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New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 703, 8 January 1853, Page 2

Concert. —Our advertising columns contain {be programme of a Concert of Vocal Music to he given in the Odd Fellows Hall, on Monday evening next, by Mr. Swain. As this gentleman has only lately arrived in Ibis colony wo are unable to speak from personal knowledge of his professional abilities, but we subjoin a notice of his performance taken from the Hobart Town Courier, merely premising that the reports of persons who have heard him sing in private here, fully bear out the favourable opinion which it expresses. It will be seen that several of the pieces referred to in this critique arc to be introduced in the Entertainment on Monday. Musical Enteutainmen —A musical eLtmUiumeui was given on Tuesday evening la.-t, by Mr- Swain, a new arrival in Hobart Town, and a musician of first-rate ability. The programme comprised some of the finest descriptive songs in the English language ; among which were the “ Newfoundland Dog,” the ” Robb r,” and tbe “ Maniac.” In the execution of these gems, Mi Swain sustained a power over tbe various emotions of bis bearers which announced the true master. The aria “ Do not mingle,” from La Sonnambula, was chastely sung,. Rossini’s “ O Patria dolce ingrata Faria,” De Begins’ “ J’ai de {’argent,” and a Spanish song, were given in an effective style. Several of Parry’s comic songs, such as “ Wanted a Governess,” “ Wanted a Wife,” ” Mamma, why don’t the Men propose 1" were exceedingly well received. A pretty pleasing polka was introduced of his own composition. Jt was a matter of regret to observe that, instead of reaping an ovation, the musician was fronted by empty benches. Those who like to hear only that which has been tested and found good, can, without the slightest hesitation, attend any future entertainment he may give. Mr. Swain has enjoyed not only the support of the authorities in North and South America, but has been patronised by Lord Harris, Governor of tbe Bahamas, and the present Governor of Ceylon. Mr. Swain’s voice is a powerful barytone, but in singing tenor songs he uses a falsetto of extraordinary compass. His sole accompaniment was the pianoforte, and it would seem from his proficiency, that nest to singing, he has made chit elgant instrument an exclusive study. Inquest.— An Inquest was held on Thursday at Mr. Levy's “Russell Wine Vaults,” Shortland Street, before Dr. Davies, Coroner, on the body of Alexander Walker, a pensioner of (he Onehunga Division, who died almost suddenly in Hie Market House on Ihc preceding evening. It appeared that the deceased had been for years addicted to habits of intoxication, that he had been drunk at the race-course for two days, and that he was seen drunk in the street shortly before his death. After hearing the evidence, including that ol Dr. Dalliston, the jury returned a verdict, —“ Died of Venous, apoplexy, while in a slate of intoxication.” Auckland Land Association. —Last night a meeting of the Committee (attended by a number of the Shareholders) was held in the Hall of the Mechanics’ Institute for the purpose of distributing the amount in the hands of the Treasurer for the purposes of the Association. Ihe drawing having been conducted in the usual manner, the following were declared the successful members:—Maria Frost Strange, 3 shares; Thomas Somerville, 1 share; Wellesley Hughes, 4 shares. A short abstract of the stale of Ihe Association s affairs was read. There are 73 members, holding 157 shares. The Subscriptions and Entrance Fees up to Ist last, amounted to 219/, 165., of which 188/. Bs. has been paid, leaving 31/. Bs, due from members. The President having briefly planted out the importance and necessity of an immediate paying up of these arrears, (he proceediags terminated.