NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 106, 2 October 1874, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

College Sports. —The annual sports at the College have been postponed until 15th October.

Cabinet makers’ Society.— The quarterly meeting of the above will be held in the Foresters’ Hall, this evening, at 7.30 p.m.

Magisterial. —There was only one case at the R. M. Court this morning. Andrew Nichol, who had imbibed more than was good for him, was fined 10s.

St John’s. —A tea meeting and entertainment took place last evening in St John’s Schoolroom, in aid of the funds of the Sabbath-school in connection with the church.

New Brighton Tea Meeting.—A public tea meeting will be held this evening in the school room, New Brighton, the proceeds to be devoted towards the erection of a new church.

MR KennAWAT at TiMARU.—Mr Kennaway addressed the electors of the Seadown district in the Mechanics’ Institute, Timaru, on Tuesday evening. At the conclusion of a long address, a vote of thanks for his address was carried unanimously. Master Bakers. A meeting of the master bakers was held last evening at the White Hart Hotel, Mr A. Thiele in the chair. A resolution was passed to form an association for the protection of the trade, and a committee was appointed to draw up rules to be submitted at a future meeting. East Christchurch District. The new schoolroom on the South Belt, under the auspices of the East Christchurch committee, will be opened on Monday next. This school is intended for children under eight years of age, and will be in charge of Miss Anthony.

The Transit op Venus Expedition.— As will be seen from our report of the proceedings of the Philosophical Institute last evening, it has been decided to invite Major Palmer and the other members of the expedition to a dinner at an early date. These gentlemen have also been elected honorary members of the institute during their stay in New Zealand. New Brighton Ball,—The steamer Brighton left the Bricks wharf at 6.30 last evening, conveying a goodly number of visitors to the ball at the New Brighton Hotel. The ball was held in the long room of the hotel, a good quadrille band being provided under the leadership of Mr Schwartz. Dancing was heartily indulged in until supper time, when an excellent spread, provided in Mr Hopkins’ best style, was done full justice to ; after which the dancing was resumed with vigor and kept up until an early hour.

Skeleton Found. —The South Canterbury Times says;—We learn that on Thursday last a man named John Paiiug discovered a skeleton near Mr Newton’s property, to the south of Tiraaru, in a quarry opening on the side of the hills. Inspector Pender and Dr Macintyre went to the spot, and on examh nation the doctor stated that it was the skeleton of a male Maori, and that it had been laying there perhaps about 100 years. It was about the ordinary male size, and had a remarkably perfect set of teeth. Grand Lodge.—The grand lodge of New Zealand south of Cook’s Straits resumed its sitting in the Foresters’ Hall at 9.30 a.m. yesterday. After opening the lodge in the usual manner, it was decided to institute district lodges for the provinces of Canterbury, Otago, Southland, Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland, after which the lodge considered the Grand Lodge, District Lodge, degree, and juvenile constitutions, bye laws, &c. which were adopted. It was also resolved to offer a prize of £2O for the best essay on the origin, progress, and objects of the order. The. question of salary of the G.W.S. was decided. an appeal from a subordinate lodge disposed of, and several standing committees appointed. A report was read as to the state of the order south of Cook’s Straits, and other business disposed of, when the session closed, to nvet again in Dunedin on the first Tuesday in December, 1875.

Palmer River Goldfield.— The adjourned meeting of intending passengers to the Palmer river rush was held last night at the Borough Hotel, Mr J. G. Stott in the chair. The meeting was largely attended. The chairman said the meeting had been called that evening to see whether a sufficient number of passengers were coming forward to warrant the owners of the Especulador placing her on the berth for the Endeavor River, and from the number of applications already to hand, and the numerous telegrams received from Hokitika, Timaru, Temuka, and Ashburton requesting rate of passage, date of sailing, &c, the committee were now confident that the hundred passengers required would be forthcoming, and in all probability more applications for passage would be received than the vessel could carry. The chairman stated that the committee were satisfied with the vessel, which was 500 tons burthen, and all arrangements would be made on board for the comfort and health of the passengers. Votes of thanks to the committee and to Mr M'llroy for their trouble was carried, and a vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

1.0.G.T. —A public meeting in connection with the opening of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars will be held this evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, when Mr S, ?. Andrews, G.W.G.T., will occupy the chair. Addresses will be delivered by several of the delegates now in Christchurch attending the convention, and there will also be some music rendered by a choir under the direction of Bro. Long. New Caledonia. —From late files of the Moniteur , of New Caledonia, the Sydney Morning Herald obtains the following information :—“ The transport ship Alceste, which left d’Arzew, in Algeria, whence it had gone to seek the passengers of the Sybille, anchored in the harbor of Noumea on the 9th ult, after a voyage of 124 days, which comprised a stay of twenty hours at Palmas, in the Canary Islands, and five days at St Catherine’s. The ship bears, says the Monitear, the eighth convoy of persons condemned to deportation, to the number of 196, of which 41 are destined for the Isle of Ducos (‘a fortified place’), while 155 have been sentenced to simple transportation (la deportation simple) . The total number of the exiles which have been landed in the colony up to date, 3537, is made up in the following manner :—BIO persons condemned to transportation and imprisonment inside a fortified place, and 2727 condemned to simple exile. The number of women and children who have been brought out at the expense of the State, that they might be enabled to rejoin the transported persons, amounts to 273. Among the communications addressed to the editor of the Moniteur is a letter describing the points of Young Leamington, a new arrival, which the writer says had been ‘ celebrated in the Australian turf world.’ The distinguished arrival, whose advent in New Caledonia is lengthily chronicled in the Government organ of the colony, is a ‘ filly aged three years.’ ”

