NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 89, 12 September 1874, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

C, J. C. Handicap.— We understand that Mr Walters has scratched Yatterina for the C. J. C. Handicap. Theatke Royal. —“ Lucille ” was repeated last evening, at the Theatre Royal, to a very poor house. To-night “ Leah the Forsaken ” is announced.

Political. —Mr Montgomery will address the electors of Akaroa this evening, in the Town Hall, Sir J. C. Wilson will address the electors of the Heathcote district in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lichfield street, on Monday evening next. Oddpellowship.— The anniversary of the Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge—the mother lodge of Oddfellovvship in this city—will be celebrated by a dinner, on the 24th instant, at which his Honor the Superintendent will take the chair. Mayokal Paeapheenalia. —Anxiety is evinced in certain quarters as to what will become of the Mayoral trappings, the robe, and jim jams in the event of the retirement of the present Mayor. Will the articles be handed forward to posterity or passed in to a Faith, Hope, and Charity, whence they may be redeemed as old clothes ?

Drawing- the Bow. —The Hon Colonel Brett is Hansardised as saying, on the State Forests question, that during thirty-four years’ residence in India, “ I have been for two or three months at a time without seeing the heavens, so thick were the forests of Burmah !” They must have been thick, or there were no heavens there. Query. Did it not strike the colonel’s hearers that they must be shallow to accept such a fact, DAUNTLESS Lodge, No 14, I.O.G.T.—The usual weekly session of this Lodge was held iu Gee’s schoolroom last evening. Four new members were initiated, and one admitted by clearance card from Sandridge, Victoria. A. committee, consisting of Brothers Gray, Beal, and Trenwith, and Sisters Shine, Edmonds, and Betts, was elected for the management of the Lodge choir. After the business was concluded, an entertaimeut took place with the following programme - Pianoforte solo, Sister Shine ; songs by Bros Gray, McConnell, and Hawkins ; recitation, Bro Ness; reading, Bro Smith; instrumental duet, Bros Beal and Tucker ; and part-song by the Lodge choir. Removal. —Many of our readers will learn with regret of the approaching departure from the city district of senior sergeant Willis, who during the time he has been stationed in Christchurch has won for himself by the able and courteous discharge of his duties, the good opinion of all. Sergeant Willis has been transferred to the Hurunui district, and takes with him the wishes of a large number of the community for his future welfare. We understand that sergeant Wilson will assume the position of senior sergeant, on sergeant Willis’ removal,

St. Luke’s Entertainment. —The usual weekly entertainment in connection with St. Luke’s took place last evening, and was crowded to excess, the room not being large enough to hold all who wished to attend. The piece do resistance of the entertainment was the celebrated trial, “ Bardell v Pickwick,” excellently rendered throughout by a number of gentlemen. Where all was so good it would be invidious to distinguish any particular character, therefore we shall content ourselves by congratulating those engaged on the thorough success achieved by them, and venture to express a hope that we may ere long again have so enjoyable an entertainment.

Wild Cattle. —An attempt was made recently to remove a mob of wild cattle originally brought from the Clarence station which have been depastured on Mr M‘Gregor’s land at Southbrook, to a tract of country near Eyreton, when several broke away. These dispersed into various parts of Ohoka, Flaxton, Southbrook, and Rangiora districts, where they have been roaming at large, a perfect terror to persons coming into their vicinity. Two or three have been shot. One day this week Sergeant Wallace of the police at Rangiora, with assistance, attempted to round up one or two into the pound ; but as it was feared they might break that enclosure. after the animals too had cut their capers across Mr Ivory’s nursery garden, they were driven away. It is presumed the owner will be summoned “for allowing cattle to w r ander at large.” The Late Captain Hart. —The Otago Guardian of the 9th says:—A meeting of the gentlemen who took an active part in raising subscriptions in aid of the widow of the late Captain Hart was held at the Harbour Chambers on Monday last, when it was ascertained that the total sum in hand was over and further sums were yet to arrive ; these, in all probability, will increase the amount to £ISOO. In accordance with a wish expressed by the majority of the subscribers, it was resolved that the funds should be invested in the names of trustees for the benefit of the widow and children. Captain Thomson, Mr Henry Guthrie, and Mr James Mills were appointed trustees, and authorised to deal with the money, and take all necessary steps towards securing a suitable investment.

