 o’clock, by the Hon. Major Richardson. ■Subject :—“ Remiuesceiices of New Zealand IS years ago.” The supper of the Loyal Alexandra L dge, A.T.O. O.F , for the benefit of the Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund, takes place at the Old Masonic Hall, at eight o’clock this evening.