NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 664, 5 August 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Skating Rink. —The meeting convened for last evening to take into consideration the advisability of starting a skating rink, did not take place, owing to the small attendance. Seashell Serenaders.— These amateurs gavs an entertainment at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lyttelton, on Thursday night. There was a fair attendance. Besides a number of vocil items, several dances, and a couple of farces were performed. The audience, though rafter noisy, appeared to enjoy the entermoot heartily. Lvke Forsyth. —We understand that this lake was let but into the sea yesterday, this relieving the overflow, which has caused mmh obstruction to the traffic lately. Mr Matfarlane, the driver of the coach, deserves very ?reat credit for the manner in which, in fate of great difficulties, he has carried out Hs work. Molle de Mubska.— By a private letter froa Wellington we learn that Mdlle de Munka will in all probability give a second seria of concerts here. We feel sure all loves of music will agree with us that it woud be a great treat to have the opportunity once more of hearing this talented lacy. "he Gale. —The S.W. gale blew furiously allnight, but at noon to day there were indications of its moderating. No damage lias ben done in Port, the vessels alongside the wkrves being in perfect security, thanks to th- friendly shelter of the breakwater, and dicharging went on as usual this morning.

Indecent Assault.— The case of indecent assault against James Fitzgerald, committed on a young girl at Woolston, was heard yesterday at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Prom the evidence it appeared that the accused called at the house, and asked for a drink of water, and afterwards for some bread. Having been supplied with what he had asked for, and learnt that the girl’s parents were not at home, he requested permission to come inside and warm himself at the fire. This he was allowed to do, when he closed the room door, and attempted an indecent assault. Frightened by the screams of the girl, he went away, and Mr Marsh, baker, at Sumner, having called at the house to leave some bread, and learning what had happened, obtained assistance and followed the man, securing him until Constable Bashford arrived. The accused was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment with hard labor. Timaru Harbour Bill.— The Wellington correspondent of the Timaru Herald, telegraphs as follows:—“ The delay in the Harbor Bill was caused by uncertainty on the part of Southern members as to the wishes of the district on two points—namely, the constitution of the Harbour Board and the nature and extent of the endowments. It has finally been decided that 50,000 acres of land shall be reserved for harbor purposes distributed over all parts of South Canterbury in small blocks, and that the Board shall consist of the Mayor of Timaru for the time being, one member elected by each Road Board, four members appointed by the Governor, and one member elected by the Borough Council of Timaru, in all twelve members. The Government indicated that they would support the Bill if no more than 50,000 acres were asked for. The Bill will probably pass the Lower House without difficulty, and be carried through the Upper with a slender majority.” Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society.— A meeting of the managing committee of this society was held at Warner’s Hotel on Thursday, the 3rd instant. Present —Messrs J. Gould, G, A. Macquarie, E. B. Hill, T. Stapleton, G. Muschamp, B. Rees, W.H. Porter, B. R. Deacon, T. Williams, J, Hepworth, and W. G. Walker, hon sec. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Ths secretary brought under the notice of the committee the necessity of some improvement in the canary cages being made ; the cages should be recolored inside and other slight alterations made, and the matter was ultimately left in the hands of Mr Stapleton, who was authorised to get the work done at a cost of one shilling per cage. The secretary, on behalf of the sub-committee appointed for that purpose, brought before the meeting the draft regulations for the pigeon race from Ashburton, and with one slight amendment they were approved of. The following judges were appointed—For Game, Malays, and Bantams—Mr B. Rees, Dorkings and Hamburghs—Mr T. Stapleton. Cochins and Brahmas—Mr J. Todd. Polish, French fowls, Spanish, Barndoors, Ducks, Geese and Turkeys—Messrs Hepworth and E. H. Banks. Pigeons—Messrs J. R. Hill and J, Short. Canaries—Messrs G. Muschamp and T. Batchelor. Pigeon race—Mr T. Williams, Steward, Mr Porter. The following gentlemen were appointed as a sub committee to complete all arrangements for the exhibition, viz ;—Messrs Rees, Stapleton, Porter, Macquarie, and the secretary. The secretary reported that Mr Hawkes had kindly placed his office at the disposal of the committee for the purpose of entries being made there. Entries are to be made between the 11th and 18th of the present month, and will close positively at 6 p.m. on the latter date. On the motion of the secretary, the committee decided to allow the reporters of the newspapers to be present during the judging, in order to obtain their notes from the judge?, on the understanding that on no account should they interfere with the judges while fulfilling their duties. A certificate to be given by persons entering imported birds for competition, was approved of by the committee. A very large number of prizes were announced to be given in the art union, and the secretary promised to write to a number of gentlemen named, asking them to assist the society by giving prizes. The following special prizes were allotted by the committee : “ Wright's Illustrated Poultry Books, ” one given by Mr Fereday, for Golden Spangled Hamburghs ; one given by Mr W. Wilson, for Duckwing game ; three by Mr G, Gould, for Spanish, Bantams, and Houdans ; “ Tegetmeier’s Book,” for Barndoors; special money prizes, by other gentlemen, for best game, best black red hen, carriers, pouters, Antwerps, almond tumblers, canaries. The secretary was requested to advertise the show in to-day’s issue. After some other ordinary business the meeting adjourned.