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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4496, 18 August 1875, Page 2

There was a sitting of the Supreme Court banco yesterday. Mr. Travers made a motion for a taxation of costs in the case Bridge v. Foreman, but owing to some slight informality the motion was postponed. A rule nisi calling upon the plaintiff in the suit McKenzie v. Hall and another to show cause why he should not be nonsuited, or a new trial be granted, was argued at length. Mr. Travers showed cause ; holding first, that it was contrary to practice to grant nonsuits in such cases as this, where a decision had been given upon a question of fact; and argued that the evidence given at the trial was sufficient to sustain the verdict. Mr. Izard having considered the authorities quoted by Mr. Travers, abandoned the nonsuit points, and addressed himself to the question of a new trial being granted. His Honor reserved his decision. Every one will agree that the distinction conveyed in the following letter to Mr. Lemon, the efficient Superintendent of New Zealand telegraphs, has been well-earned: —"Hamilton, College, Clinton, Oneida, U.S.A., July 1, 1875. Dear sir, —I have the pleasure of announcing to you that the Board of Trustees of Hamilton College l;ave this day conferred upon you the honorary degree of doctor of philosophy. They have done this in recognition of your scientific attainments, which have been notified to them as well deserving this testimony. Will you allow me also to add, that they have done this all the more- cordially from their knowledge of your efficient aid and kindness to the director of our astronomical observatory, Dr. Ch. H. F. Peters, during his recent visit to New Zealand, as chief of the American party, to observe the transit of Venus.—l have, &c, SAMUEL G. Bkown, President of Hamilton College." Only a very moderate audience assembled last night at the Theatre Royal to witness the sensational drama " Leah the Forsaken." The piece passed off in a most satisfactory manner, each one acting his or her part in a way which showed careful study. Miss Colville and Mr. Douglas were called before the curtain twice during the evening. " Alixo " will be played this evening for the benefit of Miss Florence Colville. This will be the first representation in New Zealand of this intensely interesting play. The part of Alixo will be sustained by Miss Colville, and that of De Ciesaranna by Mr.; Hosldus. The cast will include Mrs. Walter Hill, Misses Flora Anstead, Lilly May, and Docy Mainwaring. An early application for tickets will be necessary.

An amateur dramatic entertainment, in aid of St. Mary's Convent Schools, was held at the Odd Fellows' Hall last night. The performances consisted of a drama, "The High Treasurer of Florence," and an amusing farce, "The Careful Servant," and were eminently" successful, the attendance being no less a matter for congratulation. The third anniversary of the Wesleyan Church, Adelaide-road, was commemorated by a tea and public meeting, which was held in the church yesterday evening. A large number of persons sat down to the tea table, which was plentifully supplied with good things. After tea the meeting was addressed by several gentlemen. The proceeds of the tickets sold, with contributions, amounted to £l7 155., but it was expected that some additional subscriptions would be received. The church was crowded, and the meeting passed off very agreeably. Some surprise having been expressed that our issue of yesterday did not contain an account of the Volunteer Artillery ball on the previous evening, we cheerfully tender an explanation. The solitary member of our staff who it is generally conceded is capable of representing us efficiently in the gay and fashionable world, was ordered to attend the ball on our behalf. He did so. The editorial corps retired to rest at two o'clock in the morning, and half-an-hour afterwards our fashionable man presented himself to the head of the mechanical department. His conduct was eccentric, as he divested himself of some of his clothes, and lay down to sleep with his head under the grate, having previously pulled off a patent leather boot and extinguished an imaginary candle with it. Before doing this, however, he handed in what he was pleased to call a " local" on the ball. The mechanical genius previously alluded to rejected the "local," in the exercise of what we are prepared to say was a wise discretion ; and we are certain that our readers will agree with us when we give them a portion of our fashionable man's effort—" The usual monthly parade of Odd Fellows at the Artillery Hall last night was a complete success. The room was most tastefully decorated with Armstrong guns, percussion caps, sword belts, and other regalia. The uniforms were gorgeous in the extreme. Captain De Boots wore a beautiful dress of diaphanous barege, which set off his manly and handsome figure to the very highest advantage. Hiss Spinks was the belle of the evening, and her costume of a red feather and a pair of epaulettes was the theme of universal admiration. The refreshments were provided by Mr. Gunter, which is tantamount to saying that they were of the best possible description, and ample justice was done by those present to the tinder, cartridges, fixed bayonets, and other delicacies provided."

Mr. James Smith requests us to call attention to his advertised large sale to-day at Mr. Jones's, Lambtonquay, of furniture, pianos, platedware, engravings, ironmongery, fancy goods, &c, and to state that the lathes will be put up at two o'clock. The sale will commence at eleven o'clock.