NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 168, 19 December 1874, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Presbyterian Bazaar. The bazaar was opened yesterday, and did a very good business, particularly during the evening. It will be opened to-day and this evening.

English Mail. —It will be seen that the Albion has arrived at the Bluff. Some of the telegraphic news she brings has already been published, and the remaining telegrams are meagre. The Wonga Wonga has also arrived at Auckland.

Canterbury Music Hall. —A meeting of the directors of the above company will be held at the company’s offices on Monday next, at 4 p.m. The business for which the meeting is called is, amongst other things, to consider a proposal for enlarging the present buildings.

Opera Concert. —The English opera company made their final appearance in Christchurch last night in a concert. The attendance, we were surprised to see, was not nearly so large as might have been expected, and there was only a moderate house to greet the different performers. The few, however, who attended seemed thoroughly satisfied with the entertainment provided. Miss Alice May was as successful as usual, and responded to three encores. Miss Lambert and Miss Howe, too, were in good voice, and received their due amount of applause. Messrs Templeton, Hallam, and Vernon contributed their quota to the evening’s amusement, and were all well received. In parting parting from the company we trust that they will carry away pleasant remembrances of Christchurch, and that we may see some of them again at a date not very fair off.

The German Church Bells.— The three bells now being erected at the German Church will be rung for the first time on Christmas Eve, commencing at a quarter to nine o’clock. His Honor the Superintendent, Sir J. C. Wilson, and his Worship the Mayor have consented to start the first peal. At nine o’clock a sacred concert will be given in the church by the choir of the church, assisted by other musical friends, conducted by Mr J. 1. M. Smith, the organist. Admission to the concert will be by ticket only, to be obtained at various places. The proceeds of the concert will be devoted towards (he fund being raised for the obtaining of additional bells. As the contractor has been delayed in the work of erection, owing to the difficulty of obtaining suitable timber, the ringers will scarcely be so perfect as they would otherwise have been. Ashburton Library— An entertainment given by an amateur company named “ The Venus Minstrels,” took place on the evening of the 16th instant, in the Library Hall. Owing to the inclemency of the weather the attendance was considerably less than would otherwise have been the case. As regards the performance itself, too much cannot be said in its praise; in fact it completely eclipsed anything that has ever been attempted at the Ashburton before —either by professionals or amateurs. Where all acquitted themselves so creditably it is almost invidious to particularise; but we cannot help noticing the efforts of Messrs Barker and Glen, as corner-men, the latter being inimitable ; and the song of “ The Sexton,” sung by Mr Ellisdon, and solo on the Japanese fiddle, by Mr Woledge, being certainly the gems of the evening. The whole concluded with a laughable burlesque farce, entitled “ La Souambula,” the characters of which were well sustained throughout, the local allusions being particularly good.

Good Templarism. —Pursuant to an advertisement a meeting of full degree Good Templars was held at the Foresters’ Hall on Thursday evening last at 7.30 p.m. for tht purpose of instituting a Degree Temple (the first in the colony) in connection with the Subordinate Lodges of Christchurch. Bro S. P. Andrews, G.W.G.T., called the members to order, and opened the meeting in the third degree, and after explaining all matters necessary for the working of temples, called upon the members to elect their officers. The following officers were then elected Bro Trumble, Degree Templar ; Bro Buxton, D.Y.T. ; Bro Hutton, D.S.; Bro Taylor, D.P.S ; Bro Wykes, D, Treasurer ; Sister Trumble, D. Chaplain ; Bro Tregear, D.M. ; Bro Thomas, D.G.; Bro Smith, D. Sentinel ; Bro Morriss, D.D.M. ; Bro Northam, D.A.S. ; Sister Betts, D.L.H.S ; Bro Knight, D.R.H.S., and Bro Cutler as Acting Past Degree Templar for the present term. The officers were then installed by the G.W.C.T., assisted by Bro Mills, G.W.S., and the temple declared instituted. It was resolved that the name of the temple be the Olive Branch No 1. The by-laws were then considered, and the next night of meeting decided upon, of which due notice will be given by advertisement, and the temple closed with due form and ceremony.

Heathcote Rowing Club.—A special general meeting of the Heathcote Rowing Club was held at the Wharf Hotel, Woolston, on Thursday evening last. There was a good attendance of members, Mr W. Mardon in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the following genllemen were elected as members:—W. Taylor, W. Reeves, J. Garland, T, Chapman, and G. Scott, The treasurer reported that he had received a donation from J. S. Williams, Esq, one of the vice-presidents. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Williams for the same. The hon sec reported that the season had been opened with scratch races on the Heathcote, which were very successful. A discussion then ensued as to the advisability of getting up a Heathcote regatta. It was stated that steps were already being taken by gentlemen outside the club with that object. Ultimately it was resolved, “That Mr Crosbie, the secretary of last year’s regatta committee, be requested to call a meeting of persons interested in getting up a Heathcote regatta during the present season.” The advisability of pro curing a pleasure boat was then considered. The treasurer reported that the club would be out of debt by the end of the season, thus leaving the whole of next year’s subscriptions available. After discussion, it was resolved to procure two pair-oared pleasure boats from Salter, of Oxford, England, the boats to be similar to the C.R.C.’s Moa. The hon sec reported that the club held two challenge cups, won at the Christchurch regatta, 1872, viz, the Mayor’s (Mr Jameson’s) Cup for four-oars, and Messrs Coates’ Cup for sculling race. The Christchurch clubs had shown a decided disinclination to row off for them last season. It was decided, “ That the hon sec be instructed tt take the necessary steps to have the challenge cups now held by the club rowed for during the present season. The meeting then adjourned, after a vote of thanks to the chairman.

