YESTERDAY’S NEWS.

Evening Star, Issue 3104, 30 January 1873, Page 3

YESTERDAY’S NEWS.

At last night’s meeting of the City Council a letter was read from the manager of the Union Bank, intimating that, in accordance with a promise made in September last, the rate of interest on the Corporation overdraft had been reduced to six per cent. The letter was referred to the Finance Committtee, with instructions to convey to Mr Sutherland the Council’s appreciation of the Bank’s liberality in reducing, unasked, the rate of interest charged to the Corporation.

It is no wonder that the City Council meetings are well attended, for the proceedings, if not edifying, are, through the vagaries of Cr. Barnes, tendered amusing, and are oc, cchionally relieved by a “'800116]” Last night he was repeatedly called to order, and w-s once threatened with sundry penalties for characterising a speech by the Mayor as containing fal&hoods, an expression which he declined to withdraw. The Council should take means to lire vent a repetition of such conduct, which is calculated to briug their body into contempt. Madame Cora de Lamond’s wonders attracted another crowded house at the Masonic Hall last evening. She introduced several new tricks, which were loudly applauded. Noticeable among these were the “ French cookery trick ” and. the transposition of liquor from one vessel to another, apparently by touch of her wand. The aerial scene, in which Mademoiselle Christina was placed iu graceful and extraordinary attitudes, w?,a

again repeated, with wonderful effect; while the tricks of legerdemain were executed with such ease, grace, and rapidity, that illusion was maintained throughout. Numerous useful and ornamental gifts were distributed at the close uf the performance. The Interprovincial Pleven met yesterday afternoon in the pavilion, and unanimously elected Mr Allen as their captain. The utmost cordiality and good feeling prevails among the men. They are all in capital spiri : s, and intend to do their best to win. It will perhaps be remembered that last year the following eleven represented Otago, and wore beaten on their own ground in one innings and ten wickets to go down: ~ Turton (Captain), Collinson, Reade, Kettle, Fulton (J. C.), Downes, Macdonnell, Fulton (F.), Church, Allen, and Macfurlan. The team chosen this year may be a weak one, but we doubt whether it can well meet with a worse defeat that that chronicled last year. We wish them every success.

According to announcement, the last performance of “Formosa,” for the season, took place yesterday evening at the Princess Theatre. The best comment we can give on the merits of the piece is that the house was fairly attended. It proves incontestably that that which is the most thoroughly understood is the most patronised—a hint that should not be lost upon the management, a change will be made this evening, when Shakespeare’s “ Comedy of Errors ” will he produced. We need not say a word in favor of this favorite comedy. Its plot, its amusing and perplexing incidents, which, however, are so managed that no difficulty can be experienced in following the thread of the design, it as a master-piece of dramatic art. We that great pains have been taken that it shall be properly put oh the stage, and special scenery and the costumes of the period have been provided ; so that the “ Comedy of Errors,” in addition to being an amusing play, is valuable as being illustrative of a special phase m the world’s history. Last evening, “ La Traviata” was again played at the Queen’s Theatre, the cast being the same as before. Were we minutely to criticise the performance, we could only repeat what we have before said. Signora Boaisio, as Violetta, not only acted superbly, but sans with greater effect than the last time “Traviata” was given, although then we thought she could hardly be excelled. Signor Hosnati was in good voice, as in fact were all who sustained the various characters in the Opera.—This evening, Bellini’s “Nonna” will be given. Apart from the well-known favorite music incidental to the opera, which of itself will form an inducement to attend, the performance is for the benefit of the Benevolent Institution. It is a graceful return on the part of Signor (’agli for the recognition of the talent that be has introduced to the inhabitants of Dunedin ; and while we f_ el confident that the double inducement of excellent music, and the support of a deserving institution will ensure a full house, we are equally confident that this liberality on the part of Signor Cagli will be felt and reciprocated.