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Evening Star, Issue 3003, 3 October 1872, Page 2

Presentation. —On Tuesday evening the Pedichet Bay Sunday School presented Mr Grant, through the Rev. D. M. Stuart, with a very handsome family Bible, ■with the inscription: —“Presented to Mr Grant by the scholars of the Pelichet Bay branch of Knox Church Sabbath School, for his zealous superintendence and labors in connection with the school ”

Gaol Inquiry, — Mr Watt, R. M., attended at the Caol this day, at 10 o’clock, when, after hearing the .evidence of Mr Caldwell, Governor of the Gaol, Detective Farrell, Constable Bain, Sergeant Ferguson (Gaol), and Mr Martin, formerly an pfiEicer in the Mount Eden Stockade, Auckland, the prisoner Plummer was committed for trial at the ensuing at ssionn of the Supreme Court, for being illegally at largo on the 13th August. Mr B. C. Haggitt, Grown Prosecutor, appeared on behalf of the Crown. Investigating Society.— The usual meeting of this Society was held last evening, in the Lower Hail of the A then am m, when several members gave their experiences. One member related wh<jjt he saw of trance painting in Glasgow ; another described how he was converted from Transcendentalism to Spiritualism; a third related how he had been a Spiritualist all his life, without being aware of it; and a fourth gave a very curious account of interviews he had had wdth visitauts from the land of spirits. Then there was an account of the latest developments ’ n America, where the ghosts of the departed take on, not exactly flesh, but something like it, and not only greet their friends with nods of recognition, but converse with them. Murray’s Circus. —There was a large attendance at this place of amusement last evening. The entertainment was opened by the Jullieu Troupe; who went through their clever performances on the trapeze to the wonder, and sometimes terror, of the audience. In their peculiar line these artists are not to be surpassed. Miss Mary Murray deservedly received the warm plaudits of the spectators; and Mr Brahmc, as usual, exhibited his great skill and daring as an equestrian, As clown, Mr Murray evoked roars of laughter by his witticisms, which never degenerated into coarseness. The whole concluded with a ballet and .steeplechase, which sent the audience home in tl;e utmost good humor. 11 was announced that there would be a change of programme this evening. We would recommend those w-ho have not yet visited the Circus to do so, as it will well repay a visit. Princess Theatre, —It was no doubt partly owing to the variety of amusements provided last evening that Slpiksppare’a “Much Ado About Nothing” failed to attract the largo audience that faiily might have been ex'pccted to witness it. But we fancy there is another reason, based on human nature, that literati and stage managers are alow to recognise : Shakspeare’s plays, though charming in the study, represent things of the past in the language of the past, and it is not every one who has sufficient of the antiquarian spirit in his composition to relish the style of three hundred years ago when given in dramatic pictures. Mr Hoskins, as Benedick, played well, as he always does ; so did Miss Colville, as Beatrice. Miss Ansfcead, as Hero, exerted herself to please, and she never fails when she tries ; while Mr Douglass’s Don Pedro was excellently rendered. Miss Jennie Nye, as Balthazar, sustained her well-earned reputation for care and good taste, and gave the song “ 'J hy voice is near ” very charmingly. It is not very creditable to ua in Dunedin that the strongest company that has been on the boards for years does not meet better support ; we believe it is really because their pow’er is not known. To-night Bulwer’s beautiful,comedy the “ Lady of Lyons” will be played. It has often been represented in Dunedin when the cast was unequal. Tonight each character will be well sustained, and it is seldom, even at Home, that an opportunity is afforded of witnessing Avhat is likely to be so excellent a dramatic treat.

Concert. —The concert given last evening by the members of All Church Choir, assisted by “ several friends, was most enjoyable. There was ft baud, a good chorus, and several good soloists. We need not enter into minute criticism of the merits of th’= various pieces ; but there is one feature that deserves mention : one of the main of the concert was the singing of the choristers of All Saints’ Church, who have been trained by Mr'G. R. West, The precision, accuracy, and correct intonation with which they sang, elicited warm approbation*!ro:n those present It would be pleasant in th s instance to step out of the routine of noticing amateur efforts, for we could say much in praise of the ladies and gentlemen who gave their services. One point should not be lost sight of, however, the playing of the boy Parker on the violin, is something extraordinary for his age. It is really a pity that his talent should be committed to the training of self-effort, or to one of our fair but imperfect Dunedin violinists. He ought to have the best training, and he wouid become a star. Mr Towsey accompanied the vocalitts on the piano, and rendered excellent service with the band, who were more than usually efficient. The next concert of this description will attract a larger audience.

The Spring Show of the Royal Horticultural Society will take place on Saturday, the 26th instant.

The next monthly meeting for united prayer will take place in St. An drew’s Church (Rev. Mr Gow’s), to-morrow (Friday) evening, at 7.30.

An amateur performance by the performance by the members of the Sheridan Dramatic (dub will bo given in the hall of Lunatic Asylum on Friday evening next