NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 263, 15 April 1875, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

More Expense. —Ondit that a prominent member of the finance committee will give notice of motion on Monday evening next, that the City Council erect toll bars on all roads leading into the city, two shillings to be charged for each four wheeled vehicle, and one shilling for everj horse passing through. New Provincial Executive. rumoured that Sir Cracroft Wilson has succeeded in forming a Provincial Executive, of which the following is the list :—President of the Executive, Sir Cracroft Wilson ; Provincial Secretary and Provincial Trea-c surer, Mr MaskeU; Secretary for Publij Works, Hon. J. T. Peacock ; Provincia Solicitor, Mr Wynn Williams. The Hon. G. Buckley has a seat in the Executive, but without portfolio,

Theatre Royal. —There was a moderate house last night to witness the representation of “Camille.” “The Love Chase” is announced for to-night, and Mr Collier’s benefit for to-morrow night. Telegraphic. —The steamer Cyphrenes is expected to leave Auckland at 10 am. on Friday, the 16th inst. Telegrams _ for America or Europe, &c., via San Francisco, will be received at the Telegraph Office, for transmission to Auckland, up to 9 o’clock a.m. of the 16th inst.

Alteration of Trains on North Line. —lt is intimated that on and after Monday next the 9.0 a.m. train from Bangiora to Christchurch, will until further notice leave the former station at 9.5 a.m,, and call five minutes later at the intermediate stations. The 5.45 p.m. train will leave Rangiora at 5.55 p.m., and call ten minutes later at intermediate stations.

Hokitika River. —The Provincial Council of Westland has carried the following resolution—“ That in the opinion of this Council it is highly necessary that a bridge should bejconstructed over the Hokitika river. And respectfully requests this Council and his Honor the Superintendent to urge upon the General Government the great necessity of making provision for the early construction of this important work, during the forthcoming session of the General Assembly.”

Presentation at Leithfibld. The friends of Mr James McAdam met at Baldwin’s Royal Hotel, Leithfield, on Tuesday evening, the 13th inst., for the purpose of presenting him with a parting memorial on his leaving Canterbury. The gift consisted of a silver watch and appendages, bearing the inscription McAdam as a mark of respect, by his friends in the Leithfield district. Canterbury, N.Z.. I3th April, 1875.” The presentation, which was made by Mr John Smellie, was feelingly acknowledged by Mr McAdam. The watch and locket were supplied by G. Coates and Co, Colombo street, Christchurch, Woodend.— A tea meeting was held on Tuesday evening, in the Wesleyan schoolroom, on the introduction of the Rev Mr Fairclough as resident minister to the circuit. Over 300 persons were present. Tea was provided by Meadames T. Wilson, Skerington, Norton, Stokes (Woodend). and Dickinson. Mr J. Little, circuit steward, presided at the after meeting, which was held in the chapel. Several selections were sung by the choir. Addresses were delivered by Revs ;H. Bull, W. Beck, Fairclough, Messrs Thompson and Meredith. The amount of £ll was received from the sale of tickets and collection, Ashley Railway Bridge. Public meetings in reference to the demonstrations on opening this bridge and the Great Northern railway to Ashley Bank on Saturday next were held at Loburn on Monday, and Ashley Bank on Tuesday evenings, Mr J. A.Cunningham, chairman of the Ashley Road Board, on both occasions presiding. There was a full attendance at each, and resolutions were passed deciding on holding a public luncheon, to which the Superintendent, Executive, and officials will be invited. It was decided that tickets to admit the public be obtainable at 2s 6d each. Committees were appointed to arrange for the dejeuner , which will be laid in the goods shed, and to carry out decorations and so forth. A number of handsome subscriptions in money and kind were promised. Accident.— A man named Timothy Hayes whilstf working at Officer’s Point breakwater yesterday met with a serious accident. It appears hewas engaged in filling the buckets that are attached to the steam cranes for filling the trucks : the stuff he was working at being that which was removed by the last blast, when a large stone rolled down six_ or seven feet, and crushed his leg against another a compound fracture of the leg about two inches above the ankle. He was taken to his own house, and attended to by Dr Rouse, who hopes that amputation will not be necessary. We are happy to state that there is a provident society amongst Messrs Hawkins and Go’s laborers that prevents any sufferer from accidents being in indigence, and we hear the fund is largely subscribed to by the contractors themselves.

Akaeoa Town Hall.—A meeting of the Akaroa Town Hall committee was held on Friday, the 9th inst ; Mr W, Penlington (the chairman) presiding. The secretary laid a statement of accounts before the meeting, showing a balance in hand of £47 11s 6d. The question as to the necessity of procuring a piano for the hall, was discussed, and it was resolved—“ That it is advisable that a piano be placed in the hall, and that Mr W. GL Inman and Mr T. Adams, members of the committee, be requested to make the necessary inquiries relative to the purchase of a suitable instrument.” The secretary was requested to write to Mr E. 0. Latter, the trustee of the Town’Hall property, requesting him to appoint a meeting with the Town Hall committee, to consult respecting the terms of the existing trust deed, as it is necessary some information on the subject be laid before the next meeting of shareholders.

