NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 546, 18 March 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Sunday Services.— The Rev P. P. Agnew will conduct Divine service at the Theatre Royal to-morrow morning and evening, At St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, the Rev J. D. Ferguson will preach in the morning, and the Rev J. Gumming in the evening. Enormous Yields. The Otago Daily Times says : This year, we hear from many quarters of unusually heavy yields in all descriptions of cereals, but the most noticeable of these is that obtained by Messrs Fleming and Hedley over the large area of 168 acres of barley crop; which has threshed out the enormous yield of eighty bushels to the acre. We question if this has ever been exceeded in any part of the world. Oxford Races. —We have received the following results of the Oxford races, in anticipation of a full report in our next issue ;—The Handicap Hurdle race, of CO sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 11 sovs each, distance two miles, over eight flights of hurdles—Mr W, H. Burton’s Barmaid, Ist. Hack Hurdle race, of 10 sovs, one and a quarter miles, over five flights of hurdles— Mr Moody’s Satan, Ist. The Farmers’ Purse was won by Mr McQuillan’s horse, Oxford Cup Handicap, 40 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 3 sovs,'two miles —Mr J. Lunu’s Nectar, aged, 9st, Ist, Oxford. —The members of the Oxford Baptist Chapel held their anniversary tea meeting on Wednesday, the 15th inst. The tea was placed on the tables at half-past five p.m, and about a hundred persons sat down to partake of the good things provided. The tables were presided over by Mesdarnes Hill, Cole, Ingram, Sedcole, Cricks, Grimwood, and Cusdin. After the tables were cleared, addresses were delivered by the Rev J. Hill, who occupied the chair, and by Messrs Sawle, Truscott, Sharplin and Wright. The choir of the chapel sung several of Sankey’s hymns during the evening. After the Benediction the meeting separated.

Christchurch Football Club.— The annual meeting of the members of the Christchurch Football Club was held last evening, at half-past 7 o’clock, at Warner’s Commercial Hotel, Mr G. A. Macquarrie, captain, presided. The honorary treasurer and secretary, Mr T. Gordon, said that after paying all expenses there remained a balance in hand of 15s lid. There were 89 members in good standing on the books. The following new members were elected unanimously: —Messrs F. H. Noble Campbell, J. Barker, M. S. Smith, C. Croxton, and B. J. Paul. The meeting then proceeded to elect officers for the ensuing year: —President, Mr R, J. S. Harman ; captain, Mr J. Anderson, jun. ; treasurer, Mr T. Gordon ; secretary, Mr W. Hart!and; committee, Messrs Macquarrie, A. Ollivier, and J. B. Evans. It was decided that the opening match take place on the first Saturday after Easter. The bye-laws were considered and passed, and it was resolved that the Rugby Union rules be adopted for the season. After the transaction of some routine business, the meeting terminated with votes of thanks to last year’s officers and the chairman. Foresters’ Ball.— The Foresters in port gave a ball on Thursday night in the Colonists’ Hall. There was a large attendance, and a well satisfied one. Mr Pierce, of the British Hotel, provided supper, which was served in excellent style. Messrs G. Agar, G. Dimond, S. Bamford, G. Burnip, W. Allwright, T. Messiter, and Fletcher deserve great credit for the way in which the hall was prepared for the dance. The decorations were excellent; at one end was the banner of the order, underneath which were some choice pot plants, kindly lent by Dr Donald, and the sides and other end were draped with flags, provided by the generosity of Messrs Forbes and Mackay. Dancing commenced at nine, and terminated about five the following morning, more than forty couples, being present. INQUEST. — An inquest was held yesterday at 2 p.m,, at the Riccarton hotel, before Dr Coward, coroner, and a juiy, of whom Mr W, Gavin was foreman, on view of the body of Emma Forty, aged 23 years, who died suddenly immediately after her confinement. It appeared that the deceased, who is unmarried, left her service at 8 a.m. on the 15th instant, and went to her mother’s house at Riccarton. She complained of being very ill, and about 4.30 p.m. her mother dis covered that she was in labour. At 5 o’clock the child was born, and about 5,30 p.m. the deceased died, and it was not until then that the mother went for assistance. A neighbor, Mrs Pryde, came in, and by her advice Dr Patrick was sent for, and he arrived shortly afterwards, but it was too late. The jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from excessive hemorrhage after her confinement, and added a rider censuring the mother for her negligence, for which she was also severely reprimanded by the coroner. H.A.C.B.S. Concert.