The Ashley.—The flood in this river had gone down on Friday to such an extent, that during the afternoon, Saneom and Lee managed to get the mails conveyed across on horseback, and expect within a day to have the coach running. The bridge and approaches to the bridge are not supposed to be damaged.

Luncheon. —A luncheon was given yesterday at 1 p.m. by the new Mayor of Lyttelton, at his residence. Dr Donald occupied the vice-chair ; most of the councillors, the town clerk, the solicitor, and other gentlemen connected with the Council were present. All the usual healths were drunk and responded to. The Labor Market.— Mr John Parker reports as follows for the week ending 19th December The demand is in excess of former weeks, but I am sorry to say I have not been so successful with regard to the number of engagements on this occasion, owing to the unsettled state of the weather. Hay making is completely stopped in consequence, and most of other outdoor workmen refuse anything but at good wages. These are principally old colonists, who are well acquainted with the requirements. The new arrivals, however, good they may be, fill these situations at a much lower rate. With regard to females, very few will accept until after the holidays are over, but employers will welcome the arrival of the ship Pleiades, as many of them have been waiting anxiously for the new arrivals, and I have been given to understand that those immigrants are of a superior class, and in every way suited for the requirements of the province. Employers in the country are willing to engage men until after the harvest, or for the year round, but men prefer engaging by contract for the harvest only. In the town there are many arrivals, among which are first-class men cooks, who feel rather disappointed at not being promptly engaged. In married couples. I have secured situations for several, but similar situations remain on hand. The following are the average rates of wages for the week ending December 19th Female servants, cooks, in town, £3O to £35 per annum ; in country hotels, £4O ; general servants, in town, £3O ; country, £3O to £35 ; housemaids, £25 ; nursemaids, £2O ; under do, £l6 to £18; boys, from 10s to 12s per week ; first-class ploughmen, 25a per week, with extra at harvest; second class do, £l, but few will accept of these terms ; men suitable for every description of farm work, 25s per week to harvest, and afterwards £2 per week, with rations; drivers of teams, 25s per week ; barmen and waiters, 25s to 30s per week ; gardeners and grooms, 25a per week ; carpenters and joiners, 10s to 12a per day ; married couples, same rates as last week.

The Murderer Sullivan in Australia.—The Daily Times says :—“ A few months ago we stated how the murderer Sullivan, after having been hunted about in England, and kept under such 'rigid surveillance by officers of the detective force specially deputed to look after him, had things made so hot for him that he declared his intention of going to the United States, This may have been a blind, or he may have really intended to do so, but no doubt the Scotland Yard gentry did not trouble themselves much about what place he next honored with his presence so long as they got him out of Great Britain, and were quit of the trouble of looking after him. We have it now on the best testimony that Sullivan is in Australia. A New Zealand gentleman recognised him in Sydney. Standing on the quay watching the passengers by the Paramatta from London land, he saw one of them whom he was certain was Sullivan. He found that Sullivan had set up for a dog fancier, having brought out a lot of dogs and canaries with him. Sullivan, being known to this man, did not attempt to deny his identity, and apparently felt assured that he would not be •' peached ” upon to the police there. His discoverer, though puzzled for a time with the appearance of his whiskers and hair, was never for a moment doubtful that the scowling face before him was that of the Maungatapu murderer. Sullivan was well dressed, and managed to look greatly different to what he did when in gaol here, and when on hia trial for murder. The following week Sulliran was recognised by the same gentleman in Melbourne—his make up then was also excellent. Bach time it was at the theatres except the time on the quay—that he was recognised. He seemed to have plenty of money, and attended pretty regular at the Hoskins-Colville performances. He stated that the detectives in London had so tracked him about that he had no rest, and that therefore he intended to make his way to the Australian colonies once more, though he might stay in them only for a time.