Escape op Communist Prisoners.— The schooner Noumea, Captain Scaplehorn, which arrived at Sydney on March 25th, from New Caledonia, brings intelligence, says the Sydney Morning Herald, confirmatory of the rumour already in circulation of the escape of Communist prisoners from the Isle of Pines. The advices received give the number of escapees.at twenty, including Dr Rastoul, who, it will be remembered, was brought under the censure of the authorities for having written a letter to Rochefort, which was said to have been intercepted here, and which formed the subject of Parliamentary discussion. It is supposed that they secretly built a boat, and embarked in it on the night between the 13th and 14th inst, with the intention of making for the Australian coast. The French war steamers Coetlogon and Cher left Noumea on the following day, it is presumed in quest of them. The former vessel, it will be remembered, arrived on the coast of Queensland some days ago, and it was upon her arrival that the rumour was circulated. The escape of this batch of prisoners in the way described is the more remarkable from the fact that additional guards had been appointed, and more stringent precautions taken for the safe custody of the Communists in the penal settlement at the Isle of Pines, The late Acting-Governor Alleyron, as we are informed, made certain arrangements for the greater security of the prisoners; and on his arrival M. De la Pritzbuer, the present governor, took still further precautions; but, as it would seem, without avail, at least so far as those who bare now escaped are concerned.

The Governor’s Visit.—The Wellington correspondent of the Otago Daily Times says :—“ It is understood that the Governor is very anxious to visit Canterbury and Otago, and would have done so before this if he could have had the Luna’s services to take him down. Sir Donald M'Lean, however, has monopolised the Luna for many months, and there is really no telling whtn he will have done with her. The ordinaiy coastal steamers are so crowded usually that the Governor does not care about travelling in them. If it pleases Sir Donald to release the Luna in time, His Excellency will still pay the South a visit before Parliament meets. He and Lady Normanby, by their genuine kindliness and unostentatious manner, are highly popular here, and he is said to be excessively pleased with what he has yet seen of the colony. Our late Governor has, it seems, since his return to England, joined the directory of the Emigrants and Colonists’ Aid Corporation: He inspected in person the Fielding settlement just before he left, and his action therefore shows the confidence he has in the scheme and in the colony. The fact should have a beneficial influence at Home.” Testimonial. —Mr John Meikle, wellknown as the driver of the coach between Christchurch and Timaru for a number of years, was (says the Timaru Herald ) presented with a very substantial testimonial on Monday last, as a token of the feelings with which he was regarded by the donors. The ceremony of his marriage had been performed in the morning, and just before the conclusion of the breakfast, which was being held at the residence of Mr Cramond, Messrs W, K. Macdonald and F. Archer, who had been requested to present the gift on behalf of the donors (residents in Timaru, Christchurch, and the country Jbetween those towns) entered the room. Mr Macdonald after a few remarks as to the esteem with which Mr Meikle was held, on account of the care and courtesy he had always evinced in the performance of the duties which had brought him so prominently before the public, presented him with a purse containing 100 guineas. Mr Archer followed with expressions of a similar nature, and concluded by wishing the bride and bridegroom continued prosperity, Mr Meikle returned thanks for the handsome present, and also for the kindly expression that had been made with regard to himself and his wife.

New Guinea. —Regarding the scientific expedition to New Guinea, the Sydney Evening News says “ The barque Chevert, which has been purchased by Mr William Macleay, for the New Guinea scientific exploration, was built about nine years ago, at La Rochelle, for the French navy, She was brig-rigged, carrying four guns, a kind of war vessel with which the French navy is largely supplied. Her register is 313 tons. Two years ago, she was sold by the French Government at Tahiti, and purchased for the colonial trade. For the purpose of the proposed expedition she has been entrusted to the command of Captain Charl°s Edwards, under whose superintendence she is undergoing the necessary preparation for such a trip. A large deck-house has been built for the operation of preparing specimens of natural history. The stern cabin has been enlarged, so as to make ample room for the members of the exploring party. Another cabin has been built between the mainmast and the forecastle, for the use of the taxidermists. The specimens, when prepared, will be kept in hermeticafly sealed zinc cases in the hold. A steam launch is to be taken on deck, to be used in navigating the rivers and creeks of New Guinea. This launch is being constructed by Mr Hayes, of Balmain ; the engine is being made at the Atlas Works. It is expected that the Chevert will sail on or shortly after the Ist of May, and that her company will be about thirty in all, that is, sixteen officers and crew, and fourteen members of the exploring party, with taxidermists and assistants.” Fire at Waimatb. —The Timaru Herald says : —On Monday night last a fire was observed near Waimate, which was found to be in a stack of oats, the property of Mr James Lumsden, which by some means had caught fire. As there were several stacks in the same large paddock, and the stubble rather high, fears were for some time entertained that the fire might spread to the other stacks. The stack contained about 350 bushels of oats, and was insured in the Liverpool, London, and Globe, at Is fid per bushel. Mr John Manchester, agent for the company, was on the spot, and by his active exertions, assisted by others, the fire was prevented spreading through the stubble. As the night at the time of the fire was calm, this was easily done. No cause can be assigned for the occurrence. It is surmised that the careless use of matches, and letting them fall amongst the sheaves at the time of stacking must have been the cause, as there is no suspicion of incendiarism on this occasion. We can only reiterate our late advice as to the carelessness in the use of matches and all other sources of fire in the neighborhood of harvest fields, and also the almost imperative duty of insuring stacks when once built. In the present case, were it not that help was at hand and the night calm, there would have been great loss, as there were several large stacks in the same paddock. There is a large quantity of grain in this district in stack, a considerable portion of which is uninsured.

