HOKITIKA PUBLIC HOSPITAL.

West Coast Times, Issue 27, 2 August 1865, Page 2

HOKITIKA PUBLIC HOSPITAL.

The benefit kindly given by Mr Thatcher in aid of the funds of tho Hokitika publiy hospital, which took place on Friday, at the Corinthian Hall, attracted as large an audi« on the West Coast — much larger, in fact, j than wo expected to see, considering tho recent drain of our population towards the Grey, and must have been ample proof, if anywere wanting, of the popularity of the movomohtand the merit of the performers. The hall, which had been tastefully decorated for the occasion by Mr T. Webb, was perfectly thronged, nnd what is a most unusual circumstance, a goodly number of the gentler sex graced the concert with their presence. The entertainment consisted of several of those inimitable songs which have obtained for Thatcher bo wide a reputation, assisted by Mr Small and Madame Vitelli, who ably performed tho parts allotted to them, and obtained well- , earned plaudits. Towards the close of the evening, Thatcher delivered tho following address : — " The cause of charity this night is ours, And bids us now exert our wonted powers, I must say that it gives us greht delight To see so many ladtes here to-night, For ladies' visits are to us, I ween, Like unto angels' — few and far between. I'm rather bashful I must now confess, The softor sex at having to addross, Who've como no doubt prepared to critioise And find out weak points with their watchful eyes. Well then, this is the famed Corinthian Hall Presided o'er by Thatcher and by Small.; This is theplacewherediggersnightlystand And listen to us on the blessed sand. Theyjjay their shilling, and in here they Hulk Some abo"t business como here to talk, JNXakjng a ror,, nnd prating by tho hour About the prico of candles and of flour. Alas ! our patrons, now all go away, And leave us for tho attractions of tho Groy j But worst of all, for weeks we've been deploring Tho want of seats and a good wooden flooring. The great Reeves comes, how sad to sec him there, And not be able to givo him a chair ; Upon the beaoh ho sometimes stands nil day, Knocks down tho vessels thero, and sells away : To rcbt himself no doubt, would bo a treat, Alas, alas ! I can't give him a neat. Hut soonjjhojr tcU mq v !;o~",rnH>o our "•i-^^illayov-— vw»^-»«#v w»^-»«# I'll have to buy his lordship then a chair Bui h er e to night you all aro bettor treated Aliimks unto Hay, for seeing the ladios' seated. Your lords and masters often I condemn Shew up their follies and pitch into them iiut I m disarmed, alas ! it is too true, I must be bold indeed to censuro you. Wo thank you for this visit— may you

Borne future time to patronise again ; But I've a little bone to pick with you — . I've heard it stated, and it may be true, Some of the ladies on me have a down, And when my name is mentioned, many . frown. Saying, "Oh! bother Thatcher, tis'nt right To keep my husband out so late at night ; He keeps me sitting up till twelve or one — He's been to listen unto Thatcher's fun," Ladies, allow mo briefly to explain, And such mistakes may not occur again, Oh blame him not when he comes here to laugh, And lißten unto Small and Thatcher's chaff, But bear in mind I make a true remark, Before eleven o'clock this Hall is dark ; The lamps are turned out, and all here is gloom — There's not a soul left in tho concert room ; So if the recreant's not horao by eleven Don't get cross, wishing Thatcher was in heaven, But take the real offender now to task, And with resentment tho delinquent ask Why he is not home at the proper time, If he has listened unto Thatcher's rhyme. In future let him know 'twill be no use •To come and make tho previous lame excuse. But, by the by, its right that I should mention About the hospital there's some dissension, Mr. Sale has, I hear, the management — With his control the public's not content. Sale has for champions Eicko and little Oakes, Defending him against tho improvement folks. I think that tho Improvement folks are And they'll take care of tho receipts to- j night. I'll say no more, well pleased am I to see So many jn the cause of charity, May you be all pleased when you go away, , And when the entertainment's over, say, You don't regret your visit to this Hall, To hear the fun of Thatcher and of Small. It is gratifying to be able to state that the concert was a perfect success, tho receipts being, we understand, between L7O and LBO. The thanks of the community are certainly due to Thatcher and his talented company for the well-timed and generous assistance they have rendered in behalf of a noble institution, which will stand in need of every one of its friends, now that the "Government" — Mr Sale — declines to render any aid in the matter.

We beg to inform the public that the/ office of this paper is now removed tol Weld street, and a wooden footpath Imsj been laid down to the bridge, so th&U anyone can now walk from Revell street to our office without soiling their boofts. For greater convenience, advertisements and orders of all kinds can be left/ at JNJunsWs, stationer and bookseller, hear Bracken's Hotel.