The Auckland and Onehunga Railway.—The Auckland correspondent of the Daily Times says :—There is great controversy over our railway to Onehunga. Mr Passmore has been carrying things with a high hand, dismissing nearly all the officiala —from the Manager to the porters, and substituting for 'them new and unknown men at salaries considered far too low to secure competent people. The rates for passengers and goods have been also raised, and the secret of the whole appears to be that the railway is not paying. Straightway Mr Passmore is ordered off from Wellington to set things right, and the above is the process he has adopted for the purpose. But the result is, that people are losing confidence in the safety of the line. Passengers are returning to their carriages and omnibuses, and carters are again carrying goods between the two places. The station in Auckland is at a very inconvenient distance from the centre of the traffic in town, and may be regarded as ’another drawback, but there is no sign of attempt to remedy it. On thefwhoie, the prospects of this line under General Government control are not bright. Possibly there is some one responsible for its management and for the safety of passengers, but, if so, it is kept a profound departmental secret, and the public are left to infer that if accidents happen, it will be hard to find out to whom they are really due. Mr Passmore may be acting under the orders of the Minister of Railways, or the manager may be acting under vlr Passmore’s. In the former case there would be no redress; in the latter, Mr Passmore, not being here except for a few days at i time, caunot well be held liable for details. L'he result is a loss of confidence in the line, lecreased traffic, and very general dissatisfaction. Mr Graham, the proprietor of Sllerslie, who has spent much money in :stablishing a new suburb there on the ;trer gth of railway facilities, writes to the paper complaining loudly of the prohibitory tariff for passengers on the line,

Railway Collision.—At about a quarter past three yesterday afternoon a collision occurred between the No 2 engine, drawing a goods train of fourteen trucks from Christchurch, and the shunting engine at Lyttelton. The collision occurred four chains inside the tunnel from the Lyttelton end. The shunting engine had a truck containing case goods in front, and entered the tunnel for the purpose of shunting the waggon on to another line. The shunter was just reversed, and on the move back towards Lyttelton when the collision took place ; the waggon fortunately being between the two engines was lifted completely off the line, and the foremost post, next the shunter, was thrown on to the shunter and completely smashed. The smoke bos door buffers, and buffer planks, break screws, one step, and the guard irons, were broken to atoms. The shunter had eight trollies behind her at the time. No 2 engine had one buffer broken off, but was otherwise uninjured. Blackraore was driving the shunter, and 0. Fowke was the stoker. No 2 engine was driven by Ashton, and the stoker was Salisbury. Luckily, the men on both engines escaped without injury. The goods engine drove the shunter with her load 2£ chains before a stoppage was effected. We learn that the signal man at the tunnel mouth, the shunter on the shunting engine, the driver and stoker of the shunting engine are suspended, pending enquiry into the cause of the accident. The station master, Mr Bradley, at once telegraphed to Christchurch respecting _ the accident, and an engine with the railway engineer, Mr Warner and his staff, was at once despatched to the scene of the accident, prior to whose arrival Mr Bradley had employed all available labor to clear the line, which was effected in about an hour. The news of the accident soon got abroad, and many of the inhabitants were soon on the scene of the catastrophe. The railway engineer, Mr Warner, had the line inspected and repaired at once, and everything is now in complete working order, and trains running as usual. An inquiry will, we hear, be held to-day.

In a school a teacher recently took occasion to relate an anecdote of a little girl who tried to “ overcome evil with good” by giving a pretty picture-book to a boy who had illtreated her. The story was appreciated, for, a few minutes afterwards, one boy struck another, and, on being asked the reason, said he was trying to get a pretty picture-book. This was a practical bearing altogether unexpected, An Austin City (Nevada) reporter thus speaks of the belle of a masquerade ball in that city at the close of last month—- “ The most gorgeous, stunning, high-toned, richest, firstest-classest, nicest, or any other adjective costume in the outfit was that worn by Miss Frankie Clark. She was the Stnnningest, gayest, galiusest dressed gal in the room. She appeared as a page, and both costume and action were as perfect as a big sunflower.”

The following story is told of the Pvev Dr Boyd, of St Andrew’s. On coming into his parish the new minister, of course, found a large number of the people members of other Presbyterian churches, who had become Dissenters either with Dr Chalmers or before his time. With rather questionable taste he insisted on visiting them without invitation. Among others he came in upon a little old tailor, whom he describes as a “sectary.” The tailor hesitating a moment between principle and politeness, rose and said that “if he called as a gentleman he was most happy to see him, though he was sorry he could not receive him as his minister.” “My good fellow,” instantly said the offended parson, “when I visit as a gentleman I don’t visit tailors.” The most recent wonder at Winchendon, Massachusetts, is a floating island of about five acres, voyaging around Lake Monomonauk, a sheet of water of about 2500 acres in extent, lying partly in Witchendon and partly in Eindge, New Hampshire, It formerly claimed a residence at Winchendon, but towards the latter part of May the little island was one morning discovered to have changed its place, and moved about two miles up the lake beyond the State line; then it floated back nearly to its old place, only a day or two after to sail north again. Its soil is firm, and many people have approached it by boats and travelled over it; the entire surface is covered with a thrifty growth of vegetation ; there are more than 400 trees by count, varying from 5 feet to 25 feet in height, scattered over its surface. Floating islands are not uncommon in the lakes of this region, but one so large as this and given to so long voyages is remarkable.