NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 226, 1 March 1875, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Horticultural Society.— The autumn show of the Horticultural Society takes place at the Oddfellows’ Hall on Thursdaynext. Imported Sheep. —By the Charmian yesterday arrived some fine long-woolled sheep. A short notice of them appears in our shipping columns. The Girards.— These artistes, who are now playing with great success in Dunedin, open a short season of three nights at the Oddfellows’ Hall on Wednesday evening, when they will be assisted by Mr V. Jacobs. Ashburton Race Meeting.— A public meeting will be held at the Court House, Ashburton, this evening, at half-past seven, to elect officers and make arrangements for the forthcoming race meeting. R.M. Court. —We are informed that two informations for assault have been laid against R. Little, landlord of the Shakespeare Hotel, Tai Tapu, and a man named Cochran. These informations arise out of the case of of Reg. v W. Smith and Anna Smith, on which the two men should have appeared to give evidence. All the cases will be heard a( the R.M. Court to-morrow. The Cab Oases. —We hear that the police received instructions, on Saturday night, not to interfere with the cabmen whr had applied for their licenses, and who chose to stand in Gloucester street at the time the performances are going on at the Theatre. Now that contagious diseases are abroad, every housewife should use carbolic soap for household purposes, as it is a thorough disinfectant, and recommended by the faculty,— [Advx.J

The Press Telegraph Agency. —As a comment on the letter of Mr Holt, which appears in the issue of this morning’s papers, we call attention to the fact that a telegram appears in both the Lyttelton Times and Press announcing the death of Mrs Macandrew,. This telegram we have just received in duplicate from the head office in Wellington. This is making certain that we receive the news, but the expense of this message may be considered as slightly unnecessary. South bridge, —A narrow escape from a serious accident happened on the evening of the 25th instant at Southbridge. It appears that as the train, loaded with timber for the Government buildings in course of erection at this township, was approaching the terminus, a severe jolt was felt by the engine driver. The train was immediately stopped, and, upon examining the line, the jolt vas found to have been caused by one of the loose sleepers having been placed directly across the line (we hope by accident). Luckily, after passing over the obstacle, the the engine alighted safely on the rails, doing no other damage than that of breaking the sleeper in three places. Survey of the North Island. —Mr Baker left Napier for Poverty Bay on the fith instant (says the Herald ), and arrived in Gisborne, by the overland route, on Friday afternoon. He |has already commenced his preliminary inspection for the purpose of connecting this portion of the North Island by trigonometrical survey, with the Hawke’s Bay province. The whole of the North Island, from the North Cape to Cape Palliser, the extreme points of the island, will then be trigonometrically connected, with the exception of the Taranaki province. The work will probably occupy some five or six months. Imported Stock.— The Argus gives the following description of some pure-bred stock imported by Mr J. Walls, which has recently arrived in Melbourne :—A very fine importation of pure-bred Clydesdale stock—not intended for this colony however—has just arrived in the ship Loch Lomond, from London. The quadrupeds, three in number, are a stallion named the Pride of Scotland, and two mares, Maggie Craig and Gipsy. The entire is a beautiful dark brown two years and four mouths old, and was bred by Mr Wm Gray, of Muncraig, Kirkcudbrightshire, and during his brief existence he has already distinguished himself by taking several prizes. Maggie Craig, also a bay, was bred by Mr Peter Smith, Skemish Barr, Campbellton, N. 8., and was foaled on May Ist, 1871. She is also a prizetaker, and at the Highland Agricultural Society’s show she was foremost in her class, in which there were twenty-one entries; most of the celebrated breeders in Scotland competing. Gipsy is a light brown two-year-old filly, bred by Mr Gilmour, of Greenhills, Beith, and has thrice distinguished herself in securing prizes. This shipment of draught stock is for Mr James Walls, of Kaiapoi Island, Canterbury, New Zealand, and it his intention to have them removed there by the first steamer leaving here for that province. All three animals were securely and very comfortably housed on deck, and credit is fairly due to Captain Wagstaff and his officers for having facilitated the bringing of them out in splendid order.

