MARTON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 37, 7 October 1871, Page 8

MARTON.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) CONCERT. The concert given by the Marton Harmonic Society in aid of the Building Fund of St. Stephen’s Church took place in the Town Hall on Thursday evening. The Hall has been much im proved lately by being extended at the back, thus giving a great deal more room on the stage for performers, It was prettily decorated with flags and banners, and at night when the lamps were lighted, and the large platform was filled with the fair members of the society in their bright dresses, it presented a very gay appearance. The Marton brass band, under the leadership of Lieutenant Heywood, gave their services, and performed a variety of pieces both before the concert commenced, and during the interval between the first and second parts of the programme. The profi cioncy to which this band has attained is so well known, and has so often been commented upon before, that it is needless to again refer to it. The doors were opened at half-past seven, and the large hall was soon crowded, not only with immediate neighbours, but with many friends from Turakina, Middle and Lower Rangitikei, and even Wanganui. There was a full attendance of the working men of the society, and the strict punctuality with which the arrangements were car ried out added to the pleasure of the evening, and reflected credit on the management. The first part of the programme consisted entirely of sacred pieces, some of them very difficult, especially for young beginners. Considering the short time the society has been formed, the distance some of the members have to come to practice, and the consequent difficulty of getting the whole of the voices together, it was got through very creditably, the “ Gloria” and “ Hallelujah Chorus” being especially worthy of notice. In the second part the glee ee Lightly Tread,” and the comic solo “ Susan, Pity my Confusion,” each received a well merited encore. The quartet, Where art thou, beam of light,” was excellently and pleasantly rendered; but many were of opinion that the quartet in the first part of the programme, “ Let thy Mercy, O Lord,” was the gem of the evening. This, with one exception, was given by the same voices, and would, no doubt, have been a still greater success, had not the gentleman who took the tenor part been suffering at the time from a slight indisposition. The solos required more practice, and little more of that confidence which can only be acquired by a frequent appearance before a public audience. It is to be hoped the people of Rangitikei will have many chances of noting the improvement which a re-appearance in public will make in those I have just mentioned. Altogether the evening was a very enjoyable one, and the iesults in a pecuniary sense most satisfactory, a suffi of about £2O (after all expenses have been paid) having been realised. The Rev. A. Toogood, in a very neat and appropriate speech, returned thanks to the society, not only for their efforts on behalf of the Church of England, but for the pleasure they had afforded those present. This was responded to by Mr Robert Ward, the conductor, and the meeting closed by the full company and the audience singing the National Anthem. The thanks, not only of the Building Committee, but of the settlers generally, are due to the society for the efforts they have made to please, and especially to those who have taken such a leading part in securing their efficiency. IMPROVEMENTS. Any person who passed through Marton about three years ago and has not since visited it, would no doubt feel slightly surprised at the different aspect the place presents at the present time. I'he number of carpenters and other artisans at work give it, at least, an appearance of prosperity, and the buildings going np show that the settlers are not letting the grass grow under their feet in their efforts to improve the township. The new Presbyterian Church is nearly complete, and in a short time will be opened for Divine Service. It is a plain but roomy and substantial building, and will seat a large congregation. In connection with this church I hear that a bazaar is to be held shortly to assist the

