NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 151, 27 November 1874, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Sunday Observance League. —lt will be seen elsewhere that the second address to members of this body and the general public, will be delivered this evening by the Rev James Buller. The public are invited to attend and take part in the discussion.

Telegraphic. —The steamer Albion is expected to leave Hokitika at 11 am. on Saturday. Telegrams for the Australian colonies or Europe via Java cable will be received at the telegraph office for trausmission to Hokitika up till 10 o’clock of the 28th instant.

Entertainment. —An entertainment took place at the Asylum on Wednesday night. An excellent programme, consisting of song l ' and part songs, was contributed by the members of St Andrew's choir, under the leadership of Mr Long; MrJ.W. Sheppard playing the accompaniments on the piano.

The Rose Show.— The annual Rose Show under the auspices of the Horticultural Society, will take place on the 3rd D( cember, and judging from the show of blooms ii he various gardens the exhibition should be a success. We may note that a very nict little collection of cut blooms from th gardens of Mr Jackman and MrChudley,i mow to be seen in the shop of the latter. Colombo street, containing amongst othersome well grown blooms of Madame Verdier and Gbire de Dijon.

Christchurch West. —An entertainment will be given this evening in the Lincoln road bchoolroom, consisting of music, readings, &c.; the proceeds of which will be handed to the fund for the purchase of prizes.

White Hats. —Mr Mcßeth, at Mr Murray’s store, Lyttelton, succeeded in catching two perfectly white rats, with pink eyes, amongst some wood used for baking purposes. These albinos are very handsome and seem very tame. Cricket.— To-morrow a match will be played between the Papanui and Second Eleven of Christchurch clubs, on the Papanui ground. The following will play for Papanui, viz :—Messrs J. T. Matson, J. Horner, F. Pavitt, J. Turner, R. Triggs, T, Hill, J. Davis, G. Dickenson, W. Horner, C. Jennings, and J. Jackson. Play to commence at two o’clock punctually. St Alban’s. —A combined meeting of teachers of the St Alban’s and Knightstown Wesleyan Sabbath Schools was held on Wednesday evening, 25th instant, in the schoolroom, St Alban’s. The Rev A. R. Fitchett, president, in the chair, and about twenty teachers present. It was resolved to hold the children’s anniversary treat on December 16th, and that the Revs Watkin and Fitchett preach the sermons in connection with the anniversary on Sunday, December 20th. Madame Goddard —The first of the series of concerts by Madame Goddard takes place on Tuesday next. Thepieces played by Madame Goddard on this occasion will, we believe, be Beethoven’s sonata in A flat (op. 16) ; Thalberg’s fantasia on airs from “Don Giovanni,” and a Scotch fantasia by Jules de Nevrai. Mrs Her - Doehler, and Messrs Hainford and Skinner will assist at the concert. The Autumn Meeting. —Considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst the tradespeople of the city that the Jockey Club should have fixed their autumn meeting for Friday and Saturday, as the latter day is a most inconvenient one for a large section of the public. The meeting might easily be fixed for Thursday and Fiiday, thus allowing all an opportunity of attending the races. We commend the matter to the consideration of the Jockey Club.

Greendale. —The Primitive Methodist Chapel anniversary tea meeting was held on Monday, after which a public meeting was held in the chapel. Mr J. Rudd took the chair, and addresses were delivered by Kevs J. Westbrooke and Harris, and Messrs Bourne and Buxton. The selections of sacred music rendered by the West Melton choir con trimuch to the enjoyment of the evening. At the close of the public meeting a collection, amounting to more than £4, was made in aid of the church funds.

Sheffield Literary Institute .—The last meeting was held on Wednesday. The evening was devoted to readings and recitations. The following programme was carried out. The president, MrJ. Jebson, M.P.C., Extracts from the “ Literary World ;” Mr R. Jebson, “Come Lame to the childer and mo,’ and “ Some causes of weakness in men’s understandings;” Mr It. Pole “The burial of Moses ” (Lyra Sacra) ; Mr, J. Jebson, junr “ The transitory nature of earthly things” (Chalmers); Mr J. Pole, “ Will Waddle,” and “ The Newcastle apothecary;” Mr D. Jebson, “The long strike” (Mrs Gaskell.)