Canterbury College. —A largely attended meeting of the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College was held this morning at the Superintendent’s office, when the chairman laid before the meeting a scheme of examination for degrees proposed by a conference of Professors from the Canterbury College and Otago University. After a lengthy explanation it was resolved on the motion of the Rev Mr Habens, seconded by the Right Rev the Primate— * ‘ That this Board requests the Senate of the New Zealand University to consider any suggestions for the alteration of the University course which may be laid before the Senate by the Professors from the Otago University and Canterbury College, and that the Board further requests that any scheme prepared by them be sent to the affiliated bodies before its final adoption.” The meeting then adjourned to Monday next, at the same hour, when the election of a chairman in the room of Mr Joshua Strange Williams, who has resigned, will take place. Theatre Royal, —The play of “ Oliver Twist” was produced at the theatre on Saturday. It is evidence of the taste of theatre-goers of the present day that a thoroughly repulsive drama, such as this is, should almost invariably draw a good house to witness its representation, while plays superior to it in every point are enacted to empty beuphes. However, be this as it may, there was a full house on Saturday evening, and the audience were evidently throughly satisfied with the entertainment provided for them. Miss May Howard, of course, took the part of Nancy, and throughout the piece showed considerable powers as an actress, this being more especially the case in the scene, when Sykes is supposed to be recovering from his illness, and is just getting strong enough to vent his brutality on the girl who has remained with him, with such dog-like fidelity, throughout his sickness. In attempting criticism on the efforts of any actress taking the part of Nancy, it must be remembered that almost every one has read the work from which the drama is adapted, and a large proportion of people have also heard Charles Dickens read the various scenes which are most prominent in the life of the girl, and consequently nearly every spectator has an ideal Nancy before him during the performance of the drama. Miss May Howard’s interpretation of the part is a very good one, though occasional mannerism somewhat spoilt some of the scenes. Her pronunciation of the name of Fagin, with jj the first syllable drawn out as if it contained some ten or a dozen letters is unpleasant, and in the scene where she informs her tyrant, “Mr William Sykes you are getting better” it is rather in the sarcastic tones of a woman of the world, than as the natural conclusion ■which the poor victim of brutality gathers from the first use to which the brute she is tied uses his returning strength. At the different times at which Nancy is represented as shewing ungovernable outbursts of passion, Miss Howard was most successful, but taken altogether there are many parts in which we would rather see this lady. Of the remainder of the company, Mrs Searle as Mrs Corney, and Miss Lily May as Oliver Twist were both fair. Than Mr Collier we have seen'better Fagins, but Mr Booth was decidedly good in his objectionable part of Bill Sykes. The piece was well put on the stage, with the exception of the scene in the police court which was a mere burlesque, and could with advantage hive been left out. This evening the New Magdalen will be reproduced,

Hibernicon. —This troupe gave a performance at the Lyttelton Colonists’ Hall on Friday night last. There was a very large attendance, the Hall being not only full but inconveniently crowded. The audience seemed much pleased with the entertainment provided. The troupe sailed South in the Taranaki on Saturday night, and open in Dunedin on Monday. Ashley Railway Bridge.— On Friday Mr Carruthers, Engineer-in-Chief, and Mr Higgenson, inspected this bridge, which is now all but finished. The bridge was designed by Mr J.Blackett, former Engineer-in-Chief, the contract was taken by Mr E. G. Wright, for £20,970, and the work commenced in February, 1873. The contractor has completed it within the time arranged for. Some alterations were made in the original specification. Considerable energy has been shown by Mr Wright in carrying out the work. It is a wooden truss bridge, 3,055 ft in length, containing fifty spans. The piles are Australian iron bark, and the upper part New Zealand timber. The bridge will be tested within the next few days by two 35 ton locomotive engines and trucks.

The Half Million. —With reference to the contradiction by the New Zealand Times of the report that the sum of £500,000 had been placed to the credit of the Government, the Post says:—“We deeply regret that a few days ago we misled the public by announcing that the sum of £500.000 had been, in an unexpected and mysterious manner, placed to the credit of the Government account. We were in error, and the Government organ was right in saying that the Government had not received half a million of money. The exact sum was £193,000. We made a mistake of £7OOO. It was unfortunate, as absolute accuracy is always to be desired when dealing with figures.” Death of Cattle.— Some anxiety has been caused in the Lincoln district in consequence of the death of a considerable number of cattle during the last few months, the chief, if not the only sufferers, being Messrs Silcox and Ellmer, wdiose farms adjoin. Mr Silcox is the chief looser, over thirty head having died belonging to him. We learn that Mr Hill has visited the district, and after careful examination has come to the conclusion that the cause of the disease is the ergot, which he found in considerable quantities in the older rye-grass pasture. He is confirmed in this opinion, by the fact which he ascertained, that the cattle only manifested the symptoms of the disease when placed in those paddocks in which ergot was found, and that they recovered when removed to pastures in which it could not exist.