Sporting. The Nero Zealand Times sa y ß: —<• It is a pleasing duty to inform owners and trainers of blood stock that the stewards of the Wellington Jockey Club have, after considerable trouble, succeeded in supp’ying a convenience much ; wanted, and absolutely necessary for the welfare of horse racing in this province. We refer to a training ground which is now in the course of formation, and will be ready for occupation in a few days. It is situated at the Hutt, in close proximity to the racecourse. Its length is a little over a mile, beautiful level running, with half a mile of a straight clean run in, and, we are further given to understand, will bear favorable comparison with any other course of a similar character in New Zealand. This is certainly a step in the right direction, and the stewards are deserving of much praise for the untiring energy they have evinced and the action they have taken in securing the same, as neither time nor money have been spared in making the ground all that possibly could be desired even by the most sceptical of trainers. No doubt owners will gladly avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded, and bring their horses to the post at the next December meeting in such condition as to reflect creditably on the preparation they have received. We need scarcely state that every accommodation in the shape of loose boxes and other requisites, together with good and comfortable hotels, cheerful and congenial landlords, are to be met with in profusion at the Hutt.”

Horticultural Society.—A committee meeting of the above society was held yesterday evening. Present—Messrs W. Wilson (in the chair), Crooks, Allen, Stevens, Chudley, Proctor, Greenaway, and Leigh. The gold medals presented by the late president for competition during last season, were presented as follows : —Open class, J. Greenaway, 128 points ; H. Crooks, 158 points, Mr Chudley moved—“ That the name of the winners, donors, and the purpose for which the medals were given, be engraved thereon at the expense of the society.” Mr Allen seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was resolved that a special meeting be held in a fortnight for the purpose of electing judges for next show. Mr Chudley moved—“ That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the late president, E. C. J. Stevens, Esq., for his present of the medals awarded, and the great interest he has always taken in horticulture, and for hi« generous support to the society.” Mr Allen seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr Stevens acknowledged the compliment briefly. The usual monthly meeting was then held. Mr Chudley read a paper on “ The cultivation of the rose.” Mr Greenaway followed with some remarks upon the paper, and intimated his intention of going fully into the subject at next meeting. Mr Stevens gave a brief account of some of the new roses he had seen whilst in England. On the motion of Mr Crooks it was resolved That the thanks of the meeting be given to Mr Chudley for the paper read by him.’' Mr Allen seconded the motion, which was agreed to. The meeting then adjourned.

The Coal Question. The Southern Cross says :—The demand for coal at Newcastle, New South Wales, is far greater than the mines can at present meet. By private advices we learn that a fleet of vessels, representing fifty thousand tons of shipping, have had to wait many weeks for cargoes There are at Newcastle seven large cranesfor loading ships, and an eighth oxclusively erected for the service of steam colliers, so that if a steamer arrives she is first accommodated, and any sailing craft that may be filling up at crane No 8 has to give place to the more fortunate steam ship, which has not, like a sailing vessel, to wait her “turn.” A large steamer chartered by Mr Larnach, of Dunedin, has been very successful under this arrangement. The complement of her cargo is 2000 tons. Of this quantity she can take only IfiOO tons at Newcastle, because of the want of sufficient water, and she goes to Sydney to load up. This she has done, steamed to Dunedin, discharged her cargo there, and returned to the berth at Newcastle, while some of the sailing vessels she left there where still waiting for the ; r cargoes ! This shows what steam colliers can accomplish, and it also shows how the coal trade is expanding. Some of the Newcastle companies have this year, we are informed, yielded dividends of 40 to 50 per cent, which is an exceptionally large profit, caused by the exceptionally high price at which coals have ruled. It is now proposed to sink for coal under the city of Sydney itself. The formation of the coal basin of New South Wales is peculiar. The coal seams extend along the coast with a dip which descends considerably at Sydney. It is conjectured that the seam may be found at a depth of 1000 to 2000 feet. It may be less ; but an enterprising speculator from England has, we learn, been arranging with various owners of

property in Sydney for the right of searching and mining on payment of a certain royalty. It is believed, from the formation of the country and the cost of working that, at a depth of 2000 ft., coal could be profitably worked; and with the great advantages which Sydney harbor and the Sydney wharves could afford, an enormous supply could be shipped of coal mined from beneath that city. That is the latest coal speculation ; and the speculator has high hopes as to the result, and has already secured a prior right—sufficient to warrant experiments. All this proves how the demand for this mineral is increasing, and it points to a good future for the coalfields of this colony. We have first of all to supply our own wants, —which is the primary essential. That once accomplished, we need not fear that we shall lack an export trade. That will come when we can supply the article with which the whole of the civilised world requires to be furnished, and for which fleets of vessels throng the harbor of Newcastle. When New Zealand is ready to deliver her coals for export, we shall not remain without customers.