Cup for the Yacht Race. —Mr Saunders of the MDre Hotel, Lyttelton, has had the generosity to give a cup to be competed for in the yacht race. He purchased two at Mr San (Mein’s, in Christchurch, one of which is more elaborately chased than the other, which, however, is of handsome design and belter finished, and has also a design on one side of some yachts sailing. The latter is of Mr Sandstein’s own make. We hear it is the irtention of Mr Saunders to give the committee their choice of the cups, which are both wmth about £2O. They are at present to be seen at Mr Murray’s shop, in London street, and are well worth looking at. This great liberality on the part of Mr Saunders is much to be praised.

The New Catholic Bishop. Bishop Redwood, the Catholic Bishop of Wellington, with his chaplain, the Rev. M. Kearney, arrived in Lyttelton by the s.s. Albion, from Melbourne, on Wednesday morning last. His lordship was met in Lyttelton by the Rev H. Belliard, the Rev J. Chervier, the Rev F. Delmonte, Mr Isaac B. Sheath, chairman of the Catholic school committee, and Mr Henry Redwood, the Bishop’s brother. The party came through to Christchurch by the 9.10 train. On their arrival here the Bishop was taken to the Catholic church, where ho remained a short time in prayer, after which he visited the convent and the convent schools, and the Boys Catholic schools. He then went through the city and its suburbs, after which he visited the Acclimatization grounds, the Domain, and the museum. His lordship expressed himself highly delighted with the prosperous appearance of this part of his diocese. The Bishop and party returned to Lyttelton by the 3.10 train, and his lordship and his chaplain proceeded to Wellington by the Albion. We understand it is His Lordship’s intention to pay another visit to Christchurch at an early date.

Lyttelton Yachting Club. — A meeting of this club was held on Wednesday evening last at the Mitre Hotel, present—Messrs Eyes (in the chair), Hawkins, Talbot, Young, Me Beth, Cameron, Rich, Packard, and Ward The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The sub-committee brought np a set of draft rules, which were passed from Ito 27. They staled that they were greatly indebted to Mr F, Digby for lending them the rules of the Auckland Yacht Club, which had greatly assisted them; and also to vir E. Packard for the rules of the Royal Cinque Ports Club. It was arranged that he club flag should be awhile Maltese cross on a blue ground, and the Burgee blue, with LY.C. in white letters. The following officers were then elected : Patron, W. Roleston, Esq ; commodore, P. Cunningham, Esq ; vice-commodore, H. P. Murray Aynesley, Esq ; rear-commodore, T. W. Vlaude, Esq ; hon secretary, W. H. Eyes. Esq; treasurer, W. Packard, Esq; committee, Messrs Cameron, Hawkins, Young, Rich, and Talbot. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Rich, Packard, Cunningham, ind the secretary, was appointed to arrange or the opening of the season, and it was also esolved that the opening day should be on Saturday, December sth. It was decided hat the entrance money should be £2 2s, iud the yearly subscription be £1 Is. A -ote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting-

Fire at Opawa. —The house occupied byMr Samuel Needham, at Opawa, was totally destroyed by fire this morning. The fire originated in a part of the building to which some additions were being made, and the number of hands about the place was insufficient to prevent the work of destruction, the only thing saved from the house, being the furniture of one room. Mr Harris and Mr Needham were on the ground as quickly as possible after the news of the occurrence reached Christchurch, but were unable to prevent the spread of the flames. The building was insured, but we are ignorant to what amount. The Opera. —Weber’s “ Der Freischutz” was repeated evening to a very good house, and went fairly throughout. Mias May’s singing of the beautiful scena “ Soft ly sighs” received a very warm reception, being deservedly applauded, and Miss Lambert played the coquettish Anne capitally. Mr Hallam as Max, Mr Templeton as Kaspar, were both successful, receiving quite an ovation at the end of the third act. The incantation scene was even more effectively put upon the stage than on the former occasion, and Mr Parish, the property master, received a call before the curtain. The choruses were not successfully given, except the “ Bridesmaid’s chorus” in the last act. There was a want of harmony about them which marred the general effect. Mr Hobbs sang the solo allotted to the Hermit very creditably. To-night will be the last but one of the season, as the company proceed on Monday to Timaru, where they appear under engagement. Bellini’s opera of “La Sonnambula” forms the bill for this evening.

