NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 579, 27 April 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

College Lectures. —By advertisement, we notice that in consequence of the unsettled state of the weather the lecture by Dr Powell on “ The Human Eye,” announced for this evening, has been postponed till Thursday, May 4th. The Railway. —As will be seen by our report elsewhere the difficulty on the railway has been banpily ended, and this morning the employes resumed work again. The terms of the agreement under which this has been effected will be seen in another column. Meat Preserving.— We are glad to observe that the New Zealand Provision and Produce Company are at work at their factory at Belfast. Boiling down sheep has been carried on for some weeks past, and we understand tinning and preserving meat will bo commenced this week. This will provide an outlet for some of the surplus stock that has been glutting some of the saleyards lately.

The Gale in Lyttelton.— A strong 5.W gale was blowing last n ! ght, the rain being very heary. The e.s Taupo left the wharf with difficulty, but anchored off Rhodes’ Bay, evidently not liking the appearance of the weather. The Indian Chief, barque, dragged considerably, and was signalled to let go second anchor and subsequently to veer away more cable. The Otago and Wellington were both detained through the gale from proceeding South. All the wharves were visited last night by the harbor authorities just before dark, and every possible precaution taken. Tea Meeting. —The annual tea and public meeting of the Harper street church, Newton, was held on Tuesday evening. The tables, eight in number, were tastefully decorated and plentifully supplied by lady members of the congregation, and ample justice was done to the good things provided. After singing and prayer, Mr Cumberworth took the chair, and after a few opening remarks called upon Mr J. W. Smith to read the financial report for Ihe past twelve months. The following gentlemen then delivered most interesting addresses on various subjects—The Revs T. Buddie, J. Crump. W. Morley, and J, Berry. After votes of thanks were moved and heartily carried, a very enjoyable meeting was brought to a close by offering prayer and pronouncing the benediction. Tee Colima. —The Guardian of the 25th ga y H; _“VVe understand that the report of the Colima Commissioners was forwarded to his Honor the Superintendent yesterday afternoon, but as Mr Macandrew left town at one o'clock, the day being a public holi day, a copy of the report could not be obtained for publication. Now that the Commissioners have completed their labors, there is no longer any reason for refraining from referring to facts we have been in possession of. There is no doubt that at the time the Colima arrived off the Heads she could not have entered Port Chalmers, and captain, pilot, and all concerned acted most discreetly in not venturing to make any attempt. There was a very heavy sea running, the tides were neap, and the Colima was drawing about twenty two feet of water, or within a trifle of the depth on the bar. On such a day it would nothavc been safe to have tried to ent r had (here been some feet more water, for the pitching of the ship would have been very considerable indeed whea she was in the worst of the rollers; and it must be remembered that a vessel can go with perfect safe y in smooth water across a bar or over a shoal where she could not fail to strike with a heavy sea rolling We will anxiously look for the report to ascertain to what extent the commissioners agree as to the impossibility of the Colima coming in, or whether she might have crossed the bar by incurring what would be termed an extra hazardous risk. It would appear that a vessel drawing 22ftcannot, under certainly exceptionally disadvantageous circumstances, enter our port by any channel known at presen, but we believe the Colima could come in fully laden in any ordinary weather on an average tide," |

KeW Theatre —We remind those interested in the formation of a company to erect a new theatre in Christchurch that a meeting will be held at Alport’s auction rooms to-morrow afternoon. The disadvantages and disagreeables of the present theatre have been so keenly felt by the genera] public, that we anticipate but little difficulty will be experienced in getting the shares taken up. Messrs Beatty, Baylee, and Hoskins take a large interest in the company, and only about £3OOO remains to be subscribed by the public. The plans which have been sent in will be on view at the meeting.

St Mary’s, Mbrivale. —The first of a series of musical evenings, for the benefit of the choir and organ fund of St Mary’s, Merivale, was given on Tuesday evening, by the members of the choir, at the schoolroom. The room was well filled, and the chair (in the absence of the Kev Mr Stack, the acting incumbent) was taken by the Rev H. 0. M. Watson, of St. John’s. After an opening address by the chairman the following programme was gone through very creditably • Part song, “ Hymn of the Fisherman’s Children song, O fair dove, O fond dove;” part song, “O who will o’er the downs pianoforte solo; part song, “Friendship song, “ Robin Redbreast ;” instrumental selection ; song, “ The Gypsey’s Warning ;” song, “ The Lady of the Lea ;” chorus, “ The Gypaey Chorus.’; Mr J. S. Jameson, the choir master, superintended the musical arrangements,