YESTERDAY’S NEWS.

Evening Star, Issue 3082, 4 January 1873, Page 3

YESTERDAY’S NEWS.

Whether it is the poetically beautiful transformation scene in the pantomime, or the power of the actors to please, at the Princess Theatre, the result is the same—the house nightly continues to fill well. Last evening was no exception, the lower parts of the house being more than comfortably tilled, while in the dress circle there was a fair attendance. There will be no change in the performance this evening.

The induction of the Rev. Robert Loftus Stanford to the cure of All Sain's’Parish, North Dunedin, took place last evening at the parish church. Considering the occasion, the congregation was very small, not numbering sixty persons. The Rev. E G. Edwards read a portion of the evening service, and the Rev. Mr Penny road lessons specially appointed, Mr .Stanford meanwhile remaining out dde the communion rails. The Bight Rev, the Bishop of the Diocese delivered an eloquent address, pointing out the solemn relationship which ought to exist between the pastor of a congregation and its members, and also the kind of sympathy which ought to exist amongst them. His Lordship alluded to the past ministerial experience of Mr Stanford, remarking that he had been proved in his work, was experienced, energetic, and a zealous clergyman. With this assurance the parishioners would be prepared to receive him with respect, and learn to esteem him. 'I he usual declaration was read and subscribed to by Mr Stanford, when the Bishop presented his license, and pronounced Mr Stanford inducted. The remaining portion of the service was then read, special prayers being offered for the incoming curate.

Last evening the third concert for the season of the Dunedin Choral Society was given in the University Hall. His Excellency Sir George and Lady Bowen and suite were present, and the hall was crowded. The selections were “ 1 he Layof the Bell” by Lemberg, .-vnd sir Sterndale I ennett’s “May Queen.” Both operettas have been given by the Society before, and most probably were reproduced because, owing to the v. ry short time since the last concert, there has been no time to master a subject wholly new to the members. We need say nothing of the plot of cither of these compositions, as most musicians in Dunedin are well acquainted with both. Of the two, “ The Lay of Bell” contains the greatest variety of musical efLcts, and, in our opinion, the fullest harmonies. The solos are al o, perhaps, more difficult, on account of the frequent transitions of key in some of them. Throughout, the choruses wore splendidly given, and the most difficult, “How great the might of subtle tire,” with its complicated discords and harmonies, was the most carefully and artistically worked up The quartetts and concerted pieces were very effective. In the second part, the choruses were equally well rendered, and there was also tne additional charm of the part of the May Queen being well-sustained by the lady to whom it was allotted. Throughout, she sang with feeling and good taste, and she was well supported by the gentlemen who undertook the interpretation of the parts of the Lover and Robin Hood. In consequences of the absence of Mr A. Towsey, pianist to the Society, Mr Sykoa accompanied on the piano, and was well supported by the band, under Mr 1 ittle a leadership. The instrumental music was good throughout, and contributed much to the success of the concert. On the arrival of his Excellency and Lady Bowen, a verse from the National Anthem was sung, and the concert was brought to a close by singing three verses of it. We think perhaps a more varied programme in the second part would have been more generally pleasing than the production of two continuous themes on the same evening, but we do not know that we ever heard more general satisfaction expressed than last night, and Mr West, the conductor, must have felt that Lis exertions have been most successful, when be listened to the excellent style in which the choruses, semi-choruses, quartetts, trios, and duets were given.