NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 104, 30 September 1874, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Lecture. — Owing to the illness of Mr Twentyman, the lecture to be delivered by him this evening in the Riccarbon schoolroom has been postponed.

t'ANTEKBURY COLLEGE. —The class of English language and literature, under the Rev C. Fraser, A.M., in connection with the Canterbury College, will hold its opening meeting on Tuesday next, at 7 p.rn , in the Public Library, and will thereafter meet on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Wesleyan Tea Meeting. —The anniversary tea meeting in connection with the Durham street Wesleyan Sunday school, and which is intended also to celebrate the opening of the new schoolroom, will be held to-morrow evening. After the tea a public meeting will be held, at which Mr J. Ballantyne will preside, when addresses will be delivered by ministers and other gentlemen. Theatre royal. “Advice Gratis,” a sparkling comedietta, in which Miss Vivian and Mr Musgravc were the principal performers, was the piece at this place of amusement last evening. Mr Musgrave’s personation of the character of Oddbody was excellently rendered, and we were glad that by the introduction of pieces of this class the opportunity was given to those members of the company who alone possess real histrionic talent to entertain the playgoers of ibis city. We were sorry to notice iu the evening’s programme a song of a most objectionable character was to be given as part of the entertainment. If the management are trying to drive from their theatre the more modest and decent-minded of their patrons, wo can assure them that they arc likely to achieve signal success in their attempt,

Electoral. —The writ for the election of a member of the Provincial Council for the Port Victoria district has been issued. The nomination is fixed to take place at the school house, Governor’s Bay, at noon on October 10th, and the poll, if necessary, on October 17th.

Suburban Improvements. —The public will be glad to hear (hat, the Riccarton Road Board arc about to do away with the present useless foot path on the northern side of the Riccarton road, beyond the Riccarton Hotel. The board has let a contract for forming the footpath on the south side, and also for reconstructing the first forty chains or the road itself. The new footpath will be a great boon to the public, as the present one cannot be kept in order, being on the wrong side. We hope the Board will see their way to make the footpath all the distance to the Riccarton Church, and also to construct site side of the road, as in its present condition it is very dangerous. Dedication Festival. —The festival in connection with St Michael and All Angels took place yesterday. There was a choral celebration of the Holy Communion at 8 a,in., when appropriatejiymns, &c, were sung. In the evening thore*was a very good congregation, considering the inclemency of the weather. The following music was rendered by the choir of the church, strengthened by several of the members of St John’s choir, and others Processional Hymn 214 ; Proper Psalms 84, 122, 134 ; Cantate Domino, Deus Misereatur, Dr Bunnett ; Hymn before sermon, 307 ; Hymn after Benediction, “Angel voices ever singing.” The anthem was intended to have been a selection from Mendelssohn’s “ Hymn of Praise,” but the absence of some of the soprano voices rendered this impossible. The first Lesson was read by the Rev Glasson (Avonside). the second by the Rev C. Bowen (Riccarton), the service being intoned by the Rev C. Merton (St Luke’s). The sermon was preached by the Rev H. J. Edwards, incumbent of the' parish. At the close of the service a collection was made in aid of the fund for liquidating the debt on the organ.

The Ferry Bridge. —The toll on this bridge ceases to-morrow, and those whose business or pleasure takes them to Sumner will say better late than never. This toll has long been an obstruction to the enjoyment of a trip to the sea by the inhabitants of Christchurch. With the doing away of this toll an incieascd traffic on the road is sure to take place, and this may perhaps bring the present disgraceful and dangerous state of the road before the authorities Some fifteen months ago £IOOO was voted by the Provincial Council, principally on account of a fatal coach accident occurring, for the widening and otherwise improving a most dangerous part of the road ; but nothing has yet been done, and the road remains in the same state that it was before the money was voted. Perhaps when another accident occurs the authorities will awake to a sense of their responsibilities in this matter.

