NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 678, 22 August 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Mrs Fuller's Relief Fund—The following additional subscriptions have beon received by the R.v 0. Fraser—Mrs H. Packer, £2 2* ; Mr R. H. Packer, £5 ss. Lyttelton Fire Police.— 1 he usual quarterly meeting of this force was held on Friday night. There was a good attendance. It was resolved to procure J amps for the use of tbo force when fires occurred at night; and some other routine business was transacted.. Municipal Election.—The next municipal election for the city will take place in September, when his Worship the Mayor and two councillors retire by rotation. Two of the retiring members have expressed an intention of not offering themselves for reelection. Mayor's Revision Court.—The Mayor's Revision (Joint was hold yesterday at the Council Chambers. Six objections which had been lodged were allowed, and after striking out ihose persona on the list who mare known to be dead, the Court adjourned,

C.V.F.B.—The following additional sums have been forwarded to the brigade for famishing, &c :—James A. Wood, £1 ; C. B. and F. A. Bishop, £2 2s; W.Crowe, £1 ; A. White, £1 Is ; J. Rosewarne, £1 Is ; C. Kirer, jun, £1 Is ; Dr Towntnd, £1 Is ; B. Cass, £1 Is; Royse, Stead and Co. £5 ss; A. Cant, 10a 6d ; Cook and Ross, £2 2s ; S. N ashelski, £2 2s.

Court of Inquiry.—A court of inquiry was held at Timaru on Saturday, touching the death of a man named Nordstroom, from the brig Moa on August 7th, off Cape Campbell. The evidence went to show that every endeavor had been made to rescue the man, but without effect, and the court decided that no blame could attach to anyone.

Commercial Telegram .—The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company has received the following telegram, dated London, August 11th—"Wool—The sales closed firmly, and comprised about 360,000 bales ; 30,000 bales have been held over for future disposal. The sales closed at an average improvement of l£d to 2d on the last sale prices. Wheat—The market is quiet. Adelaide is worth 48s, New Zealand 46s per quarter."

Death at Waihi Bush. —Mrs Weaver, the wife of a farmer at Waihi Bush, died rather unexpectedly on Thursday last says the Timaru Herald. On the previous day she had a bad cough, and in consequence, her husband procured some medicine for her from Dr Fish. On the Thursday she became worse, and the husband fetched Dr Fish, but before they arrived at Waihi Bush Mrs Weaver had died. She had been in delicate health for some time previously, but it was thought that her case was not so serious as it proved to be. As she had not been attended by a medical man, Dr Fish was unable to give a certificate as to the cause of her death, and an inquest waa therefore rendered necessary. This was held on Saturday, before B. Woollcombe, Esq, coroner.

Press Club.—A meeting of the committee of the Christchurch Press Club was held yesterday at 4 p.m, at Warner's Hotel, Mr Loughnan occupied the chair. The secretary reported that Mr John Ollivier, who had baen elected president at the last general meeting, had consented to act. It was decided that the club room should be open for members on Saturday week. The secretary was instructed to communicate with the proprietors of the several papers in New Zealand with a view to obtaining free copies of them for the club room. It was decided to communicate with several gentlemen, asking them to become honorary members of the club, A discussion took place respecting the inaugural dinner, and the members of committee were requested to ascertain the number of members likely to be present on the occasion. Theatrical. —It is with very great plea sure (that we learn by a private telegram, received to-day from Dunedin, of the success of Mr George DarreU's new piece "Transported for Life." It was produced last night at the Queen's Theatre to a crowded house, and the verdict of both press and public fully endorses the favorable opinion expressed by us after reading the M.SS. We are the more pleased at the success of Mr Darrell, as he is essentially a colonial actor and author, besides which the piece itself is thoroughly good. There is no straining for effect, and the dialogue is both sparkling, and in the more pathetic scenes full of tenderness and pathos. The sensation scenes also are—though there is nothing new under the sun —effective and realistic in the highest degree. The many friends of Mr Darrell in Christchurch—whose name is legion —will we are sure join with us iu heartily congratulating him upon the well-merited success which has attended his latest effort as a dramatic author.