Improvements in Lyttelton.— The new General Government buildings were commenced on the 10th on the site of the old Custom-house, Post-office, aud Harbormaster’s office. They are to be built at the corner of Norwich quay aud Oxford street, and will be a great ornament to the town. The debris of the old buildings is now removed, and the foundations are being dug. The frontage to Norwich quay will be 68ft, and that to Oxford street 44ft. The plans show that it will be a handsome, as well as substantial structure. There will be a clocktower at the corner 34ft high, with two dials, one fronting on each thoroughfare. The building will contain the Custom-house and Post-office on the ground floor, and the the Annuities, Telegraph, and Harbor-master’s offices up-stairs. The contractor, Mr T. Greig, is bound to complete his contract within eight months from date of commencement. Is was designed by Mr W. H. Clayton, the Colonial Architect, and Mr Prendergast is clerk of the works. The amount given for the contract was £4220 19s. A new footpath is also being made from the boatways to the Gladstone pier, and will be a great convenience, as it will prevent people going to the vessels at the Gladstone pier from trespassing on the railway line.

Rangioea Musical Society.— On Thursday night the sixth and final concert of the series given by this society, was held in the Literary Institute, drawing together an appreciative if not a large audience. The programme was a capital one, and the proceedings were extended by the encores which were demanded. The first item, a pianoforte duet, “ II Barbiere di Siviglia,” was played by Mrs Caffry and Mrs Burrows, in a manner which sustained their character as executants of the highest order. “ When twilight dews,” a part song, taken by the company, went very fairly. Mr G. C. Chapman delivered an amusing reading from “Sprout’s Opinions,” the chapter se'ected being that referring to Sprout’s visit to the Crystal Palace. The over-welcome glee, “ Hail smiling morn,” was rendered in an exemplary manner, and drew forth hearty applause. Mr Merton’s song, “ Swing on old pendulum,” met with a warm reception, and was followed by the quintette “Blow gentle gales,” sang by Mrs Cafiry, Mrs Peel, Messrs Hunnibell, and A. Merton, which was enthusiastically received, the ladies possessing very pleasing voices, which added to the success of the piece. Messrs Merton and Hunnibell sang.the “Larboard Watch” duet, and the first part concluded with the glee, “ When winds breath soft.” Miss Humphries opened the second part with the pianoforte solo “Aux Eufers,” rendered with taste and expression ; then came the part song “I love my love in the morning,” which received a merited encore, and was repeated. Mr B. E. Good delivered a recitation “ Forbidden fruit,” and was followed by the glee “ Swiftly from the mountain’s brow.” The next item, decidedly the gem of the evening, was Mrs Caffry’s rendering of the pianoforte solo “ Bells of St Petersburg,” the audience enjoying a treat of no ordinary description. This lady’s talent is indeed marked, the expression and brilliancy of her performance, forming the theme of general admiration. It received a deserved ovation, and the latter part was repeated. Mr Merton sang “The sentinel” in good voice, and an encore being demanded, gave by request “ Never mind the rest,” which narrowly escaped another encore. The part song “ Come boys, drink,” by Messrs Merton, Hunnibell, A. and G. Merton, and the glee “Let the hills resound” followed, and here it may be said, that each of the glees and part songs were given in good time, and parts were taken up promptly, so that altogether they were very pleasing to listen to. Mr A. H. Cunningham informed those present that the gross receipts of the concerts was £76 10s, the coat of the piano £73 10s, the expenses £l6 10s. He proposed that the cordial thanks of the meeting be accorded to Mr Merton and the society for the series of concerts brought to a close, observing that lovers of harmony had enjoyed a great treat in them, and while Jone charming voice had been lost to the society other sweet voices had been annexed, and it was a matter for gratification that these voices, with exquisite musical talent, should so generously be given to the public as they had been that evening. The vote was carried with acclamation, the society being also requested to continue the concerts. Mr Merton replied, expressing his willingness to acquiesce in the last request, if the society would.

