CALEDONIAN.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 303, 21 July 1868, Page 2

CALEDONIAN.

July, 18th 1808. (from our owx correspondent.) The Amateur Concert and Theatricals, for the benefit of the Westporfc Hospital, took place last night, at the Alliance Hotel, the use of which, was kindly granted by Mr Bossard—The scenery was painted by Mr Hooker,

the principal decoration was was on the stage, and consisted of a largo piece of calico, on which Mr Hooker painted in large letters the words, "In aid of the Westport Hospital. " The opening chorus was very effectively sung by the company; after which Mr M'Laren sung Glasgow Pair, with much sperit, and at its conclusion an encore was loudly called for. teveral songs were sung after this, " Pat of Mullingar," by M M'Laren, was well received by the audience. A Duet was very prettily sung by Messrs Butler and M'Laren, and " Simon the Collarer " created much mirth.

The second part, was a Negro entertainment, and commenced with a chorus by the company, " Let us be gay " which had a cheering effect. MrCato, sung two solos, and was encored after each. Mr M'Laren received thunders of applause for " Poor Old Jeff." The third part a Farce, was well sustained by the company. The performance concluded with the laughable farce of the " Black Barber," in which Mr Cato acted well, aud Mr Robinson sustained his part with credit. The performance on the whole, was excellent, and the singing really good, too much praise cannot be given to Mr M'Laren, and indeed, all the characters were well, sustained, Messrs Webb, Moss, Butler and Stewart, enacted their parts with considerable taste. At the opening of the performam e Mr M'Laren read an original prologue. IVIr Robert M'Farlane (M.G. Westport Hospital) took the money at the door, (Mr Braithwaite acted as treasurer) and I regret to say that owing to the heavy rain which continued without intermission, on Friday evening, the funds obtained by the performance are not as large as the Amateurs anticipated. None of the German terrace people ventured over, the night was so very wet, and several would not leave their huts. Notwithstanding such obstacles they hope to hand the Hospital about £2O, which shews that their exertions, to sell tickets &c., were unceasing, and the fact of their not being able to hand over more, is only atributtable to circumstances over which they bad no control. Too much credit cannot be given the men on the Caledonian for their response to the appeal for funds in aid of the Hospital, and clearly shews that if they have been fortunate enough to be placed in good circumstances by their own energy and the richness of their ground, they have not forgottenthatcharitycovereth a multitude of sins

There is nothing new on the Caledonian as regards mining matters, since my last. Some of the busiuess people are anxiously watching the progress of Davis and party's tunnel, on Giles terrace, as much is expected from the class of gold they should strike.

Another party have set in to work south of the Arowaite, where Langrish and party are working. The Caledonian"track is in a very unfinished state, the portion leadiug from Poverty terrace to the Bush Inn is nothing more than the bed of a rivulet, and in wet weather the water is about a foot in depth. This could have been easily avoided by cutting a chanuelat one side about two feet wide and and in depth which would have carried the water off and left .a good track. A portion near the lagoon is not even cleared as yet, although I was informed portions of the road have been already passed by the overseer. However I hope a track will be made of such a class as will suit the growing requirements of this important district, and as an extension, nine days has been granted the contractor, at the expiration of that period, we may hope to have a track completed, on which a pedestrian can proceed without being either in a foot of water or the samedistance in mud.