Fall of the Bridge over the Waiau Gorge. — A correspondent writes :— A fierce gale of wind which swept over the Hanmer plains and revelled in the gorges and amongst the surrounding mountains on the night of Sunday last, settled decisively the fate of that very picturesque but fragile looking structure the bridge over the Waiau Gorge. The writer conversed on Sunday evening with a gentleman who had just ridden over it, and the question of the safety of the bridge was freely questioned, little dreaming however that its fate was so near a final issue; and as a surveyor had been lately down to examine it on behalf of the Nelson Government and nothing had come of it, the suggestion was made that nothing very serious could bo the matter with the structure, which had cost them £7OOO. But on Monday morning the report on the bridge was filled up, in anticipation of what in due course we shall doubtless hear from Nelson ; and an adventurous digger who left Jollie’s Pass purposing to cross, presently returned with the startling news that the bridge was gone. On visiting the scene of the catastrophe, it was difficult to realise the fact that a bridge had ever been there, the abutment of the Lridge on the Hurunui side indeed remained (and the last traveller across had left the gate "pen), but the river some eighty (?) feet below had accounted for the rest and swept it clean away. It is a matter of congratulation that no loss of life was occasioned by the catastrophe, as the bridge was largely used by passengers on horseback from the Hanmer Plains—the Clarence and other parts of the Amuri district, and it was the only .means by which the cattle of these parts coqld be brought to Christchurch s 'ome idea of the violence of the hurricane of Sunday night amongst these hills may be formed from the overthrow by it of a large and substantial iron wool shed on Count le Pasture’s station, and it would seem to have exercised subterranean influence, as the temperature of the Hot Springs on the plains, which on Sunday was at 120 deg, as usual, had fallen on Monday morning to 95deg.

Ashburton Cricket Club.—A meeting of the Ashburton Cricket Club was held at the Court House on Monday evening, 23rd instant, to elect a captain, managing committee, and transact business. Tnere was a fair attendance. Mr Scaly was voted to the chair. It was proposed, seconded, and carried—“ That Mr G. Flock ton be elected captain.” The following gentlemen were ■dected a managing committee, viz : Messrs Greenwood, Baigent. Digby, Marsh, and Darbv, three to form a quorum. Proposed by Mr Marsh, seconded by Mr Baigent—“That the practice nights be altered to Tuesdays and Fridays.” Mr Marsh proposed, Mr Baigent seconded —“That a fine of one shilling be paid by any playing member absent from two consecutive practice nights, without showing good cause.” It was pro posed and seconded—“ That Mr Marsh be requested to assist the treasurer in getting in subscriptions.” Also, that the practice on Tuesdays and Fridays bo strictly on the club ground in the Domain, Messrs Baigent and Marsh were appointed to have the ground in the Domain further prepared, at a cost not exceeding £4. A number of rules were then framed and passed, and the secretary was instructed to have 100 copies printed, and distributed to the members.

Little River Library.— A meeting of th» committee was held in the Library on Fiiday evening, the 20th instant, Mr E Vickers in the chair. A letter was read from the manager of the Bank of New South Wales, stating that he had received and placed to the credit of the treasurer the sum of £25, Provincial Government grant. The chairman stated that he had written to the Provincial Secretary, asking for a further grant, and had received a reply informing the committee that the application would be considered, if funds were available. Mr Walters stated that, according to instructions, he had insured the Library building, books, and furniture for the sum of £IOO. A vote of thanks was given to Mr Walters for his trouble in insuring the building, &c, The following resolutions were then passed, viz:—“ That the library be opened on Monday and Saturday evenings in each week, instead of three evenings in the week.” “ That the sum of £25 be expended on books, to be purchased in England;” “ That the committee give an entertainment on Boxing: D. y, for the benefit, of the library;” “That subscriptions be rais l d for the purpose of giving prizes at sports to be held on Boxirg Day, and that a subscription list be opened at once.” £5 was subscribed in the room. The meeting then adjourned.

