MELBOURNE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 311, 18 December 1862, Page 6

MELBOURNE.

(from our own correspondent.)

10th December.

The rapidity with which one steam ship follows another is the best evidence that could be had of the effect produced by the intelligence from New Zealand, and should later news confirm that which has already been received, Victoria will suffer a large diminution of her population. Owing to the departure of nearly all the steamers at about the gome time, there will be some time elapse most likely before another boat can be despatched. It is almost a pity that the Omw is not delayed for a few hours, as the mail is now hourly expected, and it will be contrary to her usual punctuality it she be not telegraphed before night. A3 she will put us in possession of the true state of American affairs—the news via California coming from a very unreliable source —her arrival is anxiously looked forward to.

Parliament met again last evening, and among the matters brought under its notice was a Bill for the Amendment of the Customs Laws, which was read a first time. In answer to a question, the Chief Secretary stated that the House would adjourn about Thursday week for the Christmas Holidays; the time for resumption of business wa3 not definitely mentioned, but it probably will not be till the middle of January, or even later. Mr Ireland informed the House that in the case of Dill (printer of the Argus) versus Murphy, judgment had been given on all points, in favor of th^ defendant, and therefore that the imprisonment of Mr Dill was warrantable under the circumstances. As this case has had considerable notoriety, it is unnecessary to recapitulate the particulars. I might however explain that this action was brought against the Speaker, by MiDill for false imprisonment in the Parliamentary coal-hole, for the alleged libel in the Argus. The copper token question was revived,' but no decision has yet been come to. The remainder of the evening was occupied by the Estimates, some items of which were not passed till aiter considerable discussion.

Last evening the Philharmonic Society gave Herr Moiique's oratorio of Abraham to a fashionable rather than a numerous audience—the galleries being almost tenantless. The newspapers speak very favorably of the merits of the piece and its execution, but with all due deference to the gentlemen who furnished those reports, Ibeg to differ from them inmany particulars. With the sole exception of Mr Farquarson, the solo performers laid themselves open to grave criticism in several places. The choruses too were two or three times very unsteady, and it needed tho almost frantic efforts of Mr C. E. Horsley, the conductor, to teep them on some kind of time and tune. As regards also the number of the performers, advertised as 200- if 200 were there, why I never before saw 200 persons in so small a space. The Oratorio appeared to me not to have had sufficient labor expended upon it ; but, being the first time of its execution, there is perhaps some excuse for its not being rendered so well as could have been wished. As I said before, I doubt whether, as a whole, it will ever be a favdrite with the Melbourne public, though some ofits morceaux may, particularly the chorale " Commit thy way."

Complett! particulars have just been received of the Portland review, and never since Portland has had a local habitation and a name, has it had such an interesting meeting as that of the Western District Volunteers. The Victoria hove in sight of the town at noon on Thursday, and shortly afterwards proceeded to bombard the town, and coves the disembarkation of the volunteers to whose hands the land attack had been committed. After an awful waste of gunpowder, the landing was safely effected, and the assailants driving their enemies before them at length reached the town, which, after a sturdy resistance, surrendered. The besiegers and the besieged—with that happy anomaly which characterises sham fights- then fraternised, and marched to the North Bluff, where they were reviewed by Colonel Anderson. The next day the different companies were again more minutely inspected by Colonel Anderson, and complimented on their appearance and general efficiency. A grand ball at night concluded the festivities. It will take the town of Portland some time to recover its usual quietude after these storming events.