MUNICIPAL PROGRESS IN AUCKLAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2329, 3 September 1880, Page 3

MUNICIPAL PROGRESS IN AUCKLAND.

[from our own correspondent.]

Auckland is advancing rapidly to the dignified position of a modern city. She possesses a free public library which is to be opened with eclat upon the return of the local representatives from Wellington, free salt water baths are to constructed with as much expedition as the contractors can use, and the Cit} r Council have now under their consideration an application from a gentleman of the commanding patronymic of Smith, for the permission to lay down and work street tramways. In addition to these signs of progress, she already possesses a splendid water supply, a well-stocked museum and collection of plaster casts of statuary, an efficient fire brigade, and all the other et ceteras and appurtenances characteristic of social life in an Anglo-Saxon city'-. The library, which is housed in the building formerly known as the Mechanics’ Institute, is a really valuable assortment of standard works. They were purchased at great expense by the old Provincial Government, and by Act of Parliament they , have since been transferred to the burgesses, who fully appreciate the legacy. But the progress of Auckland is likewise being manifested in another way. Its periodical literature is to be augmented—another journalistic venture is announced. It is to be an illustrated weekly paper, entitled “ The Observer,” after the fashion of the “ Sydney Bulletin,” and pursuing somewhat of the same lines as have proved so lucrative to the loading society serials in England. Paid contributors have been engaged in the various towns of New Zealand, and no effort spared to extend its circnculation from end to end of the colony. The “ New Zealand Muse,” the only musical journal in the Australasian colonies, is published hero also, and already finds its way to every town in the North Island, where its gossiping news of the art and its professors, its trenchant criticisms, and the selections of lithographic music which invariably accompanies it, arc greatly appreciated. Wc have now two dailies, seven weeklies, and four monthlies, so that the literary tastes of the community cannot bo ignored. AMUSEMENTS. Mr and Mrs Lingard arrived here last week with an effective company, under a three months’ engagement to Mr Do Lias. They brought with them all the latest London dramatic novelties, viz.. Paul Merritt’s “ Stolen Kisses,” “ The Banker’s Daughter,” “ Betsy,” etc., besides a new comic opera, entitled “The Wreck of the Pinafore,” the libretto of which was written by Mr Lingard himself, while the music was composed by Luscombe Scarle, a musician well known in Christchurch. They have also brought scenery especially painted for them by Mr Gordon of the London Comedy Co., fame, and many “properties” as well. They opened on Saturday night (21st inst,), with “ Stolen Kisses” to a crowded house, and there is every promise of a successful season. 'De Lias intends taking them South. The stock company after doing some miserable business burst up. Walter Reynolds, accompanied by his wife, has left for Wellington and Christchurch, where he intends to produce his own plays, while J. B. Steel has just received a valedictory benefit, and is now playing with the Lingards. The Harts played a short and indifferent season, and are now “doing” the country districts. The spoiling events which have transpired since the date of my-last letter will have reached you long here this by telegraph, so that I need not further refer to them.