The Jeddah. —“A3gles” writes in The Australasian ;—“In Friday’s journals the Eastern and Australian Mail Steam Company (Limited), advertised (by its agents; the sailing of the Jeddah, from the Sandridge Railway Pier, for Saturday, 12th September. But the ship didn’t come to the pier, and she slipped off in the most unceremonious way, without waiting for mail, goods, or passengers. And why ? She had been on fire, and in order to extinguish the fire she was scuttled in Twofold Bay, and sunk. After being patched a little, she was raised, and came to Melbourne to earn her freight. The cargo was tea, and valueless. The owners of cargo, acting on a well-known principle of marine insurance, considered that the ship was liable to contribute to a general average; the cargo having been destroyed in order to save the hull. But the company (by its agents) avoided any direct assent or refusal. And whilst the owners of cargo were getting into motion the lumbering machinery of law, the astute company (by its agents) coaled the ship in the graving dock, got steam up, cleared her at the Customs a day earlier than expected, and sent her to sea in the night. So the company (by its agents) has accomplished the brilliant feat of paying the claimants with the fore-topsail. The appreciation of the cleverness of (his steamship company (by its agents) is most pronounced in commercial circles —the pronunciation occasionally rather harshly accented.”

The Weather in the South.— The Timaru Herald of yesterday says : —More water has fallen in this district during the last few days than during the previous six months, and the consequences of course are very distressing where they are nothing worse. The weather looked very threatening on Friday night, but Saturday was fine enough. Towards evening, however, the sky became clouded; and during the night it rained heavily. Sunday morning broke ominously, but the rain ceased for a great part of the day. About four o’clock, however, it came on worse than ever, and continued to fall in torrents all night, during the whole of Monday and Monday night, and, with some short intervals, all yesterday and last night. Early on Monday a violent easterly gale sprang up and lasted steadily all day long, shifting a few points to the north towards evening, and dying away during the night. The benefit of the new side channels in the town of Timaru is now fully appreciated, for scarcely any water has remained in the streets, and places which would before have been impassable are entirely free. From all parts of the district we hear accounts of heavy rains and flooded rivers, but we are glad to learn, from those whose opinions are likely to be sound, that the waters are now showing signs of abatement. The northern approach of the Opihi bridge gave way yesterday morning, interrupting the traffic between Timaru and Temuka. The coach was of course stopped, but the mails were carried over on a swimming horse. Mr Roberts and Mr Rochfort, the late and the new engineer to the Board of Works, went out to examine the damage, but were unable to get beyond the south bank of the Arowhenua. From that point it was impossible to judge of the extent of injury done to the bridge, but it is believed that the water has got under the sheet piling of the northern approach, and washed away the road leading up to the bridge. At the Te Nga Wai bridge, also, damage was reported to have been done, but we are glad to learn that, with the exception of an overflow of back water over the road, no injury has arisen. The Pareora is reported to be high, but the South coach came safely through yesterday, and was not much behind time. The North coach got as far as Temuka, but it was impossible to send either passengers or mails any farther.

The San Francisco Service.— The New Zealand, Herald of the 24th ultimo, in its monthly summary, says “ The steamship Macgregor, which left Auckland for Sydney on the 15th, took the Hon Mr Vogel and Mr Thos. Russell as passengers. The former gentleman’s mission is to complete arrangements with New South Wales for the laying of the cable, after which he proceeds home in the capacity .of Colonial Treasurer to negotiate the four million loan authorised by the last Parliament. Mr Russell goes as Commissioner from the New Zealand Government to make arrangements with the New South Wales Government for the reconstruction of the mail line. The A.S.N. Company have offered to take up the permanent contract upon the original conditions, but we are informed that the P. and O. Company have also intimated their willingness to treat for the service. If there is any proba bility of arrangements being made with this company, it is probable Mr Russell may proceed home to entertain, and, if possible, complete them. With such an influential company as contractors, there would be nothing whatever to fear for the future of the line. Under any circumstances, it has been determined that the service shall be reconstructed, and as speedily jjas possible. The last mail from Melbourne brought us intelligence that the Victorian Government would be willing to treat with New Zealand for the running of the service in conjunction with our Government. W’hat the result will be is uncertain, but unless Victoria be willing to fall in with New South Wales as a party also to the contract, the proposition is likely to fall to the ground.

Miss Craker of Baraboo, Wisconsin, has been awarded 1,000 dollars damages for having been kissed by a railroad conductor, not that she loved kissing less, but money more. And she is tickled to death, too, to think that she got both.