— Under the auspice of the H.A.C.B.S. a concert was given last evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall. The attendance was most satisfactory, the home being crowded ; and the concert was excep tionally good of its class, the programme, containing a well arranged selection of solo and concerted music, and the performance being in most respects very successful. Miss Winter sang (by desire) " The last rose of summer,” and being encored, responded with «Molly Asthore," but they were scarcely rendered as well as usual: and also “In my wild mountain valley” (from the “ Lily of Killarney”) ; but we have never heard her sing so well as in the duet with Mr Winter, “ The sound of harps angelical”; here the vocalisation was clear and pure, Mr Barry sang “ Cushla Machree” fairly, but too quietly ; but the sentiment assured an encore, which was duly responded to. Mr Melchor Winter sang with apt expression the ever popular “ Come into the garden, Maud.” and being vociferously recalled, gave “ I’m not myself at all” in a very pleasing style, which was fully appreciated. He also sang “ The dear little shamrock” ; and in all was very successful; his upper notes when taken quietly were good, but some were too forced, thus detracting from the otherwise good vocalisation. Mr Knox was at first somewhat husky, but being encored in Pinauti’a “ Before the fight,” he sang “ A warrior bold " in a style which amply atoned. Mr A. P. Sheath sang Benedict’s “Colleen Bawn ” carefully and well; the opening recitative was scarcely successful, and the air would have been better a shade faster, but the evident care with which Mr Sheath prepares his part makes one listen with pleasure to his performance. He also gave the popular ballad “ Botheration,” with good effect. The well-known duo, “ The sailor sighs” (sung by Mrs Palairet and Mr Winter) was (excepting the opening) admirably performed, the expression was good, and there was plenty of life. Balfe’s duet, “ Think a sailor is faithful,” was brightly performed by Miss Winter and Mr Sheath, and the latter joined with Mr Winter in “ The moon has raised her lamp ” (which again was rather too slow), and with Miss Little and Mrs Palairet in Smart’s charming “ Queen of the night,” both of which were successful, the latter especially so, being sung in good time and with exceptional vigour. The quartettes, “ Good night beloved” (Pinsuti), “Blanche” (Kucken), and “The harp that once through Tara’s halls,” call for no special remark. Madame and Miss Winter performed two'piano duets (“Lord of Lome Galop,” and “ L’Oiseau de Paradis,”) and the former played a fantasia on Irish airs very brilliantly, but these it is scarcely fair to criticise, as the instrument was in bad condition. Madame Winter acted as accompanist, occasionally relieved by Mr G. Palaiiet, on whom a meed of praise must be bestowed.

Dunedin Harbor Loan, —We are glad (says the Otago Daily Times) to learn from a telegram dated London, 10th March, that tho Colonial Bank has placed the first is me of £IOO,OOO six per cent debentures of the Otago Harbor Board in the London market on very favorable terms. Tenders were opened on the 10th instant, and the loan realised 3s to 4s premium. This very conclusively shows the estimation in which the London capitalists now regard good sound Colonial securities in preference to those of effete and bankrupt foreign nations. We congratulate our young banking institution on its success in negotiating this loan for the Harbor Board, who will now be in possession of ample funds to prosecute their operations for the improvement of the harbor, the construction of docks, and reclamation of their endowment, besides being in a postion to afford employment to many, The Board and the public have reason to congratulate themselves upon the result, especially when it is compared with the rates at which the debentures of various other local bodiea of good standing have beea pold,

St, Paul’s Presbyterian Church.— ] The annual meeting of St. Paul’s Presby- 1 terian congregation was held in ihe church ] on Thursday evening last. The Rev Charles i Fraser, M.A., moderator of the Kirk Session, ' took the chair, and opened the meeting with < praise and prayer. He then made a few I introductory remarks, congratulating the I congregation on their prosperity during the 1 vacancy, their success in securing a minister wiio was soon to be among them as their i pastor, and on the harmony which had characterised all their proceedings. The i report sf the Kirk Session was then read by 1 Mr Wm Gavin, session clerk, when Mr John Anderson, sen, and Mr. Wm Henderson, jua., each in a few appropriate remarks, moved and seconded respectively, the adoption of the report, which was unanimously carried. Mr R. Sutherland, treasurer, next read the financial report, and explained in detail all the various Rems contained in the different accounts ; these accounts he considered showed that they were in a sound financial position, and expressed his confident hope that now, when the congregation had additional burdens thrown upon them, they would, as heretofore, cheerfully carry out their enlarged responsibilities. He, therefore, had much pleasure in formally moving the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Mr D. B. Bowie in a few well-chosen words, and carried nem. con. The rev chairman then read, as Moderator of the Kirk Session, the names of the following gentlemen, who were chosen by means of voting papers by the congregation as the financial committee for the ensuing year:— Messrs John Anderson, sen, Andrew Duncan, Wm. Henderson (Spreydon), Robert Sutherland, James Tait, Peter Duncan, Dr Campbell, and Messrs 0. G. Cunningham, Thos. S. Lambert, And. Kirk. The superintendent of the Sabbath school, Mr David Duncan, read the report of the Sunday-school Teachers’ Association, and Mr J. M. Watt, treasurer, read the statement of accounts, when it was moved by Mr Thos. S. Lambert, seconded by Mr Henderson, of Spreydon, and unanimously carried —“ That this congregation express their continued interest in the Sabbath school, and their earnest desire that it may prosper under the Divine blessing.” The c commisiioners appointed from St Paul’s at the latt congregational meeting to proceed to Wanganui to sustain the call to the Rev Mr Elmslie, were requested by the Moderator to report the result of their misdon, when Messrs Anderson, Duncan, and Henderson, gave a lengthened statement of the proceedings which took place at the meeting of the Wellington Presbytery held at Wanganui. They also