The Sun.
London, England, 1865-11-14 00:00:00

The Oxford Music Hall.

Another instance of the energy and ability of the
management of the OxfDrd was given last evening,
on which occasion a crowded audience was delighted
by hearing, for the first time, a capital selection
from an operetta, by Offenbach, the composer of
" 66," entitled " The Market Girls," which has
caused quite a musical sensation in Paris. Like
most of this composer's efforts fun and
vivacity form the great portion of the
operetta, although every now and then a beautiful
and telling melody is introduced in the most artistic
manner, which gives a charming variety to the
composition, and to that circumstance we may attri-
bute the great popularity which all the music of
Offenbach has secured in the metropolis. In the
selection under notice we have some sparkling
choruses, the opening one, " Who'll buy, who'll
bny," securing at once the favourable sympathies of
the audience. The tenor solo, confided to Mr. St.
Albyn, " The Carnaval's the time for pleasure," is
one of those peculiarities only to be found in the music
•of Offenbach, and which this gentleman so well un-
derstands and appreciates. Ele gave it last night
with a gusto that was quite refreshing, and received
for his efforts a rapturous encore. Miss Russell, the
accomplished prima donna of the company, next
gave a solo, " Come hither, come hither," which
she executed with great skill, taste, and expression.
This was followed by a round, " Our• Master had a
lovely voice, they say," for the rendering of which
we cannot pay too high a compliment to each
artist concerned in its performance. Mr. St. Albyn
has a capital and original song allotted to him, en-
titled " I'm what they call a junior clerk," which is
certain to become popular, and remain so for how
long no one can venture to say. It is one of the
best bits in the selection, and the discriminating
portion of the audience were loud in their applause
of it. The finale is lively and spirited. It consists
of a short solo for each Of the principals, followed
by a dashing Tra la la chorus, which brings the
novelty to a very successful termination. The
encores were very numerous ; indeed, had the
audience had it their own way, the selection would
have consumed nearly the whole of the evening.
This latest addition to the many attractions of the
Oxford will prove a great success : of that fact there
cannot be a doubt, and we have the pleasure of
again congratulating Mr. Morton, the managing
director, on receiving that reward which his untir-
ing exertions in the service of the public so emi-
nently entitle him to.

Gas Works in Large Towns.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Srn,—lf a gas explosion occurred so close to a
gasometer as to shatter the whole receptacle at
once, would not the mixture and combination of
gas and atmospheric air be quick enough to make
the whole mass of vapour explode ? In this case the
explosion of such a gasometer as one of those at
Blackfriars would be sufficient to shatter and ex-
plode the rest, like a series of mines. But one of
these alone would probably be sufficient to bring
down every church-tower in London, from St.
Paul's and Westminster Abbey to the most humble
spire extant. _ _ _

Pray, sir, insist upon the removal out of large
towns of a cause of danger equal to transporting
Hounslow powder mills into their midst. The gas
works can send their gas from town through pipes
far into the country, why not carry the works into
the country and bring the gas to town ?—I am, &c.,
COMMON SENSE.

DEATH OF MRS. GASKELL.—The death of this
well-known authoress is announced as having taken
place on Sunday, at her residence at Alton. Mrs. Gaskell
was favourably distinguished as a writer of fiction, and
several of her novels, including " Mary Barton," which first
brought her public notice and reputation, and "Ruts,"
which is of at least equal merit, obtained deserved popu-
larity. In addition to being an effective contributor to
Household Words and other periodicals, she published a
tale called " North and South," in illustration of the de-
tails of manufacturing life ; and among her later works is
a "Life of Charlotte Bronte," the author of "Jane Eyre."
The deceased lady was the wife of a Unitarian minister at
Manchester, and was born early in the present century.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

BELGIUM.
HEALTH OF THE KING OF THE
BELGIANS.

BRUSSELS, Nov. 14.
The King is said to have returned very unwell
from the Chateau d'Ardennes.
The resignation M. Frere, Minister of Finance,
is expected.

SPAIN.
MADRID, Nov. 13, Evening.

The Committee of Public Health having declared
that the cholera has abated in this city, a Te Deum
will be sung on that account on Saturday next.