Local.

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 167, 27 May 1859, Page 2

Local.

The bri* Lady Denison anchored in the bay last night, after a quick trip of eight days from Sydney. She is built by Cuthbert, of that city, and her admirable construction and appearance was generally observed as highly creditable to her builder. She reports the arrival of the steamship Prince Alfred the day previous to her departure. Ball.—Tlie Queen's . Birthday Ball took place at the Freemasons' Hall on Tuesday evening •last, the 24th instant, and passed off in a pleasurable and successful manner. The attendance was less than expected, but. the exertions or the various gentlemen acting as stewards, &c, if not taxed exceedingly, were hone the less energetic and assiduous. Inspired by a most efficient band, tlie damsing continued until alate hour on the ensuing morning. ■ The ExctmstoN.—The Tasm.inian Maid left the wharf on Tuesday -morning on an exeuvoion trip to Motueka. The attendance w»s not very numerous, owing, most probably, to the. weather being somewhat unsettled on the morning of.that day; it, however, ultimately cleared up, and fine weather following allowed the excursionists to .make the-most of the .occasion.

The Overland Route.—On Friday "evening last, W. O. Cixutlcy, Esq., interested a lavge audience at the Odd Fellows1 Hail with a description of the journey to England by this route. The lecture—if it may be so called —was entitled " Reminiscences of Travel," and was composed of notes of various objects of interest that had come under his own observation while performing the journey. Our limit-will .not.allow us to refer to the places described by that gentleman," but-many, of them were invested with such a powerful interest in themselves, that a lecture might easily be sustained upon some of the points alone that, were just touched at; and we hope-that the good ex-' ample shewn to us of describing to many whatonly a few can spare the time to see, will operate to extend an excellent commencement into a very . frequent occurrence.. The lecture was given inconnection with ouv Institute, and the debating circle that has its regular times of meeting thei;e, may have a strong influence in giving many of its members that ready confidence of speech that may ultimately lead to many repetitions of a profitable evening. There were, more than 200 persons present, and at the close a.vote of, thanks to Mr. Cautley was appropriately proposed by Dr. Monro, and unanimously responded to by the audience.,