NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 646, 14 July 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Suicide. —A bushman named John Beamish committed suicide at Oxford on Tuesday evening by hanging himself to a rafter in an old stable. He was found by Constable Wearne yesterday moraine:, and an inquest will be held on the body at Leur's Hotel to-day. Postal Guide. —We beg to acknowledge the receipt from the Chief Postmaster of the July number of the " Postal Guide." Several alterations in the rates of postage have been made, the most important one being the reduction of the rate of postage on letters via Brindisi from ninepence to eightpence per half-ounce. St John's.—A meeting of those interested in forming an association in connection with the above parish, was held last evening, and in spite of the stormy weather there was a fair attendance. The rules prepared by the committee appointed at last week's meeting were discussed, and were generally approved. It was resolved that the association be formed, and that the meeting be adjourned till Wednesday, for the purpose of adopting the rules and electing the officers of the association. Those present resolved to enroll their names as members.

Football.—At a committee meeting held latt night (Thursday), the following were chosen aa the team to represent the club against Temuka next Saturday—Messrs J. Anderson (captain), E, Cotterill, T. Chapman, C. H. Croxton, J. R. Evans, W. Hartland, G. S. Mathias, H. McCardell, H. W. Moore, L. M. Ollivier, F. Pilling, A. Potts,M. 8. Kmith, W. StriDger, and O. Thomson. Emergency—Atack, Cuff, and W. Cotterill. Any of the above who cannot Dlay are requested to let the secretary kuow. The club colors, red and black, are to be worn ; play to commence at 3 p.m sharp. The visiting team may be expected by the last train this evening.

Inquest.—An inquest was held yesterday before J. VV. S. Coward, Esq, coroner, on the body of George Dacre, infant son of Thomas Dacre, residing at Btngsland. The evidence showed that deceased, who was five and a half months old, had been ailing for some time, but the parents did not think he was so ill aB to require medical assistance. He slept in the same bed with his parents on the night of the 11th, and got much worse at iutervals until 1 a.m., when he seemed to be better. Next morning, on looking at the child, it was found to be dead; Dr Ned will, who made the j>ost mortem examination, attributed death to convulsive fits, the result of congestion of the lungs. The jury returned a verdict of " Died from natural causes." Christchurch Horticultural Society, —A meeting of the committee of the above society was held last evening at the Congregational schoolroom; Mr Wynn Williams, president, in the chair. Two letters were read from members of the society, objecting to- rule No 10, which bears upon the classification of exhibits and definition of the word " Amateur." The secretary was instructed to reply that notice must be given and a general meeting called before any of the society's rules can be amended. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Reade. seconded by Mr Greenaway—" That Mr T. Gordon, should he agree to act, be elected on the committee in place of Mr Crooks, resigned," Mr Reade intimated that the prize schedules would be ready in a few i days for distribution. The committee then adjouraed,

Entebtainmhnt at Ashbubton.—The sixth and laßt of the series of winter entertainments for the benefit of the Library fund was held in the hall of the Institute on Wednesday evening last, A capital programme was provided • At the conclusion of the entertainment the chairman addressed a few words to the audience, thankiug them for their attendance, and congratulating them on the success which had attended these gatherings. The Shirley Fire.—Several neighbours met privately at Mr Brice's residence last Thursday to consider the expediency of procuring assistance to Mr Giles, on account of the losses he lately sustained by fire. It was during the absence of the family, who, by medical advice, had left for a change of air, that the fire took place, and as nothing was insured, Mr Giles lost everything. The meeting considered the case a most deserving one, and agreed individually to endeavour to obtain contributions, and Mr 0. Brice consented, at the request of the meeting, to act as treasurer.

Rangiora Discussion Class. The usual meeting of the above class was held on Wednesday, 12th July, there being a fair attendance. The subject for discussion was " Will it be more advantageous to the colony to sell the Canterbury pasturage leases by auction, or allow the present holders to retain them at an increased rental." Mr Buokham opened the subject, arguing in favor of reletting to present holders, Mr J. O. Josling opposing, in favor of putting them up to auction. Every member present having joined in the debate, a show of hands was taken, resulting in a majority of two for the opener. On the motion of Mr Truman, the nights for meeting of the class were altered to Fridays.