Papanui Cricket Club.— An entertainment will be given in aid of the funds of the Papanui Cricket Club, Before the commencement of the season a little unsatisfactory business transpired between the club and the churchwardens, but through the generosity of the incumbent (Rev F. G. Brittan) it was settled in favor of the club. The committee have lately gone to groat expense in the way of sinking an artesian well on the ground, and fixing an hydraulic ram to throw the water to the surface. The committee. should they raise sufficient funds, contemplate erecting a pavilion on the ground, which in itself would be a comfort to all the mi mbors; with these improvements the P.C.C. will have one of the best country grounds in the province. It is to be hoped that the inhabitants of Papanui and surrounding districts will show their interest in the club by giving it a bumper house. Mr Barlow has kindly allowed his coach to run to Papanui on the evening of the entertainment. Canterbury Archery Club. —The annual general meeting of this club took place last Saturday, and, by the large attendance of members present, it showed that the interest in this sport, instead of diminishing, was still increasing. The financial stale of the club was in a very satisfactory state. The following ladies and gentlemen were elected office bearers for the season Lady Paramount, Lady Wilson ; President, His Honor the Superintendent; Hon Sec, F. H. Hrittan ;|Hon Treasurer, E. A. Worthy ; Captain. R. W. Fereday. Committee —Ladies : Mrs L. Harper, Mrs Worthy, Mrs Holt, Mrs Turnbull. Gentlemen : Mr G. Mclntyre Mr F. de C. Malet, Mr R. W. Fereday, Mr T. D. Condell. Considerable discussion took place as to the advisability of having two scoring days a week instead of one ; also what day and at what hour. It was ultimately decided that only one day should be allowed —viz, Wednesday, scoring to commence at 4 p.m, It was decided that the season should open on Wednesday, the 7th of October, and to continue through October and November, having a recess during December and January, and to commence again in February, continuing on till the end of April, After the business of the meeting was concluded, Mr Fereday gave a few very interesting and instructive remarks on practical archery, which were attentively listened to by those present.

St Alban’s Mutual Improvement Association. —A public meeting was held in the readingroora, St Alban’s Fast, last evening, in connection with the St Alban’s Mutual Improvement Association ; the president, Mr J. A.]Efford, in the chair. The chairman, in his opening remarks, stated that the object of the meeting was to take into consideration the applying for a portion of the Provincial Government vote in aid of libraries. He was sorry the unpropitious state of the weather prevented them from having a full meeting, and stated that one of the members for the district, Mr Wynn Williams, was expected, and that he heartily supported the movement. The chairman then called on Mr Luke to move the first resolution—“ That in the opinion of this meeting the St Alban’s Mutual Improvement Association is entitled to participate more largely in the Provincial Government vote in aid to public libraries.” He (Mr Luke) heartily concurred with the resolution, and when he considered the necessity there was for increased accommodation for the association, and considered the social position of the members they possessed, it was apparent to all present the necessity for assistance from the Government. Mr Fowler said he had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. The members of the association were all working men like himself, the property was vested in trustees for the use of the public, and when they considered that they had over 80 members, it would be plainly seen that the public appreciated the benefit of

such an institution in their midst. Mr Thomas rose to support the resolution. He had been a resident in the district for about seven years, and knew the struggles of raising the association to its present position, and was sure if any one was entitled to assistance they were. The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously. Mr R. Butterfield said in order to carry into effect the resolution just carried,and in which he heartily concurred, he would move that a deputation, consisting of the chairman, Mr Bilton, and the mover, wait on the Provincial Secretary and convey the expression of the meeting. He stated that application was made last year for a sum of money to assist them in extending (they were sadly in need of a lecture hall), but somehow or other they had been lost sight of, the only assistance they had received being £25 for books, for which they were very thankful. Mr Luke seconded the proposition, which was carried unanimously. Mr Bilton would be happy to assist in extending the benefits of the institution, and considered that, as the present Government were doing all in their power to extend to all the rising generation the blessings of education, they would not fsrget them, although they were a little older. He considered they had a good case, others might say what they would do, but they could point to what they had done. The meeting then adjourned.

Good Templars, —The usual weekly session of the Star of St, Albans Lodge was held on Thursday last, Sept, 24th. Oue new member was initiated, and two others proposed. It was decided that the lodge should not meet this week on account of the session of the Grand Lodge. Bro T. G. Smith was recommended as Lodge Deputy.

