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Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2480, 27 January 1871, Page 2

The Russian Fleet.—The Telegraph gives the strength of the Russian fleet in the Baltic. It consists of 03 vessels of all sorts, and 30 transports. la the Black Sea her fleet consists of ‘25 vessels and an unknown number of gunboats. There are 11 vessels on the China station, and 7 in the Mediterranean. Mr Ross at Mornington. —Last evening Mr Ross addressed a meeting of electors at the school house. There were, about fifty persons present. Mr Prosser took the chair. After Mr Ross’s address, Mr Bond proposed, and Mr Euston seconded, a vote of confidence in him, which was carried non. con. Mr Driver at Caversham. —Last evening Mr Driver addressed the electors at the Drill Shed. Mr 11. S. Cantrell in the chair. From ninety to one hundred persons were present. Mr Driver spoke for about \n hour and a-half, giving a resume of what be had pueviously stated. Mr Driver was well received, and an unanimous vote of confidence, proposed by Mr D. Baxter, and seconded by Mr Read, was passed on him. Timing Earthquakes.—The telegraph clerks in Canada have found out how fast an earthquake travels, and they put the pace at about 200 miles a minute. At Mimouski, when the late earthquake came upon them, they sent at once to Quebec, a distance of 200 miles, to ask, “ How do you feel ? ” While the operator there was at his work, the shock arrived. He at once sent to Montreal, about 200 miles further on, to ask if they had felt it. They had just time to say “ No,” before the earthquake came up. We suppose this is the first instance on record of men talking across the edge of an advancing earthquake. Soiree.—The second annual soiree of the Hanover street Mutual Improvement Association, was held on Wednesday evening 25th in t.. in the Baptist Chapel. After a very excellent tea provided by the young ladies connected with the Association, bad been disposed of, there was a public meeting, the President (Rev. J. Williams) in the chair. The Secretary read the report, which showed that the varied operations of the Society were in a very encouraging state. Readings, recitations, an original essay on the “ Perfections of God as displayed in the discoveries of astronomy,” by a member of the Association, and some excellent singing by Mr Brownlee’s tonic sol fa class, contributed to the evening’s entertainment, which the company evidently appreciated in a large degree. An Enthusiastic Volunteer.— The following account of enthusiasm hi the Volunteer business is given by the Ballarat Star: —“The other evening an ex-citizen soldier, who some time ago broke his leg in a mine and had his jaw put out of joint by the same accident, appeared upon the Volunteer parade ground. He was under the necessity of having three operations-performed upon his leg, and at last was forced to submit to amputation. Since he left the hospital he has managed in some way or other to ride about; but he was very unfortunate with his jaw. He went to the butts to practise with the rifle while it was in bandages, and by a “ kick ” had the setting deranged. The jaw he load to put into its place in a rough-and-ready manner since that time has been Cured. With his one whole leg and an artificial second, the poor cripple was on parade last evening; but he will of course be unable

to join again.” Princess Theatre. — “ A Snake in the Grass” was presented last evening for the first time. The audience was but indifferent. The drama, which appears to be an anglicised version of a French play, possesses hat little merit either in dialogue or plot. ]Yot one scene can be sai I to develops character, to pourtray passion, or excite interest. Some of the actors did their best to render this common-place piece as effective as possible. Mademoiselle Alice Dumont was admirably personated by Miss Carry George, who, out of very slender material, gave a charming pourtrayal of French characteristics.' Nor wefe Mr R. W. Lawrence apd Mr J. Musgrave Jess successful in investing with an interest their respective parts of Henry Yaudris and Colonel Dumont. Mr Metcalfe also gave us a spirited rendering of the part of George de Cerney ; and Mr Walter Hill, as Jerome, was happy in his representation of the faithful servant. Mademoiselle Sarah Blanji, Mrs Edouiu Bryer, did not seem at home in part. This lady, usually a njogt effective actress, foi* 9RC6 seemed out of her sphere, and failed to throw that Interest into her performance that is customary with her. This is to be the more regretted as it is the central figure in the piece, and if well represented would tend to re leem it from mediocrity. It will be repeated this evening, and as the performance will be under the patronage of the Mayor and City Council, we trust there will be a full house.

Mu Ross will address the electors of Roslyn district, at the Drill Shed, Kaikorai, this evening at 8 o’clock. The officers and members of the A.1.0.0.F., and sisters of the degree of Rebekah, are respectfully invited to attend at*Wain’s Old Masonic Hall, this evening, at 8 p.m,, for the purpose of seeing the Rebekah degree conferred.