Transit op Venus. Regarding the German expedition to the Auckland Islands, the Aryus of the 29th ult says:—The German scientific expedition, which left here some months ago for Auckland Island to observe the transit of Venus, was, on the whole, very successful. The party reached the island on the 16th of October, and chose for their observatory the same spot as that occupied by Captain Ross in 1814. By the end of the month, the iron houses were so far finished that the members of the party were able to live in them. The erection of the astronomical and photographic instruments was then proceeded with, and everything was ready by the end of November. The weather was very unfavorable, and it was feared that the expedition <vould be a fruitless one, but fortunately during the transit the weather was fine, although heavy rain fell just before the critical time and immediately after the transit, continuing then for fourteen days. A large number of astronomical observations of the transit were successfully taken, and also 120 photographs. The party remained some months on the island to make geographical observations. At the end of February they began to take down the houses, and the island was left on the 6th March. The winds proved contrary, and the voyage to Melbourne occupied twenty-two days. Some members of the scientific party return home by the mail steamer, and the remainder will go to England by the s.s. Durham,

Madame Winter’s Concert. —We remind our readers that the repetition of “ Maritana” will be given this evening at the Oddfellows Hall. Lichfield Street Water Supply.— The fire brigade turned out last night under Mr Superintendent Harris, to test the efficacy of the Lichfield water supply works for fire prevention purposes. The steamer Extinguisher was placed at the sump erected at the corner of Colombo and Lichfield streets, and pumped with two branches of hose for over half-a-hour, occasionally drawing up water thickly impregnated with clay. The steamer Deluge was subsequently placed at the second sump in Lichfield street, and after working for a little while some clay and pieces of cement drawn through the suction hose compelled a stoppage. The result of the trial may be said to be a partial success, but it is intended to have another and a more exhaustive trial in a few days. After the engines had been sent home to their respective stations, his Worship the Mayor, the members of the fire brigade committee, and the other City Councillors who had been present during the evening, adjourned at the invitation of Mr Harris to the Lichfield street station. After refreshment had been partaken of, the Mayor thanked Mr Harris and the members of the brigade for their attendance that night during the drizzling rain, paying them a high compliment for their faithful adherence to their motto semper paratus, not only when called to a fire, but in all things connected with fire prevention. Mr Harris having replied on behalf of himself and brigade, referred to the strainers which had been used on the pumps that evening, and which he did not think were adapted to the sumps. Before the next trial was made he would have new strainers prepared, which he trusted would be found to answer better. He desired to propose the health of his Worship the Mayor, who not only displayed increasing energy in all matters connected with the object for which the brigade had been formed, but also in the interests of the citizens generally. His Worship having replied, the healths of Councillors Jones and Raphael, the officers of the City Council, coupled with the names of Mr Gordon, town clerk, and Mr Walkden, city surveyor, and the toast of the Press, followed, and, having been responded to, the company separated, some amusing songs sung at intervals adding to the pleasantness of the few hours spent at the brigade station. Now that contagions diseases are abroad, every housewife should use carbolic soap for household purposes, as it is a thorough disinfectant, and recommended by the faculty.— [Advt.]

An acquaintance of a certain baillie in Scotland made a grievous complaint to him one day of the hard times and the impossibility of scraping together a livelihood in that wretched country. The baillie’s own experience ran directly counter to these croakings, for his industry had realised a handsome competence; but he knew too much of the world to attempt to prove to the complainer that his ill success might be partly his own fault. He contented himself with remarking that it was surely possible for a tradesman to draw together a tolerable business. “Notin this country,” his friend objected. “Weel, then,” said the baillie, “what say ye to emigration ? I hae heard that some push their way weel in Australia?” “ Yes,’ returned his desponding townsman, “that might be the case ance in a day; but if there is a business there, mair folks are there than can get a share o’t.” “Weel, it may be true ye say,” rejoined the baillie; “ but ye might gang farther—ye might gang up into the interior,” “There’s naebody there,” said the grumbler, “but kangaroos.” The worthy magistrate, concluding that kangaroos were a tribe of native savages, among whom a careful peddler might make “indifferent good ” bargains, replied, “ Weel-a-weel, and isna a kangaroo’s siller as guid as anither man’s? ”