The Middlesex Magistrates assembled on Thursday, to elect a Chair-
man to supply the place of Mr. Rotch. Upon a ballot and scrutiny, it appeared that Mr. Sergeant Andrews and Mr. Sergeant Adams had each 38 votes. It was decided that the temporary Chairman had no casting-vote, and the proeeedings were ordered to commence de novo on Thursday next.
Mr. Rayner, of the Strand Theatre, requested the Magistrates to sign a petition to the House of Commons, setting forth the persecution, he had endured at the hands of Mr. Mm-li and others iii the Lord Chamberlain's Office, and praying for redress. Several Magistrates expressed regret at their inability to relieve Mr. Rayner; and the meeting was adjourned.
Subsequently, Mr. Rayner stated his case to Sir J. S. Lillie, Sir C. Forbes, and other gentlemen. He said that—
Feeling desirous, after having received the intimation from Mr. Mash that
the per under Mr. Macfarren's management would not be permitted, to realize, or, in fact, to recover some small portion of the money he had already lost in co:zsequenee of the persecution to which lie had been subjected, he had let the Strand Theatre to the Ravel family ; by whom not one word was tittered during the night. Mr. Mash, however, tad thought proper to stop the performances of those individuals. Upon that lie had taken the opinion of a high legal authority, as to whether such a representation as that of the Ravels was an infringement of the licence granted to him by a full bench of that Court. The gentleman to whom the case had been submitted stated, that not only was the representation not an infringement, but that it was very much within his licence, inasmuch as under that authority he was entitled to have singing as well as dancing and music.
Sir Charles Forbes said, this conduct was very insulting to the Magistrates ; and he should sign the petition with much pleasure. Several other Magistrates promised their signatures.
It is mentioned in the evening papers of yesterday, that Lord Conyrigham, the Lord Chamberlain, has granted a licence to Mr. Rayner : we hope that this is true. -
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