NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 249, 30 March 1875, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Hokitika Races.—Owing to yesterday being very wet at Hokitika, the race meeting fixed for that day was postponed.

Electoral. —Mr H, R. Webb invites the electors of Lyttelton to meet him at the Colonists’ Hall to-morrow evening, at 7.30 p.m.

The Holiday in Port. —Yesterday Lyttelton was quite busy, consequent on the many visitors from Christchurch. A large number enjoyed trips on the water, which was unusually smooth, hardly a ripple stirring the harbor. Easter Gift.—A most beautiful and tastily-worked altar cloth was used for the first time on Easter Sunday at St Michael and All Angels. It was a present from his Lordship the Bishop, and was given by him as -m Easter offering to the church.

Geraldine District —The polling for a member of the Piovincial Council for the Geraldine district in the place of Mr Selby Tancred, resigned, took place on Monday, and resulted in the return of Mr James' Hay by a majority of 41, the votes being for Mr Hay 56, for Mr C. G. Tripp 12. Fiji News— A telegram via Sydney states that Cacobau and his son were attacked by measles on the voyage hence per bido. The disease spread amongst the natives, and created a panic. Hundreds died, including Ratu Savanaca, the King’s brother; Koka, Governor of the Central Province ; and Ritro, chief of Macuata. Two sons of the latter have been committed for trial on a charge of murder.

Accident on Oxford Road.— On Monday the afternoon coach belonging to Mr Olphert met with an accident. The railway is alongside the road and unfenced from it. As the coach was passing along the engine went past it, when sparks flying out of the funnel in the faces of the horses they shied, breaking one wheel and nearly upsetting the load of passengers. No one, howeyer, was injured, and the persons on the coach were taken on to the Oust station, bn a trolly, by the guard.

Bays District.— On Thursday evening last Mr W. H. Pilliet, M.P.C., addressed his constituents in the schoolhouse, Okain’s Bay. The meeting was very numerously attended. Mr \V. Moore, chairman of the Road Board, was voted to the chair. After reviewing at some length the work of the last session of the Provincial Council, dwelling more especially upon those subjects which were of immediate local interest, a vote of thanks and renewed confidence was proposed by Mr Boleyn, and seconded by Mr Bishop, and carried unanimously amid acclamation.

Railway to the Gulf of Carpentaria. —The Brisbane Telegraph states that the scheme proposed by Messrs'Collier and Cain for the construction of a railway from Dalby to the Gulf has fallen through. After going over the ground the firm withdrew tbeir proposal to construct the line between Dalby and Roma on the land grant system, although willing to do so between Roma and the Gulf. They have made a second pro* posal to construct the line from Dalby to Roma for £SOOO per mile, which the Government has refused.

Bazaar at Bangiora. —The bazaar in aid of the funds towards the erection of a new Episcopalian church at Rangiora was held in the school near the church yesterday. It is anticipated that after the bazaar receipts have bet n ascertained, the committee which has undertaken the work of collecting the funds for the ne\v building will have a sum of nearly £4OO in hand. This includes donations and the proceeds from a former bazaar. The fancy goods stalls were attended to by Mesdames Dudley, Budding, Fuller, and Idoorhouse. The Misses Good, Josling, Cstothart, By mill, and Luxton. Miss Dudley managed the refreshment stall, assisted by Mrs Wytcherley and Mr Barford. The various stalls were well patronised during the day, and most of the articles were disposed of.

Theatre Rotal.—The drama of “ Formosa” was played last evening at the Theatre Royal, and, though exhibiting traces of hurried preparation and a tendency to prolong the waits between the acts, went tolerably well. The part of Formosa was played by Mrs Walter Hill, whom we, in common with Christchurch playgoers, are glad to welcome back again after her late illness. Mrs Hill played the part naturally and well, especially the scene with her father and mother, where she relinquishes her jewels, and quits the life she has been leading. This portion of the piece was given with much pathos and effect. Mrs Collier played Nelly Sanders very well, and the same may be said of Miss Lily May’s Edith and Mrs Searle’s Mrs Boker. Mr Booth played Tom Burroughs very well, and Major Jorum, that worldly gentleman with his selfish maxims, found a very good representative in Mr Collier. Mr Saville as Compton Kerr, Mr Searle as Sam Boker, Mr Inglis as Lord Eden, and Mr Starke all deserve notice for the way their parts were played. The scenery was very good, and Mr Williams deservedly received a call for it. “ Formosa ” will be repeated this evening, when Miss Lizzie Bushe will take her benefit.

Waltham Church.— The anniversary of the Waltham Wesleyan Church, was celebrated on Good Friday by a tea meeting, when about 250 persons sat down to enjoy the good things so amply provided by the ladies of the congregation. After tea, a public meeting was held, and addresses delivered by Revs Fitchett, Duller, and Bond, and also by Messrs Connal, Dawson, Fee, and Salter. The meeting was much enlivened by the performances of the choir, under the leadership of Mr Bishop, Mr Djson presiding at the harmonium. The congregation took advantage of this opportunity for bidding farewell to the Rev G. Bond, who is about to leave for Temuka, and practically showed their appreciation of his faithful services, by presenting him with a handsome and costly electro-silver-plated tea and coffee service, including a beautiful salver, bearing the inscription—“ Presented to the Rev G. Bond, by the members and friends of the Waltham Wesleyan Church, March, 1875.” Votes of thanks to the ladies, &c., brought a very successful meeting to a close. The sermons were preached on Easter Sunday by Rev G. Bond in the morning and Rev J. Duller in the evening, to good congregations. 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.— [Advt. J

Telegraphic —The Hero is expected to leave f Auckland at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the 31st. Telegrams for the Australian coloi ies or Europe via Java cable will be received at the telegraph office, Christchurch, for transmission to Auckland up till 9 a.m. of the 31st inst.

Sx Vincent Company. This troupe gave an entertainment in the Music Hall last evening to a fair house. The programme was a diversified one, comprising duets by Mr and Mrs Vincent, solos by Mr Vincent, and songs and dances by Mr Verten. Judging from the applause, the efforts of the company were appreciated by those present.