Funeral of the Superintendent op Auckland. —The Herald of the 22nd says: —The funeral of the late Superintendent of Auckland was one of the most impressive tokens of respect that could be paid to the memory of a public man. The alacrity with which all grades of the community, all sections of political opinion, all denominations of religious belief, mustered to witness or take part in the mournful ceremonial, bore unanimous testimony to the value of his services and the blamelessuess of his private life. The reporters, in a rough computation, estimate that half the population of Auckland must have been present as forming part, or spectators of, the funeral cortege. This would represent an assemblage of from 8000 to 10,000 persons. A more solemn and impressive demonstration of respect and affection it would be impossible to imagine. The greatest credit is due to those who were officially concerned in the arrangements of the funeral. Mr J. H. Burn was undertaker, and conducted the several matters entrusted to him most creditably. Inspector Thompson marshalled the procession so perfectly that not the slightest interruption took place, and the programme was carried out to the letter.

Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association.— A committee meeting was held at Loe’s Leeston Hotel on Friday, 26th February. There were present—Messrs W. J. G. Bluett (president, in the chair), A. Frankish, vice-president; T. Acland, J. Rennie, J. Lockhead, J. Osborne, D. Moorhead, Rd. Gillett, and W. Bishop. The treasurer’s balance-sheet was laid on the table for inspection. It was proposed by Mr Adam, and seconded by Mr Osborne, “ That the annual general meeting be held on Friday, 12th proximo, at 7.30, at Mr Loe’s Leeston Hotel, and that the secretary be instructed to give due publicity to the same.” It was resolved that a sub committee be appointed to draw up a report, to be submitted to the annual general meeting, and to decide upon some means for liquidating the liabilities of the Association, the committee to consist of the president and treasurer, also Messrs Osborne, Acland, and Gillett. It was decided to bring forward at the general meeting the following recommendation, viz—“ That life members’ tickets should be eligible upon payment of £5 5s a year for two years, as well as by the one payment of £lO. “ A vote of thanks to the chairman was passed, and the meeting adjourned.

Government Steamers.— The Auckland correspondent of the Daily Times says . Captain Fairchild, of the Luna, has copies of the plans of two steamers fox the Government, to replace the Luna. The plans have been forwarded to Dr Featherstone in London. The larger steamer of the two is estimated to cost £20,000, and will be of the following dimensions:—Length between perpendiculars, 188 f t; length over all, 210 f t; beam, 24ft 6in ; depth of hold, 15ft 6in ; draught when in commission, 10ft Gin; tonnage, about 300 register. Her engines to be on the compound principle, with all the latest improvements, and of 110 horse-power (nominal), thus capable of indicating on trial 600. The rig will be barquentine, and the rate of steaming eleven knots, on a daily consumption of twelve tons of coal, with fourteen or fifteen knots at fullpressure speed. The bunkers are large enough to take fuel for a journey of 500 miles. The saloon is amidships, and is 40ft long and 20ft wide. The fore and main masts are of iron, and the mizen mast of steel. The bottom will be of Low Moor iron, plated to the water line, and the vessel will be divided into five water-tight compartments. She will be propelled by a screw —Hirsch’s patent. The smaller steamer measures 120 tons register, and will be built on the same model as the other. She will be employed principally on light-house and harbor works, for which purpose she will be ffirnished with a crane capable of lifting forty tons. This machine will be most useful in clearing entrances to harbors, rivers, &c., on the coast. The larger boat will carry his Excellency or the Ministers, and run the Suez and San Francisco mails between the Northern and Southern ports of the colony, 'loth steamers are expected out by Christmas. I’he boats together will cost £32,000,

Railway Workshops in Otago.— The Daily Times informs us that “ Good progress is being made at the railway workshops at Hill side. The building, a massive piece of woodwork, has been completed for about five weeks. Within the past few weeks nearly all the machinery for the workshops, the whole of which is of a very heavy description, has been brought to the building from the railway store on the reclaimed ground. A good deal of polishing is being gone on with, and a large portion of the shafting has been placed in position. A large traversing crane now on the ground is soon to be hoisted up to the framework — nearly as high as the roof—on which it is to travel. A point worthy of special notice is that all the main driving pulleys are of malleable iron, and are secured to the shafting without requiring to be keyed. The erection of the machinery is being proceeded with by day labor, superintended by Mr Buchanan, who is overseer under Mr W. N. Blair.”