NEWS OF THE DAY

Globe, Volume II, Issue 141, 14 November 1874, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY

Canterbury Derby, 1876.—The entries for the above race will have to be lodged with the secretary of the C. J, C. to night, before eight o’clock. Dr Carr. —The gentleman gave a very successful seance last evening in Speusley’s Hall to a crowded audience. The various manifestations in mesmerism, phrenology, &c, were well received and applauded. Tonight is advertised as the last performance.

Sporting. —The Cromwell Jockey Club (says the Dunstan Times), have put forth their programme, offering the handsome sum of £350 to be competed for. We have not yet heard from the Dunstan Jockey Club, though if we mistake not their customary time of meeting to decide on the date of general meeting is passed. As the question is going from mouth to mouth, if there is to be a summer meeting, we hope the club will soon decide.

St. Alban’s District Library.— Tins library will be opened on Monday next, at 7 phn when the chair will be taken by His Honor the Superintendent, who will deliver the opening address. Addresses on “ The value of the study of natural science,” “ Libraries,” and “ Mind-culture,” will be given by Professor Bickerton, and the Levs, A. R. Fitchell and F. Knowles, and during the evening pieces of music will be rendered at intervals.

Fiji. —Writing on the subject of the cession of Fiji, the Melbourne Age says “ The tariff adopted is that of New South Wales, as might be expected would be the case from the fact of Sir Hercules Robinson having the power to decide as to what Customs duties would be levied. As long as no differential duty is placed upon imports from the various colonies, there is not much cause of complaint. It is very unlikely that such duties will be imposed, as Bhjiis not a colony that, under the provisions of the Act passed by the Imperial Government in 1873, empowering certain colenies to make specific arrangements respecting the duties between themselves to be imposed upon their respective productions, can enter into a treaty of reciprocity.” Fire King. —The first performance of the Fire King in Melbourne (says the Age of October 27th) was given in the Friendly Societies’ Gardens yesterday afternoon, in order to allow the public an opportunity of judging of the merits of an apparatus invented by himself, which will enable any one who wears it to withstand fire, and thus, with ease, save life and property. A very limited att ndance was present, owing, no doubt, to the unsettled state of the weather. An iron framework, with bars some distance apart, was erected in the centre of the ground, in the shape of an arch, and some shavings were placed inside it, and the frame was built up outside with firewood. Shortly after five o’clock the materials were set on fire, and the Fire King made his appearance on the ground, clad in a dress similar to that worn by a diver. He then entered the arch, and performed several evolutions, frying some chops in a pan, and standing still in the fire while it was raging fiercely for about two minutes and a half. The apparatus is composed of a leather foundation; sponge is then laid over that, and the whole is then dipped in a chemical solution. The appliance can be got ready for action at a very few minutes’ notice, and will stand any fire for four hours. The Fire King has tried the experiment in France, and met with great success. After staying for a short time in Victoria, he purposes visiting the adjacent colonies, with a view of exhibiting his invention, and prevailing upon the Governments to purchase it. A single suit will cost £lO. The invention promises to become a great benefit to firemen and others. Superintendent Hoad, of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, was present during the test, and expressed himself highly pleased with the result,

Music Hall.—Mr W. A. Chapman and Miss Ida Bonnifon gave an entertainment last evening in the Music Hall, assisted by Mr R. Beda. The magical portion of the performance was cleverly managed by Mr Chapman, while the feats executed by Mr Beda on the trapeze, &c, would have done credit to any gjmnast, however clever. He was loudly applauded for many of his feats. A ball, which was largely attended, took place after the performance, when Mr Poore's band kept the dancers busily employed until an early hour. The performance will be repeated this evening.

Miss Carandini’s Concert.— The last of what has been a most successful and thoroughly enjoyable series of concerts was given last evening, at the Oddfellows’ Hall, to a numerous and appreciative audience. The programme included some excellentlyrendered quartettes, duets, and trios, which were very nicely sung. Miss Rosina sang V. Wallace’s beautiful romance from “ Maritana, “ ’Tis the harp in the air,” with finish and artistic taste, and in the grand duet from “ Lucia” also exhibited the great compass and quality of her voice. The trio “ Thro’ the world,” from the "Bohemian Girl,” closed the first part, and was well sung. The other items on the programme were all excellently given. In the second part, Miss Rosina sang that most pathetic of ballads “ Kate o’Bhane,” with such pathos and expression as to draw forth unqualified marks of approval from the audience. Miss L. Taylor’s concertina solos were much admired, being given in a manner which could not fail to elicit admiration. The other items of a well selected programme were all given very successfully. We hope that Miss Rosina Carandini will, ere long, give us another such a high musical treat as we have had during the past week, and we think we can promise that the music loving portion of the people of Christchurch will come forward and patronise thorn. The only regret connected with the concert now concluded, is that the series was by far too short.

The Opera. —Offenbach’s folk musicale “Genevieve de Brabant” was produced last evening to an overflowing hous'’, and from its light sparkling music and gay dresses admirably suited the holiday makers, who mustered in large numbers on the occasion. Miss Alice May looked charming as Drogan, and sang the music excellently throughout the opera. In the balcony duet, and the sleep song especially, she was excellent, and it is matter for wonder that the audience did not respond more heartily than they did. Miss May gave several local allusions to current topics with spirit and fluency, and they all told. Miss Lambert made a very good Genevieve, though she has lit.le to sing, and Miss Howe contrived to make the most of the small part of Brigitte. Mr Hallam was the Cocorico of the opera, and sang the music, especially “ The Sorrow song” well. The part of Golo was entrusted to Mr Newton, who made it one of the features of the piece, being appropriately melo-dramatic. This gentleman deserves great credit for his rendering of the part. Messrs Templeton and Vernon were most amusing as the gens’ d’armes, jjhe scene in which they mutually agree to kill each other provoking roars of laughter. They were also very successful in the duct “We run 'em in.” Mr Lcvison as the Burgomaster, Mr Lester as Charles Martel, and Mr Wilkinson as Philibert, deserve notice. The choruses throughout were well rendered, and the station scene with the train moving off and the clever marching of the army received a full meed of recognition, To-night “ Maritana ” will be given.