committee in raising funds, and that a large number of articles have arrived in the Halcione : presents from friends at home who have not forgotten the wants of their fellow Christians at the Antipodes. The English Church is also in course of erection, and when completed will be a very handsome structure. It is so built as to he capable of great extensions should such be necessary. The builders hope to place it in the hands of the committee shortly after Christmas. The site of this Church is on that of the redoubt were, a little more than two and a-half years ago, the settlers were at work at night and day putting in a proper state of defence, at the time Titokowaru was supposed to have crossed the Wanganui river at Kainaike ; and a division of Armed Constabulary was sent hastily from the front to occupy a post only nine miles from here. The redoubt has been completely demolished and a building for the worship of God erected theron. If this is not exactly turning the sword into a plough share, it is something very like it, and it is to be devoutly hoped that many other places of a similar kind in New Zealand, only a year or two ago held by colonial forces against the attacks of a cannibal enemy, may suffer the same process of demolition, and may be devoted to the same purpose as the Redoubt at Marton. Other buildings not exclusively used for sacred purposes are also beginning to spring up rapidly. In a very short time the people of this district will be able to have their portraits taken without the necessity of having to go to Wanganui, as Mr Henry Lyon has just put up a commodious photographic studio. He has also imported direct from England apparatus on the most approved principle, and has engaged the services of an experienced operator. Mr Lyon has been at considerable expense in his endeavors to supply a want, and it is to be hoped his efforts to please the public will meet with a proper return. ITEMS. It will no doubt be remembered that some six months ago, since the application for a renewal of the license to the Tutaenui Hotel was refused on the grounds of some alleged mismanagement by the then proprietor, the hotel has pissed into other hands, and at a sitting of the last bench of magistrates, some three months ago, it was decided to grant a license, which takes effect on the Ist of this month. The hotel has been raised about two feet higher, thoroughly renovated, and newly furnished throughout, so that passengers by Cobb’s coach, or other travellers, may now console themselves with the fact that, if so disposed, they need not pass through Marton without obtaining “ a glass of good beer.” If quality, cleanliness, and economy merit patronage I think the present proprietor may fairly look for his share. The Star Minstrel and Poly graphic Company gave an entertainment here on Saturday evening. In consequence of the previous Thursday’s concert, and a very short notice being given, the entertainment did not receive such patronage as the excellence of the performance merits. Mr T. Buckley, in the American prize jig dance, excelled all I have seen of that description, while the negro sketches of Messrs Buckley and Bent kept the audience in roars of laughter. N. La Feuillade is very clever with the violin, but the great treat of the evening was Mr Bromley’s impersonation of the old gentleman of fifty years ago. This has to be seen to appreciated, and as the members of the companv intend visiting the public there will have an opportunity of witnessing this really clever peformance.

GOVERNMENT INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES.

Mr M'Donogh, Sub-Commissioner to Government Insurance and Annuities Department, has been here for a few days explaining the principles and the benefits to be derived from the Government measure. He addressed a meeting of the ratepayers in the Town Hall, and the volunteers at a later period of the evening, at Howe’s Hotel. Considering this is his first visit, he has been very successful, having secured fortythree, policies representing an amount of about £14,300. I think this will be largely increased as soon as people begin to look a little more closely into the matter, especially if they should be again subjected to the persuasive eloquence of

the Sub-Commissioner. Mr M‘Donogh has certainly done his best for the Government scheme, and it is mainly due to his energetic canvassing that so many policies have already been obtained. MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS. A parade of volunteers took place here on Saturday, and a good number mustered. Most; of the companies are getting their new uniforms, and are looking quite fresh and smart. Some of them have taken the Government pattern of Nelson tweed, while others stick to their old colors of dark blue. The prettiest and neatest uniform I have seen for some time is that of the Marton Cadets. Tt consists of a fine blue cloth, with a very narrow double red stripe round the collar and cuffs, and a narrow bead down the trousers. I have no doubt the youngsters will be very proud when they first don it, and, from the steady attention they are paying to their drill, I fancy they will do fuli justice to it. While on this subject, I may ask can nothing be done for the poor neglected militiamen ? Instead of appearing on parade in a smart soldierlike dress like his brother volunteer he presents a motley appearance, and is armed with an agreeable diversity of weapons and accoutrements. In the Gazette the militia is described as the force of the colony, and its officers take precedence over all others, and yet the men are expected to act and drill as soldiers, clothed in the same dress as the one they have just been wearing at the plough, in the stable, or at any other of their usual avocations. Such being the ease, the force is very unpopular, and neither men nor officers will take any proper pride or interest in their companies until they have some uniform dress. If the Government wish to do away with the militia why do they not disband them, instead of forcing them to do unwilling duty.