LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 243, 1 February 1877, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mi..-k.t by the pai.i-graph tii the #'»•>>- that the opening ot the line wa* to !-•» celebrated by a puUie tr;m'hr"», I»«r>tU the pHtiedin di;*pat*-htd special reporters t<» give a detailed auii'-uut "i the banquet spi-eclies. The*e getittemert. however, were far from f-iti arriving in town to learn that there «M no demonstration whatever. The only incident which was to mark the arrival ec the firyt train through from Cliriatehnrch waa the tiring of a salute of seven guns by the Socket Brigade as the train became visible approaching the town. The first train, which left the atatjfM at 6.55 this

morning, took away a large number of persons intending to make the whole journey to the City of the Plains, as that was the only train which would make the complete journey. A very large number, however, bound for Timaru, left by the 10.45 a.m. train, and a3 they would arrive at their destination shortly after one, they would have three hours available for viewing the town. Ottr local railway manager has initiated a system at the station which must prove a convenience to the travelling public, and might be copied with advantage in Dunedin and elsewhere. This morning, for some time before each train starting, a neatly-painted board appeared on one of the carriages intimating which train it was—whether "Northern," "Moeraki," or " Breakwater." This course was deemed necessary, as it was sometimes found that persons got on board tlis train for the Breakwater when their destination was Maerewhenua. We have heard of persons getting into the Balclutha train at Dunedin when they wished to be conveyed to Port Chalmers, and only finding out their mistake when conveyed some distance in the wrong direction. By providing the simple remedy adopted by Mr. Smith such mistakes would be rendered impossible.

Barlow's Circus drew a large attendance last evening, and judging from the amount of applause which greeted each portion of the programme, those who patronised the entertainment found no reason to regret hiving done so. The riding of Master Roma was much admired, and the performances of a juvenile on the trapeze was deservedly applauded, while the acrobatic feats of Miss Scltna and her brother elicited general commendation. Perhaps the most amusing portion of the programme was the performances of a trained monkey on a representation of a tight rope, his monke\ship going through his lesson to the delglit of both oldsters and youngsters. In fact it would appear as if the colonial phrase " putting on side" was no stranger to him, for he copied Blondin to life in his feints at falling and recovering himself. Trie dogs Hector and Prince went through a variety of tricks which evinced a wonderful amount of sagacity, and gave some idea of the training which woidd be necessary to bring them to such perfection. Altogether the entertainment is a most enjoyable one, and well worthy of patronage.

We would remind our readers that the Chicago Minstrel* appear for the fust time to-night at ths Ma <nic Hall. The programme which will be submitted is an exceedingly good one, and has been prepared with pre at care. As it is a long time since Oamaru has br.cn visited by a professional troupe of minst. Is, and as the present company embraces the leading members of the I.ydia Howarde Opera Company, in addition to some of the newest talent from Australia, Something very much beyond the ordinary run of performances may be expected. We speak thus advisedly, as having been present at a rehearsal we are in a position to form an opinion on the subject.

We have to acknowledge the receipt from Mr. lli.-dop, Secretary to the Education Board, a list of brinks procured from Great Britain iw the use of public and school libraries. From the catalogue it would appear that there are close upon 4,000 volumes, of the aggregate value of £I,OOO.