Rangiora Horticultural and Florioultural Society.—A meeting of the committee of this society was held on Wednesday evening, at which there was a full attendance of members. It was unanimously resolved to add Mr Stephen's name to that of the committee, and a note was received from Mr H. B. Greason, expressing his willingness to assist the society in every possible way. The rules were then considered seriatim, and several alterations and amendments were made, one of the principal ones being a reduction in the price of members' tickets from 10s 6d to 7s 6d, and in the case of honorary members from one guinea to 10b, in each case the member only to be entitled to admission to the shows. It was decided that all those persons who keep a professional gardener, and thos<3 who grow plants, flowers trees, or shrubs for sale, be allowed to compete in the open class only. It was resolved to adjourn for a week to complete the framing of the catalogue. Loyal Orange Lodge, No I.—This lodge gave a dinner on the 12th at the Albion Hotel, Lyttelton. The attendance was very large, quite Sixty sitting down. The dinner was excellent and well served, reflecting great credit on the host. The chair was occupied by Brother T. Merson, supported by the Bev Mr Mcintosh, grand chaplain of the order in Canterbury, and Brother Anderson, a past master. The vice-chairs were filled by Brother W. Mcßeth, W.M., and Brother Hugh McLellan. After the usual loyal toasts were given, the following followed—" The pious and immortal memory of King William III," " The Governor," " Superintendent and Executive," " Earl of Enniekillen," " Right Worshipful Grand Master of Middle Island," " Brother Johnston, of Ballykilbeg." " The Grand Chaplain Brother Mclofosh," "Masters and Past Masters of Orange Lodges," " All true Orangemen round the Globe," " Army, Navy, and Volunteers," "Visitors," ''Kindred Societies," "Ladies," "Press," and " Our Host."

Theatrical.—New Zealand is likely during the next two or three months to be pretty well supplied with amusements of various kinds, judging from the number of companies who intend shortly to make their way here in addition to the artistes already arrived. Of the latter Mr Talbot commenced his scasonlasteveningatthe Queen's, Dunedin with "Richard III" to be followed by "Hamlet." Mr and.Mrß Lingard open on Saturday at the Princess, under Mr Hoskins, with Byron's latest comedy " Our Boys," and Messrs Baker and Charles Verner with their Hibernicon also open in Dunediu this week. Of companies and artistes to come we may notice amongst others Mrs Scott-Siddons, a tragedienne of repute, who is now drawing largo houses in Sydney ; the United States' Minstrels, with whom are Messrs Campbell, Rockfeller, Holly, &c, who come to Auckland from Sydney ; " Little Nell " the Californian Diamond, and Mr J. K. Emmett, a Dutch speciality artiste. It will thus be seen that playgoers will have novelty enough and to spare shortly. L.0.L., Kaiapoi—The anniversary of No 10 Lodge was celebrated on Wednesday evening by a dinner and ball, at Monk's Kaikainui Hotel. Over seventy, including several of the fair sex, sat down to dinner, which was supplied in good style by Mr Monk. The chair was occupied by Bro Millard, W.M, and the vice-chair by Bro Ballantyne. Grace was said by Bev W. McGregor. The toast list included "The Queen and Royal Family," "The Governor and General Assembly," "The Glorious, Pious, and Immortal Memory of William, Prince of Orange," "The J.G.M. of the Orange Institution," "The Protestant clergy," "The R.W.G.M. of the Middle Island," "Bro Johnston, of Ballykilbep," "Orangemen all over the world," "The 'prentice boys of Derry," "The Mayor and Borough Council," "The visitors," "Success to the Kaiapoi Lodge," "Kindred societies," "The police," "The press," "The chairman and vicechairman," and finally "Our host and hostess," At ten o'clock an adjournment was made to the ballroom, at which over 100 persons were present. The room was gaily decorated and lit up with gas. Dancing was kept up with spirit till an early hour next morning.