bore testimony to the high appreciation in which Mr Elmslie is held there, not only by his own congregation, but amongst all denominations. The congregation at Wanganui seemed deeply to feel the loss they were about to sustain, and urged strong objections against the translation. The commissioners took occasion to express their heartfelt thanks for the great kindness and consideration they received from the Wanganui people. It was moved by Mr O. O. Cunningham, seconded by Mr Henderson, senr, and carried—“ That on and after the Ist June next the seat rents in St Paul’s Church be made 20s per sitting per annum, instead of 10s as formerly.” During the evening the choir sang in a very creditable style some excellent music. After the rev chairman had made some concluding remarks, votes of thanks to him for presiding, and to the choir, were passed, the benediction was pronounced, and brought a very pleasant meeting to a close. The Southland Appeal Case,—The Daily Times of the 14th gives the following particulars of the Southland appeal case recently decided in England:—A cablegram was received yesterday by the Provincial Sol'citor regarding the appeal in the case of Bell v Receiver of Land Revenue, Southland, an action to compel the Receiver of Land Revenue to receive the purchase money of certain lands at 20s per acre, to which lands Mr Bell claimed to be entitled. Mr Bell’s application was made about the time the cehbrated Order in Council was issued, raising the price of land in Southland, and the question was whether he should get 26 sections of land at £1 acre or at £3 per acre. The Judge held that the applicant was entitled to the land at the lower rate, and that therefore a mandamus ought to go to the Receiver to compel him to receive the purchase money at that rate. The Court of Appeal at Wellington was of opinion that the Receiver of Land Revenue was warranted in refusing the 20s per acre, and reversed the judgment of the Court below. Leave to appeal was granted. The appeal was taken to England, and yesterday came news by the cable that it had been dismissed with costs. The Government is thus victorious. Colonel Steinberger.—The following (fays the Daily Times' ) is the text of an address of King Malletoa, on departure of Steinberger, “ I desire attention of all Chiefs of Samoa group. I am thoroughly determined that M. A. S. Steinberger, Premier, be removed from office, and from this group. My reasons for this desire are that he has proved to be a liar, impostor ; that he has been the cause of all the troubles which are called insults offered by our Government to representatives in Samoa of British Government, and I am convinced that if he be not at once removed, he will be the cause of ruin to our Government and nation. It is difficult to me, however, to deal with an American citizen, because I am unaccustomed to manner of civilised nations in such cases, I have therefore earnestly entreated Mr Loretor, American Consul, Captain Stevens, and Mr Williams, to aid me in having said Mr Steinberger at once removed, in order to save my country. I hereby therefore dismiss Mr Steinberger from office of Premier, and now hand him over to Mr Loretor, Oapt Stevens, and Mr Williams, in order that they may have him removed. I hereby inform you all that if any person bolding office in my Government opposes my wish in this matter, I shall have him also removed from his office. Signed, Malietoa, King.” . The All England Eleven.—Mr T. L. White, the honorary secretary of the Auckland Cricket Club, has received the following letter relative to the visit of the All England cricketers to Auckland :—“ Cricket Club Hotel, Emerald Hill, Melbourne, February 23rd, 1876. Honorary Secretary, Auckland Cricket Club: Sir, —As agent for the All England Eleven, expected out in these 1 colonies early next season, I beg to intimate ; to you that they desire to visit your country, and will be prepared to play a match* against the cricketers of Auckland, 1 providing you offer such terms as will i induce them to make the trip to your cby. The team will come out on their own ' responsibility, and are unconnected with anyone in their enterprise j and being all f t

professional ciicketers, I make no doubt but that you will offer them sufficient encouragement to exhibit their skill upon the Auckland soil. The Eleven, taken all round, will be far and away the best team that has ever visited the Antipodes, and will embrace the creme de la creme of English professional talent. Never before has such an array of bowling talent been got together, viz., Allan (Jill and Morley, the two best fast bowlers n the world; A. Shaw (the ‘ Nonpariel’), most artistic medium pace bowler of the day ; Emmet, the great left hand trundler, of Yorkshire - y and Southerton and Lillywhite. Then Jupp, Lockwood, Greenwood, and Charlwood, the four best professional batsmen of England, have agreed to come; and also Pooley, who stands unrivalled as a wicket-keeper in England. Pooley and Emmet are also first-class batsmen. Ullyett, a first-class all-round player, and Selby or Wild, the great Notts batsmen, will complete the team. I should like you to make an offer without delay, so that the programme of matches may be ananged without delay. You could either co-operate with the other principal New Zealand clubs in the matter of contributing to the expenses of the Eleven, or offer reasonable terms for them to play upon your ground. At any rate, let me know your views on the matter without delay, and give me some idea of the extent to which you are prepared to go in getting the team in New Zealand. Also kindly let me know how many places you think could be visited with any chance of profit.—Yours respectfully, J. H. Bennett.”