Untitled

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4769, 5 July 1876, Page 2

Mr. George McLean yesterday accepted a portfolio in the Ministry as Commissioner of Customs. The Regulation of Local Elections Bill contains nearly 60 clauses. It is proposed that m cases of disputed elections, the Resident Magistrate for the district in which such eleotion takes place shall hold an inquiry. The Wellington Deputy-Superintendent Bill has been assented to by the Governor. Mr. Bunny was yesterday appointed Deputy-Super-intendent, and Mr. 'Robert Pharazyn Provincial Treasurer, in place of Mr. Bunny. A very serious accident occurred at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, at the harbor reclamation works. A carpenter named Morris was riding on an empty truck, which suddenly struck against another truck, and owing to the force of the concussion, he was thrown off. In falling, his foot was caught between the trucks, and was broken. He was immediately removed to the hospital, where, on examination, it was found necessary that his leg should be' amputated. Morris is a married man. The Simonsen Opera Troupe appeared for the last timeyesterdayeveningat the Theatre Royal. There wa3 a good attendance, as might have been anticipated, for we have never before had a company in Wellington who in every respect could claim greater consideration from an admiring public than this company. The programme commenced with a concert, during which Mr. Simonsen performed two of his excellent violin solos, which were greeted as usual with hearty demonstrations of approval. After this followed three operatic acts—one from " Martha," one from " Norma," and one from "Maritana." It should be needless to say that the performance of each of the members of the company in_ these (liferent pieces was received with general and hearty applause. The company depart for Napier to-day at ten o'clock in the Ladybird, and with them Mr. Keith, the energetic agent of the company, to whose exertions is due not a little of the success which has attended the company during their stay in Wellington. The Opera Company expect to return to Wellington Jin about three weeks, and will in all probability play a short season here before going to Nelson, whence they proceed to Auckland. The musical' and literary entertainment given in the Dixon-street schoolroom • yesterday evening may be looked upon as a. decided Buccess. The first part, consisting of sacred anthems and solos, passed off well. The songs " He Wipes the Tear from Every Eye," and "Ruth and Naomi," were encored. The solo " Honor and Arms," from " Samson," was well rendered by accompanist arid singer. During the interval Mr. Frost gave some amusing remarks and practical

illustrations of phrenology. In the ■ second part the glees "Hark, tne Lark," and from Oberon in " Fairy Land," were received with enthusiastic applause. The remaining;part of the programme, consisting of 'songs,; duets, readings, and recitations, also elicited much applause. The room was filled with an interested and appreciative audience, and , the entertainment was decidedly the best ever given in that schoolroom. • The lovers of variety entertainments are offered an opportunity of witnessing the performances of the Hibernicon Company again for a short season. The- company will make their appearance iu the Odd Fellows Hall this evening. The dramatic company engaged by Mr. Bates to play a season iu Wellington, will open the Theatre Koyal this evening, when the historical drama " Elizabeth" will be produced. Some time having elapsed since we have been favored with the performances of a dramatic company, there will doubtless be a good house to-night. A decidedly successful entertainment was held in the Primitive Methodist schoolroom, Sydney-street, last evening, The room was well filled, and a. very pleasant evening spent. The opening piece in the programme —a pianoforte duet—was excellently rendered. The well-known chorus, " Watch on the JRhine," followed, and was given with spirit, and the duet which came next narrowly escaped an encore. Our space, however, forbids us noticing in detail all the songs, choruses, &c, comprised in- the programme, but the "Charge of the Light Brigade," " She wore a Wreath of Roses," and the duet, "The Flower Gatherers," as also a comic song by a gentleman, are deserving of special mention. The pianoforte selections highly delighted the audience, and one of them was loudly encored. Several readings and recitations were given during the evening in a manner which did the performers great credit. The Bay of Plenty Times says Mr. Vesey Stewart is coming forward as a candidate for the representation of the second Thames seat.