The Evening Star TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1872.

Evening Star, Issue 3049, 26 November 1872, Page 2

The Evening Star TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1872.

Caledonian Societv.—At a special meeting of the .Society last evening, Mr D. Baxter was elected vice-presi lent in the room of Mr Kirkcaldy, resigned.

Masonic Hall.—An agreeable programme was presented last evening, to a numerous audience. Mr Rickards was, os usual, extremely happy in his impersonations, “ I don’t believe they do,” “ Useful knowledge,” and “The girl what I calls mine,” He also introduced two new songs, “(Jarrotty hair,” and “The mad butcher,” both of which were very amusing. 'lhe entertainments comique by Miss Carrie Rickards and Mr Rickards were very enjoyable, and provoked roars of laughter. Mr Hal lam rendered his songs in faultless style, and received the unanimous plaudits of the audience. Mr Rickards announced that 'Thursday evtning had been set apart for the bencht of Miss Carrie Pickards and himself, when a monster programme would lie presented. As that occasion will be the lii't appearance in Dunedin of this company, we have little doubt the Masonic Hall will be crowded.

Princess Theatre. —It is not the fault of the management that there are not better houses at the Brincess, for the plays selected are as carefully put on the stage and as well played as the resources of the establishment will permit, and as creditably as we have seen them performed for some time. The repetition of Goldsmith’s live-act comedy, ‘ She Stoops to Compiler” should have drawn a full house, yet the attendance was less than would possibly have witnessed the representation of some of those melodramas which belong to what is known as the “blood and thunder” school.-To-night, “A Curious Case” will be played; and to-morrow evening Mrs Walter Hill appears with her husband at this theatre. The lady comes here wdth a high reputation as an actress, and should make a valuable addition to the company.

Pi AN OS. —We have had opportunity of examining and testing the pianos manufactured by Brinsmead and !Son, some of which have been imported by Mr Lewis Solomon, George street. They are peculiar on account of the simplicity and power of the improved action, through which a very rapid repeat of each note can be effected, and iu skilful hands an effect very nearly equal to a close shake can be obtained. The principle of action is shewn by a model of a key attached to the hammers, illustrating the arrangement of the different parts. A very slight glance is sufficient to announce that great power is combined with rapidity of stroke, and that there is so little complication in the details that in case of accident r. pairs could be easily effected. There arc other improvements in the instruments tending to g.ve uncommon strength to them, so that very heavy strings can be attached to them, ihe consequence is, that full aud powerful tone is secured by comparatively short strings as measured with grand pianos of the usual form. We look upon tho improvements effected by Messrs Brinsmead and Son as a great step towards perfecting the piano. Each instrument we have examined is of exquisite workmanship, and tastefully and elegantly finished.

Aquatic.—An adjourned meeting of the laterproyincial Begatta Committee was held at the Pm? Hotel last evening. There was a marked improvement in the attendance. Major Atkinson occupied fhe chair, fn the course of the discussion that t„nk place, Mr Begg said that it was his opinion that they had not the sympathy of the public in this affair. There were nineteen names on the original committee, and yet only (II tickets had been sold for the entertainment, which resulted in a loss of L 3 6s •2d. The present state of things was simply disgraceful. T he men had been going to do something for the last six weeks, but still were as badly off as when they started. Some might think Otago would not win the race if represented, but it was almost certain they would make a good show, and if they did, in all probability the regatta would be held here next year, Mr Mair had been appointed trainer, but he bud never shown up at a meeting or practice ; in fact he had done nothing, though he promised to, and appointed men to meet and start the thing systematically. Mr Copeland asked whar. would be thp cost of a crew to represent the Province If they should succeed in getting one, he would guarantee the sympathy of the public. Mr Atkins said the five passages would cost L3(J, the expenses of the men for a fortnight would be L3O, and the building of a boat say LSU making a total of LUO. He said he would be willing to go in for a month’s training with four others ; then it he saw no chance of the public subscribing, he would give the tiling up. As there was no rowing club, what was to be dope with the Ll5O if they won it, as if they kept it they would be called professionals. Mr Copeland thought if the Otago crew won they should have the money, Mr Atkins objected to that view, and said Lyttelton had gold medals on the occasion of their winning last year, given by the Club out of the prize, but they had no club here. Mr Begg suggested the committee should give each one who took part in the race, in the event of their winning, a silver cup. The following resolutions were carried ; “ 'I hat Mr Mair’s services as trainer be dispensed with, with thanks “that a paper bo drawn up and signed by those who are willing to train for one month from date, consisting of Messrs Begg, Atkins, Fuller, H. F. Green, W, 13, Long, and Comric, with

power to add;” ‘-that the gentlemen who are going to train for one month, be allowed expenses for boat hire, &c., not to exceed L 5 “ that this committee receives the un dertaking as above, and appoints a meeting of ‘he gentlemen who have signed it to take place at the Tier Motel, at 5 p.m. on Wed i.esdav, the '27 th inst , for the purpose of electing a captain, such captain to report to the committee meeting to be held on or abouo this day month.” Mr H. o. hbh, jun,» was elected a member of committee. The meeting then adjourned for a month.

The annual mooting ol the Chain her of Commerce will be held in the City Council Chare her, on Thursday next, at d p.m.

We aro glad to learn that the appeal to the charitable, on behalf of the widow and children of the late Mr Anthony White, has been well responded to in Dunedin. The subscription list is now closed, and amounts the good round sum of 1.34, of which sum the Dunedin Garrick Club gave LIU. Miss Colville, Mr Ho.-kins, and Mr luglis were, we believe, only a few da\ s engaged in collecting. _____________