Wesleyan Musical Festival.—Handel's great Oratorio, "Judas Maccabeus," was performed last evening at the Weeleyan Chapel, Durham street. A band and chorus (numbering nearly 100) assembled on a specially-erected orchestra. It is, we believe, the first time that a dramatic composition of the kind has been given in a public place of worship ; and it would be well, if occasionally here it could be done (as it has recently been revived in England) as really a part of religious worship. On the whole the performance can scarcely be said to have been successful. The choral portion evidenced much careful rehearsal, and in many parts was decidedly well given. They lacked " attack," and there was but little attempt at anything lik ( e expression (with'

out which music is comparatively worthless) but the notes were sung correctly and with a fair amount of vigour in parts, and there was a solidity about them which was most refreshing, supported as they were by the noble organ, at which Mr Searell presided with much ability. The solo parts were undertaken by Miss Bowley, Mrs Thomson, Mrs Allen, Miss Smith, Miss Kent, Miss Calvert, Miss Perkins, Miss B. Kent, Mr Rowley, Mr Booth, and Mr Knox. Miss Rowley sang her part with care and pre-, cision, and of this lady one thing may be said that she always sings in perfect tune. Her best effort was the very charming air " 'Tis Liberty," which was very neatly rendered. Mr Knox was scarcely in his usual voice, but sang with fine vigour. "Arm, arm, ye brave*' which was full of fire, but the accompaniment was not sufficiently fall to do real justice to this martial piece; the more difficult aria, "The Lord worketh wonders," was rendered exceptionally well, the continued florid runs being given with considerable flexibility and goo i tone. Mr Rowley was very effective in " Sound an alarm," singing with clearness and also very truly. Mr Booth showed to some advantage in the pieces allotted to him, singing as though he had some ideas of his own in the matter, and interpreting their spirit very well. Of the other solo pieces it is scarcely needful to speak ; the singers came forward to do their beßt in a good cause, and the object of the performance must disarm critical comment. The proceeds are to be devoted to the trust fund of the chapel, and it must have been very gratifying to those concerned to see the seats so well filled, considering the exceedingly unfavorable weather, which doubtless prevented many from attending. No rains seem to have been spared to make the performance a thorough success, and doubtless, financially, it will prove to have been so. The proceedings were opened with prayer, followed by a fine arrangement (by Henry Smart) of the " Old Hundredth" Psalm, in which the audience joined heartily; and between the first and second parts of the oratorio the Rev W. Morley delivered an address on " A page from the Maccabean History." Subsequently Mr Searell played Wely's grand offertoire in & on the organ. Mr J. T. M. Smith conducted the oratorio. Musical Feat Extraordinary.—A Wellington contemporary is very amusing on musical matters. , Speaking of a certain performance of " H Trovatore" by the Simonsen Opera Company, it seems to be unable to find words capable of expressing its great admiration of Signor Morley's "wonderful feat" of " ascending straight from G to C in alt. (sic) which he gave clear out from the chest." This, he tells us, is the first time such marvellous vocal powers have ever been heard "in this part of the world," and moreover it would seem that the discriminating audience shared the enthusiasm and "actually interrupted him several times" in his performance and "fairly rose and cheered him at its conclusion." So extraordinary a " feat" must be repeated, and it was sung, "if possible, more superbly than before," and the singer was recalled " again and again" before the curtain. Our contemporary has, of course, great Home experience, and we must bow to its mandate with reverence in receiving the strange fact communicated that there have been " very few men in Europe who have commanded this extraordinary range of chest voice." There is a rumour current that the opera company may again visit this place; and we shall wait with an anxious longing (and doubtless many of our expectant and poorly-favoured musicians will share our fervent desire) that we may be vouchsafed a repetition of this "wonderful and extraordinary" exhibition of vocal excellence, which has gone so far towards eclipsing the great deeds of the European great ones j and we sincerely trust that this poor unmusical city may not be considered too insignificant to be treated to a similar trial of this almost superhuman effort.

Brown came home late the other night, says Hohokus, and Mrs Brown, looking out of the bedroom window, observed, "So you've been tipping the glass again, have you?" "Glass," said Brown (hie), "'ts a funny word; take off the 'G ' and it's you, my dear." " Yes,," answered Mrs P., " and then take off the 'l' and it's you, you wretch," and she slammed the window down with a bounce.