MUSIC Hall, — A complimentary benefit to Miss Ida Bonnifou, whose clever second sight performances we have alreadj spoken of, will take place in the Canterbury Music Hall on Monday evening next. Mr W. A. Chapman will introduce several of his best illusions, and we hope to see a good house.

The Abolition Resolutions. The Otago Guardian says : —The opponents of the Government are rather dispirited at the apathy of the colony on the question of constitutional amendment, which was introduced last session by Mr Yogel. It was stated by several of these gentlemen that “ the country would rise in arras to resist the destruction of provincial institutions but up till the present time there is no indicattion of the threatened revolt. On the contrary, we pointed out the other day, the Press of Otago at all events, as indicative of public opinion, is pretty unanimous in support of the Government proposal. We admit, however, that public opinion is net quite matured. The arguments in favor of the abolition of the North Island provinces, have not yet had time to produce their full effect; but doubtless during the recess, members of the Assembly, who voted for the resolutions, will address their constituents on the subject, and diffuse a large amount of information. It will be necessary to place the matter fairly and fully before the public, because the ultra-provincialists have endeavoured to raise a false issue. They say—- “ The Government propose one thing while they really mean another ; ” and they do not scruple to declare that the proposal is intended to coyer an attack upon the Middle Island land fund. Misrepresentation is the keenest weapon in the armoury of the ultra-provincialists. The country, therefore, should be fully informed of the real position of the question. There is abundance of lime to do so before the next session of the Assembly, which will be convened for the despatch of business about the usual period. The original resolutions, which were carried by an overwhelming majority, are specific enough. The House recorded its opinion that the time had come when the provinces of the North Island should be abolished, and a cheaper and simpler form of local administration should take its place. It likewise declared unmistakably that the seat of Government question should be considered settled, and the land fund of the Middle Island should be left undisturbed. In other words, while Provincial Government was to disappear in the North Island, the institutions and revenue of the Middle Island should be left untouched. And Mr Vogel’s amendment on Mr Fitzherbert’s resolution, which was subsequently carried on a division by a large majority, made these points even clearer than before, besides giving an indication of the direction in which Government proposed to go in the way of providing aid for local governing bodies. And yet, in the face of these divisions, in defiance of the plain meaning of the resolutions of the House of Representatives, despite ministerial explanation, and the prorogation speech of the Governor, there are those who declare their unbelief in the sincerity of the Government, and who are preparing to agitate the public mind by raising a false cry.

A smart little boy in New Orleans was reproved by his mother for telling a fib. He insisted it was only in fun, but his pious mother told him he must asK Divine pardon, So the little boy knelt down and said : “0, Lord forgive me, I wouldn’t have done it, only I thought you could take a joke.” A Cayuga country, N.Y., man sends the following advertisement to the Syracuse Journal; “Mr Editor publish that Wanted a young lady from the age of 18 to 22 who would like to ysunite her selfe in the locs of matrimonia I the writer of this am 22 years of age 5 feet in height in weight 135 of occupation farmer.” A Western editor complacently remarks : ‘•‘A persevering contributor to this journal, who properly writes only on one side of his paper, has furnished material for the editor to write his editorials op for the past sis months —on the back side of said paper, furnished postage prepaid. If economy be virtue, we certainly will be blessed. At one of the hotels recently was a family travelling West from Vermont. The wife was continually badgering the husband for his method of doing this and that, evidently supposing that everybody else was noticing his unaristooratic ways. At the table she passed him the potatoes, and he took off a small mountain, and in three minutes held his plate for more. She winked at him, but he was determined, and he shouted, * Elizabeth Jones, you may wink and blink all day, but I’m going to have some more tater or bust the bank.’ He got some.