Local Industry.—A doctor's brougham after the English style—the first of the kind built in New Zealand—is now being finished at Mr A. G. Howland's carriage works, Cashel street. It has a circular glass front, and is hung at the back on 0 shaped springs so connected as to form five springs in all, and these, with two of elliptic form in front, prevent vibration or noise, and secure easy riding. The wheels are unusually high for a brougham to allow of easy draught. The front gear has been ho constructed as to allow of the fore wheels turning instantly under the arch of the carriage, and forming a circle in its own length. The trimmings are dark blue cloth, edged with wide silk lace, the cushions and back and front squab being made of American buffalo hide of the best quality. The painting is olive-green lined with orange. The brougham is fitted with two handsome American lamps, and altogether is an exceedingly neat and creditable specimen of our local manufactures.

Meteorological Report.—The Gazette contains a provisional meteorological report for July, from which we extract the following information:—Average temperature in shade—Auckland, 52.9 ; Wellington, 46.3; , Nelson, 46.7 ; Christchurch, 41.2 ; Hokitika, j 44.3 ; Dunedin, 40.6. Highest temperature in shade—Auckland, 63.2 on the 14th ; I Wellington, 58 on the 13th ; Nelson, 60 on j the 21st ; Christchurch, 59 on the 10th; i Hokitika, 57.6 on the 12th ; Dunedin, 53 ou the 19th. Lowest temperature in the shade —Auckland, 37.8 on the 16th ; Wellington, 34 on the 10th ; Nelson, 31 on the llth ; Christchurch, 23.3 on the Brti ; Hokitika, 29.7 on the sth; Dunedin, 31 on the Btb, Rainfall in inches—Auckland, 6 265 ; Weilington, 8.003 ; Nelson, 1.360 ; Christchurch, 2.020; Hokitika, 1.660; Dunedin, 1.434. Number of days on which rain fell—Auckland, 20 ; Wellington, 17 ; Nelson, 3 ; Christchurch, 15 ; Hokitika, 12 ; Dunedin, 14. Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association—A meeting of the committee of this association was held at the Board Board office, Rangiora, yesterday. There was a large attendance of members Mr J. C. Boyp, in the absence of the president, was voted to the chair. Mr W. Buss, hon secretary, reported that Mr P. Cunningham had given a private prize of £2 2s ; Mr J. Fcrgusson, £2 23 ; Mr H. Vallance, £5 53, for horse stock by Defamer; Mr R. Wilson, £5, for horse stock by Scotch Jock ; Mr J. C. Boys, £5, for horses and cattle; and a handsome cup given by a friend, for the best bull. The committee then drew up the catalogue, and in the horse and cattle classes considerably increased the value of the prizes, and added extra classes in long j wnolled sheep, two extra classes for pigs, a class for one-year-old filließ, and for buggy horse to be shown in harness. The catalogue, as revised, was adopted, and will be printed in a few days for circulation. The hon secretary desires us to request persons giving private prizes to Bend in the particulars as soon as possible*

Bakata Provincial Election.—The nomination for this district was, pursuant to advertisement, held yesterday. Not a very large number of electors was present. At twelve o'clock the returning-officer read the writ from the Superintendent. Mr R. Westenra, jun, proposed the Hon John Hall as a fit and proper person, and his nomination was seconded by Mr John Talbot Wright. No other candidate was proposed, and the returning officer declared Mr Hall duly elected. Bast Christchtjbch School Com-mittee.—-A special meeting of the above committee was held last evening, at tte Gloucester street school. Present—Mr G. L. Lee (chairman). Rev W. J. Habens, and Messrs Jameson, Farr, Colborne-Veel, Thomson, Kirk, and Rose. The chairman stated the reasons why he had called a special meeting of the committee. A letter was read from Mr Mountfort, architect, stating that the contract for the swimming bath was

not jet signed. The chairman was requested to see that the contract was entered into at once, and so much of the work carried out as the weather would permit. A letter was read from the Minister of Education saying the Provincial Architect had been instructed to prepare plans for the master's house in Gloucester street, in accordance with the committee's wishes, as to the material to be used in construction, and also as to the size of the rooms. A discussion took place on the class rooms required at the Bingsland School, when it was resolved to rescind the resolution passed in connection with those at the last meeting, and it was decided to add a transept of 20ft x 20ft to the schoolroom, provision on each side being made for dividing curtains, &c. The question of holidays, referred to at last meeting, was brought up, and after consideration it was resolved that it was desirable that uniformity should obtain between the Bast and West Christchurch schools, and the chairman waß requested to see to the matter. A letter was read from the Minister respecting the salaries of Mr Loughrey and Mrs Hill, and