Accident. —The Timaru Herald says On Saturday morning last, as Mr Isaac Collins, a wool-scourer living at Temuka, was driving his team across the ford of the Opihi, situated just above the bridge, a serious accident befel him. Upon arriving at the north bank of the river with his team, which consisted of three horses and a dray (the latter laden with eleven bales of wool), he found that he could not cross withom assistance. He therefore obtained the loan, of four horses, which were hooked on to th; : iront of his two leaders. The river was then (Sitered, a maa riding one of the leaders,

another sitting on the shaft, and Mr, Collins haring hold of his own off-side leader on the up-stream side. When the team had proceeded a good part of the way across, Mr Collins got out of his depth, and the current carried him swiftly under the dray-wheel which went over both his legs. Although injured severely he managed to get out of the river on to the south, bank nearly as soon as the team. He was shortly afterwards conveyed home, and a messenger was at once despatched to Timaru for Dr Mclntyre, and another to Geraldine for Dr Fish. Dr Mclntyre was in attendance as quickly as possible, and upon examination found that the wheel had severely bruised and grazed the knee of the right leg, and deeply lacerated the upper calf of the same leg. The injuries are more serious than a breakage of the leg would have been.

A minister, in Aberdeenshire, being summoned before his Presbytery for tippling, one of his elders, a constant participator of his orgies, was summoned to appear as a witness against him. “ Weel, John,” said a member of the reverend court, “ did you ever see Mr C the worse of drink ?” “ Weel I wat, no,” answered John,” “I’ve mony time seen him the better o’t, but never seen him the waur o’t.” “But did you never see him drunk?” “That’s what I’ll never see,” replied the elder, “for lang before he’s half sloakened I’m weel fou. ” It is said that on one occasion as Miss Wordsworth, sister of the poet, was passing through a wood which the stock-dove was filling with its soft-music, she fell in with a country woman, who exclaimed, “I am so fond of stock-cloves!” “Oh !” thought Miss Wordsworth, “at last I have come upon one of nature’s poets, with a soul to appreciate the beautiful music of the birds.” Very ruthlessly was the dream disenchanted by an explanatory remark of the woman’s : ‘ ‘ Some like them in in pies and some like them roasted; but for my part I think there’s nothing like them stewed with onions !’

A new mitrailleuse has, according to the Continental Herald, just been tried at Coire, in the Grisons. The barrels, instead of clustering around a centre, are placed horizontally, thus, delivering the balls like a platoon of infantry instead of in a cluster. Twenty rounds were fired in a minute, but the inventor, Colonel Albertini, of the Austrian army maintains that forty-five rounds can be fired each minute, and that his mitrailleuse will cosc one-sixth less than the one actually in use.

Spurgeon says he never had the ability to manage a small church. They are like those canoes on the Thames; you must not sit this way or the other, or do this thing or do that thing, lest you should be upset. His church is like a big steamboat, and he can walk here or there without any danger of upsetting it. First Ruffian—“ Wot was I hup for, and wot’avelgot? Well, I floored a woman, took her watch, and I’ve got two and a flogging.” Second Ruffian—“Ah, I flung a woman out of the top floor window, an’ I’ve only got three months.” First Ruffian—“Ah, but then she was your wife.” Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States, was credited with a number of “ smart things,” the basis, however, of which did not rest upon fact. When told of them he laughed and said—“ The papers make me smarter than I am ; I have said none of these things, with one exception. I did say, when I had the small-pox, ‘ Now, let the office-seekers come, for at last I have something I can give to all of them. ’ ” “A Thirsty Soul.”—Josh Billings says—- “ Herring inhabit the sea generally; but those which inhabit the grocery alwus taste to me as though they had oeen fatted on salt. They want a deal of freshening before they’re eatin, and also aftarward. If I kin have plenty of herring for breakfast, I generally make the other two meals out of water. ”

There is curreutja good story of a Scotch milk-boy which may interest in these days of complaint about the adulteration of milk. A boy delivering milk was stopped the other day by two detective officers, who asked him if anything was put in it. “ On, ay,” was the answer. Thereupon the officers, thinking they had a clear case, offered him a penny, if he would tell them what. “Ah,” said he, with a grin, “ye wadna gie’s the penny though I tell’t ye.” “Oh, yes, we will,” said the officers. “ Gies’t then,” returned the lad; and the penny was handed over with the question, “ Now, what do yon put in the milk ?” “ Oh,” said the boy, with a cunning look, “ I pit the measure in every time I tak’ onyoot.” That youth has a bright future before him.