But, independently of this, the procession was very pretty, and the dresses—all, no doubt, arerueologically correct—were much admired. The admiration, it was observable, went mostly by size, and the smaller the sovereign the louder the applause. They all—small, medium, and full-grown—walked with slow step, and in as stately a fashion as their little legs would permit, did their brief homage, and filed round the hall into their places. Then came a final march past, and then after a short concert programme by the orchestra (under Mr Leech), a few quaint dances which the children went through in a way that bespoke careful training. The floor of the hall was then thrown open, and the serious part of the business (to the visitors') commenced. They were expected to buy, and no doubt they bought, and if they did not buy solid goods there were other ways of spending their money. They could buy over Destiny, for example, at a couple of for tune-telling tents managed respectively by Miss Weldon and Mr W. A. W. Wathen; or they could purchase creature comforts at the roomy refreshment stall near the entrance. Most visitors were, no doubt, allured by one attraction or another, and the treasury return for the opening night should be satisfactory to the pro moters.
THE COLONIAL BANK

HALP-YKAItIA' MKHTIXIJ. The twe:ity-fourth half-yearly meeting of shareholders in tho Colonial Dank of New Zaelaml was hold at tho bank buildings on tho 28th ult. There was a fair attendance of shareholders, tho Hon. Guorgo M'Lean (chair man- of directors) presiding. CIIAIHMAX's ADDItKSS.
