NEW ZEALAND SPECTATOR AND Cook's Strait Guardian. Saturday, Ocotober 1, 1853.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 852, 1 October 1853, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND SPECTATOR AND Cook's Strait Guardian . Saturday, Ocotober 1, 1853.

By the Robert Sj/er% the European intelligence received yesterday is. of a threatening and warlike character. The interference of Russia in the affairs of Turkey had called for the decided interposition of England and France, and a powerful English fleet, under Vice-Admiral Dundas, of seventeen vessels of war, (six of the first class,) and a French squadron under Vice-Admiral La Susse, of twelve men-of-war, (eight of the first class,) had anchored in the Bay of Bisika, ready in case of necessity to act on the offensive. These demonstrations had had the effect of abating the pretensions of Russia, and it was supposed that the dispute would be settled by the mediation of Austria. Very full extracts oi the most important items of news will be found in our present issue.

The lecture, as it was advertised to be, delivered by Mr. Pickett on Part Singing at the Athenseum on Thursday, took many people by surprise. Instead of a lecture only, it was a concert as creditable to the artists as it was interesting and entertaining to the visitors ■who crowded the room. Mr. Pickett introduced his subject in very appropriate language, evincing a considerable acquaintance with the principles of vocal musio, and much taste in the selection of the pieces which he produced as examples of various styles in the art. In particular, some of the ancient madiigals which have made English part singing celebrated in Europe, were admirably sung, and reminded us, after the lapse of long years, of the 'giories of the Madrigal Club and other societies devoted to the cultivation of choral harmony at home. Apart from the proficiency shown by Mr. Pickett and the gentlemen who kindly aided him in the concert, and which led to very cordial applause at the termination of each piece, the performance was interesting as having excited the attention of a large audience to the advantages of cultivating musical -art, and practically exhibited the desirability of establishing a vocal class in connexion with the Athenaeum. From the many wishes we have heard expressed -since the, lecture for a repetition .of the vocal performance, we can hardly doubt that similar entertainments might be frequently given with the same success as attended this one, and add largely to the attractiveness and usefulness of the Athenaeum, while the promotion of musical taste and' knowledge in the community is an object that we imagine none could regard with indifference, when they remember the host of noble songs which English talent has produced, and the inexhaustible beauties of German and Italian composition. While every praise is 'to be awarded to Mr. Pickett for the clear exposition he gave of his subject, we ought not to omit to record public acknowledgment to the other gentlemen amateurs for their kind co-opera-tion. The thanks of a crowded audience were appropriately conveyed by Mr. Eaymond to these gentlemen amid loud cheers from all parts of the room. We hope that in compli-

ance with the desire \ery generally expressed, Mr. Pickett may be induced to repeat the lecture, — Placet, decics repetita placebit.

- -OThe Nelson Examiner of September Slth states that the Land Commissioner has issued a notice to the effect, that the newly acquired districts of the Pelorus and Kaituna are to be surveyed, and all necessary reserves made before applications for the purchase of any of the land wi'l be received. The demand for stock of all kinds has induced some parties at Nelson to charter the Admiral Grertfell to proceed to New South Wales for a cargo of horses and cattle ; the horses Mill be suited chiefly for draft purposes. A dinner had been given by the electors of Waimea East to Dr. Monro and Mr. Cautley the members for the Representative Assembly, and Messrs Otterson and Barnicoat members for the Provincial Council. It may be worth a passing remark in reference to the elections, to note that, including Mr. Clifford Captain Fitzroy's nominee, six nominees had been elected as representatives ; that all those who were nominees of Sir George Grey, who have been proposed as candidates in any district have either been returned unanimously, or wherever there has been a contest they have occupied a high position on the poll; two, Mr.Ludlam at the Hutt, and Dr. Monro at Nelson, have been returned to the General Assembly, and the Provincial Council in their respective Pro\ inces.