PROPOSED MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

Patea Mail, 15 September 1882, Page 3

PROPOSED MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

The Argus says The musical public of Victoria will learn with great satisfaction that a movement is now on foot to bring about the realisation of a long cherished idea, namely, the establishment of the “ musical festival ” in Melbourne on something of the same footing—or with as near an approach thereto as our means will allow—as those great periodical musical events which take place in the old country, and are known as the “ Birmingham,” “Leeds,” “Worcester,” “Norwich,” “ Three Choirs,” or other name of musical festival held in the highest remembrance by the reader. The subject has been broached to us by Mr Julius Herz, the energetic conductor of the Metropolitan Liedertafel, countenanced by eonie of the leading members of the governing body of that well organised and highly .successful institution. The way in which the matter has been placed before us bears upon the face of it the promise of a successful result. Already Mr Herz has secured the names of 56 gentlemen as underwriters of £25 each to commence with a guarantee fund of £I4OO, which it is proposed to increase to £2500, His Excellency the Governor has already expressed his sympathy with and approval of the movement.

Lemons grow abundantly in old native clearings up Wanganui river, and the natives let them rot. Lemons are dear and scarce in Patea. A trade might be done. Rumors have been current that the Ministry will be reconstructed during the recess, Major Atkinson becoming Premier, and the Hon. Mr Whitaker retiring. The rumor probably springs from general expectation, which may or may not be verified. It is understood that the Harmonic Society will put into rehearsal the lively opera of “ Pinafore,” as soon as the music can be obtained. Characters have been already cast, in an experimental sort of way ; and there is rather keen gossip among musical people as to whether the leading characters will be equal to the music and the stage business. A complete rout of the Egyptian forces, with a loss of 2,000 killed and wounded, is reported by cable. This victory will probably end the war. The British people are so averse from a policy of conquest, that it may be no easy matter to restore the Khedive without some security against anarchy. To secure the canal, it seems to be necessary to establish a British protectorate over Egypt. A foolish attempt at a trade strike occurred on Wednesday in Mr J. Anderson’s workshop at Wanganui. The men refused to work if a stranger were appointed foreman. They struck and went to dinner. Then they were locked out. Explanations followed, and the men having expressed regret for their folly, the affair was at an end. According to the Timaru Herald , a business man in Timaru recently advertised for a “sleeping partner” in a profitable concern without giving any fuller particulars. In due course he received sundry more or less satisfactory offers, and among them the following : “Dear Sir, —In answer to your advertisement inquiring for a sleeping partner in a good paying business, I have a mate who is open to tackle the job. He would bring his own blankets, and if a comfortable bunk is provided, I will back him to slumber sweetly on until the profits of the concern are sufficient to allow him to wake up and retire. Yours, &c., Bill Stumps.” Only Bill Stumps is not really the name attached to the letter. We believe Bill’s mate is looking for him with an axe-handle, and Bill says he never knew him so wide awake before.