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Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 178, 25 February 1868, Page 2

The Simostsen Entertainment AND A IjECTLRE ON THE MOA.—lt' there were anything more calculated to show the difference between civilisation and barbarism it would have been to have attended, if it were possible, M. Simonsen's concert and the lecture on the Moa, at the G. V. Br )oke Hotel, the latter of which was interspersed with variations indicative of Maori customs, such as war dances, &c, by one of those individuals who are supposed by Macauley to stand on the middle arch of London bridge and and lament the decadence of the Anglo-Saxon race. However, in obedience to instructions, we attended the Shnonseu entertainment, and after having listened to Madame Simonsen's exquisite vocalisation,and M. Simonsen's instrumentalisation, we wended our way to the Gr. V. Brooke Hotel to hear a lecture on the Moa. We must give credit to Mr Beauchamp for the humorsome way in which he handled his subject, and which seemed to meet with the approbation of his audience, but a greater illustration of the triumph of art, as shown in the uncultivated nature of the savage and the refinement of civilisation, as shown by M. Simonsen, would scarcely be met with. One was a triumph, the other was an exhibition, which every body wished, was soon over, and, therefore, we need say no more. M. Simonsen's entertainment was encored in every particular, the Maori's entert<■ inment was encored in nothing. As barbaric customs must give place to European, so must the semi-barbaric of the Maori give place to the more civilised of the European. The Nathan Troupe.—lt will be perceived by an advertisement that Mr Eastwood, the much respected agent of the Nathan Troupe, takes a benefit at Hamilton's Adelphi Theatre, on Friday night. We wish him every success as he is deserving of it. We shall defer a more lengthened notice of him till our next.

Horse Sale.—As will be seen by advertisement elsewhere in tbis issue, Mr Eobertaon will bold a sale of borses, brought by the Beautiful Star, from "Wanganui. So many horses have never before been imported to Westport, and they comprise all description of hacks. No doubt a goodly muster may be expected. Westport Quartz Mining Co.— The members of this Company will have to look alive to their interest if they wish to keep their claim. The first report of Martin's crushing will no doubt cause a rush to the Waimungaroa, and any further protection for their claim after the 14th March need not be looked for. Some reliable information will soon be given of the result of Martin's crushing, in the meantime favourable reports have been received.

The Duke op Edinburgh.—The Wellington Eeception Committee held a meeting at the Athenaeum on the afternooD of the 11th inst., at which extracts from the minutes of the lloyal Reception Committee were read, accepting with thanks the co-operation of Reception Committee, and intimating certain arrangements for public entertainments at Wellington and Auckland. They have provided for firewotks, flags, a night demonstration at Wellington, a ball and supper, marine displays, open air sports, an entertainment to the sailors of the Royal Navy, and a host of other things too numerous to mention.

Addisost's Flat.—A considerable cpiantity of gold was sold at the banks here yesterday, brought by va-ious parties from Addison's. The miners seem very anxious for the re-establishment of a bank there, as they complain of the loss of time attendant on bringing their gold to Westport.