Good Templar Convention.— A convention, composed of representatives of Good Templar lodges from various parts of the Middle Island of New Zealand, met at the Foresters’ Hall yesterday at 10 a.m., for the purpose of instituting a Grand Lodge to have jurisdiction over all subordinate lodges in New Zealand south of Cook’s Straits. Bro B. J. Westbrook, holding special commission from the Right Worthy Grand Templar, called the convention to order, when thirtyfive members, representing forty-one lodg< s, answered to their names. The instituting officer having read his commission, forthwith proceeded to institute the Grand Lodge with all due form and ceremony. The Grand Lodge degree was then conferred upon all representatives present, after which the election of officers was proceeded with, the following being the result, viz:—Bro S. P. Andrews, Grand Worthy Chief Templar; Bro J. A, D, Adams, Grand Worthy Councillor; Bro D. C. Cameron, Grand Worthy Vice Councillor; Bro W. T. C, Mills, Grand Worthy Secretary ; Bro John Caygill, Grand Worthy Treasurer ; Bro Rev S. Macfarlane, Grand Worthy Chaplain ; Bro W. Carr, Grand Worthy Marshall ; Bro W. Smith, Grand Worthy Assistant Secretary ; Bro John Buxton, Grand Worthy Deputy Marshal; Bro R. Donaldson, Grand Worthy Guard; Bro W. Kerr, Grand Worthy Sentinel; Bro J. W, Carter, Grand Worthy Messenger. The officers were then installed, and a committee appointed to arrange for the public meeting to be held on Friday evening next. It was decided that the next annual session of the grand lodge should be held in Dunedin; also that until all business is disposed of that there should be three sittings daily. The grand lodge degree was then conferred upon eligible members, and other business of a routine character transacted. The lodge then adjourned until this day at 9 "30 a.m.

Madame Nilsson, after completion of her Russian engagement, will go to Paris, to open the New Grand Opera-house, if it be finished, on the Ist of January, 1875, as Ophelia, in “ Hamlet,” with M. Fauro in the title part. M. Halanzier has decided upon beginning the national establishment with a French work. During her stay, Madame Nilsson will also appear as Marguerite in M. Gounod’s “ Faust,” and Mdlle Krauss is to make her debut in Haldvy’s “ Juive,” as Rachel.

We have had quite an anxious time with the Indiana editors. We took a pair of them to see that professional “ backslider,” King Sarbro, at the Metropolitan, and one of the twain wanted to know whether he was a real king ; and if so, how. We asked another one of the party to go with us to see “ The Stranger.” “ Oh, no,” says he, “ I’m stranger enough myself, and don’t care to make the acquaintance of any other.” But here’s where the man’s forte showed out. When we invited him to descend the stair leading to a’Broadway dive, he was “on it” in a minute, and no questions asked. When we requested another of the fraternity to go with us to see “ Oliver Twist,” he wanted to know what pleasure we could see in looking at any man twist? And he didn’t go. When we suggested, instead, that he might take a look at ‘ Camille,” his eyes danced with joy, as he exclaimed : • ‘ That suits me ! I always did like a menagerie show 1”

An action has been tried in the Court of Exchequer, to recover £IOOO, the amount of a policy of insurance effected with the defendants on the life of a Dr Beasley. It appeared that Dr Beasley had been insured with the British Imperial Insurance Company for a few years. He went on a voyage to New Zealand in 1872, having previously obtained leave from the company to do so, and paid the usual extra sum demanded for the risk. After a short stay at the colony he returned home. Early last year he again started on a similar voyage, and soon after his arrival at New Zealand was accidentally drowned. His life policy for £IOOO having been assigned to another party, the plaintiff, as such assignee or his executor, claimed the amount from the defendants. His claim, however, being disputed, he brought the present action. The Insurance company put in a variety of pleas, but the main question raised was whether Dr Beasley in respect to his second voyage to New Zealand had obtained leave and license from the insurance company to travel beyond Europe. On the part of the defendants it was contended that no such leave had been given, and it was further objected that they had received no legal evidence of the death of Dr Beasley in New Zealand or elsewhere. By a curious coincidence, however, one of the jurors stated that he was in New Zealand at the time, and could testify as to the truth of the fatal occurrence that occasioned the death of the gentleman in question. It was further argued on behalf of the plaint If that the leave granted to Dr Beasley by the company to go to New Zealand held good for twelve months, and that his death took place actually a day or two before its expiration The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff for the amount claimed, with interest,

A New York paper tells of a Vermont bachelor who one clay set the table in his lonely abode with plates for himself and an imaginary wife and five children. He then sent down to dine, and as often as he helped himself to food he put the same quantity on each of the other plates, and surveyed the prospect, at the same time computing the cost. He is still a bachelor.