the chairman and Mr Colborne-Veel were appointed a sub-committee to wait upon the Minister in reference thereto. A letter was read from the Education Office sanctioning the levelling and gravelling of the schoolground at the South Town belt school, and also the erection of a caretaker's house there. The Minister's letter of laßt week respecting the striking of a rate for repayment of £2600, the proportion of the amount expended in the district for school works, was reconsidered. A second letter from the Minister was read, giving particulars of the amount due, which is to be recovered by rate. After lengthy discussion the chairman and the Rev Mr Habens were

appointed a sub-committee to wait upon the Minister of Education with reference to the statement submitted as to the amount due by the district, and to call his attention to the injustice done to the district by the action of the Government in delaying the prosecution of the works before the 31st of March, as urged by the Committee. On the recommendation of Mr Loughrey, Mr 0. Exalt was appointed an assistant teacher at the main school, subject to the approval of the Minister. A clause in the inspector's report of the Gloucester street school was discussed, and it was decided to send a copy of the resolution passed to the head master. After transacting some routine business the committee adjourned.

West Christchurch Educational District.—The committee of this district met on Wednesday evening at 7.30. Present —Messrs Tancred (chairman), Bickerton, Booth, Bell, Bowie, and Nairn. An apology was received from Mr Dunford, who was unable to attend. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The visiting committee reported they had appointed Miss Mcintosh pupil teacher in place of Miss Blyth, resigned, that they had carried out the instructions received at last meeting as to artesian wells, repairs to fence, &c, and had made temporary arrangements" to drain the play ground, which had answered the purpose very well. The appointment of Miss Mcintosh was confirmed, I and the actions of the visiting com- | mittee approved. _ A letter was read from

the Secretary for Education, forwarding the inspector's report on the examination of the District school. The report, which stated that the school continued to maintain its high state of efficiency, waa considered very satisfactory. Letters were al9o read from the Secretary for Education enquiring if the committee wished the master's house to be taken in hand, it being on the estimates furnished by the committee; stating that a voucher for salaries, &c, to teachers, for quarter ending 30th September, had been passed to the committee's account; informing the committee that the Provincial Architect had been requested to report upon the best mearjs for draining the school grounds, and requesting to be furnished with a copy of the committee's audited accounts from October 15th last; stating that the sum of £IOOO is due from the district on account of the

balance of one-sixth due, and half cost of master's house, &c, and that unless that sum was paid into the treasury before August 16th, a rate would be struck for the amount; and in reply to the committee's question as to whether they would be allowed to exercise the same supervision over the "Normal School" by means of a visiting committee as was done in the District school at Lincoln road, as otherwise they could not recognise any responsibility in connection with the children attending the former, stating that the committee had no responsibility in connection with the Normal School, the entire management of which was undertaken by the Government, so that there was no necessity for its supervision by means of a visiting committee. With regard to the last letier, it was considered that the definition of the committee's responsibility in connection with the northern portion of the district was somewhat vague, as one letter from the Education Office stated that it was in no way interfered with, in consequence of the Normal School being within tho limits of the district, while the one iust read stated that the committee

had no responsibility in conuection with the Normal School, which about one-half of the children of the district attended. It was agreed, as the committee had now done all they could, to let the matter drop. The chairman stated that he had replied to the letter re master's house, to the effect that the committee wished the work to be proceeded with. It was decided, after some discussion, to recommend to the Minister for Education a site on the South town belt, not far from the school, for the master's house. The secretary was directed to request tbe Minister for Education to be good enough to furnish the committee with the details of the £IOOO which is required to be paid by tbe diitiict,

and was algo instructed to supply the copy of accounts asked for, and to state what steps the committee had talcen with reference to the temporary drainage of the school grounds. After transacting some other business, and passing sundry accounts, the committee adjourned. The Italian Government is evidently not disposed to be forgotten in the settlement of the Eastern question, in which, as a Mediterranean Power, it is directly interested. According to a semi-official article in the JDiritto, Italy has 340,000 men, drilled from one to five years, in her first Army line, 300,000 of whom would be ready at a week's notice to take the field, all provided with breech-loading rifles. Her field artillery is completely provided with breechloading field-pieces, and the cavalry has been " newly-mounted." She has, moreover, six ironclads in the Mediterranean and eight in dock, nine wooden frigates, and a large number of smaller wooden vessels. All this means that Italy could now, if she felt the necessity, send out an army of 50,000 men, completely equipped, without any serious Btrain, except upon her finances—a force quite sufficient to make the aid of Italy most important to any Power able to supply her with funds for the beginning of a campaign.