The Southland Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1867.

Southland Times, Issue 729, 27 September 1867, Page 2

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1867.

The Amateur Concert in aid of the Ladies' Benevolent Society came off as advertised on Wednesday evening, in the Mechanics' Institute, and was a decided success both musically and pecuniarily. The Hall was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, and the whole arrangements reflected great credit upon the managers. As the performers wei-e hvr in number, they wisely avoided auy attempt at the choral or orchestral effects which belong more properly to Philharmonic Societies. The overture (Rossini's " Tancredi,") arranged for two violins and piano, was very well rendered, as were the two charming vocal quartette by . Mendelssohn. There were two pianoforte duets and a solo, ail admirably performed. The violin solo was a great musical treat, and received a well merited encore. A similar compliment was paid to the duet "Ye Banks and Braes," and " 0 wert thou." The bass and tenor singers appeared rather hoarse in their first 30103, and it was etill more perceptible in their duet " Love and War," but in the second part they wore in capital voice, and "Love's Request" (sung by the tenor, and twice encored), and "Free as the Wind" (bass) were two of the "hits" of the evening. Both the treble solos were excellently sung, also the duet " Forget Not." The gentleman who sang Spolir'3 fine ballad " Love and Courage," gave for the encore "The Bashful Young Gentlemen" with great humor and point, and was warmly applauded. The house was we 11 , filled, and the audience appeared thoroughly to enjoy the concert, which ended a little be tore eleven. The Invereargill Volunteer Eifle Corps has, we learn, acquired all the instruments necessary for the formation of a full band, by the purchase of those formerly in the possession of the Invereargill Band (with one or two slight exceptions, in- perfect order) and by a handsome presentation from Capt. Harvey. The instruments were originally obtained at large expense, and (including the presented pieces) could not have cost much under £100. The local popularity of the Volunteer movement will be certainly enhanced by the success of the endeavor now so well begun, and there is every reason to suppose that we have amongst us ample material for the organisation of an efficient baud. The cost of the instruments purchased will be defrayed by subscription. Mr Puettelkow, with a liberality which does him credit, heading the list with a donation of five guineas. The business of the Electric Telegraph Department will now be regulated as, regards time, by a new clock which has just been placed in a prominent position, over the outer door of the office. It wil be necessary, however, for those doing business through the wires, to bear in mind that as the clock h to be kept to Wellington time, it will always be some forty minutes in advance of Invereargill time, unless, by common consent, all the timepieces in tha Province are regulated by the clock in question— an arrangement not likely to be effected. The " Daily Times" of the 26th inst. ; contains the following : — A special meeting of the Synod of Otago and Southland, to consider the application of the congregation of the First Church fora colleague and successor to the Eev Dr Burns; and also an application from the 8.3 V Greorge Sutherland for admission to the Church, was held in the room beneath the First Church. The Moderator (the Rev W Will) presided, and there were present a number of ministers . and deacons', members of Synod, and abo member' 3of the congregation of the First Church. On the motion of the Eev Dr Burns, seconded by the Eev D. M. Stuart, it was unanimously resolved that the Eev George Sutherland's application be acceded to. Mr Sutherland wa3 introduced to the Moderator by Dr Burns, and to the Synod by the Moderator. A deputation from the congregrtion of the First Church was present, and' extracts from Minutes of meetings of Presbytery having been laid upoa the table, Messrs Duncan and Moore expressed the desire of the congregation that a colleague and successor to the Rev Dr Burns should be appointed. Dr Burns also addressed the meeting upon the same subject. It was then unanimously resolved that the Synod grant the request of the First Cnurch for a colleague and successor to their minister. A motion was. then tabled, that on behalf of the First Church a second charge be made upon : the Sustentation Fund. Considerable discussion followed aa to whether the motion could bo brought forward at the present meeting of Synod, and eventnally it was withdrawn, it being ro« oolved to leave discussion of the raster uatil the W»ti xaeetiagt in January ne^«