NEWS OF THE DAY.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 688, 2 September 1876, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Southern Railway.— We learn from the Herald that the Southern Railway has been opened to the Otaio station, Pioneer Lodge, summoned meeting of this lodge will be held on Monday evening, at 8 p.m, to consider by-laws, receive auditors’ report, and other business. Public Works Bill.— ln the Legislative Council on Thursday, the Hon Dr Pollen introduced a Public Works Bill in substitution of the Bill which had been introduced in the House of Representatives and withdrawn, Entertainment. —An entertainment in aid of the church funds, was given “last evening at the Durham street Wesleyan Schoolroom. The programme, which consisted of songs, duets, glees, and musical selections, was rendered in a very pleasing manner, and seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by the large audience that bad assembled*

Fire at Rakaia.—On Wednesday night a fire occurred on the premises of Alexander M'Phail, farmer, near Rakaia. A stable belonging to him was accidentally set on fire’ and before three horses which were inside could be got out, the building was in flames and the animals were destroyed. The building was insured for £SO, but the horses were not insured. The Brunner Coal Company.— l “ The Brunner Coal Company (says the Grey River Argus) have decided not to wait for the reconstruction of the Grey Gorge bridge, and have made arrangements for making a wire tramway across the river. The wire rope necessary has been lent by the Government, and the work is now so far advanced that it is expected coal will be delivered to the railway in the course of the ensuing week.” Dr Hector. —The New Zealand, Times says :—“ By the mail the Hon Mr Mantell has received letters from Dr Hector, stating that at the time the mail left be was about to commence his return journey to the colony. He purposed calling at and visiting the Nevada mines; and at San Francisco would arrange for a shipment of salmon for New Zealand. He expected to arrive in Wellington by the next mail, which is due about the middle of September.” Christchurch Poultry Association. The managing committee held a meeting last evening at Warner’s Hotel at 8 o’clock. Present—Messrs W. H. Porter, G. A. Reade, T. Stapleton, G. Muschamp, G. H. Banks, G. Rees, J. Hepworth, T. Williams, G. A, Macquarie, and W. G. Walker (hon sec.) The secretary mooted the question of awarding the special prizes for imported birds. Mr Porter moved and Mr T. Williams seconded, and it was carried unanimously—- “ That the £2O offered by the Society for imported poultry be awarded as follows : £5, first prize in Spanish ; £5, first prize in golden-pencilled Hamburghs; £5, first prize in silver-pencilled Hamburghs ; and £5 for Polish.” The secretary said that a few of Wright’s Illustrated Poultry Books remained on hand, and moved—” That the hooka be sold to members for 30s each, and to non-members for 35s each,” which was agreed to. Several accounts were passed and ordered to be paid. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr T. Williams for the loan of a number of pigeon pens, used at the last show. The secretary said that he intended to.call a special meeting of the members, so that he might have an opportunity of altering the date of the show to May, as he thought the month of August too late. He further thought that the next show should be a three days’ show, The meeting then adjourned.

Entertainment, An entertainment took place on Thursday at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Heathcote, under the auspices of the Loyal Perseverance Lodge of Oddfellows, in aid of the widow and orphans of the late Bro J. 0. Lea, There were about three hundred persons present, and the entertainment passed off well. Bro Richard Davis occupied the chair. After the chairman had alluded to the principles of the order, and the circumstances which had brought them together, the following programme was rendered :—The Misses Garland, pianoforte duet, “ Mazurkades Flambeaux Mr Gent, song, “ The anchor’s weighed Mr Dickey, Negro song and dance in character, “ I would not like to tell Mrs Amos, song, “ Hail to thee, sweet summer birdMr Crawford, song. “Take back the heart;” Mr H. Loughnan, cavatina, “ When all the World was young Miss Spensley, pianoforte solo, “ Fantasie de MarthaMr John Ollivier gave a humourous reading, entitled “ Pat Flynn Mr G. A. Clark, bravura, “ The blacksmith" ; Mr Bamford, song, “Her bright smile"; Miss Garland, pianoforte solo, “ Jessie’s dream" ; Mr Olarp, reading, “ Story of George Washington’s boyhood ” ; Miss Spensley, ballad, “ The flow’ret of the day ” ; Mr Gent, song, “ ’Tis there where you make the mistake ” ; Miss Amos, song, “ The angels now are calling ” ; Mr Crawford, song, “ Molly darling." N. G. Staples returned the thanks of the committee to the ladies and gentlemen who had so kindly assisted in making so successful and pleasant an evening. It was announced that a Christy Minstrel company attached to the lodge in Lyttelton, had kindly proffered their services, and that in all probability, an entertainment would be given by them in about a fortnight. At the conclusion of the concert a dance was held, attended by a goodly number, which did not break up until the early hours. Bad soap always gives dissatisfaction, but if purchasers ask for the Star Brand, and see that they get it, they will have no cause to complain.—( Advt.]