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Evening Star, Issue 3390, 2 January 1874, Page 2

The disposing of two cases of drunkenness was' the only business transacted at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning. “Ali Baba” was repeated at the Princess’s last evening to a numerous audience, and was well received, the transformation scene working capitally. This evening and to-morrow will be the last exhibitions of the pantascope, and we would advise those who have not yet seen it, not to lose the opportunity of doing so. The circus was well attended last evening, but the performance went rather, flat, owing to the non-appearance of the Clown, who is indispensable in such entertainments. On Wednesday evening the employes and members of the firm of Gibbs and Clayton, timber merchants, held a friendly gathering at Mr Fidler’s, Auld Scotland Hotel, Stuart street, when a very pleasant evening was spent. There was a large attendance at the Queen’s Theatre last evening, when a very good programme was submitted. We would remind our readers that Mr Anderson’s benefit takes place this evening, in the presence of the Governor and other distinguished persons. A new Provincial Executive has been formed in Canterbury consequent upon the adverse vote on railway matters, Mr Montgomery, without office, is leader of the House, The remaining members are the Honorable George Buckly, without office; Messrs W. M. Marshall and T. W. Maude, The Provincial Solicitor is not yet appointed, but Messrs T, W. Joynt and W. Williams are named. The annual pic-nic of the Sunday School children attending the Congregational Church, Port Chalmers, was held yesterday. The children with their teachers were conveyed by rail to the grounds of Mr F. Smith, Arden Bay, where refreshments were provided, and whore they spent a pleasant day, amusing themselves with games at cricket, football, swings, &c., and returned by rail at 6 p.m. So large was the attendance at the Headquarters Drill-shed last evening, when the Kennedy Family gave another of their pleasing entertainments, that the accommodation provided proved insufficient—a large number of persons having to be satisfied with standing room. Mr Kennedy’s selections were especially well given, the Jacobite song, “Wnc’sme for Prince Charlie,” being loudly applauded. For the humorous song, “ The women arc a’ gane mad” an encore was loudly demanded, and “Alistcr M’Alister” substituted for it. In this Mr Kennedy gave imitations of the bagpipes, which were heartily laughed at. The younger members were all in good voice, the duet, “ All’s well,” and the song, “The Hundred Pipers,” being especially well rendered.

Before the close of the entertainment, Mr Kennedy announced that on Monday next they would perform at the Masonic Hall; and as that was New Year’s night, and he had been informed this was the most Scottish town in the Australian Colonies, he begged that all would join hands and sing “ Auld Lang Syne.” This was done, the place resounding with - the voices of all present who—numbering six or seven hundred persons—joined in the chorus. . An entire change of programme is announced for this evening. The committee of the Otago Benevolent Institution acknowledge, in .our advertising columns, the very handsome donation of L-10 from Messrs A. and T. Inglis. The p.s. Peninsula will run to Portobello with excursionists to-morrow, leaving Dunedin at 11 a.m. The Result will also leave Port Chalmers for Portobello after the arrival ot each train. The 4 Evangelist,’ in its new and extended form, has issued its first number, and contains a vast amount of religious information in a much more popular dress than when issued in a small magazine size. It is now published as a monthly newspaper, and bids fair to become popular with all Protestant sects. Although not agreeing with it on some of the social questions of the day, we are glad to see it in a form that promises to increase its usefulness at this special juncture of our educational history.

We have before us the first number of a new weakly pap±r, published under the title of 4 The Southern Mercury.’ It is not a mere reprint of another journal, hut contains a vast amount of new and original matter. As a literary paper, we have no hesitation in commending it, as one of the ablest in the Colonies. Mr Pyke has the initial chapter of a new story in it, in which we are to learn the adventures of George Washington Pratt, already introduced to us under such favorable auspices in 44 Wiki Will Enderby.” A cleverly written sketch, entitled 41 Collins street East,” follows, after which are several columns of general information, and one decidedly new feature under the head of 44 Home Interests.” This week’s subject is 44 Home training for girls,” which we commend both to them and their mothers. The editor explains his intentions and views in a short summary of them, to which we refer our readers, who will, we are sure, mainly coincide with them. Amongst other novelties are 44 Echoes from a Tub,” not in which Diogenes but Timon lives. They are notes on passing events, written in a genial spirit: even when they hit the hardest the growl is musical. The first number gives promise of amusement as well as instruction, and we have no doubt will secure extensive support.